Collateral Cascades

Collateral

Cascades represent a systemic risk phenomenon within interconnected financial networks, particularly pronounced in decentralized finance (DeFi) and crypto-asset markets. These events unfold when a decline in the value of an asset triggers margin calls and liquidations, subsequently reducing collateral backing other positions, initiating a feedback loop of forced selling. The propagation of this risk is accelerated by the composability inherent in DeFi protocols, where collateral often serves as input for multiple applications, amplifying initial shocks.