MetaMask Lowers Barrier to Ethereum Staking, Excludes US, UK Initially

• MetaMask is launching a pooled staking feature.
• The feature will be available to MetaMask Portfolio users outside the US and UK.
• This feature aims to engage many Ether holders, particularly those with less than 32 ETH.

MetaMask, a self-custodial Ethereum wallet, is set to introduce a “pooled staking” feature to its users this week. According to the crypto wallet firm, this new feature will enhance the Ethereum blockchain’s security and incentivize participation.

This service will enable MetaMask wallet holders to stake their Ether (ETH) tokens without meeting the previous minimum of 32 ETH ($112,000), required for Ethereum staking and Consensys validators.

MetaMask’s staking pool eliminates this minimum, allowing users to stake any amount of ETH while still earning rewards for securing the blockchain through enterprise-grade validators. Users can also track their rewards and funds within the MetaMask wallet. Matthieu Saint Olive, senior product manager at MetaMask developer Consensys, stated: 

“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.”

Staking pools play a crucial role in securing proof-of-stake blockchains like Ethereum, rewarding participants for validating transactions. Blockchain insights reveal that 99% of Ether holders have less than 32 ETH, and 74% of the circulating supply remains unstaked. This solution will allow a wider pool of ETH owners to participate in staking.

The “pooled staking” feature will initially roll out to eligible users upon launch before being released to all stakers. However, the feature will not be available to US and UK users.

“At launch, the service will be available to any MetaMask Portfolio users not in the US or UK.” “We look forward to expanding on MetaMask Pooled Staking’s success by bringing it to users in these jurisdictions soon,” a Consensys representative stated.

Meanwhile, the Consensys official noted that U.S. cryptocurrency policies, particularly Etheruem’s staking policy, are “still experiencing meaning evolution.”

While the team did not specify a release date, they expect to introduce the product to its US audience soon. Similarly, the impending Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) guidelines will provide more clarity for the UK staking market.