Automated Market Makers (AMMs)

Architecture

Automated Market Makers (AMMs) represent a fundamental shift in exchange design, utilizing algorithmic liquidity provision rather than traditional order books. These systems rely on mathematical formulas to price assets, typically employing a constant product formula, and facilitate trading directly against a liquidity pool. The core architectural component involves smart contracts that govern the pool’s composition and execute trades, eliminating the need for intermediaries and enabling decentralized exchange functionality. This design inherently impacts market depth and price discovery, creating a dynamic interplay between trading volume and impermanent loss.