Last Week in DeFi - Pendle Launches liquidBera Pools, Usual Changes USD0++ Redemption, ZKsync Ignite Season 1 Live, and more...
Recap: Week of Jan 6th
Launches π
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Bluefin launches the Auto Rebalancer on Sui Network, simplifying liquidity provisioning with features like auto-compounding rewards into BLUE, minimized impermanent loss, and always-in-range deposits. Built with AlphaFi, it optimizes yields for LPs.
Raydium Protocol has launched beta perpetual futures powered by Orderly Network, bringing 90+ highly liquid perp markets to Solana for its 8.4 million active users. The permissionless liquidity layer for Web3 trading continues to grow.
ZKsync introduces EnsoBuild, enabling dapp builders to automate on-chain actions like swaps, lending, and vault integrations. Features include one-click deposits and seamless LP zapping for improved user and developer experiences.
Dymension 3D is live, providing a platform for creating modular rollapps to enhance blockchain scalability and interoperability.
Curve Finance has launched its DEX on SonicLabs, an EVM-compatible chain known for its speed.
Orbit Crypto AI, and AI Agent DeFi abstraction layer made by Sphere one is now live offering 10-second cross-chain swaps powered by Wormhole and Mayan Finance. The platform combines AI and blockchain to streamline secure, automated on-chain transactions.
Vertex launches on Sonic Labs, offering a unified DEX for borrowing, lending, and trading across 60+ spot and perpetual markets. With onchain liquidity and low fees, users can deposit USDC and start trading today.
Pell Network launches the Ignite Testnet, introducing multi-chain staking and service chains like BSC and Bouncebit, along with omni-chain DVS contract deployment for developers.
Enhanced infrastructure includes faster synchronization, Cosmos & EVM explorers, and advanced compilation tools. The update also increases decentralization through additional operator weight. Pell aims to continually enhance services for stakers, developers, and operators
Frax Finance launches the Frax Universal Interface (FUI), offering a seamless way to swap, bridge, earn, and explore within the Frax ecosystem.
Users can access top DEXs, bridge Frax assets, earn stable yields with sfrxUSD, and onramp in minutes via card or bank. FUI also introduces FXTL incentives, .frax usernames, and more. Future updates include borrowing features and veFRAX staking.
Astrol launches Epoch 1 with increased pool caps, kicking off two days of major updates and releases. Users can now start lending and borrowing.
Perennial introduces the Petals Lottery, offering weekly rewards of up to 100k Petals. Traders with varying levels of volume can participate across three tiers: The Grand Florist for those with $500k+ in weekly volume, The Petal Gatherer for traders with $10kβ$500k in volume, and The Social Butterfly for those who share their trading PnL on X and tag @perenniallabs. Progress can be tracked through the Rewards page.
Today in DeFi is supported by Perennial Finance."
Updates π°
Arbitrum integrates the ELIZA framework, enhancing AI agent development within the AI16zDAO ecosystem. Agent builders can access funding from two programs:
Trailblazer ($1M for cutting-edge AI projects) and
Stylus Sprint (support for Rust-based agents using Arbitrum's MultiVM). Applications for Stylus Sprint close soon.
Usual updated the Redemption process for its USD0++ token, confusing some users who thought it was meant to be a stablecoin. Users felt like they were rugged, as the changes were not announced beforehand, some lending markets hardcoded USD0++ to 1, and there was a curve pool for USD0++ and USD0, implying USD0++ to be similar in value to USD0. In response, Usual announced an early redemption process for users who are willing to forfeit their USUAL rewards.
Clearpool announces Ozean's integration of Lido's $wstETH into Oxygen, enabling users to maximize rewards while leveraging Lidoβs $35B+ TVL and 200+ Node Operators.
BIO Protocol integrates Wormholeβs NTT framework, making $BIO natively multichain. Now on Solana, $BIO expands DeSci liquidity across multiple chains.
Wormhole is now live on Hyperliquid's EVM testnet, expanding cross-chain capabilities.
Sonic Labs adopts Circle's Bridged USDC Standard, enabling seamless stablecoin use within the Sonic ecosystem.
