Rocket Pool is a decentralized Ethereum staking pool that offers users an annual percentage rate (APR) of up to 4.33% for ETH2 staking. Participants have the option to engage with Rocket Pool’s decentralized network of node operators or to operate their own nodes with as little as 16 ETH. By choosing the latter, users can receive a commission from staking ETH and earn additional RPL rewards by providing RPL collateral, which can result in a combined APR of up to 6.36% for ETH, along with the supplementary RPL rewards. Rocket Pool offers liquid staking, allowing users to benefit from an increasing exchange rate instead of accumulating more initial staked collateral, which could be a taxable event. The platform also features smart nodes, which are custom node software that enables anyone to operate a node on the Rocket Pool network. Losses arising from poorly performing nodes are shared across the network, thereby minimizing the risk of penalties for individual users. This risk mitigation is bolstered by the pool’s open-source and audited smart contracts, ensuring fully non-custodial staking and a high level of decentralization.

Rocket Pool was initiated by David Rugendyke, a senior developer with a background in computer science, who began conceptualizing Rocket Pool in late 2016. He is supported by General Manager Darren Langley, an executive with more than 18 years of commercial expertise in managing and mentoring development teams, designing application architecture, and delivering innovative digital products for the government and financial services sectors. The team is further strengthened by three blockchain and Solidity engineers who collectively possess 40 years of experience.

Rocket Pool offers a unique opportunity for anyone to participate in ETH2 staking, irrespective of their financial commitment or technical expertise. Its fundamental principle is to facilitate the trustless staking of ETH through a network of decentralized autonomous nodes secured by RPL collateral. Rocket Pool positions itself as a complement to staking-as-a-service providers. These providers have the option to enhance their returns by joining Rocket Pool and operating a node, for which they earn rewards in ETH and RPL. In this setup, even a substantial entity like Gemini could leverage Rocket Pool by establishing nodes that stake 16 ETH each. This is where Rocket Pool’s staked ETH wrapper, rETH, becomes relevant. rETH represents a tokenized version of the staked ETH in Rocket Pool, allowing participants to engage in staking activities from as little as 0.01 ETH to up to 32 ETH. By staking their Ether, users obtain rETH, which inherently accumulates staking rewards based on the performance of the network's node operators. The value of rETH is safeguarded against slashing through insurance mechanisms, with node operators pledging RPL as collateral to cover any penalties they might incur. Another method of engaging with Rocket Pool is through Node Staking. Users can deposit 16 ETH and receive an additional 16 ETH from other users who are depositing ETH and obtaining rETH. Essentially, you stake your own 16 ETH alongside 16 ETH on behalf of the protocol. Rocket Pool dynamically adjusts its commission rate according to the supply and demand of node operators and available ETH. This model rewards node operators for providing insurance to stakers in case of penalties or slashing. Additionally, node operators are required to deposit a minimum amount of RPL as collateral. For further information on Rocket Pool, visit its listing on Eulerpool.

RPL adopts a unique approach compared to most fixed-supply DeFi tokens by incorporating a 5% annual inflation rate. The protocol maintains that any value-generating system must compensate its participants. A fixed-supply model would inevitably result in value generation at the users' expense. The issuance of new RPL tokens is allocated as follows: * Node Operators staking RPL as insurance collateral (70%) * Oracle DAO members providing various oracle data (15%) * Protocol DAO Treasury to support decentralized development (15%) This model is crafted to incentivize the key stakeholders of the protocol while also fostering further decentralized development. Oracle DAO members comprise node operators, ensuring accurate reporting of oracle data to the protocol, while the Protocol DAO manages the protocol’s treasury. Currently, the supply of RPL stands at just over 10 million.

RPL is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network. Rocket Pool has undergone successful audits by three independent firms: Sigma Prime, Consensys Diligence, and Trail of Bits. Additionally, it operates a bug bounty program to encourage the maintenance of protocol security. Moreover, the governance of Rocket Pool is divided between the Protocol DAO and the Oracle DAO. The Protocol DAO handles configurations such as RPL inflation, rewards, auctions, staking requirements and commissions for nodes, and deposits. The Oracle DAO connects the smart contracts between the Beacon Chain and the ETH1 main chain. Its members include several major ETH2 staking clients, such as Lighthouse, Nimbus, Prysm, ConsenSys Codefi, Blockchain Capital, Bankless, among others.

RPL is accessible on platforms such as UniSwap (V3), Hoo, BKEX, XT.COM, Hotbit, and Bvnex. For further information on initiating your cryptocurrency purchases, please refer to our comprehensive guide available here.