Nethermind Abandons LayerZero, Joins Chainlink as Node Operator

Nethermind, an Ethereum engineering firm and core contributor to the Ethereum ecosystem, has left its role as a LayerZero verifier. The decision follows an 'extensive review' that led Nethermind to move its cross-chain operations to Chainlink.

Nethermind has joined the Chainlink Network as a node operator and strategic technology provider, migrating away from its Decentralized Verifier Network (DVN) operations. As part of this new role, Nethermind will contribute engineering tools, infrastructure services, and integration support for teams building blockchain applications.

The move reflects a shift by a prominent LayerZero infrastructure operator toward Chainlink's secure-by-default architecture as institutional adoption of onchain finance accelerates.

Nethermind joins a growing group of firms that have moved cross-chain operations from LayerZero to Chainlink in the months since an April attack on Kelp DAO's rsETH bridge, which resulted in the loss of 116,500 rsETH worth around $292 million at the time.