Ethereum Node Operators Introduced to NORS Certification by Coinbase, Blockdaemon, and Key Industry Players

A consortium of prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space, including Alluvial, Blockdaemon, Chainproof, Coinbase, DV Labs, Eigen Labs, Figment, Galaxy Digital, Nexus Mutual, and others, have jointly unveiled the Node Operator Risk Standard (NORS) certification. This new certification sets a high standard for operational security and risk management within the Ethereum ecosystem, marking a significant step forward in the institutional adoption of Ethereum staking.

Zane Glauber, Head of Blockchain Infrastructure at Galaxy Digital, emphasized the importance of NORS, stating that it represents a crucial milestone in the institutional acceptance of Ethereum staking. The certification aims to simplify the due diligence process for banks and major institutions, thereby fostering trust and engagement with Ethereum staking services.

Evan Weiss, COO at Alluvial, highlighted the necessity of clear security standards as large financial institutions increasingly participate in public blockchain networks. He emphasized that having robust, verifiable frameworks for validator risk management will enable institutions to assess the quality of staking infrastructure effectively.

The introduction of the NORS certification addresses key areas such as slash prevention, validator diversity, and the secure management of private keys to ensure a high level of operational security. Konstantin Richter, CEO of Blockdaemon, believes that NORS will not only propel institutional Ethereum staking forward but also establish a unified standard for evaluating the risks associated with validators, benefiting both institutions and node operators.

The certification is expected to provide a comprehensive framework that enhances security, instills trust, and supports the growth of Ethereum as a trusted asset class for institutional investors. Ben Rodriguez, Senior Protocol Specialist at Coinbase, expressed pride in participating in the NORS Development Working Group, emphasizing the importance of enabling institutions to conduct thorough due diligence on staking providers.

Eigen Labs’ Clayton Menzel noted that NORS will enhance trust and reliability across the staking ecosystem, including restaking solutions. The certification reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that restaking solutions are accurately represented within the framework.

Joshua Faier, Senior Product Manager at Figment, highlighted the significance of NORS in bridging the gap between existing certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001, specifically addressing the unique aspects of staking. The introduction of NORS is poised to elevate Ethereum staking to a new level of institutional adoption and credibility, further solidifying its position as a trusted asset class for institutional investors.