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Financial intermediation and risk in decentralized lending protocols

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  • Carlos Castro-Iragorri
  • Julian Ramirez
  • Sebastian Velez

Abstract

We provide an overview of decentralized protocols like Compound and Aave that offer collateralized loans for cryptoasset investors. Compound and Aave are two of the most important application in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Using publicly available information on rates, supply and borrow activity, and accounts we analyze different elements of the protocols. In particular, we estimate ex-post margins that give a comprehensive account of the cost of financial intermediation. We find that ex-post margins considering all markets are 1% and lower for stablecoin markets. In addition, we estimate quarterly indicators regarding solvency, asset quality, earnings and market risk similar to the ones used in traditional banking. This provides a first look at the use of these metrics and a comparison between the similarities and challenges to our understanding of financial intermediation in these protocols based on tools used for traditional banking.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Castro-Iragorri & Julian Ramirez & Sebastian Velez, 2021. "Financial intermediation and risk in decentralized lending protocols," Papers 2107.14678, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2107.14678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Cynthia Weiyi Cai, 2018. "Disruption of financial intermediation by FinTech: a review on crowdfunding and blockchain," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 58(4), pages 965-992, December.
    7. Sam M. Werner & Daniel Perez & Lewis Gudgeon & Ariah Klages-Mundt & Dominik Harz & William J. Knottenbelt, 2021. "SoK: Decentralized Finance (DeFi)," Papers 2101.08778, arXiv.org, revised Sep 2022.
    8. Kaihua Qin & Liyi Zhou & Pablo Gamito & Philipp Jovanovic & Arthur Gervais, 2021. "An Empirical Study of DeFi Liquidations: Incentives, Risks, and Instabilities," Papers 2106.06389, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2021.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kanis Saengchote, 2022. "Decentralized lending and its users: Insights from Compound," Papers 2212.05734, arXiv.org.
    2. Saengchote, Kanis, 2023. "Decentralized lending and its users: Insights from compound," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    3. Nguyen, Minh Hong & Thanh, Binh Nguyen & Pham, Huy & Pham, Thi Thu Tra, 2025. "The determinants of funding liquidity risk in decentralized lending," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).

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