# Operator Marketplace

We've learned about the Global Standard that Geode has created to establish a trustless marketplace between Staking Pools and Node Operators:

{% content-ref url="the-staking-library" %}
[the-staking-library](https://docs.geode.fi/the-staking-library)
{% endcontent-ref %}

Now, let's take a look at the underlying mechanism to see how this marketplace operates. 

## An Open Marketplace

<figure><img src="https://2485428749-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fw9Axw7FT11SMG7vNQwDN%2Fuploads%2F69YLwvvcgAgjssLnKn11%2Fmarketplace.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=4cf2a7b8-a1fd-49f8-b233-b6ade0e73f51" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Currently, there are 2 parties in this marketplace:&#x20;

* Configurable Staking Pools&#x20;
* Node Operators

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">In an open market that is regulated well, one's benefit is everyone's benefit.</mark>
{% endhint %}

### A validator's Lifecycle

{% content-ref url="operator-marketplace/a-validators-lifecycle" %}
[a-validators-lifecycle](https://docs.geode.fi/operator-marketplace/a-validators-lifecycle)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### Regulating the Marketplace

{% content-ref url="operator-marketplace/regulating-the-marketplace" %}
[regulating-the-marketplace](https://docs.geode.fi/operator-marketplace/regulating-the-marketplace)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## 1. Configurable Staking Pools

| Profit                           | Expense  |
| -------------------------------- | -------- |
| Pool maintenance fee, up to 10%. | Gas cost |

### Staking pools are permissionless.&#x20;

Anyone can create a staking pool with Portal.

During the creation process, a pool is configured with certain options like maintainer, interface, maintenance fee, etc.&#x20;

Some of these configurations can be changed later by the controller.&#x20;

### Local and Global Security&#x20;

When a staking pool is created via Geode's Portal, it uses it's own isolated storage. This storage is protected from governance attacks by **Dual Governance**.&#x20;

After a validator is created, Portal holds no ownership on the pooled funds. It is simply transferred to a unique **Withdrawal Contract** guarded by the pool's controller.

#### Pool Maintenance Fee

{% content-ref url="operator-marketplace/maintenance-fee" %}
[maintenance-fee](https://docs.geode.fi/operator-marketplace/maintenance-fee)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## 2. Permissioned Node Operators

| Profit                            | Expenses              |
| --------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| Up to 10% of the staking rewards. | Operational expenses. |
| Up to 10% of the MEV.             | Gas cost.             |
| Up to 10% of the Block Rewards.   | Infrastructure cost.  |

Permissioned Node Operators are allowed to create and operate validators on behalf of the staking pools without any collateral.

#### Onboarding New Operators to the Marketplace

{% content-ref url="operator-marketplace/onboarding-new-operators" %}
[onboarding-new-operators](https://docs.geode.fi/operator-marketplace/onboarding-new-operators)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## 3. Permissionless Node Operators

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">This topic is currently under construction. Check out the Degen Operators (WIP) for further information.</mark>
{% endhint %}