Developer Joins Open Gas Initiative Cohort

Ether.fi has introduced the ARM (Automated Redemption Mechanism) to protect the eETH peg. **How it works:** - ARM purchases discounted eETH when it trades below peg on secondary markets - Redeems purchased eETH at 1:1 ratio with ETH - Generates yield through the arbitrage spread **Key benefits:** - Provides continuous buy pressure when eETH drops below peg - Creates automatic stabilizing force for the ecosystem - Each deposit strengthens the peg mechanism The system acts as built-in insurance against depegging events, maintaining eETH's value stability while generating returns from market inefficiencies.

South Korea has implemented a new digital asset tax policy that's reshaping how users interact with crypto. The tax structure now makes on-chain yield generation and direct spending more attractive compared to traditional trading. **Key implications:** - Users are incentivized to hold and earn yield rather than frequently trade - On-chain spending becomes more tax-efficient than converting to fiat - DeFi protocols offering yield products gain competitive advantage EtherFi has positioned itself to capitalize on this shift, offering yield-generating products that align with the new tax framework. The platform enables users to earn returns while maintaining tax efficiency under the new regulations. This follows South Korea's broader crypto policy evolution, which has included support for ETFs and stablecoin reforms from both major political parties. The tax implementation marks a significant milestone in the country's digital asset regulatory landscape.

**Cap launches institutional credit market on Symbiotic**, with ether.fi serving as the largest delegator in this new DeFi infrastructure. **How it works:** - Cap operates as a covered credit platform built on Symbiotic - Dollar depositors provide lending capital to institutional borrowers - Symbiotic vault depositors (like weETHs holders) supply committed collateral to underwrite loans This structure represents a **responsible scaling approach for DeFi**, bridging traditional institutional credit with decentralized finance infrastructure. [Listen to the full podcast episode](podcast-link) featuring Showtime0x from the EtherFi team for technical details.

EtherFi has launched direct staking functionality within its mobile app. Users can now stake their crypto assets directly through the app's Earn page, allowing them to grow their balance while maintaining the ability to send staked assets. **Key Features:** - Stake crypto directly in the app - Manage staked assets through the Earn page - Send staked crypto while earning rewards - Built on EtherFi's institutional-grade infrastructure This update builds on EtherFi's recent iOS app launch, which introduced earning capabilities for mobile users. The staking feature brings institutional-level crypto earning tools to a mobile-first experience.

**Frax Finance introduces FRXUSD**, a USD-pegged stablecoin maintaining a 1:1 dollar peg through overcollateralization. **Key features:** - Fully backed by tokenized U.S. Treasuries - Designed to share value with DeFi protocols rather than extract it - Aims to provide sustainable liquidity to partner platforms The protocol positions FRXUSD as a safer alternative to centralized stablecoins, emphasizing its treasury-backed structure and DeFi-friendly approach.