Lista DAO is a prominent liquid staking and decentralized stablecoin (LSDFi) protocol built on the BNB Chain. It empowers users to earn yields on collateralized crypto assets—such as BNB, ETH, and stablecoins—while facilitating the borrowing of a decentralized stablecoin called LISUSD.
Originally launched as Helio Protocol, the project received a $10 million investment from Binance Labs in August 2023. Following this, Helio Protocol merged with Synclub, a key staking infrastructure and liquid staking provider on BNB Chain, to form Lista DAO.
The protocol aims to offer accessible DeFi solutions through innovative liquid staking, starting with BNB and expanding into areas like stablecoin restaking. Its long-term vision includes building a multi-chain, user-friendly LSDFi ecosystem.
Built upon and extending the MakerDAO model, Lista DAO utilizes a dual-token system (LISUSD and LISTA) and supports instant conversions, collateralized lending, yield farming, and more.
Core Mechanisms of Lista DAO
Stablecoin Borrowing and Lending
Lista DAO’s primary offering is its decentralized stablecoin borrowing service, which operates using an overcollateralized model.
How It Works
Overcollateralization
To maintain system security and stability, Lista DAO requires users to deposit crypto assets—such as ETH, BNB, or sLISBNB—as collateral exceeding the value of the borrowed LISUSD. This approach minimizes default risk.
For example, a user depositing $100 worth of BNB may borrow up to $70 in LISUSD, creating a safety buffer against market volatility.
Decentralized Stablecoin: LISUSD
LISUSD is a decentralized stablecoin soft-pegged to the US dollar. Unlike traditional fiat-backed stablecoins, LISUSD embraces minor price fluctuations to reflect real-time market conditions while maintaining decentralization.
Supported Collateral Types
In addition to major cryptocurrencies like BNB and ETH, Lista DAO features an Innovation Zone. This allows users to collateralize newer liquid staking tokens, including WEETH from EtherFi, STONE from Stakestone, and other emerging assets, improving flexibility and capital efficiency.
Liquid Staking
Lista DAO enables users to stake assets and receive liquid staking tokens, which can be reused across DeFi applications.
Operational Overview
Liquid Staking Process
Users stake assets like BNB to receive liquid staking derivatives (e.g., sLISBNB). These tokens represent staked assets and accruing rewards, and can be used in lending, liquidity provision, and other DeFi activities.
Using sLISBNB
sLISBNB can be utilized across the DeFi ecosystem—as collateral for loans, in liquidity pools, or in yield farms—all while continuing to earn staking rewards.
Earnings and Fees
Stakers receive rewards based on BNB network yields, distributed proportionally to sLISBNB holders. Lista DAO may charge minor protocol fees to support ongoing development and operations.
Collateralized Loans
Users can also collateralize sLISBNB to borrow LISUSD. Currently, borrowing interest rates are set at 0%, making it an attractive option for accessing liquidity.
Innovation Zone Collateral
The Innovation Zone introduces support for newer liquid staking and restaking tokens, broadening collateral options.
Key Features
Purpose and Function
This zone accepts eligible LSTs (Liquid Staking Tokens) and LRTs (Liquid Restaking Tokens), offering more flexibility and improving capital efficiency.
Supported Assets
Examples include WEETH (EtherFi), STONE (StakeStone), and EZETH (Renzo). These assets are evaluated weekly to ensure they meet Lista DAO’s risk and eligibility criteria.
Risk Management
Assets in the Innovation Zone carry higher risk and therefore require higher collateralization ratios. This ensures system stability despite their volatile nature.
Tokenomics
LISUSD Stablecoin
LISUSD is a decentralized, unbiased stablecoin soft-pegged to the US dollar. It is generated when users deposit collateral into Lista’s CEVaults. It can be used for payments, transfers, and trading, just like other cryptocurrencies.
LISTA Token
LISTA is the native utility and governance token of Lista DAO.
Key Functions:
- Governance: holders can propose and vote on protocol upgrades, fee changes, and new vault additions.
- Incentives: users earn LISTA for staking, providing liquidity, and participating in governance.
- Liquidity: LISTA can be traded on DEXs or supplied to yield farming pools.
