Ethereum's transation to a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism allows validator nodes to secure the network via Ethereum staking. To become a full validator, a node must have exactly 32 ETH staked.

You can become a node operator and manage your own validators; join a liquid staking protocol like Lido, Stader, StakeWise, or Swell Network; or use Stakely's whitelabel Ethereum service to have Stakely manage your Ethereum validators for you.

There are multiple ways to stake Ethereum. You can deploy your own Ethereum validator, which besides requiring technical knowledge, also requires to stake exactly 32 ETH and lock your funds.

Another option is to participate in Ethereum liquid staking protocols, such as Lido, Stader, StakeWise, and Swell Network. These Ethereum liquid staking solutions allow users to stake almost any amount and provide them with a synthetic token that they can freely use for their benefit in DeFi while still generating staking rewards.

The PoS consensus mechanism on Ethereum staking includes a slashing condition. Thus, if a node behaves incorrectly, part of its stake might be forfeited. Other potential risks include protocol bugs, network attacks, and poor key management by the user.

Stakely minimize these risks by working with trusted protocols and applying professional management practices.

Stader is a decentralized liquid staking protocol that enables easy, secure, and efficient Ethereum staking. It uses smart contracts to automate the staking process, providing users the flexibility of staking any amount of ETH without the need for technical knowledge.

ETHx, Stader's liquid staking derivative token, mirrors the value of the staked ETH. This token offers users liquidity, allowing their staked ETH to be used in DeFi operations while remaining locked for staking.

Stader offers multiple liquid staking options:

• Permissionless Node Operators: They operate independently and form the backbone of Stader's ETHx token.
• Permissioned Stake Pool: A curated list of high-performance, community-approved operators to support network scalability, including Stakely.
• DVT Stake Pool: Utilizes Distributed Validator Technology to distribute duties across multiple nodes, reducing slashing risks.

StakeWise is a decentralized Ethereum staking platform offering a non-custodial staking solution through its Vaults.

These Vaults are a key component of StakeWise, serving as isolated, non-custodial staking pools connected to Ethereum nodes for staking under specific terms.

You can deposit your ETH in Stakely's validator Vault and mint osETH, an overcollateralized token representing the staked ETH in Vaults, accruing ETH rewards generated from its validators.

The Ethereum Merge, also referred to as Ethereum 2.0, signifies the successful transition of the Ethereum network from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism.

Ethereum staking rewards are automatically sent every few days for active validators with a balance of 32 ETH. Any excess rewards above 32 ETH are automatically withdrawn as reward payments. No gas fees are required for this process. The withdrawal option is available once you provide a withdrawal address.

This only applies to Ethereum node operators, as each Ethereum liquid staking protocol has its own conditions regarding the payment of rewards and commissions.

Lido is a protocol built on Ethereum, offering a non-custodial liquid staking solution. It allows you to stake any amount of ETH without requiring the 32 ETH minimum or managing complex infrastructure.

Users staking ETH via Lido receive stETH tokens, which can be used in the DeFi ecosystem while their original stake remains locked in the Ethereum 2.0 contract.

Lido deducts a 10% fee from the staking rewards. These fees help provide additional benefits to Lido users, including insurance against slashing risks.

Swell Network is a decentralized protocol focused on offering decentralized liquid staking for Ethereum. It enables users to stake their ETH without the need to run a validator node themselves or stake the required minimum of 32 ETH.

Once you stake your ETH with Swell, you receive representative swETH tokens. These swETH tokens can be traded, transferred, or used within the DeFi ecosystem, providing liquidity while your original stake earns staking rewards. Swell Network utilizes a decentralized network of validators to ensure secure and reliable staking, including Stakely!

Stakely is part of the validator set for several staking protocols including Lido, Stader, StakeWise, and Swell Network. By staking with Stakely, you're leveraging the expertise of a professional staking provider with robust PoS node experience.