I recently logged into my Ledger account and saw an option to stake my Ethereum and make dollars. It seems super easy today but what exactly is staking (e.g. how does it compare to interest on savings) and what are the risks involved.
Staking Ethereum is the process where participants lock up a certain amount of their ether (ETH) to support the operations of the Ethereum blockchain. By doing so, they take on the role of validators, who are responsible for confirming transactions and creating new blocks. This not only contributes to the network’s security and efficiency but also enables participants to earn rewards. The transition from the original proof-of-work mechanism to proof-of-stake through Ethereum’s upgrade, often referred to as Ethereum 2.0, marks a significant shift in how the network will validate transactions and forge new blocks going forward.
To become a validator on the network, one must deposit 32 ETH into the Ethereum 2.0 deposit contract. This acts as a form of security, incentivising validators to act honestly and efficiently in their role. Ethereum staking has been designed to be accessible to a broader audience, offering various ways to engage with staking, such as solo staking for those who wish to operate their own validator node, and pooled staking for those who prefer to stake smaller amounts by joining forces with others.
The rewards earned through staking come from transaction fees and the issuance of new ETH. These rewards serve as an incentive for validators to maintain the network’s integrity. As the Ethereum protocol progresses with its upgrades, staking is expected to play a pivotal role in the sustainability and scalability of the network, inviting both technical users and the broader Ethereum community to participate in the network’s future.
