Lighter’s LIT Tokenomics Spark Debate Over Fair Launch in DeFi Community

Lighter, a rapidly expanding on-chain perpetual exchange, has ignited controversy with its tokenomics for the newly announced Lighter Infrastructure Token (LIT). The allocation—50% to users, partners, and growth incentives, with the remaining 50% reserved for the team and investors—has divided opinions on what constitutes a fair launch in the institutionalizing on-chain derivatives market.

Insider allocations face a one-year cliff followed by three years of linear vesting, with 26% earmarked for the team and 24% for investors. At launch, Lighter distributed 25% of the total LIT supply via an airdrop tied to its 2025 points seasons, converting 12.5 million points into tokens. The remaining 25% of ecosystem tokens will fuel future incentives and partnerships.

In a statement, Lighter emphasized that all value generated by its DEX and future services will accrue to LIT holders. The protocol’s approach underscores the tension between decentralized ideals and the practicalities of institutional participation in DeFi.