The validator threshold is mentioned as 10k DOT, and nominators can finally sleep well. The 28-day unlock period has been reduced to two days, and this upgrade in experience is quite impressive.

Polkadot OpenGov is voting on a major adjustment to the network staking architecture. Referendum 1890 proposes that validators lock at least 10,000 DOT of their own funds as self-stake. This is a mandatory prerequisite for the next staking upgrade, which will allow nominators to no longer bear the risk of penalties and confiscation. The unbonding period will be shortened from approximately 28 days to 24–48 hours. Once approved, validators will bear the risk of penalties and confiscation, while nominators can continue to earn staking rewards without exposing their principal, thereby reducing participation risk and speeding up exit.