What’s at Stake With Masternode Coins?

“Masternode” is a term that echoes less often in the cryptosphere these days, but not because user-controlled nodes have fallen out of favor. Rather, the nomenclature has shifted, with “staking” now used to describe the array of blockchains that fall under this banner. As an examination of proof-of-stake chains shows, masternode coins are very much alive. But as exchanges push staking as a service, are the days of user-operated masternodes numbered?

Also read: Bitcoin.com to Launch $200 Million BCH Ecosystem Investment Fund

5 Years on, Masternodes Are Still Going Strong

When smart contract platform Velas unveiled its masternode staking this week, it iterated on a system that can be traced all the way back to Dash’s arrival on the scene in 2014. Masternodes have evolved significantly since then, with Velas’ staking program reflecting this through provisions like pooled staking, for users who can’t muster enough coins to meet the 1 million…