Everything you need
to know about stXDC

stXDC is a liquid staking derivative issued by Valid Protocol. When you stake XDC through Valid's liquid staking tier, you receive stXDC in return — a token that represents your staked position plus any accrued masternode yield.

Unlike traditional staking, stXDC is fully liquid. You can trade it, use it as collateral, or deploy it in DeFi protocols while continuing to earn validator rewards in the background. It is the only liquid token in the Valid Protocol ecosystem.

Running a private masternode on XDC requires significant capital, technical expertise, and ongoing operational overhead — limiting participation to a narrow set of operators.

Valid abstracts that complexity entirely. By staking through Valid you get:

• No minimum infrastructure requirement — participate without running your own node
• Liquid staking option (stXDC) — no lock-up, capital remains accessible
• Pooled validator efficiency — benefit from optimized node operations at scale
• Multiple yield tiers — choose between Liquid, Native, Anchor, or Private configurations
• DeFi composability — deploy stXDC across the XDC ecosystem

LST stands for Liquid Staking Token. It refers to any token issued in exchange for staked assets that can be freely traded or used in DeFi while the underlying assets continue earning staking rewards.

stXDC is Valid Protocol's LST — the liquid representation of XDC staked through the protocol's validator infrastructure.

An LST Staker (also called a Liquid Staker) is someone who stakes XDC through Valid's liquid staking tier and receives stXDC in return. This is the most accessible and flexible staking option on the protocol.

• No lock-up period — assets remain fully accessible at any time
• Receive stXDC immediately upon staking
• Earn up to 5% APY in masternode yield
• stXDC is composable across XDC DeFi protocols

This tier is ideal for retail participants, DeFi users, and anyone who wants yield exposure to XDC infrastructure without committing to a fixed term.

An Anchor Staker commits XDC to Valid Protocol for a defined fixed term in exchange for an enhanced yield rate. This is a locked, non-liquid position — staked capital is not accessible until the term concludes.

• Fixed-term commitment with a predetermined duration
• Enhanced yield of up to 7% APY
• No liquid stXDC token issued — position is locked
• Predictable reward schedule throughout the term

Anchor Staking is ideal for treasury managers and long-horizon XDC holders who prioritize maximizing yield over short-term capital flexibility.

A Native Staker participates in XDC masternode validation directly through Valid Protocol's infrastructure. This tier provides full protocol-level participation — including network governance rights — with Valid handling the operational complexity.

• Direct masternode reward exposure — up to 6% APY
• Lock-up period applies
• Access to XDC Network governance participation
• Node operations fully managed by Valid Protocol
• Custom infrastructure options available

Native Staking is suited for entities seeking deeper protocol participation and governance exposure without the overhead of running independent masternode infrastructure.

Protocol fees on Valid cover the costs associated with operating and maintaining the validator infrastructure that generates staking rewards for all participants. This includes:

• Node operation and maintenance — running reliable, high-uptime masternode infrastructure
• Smart contract development and auditing — ongoing security and protocol improvements
• Protocol management — validator set oversight, reward distribution, and governance
• Infrastructure scaling — ensuring the protocol grows securely as TVL increases

Fees are taken as a percentage of staking rewards — not from principal. You always retain full ownership of your staked XDC.

Yes. Valid Protocol's Private Staking tier is specifically designed for institutions, DAOs, and large treasury holders who require bespoke configurations beyond the standard protocol options.

Private staking arrangements include:

• Custom lock-up terms and reward structures
• Dedicated validator infrastructure
• White-glove onboarding and ongoing support
• Highest yield tier — up to 8% APY
• Direct engagement with the Valid Protocol team