Liquid staking has emerged as a powerful innovation in the blockchain space, combining the security benefits of traditional staking with the flexibility of decentralized finance (DeFi). On the Fantom network, users no longer need to choose between earning staking rewards and actively deploying their assets in yield-generating protocols. With liquid staking, you can do both — simultaneously.
This guide explores how to get started with liquid staking on Fantom, covering core concepts, leading protocols like Stader Labs, Beefy Finance, and Ankr, and step-by-step instructions for staking, using liquid tokens in DeFi, and unstaking when needed.
What Is Liquid Staking?
Staking is one of the most effective ways to support blockchain networks like Fantom. By locking up FTM tokens to validate transactions, users help secure the network and earn consistent staking rewards — typically ranging from 4% to 7% APY, depending on the protocol.
However, traditionally staked tokens are locked and cannot be used elsewhere. This limits opportunities for further yield generation in DeFi applications such as lending, liquidity pools, or yield farming.
Liquid staking solves this limitation. It allows users to stake their FTM while receiving a liquid derivative token (such as sFTMX, beFTM, or aFTMb) that represents their staked position. These tokens continue to accrue value through staking rewards and can also be freely used across DeFi platforms.
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This dual functionality makes liquid staking an ideal strategy for maximizing capital efficiency without sacrificing network participation.
Top Liquid Staking Protocols on Fantom
Three major players currently dominate the liquid staking ecosystem on Fantom: Stader Labs, Beefy Finance, and Ankr. Each offers unique features tailored to different user preferences — from instant liquidity to high-yield compounding.
Stader Labs: sFTMX
Stader Labs is a multi-chain liquid staking protocol with over $150 million in total value locked (TVL) and more than 27 million FTM staked. When you stake FTM through Stader, you receive sFTMX, a yield-bearing token that grows in value relative to FTM over time.
Key Benefits:
- ~4.7%+ APY: Access competitive staking yields typically reserved for long-term locks.
- Instant liquidity: Swap sFTMX on DEXs like BeethovenX or SpookySwap at any time.
- DeFi interoperability: Use sFTMX in lending, borrowing, and yield farming across top Fantom protocols.
- Decentralized validator distribution: Your stake is spread across multiple trusted validators, enhancing security and reducing slashing risk.
How to Stake with Stader:
- Visit fantom.staderlabs.com and click Connect Wallet.
- Select MetaMask (or compatible wallet) and connect to the Fantom network.
- Enter the amount of FTM to stake and click Stake FTM.
- Confirm the transaction — you’ll receive sFTMX instantly.
- Click Add sFTMX to view it in your wallet.
Once minted, sFTMX can be used in:
- DEXs: BeethovenX, SpookySwap
- Lending platforms: Granary Finance
- Yield optimizers: Reaper Farm, Liquid Driver, Tarot
How to Unstake:
You can either swap sFTMX on a DEX for immediate liquidity or unstake directly via Stader:
- Go to the Unstake tab, enter the sFTMX amount.
- Confirm the transaction — funds are released after a 7-day unbonding period.
- Return to the dashboard and click Withdraw once the waiting period ends.
Beefy Finance: beFTM
Beefy Finance offers beFTM, a 1:1 liquid staking token backed by staked FTM. Unlike yield-growing tokens, beFTM maintains a stable quantity while earning rewards through compounding vaults or external DeFi strategies.
All deposited FTM is delegated to Beefy’s validator and locked for up to 51 weeks to maximize validator rewards.
Key Features:
- 1:1 minting: Deposit FTM and receive an equal amount of beFTM.
- Flexible DeFi use: Stake in liquidity pools (e.g., beFTM-FTM) or earn compound yields in Beefy vaults.
- No delegation cap: Beefy contributes only 1/15th of deposits, ensuring it never hits validator limits.
How to Mint beFTM:
- Go to app.beefy.com and connect your wallet.
- Search for beFTM Vault and navigate to the mint section.
- Enter FTM amount, review beFTM output, then click Mint.
- Pay gas fees and confirm — your beFTM will appear shortly.
Earning Strategies with beFTM:
- Hold in the beFTM Vault for auto-compounded interest (paid in more beFTM).
- Deposit into the WFTM Earnings Pool for simple interest paid in WFTM.
- Provide liquidity on DEXs like SpookySwap or SpiritSwap.
To redeem FTM, simply swap beFTM for FTM on any major Fantom DEX.
Ankr: aFTMb and aFTMc
Ankr provides two types of liquid staking tokens for FTM: aFTMb (reward-earning) and aFTMc (reward-bearing), offering flexibility based on user preference.
- aFTMb: Quantity increases daily as staking rewards accrue (e.g., 100 → 100.5 over time). Redemption ratio remains 1:1 with FTM.
- aFTMc: Fixed quantity but increases in value; redemption ratio grows (e.g., 100 aFTMc = 103 FTM after some time).
Both tokens are fully compatible with Fantom’s DeFi ecosystem.
How to Stake with Ankr:
- Visit ankr.com/staking and connect your wallet.
- Click Stake under the Fantom (FTM) option.
- Choose between aFTMb or aFTMc.
- Enter FTM amount and confirm transaction.
- Add token to wallet and monitor growth via dashboard.
You can begin earning additional yields by deploying aFTMb/aFTMc in supported DeFi protocols listed under Ankr’s DeFi integration page.
Unstaking Process:
- From the dashboard, click the '-' icon next to your token.
- Enter amount, confirm transaction (gas fee required).
- Pay an unstake fee (varies by liquidity).
- Wait for completion — FTM is automatically sent to your wallet.
Ankr allows staking with as little as 1 FTM, with no frequency limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is liquid staking?
Liquid staking lets you stake your crypto assets while receiving a tradable token that represents your stake and earns rewards. This enables participation in DeFi without sacrificing staking income.
Can I lose money with liquid staking?
While staking itself is low-risk, smart contract vulnerabilities or protocol failures could pose risks. Always research providers and consider diversifying across platforms.
Are there withdrawal delays?
Yes — some protocols like Stader impose a 7-day unbonding period. Others like Beefy allow instant swaps via DEXs, providing faster liquidity.
Which liquid staking token should I choose?
Choose based on your strategy:
- For growing balances: go with aFTMb or sFTMX.
- For stable token counts with rising value: choose aFTMc.
- For compounding yields: use beFTM in Beefy vaults.
Do I pay gas fees when staking?
Yes — all transactions require gas fees paid in FTM. Keep a small reserve for these costs.
Can I use liquid tokens across multiple chains?
Currently, most Fantom-based liquid tokens (like sFTMX or beFTM) operate natively on Fantom but may become available on other chains via bridges or integrations.
Final Thoughts
Liquid staking transforms idle staked assets into productive capital. On Fantom, platforms like Stader Labs, Beefy Finance, and Ankr make it easy to earn staking rewards while unlocking new DeFi opportunities.
Whether you're looking for instant liquidity, maximum yield, or flexible token models, there's a solution tailored to your goals.
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By integrating liquid staking into your portfolio strategy, you gain greater control over your assets — turning passive income into active growth.