Liquid Staking

Problem statement

In Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, token holders can stake their tokens, usually for a duration of time, in order to secure the network. If the validator with the locked stake misbehaves, it is slashed. In return, stakers are paid inflationary token rewards, to compensate for the staking risk.

However, token holders often want to use their tokens freely - as collateral, to sell, etc.

Solution

Liquid staked tokens (stTokens) allow token holders to get the best of both worlds - receive staking rewards on a transferable token.

As such, liquid staked tokens are foundational to the DeFi ecosystem.

Comparison with other liquid staking providers

There are currently multiple liquid staking providers for many of the chains Stride supports. Here’s an overview for Stride’s largest chains by total value locked (TVL):