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Create Your Vault

Now that you know what operating a Vault involves, 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
IconTest on Hoodi First

To try the full Vault setup on a testnet, open Settings (gear icon) in the StakeWise App and enable Show Testnets. Then switch to the Hoodi network to create and test your Vault before going to mainnet.

You'll need some Hoodi ETH to cover gas fees. Get testnet ETH from a faucet:

Step 1: Configure Vault Parameters​

Configure your Vault with the following settings:

  • Vault Capacity – Set maximum ETH capacity (default: unlimited ∞).
  • Vault Fee – Set the fee percentage your Vault will charge from staking rewards.
  • Vault Token – Enable a tradeable ERC-20 token (requires name & symbol)
  • Private Vault – Restrict to approved wallets only
  • Block List – Prevent specific addresses from depositing
IconSettings After Creation

The Vault fee can be updated after creation via Settings → Vault fee → Edit → Save. If you've made your Vault private or added a block list, you can add/remove authorized addresses via Vault access → Edit → Save.

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 Updated

Update branding anytime via Settings → Branding → Edit → Save.

Step 4: Summary​

Review all your settings before final submission. This is your last chance to verify everything is correct, including 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.

Where to Find Your Vault Address​

You'll need your Vault address to configure and run the Operator Service.

Navigate to your Vault page — the address is included in the URL:

https://stakewise.io/vault/mainnet/0x1234567890abcdef...
                                   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
                                    Your Vault Address
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