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: View the validator information on the Provider tab to ensure you pick a pool with the highest possible uptime performance. Our recommendation is to only select reputable validators with a high performance and a long history of not being slashed.

Staking rewards on the Avail network are generated through token inflation and transaction fees. Validators secure the network and maintain data availability for integrated blockchains, earning transaction fees and inflation-based rewards. Nominators who stake AVAIL tokens support these validators and receive proportional rewards.

Factors Affecting Rewards:

• Stake distribution and total network stake.
• Validator performance, reliability, and commission rates.
• Network activity and transaction fee volume.

Avail incorporates two staking methods with slightly different minimum staking requirements for delegators:

Direct Nomination: The only prerequisite for direct nomination on Avail DA is that you have an Avail DA compatible wallet with a minimum balance of 1000 AVAIL.

Pool Nomination: The only prerequisite for joining a nomination pool on Avail DA is that you have an Avail DA compatible wallet with a minimum balance of 100 AVAIL.

We strive to make staking as safe and transparent as possible, however, it's important to consider factors that may influence whether a particular staking option is appropriate for you.

Protocol Security Risks: There is an inherent risk that the protocol could contain unknown bugs. This not only applies to staking but your AVAIL investment in general.

Unbonding Risk: AVAIL has a 28-day unbonding period. During this time, staked tokens cannot be sold or transferred. Given the volatility of crypto markets, be mindful of this lockup before staking. If you don't plan to hold AVAIL long-term, consider keeping your funds liquid.

Slashing Risk: Validators can be penalized (slashed) for poor performance or malicious behavior, reducing both their stake and that of their nominators. Diversifying nominations helps mitigate this risk. Slashing is active from day one on Avail.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the risks related to staking.

The AVAIL token powers the Avail Unification Layer, which addresses blockchain scalability, interoperability, and security through Avail DA, Nexus, and Fusion. AVAIL serves key functions in staking, governance, and cross-chain operations.

Data Availability (Avail DA): Provides scalable data availability for blockchains and rollups, removing scalability bottlenecks. Integrates easily with L2s and major rollup ecosystems like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon. Stakers secure the network by backing validators and earn staking rewards.

Interoperability (Avail Nexus): Enables cross-chain transactions without manual bridges, allowing seamless interaction between multiple blockchains. Sequencers stake AVAIL to submit transaction batches and earn performance-based rewards.

Security (Avail Fusion): Utilizes multi-asset staking, including AVAIL and other crypto assets, to secure cross-chain operations. Stakers protect infrastructure and earn AVAIL rewards for their contributions.

Staking: Staking AVAIL secures the network and supports various blockchain applications, including gaming, DeFi, and AI. Stakers nominate validators or join pools, enhancing security while earning staking rewards.

Governance: AVAIL token holders participate in phased governance to shape network development and decision-making, promoting decentralization and community control.

Community Allocation: Over 65% of AVAIL tokens are reserved for community initiatives, supporting ecosystem growth through allocations for research, development, and future projects.

The total supply of AVAIL is 10 billion. The distribution is presented as follows:

• Unification Drop: 6%
• Public Allocation (Future Initiatives): 6%
• Ecosystem Development: 30%
• Community & Research: 23.88%
• Investors: 14.12%
• Core Contributors: 20%