Enzyme Finance (MLN) is a decentralized asset management protocol designed to simplify crypto investing. Instead of juggling multiple platforms, users can manage their entire investment strategy or invest in high-performing funds through a single, unified interface.
Originally launched as Melon Protocol, the project rebranded to Enzyme but retained its native token, $MLN. Its core mission is to enable anyone, anywhere, to invest in a decentralized manner, regardless of their capital size. It also allows portfolio managers to create and manage their own investment funds, tracking performance and expanding strategies with external capital.
For individual investors, Enzyme offers access to professionally managed funds with attractive returns, without requiring them to hand over custody of their assets to centralized entities—a significant shift from traditional investment funds.
Currently, Enzyme hosts 254 investment vaults managing a total value locked (TVL) of $8.3 million. The largest vault, the Rhino Fund, holds $3.8 million in assets.
Understanding Enzyme's Tokenomics
The original tokenomics of MLN under the Melon Protocol were inefficient for both developers and token holders, reflected in the token's prolonged price stagnation. While other cryptocurrencies surged in mid-2020, MLN remained around $6.50, down 36x from its 2018 peak.
In response, the founding developers—Tom Shaughnessy, Ceteris Paribus, and Chris Manessis—proposed a comprehensive overhaul called MIP7 in June 2020.
The most critical change introduced in MIP7 concerns token issuance. Previously, the system perpetually minted 300,600 MLN tokens annually to compensate developers, contributing to persistent inflation and price depreciation.
Under MIP7, the annual issuance rate decreases by 20% each year, starting from the 300,600 baseline, asymptotically approaching zero. Any unused tokens from a year's allocation are carried over, but the maximum usable amount is capped at the previous year's issuance, with excess tokens being burned.
This deflationary mechanism aims to create scarcity, potentially increasing the token's value over time while ensuring sustainable developer compensation.
Key Features of Enzyme Finance
The Sulu Upgrade
Enzyme's recent Sulu upgrade introduced several new features to enhance user experience:
- Borrowing Functionality: Users can now take out loans to maximize their investment returns through leverage.
- Vault Token Transfers: Vault-specific tokens, which were previously non-transferable, can now be moved freely.
- ETH Staking: Direct Ethereum staking capabilities are integrated into the platform.
- Multi-Protocol Yield Farming: Users can engage in yield farming across various DeFi protocols.
- Strategic Partnerships: Integrations with blue-chip DeFi platforms like Aave, Curve, Idle, and Balancer bring new functionality and could attract a broader user base.
Efficient Portfolio Management
In a space often criticized for hype, Enzyme focuses on delivering real-world utility. It supports over 150 different crypto assets, allowing managers to lend, borrow, and use leverage within their strategies.
The platform also integrates synthetic asset trading, automated market makers (AMMs), and advanced management tools, providing managers with the flexibility to maximize fund performance.
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The MIP7 Fee Structure
Beyond tokenomics, MIP7 revamped the protocol's fee model:
- A 10 bps (0.1%) fee is charged on each investment into a vault.
A 20 bps (0.2%) annual management fee is applied to assets under management (AUM). This fee can be discounted by holding MLN tokens:
- Tier 1: 100 MLN → 5% discount
- Tier 2: 1,000 MLN → 10% discount
- Tier 3: 5,000 MLN → 15% discount
- Tier 4: 10,000 MLN → 20% discount
The previous $150 fee to create a fund has been eliminated. All fees are paid in ETH, which the protocol uses to buy back and burn MLN tokens, further reducing supply.
The Team and Product Vision
Enzyme is backed by Avantgarde Finance, led by CEO Mona el Isa, a veteran of traditional finance with experience founding a hedge fund. The team is known for its innovative approach to building and integrating with other DeFi protocols.
Their commitment to continuous product development, evidenced by the rebrand from Melon and the Sulu upgrade, demonstrates a long-term vision crucial for surviving the fast-paced crypto market.
Growth Potential for Enzyme (MLN)
Token Value vs. Total Value Locked (TVL)
Enzyme currently has a market capitalization of approximately $45 million against a TVL of $8 million. Over the past six months, its market cap has fluctuated between $20–80 million while TVL has stayed in the $5–10 million range. This suggests the token may be fairly valued with room for growth based on its utility.
The MIP7 model is designed to increase transaction volume, raise protocol fees, and reduce token supply, creating a deflationary pressure that could benefit holders.
A significant potential catalyst is the anticipated arrival of Rari Capital, which plans to deploy around $16 million in assets to create a vault on Enzyme. This would nearly triple the protocol's TVL to $24 million, highlighting substantial growth potential.
Competitor Analysis: dHedge (DHT)
dHedge is a primary competitor, also offering non-custodial, on-chain asset management but built on the Synthetix platform. Both platforms share similarities:
- They are non-custodial; investors retain ownership of their assets.
- They offer a marketplace of investment funds for users to choose from.
- They provide real-time tracking of fund transactions and holdings.
However, their focus differs. dHedge aims to attract the best-performing funds, while Enzyme emphasizes customizable investment services. Enzyme also supports a wider range of assets (150+ vs. 50) and allows for synthetic asset trading via Synthetix integration. The on-chain fund management market is likely large enough to support the success of both protocols.
Technical Analysis
Technical charts for MLN/ETH show the token testing lows not seen since June 2020, potentially indicating a bottom and a setup for a future upward move. The MLN/USD chart, however, shows a short-term downtrend. Investors are advised to monitor the market closely for optimal entry points, remembering that this is not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Enzyme Finance (MLN)?
Enzyme is a decentralized asset management protocol built on Ethereum. It allows users to create, manage, and invest in on-chain investment funds without giving up custody of their assets, offering a transparent and efficient alternative to traditional finance.
How does the MIP7 proposal benefit MLN holders?
MIP7 introduces a deflationary token model by reducing annual token issuance by 20% each year and burning excess tokens. It also creates a sustainable fee structure where fees are used to buy back and burn MLN, reducing supply and potentially increasing token value over the long term.
What are the main use cases for the MLN token?
The primary use case for MLN is securing discounts on protocol fees. Holding larger amounts of MLN grants users higher discounts on the management fees charged by the vaults they invest in, making it a utility token with direct economic benefits.
How does Enzyme compare to traditional investment funds?
Unlike traditional funds where you hand over capital to a manager, Enzyme uses smart contracts for non-custodial management. You retain ownership of your assets while the manager executes the strategy, significantly reducing counterparty risk and increasing transparency.
What is the significance of the Sulu upgrade?
The Sulu upgrade significantly expanded Enzyme's functionality by adding borrowing, vault token transfers, staking, and yield farming. Most importantly, it integrated major DeFi protocols like Aave and Curve, enhancing the platform's utility and attracting users from other ecosystems.
Is Enzyme Finance a safe platform to use?
Enzyme's smart contracts have undergone audits, and its non-custodial nature means users always control their assets. However, as with any DeFi protocol, risks exist, including smart contract vulnerabilities and the performance risk of the individual investment strategies chosen.