Ankr Unveils Liquid Staking: A Game-Changer in DeFi Innovation

From Infracture products like oracles, bridges, or L2\’s to more yield-focused products like Liquid Staking tokens with higher yields.”\nHow will Ankr utilize EigenLayer\’s restaking platform?\n“We love innovation and pay close attention to all the new things are happening in the market, especially when it comes to Liquid Staking! So far Ankr has proposed the EigenLayer DAO to list ankrEtH, but we also are playing close attention to the liquid staking protocols that are being built on top.”\nAnkr recently announced three new services to increase the security of its liquid staking service and provide more functionality and transparency for its users. Of particular interest is the ETH validator hub. Tell us more about this feature and how it will address slashing as one of the most significant risks associated with liquid staking.\n“ETH Validator hub will become an open marketplace that will act as a transparent way for users to choose which nodes they want to delegate their assets to. Our focus will be on Ethereum but will expand to other networks soon. This marketplace will offer enhanced versatility and empowerment to users concerning their assets, enabling them to select nodes that align with their individual risk evaluations and APY objectives. In essence, this service delivers a delegate staking encounter for Ethereum stakers. Ankr places a strong emphasis on security and transparency, and the ETH validator hub is a key part of our efforts to address slashing risks associated with liquid staking while allowing for the introduction of restaking. This hub employs a rigorous validator selection process, considering factors like reputation and security measures. Slashing protection mechanisms are in place to minimize the risk of loss due to slashing events. The ETH validator hub operates with responsive governance, allowing the community to participate in decision-making bolstering accountability and trust.”\nWhat are Ankr\’s plans for the future? Can we expect exciting and innovative strategies to improve the DeFi sector soon?\n“Ankr\’s vision for the future revolves around continuous innovation and user-centric strategies to advance the web3 sector. We are committed to developing innovative DeFi products and services, including expanding our liquid staking offerings while providing core infrastructure to the web3 ecosystem. Our goal is to empower users by providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance their crypto experience. We\’ll continue to explore new avenues, partnerships, and technologies to contribute positively to the ecosystem. Expect exciting developments as we work tirelessly to improve and innovate!”\nTiago Pratas is a seasoned cryptocurrency professional with expertise in blockchain and DeFi. As the DeFi Lead at Ankr, he\’s played a key role in increasing TVL from $65 million to over $180 million. With a strong crypto trading and researche company, offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at enhancing accessibility and user-friendliness within the decentralized world.
Ankr’s Role in DeFi Infrastructure

Ankr serves as a crucial player in the DeFi ecosystem by providing a wide-ranging Web3 infrastructure platform tailored to developers, enterprises, and end-users. Their services encompass node hosting, staking, and developer-focused offerings like RPC nodes and app chains. The primary goal is to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and secure solutions that simplify the development of decentralized applications (DApps) for developers and improve accessibility to the DeFi ecosystem for end-users. Notably, Ankr collaborates with prominent DeFi projects such as Aave, 1inch, SushiSwap, and several leading Layer 1 blockchains.

The Essence of Liquid Staking

Liquid Staking represents a revolutionary concept in the blockchain and DeFi space. While traditional staking involves locking assets in smart contracts to secure a network and earn rewards, it renders those assets illiquid. In contrast, Liquid Staking offers flexibility. When you stake assets, you receive tokens, such as ankrETH, representing your staked assets. These tokens are tradable and can be employed in various DeFi protocols, providing liquidity and serving as collateral for loans. The innovation lies in combining the rewards of staking with the advantages of liquidity, capital efficiency, and ease of participation in Ethereum’s validation process.

Liquid Staking with Ankr

Participating in Liquid Staking through Ankr is a straightforward process. Users can visit Ankr’s Liquid Staking Platform, select the assets they wish to stake, connect their crypto wallet, specify the amount, and stake. In return, users receive Liquid Staking Tokens like ankrETH, which represent their staked assets. These tokens open doors to various DeFi opportunities, from yield farming to providing liquidity.

The Significance of ankrETH

ankrETH represents the Ethereum deposited on Validators, inclusive of staking rewards earned. As a reward-bearing token, ankrETH’s value increases over time as staking rewards accumulate, making it intrinsically tied to Ethereum’s price and the amount of Ethereum redeemable per ankrETH. Holding ankrETH offers several advantages, including high APRs, added liquidity and capital efficiency, exposure to Ethereum’s growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to Ethereum’s network security and decentralization.

EigenLayer’s Ethereum Restaking Platform

EigenLayer, a middleware protocol, enables users to restake their ETH, extending cryptoeconomic security to additional applications on the Ethereum network. EigenLayer’s Ethereum stacking platform automates the stacking process, facilitating hassle-free compounding of staking rewards. Users benefit from maximized returns due to compounding, potentially surpassing traditional staking or holding strategies. This innovation paves the way for various applications built on EigenLayer, including infrastructure products like oracles and bridges, as well as yield-focused products with higher yields, such as Liquid Staking tokens.

Ankr’s Future Plans

Ankr’s vision revolves around continuous innovation and user-centric strategies aimed at advancing the Web3 sector. They remain committed to developing innovative DeFi products and services, expanding Liquid Staking offerings, and providing essential infrastructure for the Web3 ecosystem. Expect exciting developments and collaborations as Ankr works tirelessly to enhance and innovate within the DeFi sector.

Tiago Pratas, the DeFi Lead at Ankr, brings extensive experience and expertise in blockchain and DeFi to the forefront. Under his leadership, Ankr has significantly increased Total Value Locked (TVL) from $65 million to over $180 million. With a strong background in crypto trading and research, Tiago is a recognized authority in blockchain technology, DeFi strategies, and the broader crypto landscape.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice