⚔️ Core Assets of Katana. ⚔️ @katana isn't just a chain; it's an ecosystem, and every powerful ecosystem needs a strong foundation. These core assets and protocols represent key infrastructure elements that drive Katana’s performance, usability, and scalability across DeFi. ⚔️ Agora – The Digital Dollar Engine (AUSD) @withAUSD is the issuer of AUSD, a fully-backed, fiat-minted stablecoin built for real use, not just speculation. ^ Why It Matters: AUSD is designed to be freely tradable and institutional-grade, giving users access to a stable, reliable medium of exchange on-chain. ^ In Katana’s World: Agora empowers on-chain commerce, lending, trading, and staking, all denominated in a stable value. It reduces volatility and brings much-needed predictability to DeFi strategies. ⚔️ BitVault – Fortress-Level Asset Security @BitVaultFinance focuses on secure asset management, offering a mix of custodial safety and smart on-chain integrations. ^ Why It Matters: In DeFi, security is everything. BitVault ensures user assets are stored and managed with maximum resilience against exploits or operational risks. ^ In Katana’s World: It gives institutional and individual users alike confidence to interact with the ecosystem, knowing their assets are protected by next-gen vault infrastructure. ⚔️ Ether_Fi – Ethereum Staking, Reinvented @ether_fi provides Ethereum staking infrastructure with decentralization and user sovereignty in mind. ^ Why It Matters: Traditional staking often relies on centralized platforms. Ether_Fi flips that by enabling non-custodial, liquid staking, letting users earn yield while keeping control of their ETH. ^ In Katana’s World: Ether_Fi allows stakers to bring ETH-native yield directly into Katana’s liquidity layer, powering collateral, lending, or farming with staked ETH positions. ⚔️ Jito – The MEV & Yield Layer from Solana @jito_sol is a protocol built on Solana, focusing on MEV (Miner Extractable Value) optimization and validator-side yield enhancements. ^ Why It Matters: MEV is a hidden force that shapes profit opportunities on-chain. Jito turns that hidden power into structured yield without harming user experience. ^ In Katana’s World: Even though it’s Solana-native, Jito’s logic and integrations can help Katana optimize validator incentives, enhance staking returns, and explore cross-chain yield strategies. ⚔️ Lombard – DeFi’s Collateral Engine @Lombard_Finance specializes in protocol-level collateralization, unlocking value from idle assets without requiring liquidation or loss of ownership. ^ Why It Matters: It's the foundation of capital efficiency; users can borrow, trade, or stake using their held assets without needing to sell them. ^ In Katana’s World: Lombard opens the door for powerful DeFi flows where staked, bridged, or rare assets can be reused as collateral across apps in the ecosystem. ⚔️ Universal – The Missing Bridge or Identity Layer? While still under wraps, @universaldotxyz likely refers to cross-chain routing or universal identity infrastructure—something Katana would deeply benefit from. ^ Why It Might Matter: As Katana expands its reach across chains, it needs secure, seamless bridges and ways to recognize users no matter where they come from. ^ In Katana’s World: Universal could serve as the glue that binds all apps, assets, and wallets, turning Katana into a frictionless, user-first experience across Web3.