05-11-2023, 04:16 AM
MEV Burn Ethereum: Greatest Supply Shock in ETH History?
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<div class="kksr-legend" style="font-size: 19.2px;"> 5/5 – (1 vote) </div>
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<ul class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">
<li><strong>Ethereum protocol developers plan a new upgrade, called MEV-Burn.</strong></li>
<li><strong>MEV-Burn will solve the Miner Extractable Value (MEV).</strong></li>
<li><strong>As a bonus, MEV-Burn will reduce ETH supply on top of the normal burn from EIP-1559 (<em>“The Merge”</em>)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Developers anticipate a surge in ETH price due to the deflationary shock.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><em>Disclaimer: The author holds securities mentioned in this article.</em></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://ultrasound.money/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="702" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-111-1024x702.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350894" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-111-1024x702.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x206.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x527.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-111.png 1207w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p>I just listened to a <a href="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" data-type="URL" data-id="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great podcast</a> on the MEV-burn upgrade, so I thought to contribute a blog post on the topic. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube"><a href="https://blog.finxter.com/mev-burn-ethereum-impact-and-future-prospects-explained/"><img src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fnb7x7n8Ga3U%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
<p>This upgrade addresses the <strong>Maximum Extractable Value (MEV)</strong> issue and enhances the overall Ethereum ecosystem. The presence of MEV in Ethereum can lead to negative consequences for user experience and network finality. But don’t worry, there’s hope on the horizon with the upcoming MEV-burn upgrade.</p>
<p>In the expanding world of DeFi, MEV has become a growing force in the <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/ethereum-top-10-articles-to-get-started/" data-type="post" data-id="53284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum ecosystem</a>, resulting in toxic forms like frontrunning and sandwich attacks, which can be detrimental to transaction originators. The MEV-burn upgrade promises to mitigate these issues and further reduce Ethereum’s circulating supply, ensuring a better experience for users like yourself.</p>
<p>As Ethereum has completed its much-anticipated transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus, the MEV issue becomes even more critical to address. The potential risks include validator centralization and other unforeseen challenges. Thankfully, the MEV-burn upgrade could play a crucial role in safeguarding the network, providing you and the rest of the Ethereum community with more confidence in its security and long-term stability.</p>
<p>Let’s start with a quick overview of the proposal — don’t worry if you don’t get it yet but keep reading. You’ll be smarter afterward! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f447.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High-Level Overview</h2>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">The <a href="https://ethresear.ch/t/burning-mev-through-block-proposer-auctions/14029" data-type="URL" data-id="https://ethresear.ch/t/burning-mev-through-block-proposer-auctions/14029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV-Burn proposal</a> aims to reduce proposer centralization, make validator rewards smoother, and enable MEV smoothing for all ETH holders. It allows Ether to capture on-chain value and enhances its economic attributes by making ETH the currency for block building and protecting its monetary premium. MEV burning results in ETH burn of equivalent value for any extracted opportunity, regardless of the assets involved.</p>
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<p>In this system, each validator has a chance to become an eligible proposer for a slot. The average number of eligible proposers per slot can bid to propose the next block. These bids determine how much ETH must be burned by the chosen execution block.</p>
<p>Proposers will likely bid up to the MEV amount, resulting in most MEV being burned. The protocol doesn’t measure MEV directly but allows a burn auction to occur every slot.</p>
<p>The proposal involves increasing slot time to 16 seconds, with the first 4 seconds as a “bidding period.” During this time, eligible proposers submit bids, committing to an execution block hash that must burn ETH equal to their bid.</p>
<p>After bidding ends, the slot proceeds, and the highest bidder reveals their block. Other bidders can also reveal blocks, but higher bidders’ blocks will be prioritized.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="688" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-112-1024x688.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350900" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-112-1024x688.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x202.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x516.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-112.png 1202w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">ETH protocol developer Justin Drake argues that the MEV Burn will have a significant impact on the number of ETH burned. It could essentially double the deflationary rate, i.e., burning 200k-400k ETH more per year on a current supply of roughly 120M ETH. This could add an additional deflationary “yield” of 0.2% per year! </p>
<p>For a scarce asset like ETH, the MEV-Burn could mean an absolute supply shock. In a bull market with lots of demand that would lead to exploding prices. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f525.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f525.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f525.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wen MEV Burn? <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f438.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h2>
