As a researcher with experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, I’m excited about MetaMask’s new “pooled staking” feature for Ethereum users. This development makes it more accessible for individual investors to participate in staking, which is crucial for securing the Ethereum network.


Starting this week, MetaMask, the widely used Ethereum wallet, intends to introduce a new “pooled staking” functionality for its users. This feature aims to reduce the cost of securing the Ethereum blockchain network by offering an alternative that’s more affordable than managing a full validator node.

With the introduction of this novel feature, users now have the opportunity to engage in Ethereum staking – a widely adopted crypto investment technique where tokens are deposited in a blockchain address to earn rewards. In the context of proof-of-work blockchains like Ethereum, staking serves as the primary means to ensure network security.

“With Pooled Staking, MetaMask users now have an easy way to stake ETH in enterprise-grade
validators while maintaining full control of their ETH, earning rewards and making Ethereum more secure,” Matthieu Saint Olive, senior product manager at MetaMask developer Consensys, said in a statement.
Traditionally, participating in Ethereum staking involves locking up a significant amount of 32 Ether tokens, equivalent to approximately $112,000 at present market values. However, through the use of “pooled” services such as Lido, Rocket Pool, and more recently MetaMask, users without the necessary 32 ETH can still partake in staking. These platforms aggregate assets from multiple individuals, enabling even smaller investors to stake ethers collectively.

As a MetaMask user and analyst, I can share that the platform’s staking feature is an excellent addition for individual investors looking to stake, execute trades, and keep track of their staking investments all within a single intuitive interface.

Consensys lags behind competitors in the crypto wallet sphere: MetaMask wasn’t the pioneer in introducing staking, and it lacks certain features that set apart established staking platforms.

Strikingly, Lido and Rocket Pool grant users “liquid staking tokens” as receipts for their deposits, which can be utilized in various ways within decentralized finance platforms, such as borrowing, lending, or reinvestment. Notable liquid staking tokens, like Lido’s staked ETH (stETH), are popular assets in crypto markets.

MetaMask doesn’t plan to offer its own LST as part of its pooled staking service.

The new staking feature will not be available in the U.S. or UK, according to Consensys.

“The team aims to bring it to market in these regions as well,” the company said in its statement.

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2024-06-12 13:07