EigenLayer has introduced restaking, a concept that enables staked ETH to secure additional protocols beyond Ethereum. This innovation allows new protocols to borrow security from Ethereum, rather than building their own independent security. EigenLayer's smart contracts coordinate restaking, with three key roles: restakers, operators, and actively validated services (AVSs).
Restakers commit their staked ETH to EigenLayer, which is then delegated to operators. These operators run validation software for AVSs, which define their own validation logic, reward structure, and slashing conditions. By mid-2026, over 20 AVSs had launched on EigenLayer, including EigenDA, a data availability layer, and other protocols such as oracle networks, cross-chain bridges, and keeper networks.
Restaking Benefits
EigenLayer's restaking model provides stronger economic guarantees for new protocols, as they can leverage the security of staked ETH. This approach also reduces the costs associated with building independent security. Additionally, restaking enables the creation of tradable tokens representing restaked positions, such as Ether.fi (eETH).
Expansion and Growth
EigenLayer's expansion to accept any ERC-20 token as a restakable asset has broadened the potential collateral base beyond ETH and its liquid staking derivatives. As the restaking ecosystem continues to grow, it is likely to have a significant impact on the development of new protocols and the security of the broader cryptocurrency space.
