There are two main risks associated with staking: lockup periods and slashing.
Lockup periods in staking refer to a timeframe during which staked crypto assets are locked and cannot be readily moved or sold. This is similar to an interest savings account where your assets are tied up for a specific period. The length of the lockup period can vary, ranging from 0 to 28 days, depending on the specific staking protocol or platform. During this period, you won't have immediate access to your staked crypto assets, meaning you cannot quickly sell or move your investment, even if market conditions are unfavorable. To mitigate this risk, Virtune diligently monitors and analyzes the market to ensure that the staked portion of Virtune's staked ETPs (Exchange Traded Products) maintains adequate liquidity, allowing the ETP to be traded normally at all times.
Slashing is a penalty imposed on crypto assets that are staked with a validator, which can affect the staked funds. This penalty is incurred when a validator engages in actions such as validating incorrect transactions or going offline. The specific reasons and conditions for slashing vary across different crypto assets and blockchain networks. Generally, the penalty involves a reduction of a small percentage of the staked assets. It is important to note that the exact percentage and consequences of slashing can vary depending on the protocol. When engaging in staking, it is crucial to choose a trustworthy and reputable validator. Virtune takes this seriously and exclusively selects established, regulated, and leading staking providers to ensure minimal risk. We ensure minimal slashing risk by partnering with reputable and regulated staking providers such as Coinbase and Figment.