Polkadot Validators Must Lock 10,000 DOT as Self-Stake

Polkadot is shaking up its staking system by requiring validators to lock at least 10,000 of their own tokens as self-stake. This change, proposed in Referendum 1890, aims to shift the slashing risk from ordinary stakers to validators themselves.

The new rule will take effect on May 31, and once enacted, nominators will become unslashable and the unbonding period will shrink from 28 days to 24-48 hours. This move is part of a broader redesign of Polkadot's economics, which also includes the introduction of rewards for validators in unlocked DOT tied to their self-stake.

The shift aims to reduce the risk for everyday stakers and make the system more efficient. By forcing economic risk onto validators themselves, the network hopes to attract more participants and increase participation.