Two key Ethereum Foundation researchers, Dankrad Feist and Justin Drake, recently stepped down from their advisory roles with EigenLayer over conflict of interest concerns within the Ethereum community. EigenLayer is a rising project in crypto, allowing other applications to “borrow” Ethereum’s security using a method called “restaking.”
Both Feist and Drake, well-known in Ethereum’s development, had accepted advisory positions with EigenLayer earlier this year. This involvement sparked controversy due to substantial EIGEN token grants given to them in exchange for guidance on the project’s direction, leading to community concerns about fairness and influence.
Feist explained on social media that although the roles were taken in good faith to align EigenLayer with Ethereum’s principles, he acknowledged that the community viewed it differently, seeing a conflict of interest due to his prominent Ethereum role.
Drake, who ended his advisory position in September before receiving any EIGEN tokens, expressed regret for the situation and apologized to the Ethereum community.
The Ethereum Foundation’s role in supporting projects within the Ethereum network made these advisory roles controversial. Some feared EigenLayer’s token grants to Foundation researchers could sway Ethereum’s future roadmap. Drake, recognizing this concern, went a step further by pledging not to take any future advisorships or personal investments.
