Logo

Latest news

How to migrate primeETH to ynLSDe

PrimeStaked Airdrop and primeETH → ynLSDe Migration Guide

How to Migrate primeETH to ynLSDe

The time has come to migrate primeETH to ynLSDe!

In accordance with the OGN governance proposal, PrimeStaked is merging with YieldNest’s ynLSDe. Both PrimeStaked users and OGN stakers will be eligible for YieldNest’s YND airdrop, which is explained in detail below.

YieldNest’s ynLSDe

YieldNest innovates on liquid restaking with ynLSD by providing curated exposure to actively validated services (AVSs). This design enables restakers to target certain AVS categories, optimizing restaking exposure for potential airdrops and higher yields.

ynLSD will have two tokens: ynLSDe (EigenLayer LRT) and ynLSDs (Symbiotic LRT). PrimeStaked users will be able to migrate to ynLSDe, maintaining exposure to EigenLayer’s restaking ecosystem.

YieldNest aims to be the most community-centric LRT platform, allocating at least 60% of the YND token supply to its users. Excitingly, both primeETH and xOGN holders will be eligible for a retroactive airdrop at TGE.

YND Airdrop for primeETH XP and xOGN

As part of the YieldNest and PrimeStaked merger, YieldNest has offered Origin’s community an airdrop allocation at TGE. PrimeStaked XP holders will receive a retroactive airdrop proportional to their XP balance (a snapshot of XP balances was taken when the migration portal opened). Users who migrate primeETH to YieldNest will be eligible for additional airdrop seasons and exclusive perks. PrimeStaked holders that migrate to YieldNest will earn a 5% points boost, and users that migrate 5+ primeETH are eligible to claim the Pioneer NFT for further rewards.

OGN stakers will be eligible for YND based on TVL migrated from primeETH to ynLSDe. As detailed in the governance proposal, OGN stakers will receive 0.25% of the total YND supply per 2,250 ETH of value migrated to ynLSDe. The YND airdrop allocation for OGN stakers is capped at 2.5% if 22.5K ETH is migrated to YieldNest’s LRT.

How to Migrate primeETH to ynLSDe

To qualify for upcoming YND airdrop seasons, primeETH holders must migrate their tokens to ynLSDe. Migrating primeETH is a fairly straightforward process and can be done through the PrimeStaked dapp. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Visit the PrimeStaked Migration Portal

First, visit the PrimeStaked migration portal at: https://app.primestaked.com

To get started with your withdrawal, connect your wallet in the upper-right hand corner of the page. From there, you’ll be able choose the amount of primeETH to withdraw based on the primeETH balance in the wallet you’ve connected.

Step 2: Withdraw primeETH

To begin the withdrawal process, click “get started” on the PrimeStaked migration portal. From there, you’ll be prompted to chose an amount of OETH you wish to withdraw. Each withdrawal can either be migrated to ynLSDe or claimed for Origin Ether, so if you plan to migrate a portion of your primeETH holdings, you must initiate two separate withdrawals.

The EigenLayer withdrawal period is 7 days, so you’ll need to wait one week before migrating your tokens. Users that claim OETH instead of migrating will still be eligible for retroactive YND rewards based on their XP balance, but they will not be eligible for YieldNest’s Season 1 airdrop.

Step 3: Migrate to ynLSDe

You’ll be able to migrate to ynLSDe instantly following EigenLayer’s seven-day withdrawal queue. Users who migrate to ynLSDe receive exclusive perks, including a 5% Seeds Boost for Season 1 and a 15% Seeds Boost in perpetuity for those that claim YieldNest’s Pioneer NFT by migrating 5+ primeETH to ynLSDe.

Upcoming YND Airdrop Seasons

Season 1 of YieldNest’s airdrop campaign is now active, with at least 4% of the YND token supply allocated to ynLSD holders in the first season. As YieldNest’s seasons progress, the team anticipates larger token allocations as TVL grows. In an effort to become the most community-centric liquid restaking platform, YieldNest plans to allocate over 60% of the total token supply to the community.

We’re excited to continue rewarding our community in unique ways, with the YND airdrop being among the first initiatives to bring new value to OGN stakers and the broader Origin community. With backers including the founders of Curve, Frax, Convex, Algorand, and Yearn, YieldNest is well-positioned to continue delivering innovative LRT products that maximize risk-adjusted returns.

Have further questions or want help migrating primeETH? Join the Origin Discord and become part of our growing community!

August 28, 2024
Read more
Earn ARB Incentives with wOETH on dHEDGE

Earn ARB Incentives with wOETH on dHEDGE

Boasting more than $40M in TVL, dHEDGE offers tokenized vaults supporting more than 100 assets on leading L2s.

The protocol’s new Ethereum Yield (ETHy) vault on Arbitrum supports collateral in the form of wrapped Origin Ether (wOETH), offering users a low-risk opportunity to stack APYs and limited-time ARB incentives on the pool.

How it Works

Managed by Toros Finance, the vault incorporates an array of DeFi strategies to earn increased APYs on users’s ETH.

For example, vault provides liquidity for ETH pairs on leading decentralized AMMs like Uniswap.

Assets are also supplied as collateral on Compound, generating yield from interest rates and by liquidity mining borrowed assets.

These blue-chip markets are ideal platforms for consistent yield generation with a low risk profile.

In addition to returns from vault strategies, users can also deposit wOETH to stack ARB incentives until the end of August.

