Zakaas is a decentralized capital allocation protocol designed to bridge idle crypto liquidity with real-world demand from banks and SMEs in emerging markets. It enables crypto holders to earn stable yield by funding trade finance operations, without the complexities of stablecoin issuance in the early stages.

At its core, Zakaas offers a capital-efficient, transparent, and compliant framework to redirect underutilized Web3 capital (USDT, BTC, ETH) into structured lending for global commerce.

Despite the explosion of liquidity in DeFi, access to capital in emerging markets — especially for trade finance — remains heavily restricted. SMEs in countries like Bangladesh, and even regulated banks, struggle to secure affordable, timely credit for cross-border transactions like LC confirmations or invoice settlements.

At the same time, crypto holders are facing yield compression and limited real-world utility for their assets.

Key Features:

• Deposit Layer: Accepts deposits in USDT, BTC, and ETH.
• Conversion Layer: Converts deposited assets into USDC, the most trusted DeFi stablecoin.
• Lending Layer: Funds pre-screened, creditworthy banks and SMEs in emerging markets.
• Automated USDC Management: USDC is pooled and distributed through permissionless smart contracts tied to pre-approved borrower logic.
• Yield Layer: Generates yield from multiple sources including interest from real-world borrowers, returns from idle pool assets, and transaction fees.
• Reward Layer: Depositors receive Zakaas Tokens ($ZKS) as additional rewards, proportional to their capital and staking duration.

1. User deposits crypto (BTC, ETH, or USDT)
2. Protocol converts to USDC
3. Funds are deployed to selected institutional borrowers (banks, corporates)
4. Borrowers repay principal + interest in USDC
5. Yield distributed to depositors (base APY)
6. $ZKS tokens minted and distributed based on deposit contribution and lock-up

Users who deposit ETH, BTC, USDT, or other supported tokens.

Incentives:

• Multi-Asset Onboarding: Deposit popular tokens (e.g., ETH, BTC, USDT) — protocol auto-converts to USDC.
• Stable, Real-World Yield: Earn predictable USDC-based yield from trade finance loans to banks/corporates.
• Protocol Token Rewards ($ZKS): Earn $ZKS tokens as a bonus for providing liquidity.
• No Exposure to FX/Crypto Volatility: Once converted to USDC, capital is stable and used in real-world finance.
• Staking Boosters: Stake $ZKS to boost APY on your USDC-converted deposits.

Users holding and staking $ZKS, the governance and utility token.

Incentives:

• On-Chain Governance: Vote on token onboarding, risk parameters, borrower whitelisting, treasury management.
• Revenue Sharing: Earn a portion of protocol fees (e.g., swap spread, interest spread, origination fees).
• Staking Rewards: Earn $ZKS by staking or participating in liquidity/risk pools.
• Reputation-Based Influence: High-contribution participants may earn delegate status or bonus allocation.

Real-world entities (Banks, Importers, Exporters, SMEs) borrowing USDC for trade finance.

Incentives:

• Direct Access to USDC Credit: Borrow in stable, USD-pegged digital currency with no conversion required.
• Fast Loan Approval: Access funds for LC confirmation, invoice payment, or working capital within days.
• Competitive Terms: Enjoy more flexible and lower-cost alternatives to traditional banking.
• Secure Collateralization: Loans are secured by real-world assets like trade documents (LCs, invoices), bank guarantees, or optionally insured receivables.
• Blockchain Credit Reputation: Build an on-chain repayment history for better terms and higher limits.

• Swap Spread Revenue: Small margin on multi-token → USDC conversion (via DEX aggregator or internal AMM).
• Interest Spread: Earns margin between what LPs receive (e.g., 7%) and what borrowers pay (e.g., 10%).
• Origination/Repayment Fees: 0.5–1% fees per transaction.
• $ZKS Token Utility: Required for staking, governance, and premium features (e.g., LP tiering, insurance pool access).

The initial version of the Zakaas Protocol is engineered for security, low cost, and a seamless user experience. The architecture is composed of the following key components:

• Blockchain: Deployed on a Layer 2 network like Polygon or Base to ensure low gas costs and fast transaction finality for users.
• Smart Contracts: A modular set of contracts will govern on-chain operations:
  • Lending Contract: Manages the core logic for deposits and yield accrual.
  • Escrow Contract: Securely holds funds before they are released to whitelisted borrowers.
  • Treasury Contract: Handles the collection and distribution of protocol fees and yield.
• Backend: A FastAPI (Python) server will manage administrative functions, API logic, and borrower integration.
• Frontend: A responsive web application built with React, Vite, and Wagmi to provide a clean and intuitive interface for lenders.
• Wallets: Integration with MetaMask and WalletConnect to support a wide range of Web3 users.
• Oracle: Utilization of Chainlink price feeds for reliable and tamper-proof data on asset prices.

Core Logic Adaptation: The protocol will adapt open-source, battle-tested lending logic similar to the Aave model, specifically configured for USDC-based, off-chain credit operations.

To provide a clear, interactive preview of the protocol's user-facing functionality, we have developed a live MVP dashboard. This showcases the core user experience for lenders, including supplying liquidity, viewing real-time protocol statistics, and monitoring governance proposals.

This is a functional front-end prototype designed to illustrate the intended user flow and interface. It allows stakeholders to visualize how they would interact with the Zakaas ecosystem.

Zakaas is actively closing its pre-seed investment round in Q3 2025. We are seeking strategic capital from:

• Crypto-native VCs and DeFi DAOs
• Trade finance and fintech-focused investors
• Institutions aligned with bridging Web3 and real-world assets

This round includes token allocation, equity participation (optional), and governance benefits.

• Custody: Partnering with regulated custodians (e.g., Fireblocks, BitGo).
• KYC/AML: Powered by verified third-party providers (e.g., Sumsub).
• Smart Contracts: Audited reward engine; off-chain lending initially.
• Regulatory Structure: Exploring licensing under DMCC, DIFC Innovation Hub, or ADGM Sandbox.
• Settlement & Remittance: Fiat conversion and settlement are handled by regulated off-ramp partners, ensuring compliance with local regulations. The on-chain activity does not constitute direct remittance.

You can acquire $ZKS tokens and support the protocol's growth through Uniswap.

Contact us at team@zakaas.io or request our investor deck.