Liquid Staking Derivatives: The Rise of a Dominant DeFi Niche

December 21, 2023 - Around 6 mins mins to read

Liquid Staking Derivatives is an important segment, with TVL ranked number one in the DeFi market. There are currently many LSD projects active because of the huge potential of this niche. Today, let’s find out with Coincu what Liquid Staking Derivatives are and why they are an indispensable part of the future development of DeFi.

But first, let’s understand what the concept of Liquid Staking is.

What is Liquid Staking?

Liquid Staking, a novel concept gaining momentum, allows users to access liquidity while actively participating in staking tokens. The essence of Liquid Staking lies in the protocols that enable users to stake a particular asset.

A 1:1 Ratio for Liquidity and Participation

In return, these protocols issue a corresponding token, mirroring the staked asset at a 1:1 ratio. This innovative approach ensures that users can engage in blockchain ecosystems utilizing Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms, akin to traditional staking methods.

The genesis of Liquid Staking can be traced to the surge in popularity of platform blockchains employing PoS or similar consensus mechanisms. Notably, Ethereum’s pioneering vision of Ethereum 2.0, incorporating PoS and Sharding, set the stage for subsequent platform blockchains to embrace PoS or its variations.

Use representative tokens

Unlike conventional staking models constrained by fixed stake times, Liquid Staking introduces a revolutionary concept. Instead of waiting for a predetermined period, users receive a “bill” representing their staked amount in the form of a unique token—a token symbolizing the stake collateral.

What sets this apart is the ability to utilize these tokens in various Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols, thereby generating additional profits. Effectively, Liquid Staking transforms the staking process into a dynamic experience, akin to storing funds in a DeFi escrow account.

Born because of the liquidity of DeFi

The protocol’s liquid and flexible nature distinguishes it in the blockchain sphere, providing users with the freedom to access their funds during the staking period. This newfound liquidity not only enhances the user experience but also opens doors to innovative possibilities within the rapidly evolving DeFi landscape.

What are Liquid Staking Derivatives?

Liquid Staking Derivatives represent a paradigm shift in the derivatives landscape, providing investors with a unique array of opportunities.

By leveraging Liquid Staking Derivatives, investors can engage in trading multiple products based on price fluctuations without the necessity of owning the underlying assets. This innovative approach opens new doors for traders, offering flexibility and accessibility to a diverse range of financial instruments.

The core concept of the Liquid Staking Derivatives protocol is its ability to unlock the potential of staking assets by transforming them into synthetic assets. This breakthrough allows users to actively buy, sell, or engage in various activities within the DeFi market.

The synthetic assets created through this protocol provide a bridge between traditional staking mechanisms and the dynamic world of decentralized finance, fostering a more versatile and expansive financial ecosystem.

Compare Liquid Staking Derivatives and other types of staking

Liquid Staking Derivatives can be considered an improvement on traditional staking as users can be more flexible with their staking assets. Let’s take a look at the current types of staking:

Traditional personal staking requires a minimum of 32 ETH and a dedicated computer, coupled with considerations for network and power conditions. Users who opt for personal staking enjoy full control over their assets and receive all staking rewards.

However, this method demands significant resources, including the operation of nodes, making it a less flexible option for some users.

Another staking option, customdial staking, also mandates a minimum of 32 ETH but eliminates the need for hardware infrastructure. Users can delegate their ETH to a node operator, simplifying the staking process.

However, this method requires users to upload their signing key, potentially raising security concerns as it allows the service provider to authenticate on their behalf.

Liquid Staking Derivatives redefine the staking landscape by eliminating the 32 ETH requirement and the need for hardware infrastructure. Users delegate their custom Ethereum to the LSD protocol, which pairs the delegated Ethereum with a chosen node operator for staking.

While users must share a portion of their earnings with the LSD protocol and node operators, this solution offers unparalleled flexibility. Earnings can be withdrawn at any time through lsdETH liquidity on the secondary market, and users can even leverage their staked assets for increased profits. It’s worth noting that the current iteration of this solution is more centralized.

Centralized Exchange (CEX) staking provides a hassle-free alternative, requiring no 32 ETH or hardware infrastructure. Users can leverage staking services offered by exchanges like Coinbase, receiving most staking rewards with a small portion converted by the exchange.

This solution minimizes operational difficulties for users, enabling quick withdrawal or exit on the secondary market through staking certificates. However, it faces significant legal risks and remains the most centralized option.

