EarnPark, a UK-based CeDeFi yield platform, today released findings from a three-month industry analysis revealing that only three out of 20 major cryptocurrency yield platforms provide adequate transparency to users. The study, which combined competitive analysis of platforms managing $35 billion in combined assets, a survey of 847 cryptocurrency users, and on-chain performance verification, found that 73% of retail investors could not explain how yields were generated on platforms they previously used.
Market Analysis Results
The analysis evaluated 20 platforms across a 10-point transparency index measuring risk disclosure quality, fee transparency, performance reporting accuracy, and user education resources. Only three platforms — Aave (9.2), Nexus Mutual (8.8), and EarnPark (8.1) — scored above 8.0. The remaining 17 platforms averaged 4.2 out of 10.
Common deficiencies included lack of risk categorization (85% of platforms), undisclosed or hidden fee structures (72%), absence of historical performance data (65%), and minimal educational resources explaining yield generation mechanisms (58%).
User Impact Data
Among 847 surveyed users, 41% reported experiencing losses on previous platforms due to unclear risk warnings — with 18% reporting losses exceeding 10% of their deposited assets. When asked to rank priorities, 67% of respondents identified risk transparency as their primary consideration when selecting a platform, compared to 23% who prioritized APY levels.
The survey also found that 82% of users would accept 2–3% lower annual returns in exchange for clearer risk disclosure and yield source transparency. Users rated the importance of monthly Proof of Reserves verification at 8.7 out of 10.
On-Chain Verification
Analysis of on-chain performance data from 10 major DeFi protocols between January 2024 and January 2026 revealed a 40% average variance between advertised and actual yields. Platforms scoring above 8.0 on the Transparency Index demonstrated yield variance of ±0.5%, while platforms scoring below 5.0 showed average variance of ±8.7%.
"The data suggests a direct correlation between transparency practices and return predictability," said Eugine Netso, co-founder of EarnPark. "Retail investors consistently tell us they prioritize clarity over maximum returns — the industry needs to respond to that demand."
Industry Context
The findings arrive 18 months after the collapse of FTX and Celsius, which resulted in estimated user losses exceeding $12 billion. Despite increased regulatory scrutiny and growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrency, standardized transparency requirements for yield products remain absent across most jurisdictions.
Global DeFi total value locked currently exceeds $50 billion, with retail participation accelerating through 2025. The analysis suggests that transparency gaps identified in the study may contribute to continued user losses and erosion of market trust.
Methodology and Availability
The study analyzed 20 platforms representing more than $35 billion in combined assets under management, surveyed 847 cryptocurrency users between January 10 and January 20, 2026, and examined on-chain performance data from January 2024 through January 2026. Data sources included competitive analysis, user surveys conducted via email to existing EarnPark users, and on-chain data from Dune Analytics and DefiLlama. The survey sample consists of existing EarnPark users and may not represent the broader cryptocurrency investor population.
About EarnPark
EarnPark is a UK-based CeDeFi yield generation platform offering automated cryptocurrency yield strategies with risk-categorized tiers ranging from 3–8% APY (conservative) to 20–30% APY (aggressive). Operating since 2022 as qualified Binance Market Makers, the platform employs Fireblocks institutional custody and publishes monthly Proof of Reserves. EarnPark serves over 30,000 users across Europe. Learn more at earnpark.com.
Disclaimer
This press release is for informational and research purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any cryptocurrency or financial product. Cryptocurrency and CeDeFi activities involve significant risk, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance or historical yield data does not guarantee future results. The findings and rankings presented are based on EarnPark’s internal analysis, user surveys, and publicly available on-chain data and may contain inherent limitations or biases, including a survey sample drawn from existing EarnPark users. References to specific platforms or yield ranges are provided for comparative purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsements. Readers should conduct independent research and consult qualified professionals, as regulatory treatment of digital assets varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change.
Media Contact
Donier Gaibov
Marketing Lead, EarnPark
oni@earnpark.com
