What Is Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking refers to the tokenization of staked assets. It’s a transformative process primarily associated with Proof of Stake (PoS) networks. In traditional staking, users lock their crypto holdings to support the security and operation of a blockchain. Liquid staking takes this concept to the next level by allowing users to tokenize their staked assets, creating a more flexible and dynamic approach to participating in staking ecosystems.
The Staking Process
Staking, in its conventional form, involves users locking their cryptocurrency, commonly Ethereum or other PoS-based tokens, to validate transactions and maintain the blockchain's integrity. This process comes with a trade-off, as staked assets are typically illiquid during the staking period.
The Emergence of Liquid Staking
Liquid staking addresses the liquidity issue associated with traditional staking. It introduces a mechanism where users receive liquid staking tokens (LSTs) in exchange for their staked assets. These LSTs represent both the staked amount and the corresponding staking rewards. Unlike traditional staking, users can freely trade, use in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, or leverage as collateral their LSTs without waiting for the staking period to conclude.
EigenLayer: A Decentralized Restaking Protocol
At the forefront of liquid staking innovation is EigenLayer, a decentralized restaking protocol built on the Ethereum network. EigenLayer acts as a bridge between Ethereum and other blockchain networks, allowing users to stake and restake their assets seamlessly. The protocol introduces a novel approach to the staking landscape, providing users with increased flexibility and accessibility.
