Ever wondered how you can earn yields on your SOL while keeping it liquid and helping secure the Solana network? That's exactly what Marinade Finance delivers as Solana's largest staking protocol, boasting over $2.2 billion in staked value. In a recent thread on X by visual designer and Marinade contributor ABU (@Call_MeAbu), he breaks down the "kitchen" of Marinade, highlighting four core pillars: staking, products, security, and rewards. Let's unpack this thread and see what makes Marinade a standout in the DeFi space.

Diving into Staking Options

Marinade makes staking straightforward and flexible with two main approaches. First up is liquid staking via mSOL. You stake your SOL and get mSOL in return—a liquid token that appreciates in value as staking rewards accumulate. The beauty? You can trade or use mSOL in DeFi apps anytime, and redeem it back to SOL through liquidity pools. It's like having your cake and eating it too.

On the other hand, native staking keeps things simple and secure. Your SOL never leaves your wallet; Marinade just delegates it to high-performing validators automatically. No smart contracts involved means zero custody risk. Both methods typically yield 7-9% APY, depending on validator performance. For more details, check out the Marinade docs.

A Suite of Innovative Products

Beyond basic staking, Marinade offers a robust lineup of products tailored for the Solana ecosystem. mSOL integrates seamlessly with DeFi platforms like DEXs, lending protocols, and liquidity pools, unlocking more ways to put your assets to work.

Native staking shines with its automated delegation, minimizing risks by spreading stakes across top validators. Looking ahead, Marinade Select—set for 2025—targets institutions with curated, identity-verified validators for enhanced compliance and reliability.

Then there's the Stake Auction Marketplace (SAM), a Solana first where validators bid portions of their yield to attract stakes, potentially boosting returns for users. It's all about creating a competitive, efficient staking environment. Dive deeper in this Messari report.

Prioritizing Security

In the world of crypto, security is paramount, and Marinade doesn't cut corners. They've undergone over six independent audits from firms like Kudelski, Sec3, Neodyme, and Ackee. Plus, a bug bounty program offers up to $15,000 for discoveries, encouraging community vigilance.

Unique to Marinade is Protected Staking Rewards (PSR), where validators post SOL bonds. If there's downtime or penalties, stakers are covered. The non-custodial setup ensures your SOL stays in your control, either in your wallet or dedicated stake accounts. For a full security overview, visit Marinade's security docs.

Unlocking Rewards and Incentives

Marinade's reward system aligns everyone—stakers, validators, and the DAO. Stakers earn from Solana's inflation and priority fees, aiming for that solid 8% APY. Validators compete via SAM, bidding yields to win delegations.

The MNDE token fuels governance, allowing holders to boost validators and participate in DAO decisions. The DAO is even exploring MNDE buybacks and rewards for active voters. Transparency is key: no hidden fees, just mechanisms governed by the community. Join the discussion on the Marinade forum.

By the Numbers: Marinade's Impact

As of mid-2025, Marinade has 11.1 million SOL staked, equating to $2.2 billion TVL. Over 150,000 stakers use liquid and native options, with 430 million MNDE tokens in circulation (43% of total supply). Partnerships with wallets like Solflare and Phantom, custodians like BitGo, and even Coinbase, plus mentions in Solana ETF filings, underscore its growing influence. Track stats on DeFi Llama.

Why Marinade Matters in the Solana Ecosystem

Marinade isn't just another protocol; it's a pioneer. It introduced liquid staking to Solana, promotes decentralization by distributing stakes across 100+ validators, and operates as a community-driven project without VC funding or token sales. In an era where meme tokens and quick flips dominate headlines, Marinade stands out by building sustainable, secure infrastructure that strengthens the entire network.

Whether you're a newbie dipping into Solana or a seasoned DeFi user, Marinade offers tools to maximize your SOL's potential. Ready to stake? Head over to marinade.finance and join the kitchen.