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<p>If you’re wondering when the MEV burn will be hard-forked into the Ethereum chain, here’s my best guess based on people more credible than me:</p>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">In a recent <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" data-type="URL" data-id="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" target="_blank">bankless podcast interview</a>, the Ethereum protocol researcher Justin Drake estimated that the MEV-Burn upgrade will take three to five years. If you take the average and adjust for unforeseen protocol issues, you should not expect MEV burn to come into effect before May 2027.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding MEV and Ethereum</h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="627" height="942" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-105.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350833" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-105.png 627w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x300.png 200w" sizes="(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ethereum Ecosystem</h3>
<p>In the Ethereum ecosystem, a key concept you should know is MEV, or Maximal Extractable Value. </p>
<p>MEV is the amount of profit that miners, validators, and block builders can extract from a block by rearranging or including certain transactions. This can impact transaction costs, causing higher gas fees and delays for regular users like yourself.</p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Recommended</strong>: <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/introduction-to-ethereums-gas-in-solidity-development/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://blog.finxter.com/introduction-to-ethereums-gas-in-solidity-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introduction to Ethereum’s Gas in Solidity Development</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV in Decentralized Finance</h3>
<p>The concept of MEV has become more prominent with the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank">explosion of DeFi (Decentralized Finance)</a> in 2020 — and particularly with the merge, i.e., the move towards proof-of-stake consensus. </p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Recommended</strong>: <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/common-consensus-mechanisms-in-blockchains/" data-type="post" data-id="70966" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Common Consensus Mechanisms in Blockchains</a></p>
<p>In DeFi, various financial applications are built on top of blockchain networks like Ethereum. MEV plays a crucial role in these applications, as it can affect transaction costs and user processing times. </p>
<p>Toxic forms of MEV, such as frontrunning and sandwich attacks, can result in negative settlements, which means you, the transaction originator, may face disadvantages when trading on DeFi platforms such as Uniswap.</p>
<p>I highly recommend you check out our academy course on Uniswap and DeFi if you plan to get a job in crypto — it’s fun and very profitable! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f911.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Academy Course</strong>: <a href="https://academy.finxter.com/university/uniswap-development-for-blockcain-engineers/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://academy.finxter.com/university/uniswap-development-for-blockcain-engineers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uniswap Automated Finance for Blockchain Engineers</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV Participants and Opportunities</h3>
<p>The main participants involved with MEV are validators and block builders. These entities are responsible for securing the Ethereum network, validating transactions, and building new blocks. By leveraging MEV opportunities, these participants can increase their revenue. </p>
<p>For example:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Miners</strong>: They </li>
<li><strong>Validators</strong>: Validators can reorder, include, or exclude transactions in a block to maximize their profits, i.e., rearranging transactions to benefit from MEV.</li>
<li><strong>Block builders</strong>: In a PoS (Proof of Stake) model, block builders can also extract value from MEV by optimizing transaction ordering.</li>
</ul>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background"><strong>Transaction Frontrunning Example (MEV)</strong></p>
<p>An example of Ethereum MEV is when a validator reorders transactions to make a profit. For instance, a validator can extract MEV by reordering transactions in a way that benefits them financially. </p>
<p>Suppose a user wants to trade 1 ETH for 100 DAI, and another user wants to trade 1 ETH for 200 DAI. The validator can re-order the transactions so that the second user’s trade is executed first, and then the first user’s trade. </p>
<p>By doing so, the validator can extract the price difference between the two trades, which is 100 DAI, as a profit. </p>
<p>This practice is known as “transaction frontrunning” and is a common way for validators to extract MEV (source: <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/learn/what-is-mev-aka-maximal-extractable-value/">CoinDesk</a>).</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact of MEV on Gas Prices and Transactions</h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="931" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-106-1024x931.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350834" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-106-1024x931.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x273.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x698.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-106.png 1035w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">EIP-1559 and Gas Prices</h3>
<p>With the introduction of <a href="https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/eips/eip-1559/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EIP-1559</a>, Ethereum aimed to make gas price estimation more predictable for users. However, it is essential to consider MEV’s influence on gas prices. When MEV bots attempt to extract value from transactions, they can drive up the gas prices in two ways:</p>
<ol>
