Crypto Staking Explained: Complete Beginner Guide 2025

What is Crypto Staking?

Crypto staking is the process of participating in a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain network by locking up your cryptocurrency to help validate transactions and secure the network. In return for this service, you earn rewards in the form of additional cryptocurrency tokens.

Think of staking as earning interest on your crypto holdings while contributing to the network's security and decentralisation. Unlike proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin that require energy-intensive mining, proof-of-stake networks rely on validators who "stake" their tokens as collateral to process transactions.

The Evolution from Mining to Staking

Staking represents a fundamental shift in how blockchain networks achieve consensus:

• Proof-of-Work (Bitcoin): Miners compete using computational power to solve cryptographic puzzles
• Proof-of-Stake (Ethereum 2.0): Validators are chosen to create blocks based on their stake size and other factors

This transition offers several advantages:

• Energy Efficiency: 99.95% less energy consumption compared to mining
• Lower Barriers: No need for expensive mining hardware
• Passive Income: Earn rewards simply by holding and staking tokens
• Network Security: Economic incentives align validators with network health

Key Staking Concepts

Validators: Network participants who propose and validate new blocks
Delegators: Token holders who delegate their stake to validators
Slashing: Penalty mechanism for malicious or negligent validator behavior
Unbonding Period: Time required to withdraw staked tokens
APY (Annual Percentage Yield): Expected yearly return from staking

How Staking Works: The Technical Process

The Validator Selection Process

In proof-of-stake networks, validators are chosen to propose new blocks through various mechanisms:

Randomized Selection

Most PoS networks use pseudo-random selection algorithms that consider:

• Stake Size: Larger stakes increase selection probability
• Coin Age: How long tokens have been staked
• Randomization: Prevents predictable patterns

Block Validation Process

• Selection: Algorithm chooses a validator to propose the next block
• Proposal: Selected validator creates a block with pending transactions
• Attestation: Other validators verify and vote on the proposed block
• Finalization: Block is added to the blockchain once consensus is reached
• Rewards: Participating validators receive rewards for their work

Reward Distribution Mechanisms

Staking rewards come from multiple sources:

Block Rewards

New tokens created by the protocol and distributed to validators. These are typically:

• Fixed: Predetermined amount per block (like Cardano)
• Variable: Adjusted based on network conditions (like Ethereum)
• Inflationary: Increase total token supply
• Deflationary: Some networks burn tokens to offset inflation

Transaction Fees

Validators earn fees from transactions they include in blocks. Fee structures vary:

• Gas Fees: Users pay for computational resources (Ethereum)
• Priority Fees: Extra payments for faster transaction processing
• MEV (Maximal Extractable Value): Profits from transaction ordering

Types of Staking: Complete Overview

1. Native (Solo) Staking

Running your own validator node gives you maximum control and rewards but requires technical expertise and significant capital.

Requirements for Native Staking

Ethereum 2.0 Example:

• Minimum Stake: 32 ETH (~$75,000 at current prices)
• Hardware: Dedicated computer with reliable internet
• Technical Skills: Command line, server management, security practices
• Uptime: 99%+ availability to avoid penalties

Advantages:

• Maximum rewards (no commission fees)
• Full control over validator operations
• Direct contribution to network decentralization
• Governance voting rights

Disadvantages:

• High capital requirements
• Technical complexity and maintenance
• Slashing risk from operational mistakes
• No liquidity during staking period

2. Delegated Staking

Most popular method where you delegate your tokens to existing validators while retaining ownership.

Popular Delegated Staking Networks

• Cardano (ADA): 4.5-5.2% APY, no minimum, no lock-up
• Solana (SOL): 6.8-7.5% APY, ~2.5 day unbonding
• Cosmos (ATOM): 10-14% APY, 21-day unbonding
• Polkadot (DOT): 10-14% APY, 28-day unbonding
• Tezos (XTZ): 5-6% APY, flexible delegation

3. Liquid Staking (Revolutionary Innovation)

Liquid staking protocols solve the liquidity problem by issuing derivative tokens representing your staked assets.

