MetaMask Postpones Native Token Plans Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
MetaMask's plans for its native MASK token have been put on hold indefinitely, according to Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin. Despite years of speculation about a potential launch, the team is now re-evaluating its options for the token in light of recent developments and regulatory changes.
The decision comes as MetaMask launches as a standalone consumer finance service, with over 100 million installs across 190 jurisdictions. The company's protocols and institutional infrastructure businesses, including Linea, will become a new entity under CEO Mike Kriak and President David Cunningham, while MetaMask will focus on self-custodial consumer finance.
Lubin cited a troubled business and regulatory environment as the reason for the delay, noting that new firms rarely seek to issue tokens at present. The team is also exploring options for token utility, with recent updates including token details in-wallet perpetual futures via Hyperliquid and Bitcoin native integration.