Get Started with wOETH on dHEDGE

Unlike OETH, wOETH does not rebase. Instead, the token accrues value from the staking yield earned over time. This design makes it an ideal asset for integrations across DeFi.

You can acquire wOETH via Origin’s all-in-one dapp. Explore our bridging guide for step-by-step instructions.

Origin Ether’s DeFi integrations offer users unique opportunities to earn superior yield. Visit the DeFi opportunities page to discover lucrative markets. Follow Origin on X and join us on Discord to keep the conversation going.


 

August 26, 2024
Read more
Top DeFi Protocols on Arbitrum

Top DeFi Protocols on Arbitrum

Best DeFi Protocols On Arbitrum

Arbitrum is a leading layer 2 network that makes using decentralized finance, or DeFi, easier and cheaper.  DeFi lets you do things with your crypto like earning interest, borrowing, lending, and trading without needing a bank or other middlemen. Arbitrum helps make these activities even faster and less expensive by improving the way transactions are processed. This makes it a popular choice for people who want to use DeFi.

But what are the best DeFi protocols on Arbitrum? And how do they compare to Ethereum? We’ll explore exactly that in the sections below. But first, let’s get clear on what a DeFi protocol is in general. 

What Is A DeFi Protocol?

A DeFi protocol is a set of rules written into code that enables users to do things like lend and borrow crypto without intermediaries. These rules are called smart contracts, and they run on blockchains. 

With DeFi protocols, you can trade tokens, lend your crypto to earn passive income, or borrow tokens by using some of your crypto as collateral. For this reason, these kinds of protocols are sometimes called DeFi lending protocols. 

Everything happens without needing a bank or other financial institution. This makes DeFi lending platforms and blockchain technologies accessible to anyone with an internet connection, unlike more traditional financial lending and borrowing platforms.

Types of DeFi Protocols on Arbitrum 

There are different kinds of DeFi protocols on Arbitrum, each helping to make the DeFi ecosystem work smoothly. Here are some of the main types:

Automated Market Makers (AMMs)

Automated Market Makers are protocols that let you trade tokens directly with a smart contract. In other words, you don’t have to use a traditional exchange to trade crypto. AMMs, also known as DEXs, use pools of tokens to set prices and make trading easy and fast. When you trade tokens on an AMM, you swap them with tokens in a liquidity pool.

For example, if you want to trade ETH for USDT on an AMM like Uniswap, you put your ETH into the pool and take out the equivalent amount of USDT. The smart contract handles the trade instantly, based on the tokens’ current price. It’s a quick and straightforward process.

Lending

Lending protocols let you lend your crypto assets to others to earn interest. They also allow you to borrow crypto by putting up your own assets as collateral. Decentralized lending is a great way to make your crypto work for you and earn passive income.

For instance, if you have ETH and you want to earn interest, you can lend it on a platform like Aave. You’ll get interest payments from borrowers who use your ETH as a loan, and you can also borrow other assets by using your ETH as collateral.

Liquidity Provision

Liquidity provision involves sending your tokens to a liquidity pool so others can trade with them. In return, you earn a share of the trading fees. This helps make trading easier and more efficient for everyone using the protocol. By providing liquidity, you help keep the market active and earn rewards for your participation.

For example, if you provide liquidity to a USDC-DAI pool on Curve, your tokens are used for trades between USDC and DAI. As a liquidity provider, you earn a portion of the trading fees each time someone trades in the pool, which can add up to a nice passive income over time.

Best DeFi Protocols On Arbitrum

Now let's look at some of the best DeFi protocols you can use on Arbitrum.  These protocols make it easy to trade, lend, and earn rewards with your crypto.

Silo Finance

Silo Finance is a next-generation DeFi protocol on Arbitrum that helps you manage and optimize your crypto assets. It functions as a lending market that doesn’t expose users to risks beyond their own positions and token holdings.

With Silo Finance, you can stake your tokens, provide liquidity, and earn interest all within a single platform. This protocol is highly efficient, making it a great choice for users looking to maximize their crypto earnings.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a hybrid money market protocol on Arbitrum that combines lending and margin trading functionalities. With over $50 million in total value locked (TVL), Dolomite is rapidly growing and becoming one of the top markets on Arbitrum for lending digital assets. 

Users can lend their Wrapped OETH (wOETH) and benefit from incentivized annual percentage rates (APRs). Dolomite also plans to introduce features allowing up to 5x leverage on trades. This would provide users with even more opportunities to grow their assets.

Gyroscope

Gyroscope is a unique DeFi protocol on Arbitrum that specializes in creating efficient liquidity pools. It uses a unique mechanism to reduce slippage and impermanent loss. This makes it a more secure and profitable environment for liquidity providers. 

By integrating with Arbitrum, Gyroscope supports faster transactions and lower fees. This means it’s a versatile option for trading and earning rewards with wOETH and other tokens. Providing liquidity in Gyroscope pools, especially with wOETH, can also yield substantial returns due to additional incentives like ARB and BAL tokens.

Arbitrum Protocols vs. Ethereum Protocols

Arbitrum protocols and Ethereum protocols are pretty similar because Arbitrum is EVM compatible. This means many of the same protocols work on both networks. The big difference is that Arbitrum is faster and cheaper than Ethereum mainnet. This is because Arbitrum processes transactions more efficiently, reducing the costs and time involved.

