Introduction to Ether.Fi
Ether.Fi represents a groundbreaking infrastructure staking protocol on the Ethereum blockchain. This innovative platform enables users to maintain control of their cryptographic keys while delegating staking operations to node operators and earning rewards.
Key Features of Ether.Fi's Non-Custodial Staking
Ether.Fi distinguishes itself through its decentralized, non-custodial approach to staking while offering Liquid Staking Derivatives (LSD) tokens. The protocol's defining characteristic is its empowerment of stakers with full control over their private keys, ensuring both security and autonomy over funds.
Comparative Advantage Over Traditional LSD Protocols
Unlike conventional LSD solutions (including Lido) where node operators control keys—creating custodial or semi-custodial arrangements with inherent counterparty risks—Ether.Fi implements:
- Advanced cryptographic techniques for decentralized key management during delegation
- A node services marketplace connecting stakers with infrastructure providers
- Innovative withdrawal address mechanisms (currently managed by Ether.Fi)
Ecosystem Participants
The Ether.Fi network comprises several key stakeholders:
- Stakers/Bondholders: Users who stake ETH while holding bonding positions
- LST Holders: Participants holding only eETH or other liquid staking tokens
- Node Operators: Infrastructure providers running validation services
- Node Service Consumers: Users leveraging the node services marketplace
Development Roadmap
Ether.Fi's strategic evolution unfolds across three progressive phases:
| Phase | Focus Area | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Delegated Staking | Initial protocol launch with basic staking functionality |
| Phase 2 | Liquidity Pools | Implementation of liquid staking derivatives |
| Phase 3 | Node Services | Full marketplace development for node services |
Eigenlayer Integration
Ether.Fi automatically integrates with Eigenlayer for restaking capabilities. This partnership:
- Utilizes staked ETH to support external systems like rollups and oracles
- Creates an additional economic security layer
- Enhances yield opportunities for ETH stakers
ETHFI Token Economics
Key Token Details
- Token Name: ETHFI
- Max Supply: 1,000,000,000
- Initial Circulation: 115,200,000 (11.52% of total supply)
- Mining Allocation: 20,000,000 (2% of total supply)
Utility Functions
- Governance of protocol parameters
- Treasury management
- Fee structure determination
- Protocol upgrade decisions
Investment Background
Ether.Fi secured $27 million in funding on February 28, 2024, led by:
👉 Bullish and CoinFund
With participation from notable investors including:
- Amber Group
- BanklessVC
- OKX Ventures
- Consensys
- Foresight Ventures
Mining Program Details
Key Parameters
- Duration: March 14, 2024 (08:00 UTC) - March 18, 2024 (07:59 UTC)
- Total Allocation: 20,000,000 ETHFI
Pool Distribution
| Pool Type | Allocation | Percentage | Daily Cap (UTC Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNB | 16,000,000 | 80% | 4,000,000 |
| FDUSD | 4,000,000 | 20% | 1,000,000 |
Note: Daily mining periods run from 00:00-23:59 UTC (08:00-07:59 Beijing Time)
FAQ Section
What makes Ether.Fi different from other staking protocols?
Ether.Fi's non-custodial approach allows users to retain control of their keys while staking, eliminating counterparty risk present in traditional LSD protocols.
How does Eigenlayer integration benefit ETHFI stakers?
The Eigenlayer partnership enables restaking opportunities that generate additional yield by supporting external systems while maintaining Ethereum's security.
👉 Where can I learn more about staking rewards?
What percentage of ETHFI tokens will be circulating at launch?
Approximately 11.52% of the total supply (115.2 million tokens) will be available at launch.
How long does the mining program last?
The mining period runs for exactly 4 days, from March 14-18, 2024, with daily caps on rewards.
Can I participate in both mining pools simultaneously?
Yes, participants can engage with both BNB and FDUSD pools concurrently, subject to each pool's individual limits.
What governance rights does ETHFI confer?
Token holders gain voting rights on critical protocol decisions including treasury management, fee structures, and major upgrades.