Automated Liquidation Bots
Automated liquidation bots are specialized software programs that monitor lending protocols for under-collateralized positions and execute liquidations when necessary. These bots are operated by independent participants who are incentivized by a fee, known as a liquidation bonus, which they earn for successfully liquidating a risky position.
This mechanism ensures that the protocol remains solvent without requiring manual intervention from the protocol team. The competition among these bots is a key part of the market microstructure, as they race to be the first to liquidate a position.
This speed and efficiency are crucial for maintaining the stability of the lending market. However, the concentration of these bots can also be a risk if they fail or act in a coordinated way.
They are essential actors in the DeFi ecosystem. They play a vital role in risk mitigation.