Liquid Staking Derivatives: A Staking Alternative Post-Merge
Staking has become a popular feature amongst many cryptocurrency holders today. When a token is staked, it is dedicated to supporting the strength and security of its network. When a cryptocurrency token holder stakes tokens, he or she can receive a staking reward for their support. In addition to providing cryptocurrency holders with passive income, staking often provides governance rights. However, it also presents the challenge of capital inefficiency. Liquid staking stands as a solution to the capital inefficiency problem.
What Is Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking is an alternative to traditional staking that offers flexibility and greater efficiency. Specifically, it allows stakers to access their assets while still enjoying the benefits of staking their tokens.
Staking tokens has traditionally had a high opportunity cost for token holders. By staking their tokens, they agree to lock up their assets for a specific period of time. By doing so, they may miss out on opportunities to profit by trading their tokens or using them in other ways. This opportunity cost may deter some token holders from participating in regular staking. Through liquid staking, however, networks enjoy the stability and security associated with staked tokens. At the same time, token holders have the ability to use their assets as desired while still receiving staking rewards.