Dolomite introduces $oDOLO, a liquidity mining token rewarding providers of key assets like $USDC, $ETH, and $WBTC. $oDOLO can be paired 1:1 with $DOLO for a week to unlock discounted $veDOLO, with discounts scaling up to 50% for maximum lock periods. This creates a feedback loop driving liquidity and governance in the ecosystem.
Sola AI introduces $SOLA, the token powering its personalized voice assistant for the Solana ecosystem.
Unichain Sepolia has activated Permissionless Fault Proofs, marking progress toward the Public Mainnet launch.
N1 has partnered with Jito Network to bootstrap security for its early network. N1, a novel L1 with decoupled settlement and execution layers, aims to scale beyond conventional blockchains and supports development in languages like Typescript and Rust. Jito, a leading MEV-enabled liquid staking protocol, will provide an experienced validator set and use NCNs to ensure robust security.
Revolut, a digital banking giant serving 45M users globally, is now a Pyth Network data publisher, bringing real-time price feeds on-chain. This partnership bridges traditional finance and DeFi, enhancing market transparency and reliability with Revolut's scale and data.
The BABYLONIAN Achievement is live on Legion for Bitcoin power users leveraging BTC staking via Babylon Labs. Eligible participants include holders of BTC assets like $uniBTC, $LBTC, $SolvBTCBBN, $waBTC, $stBTC, $eBTC, Lombard vault participants, and SatLayer depositors.
Aave V3 has been deployed on the Aptos testnet, marking its first non-EVM deployment. The testnet phase will evaluate safety, stability, and performance ahead of a potential mainnet launch.
Hyperliquid now supports long and short positions on $SPX with up to 5x leverage, following community requests.
Resolv Labs has launched Resolv Markets on Morpho, enabling leveraged yield strategies with USDC vaults curated by Gauntlet and MEV Capital.
Users can borrow USDC using $USR, $RLP, $wstUSR, and PT-wstUSR as collateral, earning competitive yields and Resolv points. USDC lenders benefit from aggregated-level lending rewards. This marks the first phase of Resolv's integration with Morpho, with more opportunities planned as the ecosystem expands.
Morpho Labs launched Morpho Vaults 1.1, enhancing flexibility for B2B integrations and insurance products while improving curator tools. Deployed on Ethereum and Base, it supports Morpho's cross-chain expansion and coexists with the immutable 1.0 Vaults.
Hyperlane has expanded to BSquaredNetwork, connecting to over 100 chains and 5+ VMs. This update enables developers to build interchain apps and create token bridges.
Veda and EtherFi introduce Liquid BTC, offering secure, competitive Bitcoin yields with 1-click access. Built on Veda's vaults and curated by MEV Capital, it integrates yield opportunities from platforms like Aave, Morpho, and Pendle, plus points from six ecosystem partners.
Gravity integrates with Relay Protocol, enabling users to swap any token from any chain and receive $ETH instantly.
Resupply, a stablecoin protocol by Convex and Yearn, launches with $reUSD backed by yield-bearing stablecoins. Offering consistently favorable borrow rates, $reUSD is ideal for farming and accessing liquidity without losing yield.
Users can supply $reUSD to insurance pools, LP on Curve for $CRV rewards, or use it for farming and expenses. $RSUP tokens enable governance, revenue sharing, and additional rewards through borrowing and liquidity pools. Curve Lend positions earn $CRV, $CVX, and $RSUP with boosted $CRV rewards. The peg is maintained via collateral redemption.
Fluid adds Mantle's $mETH to its ecosystem, launching three new vaults: mETH<>USDC, mETH<>USDT, and mETH<>GHO. Users can now leverage $mETH for enhanced DeFi opportunities.
Superstateβs $USCC, a crypto carry fund, is now live on MorphoLabs, marking its first DeFi integration. Investors can use $USCC as high-yield, stable collateral in Steakhouse USDC RWA Vaults.
Wormhole and Mayan Finance enable seamless transfers into Hyperliquid in just 10 seconds, allowing any asset to move effortlessly.
