Liquid staking, also known as staked tokens or staking derivatives, is a concept in cryptocurrency that allows users to retain the benefits of staking their tokens while also having the flexibility to use them in other ways within the ecosystem.
Staking is a process in which cryptocurrency holders “lock up” a certain amount of their tokens in a wallet to support the network’s operations and secure the blockchain. In return for staking, participants typically receive rewards in the form of additional tokens or fees generated by the network.
However, traditional staking has its limitations. When users stake their tokens, they become illiquid, meaning they cannot be easily accessed or transferred until the staking period ends. This lack of liquidity can be a drawback for some users who may need to use their tokens for other purposes, such as trading or participating in other DeFi (Decentralized Finance) protocols.
To address this issue, liquid staking platforms and protocols have been developed. With liquid staking, instead of locking up their tokens directly in the native staking contract, users can deposit their tokens into a smart contract that represents their staked position. This smart contract generates a “wrapped” or “liquid” version of the staked tokens, often represented as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum or a BEP-20 token on Binance Smart Chain.
These liquid staking tokens are tradable and can be used in other DeFi protocols, traded on exchanges, or even used as collateral for borrowing funds. While the user’s original tokens are staked and support the network, the liquid staking tokens represent their staked position and can be used more flexibly.
The liquid staking process is typically handled by third-party platforms or protocols that manage the staking and token issuance. Some platforms also offer additional rewards on top of the staking rewards, creating an additional incentive for users to participate in liquid staking.
It’s important to note that while liquid staking provides increased flexibility, it also introduces some risks. Users should carefully consider the smart contract’s security, the reputation of the platform, and any potential fees or lock-up periods associated with the liquid staking process before participating. As with any cryptocurrency-related activity, users should do their research and exercise caution to ensure the safety of their funds.
