Ankr is a decentralised blockchain platform that makes it easy to deploy and manage Web3 infrastructure. It offers developers the tools for building decentralised applications (dApps), running nodes, and accessing blockchain data across multiple networks. Instead of relying on centralised cloud providers like AWS or Google Cloud, Ankr offers access to a global network of nodes that support decentralised applications, staking, and blockchain data queries.
The Ankr is built on a multichain framework that includes Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, and several other leading blockchains. It uses the ANKR token as a utility token for payments, staking, and governance across these networks. As a decentralised system, Ankr allows anyone to contribute computing resources or access Web3 infrastructure services without depending on a single authority. This multichain approach ensures greater flexibility, scalability, and compatibility for developers building dApps across various blockchain ecosystems.
Who created Ankr?
Ankr was founded in 2017 by Chandler Song, Ryan Fang and Stanley Wu with the intention to reallocate idle cloud power to fuel the digital economy.
Chandler, a software engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Ryan, a finance professional in investment banking and private equity, and Stanley, a leading engineer at AWS, built Ankr to provide affordable computing power and facilitate the development of decentralised applications (dApps).
The goal of Ankr was to create the most scalable and truly decentralised Web3 infrastructure by utilising idle cloud computing resources from data centres worldwide to support and power the emerging decentralised digital economy.
How does Ankr work?
Ankr operates as a decentralised Web3 infrastructure platform that connects developers, decentralised applications (dApps), and blockchains through a global network of nodes. Instead of relying on centralised cloud providers, Ankr utilises idle computing power from data centers and individual node providers, promoting decentralisation and efficiency. By distributing blockchain node hosting around the world, Ankr ensures faster, more reliable access to blockchain data, which is essential for building scalable Web3 applications.
Ankr uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, where users stake ANKR tokens to help validate transactions and support network security. This model is more energy-efficient than traditional mining and gives stakers the chance to earn rewards for their contributions. It also supports multiple PoS-based blockchains, including Ethereum.
The ANKR token is an ERC-20 token built on the Ethereum blockchain, benefiting from Ethereum’s infrastructure and smart contract compatibility. It’s used for paying node hosting fees, staking, and rewarding contributors. With its focus on decentralisation, performance, and multi-chain support, Ankr plays a key role in powering the next generation of Web3 applications.
What is Ankr’s native cryptocurrency?
The native cryptocurrency of the Ankr is ANKR. It plays a central role in the ecosystem, where users stake ANKR to secure the network, access node infrastructure, and earn rewards. Developers and projects use ANKR to pay for services like RPC endpoints and staking solutions across multiple blockchains. It is used to pay for node hosting and API services, making it essential for developers and projects that rely on Ankr’s infrastructure.
ANKR is also used for governance, allowing token holders to vote on key proposals that shape the future of the network. As Ankr expands support for more blockchains, ANKR remains the core currency for paying fees, incentivising node providers, and participating in the platform’s decentralised decision-making process.
Security incidents
Ankr has experienced the following security incidents:
Internal system intrusion (2020)
An unauthorised intruder gained access to Ankr's internal systems and stole a small amount of funds, leading the team to implement multi-signature wallets and a bug bounty program. Source: Merkle Science
aBNBc unlimited minting exploit (Dec 2022)
A former employee used a compromised private key to maliciously upgrade a smart contract, allowing them to drain $5 million. Source: Blockworks
Helio Protocol secondary exploit (Dec 2022)
A trader exploited delayed price oracles to use crashed aBNBc tokens as collateral, borrowing $16 million in HAY stablecoins before the protocol could update its pricing. Source: Halborn
The above list of incidents may not be exhaustive. As always, it’s important that you do your own research to ensure you’re comfortable with an asset’s associated risks before investing in it.
Token supply and concentration
ANKR has a maximum supply of 10 billion tokens, with 100% currently in circulation as of January 2026. The top 10 wallet addresses collectively hold ~4.90 billion ANKR (~49% of the maximum token supply).
Visit this external link to see the distribution among ANKR’s top token holders.
Tip
Keen to explore Ankr a bit more? You can learn about ANKR basics and get all the latest cryptocurrency news on Luno Discover.
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This information is not intended to be nor does it constitute financial, tax, legal, investment or other advice; nor is it a call to trade. The information is intended as general market commentary for information purposes only. Before making any decision or taking any action regarding your finances, you should consult a qualified Financial Advisor.