A validator is a participant in a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain network responsible for validating transactions and creating new blocks. Validators are required to lock up a certain amount of cryptocurrency as collateral, known as staking, to participate in the consensus process. In return for their work, validators earn rewards in the form of newly minted tokens or transaction fees. Validators play a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of PoS blockchains by ensuring that transactions are accurately processed and that the network reaches consensus on the state of the ledger.
Unlike proof-of-work (PoW) blockchains, where miners compete to solve cryptographic puzzles, PoS blockchains rely on validators to propose and validate new blocks. Validators are incentivized to act honestly, as they risk losing their staked assets if they attempt to manipulate the network or validate fraudulent transactions. This economic incentive aligns the interests of validators with the security of the network, reducing the likelihood of malicious behavior.
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In the context of Plena Wallet, validators are crucial for confirming user transactions across various blockchains, such as Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Polygon, or Base. When a user submits a transaction (such as swapping tokens or staking), it is the validator’s role to verify that the transaction is legitimate and include it in a new block. Validators earn rewards for their work, typically in the form of native blockchain tokens, and users can delegate their tokens to validators to earn a share of these rewards.