Kamino removes the SOL utilization cap in its Main Market, enabling unrestricted borrowing to promote market equilibrium and drive SOL growth.
Kelp DAO expands its Boyco initiative with new VaultCraft and Kelp Gain vaults, allowing rsETH and ETH LST deposits for automated allocation across Boyco protocols.
Participants can earn multi-layered rewards, including Kelp Miles, Eigen rewards, BERA incentives, and Airdrop Gain rewards, with deposits locked for 30β90 days. Reserve your spot now to bridge to Berachain and unlock new DeFi opportunities.
Spectra launches its first lending market for PTs on MorphoLabs, powered by MEV Capital and ResolvLabs. PT-wstUSR holders can now earn additional yield, borrow against their holdings, loop, and access further integrations within Morpho.
Quai Networkβs Golden Age Testnet concludes with final week challenges offering up to 150 testnet $QUAI. Complete tasks like claiming a name on QNS, swapping on IcecreamSwap, and minting a Quai Club Membership NFT. Submit entries by January 7, 2025, using #QuaiGoldenAge and your QUAI Pelagus Wallet Address to earn rewards.
Uniswap Wallet introduces permissionless bridging, making cross-chain swaps as simple as regular swaps. Enjoy fast, cheap, and seamless bridging across chains.
Meteora announces the opening of the Sonic Alpha Vault tomorrow, providing early access to the $SONIC launch for eligible wallets. Active LPs on Meteora may qualify for the $SONIC allowlist.
RedStone Oracles integrates with Sonic Labs, bringing modular oracle solutions to the EVM L1 blockchain designed for DeFi innovation and powerful incentives.
Tevaera launches Community Governance, allowing $TEVA holders to delegate votes and participate in decision-making. Each 1 TEVA equals 1 vote (wallet holdings only). Bonus claim Tevans are being airdropped 1 TEVA (~95% complete). Delegate now to secure full voting power for upcoming proposals.
Frax Finance approves FIP-420 and FIP-421, integrating Superstateβs USCC and USTB to back frxUSD. This upgrade optimizes yields with crypto basis trades during bull markets and rebalances into T-Bills for risk-free onchain yield during lower yield periods. The combined backing of USCC and USTB enhances staked frxUSD ($sfrxUSD) to deliver the highest risk-adjusted savings yield in DeFi.
Spectra launches its bridge, now live in the app, enabling seamless movement of SPECTRA between networks.
Issues π¨
Solv Protocol co-founder Ryan Chow addresses accusations from Nubit co-founder Hans, clarifying the recent Bitcoin LST updates. He explains that the updates are for SolvBTC.CORE, not Babylon, due to routine staking cycles. Chow denies claims about TVL discrepancies, stating Solv Protocolβs TVL is accurately based on underlying BTC and wrapped BTC backing SolvBTC and its LSTs. He alleges a coordinated smear campaign against Solv and vows to defend the protocolβs integrity.
Solv Protocol and Babylon Labs have regained control of their Twitter accounts after brief compromises earlier today. Both teams worked to address the incidents promptly, removing any unauthorized content and implementing additional security measures to prevent future issues. Users are advised to verify token addresses and links from official sources.
Upcoming β³
Avalon Labs announces its upcoming TGE for $AVL. Stay tuned for details.
Jupiter teases the arrival of "Jupuary," hinting at growth and new opportunities in its ecosystem. Stay tuned.
Aethir 2.0 scales decentralized computing for AI and gaming with 384,000 GPUs, $7.6M monthly revenue, and partnerships like NodeFinance and MetaStreet. Key updates include Sophon ZK Chain migration, Solana expansion, LayerZero integration, and enhanced restaking and governance. Read more in their blog.
Story Protocol announces a collaboration with Stability AI, using its models to address key challenges in the AI era. This partnership explores the intersection of blockchain and AI, shaping the future of the intelligence economy.
Derive Pro by Derive (formerly Lyra) introduces AI-driven trading with research, execution, and portfolio tools powered by Messari and smart contract wallets. Supporting spot, perps, and options on L2s, it launches in Q1 2025. Join the waitlist for early access.
