**Ether Restaking: High Rewards, High Risks**
Restaking Ether (ETH) is gaining traction but remains speculative, says Mike Silagadze, CEO of ether.fi, at the Blockchain Futurist Conference. Restaking involves using staked ETH to secure multiple protocols, potentially boosting rewards but also increasing risks.
**Key Points:**
- **Restaking Explained:** ETH already staked on Ethereum can be used to secure other protocols, enhancing rewards.
- **Risks Involved:** Validators can be "slashed" if they misbehave, posing smart contract risks across multiple networks.
- **Current Landscape:** EigenLayer, a restaking protocol, has amassed nearly $13 billion in total value locked (TVL).
- **Future Outlook:** Silagadze believes restaking will become mainstream but notes that yields are currently speculative and the market needs time to mature.
In summary, while restaking offers higher rewards, the associated risks and speculative nature mean it might take years to become a stable investment strategy.