Chainlink in DeFi: Use Cases

Karolina

12 Feb 2024
Chainlink in DeFi: Use Cases

DeFi is transforming the financial sector by making it accessible to everyone, bypassing traditional institutions. It leverages blockchain to offer financial products widely, improving transparency and security through smart contracts.

At the heart of DeFi's functionality and its promise of creating more trustworthy financial applications lies Chainlink's oracle technology. Chainlink oracles are pivotal in bridging the gap between blockchain smart contracts and the external world, enabling these contracts to interact with real-world data in a secure and reliable manner. This critical integration allows for the execution of complex financial products and services within the DeFi ecosystem.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Overview

DeFi represents a paradigm shift in the financial industry, aiming to remove the barriers and inefficiencies associated with traditional finance. By utilizing blockchain technology and smart contracts, DeFi platforms offer a plethora of financial services. This not only makes financial products more accessible to a global audience but also significantly reduces the costs and complexities involved in financial transactions.

One of the most compelling promises of DeFi is its potential to provide universal financial accessibility. In traditional finance, services are often restricted to those with a bank account or sufficient capital. DeFi opens the doors to anyone with an internet connection. However, this revolutionary approach does not come without its challenges. Traditional finance systems are plagued by issues like gatekeeping, where powerful entities control access to financial services, and counterparty risk. The trustworthiness of one party can jeopardize the execution of financial agreements. DeFi seeks to address these problems by offering a transparent, permissionless, and trustless financial ecosystem.

MUST READ: "DeFi and the Future of Finance"

Chainlink's Impact Across DeFi Protocols

Money Markets

In the realm of DeFi, money markets offer platforms where users can lend and borrow cryptocurrencies, earning interest on assets or paying interest for loans. The accuracy of asset valuation is paramount in these platforms to maintain solvency and ensure fair and secure transactions.

  • Chainlink's Role. Money market protocols like Aave, Compound, and Liquity can access real-time data by integrating Chainlink Price Feeds. This data is crucial for calculating the value of collateral and debt. It determines interest rates, and triggering liquidations for undercollateralized loans, thereby safeguarding the protocol and its users' assets.

Decentralized Stablecoins

Stablecoins are a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem, providing a stable medium of exchange and store of value. Decentralized stablecoins, in particular, rely heavily on accurate and timely price information to maintain their peg to fiat currencies.

  • Chainlink's Contribution. For decentralized stablecoin platforms like DeFiDollar, Chainlink Price Feeds are indispensable for monitoring the value of underlying assets (such as sUSD, USDT, DAI, and USDC). This enables these platforms to execute rebalancing actions efficiently and maintain their stable value, even amidst volatile market conditions.

Algorithmic Stablecoins

Algorithmic stablecoins use a combination of incentives and monetary policy mechanisms to maintain their peg to other currencies without relying solely on collateral. The success of these mechanisms hinges on accurate and reliable market data.

  • Implementation by Chainlink. Projects like Fei Protocol utilize Chainlink Price Feeds to adjust their algorithms in response to real-time market conditions, ensuring their stablecoins remain close to their target peg, thus maintaining stability and user confidence.

Futures and Perpetual Contracts

Futures and perpetual contracts allow users to speculate on the future prices of assets or hedge against price movements, requiring precise and up-to-date asset pricing for fair contract settlement and liquidation.

  • Chainlink's Utility. Protocols such as Lyra and MCDEX leverage Chainlink Price Feeds for determining the settlement prices of futures contracts and the real-time valuation of assets for perpetual contracts. This ensures that these financial instruments operate transparently and fairly, with all parties confident in the integrity of their trades.

Synthetic Assets

Synthetic assets enable users to gain exposure to a variety of real-world assets, indices, and commodities within the blockchain space. The creation and trading of these assets depend on accurate price information to mirror the real-world market values.

  • Chainlink's Role. Synthetix is a prime example of a protocol that uses Chainlink Price Feeds to mint and trade synthetic assets. By providing reliable access to real-time price data, Chainlink enables Synthetix users to create and exchange synthetic assets that accurately reflect the value of their real-world counterparts.

MUST READ: "What is Chainlink"

Enhancing DeFi with Accurate Data (Chainlink)

Chainlink's integration across the DeFi ecosystem is transforming how financial protocols operate, providing them with the critical infrastructure for secure and efficient interaction with real-world data. From money markets to synthetic assets, Chainlink ensures accuracy, fairness, and transparency, underpinning the trust and reliability essential for DeFi's operation and growth.

