> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://candora.gitbook.io/whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://candora.gitbook.io/whitepaper/can-token/staking.md). # Staking ### Overview Staking allows participants to lock [CAN](/whitepaper/can-token.md) and earn rewards while unlocking additional ecosystem benefits. The system is designed to encourage long-term participation, reduce circulating supply, and align incentives with ecosystem growth. Staked CAN remains fully ring-fenced from exchange operations. It is not used for slashing, socialized-loss recovery, liquidation support, or insolvency backstops. Ownership of staked CAN remains with the participant, subject only to the selected lock duration. ### Staking tiers Staking tiers are determined solely by the amount of CAN staked. Higher tiers provide greater discounts and ecosystem benefits across [Candora Pro](/whitepaper/candora-pro.md) and [Candora Edge](/whitepaper/candora-pro/candora-edge.md). They do not increase staking rewards. Staking tiers are separate from Series B investor packages. | Tier | CAN staked | Pro and Edge discount | | ------- | ------------: | --------------------: | | Starter | 2,500 CAN | 30% | | Builder | 25,000 CAN | 40% | | Expert | 250,000 CAN | 50% | | Elite | 1,000,000 CAN | 60% | ### Lock duration rewards Staking rewards are determined solely by the selected lock duration. Longer commitments receive higher reward rates regardless of staking tier. | Lock duration | APY | | ------------- | --: | | 3 months | 5% | | 6 months | 7% | | 12 months | 10% | | 24 months | 14% | Staking tier determines ecosystem benefits and discounts. Lock duration determines staking yield. Series A investor packages provide an additional 36% APY on top of the base staking reward for a period of 24 months.\ \ Series B investor packages add an additional APY on top of the base staking reward.
Series B packageAdditional APYDuration
Graphite4%3 months
Crystal8%6 months
Bronze18%6 months
Silver24%12 months
Gold30%18 months
Emerald36%24 months
These bonuses are added to the base APY. For example, a 3-month base APY of 5% becomes 35% for Gold. ### Staking rewards Participants who stake CAN receive base rewards denominated in CAN according to the selected lock period. Eligible Series B package holders receive an additional APY according to their package. Rewards accrue continuously and are distributed in CAN under protocol-defined reward schedules. The reward structure is designed to encourage long-term participation while supporting a sustainable emission framework. ### Additional benefits Beyond staking rewards, participants receive tier-based ecosystem benefits across the Candora platform. Depending on staking tier, benefits may include: * reduced [Candora Pro](/whitepaper/candora-pro.md) subscription costs * reduced fees for Candora Pro protection features * discounts on [Candora Edge](/whitepaper/candora-pro/candora-edge.md) AI-agent services * reduced AI-agent deployment costs * reduced AI-agent runtime costs * reduced marketplace-related service charges where applicable * access to future ecosystem incentives and participation programs Higher tiers unlock greater discounts across the Candora ecosystem. They do not change market access or execution treatment. ### Asset protection Staked CAN remains fully ring-fenced within the staking framework. Staked assets are not subject to: * slashing mechanisms * platform-wide insolvency recovery * socialized-loss events * liquidation of unrelated user positions * exchange operational losses Ownership of staked CAN remains with the participant throughout the staking period, subject only to the selected lock conditions. ### Relationship to liquidity providing Staking and [Liquidity Providing](/whitepaper/candora-exchange/liquidity-provisioning.md) serve different functions within the Candora ecosystem. Staking is designed for long-term participation, reward generation, and ecosystem benefits. Liquidity Providing supplies capital directly to Candora's liquidity infrastructure. It supports market depth, execution quality, and market stability. Because liquidity providers contribute directly to exchange liquidity, Liquidity Providing programs may offer higher rewards than standard staking. ### Execution neutrality All participants receive identical execution treatment regardless of staking tier or staking balance. Staking does not influence: * order priority * queue placement * matching treatment * fill probability * execution quality * latency treatment * market access The [Orbit](/whitepaper/candora-grid/orbit.md) matching engine remains fully neutral. It operates under the same deterministic execution rules for every participant. ### System role CAN Staking serves as: * the long-term participation framework * the ecosystem reward mechanism * the supply reduction mechanism * the utility discount system * the participant alignment framework By combining staking rewards with ecosystem-wide utility benefits, CAN Staking aligns long-term participation with the growth of Candora while preserving execution neutrality and maintaining complete separation from exchange risk.