Definition ∞ Decentralized lending refers to financial services that enable borrowing and lending of digital assets without intermediaries. These operations are facilitated by smart contracts on blockchain networks, allowing peer-to-peer transactions. Participants can earn interest on deposited assets or borrow assets by providing collateral. The system relies on code execution rather than traditional financial institutions.
Context ∞ Decentralized lending protocols are a foundational component of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. News coverage frequently discusses the total value locked (TVL) in these protocols, interest rate fluctuations, and the potential risks associated with smart contract exploits or impermanent loss for liquidity providers. Discussions often revolve around the scalability, security, and regulatory outlook for these novel financial mechanisms. Innovations in collateralization methods and risk management are continuous areas of development.
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