<li>MEV bots pay higher gas fees to prioritize their transactions, creating a competitive market for the limited block space.</li>
<li>Non-MEV users also pay higher fees to place their transactions above MEV-extracted transactions, leading to a chain reaction.</li>
</ol>
<p>This situation might result in an unexpected spike in transaction fees for Ethereum users, even with EIP-1559 in place.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV Bots and Network Congestion</h3>
<p>MEV bots compete with each other to extract value from user transactions. In times of high network activity, they can contribute to <a href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">network congestion</a>. MEV bots flood the network with transactions, hoping to exploit profitable opportunities.</p>
<p>In turn, this creates the following scenarios:</p>
<ul>
<li>Longer transaction confirmation times</li>
<li>An increase in the number of pending or dropped transactions</li>
<li>Overall decline in the network’s performance</li>
</ul>
<p>These factors affect the user experience for all Ethereum users, making it less predictable and, potentially, less efficient. </p>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> But it seems like MEV is a phenomenon that just comes with any complex monetary system and we just have to accept it. MEV burning at least attempts to use the energy to fuel the economic value of the ETH token.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Transaction Discrimination in MEV</h3>
<p>One significant concern related to MEV is transaction discrimination. </p>
<p>MEV bots often target high-value transactions, such as those involving DeFi protocols or large trades. As a result, if your transaction falls into this category, it might be targeted and front-run by MEV bots. Also, MEV bots might sandwich your transaction, potentially causing you to receive a worse deal.</p>
<p>If your transaction is not considered valuable by MEV bots, they might still impact your experience indirectly.</p>
<p>For example, because of the increased gas prices and network congestion caused by MEV bots, your transaction might still be delayed or require higher transaction fees.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MEV-Burn: A Solution to MEV Issues</h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="942" height="942" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-107.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350835" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-107.png 942w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x300.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...50x150.png 150w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 942px) 100vw, 942px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV-Smoothing Concept</h3>
<p>As you dive into Ethereum, you’ll come across the concept of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank">Maximal Extractable Value (MEV)</a>. Again, MEV refers to the profits derived from exploiting the ordering of transactions on the blockchain. The MEV-Smoothing concept aims to distribute these profits more fairly across the Ethereum ecosystem.</p>
<p>This innovative idea introduces mechanisms to “smooth” the revenues generated from MEV, ensuring that all participants, including ETH holders and mining pools, can benefit from the value being extracted from the network. It takes a collective approach to address the negative impacts of MEV and creates a more equitable environment for everyone involved.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Proposer-Builder Separation</h3>
<p>As Ethereum transitions towards proof-of-stake (PoS) and staking, the <strong>proposer-builder separation </strong>is one of the key concepts introduced to help mitigate MEV-related issues. </p>
<p>Currently, miners have the power to both create and validate blocks, often leading to frontrunning and other malicious practices that exploit MEV.</p>
<p>With the proposer-builder separation, these roles are effectively split. Proposers become responsible for aggregating transactions and proposing blocks, while builders focus on executing and validating them. This separation reduces the ability of miners to exploit MEV, increasing fairness and trust in the Ethereum ecosystem.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reducing MEV Profits and Sell Pressure</h3>
<p>The introduction of <a href="https://bitcoinist.com/devs-believe-mev-burn-help-ethereum-reach-heights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV-burn</a> aims to further align the incentives of individual miners with the rest of the Ethereum ecosystem. This innovative upgrade creates a mechanism to burn the MEV profits extracted by miners, reducing the sell pressure on ETH’s price and ultimately benefiting ETH holders.</p>
<p>As mining pools and stakers see their MEV profits channeled back into the system, they can expect a more equitable distribution of rewards. This process, in turn, helps strengthen the entire Ethereum ecosystem by curbing the negative effects of MEV and enabling a more sustainable growth trajectory for the network.</p>
<p>In conclusion, the implementation of MEV-burn, proposer-builder separation, and Mev-Smoothing concepts contribute significantly to addressing the MEV issue in Ethereum. By fostering a more equitable distribution of profits and reducing the ability of miners to exploit MEV, these solutions help ensure a brighter future for the Ethereum ecosystem and its participants.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Exploring Front-Running and Back-Running in MEV</h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="706" height="942" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-108.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350837" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-108.png 706w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...25x300.png 225w" sizes="(max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px" /></figure>
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<p>In Ethereum and blockchain technology, front-running and back-running are common issues. As you delve into these topics, it’s important to understand how they can affect users and developers within the ecosystem.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flashbots and Front-Running Attacks</h3>
