Lighter DEX launches LIT token, allocating 25% of supply to an airdrop
Lighter, a perpetuals-focused Ethereum-based Layer 2 decentralized exchange (DEX), has announced the launch of its native token, the Lighter Infrastructure Token (LIT), aimed at aligning traders, builders, and long-term backers as the platform works to bridge traditional financial markets with DeFi.
The total LIT supply is split evenly between the ecosystem and the team/investors. Fifty percent is allocated to the ecosystem, while the remaining 50% is reserved for the team and investors. As part of the launch, Lighter is distributing an immediate airdrop to early participants, converting 12.5 million points earned in 2025 into LIT tokens. This airdrop represents 25% of the project’s fully diluted value (FDV)—the maximum possible valuation if all tokens are issued.
The remainder of the ecosystem allocation will support future incentives, partnerships, and expansion initiatives. Tokens allocated to the team (26%) and investors (24%) are subject to a one-year lockup, followed by three years of linear vesting, according to a post shared by Lighter on X. The LIT token is issued directly by Lighter’s operating entity, a U.S.-registered C-Corporation.
“The future of finance lies at the intersection of traditional financial systems and DeFi,” Lighter stated. “Efficient, secure, and verifiable infrastructure is essential in both directions—bringing real-world assets on-chain while introducing transparency and composability to traditional markets.”
Lighter added that the utility framework for LIT is designed around how value is exchanged across the financial system, with an emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
According to Dune-based analytics, perpetual contracts traded on Lighter have averaged $2.7 billion in volume over the past seven days, ranking it third among perpetuals DEXs, behind Hyperliquid and Aster. Hyperliquid’s HYPE token currently carries a market valuation of $6.26 billion, placing it among the world’s largest digital assets.
More than a governance token
LIT extends beyond traditional governance use cases. It functions as a core component of Lighter’s trading and data infrastructure.
The platform offers execution and data-verification services across multiple tiers, with higher levels requiring users to stake increasing amounts of LIT. Staking locks tokens to access advanced features and scales as the network becomes more decentralized. Traders and data providers also pay fees in LIT to access market data and validate pricing, helping ensure accurate information for secure trading and risk management.
Revenue transparency and potential buybacks
Lighter noted that all revenue generated from its trading platform and future products will be fully transparent and verifiable on-chain. The team may use this revenue to fund ecosystem growth or conduct token buybacks, reducing circulating supply and potentially supporting token value.
These decisions will not follow a fixed schedule and will depend on broader market conditions and Lighter’s long-term strategic goals.