MetaMask

MetaMask is a self-custodial crypto wallet and consumer finance platform originating in 2016, co-founded by Dan Finlay and Kumavis. It expanded from a browser wallet connecting users to Ethereum EthereumEthereum is an open, general-purpose smart contract blockchain that launched in 2015, and its native asset is ether (ETH). The project was proposed by Vitalik Buterin and advanced jointly by eight co-founders; the network now uses proof of stake and centers on the EVM, the account model, a rollup scaling roadmap, and the open EIP process.Open the full entry applications into multichain asset management and stablecoin payments. On September 9, 2026, Consensys Software Inc. announced its rebranding as MetaMask and independent operation under Chairman and CEO Joseph Lubin Joseph LubinJoseph Lubin is a co-founder of Ethereum, the founder of Consensys, and the chairman of SharpLink. After the separation plan announced in September 2026, he serves as chairman and chief executive officer of MetaMask and as executive chairman of the new Consensys. With a background in software, robotics, cryptographic payments, and financial technology, he provided early funding and organizational support to Ethereum and went on to drive the development of related ecosystem software and infrastructure.Open the full entry.

Contents11 sections

Key facts

2016The Wallet Project Begins

Dan Finlay and Kumavis co-founded MetaMask in 2016, initially as a browser wallet connecting users to Ethereum applications. The product subsequently added mobile access and networks including Bitcoin and Solana, while allowing users to control wallet access and asset operations themselves.⁠[1]

September 12, 2023Snaps Open Beta

MetaMask Snaps entered open beta on September 12, 2023, allowing third-party developers to add transaction insights, connections to other networks and notifications. It initially used a reviewed allowlist before gradually widening access.⁠[2]

June 28, 2024Litigation over Swaps and Staking

On June 28, 2024, the SEC sued operator Consensys Software Inc. over MetaMask Swaps and Staking, alleging unregistered brokerage activity and unregistered securities offers and sales.⁠[3]

March 27, 2025Securities Case Dismissed

On March 27, 2025, the SEC and Consensys jointly dismissed the case with prejudice, preventing the same claims from being brought again. The SEC attributed the decision to a change in regulatory policy and expressly said it did not assess the merits of the case.⁠[4]

June 2, 2025Adding Web3Auth Capabilities

In June 2025, Consensys acquired Web3Auth, bringing key management and embedded-wallet technology into MetaMask’s product development. Integration priorities included simpler onboarding, improved wallet recovery and login, and related developer tools.⁠[5]

April 22, 2026Dan Finlay Departs

On April 22, 2026, Dan Finlay announced his departure from Consensys. He said he had worked on MetaMask for more than a decade and wanted to rest and spend time with family, while expressing support for the team.⁠[6]

June 30, 2026Money Account Launch

On June 30, 2026, MetaMask launched Money Account on Monad, linking mUSD stablecoin balances to earning, trading and payments, including MetaMask Card. Its yield features use Veda’s infrastructure and Steakhouse’s risk-management services.⁠[7]

Money Account retains a self-custodial design and is an onchain financial product, not an FDIC-insured bank deposit account. Returns depend on underlying DeFi strategies and market conditions and are neither fixed nor guaranteed.⁠[7]

July 14, 2026Tenth Anniversary and Consumer Platform Strategy

In its July 14, 2026 anniversary announcement, MetaMask disclosed more than 100 million cumulative downloads across approximately 190 countries and appointed Gal Eldar Chief Product Officer. Downloads measure cumulative product distribution as reported by the company, rather than active users.⁠[1]

September 9, 2026Independent Company Operations

On September 9, 2026, Consensys Software Inc. announced its rebranding as MetaMask under Chairman and CEO Joseph Lubin, focused on self-custodial consumer finance. The protocols and institutional infrastructure businesses, including Linea, were to form a new company retaining the Consensys name. Completion of the separation was expected by year-end.⁠[8]

MetaMask announced independent operations the same day. Existing wallets, assets, keys and access did not require migration or resetting because of the corporate changes. The platform planned further asset-management, payments and financial services development, with the new Consensys remaining an institutional channel partner.⁠[9]

October 29, 2026Stellar Becomes a Default Network

MetaMask made Stellar StellarStellar is an open payment and asset-issuance network launched by Jed McCaleb and Joyce Kim in July 2014. Its native asset is the lumen (XLM). Using the Stellar Consensus Protocol's federated Byzantine agreement model, it connects financial institutions, anchors, stablecoins and cross-border payments. Soroban smart contracts were introduced in 2024.Open the full entry a default network in Mobile and Extension. Existing accounts gain an address derived from their recovery phrase, with support for holding, sending and receiving XLM, trustline assets and Soroban tokens, and swaps with other supported networks.⁠[10]