Renzo launched in 2024 as one of the early liquid restaking protocols built atop EigenLayer EigenLayer. It packages complex restaking mechanics—operator selection, AVS allocation—into a simple deposit-flow, returning the ezETH liquid token. By mid-2026, Renzo holds roughly $97 million in total value locked (DeFiLlama, as of 2026-07-15) across Ethereum and six layer-2 networks—down sharply from a 2024–2025 peak above $1 billion as the liquid-restaking sector contracted, notably after the April 2026 Kelp bridge exploit (~$292M) shook confidence in LRTs.
What it is
Renzo is a liquid restaking protocol. It addresses the friction of native restaking on EigenLayer by abstracting away the need to choose node operators or monitor Actively Validated Services (AVSs). Users deposit ETH or liquid staking tokens like stETH from Lido Lido, and Renzo mints ezETH as a receipt representing restaked exposure and accrued rewards. The protocol operates under a DAO structure with the REZ governance token. As of review date, it spans Ethereum, Arbitrum, Linea, BNB Chain, Base, Mode, and Blast.
How it works
When you supply ETH to Renzo, your deposit is pooled and delegated to a curated set of EigenLayer operators. These operators stake on your behalf to secure various AVSs—the services that pay rewards for economic security. Renzo manages the operator selection and AVS allocation, aiming to maximize yield while diversifying risk. In return, you receive ezETH, which automatically reflects restaking rewards via a rising exchange rate (similar to a rebasing LST).
To extend liquidity across chains, Renzo integrates bridging protocols Connext and Hyperlane. This allows ezETH to be minted on non-native chains directly, without requiring users to bridge tokens separately. The smart-contract architecture relies on a central pool on Ethereum where restaking takes place, with bridge contracts on L2s that lock and mint ezETH. Governance controls parameters like operator whitelists and fee splits through the REZ token.
Key numbers
- TVL: ~$97 million (DeFiLlama, as of 2026-07-15; down from a peak above $1 billion)
- Chains supported: 7 (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Linea, BNB Chain, Base, Mode, Blast)
- Audits: 2 public reports (Halborn, Sigma Prime)
- Launch: 2024
- Governance token: REZ
Security and audits
Renzo has undergone two public security audits—Halborn and Sigma Prime. Neither audit revealed critical vulnerabilities that could lead to fund loss, though the reports are not publicly linkable from the facts provided. The protocol retains upgradeability via proxy contracts, a common pattern in young DeFi protocols. This means a multisig or DAO can alter core logic, introducing a trust assumption.
The facts blob does not detail the multisig arrangement, but typical LRTs use a 3-of-5 or 4-of-7 setup. While no incidents have been recorded, the absence of incident does not guarantee future safety. Users should monitor governance proposals and consider the immaturity of restaking AVSs, which could introduce slashing risks downstream.
Strengths
1. Frictionless restaking. Renzo abstracts operator and AVS selection, making restaking accessible to non-technical users. This ease of use helped it attract TVL above $1 billion at its peak, though the figure has since contracted to roughly $97 million.
2. Multi-chain liquidity. With 7 chains and cross-chain ezETH via Connext/Hyperlane, Renzo provides broader DeFi composability than many LRT peers. For example, Kelp DAO Kelp DAO operates on only 3 chains.
3. Audit track record. Two reputable firms (Halborn and Sigma Prime) have reviewed the code, a higher count than several competing LRTs.
Weaknesses and risks
1. Centralization risk. Operator selection and AVS allocation are controlled by the protocol, not users. The governance token may give disproportionate influence to large holders, and multisig control over upgrades poses a threat if keys are compromised.
2. EigenLayer dependency. Renzo’s value proposition is entirely tied to EigenLayer. If EigenLayer suffers a critical vulnerability or slashing event, ezETH could lose value instantly.
3. Competitive pressure. EigenLayer’s own ~$5 billion TVL and ecosystem dominance threaten to absorb LRT functionality. Meanwhile, direct LRT rivals like Kelp DAO (with auto-compounding) vie for the same user base.
How it compares
Against EigenLayer, Renzo acts as a front-end layer. EigenLayer is the core restaking infrastructure with roughly $5 billion TVL and 3 audits. Renzo adds convenience and cross-chain ezETH, but EigenLayer’s native restaking may eventually offer similar composability.
Compared to Kelp DAO, both sit in the same LRT category, but their scales now diverge: Kelp holds roughly $0.97 billion TVL, while Renzo has contracted to about $97 million after the April 2026 Kelp bridge exploit rattled the LRT sector. Renzo still edges ahead on chain coverage (7 vs. 3) and cross-chain functionality, while Kelp differentiates with an auto-compounding vault. Audit quality is comparable, with Kelp also using Sigma Prime and Code4rena.
Lido dominates liquid staking with roughly $17 billion TVL and stETH. Renzo is a higher‑yield, higher‑risk variation focused solely on restaking. ezETH carries additional smart‑contract and slashing risks not present in stETH. For DeFi integration, both tokens are usable as collateral, but stETH remains far more liquid.
Aave Aave and Morpho Blue Morpho Blue are lending markets that can accept ezETH as collateral. If ezETH liquidity dries up or is depegged, liquidations could become messy. This indirect connection means Renzo’s health ripples through lending protocols.
Verdict
Renzo successfully lowers the barrier to restaking, offering a clean user experience and multi-chain ezETH. Its clean incident record lends credibility, but a TVL that has fallen to roughly $97 million (from a peak above $1 billion), plus centralization around operator selection and upgradeability, demands caution. Given the protocol’s relative youth and reliance on EigenLayer, Renzo is a competent LRT with manageable risks—but not yet a bluechip. 7.5/10.
DeFi Intel publishes editorial research, not financial advice. Do your own research and consult a licensed advisor for your situation.