How Liquid Staking Works

• Deposit: Send ETH to liquid staking protocol
• Receive Derivative: Get stETH, rETH, or similar token
• Earn Rewards: Derivative token appreciates or rebases
• Maintain Liquidity: Trade derivative on DEXs anytime
• Compound: Use derivative in other DeFi protocols

Leading Liquid Staking Protocols

Lido Finance (Market Leader)

• Assets: ETH, SOL, MATIC, DOT
• TVL: $25+ billion
• Token: stETH (rebasing) or wstETH (wrapped)
• Yield: ~3.8% APY on ETH
• Pros: Largest liquidity, DeFi integration
• Cons: Centralization concerns, smart contract risk

Rocket Pool (Decentralized Alternative)

• Assets: ETH only
• TVL: $3+ billion
• Token: rETH (appreciating)
• Yield: ~3.5% APY on ETH
• Pros: More decentralized, permissionless
• Cons: Smaller liquidity, higher complexity

4. CeFi Staking (Centralised Platforms)

Cryptocurrency exchanges and lending platforms offer simplified staking services.

Popular CeFi Staking Platforms

Binance Earn

• Assets: 100+ cryptocurrencies
• Yield: 1-20% APY depending on asset
• Flexibility: Flexible and locked staking options
• Minimum: As low as $1

Coinbase Earn

• Assets: ETH, ADA, SOL, ATOM, XTZ
• Yield: 2-5% APY (lower than native)
• Regulation: US-regulated, FDIC insurance on USD
• Ease: One-click staking

Comprehensive Risk & Reward Analysis

Staking Rewards by Network (2025)

Detailed Risk Analysis

1. Slashing Risk

Validators can lose part of their stake for malicious or negligent behaviour:

Common Slashing Conditions:

• Double Signing: Validator signs conflicting blocks
• Downtime: Extended periods offline (varies by network)
• Invalid Attestations: Voting for incorrect chain state
• Equivocation: Contradictory messages to the network

2. Smart Contract and Protocol Risks

DeFi staking protocols introduce additional technical risks:

Smart Contract Vulnerabilities:

• Code Bugs: Programming errors leading to fund loss
• Economic Exploits: Manipulation of protocol mechanics
• Governance Attacks: Malicious protocol changes
• Oracle Failures: Price feed manipulation

3. Market and Liquidity Risks

Cryptocurrency volatility affects staking returns:

Price Volatility Impact:

• Positive Scenario: 5% staking yield + 50% price appreciation = 55% total return
• Negative Scenario: 5% staking yield - 30% price decline = -25% total return

Best Staking Platforms 2025: Detailed Comparison

Liquid Staking Leaders

Lido Finance - Market Dominator

Overview: The largest liquid staking protocol with over $25 billion TVL

Supported Assets:

• Ethereum (stETH) - 3.8% APY
• Solana (stSOL) - 6.5% APY
• Polygon (stMATIC) - 4.2% APY
• Polkadot (stDOT) - 12% APY

Rocket Pool - Decentralized Alternative

Overview: Community-driven protocol emphasizing decentralization

Key Features:

• Permissionless node operation
• Distributed validator set
• rETH appreciates against ETH over time
• Lower protocol fees (0.05% vs Lido's 10%)

CeFi Staking Champions

Binance Earn - Comprehensive Platform

Staking Options:

• Flexible Savings: 1-8% APY, withdraw anytime
• Locked Staking: 5-20% APY, fixed terms (15-90 days)
• DeFi Staking: Direct protocol staking through Binance

Coinbase Earn - Beginner Friendly

Advantages for Beginners:

• One-click staking activation
• FDIC insurance on USD balances
• Educational resources
• Regulatory compliance in US

Advanced Staking Strategies

Portfolio Allocation Models

Strategic approaches to building a diversified staking portfolio:

Conservative Model (Low Risk)

• 40% Ethereum: Liquid staking through Lido or Rocket Pool
• 30% Cardano: Native delegation, no lock-up
• 20% Solana: High-quality validators, short unbonding
• 10% Stablecoins: CeFi platforms for steady yield
• Target APY: 4-6% with lower volatility

Balanced Model (Moderate Risk)

• 25% Ethereum: Mix of liquid and native staking
• 20% Cardano: Multiple pool delegation
• 20% Solana: Diversified validator selection
• 15% Polkadot: Nomination pools
• 10% Cosmos: Hub and ecosystem tokens
• 10% Emerging Networks: Higher risk/reward protocols
• Target APY: 6-10% with moderate volatility

