MetaMask, developed by Consensys, has introduced pooled staking for its widely used web3 wallet, enabling users to participate in Ethereum network security and earn validator rewards by staking any amount of ether.

Previously, only users possessing at least 32 ETH (approximately $113,000) could stake directly with validators on the Ethereum network. Now, MetaMask users can contribute any amount of ETH to pooled staking, providing accessibility to a broader range of participants in the ecosystem. They retain the ability to unstake their ether at any time, albeit subject to varying waiting times dictated by the Ethereum validator exit queue.

The rollout of MetaMask’s pooled staking service is being conducted in phases, initially accessible to eligible users starting today, with wider availability expected over the coming days. Leveraging the Ethereum liquid staking protocol StakeWise for its smart contracts, MetaMask ensures users can engage in staking while maintaining control over their ETH holdings.

Consensys Senior Product Manager Matthieu Saint Olive expressed enthusiasm about the launch, highlighting that MetaMask users now have a straightforward avenue to stake ETH with enterprise-grade validators, thereby enhancing Ethereum’s security and earning rewards.

At present, approximately 27.1% of the total ether supply is staked on the Ethereum network, primarily concentrated within a few large pools, according to data from The Block. MetaMask aims to democratize access to native Ethereum validator staking by introducing pooled staking, complementing existing liquid staking solutions like Lido and Rocket Pool, which cater to smaller ETH holdings and offer additional DeFi utility through liquid staking tokens.

Regulatory considerations have influenced MetaMask’s initial rollout strategy, limiting pooled staking availability to users outside the US and UK due to regulatory uncertainties in those jurisdictions. However, Consensys plans to extend pooled staking to these markets in the future.

Consensys asserts that MetaMask’s pooled staking solution is supported by a robust infrastructure encompassing over 33,000 hosted Ethereum validators across multiple clouds, regions, and clients. With more than 1 million ETH staked, zero slashed validators, and a participation rate exceeding 99.9%, the platform underscores its commitment to security and reliability.

In recent developments, MetaMask has signaled its intention to expand its offering by adding support for Bitcoin, following industry trends among web3 wallet providers. Additionally, the integration with Daylight in April allowed users to verify eligibility for airdrops and potential NFT claims, further enhancing MetaMask’s utility within the evolving blockchain ecosystem.