Lighter Brings DeFi to Korean Equities with Perpetual Futures Contracts

TLDR

• Lighter has launched perpetual futures tied to major Korean stocks including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Hyundai.
• The contracts allow up to 10x leverage and are settled in cryptocurrency.
• Traders can access the contracts 24/7 without using brokers or custodians.
• The new product operates outside South Korea’s regulated securities framework.
• Lighter’s platform uses zero-knowledge design to protect user data and reduce trading costs.

Lighter, a decentralized exchange, has expanded beyond the world of cryptocurrency to offer perpetual futures tied to major Korean stocks. On February 11, the platform launched these on-chain contracts for top companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor. This move marks the first time a decentralized exchange (DeFi) offers crypto-based derivatives linked to blue-chip companies in South Korea.

Lighter’s Groundbreaking Contracts

Lighter’s new perpetual futures allow up to 10x leverage and settle in cryptocurrency. These contracts reference well-established Korean companies instead of traditional crypto tokens. Traders can enter long or short positions without the need for brokers or custodians. The exchange operates without the constraints of traditional market hours, allowing continuous global access to these influential stocks.

The perpetual contracts are structured similarly to crypto perpetual futures, which are familiar to those in the digital asset space. By settling in crypto rather than fiat currency, Lighter eliminates the need for brokerage accounts or cross-border intermediaries. The use of a zero-knowledge design ensures that user data remains private while trading fees are kept low compared to conventional platforms.

DeFi Meets Traditional Stock Markets

This launch positions Lighter at the crossroads of decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional stock markets. The exchange operates outside South Korea’s regulated securities framework, which allows it to offer these leveraged products with greater flexibility. Unlike traditional exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are regulated by authorities, Lighter provides investors with enhanced exposure to Korean equities with continuous access.

The platform’s mechanics take the best aspects of Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetuals and apply them to traditional stocks. Traders can now speculate on companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Hyundai with far more leverage than the upcoming 2x leveraged ETFs approved by South Korean regulators. The appeal of these products lies in their availability and flexibility, with Lighter offering access at any time of the day.

Increased Demand for Korean Stocks

The demand for Korean stocks, particularly in the semiconductor sector, has surged in recent months. Companies like SK Hynix and Samsung have benefited from a global rise in demand for memory chips used in AI development and data centers. Hyundai Motor has also seen strong support from global car sales trends and export resilience.

Funds focused on the semiconductor sector have reported impressive gains, with some leveraged products seeing returns between 70% and 80%. These performances have driven a stronger interest in leveraged financial instruments that offer greater exposure. Lighter’s new contracts aim to meet this demand by offering up to 10x leverage on these sought-after stocks.

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