Aggressive Model (High Risk)

• 20% Ethereum: Leveraged liquid staking strategies
• 15% Solana: MEV-optimized validators
• 15% Polkadot: Parachain staking
• 15% Cosmos: High-yield ecosystem tokens
• 15% Avalanche: Subnet validation
• 10% Near Protocol: Emerging DeFi integration
• 10% Experimental: New protocols and testnets
• Target APY: 10-20% with high volatility

Yield Optimization Techniques

Compound Staking Strategies

Automated Compounding:

• Platform Selection: Choose platforms with auto-compounding
• Frequency Optimization: Balance gas costs vs compound frequency
• Threshold Management: Set minimum amounts before compounding
• Tax Efficiency: Consider tax implications of frequent compounding

Manual Compounding Optimization:

• Gas Price Monitoring: Compound during low-fee periods
• Batch Operations: Combine multiple actions in single transaction
• Cross-Chain Arbitrage: Move rewards to higher-yield opportunities
• Seasonal Timing: Optimize for tax year and market cycles

Multi-Chain Yield Farming

Cross-Chain Opportunities:

• Bridge Strategies: Move assets to chains with higher yields
• Ecosystem Tokens: Stake native tokens on their home chains
• Liquid Staking Arbitrage: Trade liquid staking tokens across chains
• Governance Participation: Earn additional rewards through voting

Risk Management Framework

Diversification Strategies

Network Diversification:

• Consensus Mechanisms: Mix PoS variants (PBFT, DPoS, NPoS)
• Geographic Distribution: Validators in different regions
• Development Teams: Avoid concentration in single foundation
• Use Case Diversity: Smart contracts, payments, DeFi, gaming

Validator Diversification:

• Performance Metrics: Mix of high and moderate performers
• Commission Rates: Balance low fees with sustainability
• Stake Distribution: Avoid over-concentrated validators
• Infrastructure Diversity: Different hosting providers and locations

Hedging Strategies

Price Risk Mitigation:

• Stablecoin Allocation: Maintain 10-20% in stable assets
• Derivatives Hedging: Use futures or options to hedge price risk
• Dollar-Cost Averaging: Regular staking regardless of price
• Profit Taking: Systematic reward harvesting during bull markets

Tax-Efficient Staking

Jurisdiction Optimization

Tax-Friendly Locations:

• Portugal: No capital gains tax on crypto (as of 2025)
• Singapore: No capital gains tax for individuals
• Switzerland: Favorable crypto tax treatment
• Puerto Rico: US territory with crypto tax incentives

Timing Strategies

Tax Year Optimization:

• Reward Timing: Claim rewards in low-income years
• Loss Harvesting: Realize losses to offset staking income
• Long-Term Holding: Qualify for capital gains treatment
• Entity Structures: Consider corporate or trust structures

Getting Started with Staking

Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

• Choose Your Approach: Decide between CeFi simplicity or DeFi control
• Select Assets: Start with major networks (ETH, ADA, SOL)
• Pick Platform: Research fees, security, and reputation
• Start Small: Begin with 5-10% of your crypto portfolio
• Monitor Performance: Track rewards and validator performance
• Diversify: Spread across multiple validators and networks

Platform Selection Framework

Choose Based on Your Profile

Complete Beginner:

• Start with Coinbase Earn or Binance Earn
• Focus on major assets (ETH, ADA, SOL)
• Begin with small amounts to learn

Intermediate User:

• Explore Lido for liquid staking
• Try native delegation on Cardano or Solana
• Diversify across multiple platforms

Advanced User:

• Consider solo staking for maximum rewards
• Use Rocket Pool for decentralized liquid staking
• Explore smaller networks for higher yields

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crypto staking?

Crypto staking is the process of locking up digital assets to help secure a blockchain network and earn rewards. It's the foundation of proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms, where validators are chosen to create new blocks based on their stake size and other factors.

Is staking safe?

Staking carries risks such as slashing (penalties for validator misbehaviour), protocol bugs, and asset volatility. However, using reputable providers, diversifying across validators, and understanding the risks can help minimise potential losses. The risk level varies significantly between different networks and staking methods.

Which are the best staking platforms in 2025?

Popular staking platforms in 2025 include Lido (liquid staking leader), Rocket Pool (decentralised alternative), Binance Earn (comprehensive CeFi), and Coinbase (beginner-friendly). Each has trade-offs in yield, risk, decentralisation, and ease of use. The best choice depends on your experience level and priorities.

Can I lose money staking?

Yes, you can lose money staking through several mechanisms:

• Asset price decline: If ETH drops 30%, your staking rewards won't offset the loss
• Slashing penalties: Validators can lose 0.5-100% of stake for misbehaviour
• Smart contract bugs: DeFi protocols can be exploited
• Opportunity cost: Missing better investment opportunities during lock-up

What's the difference between liquid staking and regular staking?

Regular staking locks your tokens with no liquidity until you unbond them. Liquid staking provides a tradable derivative token (like stETH) representing your staked assets, allowing you to:

• Trade the derivative token anytime
• Use it as collateral in DeFi
• Earn additional yields through lending or liquidity provision
• Avoid long unbonding periods

How much can I earn from staking?

Staking yields vary by network and market conditions:

• Ethereum: 3.2-4.1% APY
• Cardano: 4.5-5.2% APY
• Solana: 6.8-7.5% APY
• Polkadot: 10-14% APY
• Cosmos: 10-14% APY

Remember that higher yields often come with higher risks.

Do I need technical knowledge to stake?

It depends on your chosen method:

• CeFi platforms: No technical knowledge needed
• Liquid staking: Basic DeFi understanding helpful
• Native delegation: Moderate technical skills
• Solo staking: Advanced technical expertise required

What's the minimum amount needed to start staking?

Minimum staking amounts vary significantly by network and method:

• Ethereum solo staking: 32 ETH (~$75,000)
• Ethereum liquid staking: 0.01 ETH (~$25)
• Cardano: 10 ADA (~$5)
• Solana: 0.01 SOL (~$2)
• CeFi platforms: Often as low as $1

How often are staking rewards paid?

Reward frequency depends on the network and staking method:

• Ethereum: Every 6.4 minutes (each slot)
• Cardano: Every 5 days (epoch)
• Solana: Every 2-3 days (epoch)
• Polkadot: Every 24 hours (era)
• CeFi platforms: Daily or weekly distribution

Can I stake multiple cryptocurrencies at once?

Yes, diversifying across multiple staking assets is recommended:

• Risk reduction: Spread risk across different networks
• Yield optimization: Capture different APY rates
• Technology exposure: Benefit from various blockchain innovations
• Correlation benefits: Different assets may perform independently

What happens if a validator gets slashed?

Slashing penalties affect validators and their delegators differently:

• Solo stakers: Direct penalty on your 32 ETH stake
• Delegated staking: Proportional penalty shared among delegators
• Liquid staking: Protocol may have insurance or penalty sharing
• CeFi platforms: Platform typically absorbs slashing costs

Is staking income taxable?

Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction but generally:

• Income tax: Staking rewards often taxed as ordinary income
• Capital gains: Selling staked assets triggers capital gains tax
• Timing: Tax may be due when rewards are received, not sold
• Record keeping: Track all rewards and their fair market value
• Professional advice: Consult tax professionals for your situation

Staking Market Analysis 2025

Total Value Locked (TVL) in Staking

The staking market has experienced explosive growth, with total staked value exceeding $150 billion across all networks in 2025:

Market Leaders by TVL

• Ethereum: $45+ billion staked (28% of total supply)
• Solana: $25+ billion staked (65% of total supply)
• Cardano: $18+ billion staked (70% of total supply)
• Polkadot: $8+ billion staked (55% of total supply)
• Cosmos: $6+ billion staked (60% of total supply)

Institutional Adoption Trends

Institutional participation in staking has grown significantly:

Major Institutional Players

• Coinbase: $8+ billion in customer staking assets
• Kraken: $4+ billion in staking services
• Binance: $12+ billion across multiple staking products
• Lido: $25+ billion in liquid staking protocols
• Traditional Finance: Banks and asset managers entering space

Regulatory Developments

• United States: SEC guidance on staking services
• European Union: MiCA regulation covering staking providers
• United Kingdom: FCA framework for crypto staking
• Asia-Pacific: Varied approaches across jurisdictions

Technology Evolution

Liquid Staking Derivatives (LSDs)

Liquid staking has revolutionised the staking landscape:

• Market Size: $35+ billion in liquid staking tokens
• DeFi Integration: LSDs used as collateral across protocols
• Yield Stacking: Earning staking rewards plus DeFi yields
• Composability: Building complex financial products

Restaking Innovation

EigenLayer and similar protocols enable restaking for additional yields:

• Concept: Reuse staked ETH to secure other protocols
• Additional Rewards: Earn from multiple services simultaneously
• Increased Risk: Additional slashing conditions
• Market Potential: $10+ billion TVL expected by end of 2025

Future Outlook

Network Upgrades and Improvements

• Ethereum: Continued scaling with Layer 2 integration
• Cardano: Hydra scaling and governance improvements
• Solana: Network stability and validator improvements
• Polkadot: Parachain slot auctions and cross-chain features

Emerging Trends

• Cross-chain staking: Stake assets on multiple chains
• AI-optimized staking: Automated validator selection
• ESG considerations: Environmental impact of different consensus mechanisms
• Institutional products: Custody and compliance solutions

Security and Best Practices

Validator Selection Criteria

Choosing the right validator is crucial for maximising rewards and minimising risks:

Performance Metrics

• Uptime: Look for 99%+ uptime history
• Commission rates: Balance low fees with sustainability
• Stake size: Avoid over-concentrated validators
• Slashing history: Check for past penalties
• Community reputation: Research validator background

Infrastructure Assessment

• Geographic distribution: Validators in different regions
• Hardware specifications: Enterprise-grade equipment
• Redundancy: Backup systems and failover procedures
• Security practices: Key management and access controls
• Monitoring: 24/7 network monitoring and alerting

Smart Contract Risk Assessment

Protocol Evaluation Framework

• Code audits: Multiple independent security audits
• Bug bounty programs: Active security researcher engagement
• Time in operation: Battle-tested protocols preferred
• TVL and adoption: Market validation and liquidity
• Governance structure: Decentralized decision-making

Insurance and Protection

• Protocol insurance: Some platforms offer slashing protection
• DeFi insurance: Third-party coverage for smart contract risks
• Self-insurance: Diversification as risk mitigation
• Emergency procedures: Protocol pause and upgrade mechanisms

Operational Security

Key Management

• Hardware wallets: Use for validator key storage
• Multi-signature: Require multiple signatures for operations
• Key rotation: Regular key updates for long-term security
• Backup procedures: Secure key backup and recovery

Monitoring and Alerting

• Performance tracking: Monitor validator performance metrics
• Reward monitoring: Track expected vs actual rewards
• Network alerts: Stay informed about network upgrades
• Security notifications: Monitor for potential threats

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Energy Efficiency of Proof-of-Stake

One of the most significant advantages of staking over mining is its dramatically lower environmental impact:

Energy Consumption Comparison

• Bitcoin (PoW): ~150 TWh annually (comparable to Argentina)
• Ethereum (PoS): ~0.0026 TWh annually (99.95% reduction)
• Cardano: ~6 GWh annually (equivalent to 600 homes)
• Solana: ~3.8 GWh annually (ultra-efficient consensus)

Carbon Footprint Analysis

The transition to proof-of-stake has significant environmental benefits:

• Ethereum's Merge: Reduced global crypto carbon emissions by ~0.2%
• Validator Efficiency: Single validator node can process thousands of transactions
• Renewable Energy: Many validators powered by renewable sources
• ESG Compliance: Institutional investors increasingly prefer PoS networks

Sustainable Staking Practices

Green Validator Selection

• Renewable Energy: Choose validators powered by solar, wind, or hydro
• Carbon Neutral: Validators with carbon offset programs
• Efficiency Metrics: Hardware optimization and energy monitoring
• Geographic Distribution: Validators in regions with clean energy grids

Protocol-Level Sustainability

• Algorand: Carbon-negative blockchain through offset partnerships
• Tezos: Energy-efficient consensus with minimal hardware requirements
• Cardano: Peer-reviewed research focusing on sustainability
• Ethereum: Ongoing research into further efficiency improvements

Global Adoption and Regional Differences

Regional Staking Preferences

North America

• Regulatory Focus: Compliance-first approach with regulated platforms
• Popular Platforms: Coinbase, Kraken, institutional custody solutions
• Tax Considerations: Complex reporting requirements drive platform choice
• Institutional Adoption: Pension funds and endowments entering space