<p>Front-running occurs when someone—such as a miner or a node—takes advantage of their position within the network to exploit transaction orderings for their own benefit. </p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f916.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Flashbots</strong> are a recent development that aims to address this issue by introducing a fairer environment for all participants. These bots work by transparently allowing searchers to compete for MEV rewards through <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/frontrunners-and-mev-explained-how-to-beat-the-bots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">o</a><a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/frontrunners-and-mev-explained-how-to-beat-the-bots">rder flow auctions</a>.</p>
<p>To avoid being a victim of front-running attacks, familiarize yourself with the concept of <a href="https://zmok-io.medium.com/ethereum-mev-techniques-front-running-back-running-arbitrage-sandwich-and-liquidations-after-dc2ee0b46485">MEV activity</a> and consider using tools that safeguard your transactions. Keep in mind that Ethereum developers are already addressing this issue through various mempool design improvements.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Back-Running and Chain Reorgs</h3>
<p>Back-running, on the other hand, involves the execution of concurrent transactions that aim to capitalize on another user’s desired transaction. It poses a similar threat as front-running and is often tied to <a href="http://messari.io/article/understanding-mev" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chain reorgs</a> where multiple transactions are reorganized within the blockchain.</p>
<p>Knowledge about back-running can help you stay aware of potential risks associated with certain transactions, and may encourage you to engage with projects that actively combat these issues.</p>
<p>The expansion of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2021/07/27/how-to-fix-ethereums-mev-problem-and-give-traders-the-best-price/" target="_blank">Flash Boys 2.0</a> and other efforts focusing on the mitigation of front-running and back-running risks indicates that the Ethereum community is dedicated to addressing these concerns.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addressing MEV Challenges</h2>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="668" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-109-1024x668.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350838" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-109-1024x668.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x196.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x501.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-109.png 1140w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Merge</h3>
<p>The Merge has offered new opportunities to address MEV challenges. Ethereum researchers are working on the proposer-builder separation, which separates the role of validators into two distinct functions:</p>
<ul>
<li><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Proposers</strong>: Responsible for creating blocks and providing transaction ordering</li>
<li><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f477.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Builders</strong>: Responsible for collecting and packaging transactions into block candidates</li>
</ul>
<p>Separating these roles reduces the risk of validator centralization, and the incentives for harmful actions like eclipse attacks and DDoS attacks are minimized. This new structure will provide a level playing field for all validators, ensuring a healthier network for you and other Ethereum users.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alternative Solutions to MEV Problems</h3>
<p>Ethereum researchers are exploring alternative approaches to address MEV-related problems. One such solution is <a href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV smoothing</a>. </p>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background"><strong>MEV smoothing</strong> involves evenly distributing the MEV revenue to a larger group of participants, preventing any single validator from receiving a disproportionately high reward. This can help reduce validator centralization further and enhance the security of the Ethereum network. </p>
<p>For example, <a href="https://rocketpool.net/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketpool.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocketpool</a> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f680.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> has already distributed a decentralized staking mechanism with smoothing pool for MEV.</p>
<p>Another solution currently under development is the <a href="https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/ethereum-mev-burn-upgrade-could-reap-big-rewards-for-investors-202305092355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV-burn upgrade</a>, which aims to redistribute extracted value to Ethereum users by burning a portion of the MEV rather than passing it to validators. This upgrade is conceptually similar to EIP-1559 and aims to make the Ethereum network more equitable for its users.</p>
<p>Chain reorgs are another MEV-related concern. However, with the Proof-of-Stake model and the proposer-builder separation, the potential for chain reorgs should be significantly reduced. This will help maintain the integrity of the Ethereum network and protect your transactions from being manipulated.</p>
<p>In conclusion, addressing MEV challenges is a priority for Ethereum researchers, and various solutions are being developed to safeguard the network and improve your experience as an Ethereum user.</p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f680.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Recommended</strong>: <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/ethereum-top-10-articles-to-get-started/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://blog.finxter.com/ethereum-top-10-articles-to-get-started/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum – Top 10 Articles to Get Started</a></p>
</div>
https://www.sickgaming.net/blog/2023/05/...h-history/
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<ul class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">
<li><strong>Ethereum protocol developers plan a new upgrade, called MEV-Burn.</strong></li>
<li><strong>MEV-Burn will solve the Miner Extractable Value (MEV).</strong></li>
