Restaking
Re-staking already staked ETH to secure additional networks — EigenLayer.
Restaking is an advanced DeFi concept allowing validators and stakers to use already staked ETH (or liquid staking tokens) to secure additional protocols — earning additional yield.
EigenLayer (restaking pioneer):
•Users deposit stETH, rETH or native ETH
•That capital is "restaked" to secure AVS (Actively Validated Services)
•AVSs pay restakers for that security
Examples of AVSs:
•Data availability layers (EigenDA)
•Decentralized oracle networks
•Bridge validation
•Coprocessor services
Yields: Restaking adds 2–5% APY on top of available 3.5% ETH staking rewards.
Risks:
•Slashing risk is amplified — error in restaked AVS can cause loss of staked ETH
•Smart contract risk (EigenLayer is new, immature protocol)
•Systemic risk — if many use same AVS, collapse can be large
Liquid restaking tokens (LRT): eETH (ether.fi), rsETH (KelpDAO) — liquid version of restaked ETH.