πŸ›οΈValidator Application Process

An overview to the application process for Validators.

πŸ“ How to Apply to the Waitlist

Steps to Apply:

  • Complete the Google Form: Applicants must provide accurate details, including validator performance, infrastructure details, and ecosystem contributions. A request for the form can be made to staff on The Vault Discord through a support ticket.

  • Review Process: Submissions will be reviewed based on the Waitlist Criteria.

  • Placement on the Waitlist: If accepted, validators will be placed on the Waitlist until they qualify for promotion to the Allowlist.


πŸ—³οΈ Validator Board Evaluation

  • The Validator Board votes on the ecosystem contributions of validators for the waitlist.

  • Contributions include, but are not limited to:

    • Development of apps, tools, or infrastructure within Solana.

    • Active participation in Solana’s community.

    • Open-source development or meaningful contributions to Solana projects.

  • Evaluations are subjective and based on qualitative judgment.

πŸ“Š Additional Factors Considered:

  • Performance & Uptime: Validators must meet minimum uptime and delinquency standards.

  • Vote Credits & APY: Vote credits impact APY and are considered during evaluation.

  • Commission Limits: Validators must adhere to commission guidelines. The Vault Contributors can make exceptions.


⏳ Acceptance terms

  • The target number of validators in the Allowlist is 100 for the stakepool.

  • The Vault reserves the right to pause new additions to the Allowlist.


⚠️ Compliance & Ongoing Requirements

  • Validators must maintain uptime, participate in governance, and contribute to the Solana ecosystem.

  • Failure to vote on SIMD proposals may result in removal from the Allowlist.

  • Validators that become delinquent fail to meet base criteria or lack contributions may be moved back to the Waitlist.

  • Validators must settle Stake-as-a-Service fees in a timely manner


🚨 Grounds for Removal or Ban from The Vault

The Vault enforces strict governance to ensure fairness and security. Validators may be removed or banned from the stakepool for:

  • Failing to meet uptime or governance participation requirements.

  • Attempting to bribe, mislead, or exploit loopholes to gain access.

  • Participating in malicious activities that harm the network or the users of the network, for example, but not limited to, sandwich attacks.

  • Lacking community contributions after being granted Allowlist status.

  • Failure to settle Stake-as-a-Service fees in a timely manner.


πŸ“’ Future Updates

  • The Vault reserves the right to introduce new conditions or requirements.

  • Any changes to the Waitlist or Allowlist process will be communicated in advance.

  • For detailed requirements, refer to the Waitlist and Allowlist Criteria pages.

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