The Solana Foundation is implementing a three-for-one removal policy for validators participating in its delegation program, aiming to reduce network dependency on centralized delegations while fostering greater ecosystem engagement. The policy takes effect immediately as part of the Solana Foundation Delegation Program (SFDP).
What to Know:
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The Solana Foundation will remove three existing validators for every new one added to its delegation program on the mainnet
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Validators with less than 1,000 SOL in external stake or those eligible for delegation for 18+ months face removal
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The move aims to increase network decentralization and encourage active validator participation
Solana Reshapes Validator Onboarding Process
Under the new framework announced by Head of Staking Ecosystem Ben Hawkins via Discord, validators falling under specific criteria will be systematically offboarded from the program. Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz circulated the announcement on X, stating: "Effective immediately, for every new validator onboarded into SFDP mainnet delegation we will remove three validators from the Solana Foundation Delegation Program that meet all of the following criteria."
The foundation has established clear parameters for validator removal. Any validator maintaining less than 1,000 SOL in external stake automatically qualifies for offboarding.
Similarly, validators who have maintained eligibility for mainnet delegation for at least 18 months will be removed from the program, regardless of their current performance metrics.
Solana Foundation President Lily Liu characterized these eligible validators as "VINO," or "Validator in Name Only," underscoring the program's shift toward active network contributors.
A Strategic Move Toward Decentralization
The policy adjustment reflects the Solana network's fundamental commitment to decentralization principles. By limiting reliance on centralized delegations, the foundation creates opportunities for more engaged validators to occupy network positions, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency through improved resource allocation and participation levels.
"Increasing disintermediation between the Foundation and the network itself is healthy long term. This actually marks a major achievement for Solana," one user commented on X, highlighting community support for the initiative.
The Solana Foundation Delegation Program has historically served as a critical support structure for network validators. The program offers substantial benefits, including vote cost coverage for the first year with gradual reductions, plus matching stakes of up to 100,000 SOL from the foundation. Remaining foundation SOL is distributed evenly among qualifying validators.
Participation in the SFDP requires meeting strict performance benchmarks and operating a Solana validator on the testnet. These requirements ensure that foundation support goes exclusively to validators who demonstrate commitment to network health and growth.
The move reflects broader trends in blockchain networks toward reducing centralized influence while maintaining robust validator support systems. By implementing this three-for-one policy, Solana aims to strike a balance between providing necessary resources for new validators and encouraging self-sufficiency among established participants.
Industry observers note that this approach could serve as a model for other blockchain networks grappling with similar centralization concerns. The policy's emphasis on measurable criteria—external stake levels and time in the program—provides transparency while avoiding subjective assessments of validator contributions.
The immediate implementation of this policy signals urgency in the foundation's decentralization efforts, suggesting that network health metrics may have indicated an overreliance on foundation-backed validators. This proactive stance aligns with Solana's reputation for rapid iteration and responsiveness to ecosystem needs.
For validators currently operating under the SFDP umbrella, the announcement creates a clear incentive to build external stake and demonstrate active participation beyond minimum requirements. Those nearing the 18-month threshold face particular pressure to justify their continued inclusion in the program.
Closing Thoughts
The Solana Foundation's validator policy overhaul represents a calculated step toward greater network independence and resilience. By systematically reducing reliance on foundation-backed delegations, Solana positions itself for sustained growth driven by committed ecosystem participants rather than centralized support structures.