On Arbitrum, you can use many of Ethereum’s best DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave, and they often work better because of the improved speed and lower fees. This means you can trade tokens, lend crypto via flash loans, and earn rewards more easily and cost-effectively.

While both networks offer great DeFi opportunities, Arbitrum's lower fees and faster transactions make it an attractive choice for users looking to maximize their returns without spending too much on gas fees. 

By choosing Arbitrum, you get the benefits of Ethereum's robust DeFi ecosystem with the added advantages of a more efficient network. Many users choose to use both networks to some extent, as diversification is often a good practice for risk management. 

Using Wrapped OETH On Arbitrum

Wrapped Origin Ether (wOETH) is expanding its integrations on both Ethereum and Arbitrum, providing users with more opportunities to earn high yields in DeFi. 

One of the main ways to use wOETH on Arbitrum is by providing liquidity in Gyroscope’s pools. By depositing wOETH and ETH into these pools, users can earn substantial rewards from trading fees, staking yields, and additional incentives like ARB tokens.

To get started, first acquire Wrapped OETH (wOETH) on Arbitrum. You can do this by bridging ETH or Origin Ether to wOETH through the Origin dapp or by swapping ETH for wOETH on Balancer if you already have funds on Arbitrum. 

Next, connect your wallet to the Gyroscope dapp and navigate to the wOETH-ETH liquidity pool. Deposit your tokens into the pool to start earning yield. You’ll begin earning rewards immediately, which can range from 8.97% to 11.58% APR, plus additional incentives.

In addition to Gyroscope, you can use wOETH on other DeFi platforms like Dolomite for lending and borrowing. By supplying wOETH as collateral on Dolomite, you can borrow WETH and take advantage of competitive loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. This flexibility allows you to leverage your OETH to maximize your returns across multiple DeFi protocols on Arbitrum.

Should You Use Arbitrum Protocols?

Using Arbitrum protocols can be highly beneficial due to the network's lower transaction fees and faster processing times compared to Ethereum. These advantages make it easier and cheaper to perform DeFi activities like trading, lending, and providing liquidity. For users looking to maximize their returns, Arbitrum provides a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to the Ethereum mainnet.

However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. While Arbitrum offers improved performance, DeFi activities still carry risks such as smart contract vulnerabilities, market volatility, and liquidity risks. Always do thorough research and consider your risk tolerance before participating.

Overall, if you’re looking to get more out of your DeFi activities, using Arbitrum protocols is worth considering. The network's enhanced performance and lower costs can help you achieve better returns on your crypto investments. With Origin Ether's integration on Arbitrum, you can take advantage of these benefits and maximize your yield opportunities.

If you’d like to get started, we recommend reading our guide on how to use wrapped OETH on Silo Finance via Arbitrum.

FAQ

What is Wrapped OETH and how can I use it on Arbitrum?

Wrapped OETH is a liquid staking token that can be used on Arbitrum for earning high yields. You can use wOETH by providing liquidity in Gyroscope’s pools or lending it on platforms like Dolomite. These activities help you earn rewards and maximize your returns.

How do I provide liquidity with wOETH on Arbitrum?

To provide liquidity with wOETH on Arbitrum, first get wOETH through the Origin dapp or swap for it on Balancer. Next, connect your wallet to the Gyroscope dapp and deposit wOETH and ETH into the liquidity pool. This lets you earn rewards from trading fees, staking yields, and extra incentives.

Why should I use Arbitrum protocols over traditional banking or lending services?

Arbitrum protocols are faster and cheaper than traditional banking or lending services. They allow you to earn higher returns and use advanced DeFi strategies that aren't available in traditional lending. This makes Arbitrum a great choice for maximizing your crypto earnings.

August 23, 2024
Read more
is liquid staking safe?

Is Liquid Staking Safe? | Liquid Staking Risks Revealed

Liquid Staking Risks: Is Liquid Staking Safe?

Liquid staking has become a popular choice for crypto investors who want to earn rewards while keeping their digital assets liquid. However, many still wonder if it's truly a safe option. 

In the sections below, we'll walk you through what liquid staking is, the risks involved, and how some liquid staking tokens (LSTs) like Origin Ether (OETH) minimize those risks to provide a safer experience. We’ll also compare liquid stakings pros and cons to other DeFi options. 

What Is Liquid Staking?

Liquid staking allows you to stake your crypto and earn rewards while keeping your capital liquid. In other words, the “liquidity” liquid staking is known for is one of its biggest benefits.  

When you stake your tokens using traditional methods, they are locked up, meaning you can't use them for anything else. Liquid staking protocols change that by giving you a "liquid" token that represents your staked asset. You can trade, lend, or use these liquid tokens in other decentralized finance (DeFi) activities while still earning staking rewards.

For example, if you stake ETH using a liquid staking protocol, you receive a liquid staking token (LST) like OETH in return. You continue to earn rewards from Ethereum staking, and you can use your OETH across DeFi platforms without needing to forgo staking rewards.

Liquid Staking Risks Revealed

Using a liquid staking platform offers flexibility, but it comes with its own set of potential risks from smart contract vulnerabilities to volatility. One of the biggest risks is the possibility that liquid staking tokens could lose their peg to the underlying asset. This is known as de-pegging, or peg stability risk. 

For example, if a liquid staking token loses its 1:1 peg with ETH, it might not be able to hold 100% of its ETH value. Peg stability can also be affected by market demand or extreme conditions in the DeFi space. 

