The on-chain lending market has seen a significant surge, with the total active loans surpassing $20 billion, according to recent data from Token Terminal. This marks a new all-time high, surpassing the previous record set in December 2021.
This surge in on-chain lending can be attributed to several factors, including:
Increased adoption of DeFi: The growing popularity of decentralized finance (DeFi) has led to increased demand for on-chain lending platforms.
Yield farming: The high yields offered by on-chain lending platforms have attracted yield farmers seeking to maximize their returns.
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs): The rise of DEXs has made it easier for users to access on-chain lending platforms.
What is on-chain lending?
On-chain lending is a process of lending and borrowing cryptocurrencies on a blockchain network. This allows users to earn interest on their crypto assets or borrow funds for various purposes, such as trading or investing.
How does on-chain lending work?
On-chain lending platforms typically use smart contracts to facilitate lending and borrowing. Users can deposit their crypto assets into a lending pool, and borrowers can then borrow against these assets. Interest rates are determined algorithmically based on supply and demand.
What are the benefits of on-chain lending?
On-chain lending offers several benefits over traditional lending, including:
Decentralization: On-chain lending platforms are decentralized, which means that they are not subject to the same regulations as traditional banks.
Transparency: All transactions on on-chain lending platforms are recorded on a public blockchain, which makes them transparent and auditable.
Accessibility: On-chain lending platforms are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location or credit history.
Efficiency: On-chain lending platforms are often more efficient than traditional banks, as they can process transactions more quickly and at a lower cost.
What are the risks of on-chain lending?
On-chain lending also carries some risks, including:
Smart contract risks: Smart contracts are still relatively new, and there is a risk that they may contain bugs or vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
Market volatility: The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, which means that the value of your crypto assets could fluctuate significantly, impacting your loan.
Counterparty risk: There is a risk that the borrower may default on their loan, leaving you with a loss.
How can I get started with on-chain lending?
If you are interested in getting started with on-chain lending, there are a number of platforms that you can use. Some of the most popular platforms include Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO.