YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Blockchain researcher Max Resnick has moved from Ethereum infrastructure firm Consensys to Solana research firm Anza, starting his new position on December 9. He confirmed the move on X, saying,
Resnick plans to spend his first 100 days developing technical specifications, focusing on Solana’s fee market and consensus mechanisms, areas where he believes he can contribute effectively. These efforts align with Anza’s broader goal of enhancing Solana’s Agave client, which aims to improve the network’s resiliency and uptime.
Resnick previously served as head of research in the Special Mechanisms Group at ConsenSys, a position he held since February 2023.
Resnick’s criticism of Ethereum’s approach to scaling
During his time at Consensys, Max Resnick criticized Ethereum’s scaling strategy. He believed that focusing too much on second-layer solutions was a mistake and suggested that Ethereum should prioritize base-layer scalability, similar to Solana’s approach.
His departure has sparked mixed reactions in the blockchain community. Ethereum advocate Ryan Berckmans commented on X:
“Critics like Max often claim that Ethereum needs to become more like Solana.”
Beckmans pointed out the irony that Resnick is now working at Solana to replicate ethereum’s research culture and client diversity.
In a past appearance on the Ethereum show Bankless, Resnick discussed Solana’s architecture. When asked if he would join Solana, he said that modifying Solana’s consensus rules was largely beyond his control.
Solana's technology goals gain momentum
At Anza, Resnick’s contributions are expected to advance Solana’s technical roadmap, particularly through improvements to the fee market and consensus mechanism. Anza is responsible for developing Solana’s Agave client, which aims to improve the stability and performance of the network.
Prominent figures including Ethereum’s Joe Lubin and Solana’s Anatoly Yakovenko have highlighted Resnick’s shift as a boon to blockchain innovation, arguing that his work could spur collaboration and technological advancement between the two ecosystems.
Resnick’s advisory role and its impact on blockchain expansion
Despite leaving Ethereum, Resnick will retain his advisory role at Consensys as a researcher. He praised the Special Mechanisms Group, emphasizing its continued contribution to blockchain research. Resnick also recognized new team members such as Mallesh Pai, who are expected to further develop the Ethereum ecosystem.
Resnick was ranked as the 34th most influential crypto personality on X over the past month, according to Kaito AI. His move to Solana’s Anza has turned attention to the platform’s technology roadmap and scalability features, adding weight to the ongoing debate about blockchain’s scaling methods.