The Risks of Using Eigenlayer for Restaking
In this article, you will discover the risks associated with using Eigenlayer for restaking. So, if you want more reviews like this, subscribe to Alpha.
Slashing
Restaking terms may include slash conditions that pose the risk of significant asset loss for validators. Users engaged in restaking are susceptible to slashing penalties from both ETH and Actively Validated Services (AVS).
Yield Risks
Restakers might prioritize protocols with higher yields, potentially impacting the Layer 1 network. Investors could perceive restaking as a quick and easily leveraged financial product.
Centralization And Collusion Risk
Using a centralized actor to issue LSTs introduces centralization within the Ethereum validator set. The risk of collusion arises, compromising the network’s security.
Additional Risks
- ETH must undergo staking, rendering it non-liquid during the staking period.
- Lack of immediate liquidity.
- EigenLayer smart contract risk.
- Withdraw credentials create systemic risks for the mainnet.
- Risks related to liquidity availability and stability.
- Risks associated with asset concentration within the Restaking protocol.
- Uncertainties related to protocols not commencing the withdrawal process.
Introduces Supplementary Risks to Ethereum Security
Restaking adds layered vulnerabilities to Ethereum’s existing risks. Further development atop this framework introduces complexity and additional risk.
Risk Management Challenges
The level of risk management allowed for restakers is pivotal. Restakers may prefer to personally vet and choose AVS to mitigate slash risks and reduce attack vectors.
Asset Valuation, Liquidation Vulnerabilities, and Comparisons to LUNA Crash
Creating new Wrap Tokens or Tokens contributes to market inflation and exposes assets to liquidation risk. Restaking is compared to the LUNA Crash, which may trigger the end of a bull run.
Ongoing discussions between developers and EigenLayer aim to ensure Ethereum remains robust amidst these advancements. Repurposing the layer securing Ethereum presents a challenge.