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Stablecoins 2.0: Economic Foundations and Risk-based Models

Author

Listed:
  • Ariah Klages-Mundt
  • Dominik Harz
  • Lewis Gudgeon
  • Jun-You Liu
  • Andreea Minca

Abstract

Stablecoins are one of the most widely capitalized type of cryptocurrency. However, their risks vary significantly according to their design and are often poorly understood. We seek to provide a sound foundation for stablecoin theory, with a risk-based functional characterization of the economic structure of stablecoins. First, we match existing economic models to the disparate set of custodial systems. Next, we characterize the unique risks that emerge in non-custodial stablecoins and develop a model framework that unifies existing models from economics and computer science. We further discuss how this modeling framework is applicable to a wide array of cryptoeconomic systems, including cross-chain protocols, collateralized lending, and decentralized exchanges. These unique risks yield unanswered research questions that will form the crux of research in decentralized finance going forward.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariah Klages-Mundt & Dominik Harz & Lewis Gudgeon & Jun-You Liu & Andreea Minca, 2020. "Stablecoins 2.0: Economic Foundations and Risk-based Models," Papers 2006.12388, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2020.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2006.12388
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Proelss, Juliane & Sévigny, Stéphane & Schweizer, Denis, 2023. "GameFi: The perfect symbiosis of blockchain, tokens, DeFi, and NFTs?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    2. Vincent Gramlich & Tobias Guggenberger & Marc Principato & Benjamin Schellinger & Nils Urbach, 2023. "A multivocal literature review of decentralized finance: Current knowledge and future research avenues," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 33(1), pages 1-37, December.
    3. Dionysopoulos, Lambis & Urquhart, Andrew, 2024. "10 years of stablecoins: Their impact, what we know, and future research directions," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).

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