Lido DAO LDO
Staking-service governance.
Lido provides liquid-staking services. LDO is a governance token, distinct from stETH used in its Ethereum staking service.
What is Lido DAO?
Lido’s Ethereum service lets users stake ETH and receive stETH representing their stake. LDO holders participate in DAO decisions. A Dual Governance process gives stETH holders a way to delay certain changes they oppose. Holding LDO is not the same as staking ETH.
Staking has smart-contract, validator, and withdrawal risks. stETH can trade at a different price from ETH, and LDO ownership does not guarantee staking rewards.
Why people pay attention
Staking service
stETH represents ETH staked through Lido.
DAO decisions
LDO gives holders a role in governance.
Safeguards
stETH holders have a role in challenging certain changes.
Origins & development
Lido announced the distribution of its LDO governance token in January 2021. The staking service and governance safeguards have developed separately over time.
Explore more
Related stories and learning resources will be added after editorial review.
Sources & further reading
Draft — editorial review pending