Independent Solana Validators Seek Halt to Removals Under New SFDP Rules

A collective of independent Solana validators known as @Layer_33_ is calling for the Solana Foundation to suspend validator removals under its new SFDP rules. The group says the rules threaten decentralization.

The rules cap participation at 100 validators and set a 12-month term.

In the third quarter of 2026, roughly 20 validator identities controlled more than one-third of Solana’s active stake. The measure counts identities rather than independent operators, since one company can run several validators — a distinction outlined in Solana’s validator-concentration figures.