IOTA (IOTA)

The asset being staked is IOTA, the native token of the IOTA network. Its ticker is $IOTA.

Staking IOTA allows you to earn ~46.64% APY with automatic compounding. It supports the security and decentralization of the IOTA network, now powered by Delegated Proof-of-Stake. Staking also contributes to a growing ecosystem that supports real-world applications like smart cities, DeFi, and digital identity.

Staking Activation: Delegated tokens become active in the next epoch (24 hours).

Unstaking: Unstaking is typically instant, and you receive your tokens plus any accrued rewards up to the end of the previous epoch.

Rewards are distributed at the end of every 24-hour epoch.

Transfers (unstaking) take effect from the next epoch, but the unbonding is instantaneous (no delay or lock-up).

Rewards are automatically compounded and disbursed every epoch. This means they are re-staked automatically without needing any user intervention.

Yes. If the validator you’re staking with is non-performant or poorly rated (as determined by the Tallying Rule), their rewards may be slashed, which can impact your share of rewards. However, your principal stake is not affected.

No. IOTA’s slashing mechanism only applies to rewards, not the staked principal. Poor-performing validators may have their rewards reduced, but your originally staked tokens remain safe.

While staking, your IOTA tokens are delegated to a validator (e.g., Figment), but you do not lose ownership or custody. You retain full control and can unstake at any time.

IOTA uses a hybrid governance model:

On-chain: Token holders and validators participate in governance decisions.

Off-chain: The IOTA Foundation plays a guiding role in research and development.

Over time, governance is shifting more toward a community-driven, decentralized model, especially following the Rebased upgrade.