Hey Edge readers,
Crypto markets hit a speed bump this week, with Bitcoin and Ethereum pulling back after the Federal Reserve signaled a cautious approach to rate cuts in 2025. Broader equities markets also declined as investors reassessed risks. While the pullback highlights the short-term volatility of crypto, long-term momentum remains strong. Institutional adoption is growing, and DeFi continues to mature.
![notion image](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.beehiiv.com%2Fcdn-cgi%2Fimage%2Ffit%3Dscale-down%2Cformat%3Dauto%2Conerror%3Dredirect%2Cquality%3D80%2Fuploads%2Fasset%2Ffile%2Fb9c56d4f-f942-4cb2-8e13-d6cf202018c0%2Fimage.png%3Ft%3D1734729960?table=block&id=ae61f362-ffb8-40d0-9dc5-8b0c184e6721&cache=v2)
Here’s what we got for you this week:
- Solana staking just got easierđź’ˇ
Start earning with two new Solana pools—live on Exponential.fi.
- Hyperliquid’s record-breaking airdrop 🪂
Babylon reaches top 10 DeFi protocol, tokenized real-world assets are booming, and Kraken’s Ink chain launches.
Stay sharp. 🫡
-The Exponential team
![notion image](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fprod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F4bf2cb8e-ba1d-48ee-847a-201e6ffbc9e0%2F73af2dc5-cb4e-4885-8706-015f9bc656e8%2Funnamed__3_.png%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Content-Sha256%3DUNSIGNED-PAYLOAD%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAT73L2G45FSPPWI6X%252F20250122%252Fus-west-2%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20250122T200253Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D3600%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd08d0cc908431def0b9679a3be4c597272943d379225a66e0f709111e76d06a5%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26x-id%3DGetObject?table=block&id=34933c3f-19d3-46b1-a442-57e3a7b100f2&cache=v2)
Solana staking just got better
We’re thrilled to announce that Solana DeFi is now live on Exponential.fi! You can grow your SOL seamlessly in a fully multi-chain experience—offering higher yields, more flexibility, and a simpler way to get started.
Why stake your SOL with us? Take a look at how our yields stack up against centralized exchanges. 👀
![notion image](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.beehiiv.com%2Fcdn-cgi%2Fimage%2Ffit%3Dscale-down%2Cformat%3Dauto%2Conerror%3Dredirect%2Cquality%3D80%2Fuploads%2Fasset%2Ffile%2Fdf25f99f-e311-42b1-9ae9-4571352245e4%2Fimage.png%3Ft%3D1734725257?table=block&id=53a82be6-fdb8-4d2f-b5d3-999ab482c0de&cache=v2)
What are the yield opportunities?
We’re kicking off with two high-yield Solana pools: Jupiter SOL and Kuma SOL. Both are powered by the Sanctum protocol, the leading provider of liquid staking infrastructure, with each pool offering unique benefits for SOL holders:
![notion image](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.beehiiv.com%2Fcdn-cgi%2Fimage%2Ffit%3Dscale-down%2Cformat%3Dauto%2Conerror%3Dredirect%2Cquality%3D80%2Fuploads%2Fasset%2Ffile%2Fa555ab9f-4b5f-4be6-b663-dc3e365563b2%2Fkuma_sol.png%3Ft%3D1734727604?table=block&id=1dc58ce7-8099-471d-8164-e8fedd287dc1&cache=v2)
Earn higher SOL staking rewards and MEV kickbacks while supporting an independent, zero-fee node operator.
![notion image](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.beehiiv.com%2Fcdn-cgi%2Fimage%2Ffit%3Dscale-down%2Cformat%3Dauto%2Conerror%3Dredirect%2Cquality%3D80%2Fuploads%2Fasset%2Ffile%2F36a589cb-4936-4e4f-be0a-b958801d7d0e%2Fjup_sol.png%3Ft%3D1734727610?table=block&id=651bc3e8-fe70-4431-b39c-e793e2930c09&cache=v2)
Stake SOL with one of Solana’s largest and most battle-tested node operators for consistent performance.
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Deposit SOL or USDC and start earning up to 12% yield from Solana DeFi.
Pro Tip: You can also invest in SOL pools using your existing USDC balance or even transfer from your bank account to get started easily. 🌉
![notion image](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.beehiiv.com%2Fcdn-cgi%2Fimage%2Ffit%3Dscale-down%2Cformat%3Dauto%2Conerror%3Dredirect%2Cquality%3D80%2Fuploads%2Fasset%2Ffile%2F9a3b5d42-81f2-4a6b-a272-99ef750d9ae5%2Fbb.png%3Ft%3D1705337568?table=block&id=cdb336a7-9b5a-451b-8d8f-987fb3e21440&cache=v2)
In the news
- Crypto markets stumble after Fed caution. Crypto prices dropped this week after the Federal Reserve signaled a cautious approach to interest rate cuts in 2024. The announcement sparked a sell-off across major cryptocurrencies, as investors brace for the possibility of tighter monetary policy affecting growth in digital assets.
- Hyperliquid airdrop makes waves. Hyperliquid’s HYPE token airdrop has set a new record as the largest in crypto history, with a market cap now nearing $9 billion. The token has tripled in value since launch, as Hyperliquid’s total value locked (TVL) surged to $3.2 billion, making it a major player in the DeFi space.
- Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon hits $3.5B. Babylon, a protocol for staking Bitcoin, has reached $3.5 billion in TVL, propelling it into the top 10 DeFi protocols. With over 57,000 BTC staked, Babylon is helping expand Bitcoin’s role in DeFi and showcasing the potential of BTC-backed innovation.
- Real-world assets (RWAs) surpass $14B. Tokenized real-world assets are booming, with the sector now valued at $14 billion. Private credit and tokenized Treasuries lead the way, while major players like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton are bringing traditional finance onto the blockchain.