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DeFi in Crisis: Restaking Protocols Are Devouring Liquidity

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The DeFi space is expanding, with liquid staking and restaking protocols gaining more and more  attention. These developments allow users to stake and reuse assets multiple times, offering the potential for higher yields. However, as these systems become more complex, they also introduce potential systemic vulnerabilities.

Projects like EigenLayer are pushing the limits of yield maximization, but are these returns sustainable? The question remains whether these innovations are setting DeFi up for lasting success or creating the next wave of risks.

The Growing Influence

Restaking protocols, led by platforms like EigenLayer, have become a major force in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Restaking refers to the process where users take assets staked on one protocol, such as Ethereum’s liquid staking tokens (LSTs), and stake them again on another platform to earn additional yields.

This process has unlocked significant earning potential, driving restaking’s rise. In 2024, liquid restaking tokens (LRTs) saw an enormous 4,900% growth in Total Value Locked (TVL), surpassing $15 billion from a mere $280 million in early 2024​. 

“The push for higher yields is a key to keeping staking attractive, especially as the total amount of ETH staked on the Beacon Chain grows and the average APY (annual percentage yield) declines. This is one of the main reasons DeFi and restaking protocols have been so well-received,” Alon Muroch, CEO and Founder at SSV.Labs, told BeInCrypto in an exclusive interview.

Read more: Ethereum Restaking: What Is it and How Does it Work?

Liquid Restaking Protocols TVL
Liquid Restaking Protocols TVL. Source: DeFiLLama

Restaking protocols offer users opportunities to maximize returns on their staked assets without having to sacrifice liquidity. However, as restaking scales, concerns about liquidity and security risks are emerging.

“Each additional layer in restaking increases both risk and reward, making it a choice that users must make based on their risk tolerance. While it introduces more potential points of failure, it also opens up opportunities for significantly greater returns. Ultimately, the user has the freedom to decide the level of exposure they are comfortable with,” Muroch added.

Balancing the Promise and Peril of Restaking

Although the ability to re-use staked assets has been celebrated as an innovation, it simultaneously introduces new layers of exposure. In essence, restaking involves leveraging staked assets across different protocols, which may sound appealing for yield optimization, but it creates systemic vulnerabilities.

Muroch identified several main problems associated with restaking:

  • Smart Contract Vulnerabilities. The complexity of restaking mechanisms increases the potential for bugs and exploits in the smart contracts governing these protocols. Users may lose funds if a contract is compromised.
  • Complexity and Lack of Understanding. As restaking strategies become more complex, there is a risk that users may not fully understand the risks they are taking on. Some Actively Validated Services (AVSs) have higher risk than others due to more/complex slashing criteria for different AVSs.
  • Slashing Risks. If a validator is found guilty of malicious behavior, a portion of their restaked ETH can be slashed. This risk is compounded because node operators are subject to slashing conditions for both the Ethereum base layer and any additional AVSs.

Moreover, the financial architecture behind restaking has left DeFi exposed to potential liquidity drains. For example, EigenLayer’s current restaking system allows users to restake liquid staking tokens (LSTs) multiple times, amplifying liquidity challenges. These risks were evident in the Ankr exploit, where a hacker minted 6 quadrillion fake aBNBc tokens, crashing the price of liquid staking derivatives across various protocols.

The unclear regulatory frameworks add to the complexity of restaking. Muroch cautions that regulators will likely take a cautious approach to restaking, seeing it as distinct from traditional staking because of its added layers of risk and complexity. They may impose stricter regulations to protect investors and ensure the stability of the financial ecosystem as these protocols gain traction.

The Threat of Over-Restaking

EigenLayer, one of the biggest restaking protocols, has garnered over $19 billion in TVL by mid-2024​. While this impressive expansion demonstrates the market’s appetite for higher yields, it raises questions about the sustainability of these protocols. 

The dominance of EigenLayer also poses a unique threat to Ethereum’s overall security. Since these restaking platforms are handling large quantities of staked ETH, any major failure could directly impact Ethereum’s security model.

Experts, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, have voiced concerns that if a restaking protocol failed, it could lead to calls for a hard fork of Ethereum to “undo” the damage, an outcome that threatens the network’s decentralized consensus​.

