What is yearn.finance?

Yearn.finance (YFI) is a service that aims to simplify the intricate world of decentralized finance (DeFi) for users. It employs automation to assist users in optimizing their potential returns from yield farming. Launched in February 2020, the platform serves as an aggregator for DeFi protocols, striving to bring a competitive yield to those who stake cryptocurrency. The platform's in-house token, YFI, is earned by users through providing liquidity. Token holdings dictate governance privileges, enabling users to participate in the platform's decision-making process.

How does yearn.finance work?

Yearn.finance operates by utilizing various custom tools to act as an aggregator for DeFi protocols. It strives to simplify DeFi activities such as yield farming for a wider user base. The platform generates revenue by imposing withdrawal fees and gas subsidization fees, which can technically be altered by consensus at any time due to its governance model. New features are continually introduced, aiming to help maintain the long-term value of the platform. Users of yearn.finance earn YFI tokens through providing liquidity.

What are the potential use cases for yearn.finance?

Yearn.finance is designed for users who may not have the time or technical knowledge to delve into the increasingly intricate DeFi landscape, or who wish to optimize their returns. By acting as an aggregator for DeFi protocols, it allows users to stake their cryptocurrency and potentially receive a competitive yield. The platform also offers governance privileges to YFI token holders, enabling them to participate in decision-making processes. This makes yearn.finance a potentially useful tool for individuals, DAOs, and other protocols seeking to earn yield on their digital assets.

What is the history of yearn.finance?

Yearn.finance was launched in February 2020 by Andre Cronje, who had previously departed from the iEarn project. After its launch, the platform experienced growth as new products were introduced and the in-house token YFI was released in July. The platform's situation has since changed, with assets under total value locked coming in at just over $1 billion as of the end of September 2020. Cronje, who has experience in cryptocurrency and DeFi, continues to contribute to the platform's development.