If you think that the only way to earn money from cryptocurrency is to simply buy some coins, “HODL”, and hope the price sufficiently appreciates, then think again.
Already, projects have come up with a number of ways to reward their token holders, through such schemes as token dividends (for example, the ‘Gas’ that is paid to holders of NEO), staking rewards that are available in Proof-of-Stake projects, and airdrops.
But when assessing such reward schemes over a much longer forward time period, the most lucrative of all may well be the masternode.
Simply put, it is a server on a blockchain network. It runs software on the blockchain in order to provide several important functions for the network – functions that ordinary network nodes won’t usually perform.
In doing so, therefore, masternodes are considered the preeminent network nodes, and are amply rewarded in return.
For instance, in the case of Dash which was the first cryptocurrency project to introduce the masternode concept, these important functions include:
Because performing such functions costs money and resources, the masternode earns a sizeable share of the block rewards, which is usually paid in the cryptocurrency of the respective network.
But not every project offers the opportunity to run a masternode. It is more commonly found in those projects that use Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms. Indeed, running a masternode is similar in concept to those nodes in PoS blockchains that stake their coins to earn rewards – and is done by simply locking your coins up in a wallet.
It should be stressed that masternodes are also increasingly appearing in Proof-of-Work projects (ones that involve mining). But irrespective of the consensus mechanism, the long-run benefit to investors of running masternodes is that they receive greater returns than simply mining (PoW) or staking (PoS).
Ultimately, a masternode proves a great opportunity for crypto investors to earn a passive income from their holdings. In some cases, this income can be substantial. It also allows those running the masternodes to earn crypto regularly without having to set up mining rigs.
There isn’t one. But there are a few things to note. Firstly, running a masternode will require the user to stake a large number of coins on the network, which means you must hold a significant chunk of tokens in your wallet. Much like a PoS staker, doing so indicates you are a serious investor in the project, and incentivizes you to uphold truth on the network.
But it means that a hefty initial investment is required – if you don’t get in early when the coin is still cheap, buying the minimum masternode coin threshold (which varies for each project) can be expensive.
Dash, for example, requires 1000 coins to be collateralised to earn masternode rewards, but pays out an annual ROI of 7.5%. So, at current prices, where 1 DASH = $410, becoming a masternode will set you back $410,000, but will earn you $30,750 per year.
In contrast, when Dash first announced its masternode programme back in June 2015, the price of 1 DASH was under $3. That means a masternode would have cost you less than $3,000, and you would be profiting handsomely today.
Yes! Sites such as masternodes.pro and masternodes.online provide extensive information about the latest projects offering masternode opportunities.
As these sites show, there are plenty of masternode projects, but of course, as with everything crypto-related, DYOR! (see our concise guide to crypto terms here!)Given that masternodes require you to purchase a large number of coins, scam projects will be particularly incentivized to offer such a scheme, as they can get rich quick and duly abandon the project.
That said, a growing number of credible projects are providing masternode programmes to reward their biggest token-holders, and thus definitely worth investigating.
That will largely depend on the project you intend to buy into. More recently – and what seems likely to be a growing trend going forward – projects are offering highly tailored masternode programmes, with greater rewards dispensed to those willing to hold even higher coin thresholds.
In the example of VeChain (VET), token-holders can earn a new tradeable token (‘Thor Power’) for holding VET coins. For every 1 VET, you will earn 0.00042 Thor Power per day. But masternodes can earn significantly more:
As you move up the masternode hierarchy, you can earn a greater proportion of Thor Power, while becoming an Authority Masternode means you also have the privilege of earning 30% of all Thor Power transactions.
Of course, your earning potential will also depend on how much your coin appreciates in value over time. So, it makes sense to choose a project that has long-term potential, such that in a few years’ time with steady growth, you could end up with a sizeable passive income, not to mention the coins you hold in your wallet which you can sell at any time (but of course in doing so, you will automatically relinquish your masternode status and benefits).
Again, it can’t be stressed enough that you should perform detailed research on a project before you invest potentially large sums up-front.
There are additional ways to boost your income even further. Take Waltonchain, which allows you to earn masternode rewards by holding at least 5000 WTC in its wallet. On top of this, the project also enables users to mine WTC, and if you mine to the same wallet that holds your 5000+ WTC, you can earn an even higher masternode yield.
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Dr. Justin S P Chan has a passion for clarity and synergy - seeing through the complexity of the intersecting spheres of technology, finance, innovation and social dynamics, to enable game-changing collaborations between entrepreneurs and innovative opportunities. Combining the vision of a true inventor and entrepreneur with his data-driven, evidence-based approach to investment, Justin also co-founded OCIM and serves as Chief Investment Officer for its fund management platform. Within OCIM, He co-manages OC Horizon Fintech, a transformational hedge fund, where he blends real applications, expertise and future-awareness into truly exceptional investment performance. Justin gains inspiration for these projects from his global network of contacts in investment and fintech communities, where he stays on the pulse of fast-moving conversations and trends affecting global markets and emerging technologies.
John DeCleene is a fund manager for OCIM’s fintech fund, and currently progressing towards becoming a CFA charter holder. He loves to travel for business and pleasure, having visited 38 countries (including North Korea); he represents the new breed of global citizen for the 21st century. Whilst having spent a lot of his life in Asia, John DeCleene has lived and studied all over the world - including spells in Hong Kong, Mexico, The U.S. and China. He graduated with a BA in Political Science from Tulane University in 2016.
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