> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pondo.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pondo.xyz/how-it-works/aleo-delegated-staking.md).

# Aleo Delegated Staking

The Aleo blockchain relies on a network of **validators**: infrastructure service providers who secure the network through **AleoBFT**, a **Proof of Stake** based **consensus mechanism** that leverages the latest state-of-the-art consensus research: **Bullshark**.

## Validators

Validators **verify** and **confirm** blocks of **transactions** and agree on state of the chain. They receive **rewards** and **fees** for their work securing the network. These rewards are proportional to a specific amount of Aleo tokens bonded to them. They are called **staking rewards**.

## Delegators

Because a minimum of **10M Aleo Credits** is required to become a validator, a mechanism natively exists on the chain to allow users not meeting the criteria to earn staking rewards: they can **delegate** their tokens by **bonding** them to a validator, in exchange for a **commission**. These users are called **delegators**. Both delegators and validators are referred to as **stakers**.

## Learn more

[Read more about Aleo Staking.](https://aleo.org/faq/)

[Check out its implementation.](https://github.com/AleoNet/snarkVM/blob/testnet3/synthesizer/program/src/resources/credits.aleo)

While delegation solves a major pain about Staking, it does not bring a liquid, scalabe, private staking mechanism on Aleo. Pondo aims at solving these pain points.