Marinade is SOC 2 Type 2 Certified – A New Standard for Institutional Staking

We're thrilled to announce that Marinade has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance — making us the first major liquid staking protocol to meet this rigorous institutional security standard. This milestone represents a significant evolution from our SOC 2 Type 1 certification, demonstrating not just that our security controls are properly designed, but that they operate effectively over time.

What is SOC 2 Type 2 and Why Does It Matter?

SOC 2 Type 2 compliance goes far beyond the initial Type 1 certification we achieved earlier this year. While Type 1 validates that security controls are properly designed at a specific point in time, Type 2 evaluates the operational effectiveness of these controls over an extended period — typically 6-12 months.

This comprehensive audit, conducted by independent auditors at BDO, examined our security controls and access management systems, the availability of our staking infrastructure, processing integrity of our validator operations, confidentiality of sensitive data and processes, and privacy protections for user information.

For institutional clients, SOC 2 Type 2 certification serves as the gold standard for operational security and compliance readiness. It's often a prerequisite for institutional partnerships, regulatory approval processes, and institutional investment decisions.

Powering the Future of Solana ETFs

This compliance achievement is particularly significant as Marinade serves as the exclusive staking provider for upcoming U.S. Solana ETF applications through our Marinade Select institutional platform. ETF providers require demonstrated operational security and regulatory readiness — exactly what SOC 2 Type 2 compliance provides.

Marinade Select leverages this institutional-grade infrastructure to deliver institutional-grade staking with SOC 2 Type 2 validated security, regulatory-ready operations for ETF and institutional partnerships, scalable infrastructure capable of handling billions in institutional assets, and transparent reporting with comprehensive compliance documentation.

The timing couldn't be more strategic. As Solana ETFs move through the regulatory approval process, having a SOC 2 Type 2 compliant staking provider gives applicants a significant competitive advantage in demonstrating operational readiness to regulators.

Bridging Blockchain Innovation with Institutional Requirements

Liquid staking protocols face unique compliance challenges that traditional crypto exchanges don't encounter. Our certification covers complex operational processes including validator selection algorithms and delegation strategies, smart contract security and upgrade procedures, community governance processes and decision-making, cross-chain operational integrity and monitoring, and decentralized network coordination across 100+ validators.

"Achieving SOC 2 Type 2 as a liquid staking protocol required us to demonstrate operational excellence across a much more complex infrastructure than centralized platforms," said Hadley Stern, CCO at Marinade. "This certification proves that blockchain protocols can meet the highest institutional security standards without compromising on decentralization."

Enabling the Future of Institutional Solana Staking

This compliance achievement directly supports Marinade's role as the exclusive staking provider for upcoming U.S. Solana ETF applications through our Marinade Select institutional platform. ETF providers require demonstrated operational security and regulatory readiness — exactly what SOC 2 Type 2 compliance provides.

Marinade Select leverages this institutional-grade infrastructure to offer:

• Institutional-grade staking with SOC 2 Type 2 validated security
• Regulatory-ready operations for ETF and institutional partnerships
• Scalable infrastructure capable of handling billions in institutional assets
• Transparent reporting and compliance documentation

The timing couldn't be more strategic. As Solana ETFs move through the regulatory approval process, having a SOC 2 Type 2 compliant staking provider gives applicants a significant competitive advantage in demonstrating operational readiness to regulators.

What This Means for Our Community

SOC 2 Type 2 compliance benefits all Marinade users, not just institutional clients. It provides enhanced security through independent validation that our security controls operate effectively over time, protecting user funds and data. The increased TVL potential from institutional adoption through ETFs and institutional partnerships could significantly benefit all mSOL holders. Our certification covers our decentralized validator network, proving that compliance and decentralization can coexist. Most importantly, being the first major liquid staking protocol with Type 2 compliance strengthens Marinade's market position and long-term sustainability.

The Road Ahead: Enterprise Blockchain Leadership

SOC 2 Type 2 compliance positions Marinade at the forefront of institutional blockchain adoption. As traditional finance increasingly embraces blockchain technology, protocols that can demonstrate both innovation and operational excellence will capture the largest share of institutional adoption.

We're already seeing strong demand from asset managers seeking compliant staking solutions, custodians requiring validated security standards, enterprise treasuries exploring blockchain yield strategies, and ETF providers needing regulatory-ready infrastructure partners.

Continuing Our Commitment to Excellence

We're committed to maintaining our SOC 2 Type 2 certification through annual audits, ensuring that our operational excellence continues to meet the evolving needs of both institutional and retail clients. This ongoing commitment reflects our dedication to setting the standard for secure, compliant staking infrastructure.

Building the Future of Compliant Staking

Marinade's SOC 2 Type 2 compliance represents more than a certification — it's a blueprint for how liquid staking protocols can scale to serve institutional clients while maintaining their decentralized values. As the first major liquid staking protocol to achieve this standard, we're setting the pace for enterprise blockchain adoption.

For institutions ready to explore Solana staking with confidence, Marinade offers the perfect combination of blockchain innovation and enterprise-grade security. Our SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, combined with our role in upcoming Solana ETFs, positions us as the trusted bridge between traditional finance and blockchain protocols.

Ready to explore institutional staking solutions? Learn more about Marinade Select and discover how SOC 2 Type 2 compliant infrastructure can support your organization's blockchain strategy.

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