Corn is teaming up with Kaito AI for its upcoming genesis airdrop. Participants can earn $CORN by becoming Certified Yappers and building BTCFi mindshare on Kaito. Yap holders and Kaito Genesis NFT holders will be rewarded. Details coming Friday.
Neemo Finance partners with EtherFi to enable nrETH minting on Soneium, combining ETH staking rewards, EtherFi points, Neemo points, and incentives from DeFi partners.
Users can deposit ETH, wETH, eETH, stETH, and weETH across Ethereum and Soneium for boosted rewards and exposure to Soneium's DeFi ecosystem.
Audited for security, Neemo plans a February-March Phase 2 rollout, integrating EtherFiβs liquid vault for enhanced APY, streamlined withdrawals, and L2-to-L1 staking for optimized rewards.
Illuvium has partnered with Virtuals Protocol, leveraging the G.A.M.E Framework to innovate at the intersection of AI and Web3 gaming. This collaboration aims to enhance immersive gaming experiences.
Turtle Club is introducing the Turtle Berachain Badge, a collection of 6,900 free mint badges offering exclusive roles, [REDACTED] rewards, and extra clout. Minting begins on January 17th at 4:20 PM UTC via Kingdomly, with Turtle Club members having a higher chance of whitelist access.
Balancer v3, launching on Base in Q1 2025, will introduce the Priority Fee Router, redistributing MEV rewards to liquidity providers. This mechanism taxes high-priority transactions, creating an additional revenue stream for LPs and boosting the value of their positions.
Zeta Markets introduces the Zeta X Testnet, offering faster trades and advanced tools as the next step in decentralized perpetuals trading.
Solayer Labs unveils plans for Solayer InfiniSVM, a hardware-accelerated SVM blockchain promising infinite scalability, 100 Gbps bandwidth, and 1ms transaction confirmations via advanced hardware offloading. With more details unveiled in their newly released 2025 roadmap.
Babylon launches Phase-2 testnet (bbn-test-5) on January 8, 2025, with block production starting at 9 AM UTC and the staking web app live at 10 AM UTC. Phase-1 testnet stakers can register their stakes on the new Phase-2 Babylon chain.
Skate announces integration with Movement Labsβ upcoming MoveVM mainnet, enabling access to top EVM apps like Polymarket. This expansion aligns with Skate's vision to connect apps across all VMs and build unified infrastructure.
Story Protocol teases major updates coming next week, including advancements in AI, Yap, and IP updates
Supra L1 introduces native oracles and randomness, with plans to add native bridges, automation, multiple VMs, and Supra Containers by next year. These advancements aim to transform blockchain technology.
Corn announces its upcoming ICO 2.0, marking a return to the token offering stage. Note: Not available for US or UK persons.
Airdrops πͺ
Nodepay announces the launch of its final Airdrop Checker, now reflecting allocations for Seasons 0, 1, and 2. With a capped 1 billion Node Coins supply, itβs one of Solanaβs largest airdrops. Claims are not yet live, and users are urged to avoid scams. Check allocations via your dashboard and stay tuned for claim details.
Pendle distributes $6.1M in airdrops, its largest yet, to vePENDLE holders from a snapshot taken on December 31, 2024. Total qualified: 17M vePENDLE. Claim now via the vePENDLE dashboard. Upcoming: 743.75 ETH in December fees and more airdrops.
Pear Protocol launches Airdrop Season 2, rewarding trading activity on its Intents Engine from Jan 3 to Apr 3, 2025. Participants can earn NFTs: Pear Trad00r ($50K+ volume), Pear Quant ($100K+ volume), and Hypear Bro (claim both NFTs and bridged to Hyperliquid by Oct 26, 2024). Token airdrops of $stPEAR and $SYMM totaling 10M $PEAR (1%) and 2.64M $SYMM (0.3%) begin July 3, 2025.
Jupiter Uplink announces the $JUP airdrop checker will go live next week, before Wednesday.
Gravity announces the SEI Airdrop #1, distributing 345,000 $SEI rewards to $G stakers. Snapshot was taken on December 20, 2024, at 10:00 GMT+8.