<li><strong>As a bonus, MEV-Burn will reduce ETH supply on top of the normal burn from EIP-1559 (<em>“The Merge”</em>)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Developers anticipate a surge in ETH price due to the deflationary shock.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><em>Disclaimer: The author holds securities mentioned in this article.</em></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://ultrasound.money/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="702" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-111-1024x702.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350894" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-111-1024x702.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x206.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x527.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-111.png 1207w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p>I just listened to a <a href="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" data-type="URL" data-id="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great podcast</a> on the MEV-burn upgrade, so I thought to contribute a blog post on the topic. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube"><a href="https://blog.finxter.com/mev-burn-ethereum-impact-and-future-prospects-explained/"><img src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fnb7x7n8Ga3U%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
<p>This upgrade addresses the <strong>Maximum Extractable Value (MEV)</strong> issue and enhances the overall Ethereum ecosystem. The presence of MEV in Ethereum can lead to negative consequences for user experience and network finality. But don’t worry, there’s hope on the horizon with the upcoming MEV-burn upgrade.</p>
<p>In the expanding world of DeFi, MEV has become a growing force in the <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/ethereum-top-10-articles-to-get-started/" data-type="post" data-id="53284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum ecosystem</a>, resulting in toxic forms like frontrunning and sandwich attacks, which can be detrimental to transaction originators. The MEV-burn upgrade promises to mitigate these issues and further reduce Ethereum’s circulating supply, ensuring a better experience for users like yourself.</p>
<p>As Ethereum has completed its much-anticipated transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus, the MEV issue becomes even more critical to address. The potential risks include validator centralization and other unforeseen challenges. Thankfully, the MEV-burn upgrade could play a crucial role in safeguarding the network, providing you and the rest of the Ethereum community with more confidence in its security and long-term stability.</p>
<p>Let’s start with a quick overview of the proposal — don’t worry if you don’t get it yet but keep reading. You’ll be smarter afterward! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f447.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High-Level Overview</h2>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">The <a href="https://ethresear.ch/t/burning-mev-through-block-proposer-auctions/14029" data-type="URL" data-id="https://ethresear.ch/t/burning-mev-through-block-proposer-auctions/14029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV-Burn proposal</a> aims to reduce proposer centralization, make validator rewards smoother, and enable MEV smoothing for all ETH holders. It allows Ether to capture on-chain value and enhances its economic attributes by making ETH the currency for block building and protecting its monetary premium. MEV burning results in ETH burn of equivalent value for any extracted opportunity, regardless of the assets involved.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-110-1024x768.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350868" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-110-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x225.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x576.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-110.png 1140w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
<p>In this system, each validator has a chance to become an eligible proposer for a slot. The average number of eligible proposers per slot can bid to propose the next block. These bids determine how much ETH must be burned by the chosen execution block.</p>
<p>Proposers will likely bid up to the MEV amount, resulting in most MEV being burned. The protocol doesn’t measure MEV directly but allows a burn auction to occur every slot.</p>
<p>The proposal involves increasing slot time to 16 seconds, with the first 4 seconds as a “bidding period.” During this time, eligible proposers submit bids, committing to an execution block hash that must burn ETH equal to their bid.</p>
<p>After bidding ends, the slot proceeds, and the highest bidder reveals their block. Other bidders can also reveal blocks, but higher bidders’ blocks will be prioritized.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="688" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-112-1024x688.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350900" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-112-1024x688.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x202.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x516.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-112.png 1202w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">ETH protocol developer Justin Drake argues that the MEV Burn will have a significant impact on the number of ETH burned. It could essentially double the deflationary rate, i.e., burning 200k-400k ETH more per year on a current supply of roughly 120M ETH. This could add an additional deflationary “yield” of 0.2% per year! </p>
<p>For a scarce asset like ETH, the MEV-Burn could mean an absolute supply shock. In a bull market with lots of demand that would lead to exploding prices. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f525.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f525.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f525.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wen MEV Burn? <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f438.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-104-1024x640.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350830" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-104-1024x640.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x187.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x480.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-104.png 1140w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
