EthereumZuri.ch 2024

On-Chain Undercollateralized Credit: Banking but Worse
04-06, 14:40–15:00 (Europe/Zurich), Verge Stage

In the rapidly evolving landscape of DeFi, one of the pressing challenges is the rigidness of current lending models, which predominantly rely on overcollateralization. This approach, while secure, limits flexibility and accessibility for a variety of participants.

This presentation explores the emergence of innovative lending solutions that aim to address these challenges by introducing undercollateralized lending mechanisms. Unlike the traditional models seen in well-known platforms, the new approaches allow for more diverse asset borrowing and lending, extending beyond the common stablecoins and WETH, and incorporate partial collateral withdrawals.
By integrating a trust element through rigorous KYC processes and market-driven terms, these novel mechanisms offer a secure and permissioned lending environment, shifting the paradigm from the principle of minimal trust.

This not only provides market makers and DeFi protocols with medium-term capital without the need to dilute their native tokens but also enhances asset liquidity, flexibility, and transparency within the DeFi ecosystem.

The discussion will cover the technical foundations of these innovative lending models, their implications for market participants, and the potential for fostering a more inclusive and stable DeFi ecosystem. The focus will be on understanding how undercollateralized credit facilities can reshape DeFi lending, highlighting the broader implications for growth and stability in the DeFi space.


This presentation examines the Wildcat protocol, showcasing its innovative undercollateralized lending approach as a significant departure from the overcollateralized norms in DeFi. Attendees will gain insight into how Wildcat's unique features—such as borrower-controlled market parameters and a secure, permissioned lending ecosystem—address current DeFi lending challenges. The talk will underscore Wildcat's potential to provide an alternative DeFi credit system by offering more adaptable and inclusive credit solutions.

Andreas Fletcher brings over 12 years of experience in blockchain and cryptocurrency, seamlessly integrating these technologies into traditional finance and spearheading notable projects at brainbot technologies and the Deutsche Börse Group. Currently, as the Head of Product at Wildcat Protocol, he is pioneering scalable, undercollateralized lending solutions to bridge traditional and decentralized finance. His leadership and innovative approach have consistently driven value creation and product innovation across the financial technology landscape.