Our take
Figment
Figment positions itself as a established technical bridge between complex proof-of-stake protocols and institutional balance sheets. By operating purely on a non-custodial model, the platform eliminates counterparty holding risk while running dedicated validator clusters across more than thirty networks including Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. For institutional asset allocators, the inclusion of SOC 2 Type II certifications, comprehensive rewards reporting, and enterprise slashing protections solves primary governance hurdles. However, the service is distinctly engineered for institutions, custodians, and corporate treasuries rather than retail stakers looking for instant liquid conversions or micro-allocation pools. Fee structures operate on custom institutional commission agreements rather than fixed public schedules, meaning prospective delegators must evaluate enterprise proposals directly. For organizations equipped to manage their own key custody and operational workflows, Figment provides dependable, auditable network infrastructure backed by experienced engineering support.
haru invest
Haru Invest stands as an essential case study in counterparty exposure within centralized crypto yield products. Founded as a subsidiary under Block Crafters, the service attracted global deposits by marketing automated, market-neutral trading strategies on assets such as Bitcoin, Ether, and stablecoins with double-digit annual returns. However, the architecture relied heavily on opaque third-party fund managers rather than internal, verifiable hedging. When key external partners collapsed in June 2023, the platform froze all customer balances abruptly. In November 2024, South Korean courts declared Haru Management Limited formally bankrupt. We view the platform strictly through the lens of distressed creditor resolution rather than an active financial service. Depositors face protracted court proceedings, underscoring the fundamental risks inherent in uncollateralized yield models.