However, some tokens like OETH minimize this risk by offering instant liquidity and maintaining a strong peg with 100% ETH collateral backing it.

Liquidity is another important factor. If there aren’t enough buyers or sellers in the market for a liquid staking token, it could become hard to trade or sell it. This is especially concerning for liquid staking tokens without support for direct collateral redemptions.

OETH ensures deep liquidity through its Curve pool, where users can swap OETH and ETH easily, reducing liquidity concerns. Direct redemptions through the Origin Dapp are also supported, assuring users they can redeem OETH for its underlying collateral. 

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that in proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains, validators can lose a portion of their staked assets if they act against the network's rules. This is a process known as "slashing." When slashing occurs, liquid staking token holders can be affected because their staked assets might be reduced. OETH helps minimize this risk by using Distributed Validator Technology (DVT). OETH’s DVT spreads the responsibility across multiple validators, making slashing events far less likely.

How Safe Are Liquid Staking Tokens?

Overall, the risks of liquid staking tokens are generally considered low, especially when compared to other DeFi investments. However, the risks associated with liquid staking tokens also vary depending on the specific tokens and DeFi protocols you choose. 

For example, both OETH and Lido's stETH are viewed as low-risk options due to their strong infrastructure, deep liquidity, and measures in place to minimize slashing and peg stability risks.

OETH, in particular, stands out for its 1:1 backing by ETH, instant liquidity on the Curve pool, and use of DVT. These features make it a secure option for anyone interested in liquid staking.

Liquid Staking Risks vs. Other DeFi Strategies

Liquid staking has its pros and cons. But you should know that it’s not the only way to earn rewards in the DeFi space. Here’s how it compares to other DeFi strategies:

Liquid Staking vs. Yield Farming

Liquid staking and yield farming are both popular ways to earn rewards in DeFi, but they operate quite differently. Liquid staking involves securing a network by staking tokens and earning rewards as a part of the network's security mechanism. 

In contrast, yield farming involves providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or lending protocols, where rewards come from transaction fees and token incentives. While yield farming can sometimes offer higher rewards, it can carry risks like impermanent loss, where the value of your staked tokens changes unfavorably due to price volatility. 

Plus, yield farmers are often exposed to more frequent market fluctuations, making it less stable than liquid staking. Liquid staking, on the other hand, generally provides more consistent returns, as rewards are tied to network activity rather than market conditions.

Liquid Staking vs. Lending

In DeFi lending, you earn interest by loaning out your assets to borrowers, who then pay interest on the borrowed funds. Lending can be appealing because of the stable returns it offers, particularly when lending out stablecoins. 

However, lending also involves smart contract risk; if the code can be exploited, you may not get your full investment back. Liquid staking, by contrast, allows you to earn staking rewards without significant smart contract risk, which gives you greater flexibility to withdraw or move your assets if necessary. 

Additionally, liquid staking generally offers network-based rewards, making it less reliant on borrower behavior and providing a more predictable income stream.

Liquid Staking vs. Trading

Trading is a more active strategy in DeFi, where users aim to profit from market fluctuations by buying low and selling high. While trading can potentially yield quick profits, it requires continuous market monitoring, and there is a high risk of loss due to volatility. 

Liquid staking, however, offers a passive income stream by earning rewards tied to network security, which are less impacted by daily market swings. 

Another key advantage of liquid staking is that it keeps your funds accessible, allowing you to take advantage of new opportunities in DeFi applications without needing to trade actively. This flexibility and reduced exposure to market risk make liquid staking a more attractive option for users seeking consistent returns over time.

Is Liquid Staking Worth It?

Participating in liquid staking can be an excellent choice for many investors, especially those who want to earn rewards without locking up their assets for long periods. It offers a unique balance between earning staking rewards and maintaining liquidity, but like any investment, it’s not without its risks.

To recap the two biggest risks:

One key consideration is the potential for depegging. Liquid staking platforms issue tokens that represent your staked assets, and while these tokens are designed to maintain a one-to-one value with the original asset, extreme market conditions or low liquidity can cause them to temporarily lose their peg.

Additionally, the security of the platform itself is crucial. If a platform lacks robust safeguards against hacking or mismanagement, users could face significant losses. Slashing, while less common in liquid staking than traditional staking, can still occur if validators behave maliciously or fail to perform properly. This makes choosing a platform with protections against slashing, like Origin Ether (OETH), vital.

Luckily, there’s a solution for these risks:

OETH helps minimize these risks with its strong peg stability, deep liquidity, and built-in slashing protections. It also integrates seamlessly with DeFi, allowing you to use your staked tokens in other financial strategies while still earning staking rewards. 

Bottom line? By staying informed, assessing the platform’s security measures, and considering your own risk tolerance, liquid staking can be a flexible and rewarding way to grow your crypto holdings without sacrificing access to your assets.

You can learn more about OETH by clicking here.

FAQs

How Can I Tell if A Liquid Staking Token Is Safe?

To determine if a liquid staking token is safe, check the liquidity, total value locked (TVL), and whether it has undergone security audits. Liquid staking enables users to stake assets while maintaining flexibility, but ensuring that node operators and protocols are secure can help minimize risks.

Is Direct Staking Safer than Liquid Staking?

Direct staking, or traditional staking, might seem safer since it reduces counterparty risk, but liquid staking offers more flexibility. Both methods use proof of stake (PoS) networks, and with proper precautions, liquid staking can be just as secure.

What are the main risks of liquid staking?

