Nethermind Transitions to Chainlink, Leaving LayerZero Verifier Role

Nethermind Shifts from LayerZero to Chainlink

On August 19, 2026, Nethermind announced that it has discontinued its role as a decentralized verifier within LayerZero, opting to join Chainlink instead. This transition comes after the Ethereum engineering firm conducted a thorough review of both infrastructure providers.

New Role in Chainlink

As part of its new arrangement, Nethermind has become a node operator and strategic technology provider within Chainlink’s network. The company will assist in operating Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) and data feeds, aiming to enhance security for institutions engaging in on-chain activities.

Migration Details and Strategic Decisions

Despite the significant change, Nethermind has not disclosed the specifics regarding the cost associated with this migration or a timeline for its completion. The firm emphasized its commitment to thorough engineering practices, with CEO Daniel Celeda stating that “being a node operator carries real responsibility for a network’s reliability.”

Already, several other projects including BitGo, Kelp DAO, and the state of Wyoming have embraced Chainlink for their cross-chain operations, highlighting a trend among major players to prioritize security and reliability.

Context and Background

Nethermind’s decision comes in the wake of a notable security incident involving LayerZero, where hackers exploited a vulnerability in the system, resulting in the loss of approximately $290 million’s worth of rsETH from the Kelp DAO’s bridge. Following this incident, Kelp DAO, among others, sought to secure its operations by moving to Chainlink.

This move to Chainlink aligns with a larger narrative of migration among projects previously utilizing LayerZero, as it faces scrutiny regarding its security systems – especially engaging a configuration that utilizes a single verifier.

Concerns Raised by Wyoming

In addition to projects within the crypto sector, the state of Wyoming recently announced its shift from LayerZero to Chainlink for its Frontier Stable Token (FRNT). This decision followed a security review by the state, which concluded that Chainlink met its operational security and reliability requirements.

A Growing Focus on Blockchain Security

Nethermind’s long-term strategy emphasizes robust and secure infrastructure within the blockchain ecosystem. Founded in 2017, the firm has been a crucial player in developing Ethereum’s execution clients and supports over $5 billion in delegated assets through its technology. With its move to Chainlink, Nethermind aims to enhance its impact by offering engineering tools and infrastructure services to other blockchain developers.