Puffer Finance partners with Merkl for $PUFFER Season 2, introducing tokenized on-chain incentives. Holders can actively engage in PufferDAO governance, with Merkl ensuring transparent and scalable rewards distribution across LRT, UniFi, and AVS.
Solayer congratulates SonicSVM and its 100k+ sSOL delegators. Users can now access the Sonic claim portal.
Dolomiteβs $DOLO airdrop will distribute 20% of the supply after Berachainβs mainnet launch. Users can claim rewards based on platform activity, XP levels, and leaderboard rankings.
9% split between liquid $DOLO and veDOLO (2-year locked).
$MINERALS holders receive 10% as call options at a $0.045 strike price, exercisable within 6 months.
Early contributors share 1%, and all allocations will be viewable on the Airdrop Claims Page at launch.
Galxe has launched the IXFI Revolution airdrop on GalxeQuest, offering rewards through a multi-phase program.
JupiterDAO's Good Cat airdrop rewards community contributions like content creation, feedback, and development. Apply by documenting contributions from November 3, 2023, to November 2, 2024, across platforms like Discord, X, and Reddit. Quality, consistency, and impactful engagement are key.
Vertex has launched Sonic Gems rewards, with 100% of Gems allocated to users who earn Credits through activities like trading, depositing, and referrals (25% of referrals' Credits). The Gems Farming page updates hourly, tracking user rankings and total Credits earned. Credits will determine rewards in the $S airdrop.
Solv Protocol announces the Binance Megadrop Quest! Participate from January 7 to January 16, 2025, to claim exciting rewards. Token Generation Event (TGE) and listing follow on January 17 at 10:00 UTC.
Solv Protocol wraps up Season 1 on January 7, 2025, and kicks off Season 2 immediately after. Season 1 highlights include 25,000+ BTC deposited, 450,000+ users onboarded, integration across 10+ chains and 50+ dApps, and 7.5% of $SOLV supply allocated to participants. Stay tuned for the Airdrop Checker and $SOLV launch updates.
Dolomite expands to Berachain with the launch of $DOLO, $veDOLO, and $oDOLO, creating a robust ecosystem for liquidity, governance, and staking. $veDOLO enables NFT-based staking for rewards and governance, while $oDOLO incentivizes liquidity and converts to veDOLO with discounts. A 20% airdrop is planned, split between DOLO/veDOLO rewards for liquidity providers, borrowers, and contributors, and options for Minerals holders at a $0.045 strike price. The Minerals program ends January 9, with claims open until January 23. The airdrop and $DOLO token launch coincide with Berachainβs TGE.
Xterio grants 2% $XTER tokens at TGE to Age of Dino, with at least 8% AoD tokens unlocked for NFT holders and players. Another 2% grant for a new project will be announced before February 8th.
Aevo reminds eligible users to submit their Sui address for the $BLUE airdrop before the February 1, 2025 deadline. After this date, tokens will no longer be claimable.
Caldera unveils the final three quests of Caldera Wrapped 2024, celebrating achievements from Zero Network, Kinto, and HyChain Games. Available for 24 hours only.
Farms π§π»βπΎ
DIA launches its January Zealy sprint, offering $300 in rewards for completing quests and engaging with the $DIA community.
Solayer partners with OKX Web3 Earn, enabling users to access Web3 native products. With optimized software and hardware, Solayer achieves over 11% native block rewards
Jito Foundation announces a 24-hour removal of staking deposit caps for Jito (Re)staking on January 14 at 8:30 AM ET. This hybrid staking and restaking program offers multi-asset flexibility, enhanced liquidity via VRTs, and boosted rewards across protocols. Don't miss this limited opportunity!
Pendle teams up with Ethena Labs for ctUSDe and ctsUSDe pools, launching April 10, 2025, on Berachain. Powered by Concrete, these pools offer triple-dip rewards from Ethena, Boyco, and Concrete, with opportunities for higher fixed yields and leveraged Bera exposure. LP incentives begin January 16 at 00:00 UTC.
Superform Labs introduces Soyco, an Incentivized Action Market (IAM) for SuperUSDC on Royco Protocol. Earn ~20% APY and 25x CRED by locking USDC for 3 months. Early withdrawals forfeit CRED rewards.
