Polkadot Change Could Strip Two Largest Barriers Facing DOT Stakers

Polkadot (DOT) seeks to remove its two largest barriers to staking participation through a new on-chain change. 

Referendum 1890 requires validators to lock at least 10,000 DOT of their own funds as self-stake.

Polkadot Tightens Validator Requirements 

According to the team, the change is a mandatory prerequisite for the next phase of Polkadot’s staking redesign. OpenGov currently shows 100% Aye support, with enactment targeted for May 31.

“Non-compliant validators will face significant risk of chilling,” the post reads.

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Once enacted, nominators become unslashable, and the unbonding period drops from 28 days to 24-48 hours. By mid-June, the network will add rewards for validators in unlocked DOT tied to their self-stake. 

After the issuance buffer starts funding stablecoin payouts, these DOT rewards will be subject to a one-year vesting period. Stablecoins will handle operational expenses. As a result, the commission model will be phased out, as it no longer serves a purpose. 

Polkadot said the reasoning behind the change is “simple.” Validators directly shoulder slashing risk through substantial self-bond exposure. At the same time, nominators can continue earning staking rewards without risking their principal to slashing.

“If enacted, Polkadot staking would remove its two largest barriers to participation: Lower risk. Faster exits,” the team added.

The redesign is one of the most significant rewires of Polkadot’s staking economics, but the heavy lifting is still ahead. Validators have to actually post the 10,000 DOT before May 31 to avoid being chilled.

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