Decentralized perpetuals exchange Lighter LIT has rolled out a staking feature as an “important use case” for its recently launched native token LIT.
Lighter announced the update on Wednesday, introducing staking as a core utility for accessing platform features, starting with the Lighter Liquidity Pool (LLP). Users must now stake LIT to deposit into the LLP, with a 1:10 ratio allowing one staked LIT to unlock deposits of up to 10 USDC. This requirement went live immediately for new participants.
Existing depositors in LLP are given a two-week grace period that ends on Jan. 28, during which they can maintain their positions without staking LIT. After this window, staked LIT will be mandatory to keep funds in the pool.
“This will lead to a greater alignment between LIT holders and LLP holders and the LLP risk-adjusted returns will be enhanced as a result,” Lighter wrote.
Access to the liquidity pool remains key as it supports yield generation and acts as insurance during liquidations. “Similar mechanics will be introduced for other public pools, following our vision of democratizing on chain hedge funds,” Lighter added.
Additional staking benefits include zero fees for withdrawals and transfers when staking at least 100 LIT. Stakers will also earn yield, while the APR has yet to be revealed.
Lighter is also adjusting premium fees for market makers and high-frequency trading firms over the coming weeks, with higher overall fees but discounts tied to LIT staking — keeping the lowest tiers comparable to current levels. Lighter noted that retail trading remains free on the platform.
The staking rollout extends to mobile users in the coming days, following Lighter’s recent mobile app launch.
Lighter launched its native token last month and allocated 50% of the token supply to the ecosystem, including airdrops and funding for future incentive programs and strategic partnerships.
On Jan. 5, Lighter indicated that it had started the buyback of LIT, as previously announced in its tokenomics model.
Lighter, which launched its public mainnet in October, quickly became one of the most popular perps exchanges. In December, it reported over $200 billion in monthly trading volume, outperforming Aster’s $177.5 billion and Hyperliquid’s $169.3 billion, according to The Block’s data dashboard. Lighter recently raised $68 million at a $1.5 billion valuation, led by Founders Fund and Ribbit Capital.
The price of LIT slipped 2.56% in the past 24 hours to $2.07, according to The Block’s crypto price page.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
