Synthetix is a decentralized synthetic asset distribution protocol created on Ethereum and the Optimistic Ethereum network (a layer two scaling protocol built on Ethereum). The platform has developed a locked-in contract centralized with the native token SNX for the creation of Synths, or ‘Synthetic assets’. These synthetic assets enable users to perform transactions between Synths directly with the smart contract, avoiding the need for counterparties. The pooled collateral model allows users to crack liquidity and slippage issues experienced by decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Synthetix currently supports traditional synthetic currencies, cryptocurrencies, and commodities.

According to its litepaper, SNX holders are rewarded for staking their tokens based on a pro-rata share of the fees developed via the trading activity on Synthetix from integrators. Synths are created when SNX holders stake their SNX as collateral on the Synthetix Staking app, a decentralized application (dApp) for communicating with the Synthetix contract. Subsequently, all Synths are backed by SNX tokens. However, traders do not need to hold SNX tokens to trade on the Synthetix infrastructure.

Next, Synthetix also utilizes Ether (ETH) as an alternative form of collateral. This represents that traders can get Synths against their ETH and start trading instantly, rather than needing to give up on their ETH. It creates a debt denominated in ETH, so ETH stakers mint sETH.

Trading on Synthetix infrastructure delivers many benefits over centralized exchanges and order book-based DEXs. The scarcity of an order book represents that all trades are conducted against the contract, known as peer-to-contract (P2C) trading. Assets are allocated an exchange rate via price feeds offered by an oracle and can be converted utilizing the Kwenta.io dApp. This provides endless liquidity up to the total amount of collateral in the system, zero slippage, and permissionless on-chain (on blockchain) trading.