Europe

• MiCA Regulation: Comprehensive framework for staking services
• DeFi Preference: Higher adoption of decentralized protocols
• Environmental Focus: Strong preference for sustainable PoS networks
• Cross-Border: Seamless staking across EU member states

Asia-Pacific

• High Yields: Preference for higher-risk, higher-reward staking
• Mobile-First: Smartphone-based staking applications
• Local Networks: Strong support for regional blockchain projects
• Retail Adoption: Mass market participation in staking

Emerging Market Opportunities

Financial Inclusion

• Banking Alternative: Staking as alternative to traditional savings
• Inflation Hedge: Protection against local currency devaluation
• Remittances: Cross-border value transfer through staking
• Microfinance: Small-scale staking for economic empowerment

Infrastructure Development

• Validator Networks: Local validator infrastructure development
• Educational Programs: Blockchain literacy and staking education
• Regulatory Frameworks: Progressive crypto-friendly regulations
• Technology Access: Mobile-first solutions for smartphone users

Institutional Staking Solutions

Enterprise Staking Requirements

Compliance and Custody

• Qualified Custody: Regulated custodians for institutional assets
• Audit Trails: Comprehensive transaction and reward tracking
• Risk Management: Sophisticated risk assessment and mitigation
• Reporting: Detailed performance and compliance reporting

Operational Infrastructure

• Multi-Signature: Enterprise-grade key management systems
• Redundancy: Geographically distributed validator infrastructure
• Monitoring: 24/7 network monitoring and alerting systems
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for operational risks

Institutional Service Providers

Traditional Finance Integration

• Fidelity Digital Assets: Institutional custody and staking
• State Street: Digital asset services for institutions
• Northern Trust: Custody and administration services
• BNY Mellon: Digital asset custody and staking solutions

Crypto-Native Providers

• Coinbase Institutional: Prime brokerage and staking services
• Kraken Institutional: Professional trading and staking
• BitGo: Institutional custody and staking infrastructure
• Anchorage Digital: Federally chartered digital asset bank

Pension Fund and Endowment Adoption

Investment Thesis

• Diversification: Alternative asset class for portfolio balance
• Yield Generation: Attractive returns in low-interest environment
• Inflation Protection: Hedge against currency debasement
• Long-term Perspective: Patient capital suitable for staking lock-ups

Implementation Challenges

• Regulatory Approval: Board and regulatory approval processes
• Risk Assessment: Comprehensive due diligence requirements
• Operational Complexity: Integration with existing systems
• Performance Measurement: Benchmarking and attribution analysis

Conclusion: The Future of Crypto Staking

Crypto staking has evolved from a niche activity to a cornerstone of the digital asset ecosystem. With over $150 billion staked across various networks in 2025, staking represents one of the most significant developments in blockchain technology since the introduction of smart contracts.

Key Takeaways

• Accessibility: Staking is now accessible to everyone, from beginners using CeFi platforms to advanced users running their own validators
• Innovation: Liquid staking and restaking protocols have unlocked new possibilities for yield generation and capital efficiency
• Maturation: The market has matured with institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and improved security practices
• Diversification: Multiple staking methods and networks provide options for different risk tolerances and investment goals
• Sustainability: Proof-of-stake networks offer environmentally sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive mining
• Global Impact: Staking is driving financial inclusion and infrastructure development worldwide

Looking Ahead

The staking landscape will continue evolving with:

• Cross-chain integration: Seamless staking across multiple blockchain networks
• Institutional products: More sophisticated tools for professional investors
• Regulatory frameworks: Clearer guidelines providing certainty for market participants
• Technology improvements: Better user experiences and enhanced security features
• Environmental leadership: Continued focus on sustainable blockchain infrastructure
• Financial innovation: New products combining staking with traditional finance

Whether you're seeking passive income, supporting network decentralisation, or exploring new financial primitives, staking offers compelling opportunities in the evolving crypto ecosystem. Start with small amounts, understand the risks, and gradually build your staking portfolio as you gain experience and confidence.

The future of finance is being built on proof-of-stake networks, and by participating in staking, you're not just earning rewards – you're helping to secure and decentralise the infrastructure of tomorrow's financial system.