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Sky Protocol (formerly MakerDAO) stands as one of the earliest and most widely adopted decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on Ethereum. Leveraging smart contracts, it enables the creation and management of stablecoins without the involvement of centralized entities, establishing itself as a foundational pillar in the stablecoin landscape.

How the Dai Stablecoin Works

Dai is a decentralized, overcollateralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Users generate Dai by depositing Ethereum or other governance-approved assets as collateral within a Sky Protocol Vault. Because the value of the collateral always exceeds the outstanding Dai debt, Dai’s stability is maintained.

Dai’s Monetary Properties and Use Cases

Dai fulfills all four core functions of money: store of value, medium of exchange, unit of account, and standard of deferred payment. It is used for payments and transfers, and the Dai Savings Rate (DSR) mechanism allows holders to earn interest. This utility positions Dai as a vital liquidity asset across the DeFi ecosystem.

Introduction and Differentiation of USDS Stablecoin

In 2024, MakerDAO rebranded as Sky Ecosystem and launched the USDS stablecoin. USDS is designed with greater emphasis on large-scale regulatory compliance and may include a “freeze function” in the future to meet global regulatory standards. Users can freely swap Dai and USDS via dedicated contracts.

The Role of Sky Vaults

Vaults serve as the primary user interface for interacting with the protocol. By opening a Vault, users collateralize assets and mint Dai. After repaying Dai and the stability fee, users regain access to their collateral. This architecture ensures both decentralization and secure asset management across the protocol.

Risk Management and Governance Framework

MKR, the governance token of Sky Protocol, is fundamental to system security. MKR holders vote on collateral requirements, risk parameters, and protocol upgrades. Built-in liquidation and auction mechanisms address risky Vaults, safeguarding the protocol’s overall stability.

Conclusion

Sky Protocol integrates its two stablecoins, Dai and USDS, alongside Vaults, governance, and auction mechanisms to deliver a decentralized and resilient financial infrastructure. It not only anchors the DeFi sector but also serves as a blueprint for bridging stablecoins and traditional finance.

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