Fantom is a Layer-1 blockchain that facilitates DeFi and related services based on smart contracts using a scratch-built consensus mechanism and separate consensus layer, Lachesis. Other layers, like Opera, Fantom's EVM-compatible smart contract chain, are also secured using Lachesis.
To provide services and safeguard its network, Fantom employs a unique proof-of-stake mechanism. It is an example of an asynchronous byzantine fault tolerant (aBFT) consensus mechanism known as Lachesis.
Fantom eliminates low-cost attack risk by removing leadership among network participants, while staking adds additional user incentives to secure operations using FTM token holdings.
Use of Native tokens in the ecosystem:
FTM, the native token, is expected to have the following features:
For validator node staking: to safeguard the network in exchange for block and transaction rewards. Nodes will be ranked according to how quickly they confirm transactions. As a result, higher-performing nodes with superior hardware will earn greater rewards per FTM staked on average.
To pay transaction fees: consumers can use FTM to do so.
To vote on proposals to change the structure of the mainnet, modify system parameters such as block rewards, and elect moderators and the technical committee: each token holder running a validator node, or who has delegated their FTM to a validator node, will be able to vote on proposals to change the structure of the mainnet, modify system parameters such as block rewards, and elect moderators and the technical committee.

Fantom's Opera network supports all smart contract languages that Ethereum supports for the EVM, including Solidity and Vyper.