NAM Staking on Namada: A Quick and Easy Tutorial

What is NAM Staking?

NAM staking involves locking NAM tokens to participate in Namada's proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, ensuring network security, transaction validation, and decentralization. Stakers earn rewards based on their contribution to the network, with incentives tied to staking and participation in Namada's shielded pool, which enhances transaction privacy and confidentiality.

This article is your comprehensive guide to NAM staking, offering a step-by-step tutorial on the staking process, tips for selecting a trustworthy NAM staking provider, and key network details like fees and lockup periods.

How to Stake NAM?

Follow these steps to stake NAM via a crypto wallet:

Step 1: Prepare a supported Namada wallet

You can stake NAM tokens via the Namada Keychain. Install the browser extension as your Namada wallet and deposit your NAM tokens into it before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Start staking NAM

Navigate to the staking app, provided by e.g., OrignStake.

Follow the step-by-step guide below.

Step 3: Connect your Namada wallet

Connect your wallet. Allow the application access, if you’re visiting the website for the first time.

Step 4: Choose the validator

Enter Staking Dashboard. Click the “Stake” button to select validator/s to stake with. Choose a validator supporting your decision with providers included in our Staking Rewards VSP Program.

Step 5: Enter the NAM token amount

Input the number of NAM tokens you want to stake, you can choose multiple validators.

Step 6: Stake NAM

Finalize the staking process by clicking “Stake” and confirm the transaction in your wallet.

How to choose Namada validators?

Selecting the right validator can be challenging. Once the provider enters our Staking Rewards Verified Staking Provider (VSP) Program, you will be able to support your decision-making process. Through this program, we thoroughly evaluate factors such as security measures, on-chain reliability, provider setup, and value-added services for the whole ecosystem.

In addition, you can consider other metrics when selecting a provider to delegate to:

Commission: The commission rate represents the portion of your rewards that validators retain. A higher commission rate decreases your earnings, while a lower rate may affect the provider’s profitability and sustainability.

Network Share: Delegating to popular validators can raise centralization risks, while smaller providers may struggle with profitability. Supporting smaller providers helps decentralize the network but requires monitoring to ensure they stay active.

Number of Users: The number of delegators is a key factor in choosing a provider, as it affects rewards, network security, and reputation. Validators with more delegators contribute to stronger network security and are often seen as more trustworthy.

Performance: Make sure you pick a validator with the highest possible performance. Further, please check individual validators’ uptime, and our recommendation is only to pick those with a >=99% uptime and a long history of not getting slashed.

Slash Rate: Namada implements Cubic Slashing, in which the amount of slashed tokens is proportional to the validators’ voting power. The more the validator stakes, the higher the amount of tokens slashed in case of misbehavior and slashing events.

How are NAM staking rewards generated?

Namada's rewards system is driven by inflation, where new NAM tokens are programmatically minted to fund public goods and incentivize network participation. Rewards are allocated across three key areas:

Inflation: Validators and delegators earn rewards by locking NAM tokens to secure the network and participate in consensus. A PD-controller mechanism dynamically adjusts inflation rates to maintain a target bonding ratio of 2/3, with inflation for staking rewards capped at 10% annually.

Shielded Pool Rewards: Users are incentivized to store assets in Namada's Multi-Asset Shielded Pool (MASP) to enhance privacy and data protection. Inflation-based incentives, also capped at 10% annually, are allocated per asset to achieve specific participation targets using a PD-controller mechanism.

Public Goods Funding: Namada supports ecosystem growth through proactive and retroactive funding for public goods, including projects related to proof-of-stake, shielded pool usage, and other valuable contributions, both measurable and external.

NAM Staking Details

• View the current Namada staking APR here
• Lockup: 14 days
• Average commission rate: 8%
• Minimum amount required for staking: no minimum

Track your staking portfolio

Stay ahead in your staking journey by monitoring the latest reward rates, sequencer counts, and staking ratios on the Namada Asset Page! Explore detailed information about NAM staking APY, track your delegations, and access real-time statistics and analytics to make informed staking decisions.

For further insights into how these metrics impact your rewards, visit the FAQ section on the Namada Asset Page - your essential resource for maximizing your staking potential!

Maximizing NAM Staking

Increase Your Stake

Boost your participation by delegating additional NAM tokens. You can choose to consolidate your stake with the same Namada validator or diversify across multiple validators to spread your delegation.

Conclusion

Staking lies at the heart of Proof-of-Stake blockchains, offering you the chance to earn rewards while playing a vital role in securing and decentralizing the network. It’s not just about financial gains—staking also unlocks governance rights, giving you a voice in shaping the network's future. Plus, active participation could bring perks like exclusive airdrops, rewarding your deeper commitment to the ecosystem.

By staking your tokens, you're not just boosting your returns; you're strengthening the backbone of PoS networks. Spread the word and invite others to join you in building a more secure, decentralized future with Namada!

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Namada Asset Page for more insights into staking NAM, and drop us a message if you find this tutorial useful. Happy staking!