The blockchain landscape is shifting rapidly, and with the rise of high-performance Layer 1 networks, investors and builders are turning their attention to next-generation ecosystems. While Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains dominated the last bull cycle, the current narrative centers around Move VM-based blockchains — particularly Sui and Aptos. These platforms offer superior scalability, security, and developer flexibility, making them strong contenders for long-term growth.
As the ecosystem matures, early adopters have a unique opportunity to earn yield while positioning themselves for potential token airdrops from promising protocols. Two standout projects — Navi Protocol on Sui and Amnis Finance on Aptos — are quietly building foundational infrastructure in the liquid staking (LST) and lending space. This guide explores how you can strategically engage with these protocols today for future upside.
Why Move VM Chains Are Gaining Momentum
Move VM was originally developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) for the Diem project and has since evolved into one of the most secure and efficient smart contract environments. Unlike EVM, which executes code through an opcode model prone to vulnerabilities, Move emphasizes resource-oriented programming that prevents common exploits like reentrancy attacks.
Sui and Aptos leverage this architecture to achieve high throughput and low latency, enabling real-time DeFi interactions, gaming, and social applications at scale. With major backing from top-tier VCs and growing developer activity, both chains are entering a critical phase of adoption.
👉 Discover how next-gen blockchains are reshaping DeFi with faster, safer transactions.
This makes now an ideal time to explore native protocols offering yield-generating opportunities and potential governance token incentives — especially in the liquid staking sector.
Navi Protocol: Sui’s Leading Lending & Liquid Staking Platform
Navi Protocol has emerged as the top-ranked DeFi protocol on Sui by Total Value Locked (TVL), currently approaching $100 million. Its success stems from a powerful combination of lending services and liquid staking, enhanced by strategic acquisitions and user-centric design.
Core Features of Navi
- Leveraged Yield Vaults: Navi introduces automated leveraged strategies that boost capital efficiency. Users can amplify their yields without manual intervention.
- Isolation Mode: This risk-mitigation feature protects users’ core portfolios when interacting with newer or less-tested assets.
- Real-Time Monitoring: 24/7 account surveillance ensures users stay informed about health metrics and liquidation risks.
- Integrated LST Service via Volo Acquisition: By acquiring Volo, Sui’s largest liquid staking protocol (holding ~30% market share), Navi now offers a seamless one-stop platform for borrowing, lending, and staking $SUI.
Volo’s recognition as the winner of the Sui Foundation’s Liquid Stake Hackathon adds credibility to its technology stack. The integration allows users to stake $SUI, receive vsSUI (Volo’s liquid staking token), and use it as collateral across Navi’s lending markets — maximizing capital utilization.
veNavi: A Governance Model Inspired by Curve
Navi adopts a ve-tokenomics model similar to Curve Finance, where users lock native $NAVI tokens to receive veNavi. This grants:
- Voting power in protocol governance
- Reduced fees
- Higher yield distribution share
- Access to exclusive pools and incentives
Participation in Navi’s ongoing points program also rewards early users with potential future airdrops. Activities such as providing liquidity, borrowing, and staking contribute to point accumulation — a strong signal that a token launch may be on the horizon.
Amnis Finance: Redefining Yield on Aptos
On the Aptos side, Amnis Finance stands out as the second-largest protocol by TVL at around $38 million. It delivers a secure and intuitive **liquid staking solution** for $APT holders who want to maintain liquidity while earning staking rewards.
Dual-Token Architecture: amAPT and stAPT
Amnis issues two key derivative tokens:
- amAPT: A 1:1 pegged representation of $APT, fully redeemable and usable across DeFi for trading or liquidity provision.
- stAPT: A yield-bearing asset representing staked $APT. Holders automatically earn staking rewards over time.
This dual-token model separates liquidity from yield, giving users flexible options based on their risk appetite and financial goals.
Innovative Yield Tokenization with SY, PT, and YT
What sets Amnis apart is its native yield tokenization engine. Instead of treating staking rewards as passive income, Amnis packages them into structured financial products:
- SY (Standardized Yield): Bundles principal + yield into a single tradable asset.
- PT (Principal Token): Represents the original deposited amount, redeemable at maturity.
- YT (Yield Token): Represents future yield flows, which can be sold or traded independently.
This innovation allows users to:
- Monetize future yield today by selling YTs
- Hedge against volatility using PTs
- Gain leveraged exposure to yield through secondary markets
Such composability opens doors for advanced strategies like yield farming, fixed-income derivatives, and structured products — all within a secure Move VM environment.
👉 Learn how yield tokenization is unlocking new financial possibilities in DeFi.
Strategic Positioning: A Multi-Layered Approach
As noted by the original author, holding $SUI or $APT isn’t just a speculative play — it’s a strategic entry point into high-potential ecosystems. By depositing these assets into protocols like Navi and Amnis, users achieve multiple objectives simultaneously:
- Earn Passive Yield via staking APR (currently competitive with mid-tier L1s).
- Maintain Liquidity through LST tokens usable across DeFi.
- Boost Capital Efficiency by using LSTs as collateral for borrowing or liquidity provision.
- Accrue Points or Rewards that may translate into future token airdrops.
- Gain Governance Influence once tokens are live.
This “one fish, many meals” strategy aligns perfectly with smart asset allocation principles in early-stage ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Navi and Amnis safe to use?
A: Both protocols operate on audited Move VM infrastructure known for enhanced security. Navi acquired Volo after rigorous due diligence, and Amnis has undergone third-party audits. However, as with any early-stage DeFi project, conduct your own research and start with small positions.
Q: How do I start using Navi Protocol?
A: Visit the official Navi app, connect your Sui-compatible wallet (e.g., Sui Wallet or Ethos), stake $SUI to get vsSUI, and deposit into lending or leveraged vaults to begin earning.
Q: Can I trade stAPT or amAPT on decentralized exchanges?
A: Yes — both tokens are tradable on major DEXs within their respective ecosystems, such as Cetus on Sui and Liquidswap on Aptos.
Q: Is there a confirmed $NAVI or $AMNIS token launch?
A: Neither team has officially announced token launches, but both run point systems indicating potential future airdrops. Active participation increases eligibility chances.
Q: What are the risks of leveraged yield strategies?
A: Leverage amplifies both gains and losses. If collateral value drops sharply, partial liquidation may occur. Use isolation mode and monitor positions regularly.
Q: Why choose Move VM chains over Ethereum L2s?
A: Move VM offers inherent security advantages, lower gas fees, and faster finality. For applications requiring high-frequency transactions (like gaming or social), Sui and Aptos provide better UX than most EVM chains.
Final Thoughts: Timing Matters in Emerging Ecosystems
While $SUI continues to hit new highs and Aptos strengthens its position with projects like Thala leading the way, much of their DeFi ecosystems remain underdeveloped — creating fertile ground for early movers.
Protocols like Navi and Amnis aren’t just offering yield; they’re laying the groundwork for sustainable financial infrastructure. By engaging now, users can:
- Capture organic growth from rising TVL
- Benefit from compounding rewards
- Position themselves ahead of possible token emissions
The window for meaningful participation is still open — but won’t stay that way forever.
👉 Start exploring high-potential Move VM ecosystems before mainstream adoption surges.
Core Keywords: Sui, Aptos, Navi Protocol, Amnis Finance, liquid staking, Move VM, DeFi yield, token airdrop