Lending

Lending protocols form the backbone of the decentralized money market, allowing users to lend or borrow digital assets without intermediaries. Using smart contracts, platforms like Aave and Morpho automate interest rates based on supply and demand while requiring over-collateralization for security. The 2026 lending landscape features advanced permissionless vaults and institutional-grade credit lines. This tag covers the evolution of capital efficiency, liquidations, and the integration of diverse collateral types, including LSTs and tokenized RWAs.

15628 Articles
Created: 2026/02/02 18:52
Updated: 2026/02/02 18:52
Stablecoin Issuer Tether Set to Rival Banks in Commodity Trade Lending

Stablecoin Issuer Tether Set to Rival Banks in Commodity Trade Lending

Leading stablecoin issuer Tether is positioning itself to compete with banks in commodity trade lending after deploying approximately $1.5 billion in credit to the market, according to a Bloomberg report. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino revealed on November 14 that the firm intends to scale up its lending activities across multiple commodity markets, ranging from oil and cotton to wheat and various agricultural goods. The company has provided loans in both US dollars and its USDT stablecoin, which is backed by U.S. Treasury bills and precious metals like gold. While Tether remains a minority player compared to the most active banks in commodities lending, the income it generates from its nearly $200 billion in reserves gives the company significant firepower to compete. Last October, Cryptonews covered Tether’s preliminary conversations with multiple companies regarding dollar-denominated lending ventures. At that time, Ardoino noted: “We’re unlikely to publicly share specific investment figures for commodity trading. Our strategy is still taking shape.” He emphasized that future prospects are “enormous,” with Tether keen to pursue diverse opportunities within commodity markets. The Current Commodity Lending Model Commodity trade lending is essentially short-term credit that helps commodity producers, traders, and buyers manage the timing and costs associated with purchasing, transporting, and selling physical goods. Banks have historically filled this role by helping merchants manage cash flow gaps between upstream payments to suppliers and downstream collections from customers. However, the process tends to be documentation-heavy and time-consuming, though banks bring decades of operational know-how, regulatory frameworks, and a longstanding partnership with major commodity firms. How Tether’s Approach Differs Tether’s commodity lending model operates in a simpler, faster manner; instead of relying solely on bank wires or letters of credit, it lends either U.S. dollars or USDT directly to commodity traders. Because USDT transfers settle near instantly across borders, it is already widely used in emerging markets, particularly in commodity-exporting regions. Tether can offer quicker access to working capital when traders need liquidity most. Where Tether could also rival banks is in speed of settlement and access to liquidity in markets where traditional financing is slow or expensive. A trader who might wait days for a bank to process a loan or verify documents could receive funds in minutes via USDT, enabling them to move cargo or secure a shipment before prices shift. Tether’s commodities finance push arrives several years after traditional banks reduced their exposure to this sector following multiple high-profile failures and fraud allegations that damaged lender confidence.Source: X/APM Research This has led to a growing market for private credit, especially for financing deals in riskier locations where banks are less willing to lend. For Tether and other private lenders, commodities finance is also attractive because credit facilities typically cycle through multiple uses within compressed timeframes, generating frequent and consistent interest payments. Tether’s Financial Position Tether appears unstoppable right now, with the world’s largest stablecoin issuer on track to generate approximately $15 billion this year. Bitwise’s chief investment officer, Matt Houga, recently predicted that Tether could become the world’s most profitable company, potentially overtaking Saudi Aramco. It’s the world’s third-largest digital asset with a market capitalization of $183.8 billion, up 50% compared to this time last year. Although Tether maintains strong cash reserves, recent reports suggest that the company may seek $20 billion in new capital for a 3% ownership stake. Such a transaction would establish a valuation near $500 billion, eclipsing Netflix and Samsung while approaching iconic financial services brands like Mastercard. The firm has simultaneously expanded its precious metals holdings, with its gold reserves now exceeding $12 billion. To support this expansion, Tether recently brought on board leadership from HSBC’s metals division to strengthen its bullion infrastructure

Author: CryptoNews
Cardano (ADA) vs Mutuum Finance (MUTM): Where to Put Your Money in 2025

Cardano (ADA) vs Mutuum Finance (MUTM): Where to Put Your Money in 2025

As the crypto market prepares to enter the next big cycle, investors are weighing the options to identify the best crypto to buy for long-term gain. Cardano (ADA) is still one among the most popular layer-1 blockchain platforms but has shown lower price appreciation and has yet to capitalize on its on-chain development successes. On [...] The post Cardano (ADA) vs Mutuum Finance (MUTM): Where to Put Your Money in 2025 appeared first on Blockonomi.

