How 1inch Is Putting DeFi's Idle Liquidity to Work With Aqua

Summary

1inch co-founder Sergej Kunz introduces Aqua, a shared-liquidity protocol that lets users provide liquidity with self-custody and intent-based strategies, addressing the problem that up to 85% of DeFi liquidity sits idle. The discussion covers Aqua’s sub-wallet design, institutional readiness, rollout across 13 chains, and DAO incentives. Kunz also makes casual bullish remarks on Ethereum and Blast tokens.

• 1inch launches Aqua, a self-custodial shared liquidity protocol aiming to improve capital efficiency.
• Research cited shows up to 85% of concentrated liquidity in DeFi sits idle.
• Aqua users keep assets in their wallet and define trading strategies as intents, not pool deposits.
• Sub-wallets based on Gnosis Safe allow risk isolation and shared liquidity across multiple positions.
• Professional market makers handle settlement after passing compliance and KYB checks.
• Aqua debuts across 13 Ethereum-compatible networks, including Base and Robinhood chain.
• 1inch DAO is distributing 500,000 USDC to reward liquidity providers who generate volume.
• Sergej Kunz casually predicts Ethereum reaching $12,000 and sees opportunity in Blast token volatility.