Starknet DeFi Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Guide to Decentralized Finance on Layer 2

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Introduction to Starknet's DeFi Landscape

Starknet, Ethereum's scalable Layer 2 Validity Rollup, hosts a thriving decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Its low-cost transactions and high throughput enable seamless access to DeFi dApps, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending protocols, yield aggregators, and cross-chain bridges. This guide explores Starknet’s DeFi infrastructure, highlighting key platforms and their unique value propositions.


Cross-Chain Bridges: Interoperability Made Efficient

Starkgate

The official Ethereum-Starknet bridge supporting ETH and ERC-20 tokens. Uses L1/L2 bridge contracts with Starknet’s messaging for secure, trustless transfers.

👉 Explore Starkgate’s cross-chain swaps

Garden

Fastest Bitcoin bridge enabling sub-30-second swaps via peer-to-peer settlements. Eliminates custody risks with its intents-based architecture.

RhinoFi

Lightning-fast stablecoin liquidity layer offering instant cross-chain swaps via a unified API.

Layerswap

Cost-efficient asset bridging to Starknet from 60+ blockchains and 15+ centralized exchanges (CEXs).


Automated Market Makers (AMMs) & Decentralized Exchanges

Ekubo

Advanced AMM with concentrated liquidity, extensibility, and minimal fees.

AVNU

Decentralized exchange optimizing trade execution through robust liquidity infrastructure.

Fibrous

Multi-AMM price aggregator ensuring the cheapest rates for token swaps on Starknet.

10KSwap

Scaling AMM leveraging rollup technology to reduce fees and enhance Layer 2 liquidity.


Perpetuals & Derivatives

Paradex

High-performance perpetual DEX with deep liquidity and capital efficiency.

Carmine Options

Options trading platform for hedging and strategic digital asset investments.


Lending & Borrowing Protocols

Vesu

Permissionless lending protocol allowing customizable market creation.

Nostra

Versatile liquidity protocol for earning yield and borrowing against collateral.

Hashstack

ZK-native money market enabling undercollateralized loans for retail users.


Yield Optimization & Staking

STRKFarm

Yield aggregator automating asset allocation across Starknet DeFi strategies.

Endurfi

Liquid staking platform offering xSTRK tokens for unlocked liquidity while staking STRK.


Real-World Assets (RWA)

Spiko

Onchain money market funds for EU/US Treasury bills.

Carbonable

Tokenized carbon credits funding nature regeneration projects.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Starknet ideal for DeFi?

Starknet’s Validity Rollup architecture reduces Ethereum’s congestion and fees while maintaining security, enabling scalable DeFi dApps like low-cost AMMs and lending platforms.

How do I bridge assets to Starknet?

Use Starkgate (for ETH/ERC-20) or Layerswap (multi-chain support). For Bitcoin, Garden offers the fastest swaps.

👉 Start bridging assets securely

Are Starknet DeFi protocols audited?

Top platforms like AVNU and Nostra undergo rigorous smart contract audits. Always verify audits before interacting.

Can I stake STRK tokens?

Yes, via Endurfi (for liquid staking) or StakingRewards for traditional staking.

What are RWAs in DeFi?

Tokenized real-world assets (e.g., real estate, Treasuries) bringing traditional finance onchain. Spiko and Tauvlo are leading examples.


Conclusion

Starknet’s DeFi ecosystem merges Ethereum’s security with Layer 2 scalability, offering diverse tools from cross-chain swaps to yield farming. As adoption grows, platforms like Ekubo (AMM) and Nostra (lending) exemplify the network’s innovation.

For developers and users alike, Starknet is redefining DeFi trading platforms with its speed, affordability, and interoperability.

👉 Discover more Starknet DeFi projects


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