INTRODUCTION

Solend is a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol built on the Solana blockchain that seeks to offer fast and reasonable lending and borrowing services to users. The Solend protocol enables users to lend and borrow numerous cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins like USDC and USDT, along with Solana's native token SOL.

Solend determines lending and borrowing interest rates using an algorithmic interest rate model that is aimed to keep rates constant and predictable while also adjusting to changes in supply and demand. The protocol also employs a liquidation mechanism to safeguard lenders from borrowers' defaults.


HISTORY AND FOUNDER

Solend (SLND) is a cryptocurrency that was introduced on the Solana blockchain in 2021. Solana is a high-performance blockchain built for decentralized apps and rapid transaction rates.


Rooter initially introduced the Solend protocol in August 2021. Due to its fast transactions and inexpensive fees, Solana's popularity was growing at the time. A great deal of market attention was garnered as a result of the introduction of a loan protocol into the Solana ecosystem. Users can now generate increased returns compared to before.


REASON TO BUILD THE PROJECT

  • High Transaction Fees: Many popular DeFi protocols run on the Ethereum blockchain, which experiences high gas fees owing to network congestion. Solend, being on Solana, can provide much cheaper and speedier transactions.

  • Limited Collateral Options: Most DeFi protocols require borrowers to collateralize their loans with a limited number of cryptocurrencies, which can result in high collateralization ratios and decreased borrowing capacity. Solend allows a variety of collateral choices, allowing consumers to borrow more at lower interest rates.

  • Lack of Transparency: The traditional financial system is not always clear, with borrowers having limited access to information regarding the lending process and criteria. Solend's lending platform maintains a high level of transparency and accountability by recording all loan transactions and terms on the blockchain.

BASE OF PROJECT

The Solend protocol employs a collateralized lending model, which requires consumers to provide collateral as security for their loans. The collateral is stored in smart contracts on the Solana blockchain, and the required collateral amount fluctuates based on the asset being borrowed and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.


Solend's interest rates are based on the market's supply and demand, with borrowers giving interest to lenders for using their money. The protocol employs a variable interest rate mechanism that adapts in real-time in response to market conditions.


Solend also uses a liquidation mechanism to safeguard lenders from the risk of default. If the collateral's value falls below a particular level, it is automatically liquidated, and the lender gets back their principal plus interest.


USE CASE

The SLND token serves a vital role in the Solend ecosystem, and the following are some of its applications:

  • Governance: SLND holders are able to vote and contribute to the governance of the Solend protocol. 

  • Incentives: The Solend system encourages users to provide liquidity by giving them SLND tokens. 

  • Collateral: SLND tokens can be used as collateral when borrowing other cryptocurrencies. 

  • Staking: SLND token users can stake their tokens to get rewards. This encourages users to retain the token for an extended period of time, which can result in the token's value increasing over time.

  • Trading: SLND tokens can be purchased and sold on multiple cryptocurrency exchanges, allowing users to speculate on the token's future value or use it as a payment method.

MAJOR NEWS AND EVENTS

DATE

NEWS/EVENTS

IMPACT

09/11/2022

Solend struggles to liquidate its SOL loan, due to congestion

-34%Decrease

02/11/2022

Solend, a Solana-based lending app, was hacked for $1.26 million in a 'Oracle Attack'

-50% Decrease


CONCLUSION

Solend has extended the power of DeFi to the Solana network, providing users with numerous profit-enhancing opportunities. Despite the fact that the whale issue exposed the protocol's weakness, the developers' ability to manage the situation was a positive aspect. Crypto is still a new sector in which people are learning on the go. The protocol's trustworthiness went up when the whale problem was solved to everyone's satisfaction.


In addition, Solend contributes a robust DeFi element to the ecosystem of Solana. In spite of its vulnerabilities, the application is fascinating to experiment with, and as its flaws are fixed, more users may find it appealing.