Starting on a fundamental level, DeFi is a demanding and rapidly evolving sector. Naturally, the protocol that hosts it must be able to keep pace with it. A core strength of Casper is its ability to adapt to change. Major protocol upgrades constantly enhance the network, making it more secure and robust for any development, including DeFi development.  

Casper is already equipped with many of the tools and features enabling DeFi projects. The most recent upgrade boosted network performance and enhanced security measures. The coming upgrades are paving the way toward the Condor release.

Ultimately, the Condor release represents a significant advancement for the Casper Network, aiming to more closely meet the evolving needs and expectations of any project building on Casper, including DeFi applications. This upgrade brings critical enhancements, benefitting DeFi applications and features such as multi-signature capabilities for improved security and predictable gas fees for more transparent transaction planning. These improvements are designed to offer a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly experience in decentralized finance.

Additionally, we are continually developing and implementing CEP (Casper Enhancement Proposals) standards to elevate the functionality and interoperability within our ecosystem.

To unlock the potential of DeFi projects, a large, active, and engaged community of token holders is crucial. The Casper Association recognizes this and is committed to expanding the accessibility of cspr in various global markets.

Our efforts in making cspr more accessible have significantly accelerated entering 2024, leading to notable successes such as making cspr available on Bitvavo, a leading European exchange. This listing allows Europe-based projects to have access to the growing base of cspr holders. In addition, it allows for EUR fiat exchange.  While specific details about upcoming cspr listings cannot be disclosed at this time, creating more access points for cspr remains a top priority.  

We are actively supporting DeFi projects with grants from the Casper Accelerate Grant Program, ensuring that critical infrastructure is built by experienced teams.

DeFi primitives on Casper encompass AMMs and DEXs, with platforms such as CasperSwap and FriendlyMarket. Oracles like FluideFi provide essential data, while bridges including Paradiso (formerly DotOracle) and RocketX facilitate asset transfers across networks. On and off ramps like Ramp, Uphold Topper, and Alchemy Pay play a crucial role in integrating cryptocurrencies with traditional financial systems, collectively shaping Casper's dynamic DeFi ecosystem.

The Accelerate Grant Program continues to support the development of new DeFi primitives and has ongoing grants in this area.  The grant committee actively reviews new applications and engages in negotiations with various projects. The team is working to finalize the process for new AMMs, DEXs, oracles, and bridges to launch on the Casper Network.

The ability to use stablecoins is essential for any ecosystem to scale. We recognize the vital role of stablecoins in the blockchain ecosystem and are actively exploring effective solutions for their integration. This is a priority for the Casper Association, and we are working closely with various stakeholders to integrate native USD and EURO stablecoins on Casper. It is important to note that the integration of stablecoins depends on various factors, many of which are outside of the control of Casper.  

As seen, our DeFi initiatives encompass various objectives. The expansion of Total Value Locked (TVL) within our DeFi ecosystem is one of the priorities. Recent trends indicate promising progress in achieving this particular aspect of our broader goals related to decentralized finance.

Since its launch, the Casper Developer Portal has been serving as a valuable source for builders by providing well-organized, comprehensive documentation, improved SDKs, easy access to tutorials and code samples, and an active community hub. DeFi developers can leverage the portal as a one-stop shop for building their dApps.

With CSPR Suite, Casper offers some of the most advanced integration capabilities for any user interface and connectivity to any environment.  Designed for developers to easily build on and integrate into their applications, the products in the suite are set to save significant effort in development and integration time as well as enhance the user experience for accelerating mass adoption.

The Odra Rust Framework is set to become the optimal RUST toolkit for Casper. Designed to simplify Rust smart contract development, the integration will make DeFi builders’ jobs significantly easier. Its pragmatic design approach and handling of common development challenges allow developers to concentrate on creating smart contracts and dApps efficiently. The Odra Rust Framework will be available in the first half of 2024, prior to the Condor release.

We are committed to building a resilient, sustainable ecosystem that includes DeFi on Casper. As we set our sights on 2024, our excitement builds. This year is shaping up to be a defining period for Casper with the Condor release.  It will result in an accelerated ecosystem expansion, continuously improved developer experience, and the ability for builders to add to the DeFi ecosystem already existing.

Join us on our twice a month community calls where you can learn more about Casper and ask your questions.

Sincerely,

Ralf Kubli, Board of Directors, Casper Association