Why is Joule Finance building the First Isolated Lending Money Market on Aptos?

Joule Finance
3 min readMay 18, 2024

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Introduction:

It’s not easy to build a composable money market as it requires making tough decisions and a deep understanding of DeFi to help users manage risks. DeFi lending has come a long way since its inception, weathering the storms of multiple crypto cycles. While traditional lending protocols like AAVE and Maker have become the norm, a new paradigm shift is on the horizon. Joule Finance is at the forefront of this revolution, introducing a composable money market with isolated lending positions that redefine risk management in decentralized finance.

The Limitations of Traditional Lending Protocols:

Traditional shared lending positions, such as those in AAVE, have been fundamental to decentralized finance. However, they come with inherent risks. Centralizing funds in a single smart contract exposes the entire protocol to vulnerabilities with each new asset listing. This centralization also heightens the risk of cascading liquidations, emphasizing the urgent need for more resilient solutions.

Exploring Collateralized Debt Positions (CDP):

Collateralized Debt Position (CDP) protocols present an unconventional yet effective alternative to traditional lending solutions. These protocols allow users to leverage their crypto assets as collateral for loans, typically denominated in stablecoins like $DAI on Ethereum. CDPs provide quick access to capital without the need for credit checks. However, they often fall short in offering the transparency and control that lenders seek.

Advantages of Isolated Lending Positions:

Isolated lending positions represent a paradigm shift in DeFi lending, offering unparalleled customization and control for lenders. Unlike traditional lending, where funds are aggregated into a single position, isolated positions allow lenders to maintain individual positions that they control. Borrowers can then access specific isolated positions based on their preferences, ensuring transparency and risk mitigation. Users can have many isolated positions that are risk-independent of each other, therefore, an unhealthy position does not affect other healthy positions.

The Power of Isolation:

Isolated lending positions empower lenders with risk independence, even when utilizing the same collateral. Each lending and borrowing position is siloed, providing granular visibility and control. This means that a position borrowing USDC or USDT against stAPT collateral is distinct from another borrowing APT for looping. In the event of a slight depegging of stAPT, only the affected position is at risk of liquidation, safeguarding the assets of other lenders.

This innovative approach allows users to establish their own individualized lending environments, tailored to their unique risk profiles and asset preferences. By supporting the creation of isolated positions, Joule Finance empowers lenders with the flexibility and control to define their lending positions, manage risk more effectively, and mitigate potential losses.

For example, borrowing USDC with stAPT collateral is separate from using stAPT to borrow APT. A minor depeg in stAPT could liquidate the latter but not affect the former. Unlike typical money markets that lump all a user’s positions together, risking broad liquidation. This commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions sets Joule Finance apart as a leader in the decentralized finance space.

Conclusion:

As DeFi continues to evolve, the need for innovative lending solutions becomes increasingly apparent. Isolated lending positions represent a significant step forward in addressing the shortcomings of traditional lending protocols. With greater customization, transparency, and risk management capabilities, Joule’s pioneering approach is poised to reshape the future of decentralized finance lending. Join us as we embark on this journey towards a more resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem.

To know more about Joule Finance — Check our website : https://www.joule.finance/

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