Canto
Canto is a permissionless, EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain designed to deliver decentralized finance (DeFi) through free public infrastructure.
Overview
Canto is a permissionless, general-purpose Layer 1 blockchain that runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It is built to fulfill the promise of decentralized finance (DeFi) by providing accessible, transparent, and decentralized financial infrastructure. Canto operates on a Proof of Stake consensus layer built with the Cosmos SDK and uses Ethermint to enable EVM compatibility. This architecture allows developers familiar with Ethereum tooling to deploy smart contracts and DeFi applications seamlessly on Canto.
The blockchain emphasizes Free Public Infrastructure (FPI) by offering core DeFi primitives without fees or rent extraction. Key components include the Canto DEX, a zero-fee decentralized exchange for liquidity providers, and the Canto Lending Market (CLM), a pooled lending protocol forked from Compound v2. The ecosystem also features NOTE, a fully collateralized stablecoin pegged softly to USDC/USDT, issued by the lending market. Canto’s design avoids centralized incentives by having no official foundation, no presale, no vesting, and no venture capital backing, fostering a community-driven development model.
Canto targets DeFi developers and financial institutions seeking a censorship-resistant, low-cost execution environment with free liquidity provision. Developers can get started by connecting to the network using standard Ethereum-compatible wallets and tools, leveraging comprehensive documentation and community resources. The chain supports integration with third-party aggregators for trading, as Canto intentionally avoids native swapping interfaces to promote decentralized user acquisition. Its open governance and community engagement model encourage contributions and innovation without centralized control.
The Problem
Many DeFi platforms face high fees, centralized control, and rent extraction that limit accessibility and transparency. Existing blockchains often impose costs on liquidity providers and users, hindering the growth of truly decentralized financial infrastructure.
The Solution
Key Features
Canto DEX
A zero-fee decentralized exchange designed to provide free liquidity for protocols and traders.
Canto Lending Market (CLM)
A pooled lending protocol forked from Compound v2, enabling borrowing and lending with the NOTE stablecoin.
NOTE stablecoin
A fully collateralized, soft-pegged stablecoin issued by the lending market to serve as a unit of account within the ecosystem.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Canto
Building zero-fee DeFi protocols
Developers can deploy decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and other financial applications without charging fees to liquidity providers.
Creating stablecoin-backed lending and borrowing markets
Financial institutions and DeFi teams can leverage the Canto Lending Market and NOTE stablecoin to offer decentralized credit services.
Integrating with third-party aggregators for decentralized trading
Protocols can rely on external aggregators for user trading interfaces, promoting minimal user capture and decentralized liquidity access.
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Pricing
Free Public Infrastructure | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via Discord and GitHub |
| Analytics |
Resources
Canto provides extensive documentation covering network architecture, DeFi primitives, user guides, and developer onboarding. The community maintains active Discord and Twitter channels for support and updates.