Risks

Investing in zgETH, a product within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sphere, involves several risks that potential investors need to be aware of. These risks include issues related to the digital contracts that underpin the product, risks from platforms that zgETH relies on, risks tied to the assets that back zgETH, and legal or regulatory challenges.

Digital Contract Vulnerabilities

Despite comprehensive audits by reputable security organizations, the digital contracts developed by Kelp DAO for zgETH might still harbor errors that could result in financial losses. Zero-G Finance and Perfect Labs Ltd., the entities behind zgETH, emphasize the importance of caution, stating they cannot be held liable for any monetary losses incurred.

Risks from Partner Platforms

zgETH's architecture is built upon Eigenlayer and, as such, is subject to the risks inherent in Eigenlayer's smart contracts and those of the collateral assets it supports. While the chosen platforms manage significant assets and strive for security, there's no absolute certainty in their continuous flawless operation, posing a potential risk to zgETH investments.

Asset Collateralization Risks

The stability and value of zgETH are directly linked to the collateralized assets. Changes in the value of these underlying assets directly affect zgETH's value. Moreover, there are counterparty risks, such as the possibility of asset freezes by issuers, and the risk of slashing—whereby validators staking their assets might face penalties that could, in turn, diminish zgETH's value.

Slashing Explained

In the context of Ethereum's proof-of-stake mechanism, validators stake Ethereum as collateral. Misconduct or negligence, such as validating conflicting transactions or failing to participate actively, can lead to slashing. This penalty system deters malpractice and ensures network reliability by financially penalizing validators for rule violations.