A Structural Upgrade: Introducing the Manual Pathway Metaallocator

The Filecoin Plus (Fil+) program is evolving—and with it, the way we manage DataCap distribution. In collaboration with the governance team, FIDL is supporting the creation of a Manual Pathway Metaallocator: a structural change designed to improve how DataCap is distributed to manual allocators.

This isn’t just another piece of infrastructure—it’s a step toward the long-term vision for Fil+: scalable, accountable, and modular Datacap allocation.

Why We’re Doing This

In the original design of the Fil+ allocator system, the idea was to create a tree-like structure, where Metaallocators manage a group of child allocators. The Metaallocator acts as the point of accountability, oversight, and efficiency: Root Key Holders (RKHs) allocate DataCap to Metaallocators, who in turn manage the allocators under them.

Until recently, that vision wasn’t technically possible—we didn’t have the smart contract infrastructure needed to support Metaallocator logic. That changed when FIDL took on the development of these smart contracts, which are now audited by Composable Security and tested in production through the Automated Metaallocator on faucet.allocator.tech.

We’re now ready to extend that functionality to the Manual Pathway Metaallocator.

The Problem Today

Today, every manual allocator—and every DataCap top-up—requires individual review and approval by the governance team, followed by a request to Root Key Holders to execute the allocation. While this process ensures oversight, it also introduces unnecessary complexity and delay. Inconsistent timelines, duplicated effort, and risk of clerical errors all add friction.

With a growing number of allocators awaiting refresh, we need a better solution—one that scales with the program while still ensuring transparency and trust.

The Manual Pathway Metaallocator

The Manual Pathway Metaallocator will take on the role of managing all manual allocators under a single smart contract, administered by the governance team. If approved, the contract will receive an initial allocation of 100 PiB of DataCap from the Root Key Holders.

This structure aligns manual allocation with the pathway-based design already used in the automated and market-based tracks, making the overall program more coherent and easier to manage.

Benefits:

• Fewer touchpoints with Root Key Holders: Governance can top up allocators directly from the Metaallocator.

• Faster response times: Audits and re-allocations can be handled more efficiently.

• Better traceability: Centralized oversight simplifies monitoring and reporting.

• A step toward standardization: Manual allocation joins the pathway framework already used elsewhere in Fil+.

Here’s how the architecture will change:

Current (no Metaallocator):

Proposed (with Manual Pathway Metaallocator):

What Happens Next

To make this change, the governance team will:

1. Gather community feedback on the proposal (you can follow along here).

2. Submit a Metaallocator application, as required by the governance process.

3. Request the Root Key Holders to approve a 100 PiB allocation to the contract.

FIDL will deploy and maintain the smart contract that will serve as the Manual Pathway Metaallocator. As with all Metaallocators, reporting, visibility, and accountability remain top priorities.

Building the Future of Fil+ Allocation

The Manual Pathway Metaallocator is not just a structural upgrade—it’s an operational improvement that reflects the maturity of the Fil+ program. By creating consistent, scalable mechanisms for allocation, we’re reducing friction for allocators and ensuring the governance team can focus on strategic oversight instead of transactional coordination.

We believe this is a meaningful step forward, and we’re excited to work with the community to make it happen.

If you’re a manual allocator, builder, or community contributor with thoughts on the proposal, we welcome your feedback on the governance repo.