Frankencoin (ZCHF) operates on the Ethereum blockchain, leveraging a set of smart contracts to ensure its functionality and security. At its core, Frankencoin is a collateralized, oracle-free stablecoin designed to track the value of the Swiss franc. This unique approach aims to establish a decentralized financial system, empowering individuals to create their own money backed by collateral.
The Ethereum blockchain, known for its robust security and decentralized nature, provides the foundation for Frankencoin. By utilizing Ethereum's infrastructure, Frankencoin benefits from the network's consensus mechanism, which involves multiple nodes validating transactions to prevent attacks from bad actors. This decentralized validation process ensures that no single entity can manipulate the system, maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the blockchain.
Frankencoin employs two ERC-20 tokens: Frankencoin (ZCHF) and Frankencoin Pool Shares (FPS). These tokens are integral to the system's operation. ZCHF serves as the stablecoin, while FPS represents shares in the collateral pool. The collateral pool is a crucial component, as it backs the value of ZCHF, ensuring its stability and reliability.
One of the standout features of Frankencoin is its auction-based liquidation mechanism. Unlike other collateralized stablecoins that rely on external price sources, Frankencoin's mechanism operates independently of such sources. This independence enhances its decentralization and versatility, allowing it to support a wide range of collateral types available in the market. However, this mechanism is slower than others, making it less suitable for highly volatile collateral.
The smart contracts governing Frankencoin have undergone rigorous testing by reputable entities such as Blockbite, Code4rena, and ChainSecurity. These tests ensure the contracts' security and functionality, providing users with confidence in the system's reliability. Additionally, the economic properties of these smart contracts were analyzed as part of a dissertation, further validating their robustness.
Frankencoin's vision extends beyond just being a stablecoin. The team behind it aims to democratize the process of money creation through blockchain technology. By allowing individuals to create their own money backed by collateral, Frankencoin seeks to empower users and promote financial inclusion. This vision aligns with the broader goals of decentralized finance (DeFi), which strives to create a more open and accessible financial system for everyone.
The absence of oracles in Frankencoin's design is another notable aspect. Oracles are external data sources that provide information to smart contracts. While they are commonly used in many blockchain applications, they can introduce vulnerabilities and dependencies. By eliminating the need for oracles, Frankencoin reduces potential points of failure and enhances its security and reliability.
The flexibility in the types of collateral that can be used to back Frankencoin is a significant advantage. In principle, any sufficiently available collateral in the market can be utilized, providing users with a wide range of options. This flexibility allows for greater adaptability and resilience in various market conditions, contributing to the stability and robustness of the Frankencoin system.