Key Takeaways - Chainlink

Chainlink Decentralized Finance

Conclusion DeFi

Chainlink is instrumental in DeFi's evolution, offering a bridge to real-world data that's essential for the ecosystem's functionality and trust. By enabling complex financial instruments on the blockchain, Chainlink not only fosters innovation within DeFi but also ensures that these advancements are built on a foundation of accuracy and transparency. As DeFi grows, Chainlink's role as a trusted data provider will continue to be central to its success and expansion, ensuring a more inclusive and fair financial system.

If you are interested in utilizing Chainlink or other blockchain-based solutions for your project, please reach out to contact@nextrope.com

DeFi Staking Revolution by Nextrope

FAQ

What role does Chainlink play in the operation of decentralized stablecoins?

  • Chainlink Price Feeds offer essential price information for platforms like DeFiDollar, enabling them to maintain stable values even in volatile markets.

How do algorithmic stablecoins benefit from Chainlink's technology?

  • Chainlink Price Feeds help projects like Fei Protocol adjust their algorithms according to market conditions, ensuring stablecoin pegs are maintained.

How does Chainlink ensure the reliability and security of its data feeds?

  • An exploration of the mechanisms Chainlink employs to protect against manipulation and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of its data feeds could be of interest.

More about this Topic on Nextrope Blog

  1. What is Chainlink?
  2. Chainlink vs Polkadot
  3. NFT and Gaming: Chainlink Use Cases
  4. Chainlink vs. Avalanche: Exploring the Blockchain Frontier
  5. Authorization and Identity: Chainlink Use Cases
  6. Chainlink and On-Chain Finance Use Cases

Tagi

Most viewed


Never miss a story

Stay updated about Nextrope news as it happens.

You are subscribed

Token Engineering Process

Kajetan Olas

13 Apr 2024
Token Engineering Process

Token Engineering is an emerging field that addresses the systematic design and engineering of blockchain-based tokens. It applies rigorous mathematical methods from the Complex Systems Engineering discipline to tokenomics design.

In this article, we will walk through the Token Engineering Process and break it down into three key stages. Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase.

Discovery Phase of Token Engineering Process

The first stage of the token engineering process is the Discovery Phase. It focuses on constructing high-level business plans, defining objectives, and identifying problems to be solved. That phase is also the time when token engineers first define key stakeholders in the project.

Defining the Problem

This may seem counterintuitive. Why would we start with the problem when designing tokenomics? Shouldn’t we start with more down-to-earth matters like token supply? The answer is No. Tokens are a medium for creating and exchanging value within a project’s ecosystem. Since crypto projects draw their value from solving problems that can’t be solved through TradFi mechanisms, their tokenomics should reflect that. 

The industry standard, developed by McKinsey & Co. and adapted to token engineering purposes by Outlier Ventures, is structuring the problem through a logic tree, following MECE.
MECE stands for Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive. Mutually Exclusive means that problems in the tree should not overlap. Collectively Exhaustive means that the tree should cover all issues.

In practice, the “Problem” should be replaced by a whole problem statement worksheet. The same will hold for some of the boxes.
A commonly used tool for designing these kinds of diagrams is the Miro whiteboard.

Identifying Stakeholders and Value Flows in Token Engineering

This part is about identifying all relevant actors in the ecosystem and how value flows between them. To illustrate what we mean let’s consider an example of NFT marketplace. In its case, relevant actors might be sellers, buyers, NFT creators, and a marketplace owner. Possible value flow when conducting a transaction might be: buyer gets rid of his tokens, seller gets some of them, marketplace owner gets some of them as fees, and NFT creators get some of them as royalties.

Incentive Mechanisms Canvas

The last part of what we consider to be in the Discovery Phase is filling the Incentive Mechanisms Canvas. After successfully identifying value flows in the previous stage, token engineers search for frictions to desired behaviors and point out the undesired behaviors. For example, friction to activity on an NFT marketplace might be respecting royalty fees by marketplace owners since it reduces value flowing to the seller.

source: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFDTNKsIJs/8Ky9EoJJI7p98qKLIu2XNw/view#7

Design Phase of Token Engineering Process

The second stage of the Token Engineering Process is the Design Phase in which you make use of high-level descriptions from the previous step to come up with a specific design of the project. This will include everything that can be usually found in crypto whitepapers (e.g. governance mechanisms, incentive mechanisms, token supply, etc). After finishing the design, token engineers should represent the whole value flow and transactional logic on detailed visual diagrams. These diagrams will be a basis for creating mathematical models in the Deployment Phase. 