Author: Blockonomi
rcUSD+ Powers the Next Wave of Real-World Assets on Polygon

rcUSD+ Powers the Next Wave of Real-World Assets on Polygon

TLDR rcUSD+ delivers regulated, stable yield by backing tokens with real-world assets. Polygon integration boosts scalable, transparent onchain returns for rcUSD+ users. R25 merges institutional-grade finance with DeFi through rcUSD+’s secure design. Yield from money-market assets powers rcUSD+ as a trusted DeFi store of value. rcUSD+ sets a compliant standard for on-chain yield and real-world [...] The post rcUSD+ Powers the Next Wave of Real-World Assets on Polygon appeared first on CoinCentral.

Author: Coincentral
The Graph Brings Token API to TRON, Unlocking Faster Web3 Development

The Graph Brings Token API to TRON, Unlocking Faster Web3 Development

On-chain data

Author: Coindoo
Coinbase Challenges Bank Push Against Stablecoin Rewards

Coinbase Challenges Bank Push Against Stablecoin Rewards

TLDR Coinbase defends stablecoin rewards as banks push for tighter regulation. U.S. banks seek to limit stablecoin perks, sparking Coinbase backlash. Coinbase fights bank pressure to ban stablecoin cashback programs. Banking giants clash with Coinbase over consumer crypto incentives. Stablecoin rewards ignite new front in Coinbase vs. banks battle. Coinbase has intensified its confrontation with [...] The post Coinbase Challenges Bank Push Against Stablecoin Rewards appeared first on CoinCentral.

Author: Coincentral
Here Are the Best Crypto Presales to Consider as $BTC Slides Back Under $100K

Here Are the Best Crypto Presales to Consider as $BTC Slides Back Under $100K

Takeaways: With $BTC pulling back and liquidity thinning, staggered early entries can help smooth out the volatility. Presales let investors […] The post Here Are the Best Crypto Presales to Consider as $BTC Slides Back Under $100K appeared first on Coindoo.

Author: Coindoo
How Sierra Protocol Plans to Reshape DeFi Yield Generation With Dynamic Rebalancing

How Sierra Protocol Plans to Reshape DeFi Yield Generation With Dynamic Rebalancing

Sierra Protocol launched SIERRA, the first dynamically rebalanced Liquid Yield Token on Avalanche, combining investment-grade RWAs and DeFi protocols into a single, auto-rebalancing portfolio. Built on OpenTrade's infrastructure, it eliminates lockups and staking requirements while providing real-time transparency. The token addresses stablecoin depeg risks by allowing value to float with portfolio performance, though success depends on execution of its Risk Framework and competitive positioning as similar products emerge.

Author: Hackernoon
V1 Protocol Launch Approaching, As MUTM Raises Over $18.7 Million in Presale

V1 Protocol Launch Approaching, As MUTM Raises Over $18.7 Million in Presale

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) will have a total supply of 4B tokens. The project has raised approximately $18.7 million and over 18,000 holders have already participated across presale phases. MUTM will operate on two lending architectures designed to create recurring token activity.

Author: Hackernoon
Ethereum-Based Protocol Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Crosses $18.5 Million in Funding as V1 Launch Nears

Ethereum-Based Protocol Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Crosses $18.5 Million in Funding as V1 Launch Nears

Mutuum Finance has raised more than $18.5 million in its presale. The project is transitioning from pure development to the final testing phase before mainnet release. Mutuum Finance is designed to bring efficiency and transparency to DeFi lending markets.

Author: Hackernoon
The ROI of Play: Why Investing in Community Spaces Benefits Business and Brand

The ROI of Play: Why Investing in Community Spaces Benefits Business and Brand

Businesses can invest in community spaces to improve quality of life and ROI. Community spaces can also help businesses build a positive brand perception. PlaygroundEquipment.com is a great example of this concept in action.

Author: Hackernoon