Venus Protocol is an omnichain decentralized lending platform launched in 2020. It allows users to deposit cryptocurrencies as collateral to borrow other assets and earn interest on their deposits. The platform operates on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Base, ZKSync, Optimism, and opBNB.

The Venus DAO handles the protocol’s governance, and the XVS token enables decentralized decision-making and incentivizes participation. 

Venus also supports a wide range of assets to cater to the diverse needs of DeFi users. These include major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XPR), and Binance Coin (BNB).

Additionally, Venus integrates liquid staking tokens (LSTs) like Lido’s wstETH, liquid restaking tokens (LRTs) like Ether.fi’s eBTC, and leading stablecoins like USDT and USDC. The platform even supports assets like Ethena sUSDe, enabling synthetic dollar yield-bearing strategies. This diverse support enriches the ecosystem, allowing users to implement advanced financial strategies.

Venus Protocol is a secure, audited omnichain platform. Unlike multichain platforms, which operate independently on each network, omnichain systems enable seamless interactions across chains, improving liquidity and user efficiency. 

Venus also sets itself apart with features like Isolated Pools, which allow for independent risk management and prevent failures in one market from affecting the broader protocol. The Resilient Price Oracle ensures accurate pricing by pulling data from multiple sources, safeguarding against manipulation and single points of failure.

Another standout feature is Venus Prime, a program that rewards XVS stakers with additional incentives derived from protocol revenue. This promotes long-term engagement and sustainable growth while enhancing user participation across its ecosystem. Combined with its decentralized governance through the Venus DAO, Venus offers a balance of accessibility, security, and flexibility.

• Efficient cross-chain asset interaction enhances liquidity and user experience.
• Robust security through extensive audits ensures asset safety.
• Support for diverse asset categories, including LSTs, LRTs, and stablecoins.
• Venus Prime incentivizes long-term engagement and governance participation.

• No mobile apps.

Aave is a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol operating on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum, among others. 

The platform is governed by the AAVE token, which enables decentralized decision-making and offers governance rewards. 

Aave pioneered features like flash loans and collateral swaps, which add to the flexibility for users while maintaining security through over-collateralized loans and audited smart contracts.

With a total value locked (TVL) of over $21 billion, (as of January 2025) Aave commands strong liquidity and trustworthiness.

Aave provides a competitive APY (~4.27% depending on market conditions and the asset) and broad multichain accessibility. 

• Competitive APY rates.
• High TVL ensures strong liquidity.
• Supports a flexible liquidity pool model.
• Flash loans enable arbitrage opportunities and refinancing without collateral.

• Funds are not insured.

dForce Lending, now rebranded as Unitus Finance, is a decentralized, multichain money market platform operating across more than seven blockchain networks. 

Unitus Finance enables lending and borrowing across multiple cryptocurrencies, with native support for dForce’s USX stablecoin and real-world assets (RWA). 

Its unique liquidity pool model enhances flexibility and encourages broader participation in crypto lending.

We chose Unitus Finance for its ability to offer advanced DeFi tools and unique asset options. 

The integration of the USX stablecoin and RWAs expands its utility beyond traditional crypto lending. Its multichain setup ensures accessibility across major networks and serves a broader audience. 

Additionally, the innovative tokenomics and liquidity mechanisms align with user needs for security, flexibility, and long-term engagement.

• Operates on over seven blockchain networks for broader accessibility.
• Offers high capital efficiency with LTV ratios up to 99%.
• Supports cross-chain lending through native USX stablecoin liquidity.
• Provides isolated markets for long-tail assets with flexible risk controls.

• Some advanced features may challenge DeFi newcomers.

ZeroLend (ZERO) is a multichain lending and borrowing protocol specializing in Real World Assets (RWAs) and Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs). It operates across Ethereum and several layer-2 networks, including zkSync, Linea, and Manta Network. 

The platform was founded in 2023 and allows users to lend, borrow, and deposit a wide variety of assets, such as stablecoins, high-cap cryptocurrencies, and high-risk tokens. The protocol also features account abstraction (AA) to simplify DeFi access and improve the user experience.

We chose ZeroLend for its innovative approach to DeFi lending, particularly its integration of RWAs and LRTs, which unlock new opportunities for users.

Its multichain framework ensures accessibility across popular blockchains and serves a wider user base. The platform’s focus on high capital efficiency, with a decent loan-to-value ratio, and its user-friendly account abstraction features, align well with our priorities for usability.

• MulOperates across multiple chains, including Ethereum and key layer-2 networks.
• Provides unique support for RWAs and LRTs, expanding DeFi possibilities.
• Features account abstraction for simplified and gasless transactions.
• Backed by reputable institutional investors like Consensys and Polygon Ventures.

• Relatively new platform (founded in 2023) with evolving features.
• Focus on RWAs and LRTs may limit appeal to traditional DeFi users.