# Redemption

The redemption process for stMNT is designed to facilitate the seamless conversion of staked assets back into MNT, ensuring efficient capital reallocation for users. This process involves multiple steps, including the withdrawal of assets from DeFi yield strategies, the calculation of exchange rates, and the final distribution of MNT to the user. The redemption process allows users to reclaim their MNT either through the protocol’s structured withdrawal process or by utilizing decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for immediate liquidity.

stMNT is a liquid staking token that accrues yield over time, reflecting the rewards earned through its deployment in various DeFi strategies. Unlike traditional staking mechanisms that require extended waiting periods for withdrawal, stMNT can be actively used within the DeFi ecosystem to generate additional returns before redemption. When initiating a redemption request, the user sends the desired amount of stMNT to the protocol’s smart contract, which calculates the equivalent MNT value based on the prevailing exchange rate. This rate accounts for accrued rewards and market fluctuations, ensuring a fair conversion process.

MNT deployed in DeFi strategies process are withdrawn to fulfill user request, involving the retrieval of assets from integrated platforms, which may introduce slight delays depending on the liquidity conditions of the underlying strategies. Once the assets are successfully withdrawn, stMNT is returned to the staking pool, ready for conversion into MNT. This structured exit ensures that the redemption process remains efficient while minimizing potential disruptions in the broader DeFi strategy allocations.

To accommodate variable redemption demands, the protocol implements a queue system where requests are processed sequentially. The waiting period is influenced by market activity, the volume of concurrent redemptions, and liquidity availability. Users seeking immediate access to MNT can opt to swap stMNT for MNT directly on decentralized exchanges. While this method eliminates the standard processing time, it introduces additional costs such as trading fees, potential slippage due to liquidity depth, and network gas fees.

The exchange rate between stMNT and MNT is dynamic, updating continuously to reflect the returns generated through DeFi yield mechanisms. At the time of redemption, the protocol ensures that users receive the accurate amount of MNT corresponding to their stake and accumulated rewards. Once the unstaking process is finalized, the MNT is transferred to the user’s wallet, completing the redemption cycle.

The protocol prioritizes a fee-efficient redemption structure, with standard redemptions incurring no additional costs aside from gas fees required for transaction execution. However, in cases where a small service fee is applied, it is transparently deducted from the final MNT distribution. Users leveraging DEX swaps should consider associated trading costs, potential slippage, and network fees, especially during periods of high demand.

Following redemption, the user’s stMNT balance decreases by the equivalent amount, and their MNT balance is updated accordingly. At this point, the reclaimed MNT can be utilized for further DeFi activities, reinvestment, or trading. The protocol’s dual redemption approach—standard processing via smart contracts or instant swaps via DEXs—offers users flexibility in managing their liquid staking assets based on their specific needs and market conditions.
