Risk Disclosure Statement

Last Updated: 30 October 2024

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Risk Disclosure Statement for Elytra

The following Risk Disclosure Statement is intended to inform you ("User") of the potential risks associated with interacting with the Elytra Platform ("Platform"), which operates within the decentralised finance (DeFi) sector. By engaging with the Platform, Users acknowledge, understand, and accept the risks outlined below. This statement does not cover all possible risks, and Users are encouraged to consult with financial, legal, and technical advisors before using the Platform.

General Platform Risks

1.1 Decentralised Finance and Blockchain Risks

The Platform operates on a blockchain-based infrastructure, which may expose Users to specific risks associated with blockchain technology and DeFi protocols. These risks include but are not limited to, potential issues with smart contracts, decentralised governance, transaction finality, and blockchain network reliability. Users should understand that blockchain-based services differ significantly from traditional finance and are still in a developmental stage.

1.2 Platform "As-Is" Basis

The Platform and its services are provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis, without any warranties, express or implied. The Platform makes no guarantees regarding functionality, performance, reliability, security, or accuracy, and disclaims any liability for losses or damages arising from service unavailability or performance issues.

Financial and Market Risks

2.1 Market Volatility

The value of digital assets is subject to extreme volatility. Price fluctuations in crypto-assets and collateral values may occur suddenly and without warning, leading to substantial and unpredictable changes in the value of User holdings. Users should be prepared for rapid changes in market conditions that could affect the performance of transactions conducted on the Platform.

2.2 Liquidity Risks

Digital asset markets, including those involving the Platform's native assets or collateral, may experience low liquidity. Limited liquidity can prevent Users from exiting positions or converting assets in a timely manner, potentially resulting in financial losses. Users should consider their ability to manage positions in low-liquidity conditions.

Technology and Security Risks

3.1 Smart Contract Risks

The Platform relies on smart contracts deployed on a blockchain network, which are autonomous and irreversible by design. While smart contracts on the Platform have undergone testing and auditing, vulnerabilities or coding errors may still exist. Users acknowledge that interactions with smart contracts are at their own risk, and the Platform is not liable for losses resulting from smart contract malfunctions, coding errors, or exploits.

3.2 Cybersecurity Risks

The Platform may be exposed to cybersecurity threats, including but not limited to hacking, phishing, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and other forms of unauthorised access. Despite the implementation of industry-standard security protocols, Users recognise that no platform is immune to security breaches. Any unauthorised access to User accounts or transactions may result in financial loss, and Users are advised to employ strong security practices, including protecting private keys and using secure wallet providers.

3.3 Blockchain Network Risks

The Platform operates on public blockchain networks, which are subject to network-specific risks, including congestion, high transaction fees, potential downtime, and network reorganisation. Users should understand that blockchain network conditions may impact the timeliness, cost, and success of transactions on the Platform. The Platform disclaims responsibility for any losses arising from blockchain network-related issues.

3.4 Irreversibility of Transactions

Blockchain transactions executed on the Platform are final and cannot be reversed once confirmed. Users are solely responsible for verifying transaction details before confirming them, as the Platform cannot alter or cancel transactions once submitted.

Liquid Restaking Token (LRT) Specific Risks

Important: Liquid Restaking Tokens involve additional risks beyond traditional staking. Please read this section carefully.

4.1 Restaking and Slashing Risks

Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs) are subject to restaking mechanisms that may expose Users to slashing risks across multiple protocols simultaneously. Unlike traditional staking where slashing risk is limited to a single validator or protocol, restaking amplifies this risk by potentially subjecting the same staked assets to multiple slashing conditions. Users may face partial or total loss of their staked assets if any of the underlying protocols or operators fail to meet their obligations or act maliciously.

4.2 Operator and Validation Risks

The Platform relies on various operators and validators to secure multiple protocols through restaking. The performance, reliability, and security practices of these operators directly impact the safety of User funds. Poor operator performance, technical failures, or malicious behavior by operators can result in slashing events that affect all Users participating in liquid restaking. Users should understand that they are exposed to the collective risk of all operators and protocols involved in the restaking process.

Critical Risk Notice: Liquid restaking involves experimental technology and novel risk profiles. The combination of multiple protocol risks, operator dependencies, and slashing mechanisms creates complex risk scenarios that may not be fully understood or predictable. Users participate at their own risk.

Regulatory and Legal Risks

5.1 Evolving Legal and Regulatory Landscape

The legal and regulatory environment surrounding DeFi platforms and crypto-assets is rapidly evolving and may vary significantly across jurisdictions. Users should be aware that future regulatory actions could adversely affect their ability to use the Platform or hold certain assets. The Platform disclaims liability for losses or legal consequences arising from changes in laws, regulations, or regulatory interpretations affecting the Platform or its Users.

5.2 Jurisdictional Restrictions

The Platform may restrict access to Users in certain jurisdictions where the use of crypto-assets or DeFi platforms is prohibited or highly regulated. Users are responsible for understanding and complying with the legal requirements of their jurisdiction before using the Platform. The Platform reserves the right to implement restrictions based on Users' location as required to comply with applicable regulations.

5.3 Tax Obligations

Users are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling their tax obligations related to transactions conducted on the Platform. The Platform does not provide tax advice, and Users are advised to consult with tax professionals to understand and comply with their local tax laws.

User Responsibility and Knowledge Assumption

6.1 User Diligence

Users are expected to conduct independent research and due diligence before engaging with the Platform. Users should understand the functionality and risks of DeFi platforms, smart contracts, blockchain technology, and digital assets. The Platform is not liable for losses resulting from the User's lack of knowledge or understanding of these subjects.

6.2 No Financial Advice

The Platform does not provide investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. All information available on the Platform is for informational purposes only. Users are encouraged to seek professional advice before making any financial decisions or engaging in transactions on the Platform.

6.3 Self-custody and Private Key Management

Users are solely responsible for the custody and security of their blockchain-based wallets and private keys. The Platform does not store, control, or manage private keys on behalf of Users. Loss of a private key or access credentials may result in the permanent loss of crypto assets, and the Platform is not responsible for any such loss.

Operational Risks

7.1 Platform Stability

As a decentralised platform, Elytra is subject to operational risks that may impact service availability. Maintenance, upgrades, or unexpected technical issues may temporarily disrupt the availability of Platform services. The Platform disclaims responsibility for losses incurred due to downtime, maintenance periods, or other interruptions in service.

7.2 Third-Party Service Dependencies

The Platform may depend on third-party providers for wallet integration, blockchain infrastructure, analytics, and other services. Disruptions in these services could affect Platform functionality and user experience. Users acknowledge that the Platform is not liable for any losses caused by third-party service failures.

7.3 Protocol Changes and Updates

The Platform may introduce new features or make updates to existing ones. Users should be aware that new updates may alter the Platform's functionality and risk profile. The Platform reserves the right to make such changes and disclaims responsibility for any adverse impacts resulting from updates or feature modifications.

Acknowledgement of Risk and No Recourse

Final Warning: By using the Platform, Users acknowledge and accept all risks associated with their activities on the Platform and understand that the Platform is not liable for any financial losses, damages, or legal consequences resulting from the risks described in this Risk Disclosure Statement or other unforeseen circumstances. Users waive any claim or recourse against the Platform in connection with their use of the Platform.