Definition ∞ A Liquidity Provider is an entity or individual who supplies assets to a decentralized exchange or lending protocol, facilitating trading and borrowing activities. By contributing cryptocurrency pairs to liquidity pools, these providers enable other users to exchange tokens or access loans. In return for their contribution, liquidity providers earn a share of the transaction fees generated by the platform. They are essential for the efficient functioning of decentralized finance ecosystems.
Context ∞ Crypto news often highlights the role of Liquidity Providers in decentralized finance (DeFi), discussing the incentives, risks, and innovations associated with this function. Reports frequently cover topics such as impermanent loss, yield farming strategies, and the security of various liquidity protocols. Understanding liquidity provision is fundamental to grasping the operational mechanics and investment opportunities within the growing DeFi sector.