Babylon (BABY) Staking

About Babylon (BABY)

Babylon is a decentralized protocol that enables native Bitcoin (BTC) staking directly on the Bitcoin blockchain without intermediaries. The protocol implements a novel shared-security architecture that extends Bitcoin's security model to the broader decentralized ecosystem. Through its architecture, BTC holders can participate in multi-staking operations while maintaining their assets on Bitcoin, providing verifiable security guarantees to Bitcoin Secured Networks (BSNs).

The native token of the Babylon Genesis chain is BABY, which supports protocol operations and governance functions. BABY is used for transaction fees on the Babylon Genesis chain and for participating in protocol governance decisions.

What Makes Babylon Special

1. Trustless Bitcoin Staking

Babylon enables BTC holders to stake their Bitcoin without having to leave the Bitcoin chain or bridge to another network. This non-custodial design removes the risks commonly associated with wrapped tokens or custodial services. BTC remains on the Bitcoin chain, while its staking power is utilized through Babylon’s architecture.

2. Dual-Token Staking Model

Babylon introduces an innovative dual-token staking model, where BTC is staked to provide security to consumer chains, while BABY is staked to secure the Babylon chain itself. This separation of roles enhances flexibility and reduces systemic risk.

3. Fast Unbonding

Unlike traditional staking systems that often require days or weeks to unbond assets, Babylon allows BTC stakers to unbond in under 5 hours. This rapid unbonding improves liquidity and usability for BTC holders while maintaining robust security guarantees.

4. Bitcoin Timestamping for PoS Finality

Babylon provides timestamping services that allow PoS chains to use the Bitcoin network as a finality layer. By anchoring state commitments to Bitcoin’s proof-of-work ledger, Babylon enables consumer chains to inherit Bitcoin’s security, increasing resistance to long-range attacks and improving trust.

5. Cosmos Interoperability

As a Cosmos SDK-based chain, Babylon is interoperable with other Cosmos chains via IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication). This positions Babylon as a key player in the interchain economy, enabling seamless staking and security-as-a-service across the Cosmos ecosystem and beyond.

6. Modular Security-as-a-Service

Babylon is designed as a modular security provider, allowing any PoS chain - inside or outside of Cosmos - to subscribe to Bitcoin-based security without needing deep integration. This flexible model is intended to scale across the broader blockchain ecosystem, not just within Cosmos.

Babylon Staking FAQ

How much can I make staking BABY?

The return from staking BABY varies based on the network's overall staking participation and specific validator commission

How do I receive my BABY rewards?

BABY rewards need to be claimed. Visit the Keplr dashboard to claim your staking rewards

When can I start earning rewards with BABY?

You can start earning staking rewards once your BABY tokens are successfully delegated to a validator

Can I sell BABY while it is locked up?

Staked BABY tokens cannot be sold, they need to be unstaked first. The unstaking period for BABY is 50 hours.

What are the risks around staking BABY?

Staking BABY comes with risks like slashing (penalty for a malicious validator), price volatility, and liquidity risk (inability to sell during the lock-up period).

What consensus algorithm does BABY use?

Comet BFT consensus algorithm