Lighter, an Ethereum-based layer 2 decentralized exchange (DEX) focused on perpetual contracts, has announced the launch of its native cryptocurrency, Lighter Infrastructure Token (LIT), to align traders, builders and supporters as it looks to merge traditional markets with DeFi.
The LIT token supply is distributed evenly: 50% to the ecosystem and 50% to the team and investors. The immediate airdrop rewards free funds by instantly converting early participants’ 12.5 million points (earned in 2025) into LIT tokens. This represents 25% of the total fully diluted value of the project – the largest possible token if everything were issued.
The remainder is used to fund future awards, partnerships and expansion. Teams (26%) and investors (24%) face a one-year lock-in period, followed by three years of linear vesting, Ligther said in a post on X.
The token is issued directly by Lighter’s operating company, a C corporation registered in the United States.
Lighter said on
“As such, our LIT token utility framework is about considering how value can be exchanged across the financial system and building the infrastructure in a way that increases efficiency, transparency and innovative value,” it added.
According to the Dune-based data tracker, the lighter-based perpetual contract has average trading volume of $2.7 billion over the past seven days, ranking third behind Hyperliquid and Aster.
Hyperliquid’s HYPE token currently has a market valuation of $6.26 billion, making it the 29th largest digital asset in the world.
More than just governance tokens
LIT does more than just allow holders to vote or earn rewards. It serves as a key token to power Lighter’s trading system.
Lighter provides different levels of transaction execution and data verification services. The higher the level, the more LIT tokens need to be pledged. Staking means locking up your tokens to access these features. These requirements have grown as the network has become more decentralized, meaning it is run by many users rather than just one company.
Users and data providers also need to pay fees in LIT to obtain market information and confirm prices. Staking helps ensure that this data is reliable for safe transactions and managing risk.
Income Tracking and Buyback Policy
The X post explains that the money Lighter makes from its trading platform and future products will be fully traceable on the blockchain, so anyone can publicly view and verify it.
The team may use the revenue to support the growth of the ecosystem or buy back LIT tokens. Buyback means purchasing a token to reduce its supply, which helps increase its value.
These choices will not follow a strict timeline but will depend on overall market trends and the company’s long-term plans.
