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Instances

An Instance is a complete, functional replica of the Gearbox Protocol on a specific chain. Each chain supports a single Instance, which must be approved by DAO vote before activation.

Instance Properties

PropertyDescription
One per chainEach blockchain has exactly one Gearbox Instance
DAO-approvedActivation requires a DAO vote that validates the native token address and assigns governance roles
Independent operationCore functions (lending, borrowing, liquidations) operate without cross-chain dependencies
Immutable ownershipOnce set, the Instance Owner cannot be changed — not even by the DAO

Permissionless Deployment

Anyone can deploy a new Instance via the Gearbox Permissionless Interface. However, deployment alone does not make an Instance operational — it requires activation through the DAO.

Activation Process

During activation, the DAO performs the following steps:

  1. Validates the native token address — confirms the wrapped native token for the target chain
  2. Assigns the Financial Multisig — designates the multisig responsible for financial operations
  3. Designates the Instance Owner — assigns the Instance Owner multisig that will manage chain-level infrastructure

Once activation is complete, the Instance Owner multisig manages the Instance. This assignment is permanent and cannot be revoked or reassigned by any party, including the DAO.

Instance Owner Role

The Instance Owner is a multisig that manages chain-specific infrastructure for its Instance. Its responsibilities include maintaining price feed allowlists, managing technical chain parameters, and ensuring the Instance operates correctly within its local ecosystem.

The Instance Owner does not control market-level parameters — those are managed by individual market curators.

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