EigenLayer Taps BitGo to Accelerate Institutional Access to Restaking
Overview of EigenLayer
EigenLayer is a pioneering platform in the Ethereum ecosystem that introduces the concept of restaking—an innovative mechanism allowing users to re-use staked ETH to secure additional decentralized services called Actively Validated Services (AVSs). By extending Ethereum's trust layer, EigenLayer enables a new class of decentralized applications while maintaining the robust security guarantees of the Ethereum network.
The Challenge
As EigenLayer sought to expand its restaking services to institutional clients, it faced a key hurdle: the absence of a qualified custodian capable of supporting both native EIGEN custody and the restaking of ETH. Institutions required regulatory clarity, bankruptcy-remote asset protection, and seamless integration—all of which were critical to unlocking institutional participation in restaking.
Institutions want access to the innovation of restaking, but without compromise on security, compliance, or custody standards.
The Solution: Partnership with BitGo
In October 2024, EigenLayer integrated with BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association to become the first qualified custodian to support EigenLayer restaking. This integration enables institutional clients to restake ETH directly from cold storage, eliminating the need for multiple custodial transfers and reducing operational complexity.
We are thrilled BitGo has so deeply integrated EigenLayer into their custody solutions, giving their customers the ability to restake and delegate directly from their cold storage wallets.
Key Features and Benefits
Secure Custody Solutions
BitGo provides institutional-grade protections with segregated, bankruptcy-remote accounts under BitGo Bank & Trust, meeting stringent fiduciary and compliance requirements for digital asset management.
Access to Vetted AVS Operators
Clients can choose from a curated list of AVS operators vetted by BitGo, including leading validators like Figment, Kiln, and P2P, enabling secure delegation with trusted partners.
Comprehensive Staking Services
The integration supports native EIGEN custody and staking, as well as ETH restaking through EigenLayer—enabling clients to maximize utility from their holdings without moving assets between custodians.
Continuous Reward Generation
By restaking ETH and staking EIGEN, clients can continually earn rewards, maximizing the utility of their digital assets within a secure and compliant custody framework.
Conclusion
The partnership between EigenLayer and BitGo represents a significant advancement in making restaking accessible to institutional participants. By combining EigenLayer's innovative restaking protocol with BitGo's regulated custody infrastructure, the collaboration sets a new standard for institutional digital asset management.
EigenLayer is a pioneering Ethereum-based protocol that introduces restaking—an innovative mechanism that allows users to re-use their staked ETH to secure new decentralized services known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs). By extending the security of Ethereum to emerging protocols, EigenLayer enables greater scalability, interoperability, and capital efficiency across the ecosystem. Founded by leading researchers and engineers in blockchain infrastructure, EigenLayer is accelerating the next wave of decentralized innovation by creating a programmable trust layer for Web3.
Table of Contents
- Overview of EigenLayer
- The Challenge
- The Solution: Partnership with BitGo
- Key Features and Benefits
- Conclusion
About BitGo
BitGo is the digital asset infrastructure company, delivering custody, wallets, staking, trading, financing, and settlement services from regulated cold storage. Since our founding in 2013, we have been focused on accelerating the transition of the financial system to a digital asset economy. With a global presence and multiple regulated entities, BitGo serves thousands of institutions, including many of the industry's top brands, exchanges, and platforms, and millions of retail investors worldwide.