Horizon Protocol is a decentralized trading platform that provides users with access to global markets. It aims to offer advanced analytics and a secure environment for trading. ^[1]

Overview

Horizon is a synthetic asset trading platform that allows users to gain exposure to the price movements of various markets—such as equities, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices—without directly holding the underlying assets. Instead, users trade synthetic representations of these assets through contracts that track real-world prices. These prices are typically aggregated from multiple external market data sources to ensure accuracy.

The platform operates using smart contracts or, depending on implementation, a centralized clearing mechanism. Users must provide collateral to open positions and maintain margin levels to avoid liquidation. This structure eliminates the need for asset custody, enabling more flexible participation.

Horizon is built with a focus on performance, efficiency, and scalability. It aims to reduce trading fees, support active trading, and provide tools like advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to enhance user decision-making. The protocol’s development roadmap includes phases for establishing its core infrastructure, expanding trading options, enabling cross-chain functionality, and incorporating AI-based features. The system is designed to support a broad user base while maintaining security and transparency. ^{[1] [2]}

Features

Funding Model

The platform is backed by an investor-funded treasury specifically allocated for Horizon’s development and growth. This treasury is not tied to new token sales or short-term fundraising. Profits from trader liquidations are added to the treasury, while winner payouts are drawn from it. A separate fee pool, funded by trading activity, covers platform maintenance and operations. Treasury funds, user deposits, and platform fees are kept entirely separate to avoid any conflicts or misuse. ^[4]

Payouts

Trader winnings are paid directly from the treasury. Although payouts are not processed automatically on-chain, a dashboard will show real-time data on owed amounts and treasury balances. The treasury's on-chain wallet is fully visible to ensure transparency. ^[5]

Liquidations

Liquidated positions are considered a revenue stream for the platform, based on the assumption that a majority of traders lose over time. However, features such as isolated margin trading and built-in volatility safeguards are included to minimize unintentional liquidations. The system is designed to reduce liquidation risk except during highly volatile market events. ^[6]

HRZ

The Horizon token ($HRZ) is designed with a balanced supply model focused on growth, utility, and long-term value. It has a total supply of 10M tokens and has the following distribution: ^{[3] [7]}

• 60% allocated for Marketing and strategic growth initiatives.
• 40% allocated for Development and platform innovation.

Partnerships

• Messier