<p>If you’re wondering when the MEV burn will be hard-forked into the Ethereum chain, here’s my best guess based on people more credible than me:</p>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background">In a recent <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" data-type="URL" data-id="https://youtu.be/nb7x7n8Ga3U" target="_blank">bankless podcast interview</a>, the Ethereum protocol researcher Justin Drake estimated that the MEV-Burn upgrade will take three to five years. If you take the average and adjust for unforeseen protocol issues, you should not expect MEV burn to come into effect before May 2027.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding MEV and Ethereum</h2>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="627" height="942" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-105.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350833" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-105.png 627w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x300.png 200w" sizes="(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ethereum Ecosystem</h3>
<p>In the Ethereum ecosystem, a key concept you should know is MEV, or Maximal Extractable Value. </p>
<p>MEV is the amount of profit that miners, validators, and block builders can extract from a block by rearranging or including certain transactions. This can impact transaction costs, causing higher gas fees and delays for regular users like yourself.</p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Recommended</strong>: <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/introduction-to-ethereums-gas-in-solidity-development/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://blog.finxter.com/introduction-to-ethereums-gas-in-solidity-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introduction to Ethereum’s Gas in Solidity Development</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV in Decentralized Finance</h3>
<p>The concept of MEV has become more prominent with the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank">explosion of DeFi (Decentralized Finance)</a> in 2020 — and particularly with the merge, i.e., the move towards proof-of-stake consensus. </p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Recommended</strong>: <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/common-consensus-mechanisms-in-blockchains/" data-type="post" data-id="70966" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Common Consensus Mechanisms in Blockchains</a></p>
<p>In DeFi, various financial applications are built on top of blockchain networks like Ethereum. MEV plays a crucial role in these applications, as it can affect transaction costs and user processing times. </p>
<p>Toxic forms of MEV, such as frontrunning and sandwich attacks, can result in negative settlements, which means you, the transaction originator, may face disadvantages when trading on DeFi platforms such as Uniswap.</p>
<p>I highly recommend you check out our academy course on Uniswap and DeFi if you plan to get a job in crypto — it’s fun and very profitable! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f911.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Academy Course</strong>: <a href="https://academy.finxter.com/university/uniswap-development-for-blockcain-engineers/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://academy.finxter.com/university/uniswap-development-for-blockcain-engineers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uniswap Automated Finance for Blockchain Engineers</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV Participants and Opportunities</h3>
<p>The main participants involved with MEV are validators and block builders. These entities are responsible for securing the Ethereum network, validating transactions, and building new blocks. By leveraging MEV opportunities, these participants can increase their revenue. </p>
<p>For example:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Miners</strong>: They </li>
<li><strong>Validators</strong>: Validators can reorder, include, or exclude transactions in a block to maximize their profits, i.e., rearranging transactions to benefit from MEV.</li>
<li><strong>Block builders</strong>: In a PoS (Proof of Stake) model, block builders can also extract value from MEV by optimizing transaction ordering.</li>
</ul>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background"><strong>Transaction Frontrunning Example (MEV)</strong></p>
<p>An example of Ethereum MEV is when a validator reorders transactions to make a profit. For instance, a validator can extract MEV by reordering transactions in a way that benefits them financially. </p>
<p>Suppose a user wants to trade 1 ETH for 100 DAI, and another user wants to trade 1 ETH for 200 DAI. The validator can re-order the transactions so that the second user’s trade is executed first, and then the first user’s trade. </p>
<p>By doing so, the validator can extract the price difference between the two trades, which is 100 DAI, as a profit. </p>
<p>This practice is known as “transaction frontrunning” and is a common way for validators to extract MEV (source: <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/learn/what-is-mev-aka-maximal-extractable-value/">CoinDesk</a>).</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact of MEV on Gas Prices and Transactions</h2>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="931" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-106-1024x931.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350834" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-106-1024x931.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x273.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x698.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-106.png 1035w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">EIP-1559 and Gas Prices</h3>
<p>With the introduction of <a href="https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/eips/eip-1559/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EIP-1559</a>, Ethereum aimed to make gas price estimation more predictable for users. However, it is essential to consider MEV’s influence on gas prices. When MEV bots attempt to extract value from transactions, they can drive up the gas prices in two ways:</p>
