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In the world of decentralized finance (DeFi), the term "DeFi layer" refers to a specific level or component of the technological and financial infrastructure that enables decentralized financial applications. Think of it as a stack of building blocks, where each layer has a distinct function and relies on the layer below it. This layered architecture allows for a modular and composable system, where different protocols and applications can interact with each other.

While some models vary slightly, the DeFi ecosystem is generally understood to be composed of the following key layers:

The DeFi Stack

Here's a breakdown of the common layers, starting from the foundation and moving up to the user-facing level:

1. Settlement Layer
This is the foundational layer, also often referred to as "Layer 1". It consists of the blockchain itself and its native cryptocurrency (e.g., Ethereum and its token, Ether). This layer is responsible for the security of the network and for finalizing transactions, essentially acting as the ultimate ledger and court of record for all activity.

2. Asset Layer
Built on top of the settlement layer, the asset layer comprises all the tokens and digital assets that are issued on the blockchain. This includes the blockchain's native currency as well as other assets like stablecoins (e.g., USDC, DAI) and various other tokens created by different projects.

3. Protocol Layer
This layer is where the "DeFi" magic really begins. It consists of a set of rules and smart contracts that govern specific financial activities. These are open-source protocols that anyone can access and build upon. Key examples of DeFi protocols include:
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): Protocols like Uniswap and Curve that facilitate peer-to-peer token swaps.
- Lending and Borrowing Protocols: Platforms such as Aave and Compound that allow users to lend their assets to earn interest or borrow assets against collateral.
- Derivatives Protocols: Systems that enable the creation and trading of synthetic assets and other derivatives.

4. Application Layer
This is the user-facing layer where developers build applications that make it easy for people to interact with the underlying protocols. When you use a website or a mobile app to trade on a DEX or take out a loan, you are interacting with the application layer. This layer essentially provides a user-friendly interface to the complex workings of the protocol layer
5. Aggregation Layer
The highest level of the DeFi stack, the aggregation layer, consists of platforms that bring together various applications and protocols from the lower layers. These "aggregators" or "yield optimizers" aim to simplify the user experience by offering a single interface to interact with multiple DeFi services, often automatically finding the best rates or returns for a user's desired action.

By understanding this layered structure, you can better grasp how the decentralized financial system is built and how different projects and platforms fit into the broader ecosystem. Each layer builds upon the one below it, creating a robust and interconnected network of financial services.
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