Ecosystem Spotlight: Who is Gauntlet, and Why Did They Bet Everything on Morpho?
When you deposit into a Morpho Vault, you're not just trusting Morpho's code. You are trusting a professional risk manager called a "Curator."
Today, we're spotlighting the most famous (and arguably most important) curator in the ecosystem: Gauntlet.
•Who is Gauntlet?
Gauntlet is one of the most elite, high-profile quantitative research and risk management firms in all of DeFi. They are "quants" (quantitative analysts) who build sophisticated, AI-powered simulation models to manage risk.
For years, they were the #1 risk manager for Aave, earning millions to help keep that protocol safe.
The "Split" That Shook DeFi
In early 2024, Gauntlet made a shocking announcement: they were terminating their multi-million dollar relationship with Aave. They cited "inconsistent guidelines" and frustration with Aave's slow, political governance model.
Less than one week later, they announced their new, full-time focus: Morpho.
This was a bombshell. It wasn't just a partnership; it was a "bet." Gauntlet didn't just advise Morpho; they became a builder on top of it.
•Why Morpho? The "Open Market for Risk"
Gauntlet's move highlighted the fundamental difference between the two protocols:
Aave's Model: Gauntlet was a "consultant." They had to make recommendations, which then had to be debated and slowly voted on by the Aave DAO.
Morpho's Model: Gauntlet is a "Curator." They operate in a permissionless, open marketplace. They don't need to ask for a vote. They can instantly launch their own vaults, set their own risk parameters, and compete directly for user funds based on their performance.
Gauntlet now offers a full suite of vaults on Morpho, from "Prime" (ultra-safe, blue-chip assets) to "Core" (higher-yield). Their incentives are 100% aligned: if their vault performs well and safely, they earn a small fee. If they fail, they lose.
•Conclusion:
Gauntlet's move from Aave to Morpho was a defining moment. It signaled a paradigm shift away from slow, monolithic "consultant" models to a new, fast, and competitive "open market" for risk.
When the #1 risk manager in DeFi chose Morpho as the best platform to build their business, it was one of the biggest votes of confidence possible.
•Call to Action (CTA):
What do you think of this "open market" for risk? Does it give you more confidence to know that experts like Gauntlet are competing to manage your funds? Let me know! 👇
@Morpho Labs 🦋 #Morpho $MORPHO
{spot}(MORPHOUSDT)