The main risks of liquid staking include peg stability, liquidity, and slashing. Peg stability issues arise if a liquid staking token (LST) loses its 1:1 value with the underlying asset, which could affect its redeemability. Choosing a secure LST like Origin Ether (OETH), which provides strong peg stability, deep liquidity, and slashing protection through Distributed Validator Technology (DVT), can help minimize these risks.

Is liquid staking better than yield farming or lending?

Liquid staking offers consistent rewards based on blockchain network security, while yield farming and lending can sometimes offer higher returns but come with added risks, like impermanent loss in farming or borrower default in lending. Unlike lending, where funds are tied up in loans, liquid staking keeps your tokens accessible, allowing you to participate in other DeFi opportunities. These benefits of liquid staking make it an attractive option for those seeking steady returns and flexibility without the high volatility of trading or the risks of yield farming.

August 23, 2024
Read more
what is proof of stake?

What Is Proof of Stake In Crypto?

What Is Proof of Stake In Crypto?

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum use consensus protocols to keep their networks secure and running smoothly. Consensus protocols are key to decentralization, as it creates a source of truth for valid and invalid transactions. 

One of the most popular types of consensus protocols in crypto today is Proof of Stake (PoS).

In this article, we’ll walk you through what Proof of Stake is, how it works, and how it compares to another consensus protocol called Proof of Work (PoW). 

We'll also look at how you can earn staking rewards on Ethereum and whether staking is a worthwhile investment option.

What Is a Consensus Protocol?

A consensus protocol or consensus mechanism is a set of rules that helps stakers or miners agree on the validity of transactions. 

In a decentralized network, there’s no single person or company in charge. Instead, the network relies on many computers (also called "nodes") to verify and record transactions.

These computers must come to an agreement, or "consensus," on which transactions are legitimate before adding them to the blockchain. Consensus protocols help these nodes stay in sync and maintain the integrity of the network.

For example, let’s say someone sends 1 ETH to a friend. All the nodes in the Ethereum network need to check and confirm that the sender has enough ETH in their wallet, and that the transaction follows the rules. Once enough nodes agree, or reach "consensus," the transaction is added to the blockchain, and the transfer is complete. If the nodes didn’t follow a consensus protocol, there would be no way to make sure the transaction was valid, and the network wouldn’t be reliable.

Consensus protocols make decentralized networks secure and trustworthy by ensuring that all participants are following the same rules. Whether it's for sending cryptocurrency or creating new blocks in a blockchain, these protocols are essential for keeping everything running smoothly.

What Is Proof of Stake In Crypto? 

Proof of Stake (PoS) is a type of consensus protocol used by many cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum. In a PoS system, validators (people who help confirm transactions) are chosen to verify transactions based on how much cryptocurrency they “stake” as collateral. The more tokens you stake, the higher your chance of being selected as a validator.

When you stake your tokens, they’re locked up and used to help secure the network. If you act honestly and verify transactions correctly, you earn rewards in the form of more cryptocurrency. However, if you try to cheat the system, you could lose some or all of your staked tokens as a penalty. This process is known as "slashing."

Investors often use large amounts of staked cryptocurrency to earn passive income. We’ll discuss how this works with a proof of stake system like Ethereum in a section below. 

What Is Proof of Work In Crypto?

Proof of Work (PoW) is another type of consensus protocol used by older cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. In a PoW system, validators (called "miners") must solve complex math problems to confirm transactions and add them to the blockchain.

Miners compete against each other to be the first to solve these problems, and the winner gets to add the next block of transactions to the blockchain. As a reward, they earn cryptocurrency, but solving these problems requires a lot of computer power and energy. This is why PoW is considered energy-intensive.

To help illustrate, imagine Bitcoin miners as people in a competition to solve a really tough puzzle. Each miner works on the puzzle using their computers, and whoever solves it first gets to write the next page (or block) in the Bitcoin ledger. As a prize for solving the puzzle, the miner gets Bitcoin rewards. However, the more miners compete, the harder the puzzles get, and the more energy their computers need to use.

Because PoW uses so much energy, it has faced criticism for its environmental impact. The high energy consumption is necessary to keep the network secure, but newer consensus protocols, like Proof of Stake (PoS), are designed to be more energy-efficient while still maintaining security.

Proof of Stake vs Proof of Work

The main difference between Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Work (PoW) lies in how the protocols choose validators. In PoS, validators are chosen based on how many tokens they have staked, while in PoW, validators are chosen based on how much computing power they can contribute.

Proof of Stake cryptocurrencies are generally seen as more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly because they don’t require such vast amounts of computing power.  On the other hand, PoW can be considered more secure by some because the high energy costs make it harder for bad actors to take over the network. 

Both systems have their pros and cons, but PoS has become more popular in recent years, especially after Ethereum upgrades to this system.

Earning Staking Yield on Ethereum

Ethereum now uses Proof of Stake, which means that Ethereum holders can earn rewards by staking their ETH to help secure the network. There are different ways to earn staking yield on Ethereum, and we’ll cover two of the most common methods: solo staking and liquid staking.

Solo Staking

Solo staking means that you set up and run your own validator node. To do this, you need to stake at least 32 ETH, or roughly $85,000 at the time of writing. The benefit of running your own validator is that validators receive rewards directly from the network for validating transactions. 