<ol>
<li>MEV bots pay higher gas fees to prioritize their transactions, creating a competitive market for the limited block space.</li>
<li>Non-MEV users also pay higher fees to place their transactions above MEV-extracted transactions, leading to a chain reaction.</li>
</ol>
<p>This situation might result in an unexpected spike in transaction fees for Ethereum users, even with EIP-1559 in place.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV Bots and Network Congestion</h3>
<p>MEV bots compete with each other to extract value from user transactions. In times of high network activity, they can contribute to <a href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">network congestion</a>. MEV bots flood the network with transactions, hoping to exploit profitable opportunities.</p>
<p>In turn, this creates the following scenarios:</p>
<ul>
<li>Longer transaction confirmation times</li>
<li>An increase in the number of pending or dropped transactions</li>
<li>Overall decline in the network’s performance</li>
</ul>
<p>These factors affect the user experience for all Ethereum users, making it less predictable and, potentially, less efficient. </p>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> But it seems like MEV is a phenomenon that just comes with any complex monetary system and we just have to accept it. MEV burning at least attempts to use the energy to fuel the economic value of the ETH token.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Transaction Discrimination in MEV</h3>
<p>One significant concern related to MEV is transaction discrimination. </p>
<p>MEV bots often target high-value transactions, such as those involving DeFi protocols or large trades. As a result, if your transaction falls into this category, it might be targeted and front-run by MEV bots. Also, MEV bots might sandwich your transaction, potentially causing you to receive a worse deal.</p>
<p>If your transaction is not considered valuable by MEV bots, they might still impact your experience indirectly.</p>
<p>For example, because of the increased gas prices and network congestion caused by MEV bots, your transaction might still be delayed or require higher transaction fees.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MEV-Burn: A Solution to MEV Issues</h2>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="942" height="942" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-107.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350835" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-107.png 942w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x300.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...50x150.png 150w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 942px) 100vw, 942px" /></figure>
</div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MEV-Smoothing Concept</h3>
<p>As you dive into Ethereum, you’ll come across the concept of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank">Maximal Extractable Value (MEV)</a>. Again, MEV refers to the profits derived from exploiting the ordering of transactions on the blockchain. The MEV-Smoothing concept aims to distribute these profits more fairly across the Ethereum ecosystem.</p>
<p>This innovative idea introduces mechanisms to “smooth” the revenues generated from MEV, ensuring that all participants, including ETH holders and mining pools, can benefit from the value being extracted from the network. It takes a collective approach to address the negative impacts of MEV and creates a more equitable environment for everyone involved.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Proposer-Builder Separation</h3>
<p>As Ethereum transitions towards proof-of-stake (PoS) and staking, the <strong>proposer-builder separation </strong>is one of the key concepts introduced to help mitigate MEV-related issues. </p>
<p>Currently, miners have the power to both create and validate blocks, often leading to frontrunning and other malicious practices that exploit MEV.</p>
<p>With the proposer-builder separation, these roles are effectively split. Proposers become responsible for aggregating transactions and proposing blocks, while builders focus on executing and validating them. This separation reduces the ability of miners to exploit MEV, increasing fairness and trust in the Ethereum ecosystem.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reducing MEV Profits and Sell Pressure</h3>
<p>The introduction of <a href="https://bitcoinist.com/devs-believe-mev-burn-help-ethereum-reach-heights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV-burn</a> aims to further align the incentives of individual miners with the rest of the Ethereum ecosystem. This innovative upgrade creates a mechanism to burn the MEV profits extracted by miners, reducing the sell pressure on ETH’s price and ultimately benefiting ETH holders.</p>
<p>As mining pools and stakers see their MEV profits channeled back into the system, they can expect a more equitable distribution of rewards. This process, in turn, helps strengthen the entire Ethereum ecosystem by curbing the negative effects of MEV and enabling a more sustainable growth trajectory for the network.</p>
<p>In conclusion, the implementation of MEV-burn, proposer-builder separation, and Mev-Smoothing concepts contribute significantly to addressing the MEV issue in Ethereum. By fostering a more equitable distribution of profits and reducing the ability of miners to exploit MEV, these solutions help ensure a brighter future for the Ethereum ecosystem and its participants.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Exploring Front-Running and Back-Running in MEV</h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="706" height="942" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-108.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350837" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-108.png 706w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...25x300.png 225w" sizes="(max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px" /></figure>
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<p>In Ethereum and blockchain technology, front-running and back-running are common issues. As you delve into these topics, it’s important to understand how they can affect users and developers within the ecosystem.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flashbots and Front-Running Attacks</h3>
