What is EKOX? DeFi Protocol Guide

EKOX is a liquid restaking protocol operating on Ethereum and implemented using the EigenLayer framework. The platform issues a token called eXETH to represent deposited ETH positions and aims to generate compounded returns through combined staking and restaking activities.

Overview

EKOX functions as a restaking system where users lock ETH and receive a liquid representation of that stake, which accrues rewards automatically. The protocol seeks to deliver a high-performance economic architecture with user-focused design elements to boost capital efficiency across decentralized finance. By integrating with EigenLayer, EKOX delegates staked ETH to its operator, which then secures multiple Actively Validated Services (AVSs). The eXETH token is structured to appreciate over time as staking and restaking rewards accumulate.

The project progressed through public testing milestones. A V1 testnet launched on the Holesky network on August 7, during which the platform reportedly handled more than 5 million transactions, recorded aggregate transaction volume above $10 billion, and exceeded $70 million in Total Value Locked (TVL). After V1, EKOX moved its deployment to the Hoodi Test Network for Testnet V2, which went live in early November 2025. The team announced a delay to the native token listing, attributing the decision to adverse market conditions. Development work is carried out by Ekoxlabs, and the protocol’s smart contracts have received a security review from Certik.

Products

EKOX’s product lineup centers on its core restaking offering and includes several slated additions.

Together, these components are intended to create an interoperable suite for generating yield and providing financial services.

• Restaking Platform: A decentralized application that enables users to deposit ETH to earn yield and serves as the primary interface for protocol interactions.
• eXETH: A liquid restaking token (LRT) provided to depositors that denotes their share of the staked ETH pool and automatically captures staking and restaking reward value while retaining liquidity.
• PAY: A forthcoming Web3-compatible, cross-chain payment solution designed to enable low-cost, fast transfers and to earn passive yield on funds held prior to a payment date. This product is listed as "Coming Soon."
• AI Cube: A planned artificial intelligence agent intended to simplify cryptocurrency operations by interpreting and executing user inputs entered as text. This product is also listed as "Coming Soon."

Features

The protocol integrates multiple capabilities to operate as a liquid restaking service.

These features are meant to provide a straightforward experience for users taking part in Ethereum restaking.

• Liquid Restaking: Depositors supply ETH and receive eXETH, a liquid asset that represents the underlying staked position and enables participation in other DeFi protocols while continuing to earn rewards.
• Auto-Compounding Rewards: Rewards from staking and restaking are automatically compounded and reflected in the increasing value of eXETH, removing the need for manual claims or restaking actions by holders.
• EigenLayer Integration: Built on EigenLayer, EKOX delegates staked assets to secure various Actively Validated Services (AVSs), contributing to the shared security model of the broader EigenLayer ecosystem.
• Modular Framework: The protocol is characterized by a modular architecture intended to support a composable and accessible decentralized financial system.

Ecosystem

The EKOX ecosystem revolves around interactions with Ethereum and EigenLayer. Key participants include ETH stakers who deposit funds, the EKOX smart contracts that administer those funds, the EKOX Operator responsible for delegation, and the Actively Validated Services (AVSs) on EigenLayer that benefit from the delegated stake. eXETH serves as the principal asset within this environment, representing each user’s proportional contribution.

The protocol’s economic model depends on fee-based revenue derived from its performance. EKOX levies a 10% fee on all staking and restaking rewards it generates. This income is distributed according to a predefined allocation:

The project sustains community channels, including a Discord with over 16,300 members and a Telegram group with over 13,200 members. An organization referred to as the Ekox Foundation is also associated with the initiative.

• 10% is designated for community revenue sharing.
• 40% is used for a token buyback program and to fund a community pool.
• 50% is allocated to operational expenses and a growth fund.

Use Cases

The principal and planned uses of EKOX derive from its restaking capability and related products.

The protocol has stated intentions to expand support to restaking assets originating from other blockchain networks in the future.

• Earning compounded yields from Ethereum staking and EigenLayer restaking.
• Maintaining liquidity through the eXETH token, which can be deployed in other DeFi protocols while the underlying ETH continues to earn rewards.
• Supporting the economic security of the EigenLayer network by contributing stake to secure various Actively Validated Services (AVSs).
• Facilitating low-cost, cross-chain payments via the planned PAY infrastructure.
• Streamlining crypto tasks and command execution using the planned AI Cube agent.