Symbiosis Introduces PoS & DPoS Staking: Open Validation for SIS Holders

Summary

Symbiosis, as part of the protocol’s 4th anniversary celebrations, is moving from a permissioned Proof of Authority (PoA) model to a more open and decentralized Proof of Stake (PoS) system. Until now, relayer nodes were operated by select partners and trusted entities. But with this update, any SIS token holder can stake and become a validator or a delegator, helping secure the protocol and earning rewards for doing so.

PoS and DPoS: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

With PoS, validators are chosen based on the amount of SIS they stake. These validators run nodes that verify and relay cross-chain transactions. If their node performs well, they earn protocol rewards. If it misbehaves or goes offline, it can be blocked. Incentives are tightly aligned with performance and honesty.

However, not everyone has the resources or technical ability to run a node. That’s how Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) came about. It allows regular SIS holders to delegate their tokens to an existing validator (effectively voting for them). Delegators then share in that validator’s rewards. It’s a way for any SIS holder, regardless of technical skill or stake size,  to contribute to protocol security and earn yield.

Indeed, Symbiosis will maintain a capped set of active validators (no more than 50), determined by the total stake they control (self-staked + delegated).

How does Symbiosis Staking Work? 

To become a validator, you must run a relayer node and stake a certain amount of SIS (100k minimum). 

Once you’re registered, your node helps process and validate transactions across supported chains. The more reliable your performance, the more rewards you earn – typically from protocol fees or emissions.

Those who don’t want to operate a node can use the staking dashboard to delegate their SIS to a validator of their choice. 

Delegators piggyback on validators' performance: when a validator earns, so do the delegators. There’s also shared risk here; if a validator gets penalized, its delegators may see reduced rewards (as the node gets blocked).

Delegators can spread their SIS across multiple validators to diversify risk and optimize yield. As transaction volume increases across Symbiosis, staking rewards should grow in tandem, meaning active participation may become more lucrative over time.

A Boost for Token Utility and Decentralization

Staking changes how the SIS token is used. Previously used mainly for governance and farming boosts, SIS now gains a core utility in securing the protocol. This increased utility could reduce liquid supply (as more SIS gets staked), supporting price stability or appreciation over time.

This comes as the SIS token is already gaining significant utility as the gas token for Symbiosis’ new blockchain – the Symbiosis Chain.

What’s more, the move to open PoS and DPoS dramatically improves decentralization. Instead of relying on a few pre-approved node operators, Symbiosis will now be secured by a broad and dynamic group of community-run validators. 

PoS vs veSIS

It’s worth clarifying how this new PoS/DPoS staking compares to the existing veSIS model, because both involve staking SIS, but for different purposes.

The veSIS model is governance-focused. Users lock SIS for up to four years in exchange for veSIS tokens, which grant voting power and perks like higher liquidity farming rewards and swap fee discounts. The tradeoff is long-term illiquidity.

PoS/DPoS staking, by contrast, is centered around protocol security and validator rewards. There’s no governance influence involved, but stakers earn yield directly from protocol operations. 

Staking periods are generally more flexible, with the ability to unstake (subject to an unbonding delay). For users focused on infrastructure participation or yield generation without locking SIS for years, PoS/DPoS may be the better fit.

For some, the best option might be both: locking a portion of SIS as veSIS to stay active in governance, while staking the rest via PoS to earn validation rewards and support the protocol.

Staking for The People 

The rollout of PoS and DPoS opens the doors to more active community participation. It also allows SIS to play a broader role beyond governance and DeFi perks.

This launch is part of the broader Symbiosis v3 roadmap and reflects the project’s long-term commitments.

With community-led staking now live, Symbiosis is another step ahead in the game.

Did you know? As part of its 4th anniversary celebrations, Symbiosis has not only launched PoS and DPoS, but also retro-dropped 2.5 million SIS to node runners who have supported the network.

FAQ: Symbiosis PoS & DPoS Staking

What just changed with Symbiosis staking?

Symbiosis has transitioned from a permissioned Proof of Authority (PoA) system to an open Proof of Stake (PoS) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) model. Now, any SIS holder can help secure the protocol, either by running a validator node or by delegating their stake.

What’s the difference between PoS and DPoS?

• PoS: You stake SIS and run a validator node yourself.

• DPoS: You delegate your SIS to a validator, who does the work while you share in their rewards.

Both models reward participants and contribute to network security, but DPoS is more beginner-friendly.

Who can become a validator?

Anyone with the technical capability and required SIS stake (100,000 SIS minimum) can register as a validator and run a node that processes cross-chain transactions across supported chains.

What if I can’t run a node?

You can still participate through DPoS by delegating your SIS to an existing validator via the staking dashboard. You’ll earn a share of that validator’s rewards based on your stake.

Can I split my SIS between multiple validators?

Yes. Delegators can spread their SIS across different validators to reduce risk and potentially increase yield.

What are the risks of staking?

If a validator misbehaves or goes offline, both the validator and their delegators can face penalties (including reduced rewards due to the node being blocked). Always choose reliable validators.

How are staking rewards generated?

Rewards come from protocol activity,  including cross-chain swap fees and emissions. The more volume Symbiosis processes, the higher the potential yield for validators and delegators.

How is this different from veSIS staking?

• veSIS is governance-focused: you lock SIS for up to 4 years to gain voting power, liquidity farming boosts, and swap fee discounts.

• PoS/DPoS is infrastructure-focused: you earn yield by helping secure the protocol, with flexible staking options.

Some users may choose to lock part of their SIS as veSIS for governance, and stake the rest in PoS to earn rewards from validation.