Aptos Wants to Cut Staking Rewards

A debate is brewing within the Aptos community over a proposal that could dramatically reshape the networks staking economics.

A suggestion from contributor MoonSheisty aims to reduce staking yields by nearly half, a move that has triggered concerns among validators about the long-term impact on decentralization.

Rather than maintaining the current 7% reward structure, the proposal seeks to bring it down to just under 4% over three months. Supporters argue this adjustment would bring Aptos more in line with other major layer-1 blockchains and make capital usage across the network more efficient. But not everyone agrees on the timing or the consequences.

Some validators are voicing unease, warning that smaller participants could be squeezed out if the network doesnt simultaneously introduce support mechanisms like delegation programs or grant funding. Without those measures, critics believe the validator set could become overly centralized, eroding one of the core strengths of a healthy blockchain.

The proposal also floats the idea of launching a community validator initiative to ensure less-capitalized contributors remain part of the network‘s infrastructure. That idea remains theoretical for now, but it signals growing awareness that lowering rewards isn’t just a financial issue — its also about governance and access.

Behind the scenes, the Aptos ecosystem continues to expand. Built by former Meta engineers, the protocol has accumulated close to $1 billion in total value locked, with a sizable chunk tied to the lending platform Aries Markets. Despite that growth, some in the community worry that high staking incentives may be stifling broader ecosystem participation, especially in experimental areas like MEV, DePIN, and advanced DeFi layers.

Alexander Stefanov

Reporter at Coindoo

Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain and fintech industries, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics.