Consensys Software Inc. announced plans to separate into two independent companies by year-end 2026, creating distinct entities for consumer and institutional markets.
The existing corporate entity will rebrand as MetaMask, operating the self-custody platform and consumer products under co-founder Joe Lubin as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. MetaMask maintains its Ethereum-first, multi-chain approach, with over 100 million downloads and trillions of dollars in cumulative transaction volume across approximately 190 countries.
Consensys's Protocols Group and institutional infrastructure business will form a new company retaining the Consensys name. Mike Kriak will serve as Chief Executive Officer, with David Cunningham as President. Joe Lubin will hold Executive Chairman roles in both entities. The new Consensys will operate infrastructure including Linea, Besu, and Teku clients, focusing on tokenization, stablecoins, and digital asset integration for banks and asset managers.
The split reflects diverging market trajectories. Consumer self-custody has shifted from early adoption to mainstream behavior, while institutional demand has moved beyond pilots into production deployments. Each organization will operate independently with dedicated leadership and investment strategies.
