The restaking narrative in the crypto ecosystem has evolved from a niche concept into one of the most dynamic and capital-intensive sectors of decentralized finance (DeFi). Originally pioneered on Ethereum through protocols like EigenLayer, restaking is now expanding across Bitcoin and Solana, creating new opportunities for yield generation, security layering, and multi-chain interoperability.
With millions in funding flowing into early-stage projects and user activity surging through "points farming" and liquidity incentives, restaking has become a central theme in 2025’s blockchain innovation cycle. This article explores the leading restaking protocols across major blockchains—highlighting their unique features, market traction, and potential for long-term value creation.
The Rise of Restaking: From Ethereum to Multi-Chain Expansion
Restaking allows users to reuse already-staked assets (like stETH or wstETH) to secure additional networks or services, effectively enabling “double duty” for capital. While Ethereum remains the epicenter of this movement, driven by EigenLayer, the concept is rapidly being adapted to Bitcoin’s UTXO model and Solana’s high-throughput architecture.
Data shows that 16.3% of all staked ETH is now participating in restaking protocols such as EigenLayer and Karak Network. This adoption wave has attracted top-tier investors like Paradigm, Polychain Capital, and Binance Labs—signaling strong confidence in the sector’s scalability and utility.
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Leading Ethereum Restaking Protocols
EigenLayer: The Pioneer Facing Controversy
As the original innovator of restaking, EigenLayer continues to dominate with over $14.9 billion in total value locked (TVL) as of July 2025. It enables ETH and liquid staking tokens (LSTs) to be reused for securing additional applications known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs).
However, EigenLayer faced backlash after launching its EIGEN token with non-transferable initial allocations. Users criticized the lack of liquidity and sudden IP restrictions during airdrop qualification—especially given prior openness during deposit phases.
Despite controversy, EigenLayer’s TVL grew from $14B to $19B post-airdrop, demonstrating strong network resilience. With over 161,000 restakers, 67.6% of assets are managed by just 1,500 operators, highlighting centralization concerns.
The team hinted at major Q3 developments, fueling speculation that EIGEN will soon enable trading. Currently, EIGEN trades off-chain on Whalesmarket at $5.39.
Symbiotic: Backed by Lido and Paradigm
Emerging as a direct competitor, Symbiotic launched in May 2025 with a $5.8M seed round led by Paradigm and Cyber Fund—co-founded by Lido’s core team members. Unlike EigenLayer, Symbiotic supports any ERC-20 token, including stablecoins like USDe and governance tokens like ENA.
This flexibility allows protocols to launch native staking modules without building full validator infrastructures. Its modular design lets developers customize node operators, slashing rules, and reward distribution.
Within weeks of launch, Symbiotic reached $1.09B in TVL, with 70% coming from wstETH deposits. Major LRTs like Ether.fi, Renzo, and Swell have integrated with it to offer dual-point incentives.
Karak Network: Multi-Asset, Multi-Chain Restaking
Karak Network differentiates itself by supporting multi-asset restaking, including stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and DAI—something EigenLayer does not support. It also operates across multiple chains: Ethereum, Arbitrum, BSC, Blast, and Mantle.
Karak introduces its own Layer 2 network (K2) and refers to AVSs as Distributed Security Services (DSS). With over $1B in TVL, Karak temporarily paused new deposits due to high demand.
Its cross-chain approach makes it a strong candidate for broader DeFi integration, especially for users managing diversified portfolios across ecosystems.
Mellow: Modular Infrastructure for Custom LRTs
Built on top of Symbiotic, Mellow functions more as a toolkit than a standard LRT protocol. It enables anyone to deploy customized liquidity restaking tokens (LRTs) with tailored risk-return profiles—ideal for hedge funds or institutional-grade staking providers.
Users deposit ETH, which is converted into stETH via Lido and then restaked via Symbiotic—earning both Mellow and Symbiotic points. As of July 2025, Mellow had $488M in TVL and distributed over 37 million Symbiotic points.
Bitcoin Restaking: Unlocking Immutability for Yield
Bitcoin’s rigid architecture long limited its DeFi potential—but restaking is changing that.
