Definition ∞ Collateralized finance involves securing a loan or other financial instrument with an asset. In digital asset markets, this typically means pledging cryptocurrency to obtain a loan, often denominated in stablecoins. Should the borrower fail to meet repayment obligations, the lender has recourse to the pledged digital asset. This mechanism helps mitigate credit risk in decentralized lending protocols.
Context ∞ The state of collateralized finance is a central point in DeFi news, particularly concerning lending protocols and stablecoin issuance. Debates often focus on optimal collateralization ratios, liquidation mechanisms, and the volatility of digital assets used as security. Future developments include advancements in oracle reliability and the integration of diverse asset types, aiming to enhance capital efficiency and reduce systemic risks within these systems.