Staking Modules Updates
Q2 2026 Stats
Curated Module
Curated Module v2 Upcoming Mainnet Migration
The Curated Module v2 (CMv2) mainnet migration is expected to begin at the end of July, if approved by the Lido DAO in the upcoming July on-chain vote. The Migration Guide for Node Operators is available via the link:
Curated Node Operators should note that the mainnet migration process differs from the Hoodi testnet. Operators are also highly encouraged to review the updated guide carefully and familiarize themselves with the mainnet flow well ahead of migration.
Potential CMv2 Validator Seeding Scenario
Lido contributors have also outlined a back-up seeding mechanism that could be used if the protocol deposits are insufficient to fund the seed deposits required for new CMv2 0x02 validators during the migration.
Under this scenario, Node Operators might be asked to voluntarily exit some Curated Module validators to help meet seeding requirements and keep the migration progressing smoothly. This would represent an exceptional process outside the scope of the current Standard Node Operator Protocol Validator Exits v4 and would only be considered to address temporary seed deposit shortfalls.
At present, there are no plans to proceed with this scenario. Should circumstances change, Lido contributors will communicate any updates through the corresponding Research Forum thread.
Curated Module v2 Penalty Framework
Lido contributors have introduced a proposed CMv2 Penalty Framework, defining how different types of incidents, operational failures, protocol-impacting events, and other forms of misbehavior may give rise to penalties for Node Operators participating in the new Curated Module v2.
The proposal establishes a structured framework for evaluating incidents while allowing sufficient flexibility to address circumstances that cannot be fully anticipated.
It is intended to support consistent, proportionate, and risk-aware decision-making by the Curated Module Committee (CMC) and Node Operator Mechanisms (NOM) contributors.
As CMv2 introduces bond-backed accountability, this proposed framework aims to align operators behavior with stakers interests while supporting the long-term health, resilience, and sustainability of the Curated Module v2 and the Lido protocol.
The proposal is now live on Snapshot. Curated Node Operators and LDO tokenholders are invited to review the framework and signal support before voting closes on July 20.
Community Staking Module
ICS and IDVTC Assessment Results
The fifth Identified Community Staker (ICS) application round concluded on June 8, evaluating applications submitted since April 13.
Since the framework was introduced, 419 applications have been evaluated with 386 approvals to date. During the latest round, 11 additional operators qualified for ICS status. Applicants can check their results through the CSM interface:
- Eligible operators may claim their ICS operator type directly in the UI,
- New operators will have the ICS type assigned automatically upon creating their operator profile.
The first Identified DVT Clusters (IDVTC) assessment round concluded on June 22, with four cluster applications approved. This marks the launch of a more capital-efficient path for community operators to collaboratively run DVT validators while further expanding DVT adoption within the Lido permissionless staking module.
Following the DAO approval and enactment of the CSMv3 on-chain vote, the approved clusters will be able to create their IDVTC operators on mainnet.
Application Process Continues
If you're an independent staker and haven't applied yet, there's still plenty of time to submit your application for the next assessment round. Applications remain open, with the next ICS and IDVTC evaluation cut-offs scheduled for September 7 and September 21, respectively.
For the full 2026 assessment schedule, see the calendar on the Research Forum.
0x02 CSM Landscape
Lido contributors introduced a proposal outlining how 0x02 validators could be implemented within the Community Staking Module. It is a part of a broader contributor efforts to support the adoption of validators with a maximum effective balance of 2,048 ETH within the protocol, aligning Lido Core
design with Ethereum's evolving validator architecture.
The proposal suggests a permissionless path for community operators to run 0x02 validators with a stronger capital multiplier, while strengthening the long-term protocol economics.
The proposal is now live on Snapshot. Community members and LDO tokenholders are invited to review the proposed design and parameters and signal support before voting closes on July 20.
Q2 2026 Community Lifeguards Initiative Report
During the last quarter, the Community Lifeguards Initiative Committee provided $5,100 for three community grants supporting tools, education, and operator experience within the Community Staking Module community.
- Ethernodes CSM Dashboard — a grant supporting a comprehensive dashboard providing both general and per-operator insights for the CSM.
- NodeSentinel v2 — a Telegram bot and mini app that helps CSM operators monitor validators, including features like validator clusters and adding validators using their CSM operator ID.
- CSM Workshop in Salvador (Brazil) — a community-led workshop where a local operator shared hands-on experience running CSM validators and explored the latest developments in the module.
Simple DVT Module
Following Lido DAO approval of the proposal to wind down the Simple DVT Module regular clusters, contributors have begun executing the transition plan.
- SSV Regular Clusters. Since most SSV clusters had runway until June 28, their operators began winding down their clusters just after the DAO approval to complete the process before their runway expired. These clusters exited as of June 23.
- Obol Regular Clusters. Beginning July 1, Lido contributors started coordinating validator exits with Obol Cohort 1 clusters, as well as with clusters from other cohorts operating with fewer than 7 of 7 nodes.
Super Clusters are not affected by this vote and will continue operating according to the originally approved plan. Their longer-term future, including a potential migration to another staking module or an earlier wind-down, will be evaluated separately based on market conditions and future governance decisions.
Lido x Obol
Lido x SSV
Mainnet | Status: Active ▶️
- Cohort 1 is active, 12 clusters running 80 validators each
- Cohort 2 is active: 14 clusters running 80 validators each
- Cohort 3 is active, 10 clusters running 80 validators each
- Obol Super Clusters are active, 5 clusters running 500 validators each
Mainnet | Status: Active ▶️
- SSV Super Clusters are active, 5 clusters running 500 validators each
Node Operator Community
Lido Poolside
The June edition of Lido Poolside brought together Lido contributors and ecosystem guests to explore the next chapter of Lido Core.
The call featured updates from Lido contributors on the future of Lido's staking modules, alongside guest sessions from Cantina on Lido's recent Web3SOC certification and StereumLabs on better client diversity without compromising validator performance.
Watch the full 66-minute recording on YouTube or catch the main highlights in the recap.
Staking Router v3: Design And Implementation
During the June voting cycle, LDO tokenholders approved the architecture, migration approach, key parameters, and operational controls for Staking Router v3 (SRv3). The new version lays the foundation for the next generation of Lido staking modules by enabling more flexible
and efficient cross-module stake migration through validator consolidations, supporting compounding (0x02) validators, and streamlining validator management.
For more details, see Lido Improvement Proposal (LIP) #35. The full design and implementation can be accessed below:
The SRv3 mainnet activation proposal is now open for an on-chain vote Community members and LDO tokenholders are invited to participate in the vote before it closes on July 20.
Lido V3 Infra Fee
With the Ethereum validator entry queue remaining long, the stVaults Committee has extended the Early Adopters Campaign, keeping the 0% Lido Infrastructure Fee for all qualifying stVaults through August 31, 2026.
This gives builders additional opportunity to launch on Lido V3 with zero infrastructure fees. The terms are available to Identified Node Operators operating stVaults with more than 250 ETH TVL. Operators who have not yet qualified for the Identified Node Operator can apply by following the stVaults Node Operators Identification guide.
Ready to build? Fill out this form to get started today.
To stay up to date with the latest stVaults developments—including new products built on Lido V3, recent features, and newly published custodian guides—check out the latest stVaults Digest:
