Ethereum Decentralization at Risk as Just 4 Relayers Handle Majority of Transactions

Ethereum network revenue hit $10B in 7 years, but decentralization dropped to just 4 relayers, posing a threat.
Blocknative, an Ethereum relayer, exiting as share was only 9.64%, leaving just 4 active relayers.
With no relay fees, concerns of high centralization. Transition to PoS made block proposer & builder separate.
93% of Ethereum blocks in past 14 days used MEV-boost relays. 5 entities relay 98% of transactions.
Experts say a relayer fee mechanism is needed. Flashbots proposes a PBS Guild to fund relayers.

benzinga.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/24/2023

Forget about bitcoin ETFs — let’s make a Lightning Fund

The influx of spot bitcoin ETF filings from institutional juggernauts like BlackRock and Fidelity is seen as a critical moment for Bitcoin's adoption, but a missed opportunity to focus on how a Lightning Network Fund could bring greater economic incentives to institutional participation in Bitcoin.

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Ethereum Sees 99% Energy Drop and Burned ETH After the Merge, But Centralization and Regulatory Concerns Remain

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