However, setting up a validator requires technical knowledge, and if your validator goes offline or behaves incorrectly, you could lose some of your staked ETH. So while the economic incentives for solo staking can be very rewarding, it’s not for everyone because of the high amount of ETH required and the technical skills needed to manage the validator.

Liquid Staking with Origin Ether

Liquid staking is a simpler way to stake your ETH without needing to run your own validator node. With liquid staking, you stake your ETH through a service provider, and in return, you receive a liquid staking token (LST) like Origin Ether (OETH). These tokens represent your staked ETH and can be used in other DeFi (Decentralized Finance) activities, like lending or trading.

Origin Ether (OETH) allows you to stake your ETH and earn rewards, but unlike solo staking, your ETH isn’t locked up. You can still use your OETH for other DeFi opportunities while earning staking rewards, making it a more flexible option for many users.

Is Staking Safe?

Staking is generally considered safe, but there are still some risks to keep in mind:

  • When you stake your tokens, you’re trusting the network or service provider to behave correctly. 
  • If something goes wrong, like a validator getting slashed or the staking protocol being hacked, you could lose some or all of your tokens.

There’s also a risk if you use liquid staking tokens in other DeFi activities. If the token’s value drops or if there’s a sudden loss of liquidity, it could affect your investment. That’s why it’s important to choose reliable and secure platforms, like Origin Ether (OETH), which is backed by strong security measures.

FAQ:

What is Proof of Stake in Crypto?

Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus protocol where validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they stake. By staking in staking pools, users help validate cryptocurrency transactions while earning rewards, all with less energy usage compared to Proof of Work.

Is Proof of Stake Safer than Proof of Work?

Proof of Stake is considered safer in some ways because it reduces the risk of double spending by requiring validators to have a stake in the network. However, both PoS and Proof of Work offer different security benefits depending on how they’re implemented.

Is Ethereum Proof of Stake or Proof of Work? 

Ethereum used to rely on Proof of Work but has now transitioned to Proof of Stake. This change allows users to participate in staking, earn rewards, and help secure cryptocurrency transactions through staking pools.

August 23, 2024
Read more
Introducing Super OETH

Introducing Super OETH, Coming Soon to Base

Introducing Super OETH: The 1st Supercharged LST Coming to Base

Origin’s expansion to Base introduces a new class of Supercharged LSTs that accrue value to OGN. Super OETH will be the first token of its kind to offer high yield on ETH with minimal risk.

Instead of simply bridging Origin Ether to Base, we’ve designed a new supercharged LST that uses OETH as a building block for higher yields. Super OETH takes advantage of L2 incentives to enhance LST yield, earning far higher APYs than traditional LSTs. Our new product is crypto's first-ever supercharged LST, slated to launch on Base with additional L2s in the pipeline for this year.

Super OETH on Base will be assigned the ticker superOETHb. Read on to learn more about our new supercharged LST, our expansion plans, and what to expect leading up to our public launch.

Coming to Base, and Beyond

As one of the fastest-growing Layer 2 networks, Base offers a robust infrastructure with a wealth of incentives designed to attract liquidity. This makes Base an ideal network for Super OETH, providing users with enhanced yield opportunities and access to a broad range of DeFi protocols. By starting on Base, Super OETH is positioned to capitalize on the network’s momentum while attracting a new category of users to both Super OETH and OGN.

Our broader goal is to establish Super OETH as the best LST on layer 2s by offering higher yield and deep liquidity. Following our launch on Base, Super OETH will roll out on Optimism with the ticker superOETHo.

superOETHb Yield Mechanics

Super OETH is built on top of Origin Ether and maintains many of the core properties of OETH. Like Origin Ether, Super OETH rebases directly in your wallet and holds an extremely tight peg to ETH. Additionally, Super OETH earns staking rewards from Origin Ether, further boosted by yield earned from its Aerodrome integration.

Bridged LST Yield

Super OETH generates Ethereum staking yield by leveraging OETH as its foundational asset.

Origin Ether is the core building block for Super OETH. Origin Ether’s Beacon Chain staking yield is bridged to layer 2s, enabling Super OETH holders to tap into LST yield. These rewards are then further enhanced by Super OETH's innovative LP integration, which leverages protocol-owned liquidity to earn L2 incentives. This allows users to earn Beacon Chain staking rewards on layer 2s while benefiting from the additional yield opportunities on these networks, maximizing their overall returns.

AMM Liquidity

Super OETH integrates with Aerodrome to provide deep liquidity and enhanced yield.

Aerodrome will act as the central liquidity hub for Super OETH, offering deep liquidity on the superOETHb/WETH pair. Building on our learnings from protocol-owned liquidity on Origin Ether’s Curve pool, we’ve adapted this technology to integrate with Aerodrome.

This highly efficient LP integration utilizes protocol-owned liquidity on Aerodrome’s superOETHb/WETH pool to support Super OETH’s peg. By utilizing protocol-owned liquidity, Super OETH will keep a balanced liquidity pool, tracking the price of ETH at nearly 1:1.

As an additional benefit, Super OETH holders will receive increased yield from AERO rewards. When token incentives are earned through the Aerodrome integration, most of the AERO tokens are converted into superOETHb and added directly to the holders' wallets, compounding the yield earned. The protocol-owned liquidity significantly enhances capital efficiency, thereby increasing the rewards for the holders.

While Super OETH’s liquidity provision architecture will be applied to Aerodrome on Base, it’s designed to adapt to various L2 networks and AMMs, such as Velodrome on Optimism.