Babylon: Bringing Staking to Bitcoin
Babylon enables BTC holders to securely stake their coins to protect PoS chains and middleware protocols—extending Bitcoin’s unmatched security to other networks. This is achieved through cryptographic commitments that don’t require smart contracts on Bitcoin itself.
With **$96M raised**, including a $70M round led by Paradigm, Babylon is positioned as the foundational layer for Bitcoin-based restaking. Users can already test BTC staking on Testnet4.
Lombard: Babylon’s Liquidity Layer
Similar to how Renzo relates to EigenLayer, Lombard acts as the liquidity abstraction layer for Babylon. By depositing BTC, users receive LBTC, a liquid restaking token usable across DeFi for lending, trading, or further staking.
Backed by Polychain Capital and others in a $16M seed round, Lombard enhances capital efficiency while maintaining exposure to Babylon’s rewards.
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Lorenzo: Dual Points with Pre-Staking Access
Another Babylon-based protocol, Lorenzo, offers early participation through pre-staking campaigns. Depositors earn both Lorenzo and Babylon积分 (points) ahead of mainnet launch.
Supported by Binance Labs, Lorenzo simplifies access for retail users while building toward full integration with Babylon’s security layer.
BounceBit: A Dedicated BTC Restaking Chain
BounceBit takes a holistic approach with its own chain (BounceBit Chain) protected by both BTC and its native token BB. Users deposit BTC to mint BBTC, which can be used in hybrid staking (with BB) or DeFi applications.
With an FDV of $800M and BB trading at $0.40, BounceBit aims to bridge CeFi and DeFi through its BounceClub ecosystem. Strategic funding from OKX Ventures underscores its long-term viability.
Solana Restaking: High-Speed Scalability Meets Security Sharing
Solana’s fast finality and low fees make it ideal for next-gen restaking use cases.
Solayer: Backed by Solana Insiders
Solayer supports restaking of SOL and LSTs like mSOL and JitoSOL. With over $105M in TVL, it’s one of the most capitalized Solana-native restaking projects.
Led by industry veterans and backed by Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, Solayer is reportedly raising up to $10M at an $80M valuation—highlighting investor appetite.
Cambrian: Upcoming Entrant with Funding Momentum
Though not yet live, Cambrian is finalizing a $2.5M raise at a $25M valuation. The team plans to launch its network and points program in Q3 2025, aiming to capture early adopters before full market saturation.
Picasso: Cross-Chain Roots Meet Solana
Originally a Polkadot cross-chain protocol, Picasso expanded into Solana restaking in early 2025. It supports SOL and major LSTs but currently holds only $3.75M in TVL—indicating slower traction compared to peers.
Still, its cross-ecosystem heritage could provide integration advantages down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is restaking?
A: Restaking allows users to reuse already-staked crypto assets (like stETH or wstETH) to secure additional protocols or services, earning extra yield while enhancing network security.
Q: Is restaking safe?
A: While promising high yields, restaking increases complexity and counterparty risk—especially when using third-party LRTs or cross-chain bridges. Always assess protocol audits and decentralization levels.
Q: Can I restake Bitcoin?
A: Yes—protocols like Babylon and BounceBit enable BTC holders to participate in staking-like activities without altering Bitcoin’s base layer, using cryptographic extensions instead.
Q: Which blockchain has the most active restaking projects?
A: Ethereum leads with mature protocols like EigenLayer and Symbiotic, but Bitcoin and Solana are rapidly catching up with innovative entrants like Lombard and Solayer.
Q: How do I earn from restaking?
A: Deposit eligible assets into a restaking protocol to earn native rewards, liquidity tokens (e.g., eETH), and often community points that may lead to future token airdrops.
Q: Are there risks of centralization in restaking?
A: Yes—EigenLayer’s concentration of over 67% of TVL among 1,500 operators highlights systemic centralization risks. Diversified platforms like Symbiotic aim to mitigate this through open participation models.
👉 Start exploring top-tier restaking opportunities today—maximize yield securely on OKX.