Aura Finance is to Balancer what Convex is to Curve — the yield booster protocol built specifically for Balancer LPs. vlAURA governance controls where Balancer emissions flow, creating a Balancer-native bribe economy.
How Aura works
Aura holds a large amount of vlBAL (vote-locked BAL). Balancer LPs who deposit through Aura earn the boosted BAL rewards without having to lock BAL themselves. Aura also distributes AURA rewards on top.
vlAURA (vote-locked AURA) voters direct where Aura's vlBAL votes flow — controlling which Balancer pools get boosted BAL rewards. This creates a bribe market where protocols pay vlAURA holders to vote for their pools.
Verdict
Aura is essential Balancer infrastructure. If you're an LP on Balancer, Aura boost + bribe income makes deposits materially more attractive than direct Balancer participation.