HorizonPrice

(HZN)

Horizon Protocol is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that enables the creation and trading of on-chain synthetic assets (zAssets). These zAssets mirror the value and performance of real-world assets like currencies, commodities, and stocks. The platform aims to bridge traditional financial markets with the decentralized world by offering features such as low fees, deep liquidity, and high leverage options for trading. Built on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), it provides faster transactions and lower fees.

HZN is the native token of the Horizon Protocol with several key uses. It serves as collateral for minting synthetic assets (zAssets) on the platform. Users can stake HZN to earn weekly rewards derived from the protocol's inflationary policy and zAsset trading fees, though staking requires minting zUSD and maintaining a sufficient Collateralization Ratio (C-Ratio). Additionally, HZN holders participate in the project's decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), allowing them to vote on critical network parameters and Horizon Improvement Proposals.

To stake HZN, users must mint zUSD, a stablecoin backed by their staked HZN. This zUSD acts as an interest-free debt that must be repaid to unstake HZN. A crucial requirement is managing your Collateralization Ratio (C-Ratio) to remain eligible for rewards and avoid liquidation; the protocol dynamically adjusts staked HZN to maintain a target C-Ratio (e.g., 600%). While there's no specific minimum HZN, BNB tokens are needed for network gas fees. Staked HZN remains in the user's wallet but is flagged and cannot be transferred until unstaked.

Synthetic assets, or zAssets, are digital representations that track the price of real-world assets without requiring direct ownership of the underlying asset. They are created by staking HZN tokens and are designed for easy exchange on the Horizon platform, backed by a shared liquidity pool. Currently, the platform offers zUSD, a stablecoin pegged to the USD, and plans to expand the variety of tradable synthetic assets to include other currencies, commodities, and stocks.

Horizon Protocol is continuously evolving. Key features and future plans include a decentralized perpetual futures exchange for leveraged trading with stop-loss and limit orders, aiming for competitive fees and no slippage. The protocol is also pioneering AI-featured trading through partnerships and introducing easier onramps like collateralized loans/shorts and zAsset wrappers. Future developments include a Smart Account Manager for enhanced margin control, exploration of social programs like referral systems, and long-term plans for cross-chain deployments via CCIP and a mobile application.

HZN can be purchased on various supported cryptocurrency exchanges.