zkReserve Lite

zkReserve is an AI-powered zero-knowledge application that tracks the reserves of major CEXes to ensure low liquidity challenges. Every run there is a Mt. Gox or FTX, let's change that. (Lite version)

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Inspiration

Centralized programs and platforms create a threat landscape to the ownership and liquidity of user's funds. FTX is an example of CEX gone wrong, users funds used as colateral, financial perversion,lies, cover ups, this is what happens when users opt in to custodial projects. An on-chain Proof-of-Reserves framework leveraging zk-technology can ensure proof of token holdings of centralized exchanges. zkReserves is a self-regulatory platform powered by the Bitcoin blockchain to implement threat migitation prior to users begging for big brother (SEC, OFAC, or other gov entities) to help them recover funds. Help from regulators is not always promised; if this industry aims to be decentalized then decentralized self-auditing is primal for user protection.

What it does

Tracks the reserves on the crypto exchanges :

  • Binance
  • Crypto.com
  • BitMex
  • OKX
  • Huobi
  • Bitfinex
  • Bybit
  • Kucoin
  • Deribit
  • Kraken
  • etc.

Reserves are the assets held by exhcnages on behalf of its users. In the typical PoR framwork a third-party has to conduct the audit but in this case zkReserves acts as a zero knowledge platoform that cuts out the third parties and puts code back in the distributed pipeline. Third-parties are the antithesis of this space.

How we built it

Using scrypt we launched our smart contracts on-chain. We used primarily Javascript and Python for the code stack. Javacript used in the UI development; Python for computation.

Challenges we ran into

This was the first time using sCrypt. Going through the docs while ideating can be time consuming but the feat was won by way of sleep and coffee. Another challenge is that exchanges could borrow funds on a short-term basis to manipulate the snapshot of their reserves in real-time. To front-run this manipulation we used the merkle tree proofs framework to prevent chicanery.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Launching smart contracts on Bitcoin! Definitely will be one of many Bitcoin and non-EVM compatible projects.

What we learned

sCrypt allows for AI/ML integration for both computer vision and natural language processing which is why there is a deep learning component to zkReserves.

What's next for zkReserve Lite

Transferring from sCrypt smart contracts to Clarity by Stacks may be another avenue for Bitcoin blockchain exposure thanks to Taproot upgrade.

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