What is Isolated Liquid Restaking? An In-Depth Look at iLRTs

October 04, 2024
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In the world of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), the concept of restaking has emerged as a powerful way to optimize yield, providing users with layered rewards on their staked assets. But as with all things in DeFi, the need for more tailored, secure, and transparent methods of restaking has led to the rise of Isolated Liquid Restaking (iLRTs). This restaking model offers greater control and precision for those looking to optimize returns while minimizing risk in Liquid Restaking.

In this article, we will dive into Isolated Liquid Restaking Tokens (iLRTs) as an industry best-pracise and explore why they are quickly becoming the go-to solution for DeFi users who prioritize security and precision.

TL;DR:

  • The restaking narrative has introduced a dual-layered reward system for Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs), offering additional yield opportunities through restaking.

  • There are two primary approaches in Restaking: Isolated Liquid Restaking Tokens (iLRTs) for individual asset management with higher transparency and lower risk, and basket-based LRTs (bLRTs) for pooled diversification but bringing more complexity and risk exposure.

  • iLRTs enable precise control and reduce counterparty risk by isolating specific LSTs, while basket-based LRTs can lead to challenges in managing risk and yield due to mixed performance.

  • InceptionLRT favors the iLRT approach for its transparency, tailored risk management, and alignment with a secure and user-centric restaking environment.

What is Isolated Liquid Restaking?

When it comes to managing your digital assets, few models offer the clarity and precision that Isolated Liquid Restaking provides. Think of iLRTs as your personal ticket to a more controlled and transparent restaking experience.

In simple terms, Isolated Liquid Restaking allows you to restake specific Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) in a way that isolates them from other assets. This means that every LST you deposit into Inception’s platform is assigned its own dedicated vault. Unlike other methods, where assets are pooled together and the risks of underperforming assets can spill over into the rest, iLRTs make sure that each asset is handled individually.

When you deposit an LST into its dedicated vault, you are issued an Isolated Liquid Restaking Token (iLRT). This token represents your restaked position and is tailored to the specific LST you’ve deposited, offering transparency and control. With iLRTs, you're not just participating in a liquid restaking protocol; you are managing your risk and optimizing yield in a way that fits your unique strategy.

This system is ideal for individuals who value precision and aim to mitigate the broader risks associated with general basket-based restaking models (bLRTs). By using iLRTs, you know exactly where your assets are, how they’re performing, and most importantly, you can trust that one bad asset won’t affect the one you choose.

Native Restaking: A Natural Path to Isolation

When restaking native assets like ETH, isolation is inherent by design. Unlike other assets such as Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs), which can be restaked either individually or as part of a basket, native assets are restaked individually by nature. This ensures a streamlined process where risk and rewards are tied to one specific asset, simplifying the strategy and reducing complexity.

Since only one asset is involved at a time, native staking provides a straightforward, isolated approach, making it ideal for those prioritizing simplicity and security in their restaking activities

Isolated Restaking vs. Basket-Based Approaches

In the restaking landscape, there are different ways to approach asset management. Two of the primary methods are Isolated Liquid Restaking with Isolated Liquid Restaking Tokens (iLRTs) and Basket-Based Restaking with Basket Based Liquid Restaking Tokens (bLRTs).

Basket-Based Restaking: What’s the Difference?

Basket-based solutions pool multiple LSTs together, providing diversified exposure. On the surface, this might sound appealing - after all, diversification is a common strategy in finance. However, it also introduces new complexities and risks.

When you stake in a basket-based system, you lose the ability to isolate risks. The performance of one asset can directly affect the entire basket, which means if one LST underperforms, your overall yield suffers. Furthermore, managing the weights of different LSTs within the basket requires constant monitoring and balancing. It’s a system where you sacrifice control for convenience, and this can be costly in terms of returns and risk exposure.

Why iLRTs Are the Industry Best Practise

In contrast, Isolated Liquid Restaking allows you to isolate each asset, meaning you retain control over your individual LSTs. You get:

  • Transparency: One of the standout features of iLRTs is the clear tracking of every individual asset. You always know the performance of each LST in your portfolio and how much yield it’s generating. With detailed tracking of yield and performance, iLRTs give you complete oversight of your position. You’ll always know where your assets stand, and you can make adjustments as needed.

  • Risk Isolation: Since each restaked asset is isolated in its own vault, poor performance in one asset won’t impact the others. This isolation offers a layer of protection that’s crucial for mitigating risk in the unpredictable markets of Defi. This is crucial for anyone looking to maintain control over their Restaked assets.

  • Tailored Yield: By linking iLRTs to specific LSTs, you can craft more precise strategies. Whether you're focusing on yield farming or restaking rewards, the flexibility of iLRTs lets you optimize your returns in ways that broader basket-based approaches simply can’t offer.

By isolating each LST, you can implement yield strategies specifically tailored to that asset. You’re not relying on the performance of a mixed pool; instead, you’re maximizing yield based on the unique traits of each singular LST.

If you’re looking to explore more ways to optimize your yield and manage risks effectively, check out our blog on Restaking Best Practices for actionable insights:

-> Restaking 101: Best Practises for Security & Reward Optimization

What iLRTs Does InceptionLRT Offer?

At InceptionLRT, we support a wide range of LSTs, each linked to a corresponding iLRT. Here’re the Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) you can restake and the iLRTs you can receive in return:

unnamed.png Isolated Liquid Restaking Possibilites through InceptionLRT’s dApp (Source)

These iLRTs maintain the economic and functional characteristics of their underlying LSTs while giving you enhanced flexibility, liquidity, and risk management options.

Why Choose iLRTs with InceptionLRT?

By choosing Isolated Liquid Restaking with InceptionLRT, you’re opting for a more secure, flexible, and transparent way to manage your staked assets. iLRTs offer a precise solution that allows you to maximize your yield while maintaining full control over your investments.

At InceptionLRT, we are at the forefront of liquid restaking innovation. With our iLRT offerings, you can trust that you’re participating in a system that prioritizes security, transparency, and optimal returns.

Ready to get started? Explore InceptionLRT today and begin your journey into the future of liquid restaking.