mSOL is a token that forms part of the Marinade ecosystem. Marinade operates as a non-custodial liquid staking protocol that provides passive income opportunities for users. Marinade is built on Solana and allows network participants to stake their SOL tokens in order to leverage the Marinade automated staking strategies. The platform aims to encourage activity on DeFi protocols within the Solana network by incentivising staking. In return for staking on the platform, users receive mSOL tokens which can be used to engage with DeFi protocols.

The Marinade ecosystem also comprises the Marinade DAO. Another token, MNDE, is used for network governance, including taking part in the Marinade DAO, decisions related to protocol development, and Marinade Treasury.

What are Marinade’s key features and how does it work?

In order to use the platform, users must lock their SOL tokens into smart contracts. They receive an equivalent amount mSOL in return. As a derivative token of SOL, mSOL price is calculated and goes up in relation to the price of SOL.

In addition, mSOL has all of the attributes of SOL and can thus be used in the same way. This includes accessing other decentralized finance protocols within the Solana network. This allows users to leverage their SOL tokens and earn passive income by locking them on the Marinade platform, whilst still being able to access DeFi with mSOL

Additionally, rewards are earned for staking SOL. For example, the longer SOL is staked, the higher the return when unstaked and redeemed. The staked SOL can be withdrawn at any time with a small fee, or after the unlock period of 1-2 epochs fee-free. mSOL and SOL can also be exchanged on secondary markets at market rate.

As mentioned, a core component of Marinade is the DAO. It allows governance to be community-driven. MNDR token holders can propose and vote on protocol changes. Governance changes are deployed on-chain via smart contracts. This helps to ensure the process is secure, as well as transparent. Users can also take part in the DAOs activities by simply engaging with the platform’s Discord governance channel.

Where can you buy mSOL?

MSOL is available for trading on the following CEXs and DEXs listed here. The most popular platforms with the highest liquidity are FTX Spot, Gate.io, and Kraken. The price of mSOL will vary depending on the choice of exchange and overall market conditions. For up-to-date and historic data for mSOL market prices, please view the price charts on this page.