<p>Front-running occurs when someone—such as a miner or a node—takes advantage of their position within the network to exploit transaction orderings for their own benefit. </p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f916.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Flashbots</strong> are a recent development that aims to address this issue by introducing a fairer environment for all participants. These bots work by transparently allowing searchers to compete for MEV rewards through <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/frontrunners-and-mev-explained-how-to-beat-the-bots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">o</a><a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/frontrunners-and-mev-explained-how-to-beat-the-bots">rder flow auctions</a>.</p>
<p>To avoid being a victim of front-running attacks, familiarize yourself with the concept of <a href="https://zmok-io.medium.com/ethereum-mev-techniques-front-running-back-running-arbitrage-sandwich-and-liquidations-after-dc2ee0b46485">MEV activity</a> and consider using tools that safeguard your transactions. Keep in mind that Ethereum developers are already addressing this issue through various mempool design improvements.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Back-Running and Chain Reorgs</h3>
<p>Back-running, on the other hand, involves the execution of concurrent transactions that aim to capitalize on another user’s desired transaction. It poses a similar threat as front-running and is often tied to <a href="http://messari.io/article/understanding-mev" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chain reorgs</a> where multiple transactions are reorganized within the blockchain.</p>
<p>Knowledge about back-running can help you stay aware of potential risks associated with certain transactions, and may encourage you to engage with projects that actively combat these issues.</p>
<p>The expansion of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2021/07/27/how-to-fix-ethereums-mev-problem-and-give-traders-the-best-price/" target="_blank">Flash Boys 2.0</a> and other efforts focusing on the mitigation of front-running and back-running risks indicates that the Ethereum community is dedicated to addressing these concerns.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addressing MEV Challenges</h2>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="668" src="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-109-1024x668.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1350838" srcset="https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-109-1024x668.png 1024w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...00x196.png 300w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...68x501.png 768w, https://blog.finxter.com/wp-content/uplo...ge-109.png 1140w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Merge</h3>
<p>The Merge has offered new opportunities to address MEV challenges. Ethereum researchers are working on the proposer-builder separation, which separates the role of validators into two distinct functions:</p>
<ul>
<li><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Proposers</strong>: Responsible for creating blocks and providing transaction ordering</li>
<li><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f477.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Builders</strong>: Responsible for collecting and packaging transactions into block candidates</li>
</ul>
<p>Separating these roles reduces the risk of validator centralization, and the incentives for harmful actions like eclipse attacks and DDoS attacks are minimized. This new structure will provide a level playing field for all validators, ensuring a healthier network for you and other Ethereum users.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alternative Solutions to MEV Problems</h3>
<p>Ethereum researchers are exploring alternative approaches to address MEV-related problems. One such solution is <a href="https://www.blocknative.com/blog/mev-smoothing-vs-burning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV smoothing</a>. </p>
<p class="has-global-color-8-background-color has-background"><strong>MEV smoothing</strong> involves evenly distributing the MEV revenue to a larger group of participants, preventing any single validator from receiving a disproportionately high reward. This can help reduce validator centralization further and enhance the security of the Ethereum network. </p>
<p>For example, <a href="https://rocketpool.net/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketpool.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocketpool</a> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f680.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> has already distributed a decentralized staking mechanism with smoothing pool for MEV.</p>
<p>Another solution currently under development is the <a href="https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/ethereum-mev-burn-upgrade-could-reap-big-rewards-for-investors-202305092355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEV-burn upgrade</a>, which aims to redistribute extracted value to Ethereum users by burning a portion of the MEV rather than passing it to validators. This upgrade is conceptually similar to EIP-1559 and aims to make the Ethereum network more equitable for its users.</p>
<p>Chain reorgs are another MEV-related concern. However, with the Proof-of-Stake model and the proposer-builder separation, the potential for chain reorgs should be significantly reduced. This will help maintain the integrity of the Ethereum network and protect your transactions from being manipulated.</p>
<p>In conclusion, addressing MEV challenges is a priority for Ethereum researchers, and various solutions are being developed to safeguard the network and improve your experience as an Ethereum user.</p>
<p class="has-base-2-background-color has-background"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f680.png" alt="?" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Recommended</strong>: <a href="https://blog.finxter.com/ethereum-top-10-articles-to-get-started/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://blog.finxter.com/ethereum-top-10-articles-to-get-started/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum – Top 10 Articles to Get Started</a></p>
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