Supply Details:
- Max Supply: 1,000,000,000 LISTA
- Initial Circulation: 230,000,000 LISTA (23% of total supply)
- Binance Megadrop Allocation: 100,000,000 LISTA (10%)
Distribution Breakdown:
- Binance Megadrop: 10%
- Airdrops: 10%
- Investors & Advisors: 19%
- Team: 35%
- Community: 40%
- DAO Treasury: 8%
- Ecosystem Fund: 9.5%
How to Borrow on Lista DAO
- Deposit Collateral: users supply supported assets (e.g., BNB, ETH, sLISBNB) into a vault.
- Generate LISUSD: based on the collateral value and ratio, users borrow LISUSD.
- Use LISUSD: borrowed funds can be used across DeFi—payments, liquidity provisioning, or trading.
- Repay Loan: users repay the LISUSD (plus any interest) to reclaim their collateral.
- Withdraw Assets: once the loan is repaid, collateral is returned to the user.
- Liquidation: if collateral value falls below a threshold, assets are liquidated to cover the loan.
👉 Explore borrowing strategies and current rates
Participating in Binance Megadrop
Binance Megadrop allows users to earn LISTA tokens by locking BNB and completing Web3 tasks.
Scoring Formula:
Total Score = (BNB Locked Points × Web3 Quest Multiplier) + Web3 Quest Rewards
Locking Terms:
Points increase with longer lock-up periods (30–120 days). Better terms yield higher rewards.
Steps to Participate:
- Open Binance App → “More” → “Megadrop”
- Select Lista from available projects
- Lock BNB in Simple Earn
- Complete Web3 Quests in Binance Web3 Wallet
Team and Funding Background
Lista DAO is led by experienced professionals from blockchain and fintech sectors:
- Toru Watanabe: Founder and CEO, overseeing strategy and development.
- Terry Huang: COO, former Binance Regional Manager and ChainNews Strategy Director.
The team’s experience at Binance provides deep industry insight and operational expertise.
Binance Labs invested $10 million in Helio Protocol (now Lista DAO) to support its transition into liquid staking and expansion across Ethereum, Arbitrum, and zkSync.
Project Analysis and Performance
Sector Overview
Lista DAO operates in three key DeFi sub-sectors:
- Liquid Staking
- Decentralized Stablecoins
- Overcollateralized Lending
Comparable Projects:
- Lido Finance: liquid staking leader on Ethereum.
- MakerDAO: issuer of the DAI stablecoin.
- Aave: decentralized lending and borrowing platform.
Current Performance
As of recent data:
- Total Value Locked (TVL): ~$463 million
- Collateral Value: ~$301 million
- Liquid Staking TVL: ~$162 million
- Total Borrowed: ~$60 million
Top collateral assets include BNB, sLISBNB, and ETH. The Innovation Zone holds ~$5.56 million in collateral.
Strengths
- Decentralization and security through overcollateralization
- Flexibility in collateral and product use
- Low borrowing costs and multiple yield opportunities
- Reduced staking risk via liquid derivatives
Challenges and Outlook
- Market volatility requires active risk management
- User education is essential for broader adoption
- Multi-chain expansion is planned for future growth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lista DAO?
Lista DAO is a liquid staking and decentralized stablecoin protocol on BNB Chain. It lets users stake cryptocurrencies, earn yields, and borrow a decentralized stablecoin called LISUSD.
How does LISUSD maintain its peg?
LISUSD is soft-pegged to the US dollar through overcollateralization with trusted crypto assets. Its design allows minor fluctuations to reflect market dynamics while aiming for stability.
What can I do with LISTA tokens?
LISTA tokens are used for governance voting, staking incentives, and liquidity provision. They enable holders to shape the protocol’s future and earn rewards.
Is Lista DAO secure?
Yes. The protocol uses overcollateralization, regular risk assessments, and liquidation mechanisms to protect user funds and maintain system solvency.
What is the Innovation Zone?
It’s a dedicated pool allowing newer liquid staking tokens (e.g., WEETH, STONE) as collateral. These assets offer higher yields but require closer monitoring and higher collateral ratios.
How do I earn LISTA tokens?
You can earn LISTA by staking BNB, providing liquidity, borrowing LISUSD, or participating in governance. Binance Megadrop also offers early access to tokens.
Conclusion
Lista DAO is emerging as a key player in the liquid staking and decentralized stablecoin landscape. With a strong TVL, diverse product offerings, and continuous innovation—such as the Integration of assets like weETH and EZETH—it is well-positioned for future growth. Its user-focused design, combined with robust tokenomics and governance, makes it a noteworthy protocol in the evolving DeFi ecosystem.