How to Become a Validator on Onino Without Running a Node

TL;DR: CIDT developed the Operator Key for Onino and launched TradeVibe - a platform for secure validator staking today and AI-powered trading tomorrow.

What Is a Validator and Why It Matters

Validators are the backbone of every Proof-of-Stake blockchain.

They confirm transactions, produce blocks and keep the network secure.

The more diverse and reliable validators are, the stronger and more decentralized the blockchain becomes.

But running a validator is not easy. On your own, it means:

• Setting up and maintaining cloud servers
• Running node software and protecting validator keys
• Monitoring uptime 24/7
• Facing penalties if downtime occurs

For non-technical users, the barrier is simply too high.

Meet TradeVibe

TradeVibe is a Validator-as-a-Service platform built for the Onino ecosystem.
It removes technical barriers and lets anyone launch a validator in just a few clicks - without touching infrastructure.

What makes it different?

• No-code: no servers, no command lines, no hassle
• Non-custodial: your funds always stay in your wallet
• Reliable: professional infrastructure and monitoring run in the background

In short: you own the validator, while TradeVibe takes care of the hard work.

The Operator Key: Safer Validator Operations

Until recently, validators on many networks - including Onino - had to use their Validator Key directly to stake and operate nodes. This meant that private keys were stored on validator servers. If someone gained access to the server, they could also gain access to funds. This outdated model (common 5–7 years ago) posed a major security risk: validator operators had to choose between convenience and true custody.

Together with the Onino Foundation, CIDT introduced a fundamental protocol enhancement: the Operator Key.

This new permission model changes everything:

• Safer architecture - The validator owner never exposes their private key to the node.
• Granular permissions - The validator assigns an Operator Key with limited rights (stake/unstake).
• Non-custodial by design - The Operator Key has zero access to funds. It cannot withdraw, transfer or steal assets.
• Trustless operations - Owners retain full control of rewards and funds while delegating only the technical tasks.

Think of it as moving from a single master key that unlocks both your vault and the office door - to a separation of powers: one key for your money, another for daily operations.

This enhancement isn’t just a feature. It’s a security milestone. By introducing Operator Keys, CIDT and the Onino Foundation brought validator operations into the modern era - combining the ease of delegation with uncompromising safety.

Operator Keys now form the foundation of TradeVibe’s trustless model, ensuring that every validator can be professionally managed without ever giving up ownership.

Start Validating in 3 Simple Steps

Becoming a validator on Onino usually requires servers, backups and technical expertise. With TradeVibe, it takes only three steps:

1. Create a TradeVibe account
2. Complete quick KYC verification
3. Stake 35,000 ONI

That’s it. TradeVibe manages the infrastructure and monitoring. You remain in control of your assets through the Operator Key.