How Liquid Staking Derivatives works

Liquid Staking Derivatives are created through the process of tokenization. It allows users to stake their assets, subsequently receiving Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) in a proportional amount, effectively representing their staked assets. The convenience of LSTs lies in their interchangeability, enabling users to freely trade them on DEXs or seamlessly integrate them into diverse DeFi protocols.

Tokenization, as a process, plays a pivotal role in Liquid Staking Derivatives. When users engage in staking, committing their assets to the platform, the issuance of LSTs follows suit. These tokens act as a tangible representation of the staked assets, creating a fluid and tradable asset within the DeFi space.

Operational progress

The operating mechanism of these platforms unfolds in a strategic sequence, offering users a unique opportunity to maximize their returns while participating in various DeFi activities.

Users initiate the process by depositing their assets into the platform, with a primary focus on platform coins like NEAR, SOL, FTM, AVAX, and ETH.

The platform employs validator partners to deposit user assets into validators, creating a mechanism to generate profits from staking activities.

Simultaneously, the protocol issues derivative assets back to the users. These derivatives, such as stNEAR, sNEAR, stSOL, mSOL, stETH, dETH, vary across different platforms. Each derivative asset holds a value equivalent to the original asset deposited by the user.

Users armed with these derivative assets actively engage in a myriad of DeFi activities, including Automated Market Making (AMM), Lending & Borrowing, Derivatives trading, and Yield Farming. The versatility of these assets opens doors to a wide range of DeFi protocols that readily accept them.

To reclaim their original assets, users can simply send the derivative asset back to the platform, initiating a burn process. In return, the platform efficiently returns the equivalent original asset to the user, completing the seamless cycle.

The role of Liquid Staking Token in the operation process

Redeem platform assets

Leading platforms such as Lido Finance and Rocket Pool allow users to deposit Ether into staking pools and receive Liquid Staking Token representing their holdings and accrued interest.

The Liquid Staking Token, exemplified by Lido’s stETH and Rocket Pool’s rETH, empowers users to seamlessly navigate the DeFi space. By utilizing LSTs, individuals not only maintain control over their capital but also enjoy the benefits of yield generation.

Liquid Staking Token Finance is created

Taking this a step further, Liquid Staking Token Finance (LSTFi) protocols have entered the scene, introducing novel ways to enhance capital efficiency. These platforms provide users with opportunities to actively engage their ETH and Liquid Staking Token, maximizing their potential returns.

Implement staking strategies

LSTFi protocols leverage innovative mechanics to boost yield by strategically deploying staked assets across various DeFi protocols. This approach enables users to compound their staked ETH, creating a dynamic ecosystem where capital works efficiently to generate optimal returns.

The capital efficiency introduced by LSTFi projects marks a significant advancement in the DeFi space, allowing users to unlock the full potential of their assets.

Benefits of Liquid Staking Derivatives

Mutual benefits

Liquid Staking Derivatives bring liquidity, flexibility, and enhanced earning potential to those engaging in staking activities. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages that LSDs provide:

LSDs transform staked assets into tokenized forms, allowing seamless trading and utilization within various DeFi platforms. Beyond the conventional staking rewards, users can tap into additional yields by investing their assets in different DeFi protocols.

Investors holding LSDs enjoy a steady stream of income through continuous staking rewards, providing a reliable source of passive income over time.

Liquid Staking Derivatives make staking more accessible by eliminating minimum staking requirements. Users have the flexibility to stake any amount of cryptocurrency, making it inclusive for a broader audience.

Unlike traditional staking, where assets are entirely locked, LSDs issue users representative assets at a 1:1 ratio. LSTs can be utilized for various DeFi purposes, such as crypto swaps, lending, collateral, and more. LSDs maintain a market value equivalent to their underlying staked crypto, adding versatility to users’ portfolios.

The surging popularity of LSDs has resulted in tokens like Lido’s stETH being listed on centralized exchanges (CEX). This listing facilitates easy buying and selling of LSDs, offering users a more convenient way to engage with these innovative financial instruments. Lower entry barriers make LSDs accessible to a broader audience compared to traditional staking.

Liquid Staking Derivatives provide a valuable tool for risk management in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Investors can diversify their portfolios effectively, spreading risk across different assets and protocols.

One of the notable advantages of LSDs is their ability to keep staked assets active in DeFi. Unlike locked staking, where assets are tied up, LSDs mitigate the opportunity cost associated with idle capital, allowing users to explore other investment opportunities within the DeFi space.

