Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has put forward a remarkable proposal to enhance the network’s security and strengthen decentralization.
Buterin proposes directly integrating a “native DVT” (distributed validator technology) mechanism into Ethereum’s staking protocol, aiming to make validators operate in a more secure and robust environment.
In a post published on the Ethereum Research forum, Buterin stated that this design, which he calls “native DVT,” would allow validators to register multiple independent keys under a single identity.
Accordingly, processes such as block generation or verification will only be considered valid with the signatures of a specified threshold number of keys. This reduces the risk of the validator being completely disabled in the event of a single failure or attack, while also preserving penalty (slashing) mechanisms.
Buterin emphasized that DVT enables Ethereum stakers to stake without being tied to a single node, and that the validator will function smoothly as long as more than two-thirds of the nodes are honest.
Buterin stated that current DVT solutions are complex and require external layers, and that his proposal would offer a simpler structure by integrating this system directly into the protocol.
According to the proposal, validators with stakes that are multiples of the minimum stake amount will be able to define a maximum of 16 keys, and these keys will function as a single validator identity. It is argued that this structure will only cause a minor delay in block production and will not affect the confirmation processes.
Buterin also stated that this step would increase decentralization, making it easier for individual users and institutions to run their own validators without being dependent on large staking providers. This could also positively impact metrics like the Nakamoto coefficient, which measures decentralization in Ethereum’s validator set.
On the other hand, DVT has already begun to be used at the infrastructure level. Kraken was one of the first major exchanges to implement DVT in Ethereum staking operations via its SSV Network in 2025. However, according to Buterin, these systems are still operationally complex, and protocol-level support could fill this gap.
The proposal is currently in the idea stage and requires a comprehensive evaluation and consensus process within the Ethereum community before it can be implemented. It is noteworthy that this initiative comes at a time when the amount of ETH staked on Ethereum has reached approximately 30% of the total supply.
*This is not investment advice.