Read more: How to Participate in an EigenLayer Airdrop: A Step-by-Step Guide

EigenLayer Restaking Ecosystem
EigenLayer Restaking Ecosystem. Source: staking rewards

Muroch, however, downplayed the severity of the situation, describing it as “theoretically bad, but practically quite unlikely.” 

“If a significant amount of Ether is locked in EigenLayer and a large operator suffers a major slashing event, it could lead to a cascade of slashing damage. In a worst-case scenario, this could compromise the extended security of the Ethereum network. However, it would take the slashed operator not fixing the problem for a long period of time for Ethereum’s security to be threatened,” he explained.

He also highlighted an important upside, noting that restaking raises the cost of corruption for potential attackers. This shift strengthens security by focusing not just on individual protocols but on the total sum of all staked assets.

Hidden Dangers of Yield Optimization

The pursuit of higher yields has led stakers to adopt increasingly complex strategies, which carries both financial and technical risks. Financially, restaking protocols encourage users to stake their assets across multiple platforms, tying up more capital in interconnected systems. This raises systemic financial risks, as vulnerabilities in one protocol could trigger broader consequences across the ecosystem.

Muroch cautions that restaking is still a relatively new concept, making it difficult to predict its long-term effects. The potential for unforeseen issues, especially in volatile markets, adds uncertainty to the future of these strategies.

“Staking rewards have only recently been introduced, meaning it will take some time to fully understand their long-term effects. As always, there are ‘unknown unknowns’ that could arise. In the future, if the value of restaked assets were to drop sharply, the heavy reliance on rehypothecation and complex financial derivatives could trigger a liquidity crisis,” he said.

This would likely cause users to liquidate their positions en masse, worsening market volatility. In such a case, confidence in the underlying protocols might erode further, potentially causing widespread destabilization in the DeFi space.

“At this point it’s really speculative. Looking back to the past in DeFi, trying to milk yields as hard as possible tends to end badly,” Muroch warned.

Ultimately, the success of restaking protocols hinges on their ability to balance maximizing yields with managing the inherent financial and technical risks they introduce. As these systems mature, the sector is beginning to diversify. New competitors are launching their own restaking solutions, which could help decentralize risk currently concentrated in platforms like EigenLayer.

This shift may reduce the systemic vulnerabilities tied to one dominant protocol, leading to a more stable and resilient DeFi ecosystem over time.

“As excitement wanes, the sustainability of these protocols will be tested, and their true value will need to be assessed in a more stable market environment. This transition could reveal whether the innovations are robust or merely speculative trends,” Muroch concluded.

Disclaimer

Following the Trust Project guidelines, this feature article presents opinions and perspectives from industry experts or individuals. BeInCrypto is dedicated to transparent reporting, but the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of BeInCrypto or its staff. Readers should verify information independently and consult with a professional before making decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Berachain (BERA) Falls 15% After Recent Rally Surge

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Berachain (BERA) is down almost 15% in the last 24 hours, with its market cap now at $778 million, although its price remains up nearly 20% over the past seven days. This sharp pullback comes after a strong rally between February 18 and February 20, when BERA reached levels above $8.5.

BERA’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped from overbought levels, signaling a loss of bullish momentum, while its Directional Movement Index (DMI) shows growing bearish pressure. As BERA navigates this correction phase, it faces key support at $6.1, with potential resistance levels at $8.5, $9.1, and $10 if bullish momentum returns.

BERA RSI Is Dropping Steadily After Touching Overbought Levels

Berachain Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently at 50.6, down sharply from 86.7 just two days ago when its price surged above $8.5. RSI is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements, ranging from 0 to 100.

It is commonly used to identify overbought or oversold conditions, with values above 70 indicating overbought levels and below 30 suggesting oversold territory.

The steep decline in BERA’s RSI reflects a significant loss of bullish momentum after reaching overbought levels above 86, where a correction was likely.

BERA RSI.
BERA RSI. Source: TradingView.

With RSI now at 50.6, BERA is in a neutral zone, suggesting that buying and selling pressures are relatively balanced.

This could indicate a period of consolidation as the market digests recent gains. If RSI continues to decline below 50, it could signal increasing bearish momentum. This could lead to a further price drop for BERA.

