Collateralization and Liquidation
The Unstable Protocol uses overcollateralization to ensure the stability of nUSD. This page explains how collateralization works and what happens during liquidation.
Collateralization
Every nUSD in circulation is backed by more than $1 worth of collateral. The protocol requires users to maintain a minimum collateralization ratio for their positions. This ratio varies by collateral type but is typically at least 125%.
Supported Collateral Types
Unstable accepts multiple types of high-quality collateral across different asset classes:
stS
scETH
scUSD
wstkscUSD: Wrapped staked scUSD
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Monitoring Your Collateral Health
Your position's health is determined by the ratio between your collateral's value and your debt. To calculate this:
Collateralization Ratio = (Collateral Value) / (nUSD Debt)
You can monitor your collateral health on the Unstable Protocol dashboard. It's important to maintain a healthy buffer above the minimum required ratio to protect against market volatility.
Liquidation
Liquidation is the mechanism that ensures the protocol remains solvent even when collateral values drop.
When Liquidation Happens
If a vault's collateral falls below the safe threshold (e.g., 125%), it becomes eligible for liquidation. This can happen due to:
A decrease in the market value of your collateral
A depeg of the collateral asset (for stablecoin collaterals)
The Liquidation Process
When liquidation occurs:
The system detects that a position has fallen below the minimum collateralization ratio
The Stability Pool provides nUSD to cover the debt
The liquidated collateral (minus a penalty) is distributed to Stability Pool depositors
The user's debt is cleared, and any remaining collateral is returned to the user
Liquidation Penalty
A liquidation fee is applied when positions fall below the minimum collateralization ratio. The exact fee varies by collateral type.
How to Avoid Liquidation
To prevent liquidation:
Monitor your position regularly
Add more collateral when your ratio approaches the minimum threshold
Partially repay your debt to improve your collateralization ratio
Maintain a healthy buffer above the minimum required ratio
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