Lighter introduces LIT staking requirement for Liquidity Pool access

Lighter has announced the rollout of a new staking feature for its native token LIT, making staking mandatory to access the Lighter Liquidity Pool (LLP). The requirement takes effect immediately for new participants, while existing LLP depositors are granted a two-week grace period ending on Jan. 28.

Under the new model, users must stake LIT at a 1:10 ratio, meaning each staked LIT unlocks the ability to deposit up to 10 USDC into the LLP. After the grace period expires, staking LIT will be required to maintain funds in the pool.

Lighter said the change is designed to better align the interests of LIT holders and liquidity providers, while enhancing the LLP’s risk-adjusted returns. The liquidity pool remains a core component of the platform, supporting yield generation and acting as insurance during liquidations. Similar mechanics are expected to be introduced for other public pools in the future.

Additional staking benefits include zero fees on withdrawals and transfers for users staking at least 100 LIT, along with staking yield, although the APR has not yet been disclosed. Lighter also plans to adjust premium fees for market makers and high-frequency trading firms in the coming weeks, offering discounts tied to LIT staking, while keeping retail trading free.

The staking feature will be extended to mobile users in the coming days following Lighter’s recent mobile app launch. Lighter launched the LIT token last month, allocating 50% of the supply to the ecosystem, and began token buybacks on Jan. 5.

Launched on public mainnet in October, Lighter has quickly grown into one of the most active decentralized perpetuals exchanges, reporting more than $200 billion in monthly trading volume in December. The project recently raised $68 million at a $1.5 billion valuation.