Understanding Crypto Staking: A Comprehensive Guide

Staking cryptocurrency is a process of locking up crypto balances to help validate, secure, and sometimes govern a blockchain network in return for newly minted crypto. Staking is part of the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism used by many, but not all, blockchains.

Differences Between Staking and Mining: Proof of Stake (PoS) vs Proof of Work (PoW) 

In a proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain, like Bitcoin, miners (or mining nodes) use powerful computers to solve mathematical problems as part of the PoW consensus mechanism. The miner, or mining node that successfully solves the problem first gets to verify and post new blocks of transactions to the Bitcoin blockchain and receive the reward of newly minted Bitcoin.

In proof-of-stake, there are no mining nodes, just validating nodes that stake coins to participate in validating, verifying, and securing new blocks to the network.

PoW is incredibly energy-intensive. PoS, in contrast, requires far less energy and, per Ethereum, is better for implementing scaling solutions.

The Proof of Stake Consensus Mechanism 

PoS, where validators stake coins, proves the validators have added something of value to the blockchain, which can be destroyed if they act fraudulently or dishonestly. Validators should act in the interests of the blockchain, correctly validating transactions, creating new blocks, and voting on governance issues for the benefit of the blockchain overall.

Validators on Ethereum Cryptocurrency, for example, deposit 32 Ether (ETH) into the deposit contract and run three pieces of software: an execution client, a consensus client, and a validator client. New validators join an activation queue, and once activated, validators are sent new blocks. The transactions are checked to ensure the proposed changes to the Ethereum blockchain are valid, and the block signature is checked. Once done, the validator sends a vote, or attestation, that confirms the block on Ethereum’s network. The validator then receives the block’s reward, the newly minted coin.

Usually, the blockchain’s protocol selects the chosen validator randomly to secure the next block of transactions.

Staking Pools and How They Operate 

A staking pool allows numerous coin or token holders to combine their crypto. The staking pool operator usually becomes the validator, and all the stakeholders share the reward of the validator node activity on the blockchain. Staking pools allow smaller crypto balance holders a chance to participate in PoS and earn rewards.

Incidentally, it is this payment of a reward in return for validation services, as opposed to the simple payment of interest, which is a major factor in determining whether crypto staking is halal or haram.

Advantages of Staking

Staking can be a way to participate in the governance and future of a blockchain network and a method to contribute to network security and efficiency. It’s also a way to earn passive income from cryptocurrencies that use PoS for consensus and validation.

Potential Risks and Downsides

In many cases, staking requires cryptocurrency balances to be “locked up,” which means they can’t be sold, used, or traded. The risk is that staked tokens cannot be sold if the cryptocurrencies suddenly lose or gain value. In some cases, staked tokens can be used or traded. Every staking project has specific requirements and rules.

Staking is a way to incentivize validator behavior in favor of the network. Illicit, malicious, or fraudulent behavior by validators or failure to carry out validation duties can lead to a stake being lost or destroyed.

Choosing the Right Cryptocurrency for Staking 

It takes a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrencies, PoS, and the many different cryptos that can be staked, how their blockchains work (including governance), and the potential rewards to decide which cryptocurrency is right for staking. 

Those interested in staking must consider a coin’s value and potential volatility, the crypto’s supply or scarcity, and how else the crypto has utility, as well as the credibility, security, and trustworthiness of the staking project or provider.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Start Staking 

A cryptocurrency holder can stake digital assets by becoming a validator, staking on an exchange, or joining a staking pool.

Further factors to consider before deciding on a cryptocurrency to stake include the blockchain project’s goals, the development team, the community, and the cryptocurrency’s potential for growth. PoS, or staking, will vary from blockchain to blockchain, and there may be rules and requirements to consider, such as delegation or un-bonding periods. Cryptocurrency holders should also consider the potential staking rewards offered.

1)    Staking through an exchange 

Some cryptocurrency exchanges can stake coins or tokens on a customer’s behalf. They will charge a commission. Staking by this method can be actioned from within the exchange.

2)    Joining a staking pool 

Staking by joining a staking pool usually involves connecting the tokens to be staked to the validator’s pool, via the cryptocurrency wallet they are held in.

3)    Becoming a validator 

This is a much more complex way of participating in staking. A validator needs to have adequate computing power and the right software and will need to hold a copy of the blockchain. Specific rules and responsibilities for blockchain network validators must be considered.

Staking varies greatly from crypto to crypto, and each project will have advantages and risks that need to be weighed and considered.

• Diversifying Your Staking Portfolio 

One way to mitigate the potential risks of staking is for staking participants to diversify staking across several cryptocurrencies, staking pools, or staking methods. Not all staking investments are affected if one project fails, has a security breach, or suffers a strong price drop.

• Calculating Costs and Monitoring Staking Performance

There are many staking approaches and strategies for holders to consider. Some of the most essential elements of a staking strategy are calculating staking costs and returns for a given project and keeping informed of any blockchain changes where coins or tokens are staked. Lastly, it’s vital to closely monitor the performance of any crypto staked and the staking pools.

Emerging Trends and Developments 

Staking has grown substantially, particularly with Ethereum’s move to PoS, and the Coin Hint team fully expects this trend to continue. There could be the potential to stake Bitcoin in the future, which would add further momentum to the sector.

Calculating Costs and Monitoring Staking Performance

Staking adds further utility to cryptocurrencies, and although there are risks, it is an additional route to returns for cryptocurrency investors and enables crypto holders to participate in blockchain security, efficiency, and even governance.