Validator Income

Definition ∞ Validator Income is the financial compensation earned by network participants responsible for verifying and adding new transactions to a blockchain in a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system. This income typically consists of transaction fees and newly minted cryptocurrency, awarded for their role in maintaining network security and integrity. Validators stake their own crypto as collateral, risking it if they act maliciously or fail to perform their duties.
Context ∞ Validator income is a key incentive mechanism in Proof-of-Stake blockchains, encouraging participants to secure the network. The amount of income can vary based on network activity, transaction fees, and the specific protocol’s inflation schedule. Understanding validator income is crucial for assessing the economic viability and security model of PoS chains, as it influences staking participation rates and the overall decentralization of the network. Regulatory bodies are also examining whether staking rewards could be classified as securities.