Figment Launches Institutional Stablecoin Staking Product With OpenTrade

In a significant development for institutional investors seeking stable and robust returns in the digital asset space, Figment, a leading institutional staking infrastructure provider, has partnered with OpenTrade, an institutional-grade lending and yield platform, and Crypto.com, a prominent digital asset exchange and custodian, to launch a new stablecoin staking product. This collaboration introduces “OpenTrade Stablecoin Staking Yield Powered by Figment,” an offering designed to provide institutional clients with attractive yields on stablecoins while mitigating volatility risks inherent in the broader cryptocurrency market.

A New Approach to Institutional Stablecoin Yield

The newly launched product aims to deliver an average annual percentage rate (APR) of approximately 15% on stablecoins, based on historical performance, though actual returns remain variable and subject to market conditions. This innovative solution stands out by combining the steady income generated from Solana (SOL) staking rewards with a sophisticated hedging strategy, effectively creating a “price-neutral” yield.

Unlike traditional decentralized finance (DeFi) lending markets, which have sometimes been criticized for counterparty risk and smart contract vulnerabilities, this product is structured to address institutional concerns by operating within a segregated, institution-friendly framework. It seeks to offer higher returns without exposing investors to the complexities and risks often associated with direct participation in volatile crypto assets.

The Mechanics Behind the Yield Generation

The core of this offering’s yield mechanism is built upon Solana staking rewards. Figment, recognized as a major independent staking provider with billions in assets under stake, operates a dedicated Solana validator. Institutional clients deposit stablecoins, which are then utilized to acquire SOL for staking. Figment delegates this SOL to validators on the Solana network, earning standard staking rewards, which typically range from 6.5% to 7.5%.

To neutralize the price volatility of the underlying SOL, OpenTrade implements an offsetting perpetual futures strategy. This delta-neutral approach ensures that investors are protected from SOL price swings, allowing the yield to be derived primarily from the staking rewards and futures funding rates, rather than speculative market movements. This combined strategy has historically delivered returns more than double Solana’s typical staking rate, demonstrating its potential for enhanced yield generation.

Addressing Institutional Demands and Security

A crucial aspect of this institutional offering is the robust security and custodial framework provided by Crypto.com. The underlying SOL assets are held in fully segregated accounts, legally secured for investors, and strictly isolated from the exchange’s operational funds. Investors are also granted a security interest over these custodied assets, adding an extra layer of legal protection. This setup is designed to meet the stringent risk and compliance standards that institutional investors require, offering peace of mind and reducing exposure to traditional DeFi risks.

Furthermore, the product emphasizes liquidity and accessibility. Institutional customers can deposit and withdraw stablecoins through Figment’s application or APIs, with interest beginning to accrue immediately and no lockup periods. This flexibility is a key differentiator, as it allows institutions to manage their capital efficiently without being constrained by fixed terms.

Why Institutions are Seeking Stablecoin Yield Products

The launch of this product comes at a time of increasing institutional demand for stablecoin-based yield offerings. Exchanges, wallet providers, fintechs, and other digital asset companies are actively seeking revenue opportunities that fall outside traditional crypto lending or opaque DeFi structures.

Market participants are increasingly looking for alternatives that avoid exposure to unsecured lending, liquidity-pool impermanence loss, or the counterparty risks often present in decentralized finance. Regulatory developments, such as the US GENIUS Act, which clarified the framework for stablecoin issuers but also prohibited them from offering interest directly, have further shifted institutional focus towards staking-based returns. Products like “OpenTrade Stablecoin Staking Yield Powered by Figment” provide a compliant and secure avenue for institutions to access attractive, blockchain-native yields.

Collaboration for Enhanced Offerings

The partnership brings together the specialized expertise of each entity. Figment contributes its battle-tested staking infrastructure and security-first approach, which it now extends to stablecoins. Jeff Handler, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of OpenTrade, highlighted that the product is a result of efforts to create a solution offering higher returns with stronger protections, combining elements of staking and derivatives hedging not available through existing Real-World Asset (RWA) or DeFi strategies. Karl Turner, a Director at Crypto.com, affirmed the exchange’s commitment to supporting evolving institutional demand for digital asset products, stating that their infrastructure is purpose-built to serve such needs.

Conclusion

The introduction of the “OpenTrade Stablecoin Staking Yield Powered by Figment,” with custodial support from Crypto.com, marks a significant step in the maturation of institutional digital asset offerings. By blending the consistent returns of Solana staking with strategic hedging, the product presents a compelling option for institutions seeking high-yield opportunities on their stablecoin holdings with enhanced security and risk management. This collaboration underscores a growing trend in the digital asset landscape towards creating more secure, compliant, and accessible products tailored to the specific requirements of large-scale institutional investors, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and the evolving digital economy.