What is Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking lets you stake proof-of-stake tokens while receiving a liquid derivative token that represents your staked position. This derivative can be used across DeFi. As collateral, in liquidity pools, or for additional yield strategies. While your underlying tokens continue earning staking rewards.
This solves the fundamental trade-off of traditional staking where locking tokens means sacrificing liquidity and capital efficiency. With liquid staking, you can earn base staking yields of 3-8% APY while simultaneously deploying your liquid staking tokens (LSTs) for additional returns.
How Liquid Staking Works
The Staking Process- Deposit native tokens (ETH, SOL, ATOM, etc.) into a liquid staking protocol
- The protocol stakes your tokens with validators
- You receive liquid staking tokens representing your stake
- Staking rewards accumulate automatically
- Your LST can be used in DeFi or swapped back anytime
| Model | How It Works | Example | Tax Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| . . . - | . . . . . . . | . . . . - | . . . . . . . . . |
| Rebasing | Token balance increases daily | stETH | Daily taxable events |
| Value-Accruing | Token price appreciates | rETH, mSOL | Capital gains only |
Popular Liquid Staking Tokens
Ethereum LSTs- stETH (Lido): Largest with $20B+ staked, deepest DeFi integration
- rETH (Rocket Pool): Most decentralized, value-accruing model
- cbETH (Coinbase): Institutional-grade, regulated
- mSOL (Marinade): Largest Solana LST, decentralized validators
- jitoSOL (Jito): Includes MEV rewards, higher APY
- bSOL (BlazeStake): Community-governed alternative
- stATOM: Liquid staked Cosmos Hub
- stMATIC: Liquid staked Polygon
Yield Strategies with LSTs
Hold for Base Yield: Simply hold your LST. Rewards compound automatically with no active management. Use as Collateral: Deposit LSTs on Aave or Spark to borrow stablecoins. Borrow costs may be lower than staking yields, creating positive carry. Provide Liquidity: LP in LST/native pairs (stETH/ETH) on Curve. Minimal impermanent loss due to price correlation, plus trading fees on top of staking rewards. Leverage Loop: Deposit LST, borrow the native token, stake it for more LST, repeat. Amplifies yield but also risk.Deploy into liquid staking strategies directly through Fensory. Access staking yields while maintaining DeFi liquidity from one unified platform.
Getting Started with Liquid Staking
- Choose Your Protocol: Compare APYs, decentralization, and token model
- Prepare Your Wallet: Ensure you have native tokens and gas
- Deposit via Fensory: Access liquid staking protocols through the Fensory Crypto Wealth Super App
- Receive LSTs: Tokens appear in your wallet immediately
- Use in DeFi (Optional): Deploy LSTs for additional yield
- Monitor Returns: Track your staking performance over time
Risk Considerations
Smart Contract Risk: LST protocols add smart contract dependencies. Use established protocols with audits and insurance. Slashing Risk: If validators misbehave, staked tokens can be slashed. Major protocols diversify across validators to minimize this. Depeg Risk: LSTs can trade below their underlying value during market stress. This is usually temporary but creates risk if you need to exit quickly. Protocol Risk: Centralization varies. Lido controls significant staked ETH, creating systemic risk. Consider diversifying across protocols. Liquid staking involves smart contract and slashing risks. LSTs may trade at discounts during market volatility. Past staking yields don't guarantee future returns. Only stake what you can afford to lose.Frequently Asked Questions
Is liquid staking safe?Major protocols like Lido, Rocket Pool, and Marinade are well-audited and hold billions in TVL. However, all DeFi carries smart contract risk.
Can I unstake anytime?Yes, but methods vary. You can swap LSTs on DEXs instantly (with slippage) or initiate withdrawal (takes days-weeks depending on protocol).
Which LST should I choose?For maximum DeFi integration: stETH. For decentralization: rETH. For Solana: mSOL. Consider your priorities.
Start Earning with Liquid Staking
Ready to stake while keeping your assets liquid? Deploy into liquid staking protocols and access yield strategies through the Fensory Crypto Wealth Super App. Your gateway to capital-efficient staking.