Token Engineering Artonomous Design Diagram
Artonomous design diagram, source: Artonomous GitHub

Objective Function

Every crypto project has some objective. The objective can consist of many goals, such as decentralization or token price. The objective function is a mathematical function assigning weights to different factors that influence the main objective in the order of their importance. This function will be a reference for machine learning algorithms in the next steps. They will try to find quantitative parameters (e.g. network fees) that maximize the output of this function.
Modified Metcalfe’s Law can serve as an inspiration during that step. It’s a framework for valuing crypto projects, but we believe that after adjustments it can also be used in this context.

Deployment Phase of Token Engineering Process

The Deployment Phase is final, but also the most demanding step in the process. It involves the implementation of machine learning algorithms that test our assumptions and optimize quantitative parameters. Token Engineering draws from Nassim Taleb’s concept of Antifragility and extensively uses feedback loops to make a system that gains from arising shocks.

Agent-based Modelling 

In agent-based modeling, we describe a set of behaviors and goals displayed by each agent participating in the system (this is why previous steps focused so much on describing stakeholders). Each agent is controlled by an autonomous AI and continuously optimizes his strategy. He learns from his experience and can mimic the behavior of other agents if he finds it effective (Reinforced Learning). This approach allows for mimicking real users, who adapt their strategies with time. An example adaptive agent would be a cryptocurrency trader, who changes his trading strategy in response to experiencing a loss of money.

Monte Carlo Simulations

Token Engineers use the Monte Carlo method to simulate the consequences of various possible interactions while taking into account the probability of their occurrence. By running a large number of simulations it’s possible to stress-test the project in multiple scenarios and identify emergent risks.

Testnet Deployment

If possible, it's highly beneficial for projects to extend the testing phase even further by letting real users use the network. Idea is the same as in agent-based testing - continuous optimization based on provided metrics. Furthermore, in case the project considers airdropping its tokens, giving them to early users is a great strategy. Even though part of the activity will be disingenuine and airdrop-oriented, such strategy still works better than most.

Time Duration

Token engineering process may take from as little as 2 weeks to as much as 5 months. It depends on the project category (Layer 1 protocol will require more time, than a simple DApp), and security requirements. For example, a bank issuing its digital token will have a very low risk tolerance.

Required Skills for Token Engineering

Token engineering is a multidisciplinary field and requires a great amount of specialized knowledge. Key knowledge areas are:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Machine Learning
  • Market Research
  • Capital Markets
  • Current trends in Web3
  • Blockchain Engineering
  • Statistics

Summary

The token engineering process consists of 3 steps: Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase. It’s utilized mostly by established blockchain projects, and financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund. Even though it’s a very resource-consuming process, we believe it’s worth it. Projects that went through scrupulous design and testing before launch are much more likely to receive VC funding and be in the 10% of crypto projects that survive the bear market. Going through that process also has a symbolic meaning - it shows that the project is long-term oriented.

If you're looking to create a robust tokenomics model and go through institutional-grade testing please reach out to contact@nextrope.com. Our team is ready to help you with the token engineering process and ensure your project’s resilience in the long term.

FAQ

What does token engineering process look like?

  • Token engineering process is conducted in a 3-step methodical fashion. This includes Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase. Each of these stages should be tailored to the specific needs of a project.

Is token engineering meant only for big projects?

  • We recommend that even small projects go through a simplified design and optimization process. This increases community's trust and makes sure that the tokenomics doesn't have any obvious flaws.

How long does the token engineering process take?

  • It depends on the project and may range from 2 weeks to 5 months.

What is Berachain? 🐻 ⛓️ + Proof-of-Liquidity Explained

Karolina

18 Mar 2024
What is Berachain? 🐻 ⛓️ + Proof-of-Liquidity Explained

Enter Berachain: a high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain that is set to redefine the landscape of decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain services. Built on the innovative Proof-of-Liquidity consensus and leveraging the robust Polaris framework alongside the CometBFT consensus engine, Berachain is poised to offer an unprecedented blend of efficiency, security, and user-centric benefits. Let's dive into what makes it a groundbreaking development in the blockchain ecosystem.

