Polygon’s $stPOL Launch Revolutionizes Liquid Staking with Chainlink Backing

Polygon Reinvents Staking: Introducing $stPOL with Chainlink-Powered Security

Polygon (POL) has taken a giant leap in DeFi innovation with the official launch of $stPOL, its native liquid staking token, announced on August 19, 2025.

In a strategic collaboration with stake.link and powered by Chainlink’s battle-tested infrastructure, $stPOL allows $POL holders to stake their tokens without locking them up—unlocking liquidity while still earning rewards.

This isn’t just another staking solution. It’s a next-generation DeFi primitive designed for maximum yield, security, and composability.

How $stPOL Works: Stake, Earn, and Stay Liquid

With $stPOL, users can:

• Stake $POL and receive $stPOL in return
• Maintain full liquidity—trade, lend, or use $stPOL in DeFi protocols
• Earn staking rewards + MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) payouts
• Benefit from early-adopter incentives with boosted APY

This means users no longer have to choose between security participation and capital efficiency—they can do both.

The $stPOL model mirrors the success of Ankr’s liquid staking, which delivered 1.1x POL returns, but with deeper integration into Polygon’s ecosystem and Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network.

Chainlink’s Role: Security and Trust at Scale

Chainlink brings enterprise-grade security to the $stPOL infrastructure:

• 4.9 million $LINK staked across its network
• Top-tier node operators ensuring decentralization
• Proven track record in securing trillions in on-chain value

By leveraging Chainlink’s staking layer, $stPOL inherits a battle-tested, transparent, and resilient foundation—a critical edge in a space where trust is paramount.

Audited, Secure, and Built for Growth

To ensure safety and reliability, the $stPOL framework has been audited by leading cybersecurity firms:

• Zellic
• Cyfrin

These audits confirm the protocol’s resilience against exploits and smart contract vulnerabilities—giving stakers confidence in their long-term holdings.

MEV Rewards: A New Benchmark for DeFi Yield

One of $stPOL’s most powerful features is its direct distribution of MEV rewards to stakers.

Unlike traditional staking, where MEV is captured by validators or third parties, $stPOL ensures that value flows directly to users—maximizing returns and aligning incentives across the network.

This positions $stPOL as a new benchmark for yield optimization in DeFi.

Integration with stake.link and the $SDL Ecosystem

$stPOL marks a milestone for stake.link, as it becomes the first non-$stLINK token integrated into its $SDL platform.

This synergy creates a self-reinforcing ecosystem:

• $stPOL stakers benefit from stake.link’s infrastructure
• $SDL holders gain exposure to Polygon’s booming network
• Cross-chain liquidity and yield opportunities expand

As stake.link grows into a leading liquid staking index, $stPOL strengthens its vision of a modular, multi-chain staking economy.

Fueling Polygon’s Global Expansion

The launch comes at a pivotal moment.

Polygon’s network has seen explosive adoption—processing $1.17 billion in transactions across Latin America by July 2025—and $stPOL is poised to accelerate this growth.

By making staking more accessible and profitable, Polygon is:

• Attracting retail and institutional stakers
• Increasing network security
• Deepening DeFi liquidity

With near-zero gas fees and EVM compatibility, Polygon remains one of the most developer-friendly and scalable Layer 2s—and $stPOL enhances its value proposition.

Why $stPOL Matters for the Future of Staking

$stPOL isn’t just about rewards. It’s about redefining what staking can be:

• ✅ Liquid – No more locked assets
• ✅ Profitable – Staking + MEV rewards
• ✅ Secure – Chainlink-backed, professionally audited
• ✅ Composable – Usable across DeFi, DEXs, lending platforms

For $POL holders, the message is clear: stake smarter, earn more, and stay liquid.