Definition ∞ Short-term funding refers to capital obtained for a brief duration, typically less than one year, to meet immediate financial needs. In the digital asset sector, this can involve flash loans, overnight lending, or temporary collateralized borrowings. These financial instruments provide liquidity for trading, arbitrage, or covering operational expenses. They are characterized by quick repayment schedules and often higher interest rates.
Context ∞ Short-term funding mechanisms are prevalent in decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling rapid capital deployment for various yield-generating strategies. Discussions often highlight the risks associated with highly leveraged short-term positions and the potential for liquidation cascades. Future developments include enhanced risk management tools and more transparent lending protocols to improve the stability of these funding markets.