What is Berachain?

Overview

Berachain is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 (L1) blockchain that stands out through its adoption of the Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism. Designed to address the critical challenges faced by decentralized networks. It introduces a cutting-edge approach to blockchain governance and operations.

Key Features

  • High-performance Capabilities. Berachain is engineered for speed and scalability, catering to the growing demand for efficient blockchain solutions.
  • EVM Compatibility. It supports all Ethereum tooling, operations, and smart contract languages, making it a seamless transition for developers and projects from the Ethereum ecosystem.
  • Proof-of-Liquidity.This novel consensus mechanism focuses on building liquidity, decentralizing stake, and aligning the interests of validators and protocol developers.

MUST READ: Docs

EVM-Compatible vs EVM-Equivalent

EVM-Compatible

EVM compatibility means a blockchain can interact with Ethereum's ecosystem to some extent. It can interact supporting its smart contracts and tools but not replicating the entire EVM environment.

EVM-Equivalent

An EVM-equivalent blockchain, on the other hand, aims to fully replicate Ethereum's environment. It ensures complete compatibility and a smooth transition for developers and users alike.

Berachain's Position

Berachain can be considered an "EVM-equivalent-plus" blockchain. It supports all Ethereum operations, tooling, and additional functionalities that optimize for its unique Proof-of-Liquidity and abstracted use cases.

Berachain Modular First Approach

At the heart of Berachain's development philosophy is the Polaris EVM framework. It's a testament to the blockchain's commitment to modularity and flexibility. This approach allows for the easy separation of the EVM runtime layer, ensuring that Berachain can adapt and evolve without compromising on performance or security.

Proof Of Liquidity Overview

High-Level Model Objectives

  • Systemically Build Liquidity. By enhancing trading efficiency, price stability, and network growth, Berachain aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications.
  • Solve Stake Centralization. The PoL consensus works to distribute stake more evenly across the network, preventing monopolization and ensuring a decentralized, secure blockchain.
  • Align Protocols and Validators. Berachain encourages a symbiotic relationship between validators and the broader protocol ecosystem.

Proof-of-Liquidity vs Proof-of-Stake

Unlike traditional Proof of Stake (PoS), which often leads to stake centralization and reduced liquidity, Proof of Liquidity (PoL) introduces mechanisms to incentivize liquidity provision and ensure a fairer, more decentralized network. Berachain separates the governance token (BGT) from the chain's gas token (BERA) and incentives liquidity through BEX pools. Berachain's PoL aims to overcome the limitations of PoS, fostering a more secure and user-centric blockchain.

Berachain EVM and Modular Approach

Polaris EVM

Polaris EVM is the cornerstone of Berachain's EVM compatibility, offering developers an enhanced environment for smart contract execution that includes stateful precompiles and custom modules. This framework ensures that Berachain not only meets but exceeds the capabilities of the traditional Ethereum Virtual Machine.

CometBFT

The CometBFT consensus engine underpins Berachain's network, providing a secure and efficient mechanism for transaction verification and block production. By leveraging the principles of Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT), CometBFT ensures the integrity and resilience of the Berachain blockchain.

Conclusion

Berachain represents a significant leap forward in blockchain technology, combining the best of Ethereum's ecosystem with innovative consensus mechanisms and a modular development approach. As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, Berachain stands out as a promising platform for developers, users, and validators alike, offering a scalable, efficient, and inclusive environment for decentralized applications and services.

Resources

For those interested in exploring further, a wealth of resources is available, including the Berachain documentation, GitHub repository, and community forums. It offers a compelling vision for the future of blockchain technology, marked by efficiency, security, and community-driven innovation.

FAQ

How is Berachain different?

  • It integrates Proof-of-Liquidity to address stake centralization and enhance liquidity, setting it apart from other blockchains.

Is Berachain EVM-compatible?

  • Yes, it supports Ethereum's tooling and smart contract languages, facilitating easy migration of dApps.

Can it handle high transaction volumes?

  • Yes, thanks to the Polaris framework and CometBFT consensus engine, it's built for scalability and high throughput.