Elys Network announces active incentives for $XION and $SAGA liquidity pools. Earn rewards in EDEN and USDC with competitive APR by adding liquidity.
Pendle kicks off its Bera Launch Series with liquidBeraBTC and liquidBeraETH pools (April 10, 2025). These pools, integrated with EtherFi Bera Vaults and powered by Veda Labs, offer Boyco and EtherFi rewards with optimized ETH/BTC yields.
Users can also access higher fixed yields via PT or leveraged Boyco exposure via YT. More updates coming soon!
Usual's Boyco Pre-Deposit Bera Vault surpasses $30M TVL, offering 27% APY plus incentives from Berachain, Kodiak, Dolomite, and Veda.
Kelp DAO deposits are now live on VaultCraft, allowing users to convert any asset to rsETH and earn rewards during the pre-deposit phase.
Funds are auto-allocated to top-tier Boyco protocols, offering rewards from Dolomite, Beraborrow, Kodiak, and Goldilocks, alongside Kelp Miles, EIGEN, and exclusive BERA rewards. Smart allocations and top multipliers maximize returns. Deposit now to start earning!
Usual introduces the Revenue Switch, channeling all ecosystem revenues, including $20M+ generated, into USUALx for redistribution. Once activatedβeither by staking >50% of USUAL tokens or auto-activation on Feb 1, 2025β100% of revenue (up to $5M/month) will reward USUALx stakers in USD0. Rewards require holding USUALx throughout monthly epochs
Bedrockβs $uniBTC Berachain Vault offers up to 15% APY, combining Ethereum yields with $BERA rewards and co-incentives from four Berachain projects. Early depositors gain a 63x Diamond boost ahead of the TGE. Pre-deposit now to maximize rewards.
Euler Labs has launched Euler Yield, enabling looping of yield-bearing tokens with stablecoins, supported by Pyth Network. The initiative includes $150,000 in incentives across assets like $USDC, $USDT, $DAI, and others, along with their PT variations.
Puffer Finance's Updated Season 2 launches on January 16, introducing $CARROT tokenized incentives. Key features include bi-weekly gauge voting, permissionless proposal submissions, proportional rewards, and transparent voting data. Stake $PUFFER by January 13 to join the first epoch.
Vest Exchangeβs Ignite program is live, offering a 65% APY for providing Liquidity on USDC With $66M in rewards, users can deposit from major EVM networks, and rewards are calculated every 8 hours, claimable weekly as ZK tokens.
ZKsync Ignite Season 1 launches with 100M $ZK tokens to be distributed from Jan 6 to Mar 31 for DeFi users providing liquidity across DEXs, lending, and perpetuals. Participating protocols include Uniswap, SyncSwap, Koi Finance, and Aave. Use the Fuel Station dashboard for gasless claims, one-click deposits, and reward tracking.
Pendle partners with Resolv Labs to offer LPs 30x Points for every dollar of liquidity supplied in the wstUSR pool, alongside LP fees and yield. This bonus lasts until February 22, after which it reverts to 15x until maturity.
Anzen Finance offers 55% APR on stablecoins in the CL1-USDz/USDC pool on AerodromeFi. Exclusive on Base.
Solayer announces sUSD incentives on MarginFi, offering up to $6,000 in rewards for lending or borrowing sUSD.
Usual's Boyco Pre-Deposit Usual Bera Vault surpasses $15M TVL within 24 hours, offering 37% APY plus incentives from Berachain, Kodiak, Dolomite, and Veda.
SyncSwap joins ZKsync Ignite, launching January 6, with $63M in $ZK rewards to boost liquidity on ZKsync. In Round 1, over 1M $ZK will be distributed to SyncSwap liquidity providers across eligible pools like ETH/ZK, ETH/USDC.e, and Stable pools. Earn swap fees and $ZK rewards with set-and-forget v2 pools or customizable v3 pools, featuring sustainable double- and triple-digit APRs. Deposit directly into pools to start earningβno staking, fees, or locks required.
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