Solana Foundation to Remove Validators with Low External Stake
The Solana Foundation is revising its validator delegation process. Key points include:
- For each new validator added to the Solana Foundation Delegation Program, three existing validators with under 1,000 SOL in external stake will be removed.
- This change aims to reduce reliance on foundation stake and encourage community backing.
- Approximately 150 Solana validators may lose their foundation stake due to this rule.
- The foundation supports smaller validators through KYC checks and covers some voting costs for a year.
- Last year, 72% of validators received foundation stake, highlighting the program's significance in the ecosystem.
- Validators earn revenue from inflation, priority fees, and MEV, making stake acquisition crucial for their operations.
- Smaller Solana validators face ongoing challenges, including decreased market activity and potential future cuts to emissions rates.