Benefits for participating parties

The protocol encourages a surge in user participation as they stake tokens within the Liquid Staking Derivatives Protocol. This influx of users indirectly bolsters the security of the entire blockchain network.

By joining the common network, participants contribute to the decentralization of the network, fostering a more resilient and secure ecosystem.

Node operators play a crucial role in supporting stakers by managing the hardware and software necessary for staking coins on the network.

In return for their services, node operators receive a portion of the fees generated, establishing a symbiotic relationship that incentivizes their active involvement and ensures the seamless operation of the protocol.

The Liquid Staking Derivatives Protocol emerges as a catalyst for the growth of projects integrated into the network. As users leverage tokens within the protocol, there is a simultaneous increase in TVL and trading volume for associated projects.

This influx of activity not only benefits individual projects but also contributes to the overall vibrancy of the blockchain ecosystem.

Benefits for token holders

Empowering Through Governance

A fundamental feature embedded in the ethos of DeFi protocols, governance stands tall as a pivotal benefit for token holders within Liquid Staking Derivatives projects.

For visionary builders and substantial investors, governance rights offer a unique avenue to influence the project’s operations, effect positive changes, and align the project with their strategic interests. However, it’s essential to note that for smaller traders, the governance aspect might not yield as much value, given the relatively limited impact they can wield in comparison to their more significant counterparts.

Harnessing Protocol Revenue Sharing

Another notable advantage that comes bundled with holding tokens in Liquid Staking Derivatives projects is protocol revenue sharing. The mechanics of this benefit involve the calculation of protocol fees derived from a portion of the profits generated by users.

The distribution of protocol fees is executed through various formulas, offering flexibility in aligning incentives for all participants. This mechanism not only fosters a sense of shared success within the project’s community but also serves as a tangible incentive for token holders to remain actively engaged and invested in the project’s growth.

Risks of Liquid Staking Derivatives

Liquid staking derivatives, exemplified by tokens like stETH, rETH, and ankrETH, offer unique opportunities for users to participate in staking without the traditional lock-up period.

However, this convenience comes with risks. Lending protocols may face bad debt issues, while users may encounter risks associated with the liquidity of these tokens. It’s crucial for participants to be aware of these factors before engaging with liquid staking platforms.

One notable risk involves the potential depegging of LSDs from their underlying staked assets. Historical instances have shown that the market prices of LSDs can fall below the value of the staked cryptos.

Investors should understand that there’s no guaranteed peg, emphasizing the importance of monitoring market dynamics when dealing with liquid staking derivatives.

The adoption of liquid staking derivative platforms is on the rise, with more DeFi projects incorporating these solutions. The increasing support from various networks is expected to expand the user base and advantages of liquid staking derivatives. This trend is likely to attract a broader audience, marking a significant shift in the DeFi landscape.

While platforms like Lido and Rocket Pool have facilitated easier staking, they have also led to concerns about centralization. Larger staking service providers control a substantial amount of staked ETH, raising questions about decentralization. This shift may discourage solo stakers, emphasizing the need for a balanced and decentralized ecosystem.

As with any DeFi application, users must be cautious about smart contract risks and potential exploits. Thorough due diligence is essential before engaging with liquid staking derivatives. By staying informed and adopting best security practices, users can mitigate the inherent risks associated with smart contract vulnerabilities.

The regulatory environment surrounding DeFi and liquid staking derivatives is constantly evolving. The lack of clear frameworks poses challenges for both users and platforms.

To navigate this space responsibly, participants must stay informed about relevant regulations and compliance measures. This proactive approach ensures a better understanding of the potential impact of regulatory changes on the development and widespread adoption of liquid staking derivatives.

Conclusion

Liquid Staking Derivatives represents a novel approach that combines the benefits of staking with the flexibility of engaging in wider DeFi ecosystems. This breakthrough concept enables users to not only reap the rewards of staking but also actively participate in other decentralized financial activities. Hopefully this article has helped you gain more knowledge about this interesting DeFi niche.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Knowledge

Liquid Staking Derivatives: The Rise of a Dominant DeFi Niche

Liquid Staking Derivatives is an important segment, with TVL ranked number one in the DeFi market. There are currently many LSD projects active because of the huge potential of this niche. Today, let’s find out with Coincu what Liquid Staking Derivatives are and why they are an indispensable part of the future development of DeFi.

But first, let’s understand what the concept of Liquid Staking is.

What is Liquid Staking?