Institutions holding XDC can stake it through DFNS and earn network rewards, with every staking operation running under the same custody, policy, and governance controls as the rest of their digital asset operations. Staking becomes one more thing an institution can do on the platform, alongside holding, moving, and servicing assets, without standing up separate infrastructure or giving up control of its keys.
The XDC Network, and why staking matters
XDC is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 network built for enterprise use, with a particular focus on trade finance and real-world asset tokenization. The network runs on XinFin Delegated Proof of Stake, or XDPoS, a consensus mechanism supported by 108 validator masternodes that produce and validate blocks. This gives XDC fast settlement, with roughly two-second block times, low transaction fees, and high throughput. The network was also designed with institutional adoption in mind, including KYC requirements for validators and ISO 20022 financial messaging compatibility, which helps explain its traction in trade finance and regulated-market use cases.
Staking is central to the XDPoS model. The network is secured by staked XDC, and participants earn rewards for supporting that security. There are two ways to participate.
- Operators can run a masternode by locking 10,000,000 XDC, completing KYC, and taking part directly in block production.
- Holders can also delegate XDC to an existing validator through the network’s staking contract and earn a proportional share of that validator’s rewards, without operating infrastructure themselves.
In both cases, staking turns an idle XDC treasury position into a productive asset while contributing to the resilience and security of the network.
How DFNS supports XDC staking
Staking and unstaking are constructed, signed, and broadcast through the same transaction lifecycle as any other operation on DFNS. That means each one runs through the Policy Engine first: approval quorums, role-based permissions, and limits apply before anything is signed, so committing or withdrawing staked XDC is a controlled, auditable decision rather than an unmanaged action. Treasury and finance teams get real-time visibility into staked balances and rewards, and every action lands in a complete audit trail.
The result is that an institution can earn XDC network rewards without running its own staking infrastructure, exposing private keys, or stepping outside the controls its mandate requires.
What this unlocks
- Put XDC to work. Turn an idle XDC treasury position into a yield-bearing one by staking, while keeping full custody.
- Participate in network security. Contribute to the XDC Network’s consensus, through delegation or a masternode, under governed controls.
- Stake under policy. Every stake, reward claim, and withdrawal passes through approvals, limits, and roles before signing, with a complete audit trail.
- One platform across everything. Manage staking alongside holding, transacting, treasury, and tokenization on XDC and every other network you run, under one set of controls.
Get started
- Learn more about onchain core banking: dfns.co
- Explore the platform and documentation: docs.dfns.co
- Talk to our team about XDC staking: sales@dfns.co
- Get started on DFNS today: app.dfns.io
Frequently asked questions
What is XDC staking? XDC staking is the process of committing XDC to the XinFin Delegated Proof of Stake (XDPoS) consensus to help secure the XDC Network and earn rewards. There are two ways to participate: running a masternode by locking 10,000,000 XDC, or delegating XDC to an existing validator through the network’s staking contract to earn a proportional share of its rewards.
Can institutions stake XDC through DFNS? Yes. Institutions can stake and unstake XDC directly on DFNS, with every operation running through the same custody, policy, and governance controls as any other transaction. Staking and unstaking are constructed, signed, and broadcast through the standard DFNS transaction lifecycle, so each one passes the Policy Engine — approval quorums, role-based permissions, and limits — before it is signed.
What is XDPoS, and how does it secure the XDC Network? XDPoS is XinFin Delegated Proof of Stake, the consensus mechanism behind the XDC Network. It is supported by 108 validator masternodes that produce and validate blocks, giving the network roughly two-second block times, low fees, and high throughput. The network is secured by staked XDC, and participants earn rewards for supporting that security.
What is the difference between running a masternode and delegating XDC? Running a masternode means locking 10,000,000 XDC, completing KYC, and taking part directly in block production. Delegating means assigning XDC to an existing validator through the network’s staking contract and earning a proportional share of that validator’s rewards, without operating any infrastructure. DFNS supports staking under governed controls in both cases.
Does DFNS take custody of staked XDC? No. DFNS is pure technology, not a custodian: the institution keeps control of its keys throughout. Staking lets an institution earn XDC network rewards without running its own staking infrastructure, exposing private keys, or stepping outside the controls its mandate requires.