What is Restaking?
Restaking lets staked ETH (native or via LSTs) be re-pledged as cryptoeconomic security for additional services (AVSs, DSSes). Pioneered by EigenLayer (2023); competitors include Symbiotic, Karak, and Babylon (BTC-based).
How it works
Restaking lets staked ETH (native or via LSTs) be re-pledged as cryptoeconomic security for additional services (AVSs, DSSes). Pioneered by EigenLayer (2023); competitors include Symbiotic, Karak, and Babylon (BTC-based).
For deeper protocol-level mechanics, see the related glossary terms below or the linked DeFi Intel topic deep-dive.
Why it matters
Restaking lets ETH security be reused across many services, dramatically lowering the cost of cryptoeconomic security and enabling new infrastructure (DA, oracles, bridges) without needing a fresh token.
Real-world examples
EigenLayer, Symbiotic, Karak, Babylon (BTC). LRTs: ether.fi eETH, Renzo ezETH, Kelp rsETH, Puffer pufETH.
Related terms
Go deeper
Read the full DeFi Intel topic deep-dive or browse the complete crypto glossary.
Restaking and LRT deep-dive Browse Glossary