Buterin proposed a new validation model for Ethereum - ForkLog: cryptocurrencies, AI, singularity, future

# Buterin proposes a new validation model for Ethereum

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed integrating a distributed validator technology (DVT) directly into the staking protocol. The initiative aims to enhance network security and decentralization.

The new architecture will allow validators to register multiple independent keys within a single group. Operations such as proposing blocks or attestation will only be considered valid when a threshold number of signatures from all participants is reached.

This approach minimizes the risk of validator disconnection due to a single failure or node compromise, while maintaining slashing mechanisms with proper threshold settings.

“DVT — a way for Ethereum stakers to participate in the network without relying entirely on a single node,” — explained Buterin.

According to him, with DVT implementation, the validator will continue to operate “as long as more than two-thirds of the nodes act honestly.”

The initiative involves integrating the technology directly into the protocol. Current implementations require complex configurations and depend on external coordination infrastructure.

Participants holding multiple minimum required shares will be able to specify up to 16 signature keys and set a trigger threshold for them. This effectively allows managing a cluster of standard nodes that will act as a single validator.

Buterin noted that DVT will reduce operational costs. The architecture will add only minimal delay in block generation, will not affect attestation speed, and will remain compatible with any signature scheme.

In the long term, it will also reduce dependence on cryptographic properties, which could become vulnerable over time.

Leverage for Decentralization

Beyond technical advantages, Buterin called his proposal an important step toward decentralization.

He stated that native DVT could encourage conservative market participants and institutional investors to engage in self-staking, reducing reliance on large providers.

Such a transition will positively impact metrics like the Nakamoto coefficient, making the network more resilient and distributed, believes the programmer.

At the infrastructure level, the technology is already being applied: for example, in August 2025, one exchange scaled up DVT usage through the SSV protocol.

Buterin emphasized that the solution has proven effective, but configuration remains complex. Native support aims to eliminate this barrier and simplify operation.

BitMine and Staking

Last week, the largest corporate Ethereum holder — BitMine Immersion Technologies — added another 581,920 ETH to staking.

The total assets locked by the company reached 1,838,003 ETH ($5.9 billion). The position’s yield is estimated at 2.81% annually.

5/
As of January 19, 2026, Bitmine total staked ETH stands at 1,838,003 ($5.9 billion at $3,211 per ETH).

— This is an increase of 581,920 in the past week.

Total staked $ETH by week:
— 1/19/26: 1,838,003 ETH
— 1/11/26: 1,256,083 ETH
— 1/4/26: 659,219 ETH
— 12/28/24: 408,627…

— Bitmine (NYSE-BMNR) $ETH (@BitMNR) January 20, 2026

“BitMine has staked more ETH than any other organization in the world. When the entire company’s ETH is staked via MAVAN and partners(, the annual income from staking fees will amount to )million, or more than $374 million per day,” — commented BitMine Chairman Tom Lee.

The company also purchased an additional 35,268 ETH at an average price of $1 per coin. Now, it manages over 4.2 million ETH worth $12.8 billion, accounting for 3.5% of Ethereum’s supply.


BitMine provided its latest holdings update for January 20th, 2026:

$14.5 billion in total crypto + “moonshots”:
— 4,203,036 ETH at $3,211 $3211 @coinbase(
— 193 Bitcoin )BTC(
— )million stake in Eightco Holdings $22 NASDAQ: $ORBS( )“moonshots”( and
— total cash of $979…

— Bitmine )NYSE-BMNR( )$ETH @BitMNR( January 20, 2026

Besides the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, BitMine owns:

• 195 BTC )$17.5 million(;
• a stake in Eightco worth about )million;
• cash holdings of $22 million.

Recall that in mid-January, the share of staked ETH reached a record 30%.