What is Swarm Markets (SMT)?
Swarm Markets (SMT) is the native token of the Swarm Markets platform, the world’s first licensed decentralised finance (DeFi) platform. It bridges traditional finance (TradFi) and blockchain technology, enabling compliant and secure trading of tokenised real-world assets (RWAs) and cryptocurrencies.
How does Swarm Markets (SMT) work?
SMT operates as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, with additional integrations on Polygon, Arbitrum, and Base. Key functionalities include:
- Automated Market Maker (AMM): Enhanced with a compliance layer for KYC/AML verification.
- Smart Contracts: Manage staking rewards, governance voting, and dOTC (decentralised over-the-counter) trading.
- xTokens: Permissioned assets tied to compliance protocols for secure asset trading.
- Regulatory Compliance: Licensed by Germany’s BaFin and incorporates institutional-grade identity verification through partnerships.
These features position Swarm Markets as a secure and compliant solution for merging TradFi and DeFi.
What are the potential use cases for Swarm Markets (SMT)?
Swarm Markets provides multiple use cases across DeFi and traditional finance:
- Tokenised Asset Trading: Enables trading of tokenised stocks, bonds, and gold.
- Staking Rewards: Users can stake SMT to earn rewards tied to RWA holdings.
- Governance: Token holders participate in platform governance decisions.
- Liquidity Provision: SMT supports decentralised exchange liquidity.
- Compliant dOTC Trading: Facilitates secure, high-volume trades for institutions.
The platform is geared toward industries like DeFi, tokenisation, and cryptocurrency trading.
What is the history of Swarm Markets (SMT)?
Swarm Markets was co-founded in October 2021 by Philipp Pieper and Timo Lehes. Both founders have significant experience in fintech and blockchain, contributing to the platform’s focus on compliance and innovation.
Significant Milestones:
- January 2022: Launched a decentralised exchange (DEX) on Polygon.
- May 2022: Introduced institutional-grade liquid staking.
- February 2023: Enabled trading of tokenised stocks backed by real equities.
- June 2024: Won the “Outstanding Contribution to DeFi” award from Crypto AM.
Evolution:
Swarm Markets has grown into a regulated DeFi platform that seamlessly integrates traditional finance features like tokenised securities with blockchain-based trading. Its focus on compliance and partnerships with identity verification providers has steadily expanded its user base and positioned it as a leader in compliant DeFi.
Partnerships:
- Yoti: For global identity verification services.
- Institutional KYC/AML Providers: Ensures compliance with regulatory standards.