Laser Digital, the crypto-focused subsidiary of Japanese asset manager Nomura, has launched an institutionally focused liquid staking fund on Polygon in collaboration with TruFin. The fund, called the Laser Digital Polygon Adoption Fund, aims to provide institutional clients with exposure to Polygon’s native gas token, MATIC, and tap into native staking rewards. This fund is targeted towards sovereign wealth funds, institutional funds, and private asset managers, showcasing the growing interest from institutions in decentralized security.
The estimated annual staking reward for MATIC stakers is currently 5.94%, but with the TruStake liquid staking solution, fund investors can access higher yields while also having the flexibility to sell their tokens at any time. TruFin has partnered with Balancer and Chainlink to maximize liquidity for the TruMATIC token. The fund leverages the Polygon AggLayer, which aggregates zero-knowledge proofs from all connected blockchains, enhancing liquidity, transaction speed, and operational efficiency. The fund will first be available to investors in the United Kingdom once all necessary registrations and regulatory approvals are obtained.
Sebastien Guglietta, Head of Laser Digital Asset Management, stated that the aim is to convert DeFi investment opportunities into investable TradFi solutions. By incorporating TruFin technology and integrating with Polygon’s AggLayer, the fund ensures that investing in Polygon-Matic digital assets is secure and efficient for institutional investors. Colin Butler, Global Head of Institutional Capital at Polygon, mentioned that involving institutional investors in staking would enhance the security of the Polygon network, making it a positive development for the overall adoption of the platform.
As one of the leading layer 2 scaling networks for Ethereum, Polygon plays a crucial role in alleviating congestion on the Ethereum network. Following Ethereum’s recent upgrades, such as the Denucun and Feijoa updates, the cost of “rollups” on Polygon is expected to decrease significantly, making it more cost-effective for users. This is also beneficial for Polygon staking, as it aligns with Ethereum’s efforts to reduce settlement costs on its Layer 1 network. However, there are concerns from influential figures like Vitalik Buterin about the centralization risks associated with liquid staking and its impact on network decentralization.
Overall, the launch of the Laser Digital Polygon Adoption Fund in collaboration with TruFin demonstrates a growing interest from institutional investors in the decentralized finance space. By offering exposure to Polygon’s native token and leveraging liquid staking solutions, the fund provides a unique opportunity for institutions to tap into the potential rewards of staking while maintaining liquidity. With the integration of technology from TruFin and Polygon’s AggLayer, the fund aims to make digital asset investments accessible, secure, and efficient for institutional investors, further contributing to the adoption and growth of the Polygon network.
