What is Restaking?
Last reviewed 2026-05-03
Entity coverage: 9 protocols, 0 tokens, 0 chains reference this concept.
First defined in: EigenLayer: The Restaking Collective for Ethereum (2023) by Sreeram Kannan et al.
Cite / Read deeper: DeFi Intel restaking lrt deep-dive
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
A restaker deposits stake in one of two ways: liquid staking tokens go into the restaking protocol's token vaults, while native restakers point their validator's withdrawal credentials at a protocol-controlled contract (an EigenPod in EigenLayer's design) so the underlying ETH itself becomes slashable collateral.
The restaker then delegates that stake to an operator — an entity running node software. Operators opt in to individual services (AVSs): oracles, data-availability layers, bridges, and other middleware that need economic security. Each service publishes its own tasks and slashing conditions in smart contracts.
When an operator performs correctly, the services pay rewards, which flow back to the operator and its delegators minus a commission. If it violates a service's rules, the contracts can slash the delegated stake. Because one deposit can back many services simultaneously, rewards stack — and so does slashing exposure. Exits pass through an unbonding queue with a delay so pending faults can still be punished. Liquid restaking protocols wrap this entire flow, issuing an LRT that represents the deposit and trades freely while the underlying stake stays delegated.
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
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Restaking and LRT deep-dive Browse GlossaryFrequently asked questions
What is restaking in crypto?
Restaking lets staked ETH (native or via LSTs) be re-pledged as cryptoeconomic security for additional services (AVSs, DSSes).
Which protocols pioneered restaking?
Restaking was pioneered by EigenLayer (2023); competitors include Symbiotic, Karak, and Babylon (BTC-based).
How does a restaker delegate stake to an operator?
A restaker deposits stake via liquid staking tokens into token vaults or points native validator withdrawal credentials at a protocol-controlled contract, then delegates that stake to an operator running node software.