Conversely, if RSI stabilizes and begins to rise, it could suggest renewed buying interest and a potential recovery in Berachain price.

BERA DMI Chart Shows Buyers Are Losing Control

Berachain Directional Movement Index (DMI) chart shows its Average Directional Index (ADX) currently at 50.5, after peaking at 60.2 yesterday, up from just 13.3 five days ago. ADX is an indicator used to measure the strength of a trend, regardless of its direction, ranging from 0 to 100.

Values above 25 typically indicate a strong trend, while values below 20 suggest a weak or sideways market. The sharp rise in ADX reflects a significant increase in trend strength, confirming that BERA has been experiencing strong directional movement recently.

BERA DMI.
BERA CMF. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, BERA’s +DI is at 24.4, down from 48.4 two days ago, indicating weakening bullish momentum. Meanwhile, -DI has risen to 15.1 from 4.9, suggesting growing bearish pressure.

This shift signals that the bullish trend that drove prices higher is losing steam, and selling interest is beginning to increase.

If -DI continues to rise above +DI, it could indicate a bearish crossover, signaling a potential reversal or deeper correction in BERA’s price. However, if +DI stabilizes and moves upward again, it could suggest a continuation of the uptrend, albeit with reduced momentum.

Will Berachain Fall Below $6 Soon?

Berachain surged 53% between February 18 and February 20, pushing its price above $8.5 after the coin struggled following its airdrop. However, after this sharp rally, BERA entered a correction phase and is currently down almost 15% in the last 24 hours.

This pullback suggests profit-taking and a shift in market sentiment as buyers hesitate to push prices higher. If the downtrend continues, BERA could soon test the support at $6.1, and a break below this level could lead to a further decline towards $5.48, reflecting increased selling pressure.

BERA Price Analysis.
BERA Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

On the other hand, if Berachain can regain its bullish momentum from a few days ago, it could rise above $8.5 again, potentially testing the next resistance levels at $9.1 or even $10.

To confirm this bullish scenario, Berachain would need to see renewed buying interest and strong upward momentum. If buyers can defend key support levels and push the price above resistance zones, it could indicate the continuation of the uptrend.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Bitcoin Could Rebound to $100,000 Soon Despite Bearish Pressure

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Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading below $100,000 since February 5, facing continued resistance despite attempts at recovery. Recent indicators suggest that sellers have gained control, with BTC’s Directional Movement Index (DMI) showing increased bearish pressure.

However, the Ichimoku Cloud points to a potential reversal if Bitcoin can break above key resistance zones. If bullish momentum returns, BTC could test the $97,756 resistance and possibly retake the $100,000 level, with $102,668 as the next target.

BTC DMI Shows that Sellers Gained Control In the Last 24 Hours

Bitcoin’s Directional Movement Index (DMI) shows its Average Directional Index (ADX) currently at 21.2, after briefly touching 22.9, rising from 15.5 two days ago.

ADX measures the strength of a trend without indicating its direction, ranging from 0 to 100. Typically, values above 25 indicate a strong trend, while values below 20 suggest a weak or ranging market.

With ADX hovering around 21.2, Bitcoin’s trend is relatively weak, signaling a potential transition period.

This suggests that the previous uptrend momentum is losing steam, possibly leading to a reversal or the beginning of a downtrend.

BTC DMI.
BTC DMI. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s +DI is at 15.5, down from 23.3 just one day ago, indicating a decline in bullish momentum, while -DI has climbed to 21.9 from 9.2, reflecting growing bearish pressure.

This crossover, where -DI has moved above +DI, indicates that sellers are gaining control over the market, potentially signaling a shift from an uptrend to a downtrend.

If -DI continues to rise and +DI remains weak, Bitcoin could see increased selling pressure and a potential price decline. However, if +DI stabilizes and rebounds, Bitcoin might consolidate before choosing a more definitive directional move.

Bitcoin Ichimoku Cloud Paints A Bearish Picture, But It Could Change Soon

The Ichimoku Cloud chart for Bitcoin shows a mixed outlook with early signs of potential recovery. The blue Tenkan-sen line is currently above the red Kijun-sen line.

This crossover suggests that buying pressure is trying to recover, which could support a potential upward move.

However, Bitcoin’s price is still below the Kumo cloud, signaling that the overall trend remains bearish and that resistance is strong above the current levels.

BTC Ichimoku Cloud.
BTC Ichimoku Cloud. Source: TradingView.

The Kumo cloud ahead is thin and slightly shifting upwards, suggesting that the bearish momentum might be weakening. If Bitcoin can break above the cloud, it would signal a potential trend reversal, especially if the Tenkan-sen continues to lead above the Kijun-sen.

Conversely, if Bitcoin fails to break above the cloud and the Tenkan-sen drops below the Kijun-sen again, it would confirm a continuation of the bearish trend.

For now, Bitcoin faces a crucial resistance zone, and the next move will depend on whether it can clear the cloud or get rejected downward.e

Bitcoin Could Return to $100,000 Very Soon

Bitcoin was on the verge of forming a new golden cross yesterday before the Bybit hack triggered a sharp price drop from $98,000 to roughly $95,000 within four hours.

Its Exponential Moving Average (EMA) lines are still bearish, with short-term EMAs positioned below long-term ones, indicating ongoing downward momentum.

This bearish setup suggests that selling pressure remains dominant. If sellers continue to control the market, Bitcoin could retest the support at $94,818, which was maintained during yesterday’s decline.

If this support breaks, Bitcoin could drop further to $93,415, and a continued downtrend could push it as low as $91,300.

BTC Price Analysis.
BTC Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

However, if Bitcoin price manages to recover from this drop, there are signs that the downtrend may not be as strong as it seems.

Both the ADX and Ichimoku Cloud indicate weakening bearish momentum, suggesting that a reversal is possible. In this case, Bitcoin could test the resistance at $97,756, and if this level is broken, it could rise to $100,000.

Should the uptrend gain more momentum, Bitcoin could continue climbing to test $102,668, marking its highest levels since early February.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Myanmar Junta Leader’s Social Media Hijacaked for Crypto Fraud

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Hackers potentially took control of the official X account of Myanmar’s military junta leader on Saturday, using it to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency.

This incident could be the part of a growing trend where scammers exploit high-profile political figures to add credibility to scam tokens, deceiving unsuspecting investors.

Another Political Crypto Scam Now Targeting the Myanmar Government

On February 22, the X (formerly Twitter) account belonging to Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, began posting about a so-called national cryptocurrency launch.

The posts described it as “Myanmar first national crypto,” attempting to present it as an official digital asset.

Myanmar’s Junta Leader Promotion of Meme Coin.
Myanmar’s Junta Leader Promotion of Meme Coin. Source: X/Min Aung Hlaing

Crypto users on X quickly noticed irregularities. The hackers initially shared multiple cryptocurrency wallet addresses before deleting them.

Soon after, they claimed the launch was postponed and provided a new wallet address, raising further suspicion.

“This account from the government of Myanmar has been hacked . Dropped several CAs and deleted, as well as announcing a space then deleted 3 minutes later,” one user wrote on X.

Meanwhile, market observers questioned whether a military-led government could successfully launch a cryptocurrency. They noted that such an initiative contradicts the principles of decentralization.

One user pointed out that state-backed digital assets often serve as a tool for financial control rather than innovation. The analyst also speculated that countries under economic sanctions might explore cryptocurrency as a way to bypass traditional financial systems.

“Signals a shift: more nations exploring state-backed crypto to sidestep sanctions & SWIFT dependence Geopolitically, it’s a test case If it works, expect more isolated regimes to follow This isn’t about innovation but it’s about sovereignty vs financial gatekeeping,” Cedric Beau stated.

Meanwhile, this attack on Myanmar’s junta leader follows a broader pattern of cyber threats targeting political figures.

Earlier this month, the Central African Republic’s President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, introduced an official meme coin called CAR. The token was meant to highlight the country’s confidence in blockchain technology.

While that initiative was legitimate, hackers have used similar tactics to deceive users by falsely linking government officials to fake token launches.

Just days ago, scammers impersonated Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency.

In another case, anonymous hackers took over the X account of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to push a fake meme coin.

These incidents reveal a troubling pattern of hackers hijacking political figures’ social media accounts to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. By exploiting their identities, scammers create a false sense of legitimacy for fake tokens.

As these scams become more common, users must stay vigilant and verify sources before engaging with any token promotions linked to public figures.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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