Preparing for Launch

superOETHb will soft launch next week, with Super OETH yield to begin streaming shortly thereafter.

At launch, Super OETH will generate yield comparable to Origin Ether until token incentives begin accruing to Super OETH holders. We anticipate that Super OETH yield will gradually increase over the first few weeks, stabilizing in mid-September.

In addition, we’ve initiated conversations with leading Base protocols to integrate Super OETH. These integrations will give holders maximum flexibility to earn using their supercharged LST, further amplifying their rewards. Stay tuned to Origin on X as we secure integrations with lending markets, looping protocols, and beyond.

To stay in the know on our Super OETH launch, we invite you to join Origin’s Discord where we’re building DeFi’s 1st supercharged LST in public.

August 22, 2024
Read more
wOETH on Karak

Now Live: Restake Wrapped OETH on Karak

wOETH x Karak Restaking

Wrapped OETH has integrated with Karak Network, a leading DeFi platform at the forefront of restaking innovation.

Since soft-launching in April, Karak’s TVL has catapulted to more than $1 Billion. The network offers multi-asset restaking, acting as a universal restaking layer to provide robust crypto-economic security across the space.

This integration affords wOETH holders a new opportunity to partake in restaking, and earn KARAK XP ahead of Karak’s full public launch and TGE.

How it Works

Karak pioneers Universal Security, extending restaking beyond Ethereum to help secure a host of leading chains and protocols.

Users restake their assets – LSTs like wOETH, or even stablecoins and BTC – to the network. Distributed Secure Services (DSS) harness these assets to bolster security while also reducing operational costs. In turn, blockchains and rollups utilize DSS’s for more efficient operation. Restakers earn yield from protocols and chains harnessing restaked assets.

Karak remains in early access, so users will need invite codes to begin using the platform.

Docs.karak.network

Get Started with wOETH on Karak

Users can start restaking by visiting app.karak.network. Enter an invite code to gain access, and connect your Web3 wallet to the dapp. Select wOETH, enter your desired amount, and click “Deposit” to proceed. Once the transaction is confirmed, you’ll begin to start stacking rewards for restaking.

Karak is rapidly approaching its current $1.1B deposit cap on all assets – make sure to restake soon to avoid being locked out.

Make sure to follow Origin on X and join our Discord server to stay updated on the latest integrations. Need a Karak invite code? We’ll be dropping some in Discord!

August 15, 2024
Read more
wOETH on Fraxlend

Wrapped OETH Now Available on Fraxlend

How To Supply wOETH As Collateral On Fraxlend

Origin Ether’s DeFi presence is expanding even further with two brand new pools on Fraxlend: wOETH/frxETH and wOETH/FRAX.

Deployed on Ethereum mainnet, the pools allow users to supply wOETH collateral and borrow frxETH and FRAX respectively. Users can take advantage of the pool's liquidity to loop assets via leveraged staking, which allows you to increase your exposure and earn maximum yield on the pair.

Step 1: Acquire Wrapped OETH (wOETH)

First, you’ll need to acquire wOETH on Ethereum. Unlike OETH itself, Wrapped OETH does not rebase. Instead, the token value increases to reflect accrued yield.

Head over to Origin’s dedicated dapp to get started. The swap page allows you to exchange ETH, WETH, or OETH for wOETH. Connect your Web3 wallet to the site and input your desired amount to swap. Once the transaction has been successfully executed, wOETH should reflect in your wallet.

Step 2: Navigate to Fraxlend

Once you’ve loaded up your wOETH, visit the Fraxlend dapp and connect your wallet.

Each pool features a robust frontend, displaying key pool metrics from TVL to utilization and APRs for borrowing and lending.

Step 3: Deposit wOETH and borrow frxETH or FRAX

Each pair features straightforward tabs for different use cases. Simply select “borrow” to deposit wOETH and borrow frxETH or FRAX, depending on your chosen pool. Alternatively, you can deposit wOETH via the “Add Collateral” tab to begin earning yield.

Optional: Loop assets for boosted yield

Looping Frax’s wOETH pools allows you to increase your position size, and thus compound returns. This approach entails depositing wOETH, borrowing frxETH or FRAX, and using these assets to purchase more wOETH, before repeating the process. Check out our leveraged staking guide for more details on this strategy.

Benefits of using wOETH on FraxLend

This integration further bolsters Origin Ether’s diverse utility on leading money markets in DeFi. Holders can now harness Frax’s robust ecosystem and tap deep liquidity for rewarding DeFi trading strategies.

Make sure to follow Origin on X and join the official Discord server to keep up to date with the latest opportunities.  View our DeFi Opportunities Page to explore all the leading OETH integrations across Ethereum and Arbitrum.

August 14, 2024
Read more
What is OGN?

What Is Origin Token (OGN)?

OGN Token: Origin Token Explained

Origin Token (OGN) is Origin Protocol’s governance and value accrual token. OGN has a long history in DeFi, accruing protocol revenue from yield earned on Origin Ether (OETH), Super OETH (superOETHb), the Automated Redemption Manager (ARM), and Origin Dollar (OUSD).

You can buy Origin Token (OGN) on popular exchanges like Coinbase. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what OGN Token is, how it works in terms of both staking and governance, and the history and team behind it. Let’s dive in.

OGN Value Accrual

Users who stake OGN for xOGN are entitled to staking rewards derived from Origin’s products. Currently, OGN stakers earn rewards from revenue generated by OETH, Super OETH, OUSD, and the ARM.

