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Where to Start: Create Your Vault

Now that you know what operating a Vault involves — and the opportunities it opens beyond native staking — let's create one.

Creating a Vault is done via the StakeWise UI and takes just a few minutes. If you're not sure about the exact parameters for your Vault, reach out to the StakeWise team for personalized guidance. Once your Vault is created, you can set up the validator infrastructure and launch the Operator Service to begin your operator journey.

Getting Started​

  1. Navigate to the StakeWise App ↗ and go to the Operate page
  2. Click the Create Vault button to begin the setup process

Step 1: Configure Vault Parameters​

IconPermanent Settings

Most of these settings cannot be changed later. Choose carefully before proceeding.

Configure your Vault parameters:

  • Vault Capacity – Set maximum ETH capacity (default: unlimited ∞). Learn more →
  • Vault Fee – Set the fee percent your Vault will charge from users staking rewards
  • Vault Token – Enable tradeable ERC-20 token (requires name & symbol)
  • Private Vault – Restrict to approved wallets only
  • Block List – Prevent specific addresses from depositing
IconVault Fees Updates

Vault fees → can be set during creation and updated later.

Step 2: Block Rewards Destination​

Choose how block rewards are distributed. This is a permanent decision.

Most operators choose Smoothing Pool for stable returns, while Vault Escrow gives you full control but with volatile rewards. See MEV Strategy → for details.

Step 3: Add Branding​

Customize your Vault's appearance with name, description, and logo.

IconBranding Can Be Changed Later

Unlike Vault parameters, you can update branding anytime via your Vault interface: press Settings → Branding → Edit → Save.

Step 4: Summary​

Review all your settings before final submission. This is your last chance to verify everything is correct, such as name, type, MEV strategy, fees, and capacity.

Click Create Vault to submit your configuration and create the Vault.

Step 5: Transaction Confirmation​

Confirm the transaction in your wallet to deploy your Vault. Once the transaction confirms, your Vault is live and visible on the Operate page! 🎉

Next Steps​

You can update branding, adjust fees, and assign roles on your Vault page in Settings and for private Vault, you can add/remove addresses authorized to deposit in Vault access. To get your Vault verified for better visibility, reach out to us.

Your Vault is created but not yet operational — it needs node clients and the Operator Service to start accepting deposits and registering validators. Follow the Launch Operator Service V4 → guide to set everything up.

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