Native Restaking

Definition ∞ Native restaking refers to the process where staked assets, typically Ethereum’s Ether (ETH), are directly reused to provide economic security for additional decentralized applications or protocols beyond the original staking context. Unlike liquid staking derivatives, native restaking involves repurposing the original staked asset itself, often through a protocol like EigenLayer. This mechanism allows validators to earn additional rewards by securing multiple services simultaneously. It significantly amplifies the utility of staked capital.
Context ∞ Native restaking is a significant innovation driving discussions around shared security and capital efficiency in the Ethereum ecosystem. Debates often center on the potential increase in systemic risk if a single asset secures too many protocols, and the implications for Ethereum’s core security. Future developments will monitor the growth of Actively Validated Services and the implementation of robust slashing conditions to mitigate potential risks associated with this novel mechanism.