Origin’s products feature a 20% performance fee on yield earned. For OETH and OUSD fees, this revenue is distributed to OGN stakers. Half of this fee is used to buyback OGN to add the the staking rewards pool, while the remaining half is used to accumulate DAO-owned flywheel tokens (currently CVX).

Flywheel tokens are used to incentivize liquidity pools for Origin Ether, further boosting yield earned by OETH holders. Across OETH and OUSD, the OGN DAO has accumulated over 275,000 CVX, and further incentives are sent to liquidity pools via bribes.

Assuming constant yield, protocol revenue increases proportionally to TVL added to the protocol. As adoption of OETH and OUSD increases, so does the value directed to OGN stakers.

Governance and xOGN

Origin Token holders can stake their OGN to receive governance rights over Origin Protocol in the form of xOGN. Stakers can choose to lock their tokens for one month to one year, and those who stake for longer periods of time receive heightened governance rights to compensate for the duration of the lock. This is known as a lock up period. 

By staking OGN, users essentially earn a share of protocol revenue generated from all of Origin’s products. OGN also lets stakers vote on proposals that shape the future of Origin Protocol. Those who hold xOGN vote on important decisions such as value accrual mechanisms, yield strategies, and design upgrades for Origin’s products. One example was the introduction of our Automated Redemption Manager (ARM).

Governance is integrated on the Origin Dapp, making it easy for stakers to weigh into governance proposals.

History of OGN Token

Origin Protocol was founded in 2017 to promote open, peer-to-peer commerce on Ethereum. The team began its journey developing marketplace technology, which gained popularity with the rise of the non-fungible token market. Alongside these developments, Origin invented the yield-bearing stablecoin with Origin Dollar (OUSD) in 2020. OUSD quickly gained traction among DeFi users looking to earn passive yield on their stablecoins with a simple user experience.

Origin Protocol launched its flagship LST, Origin Ether (OETH), in 2023. Origin Ether quickly grew to $100M+ TVL by offering a unique design that earns enhanced yield through its liquid staking and DeFi strategies. Origin Ether is currently available on Ethereum and Arbitrum, with support on top protocols such as EigenLayer, Pendle, Silo, Morpho, and beyond. Origin's dapp allows users to earn and mint OETH seamlessly using ETH or WETH.

More recently, Origin has launched Super OETH (superOETHb) on Base, becoming a top-10 protocol on the network with over $150 million in total value locked. Super OETH, the first Supercharged LST, offers enhanced staking yield via L2 incentives and is integrated with top protocols on Base. 

Origin Protocol Team

Origin Protocol was founded by entrepreneurs Josh Fraser and Matthew Liu. The team is fully distributed, with roots on both the west and east coasts. Josh Fraser began his journey in crypto by mining Bitcoin on his laptop in 2011, while Matthew Liu has been involved in Ethereum’s ecosystem since its crowd sale in 2014.

The Origin team hails from big tech companies and web3 startups alike. Origin Protocol’s engineering team has deep experience with solidity development, security audits, and smart contract architecture. Team members at Origin Protocol have previously held leadership positions at Google, PayPal, Spotify, YouTube, Swell, and beyond.

The diverse expertise within the Origin Protocol team underscores a commitment to innovation and security in the decentralized finance space. By bringing together individuals with experience in both Web2 giants and Web3 pioneers, Origin combines the best of traditional tech and blockchain ingenuity. 

The team's global presence also fosters collaboration across time zones, ensuring continuous development and support. Origin’s leaders and developers are passionate about building a more open and inclusive financial system, leveraging blockchain technology to empower individuals and institutions alike. With their proven track record, the Origin Protocol team is well-positioned to shape the future of decentralized finance and drive adoption of innovative crypto solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Total Supply of OGN?

The total supply of Origin Token (OGN) is 1,409,664,846. Of the 1.4 billion total supply, 607 million OGN is currently circulating.

Who Founded Origin Protocol?

Matthew Liu and Josh Fraser founded Origin Protocol in 2017. Matthew Liu was among the first employees at YouTube and has been involved in Ethereum’s ecosystem since its crowd sale in 2014. Josh Fraser is a serial entrepreneur, exiting his last company to Walmart Labs, and has been involved in crypto since 2011.

Where Can You Buy OGN?

Origin Token (OGN) is listed across top exchanges including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Upbit, and Gate.io. You can also acquire OGN on decentralized exchanges such as Uniswap and 1inch.

What Wallets Support OGN?

OGN is an ERC-20 token, so most Ethereum wallets will support Origin Tokens. Ellipal, Ledger, and Trezor are some top hardware wallets that support OGN.

What Is the Contract Address for OGN?

The Origin Token (OGN) contract address is attached to the originprotocol.eth ENS, and its full contract address is 0x8207c1FfC5B6804F6024322CcF34F29c3541Ae26.

How Can You Stake OGN?

You can stake OGN for xOGN on Origin’s dapp. Staking OGN allows you to earn protocol revenue from Origin’s product suite in the form of OGN rewards, depending on the amount staked and the duration.

Origin Token (OGN) is listed across top exchanges including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Upbit, and Gate.io. You can also acquire OGN on decentralized exchanges such as Uniswap and 1inch.

August 7, 2024
Read more
1...567...32
Origin
Stay in touch
Be the first to hear about important product updates. Your email will be kept private.
Originally released by Origin Protocol
Privacy policyTerms of service