Vault Infrastructure for Risk-Conscious Capital Deployment
Aera V3 delivers composable infrastructure for programmable yield strategies. Designed to support both crypto-native participants and institutional allocators, it provides a vault system where capital is allocated according to predefined parameters. Strategy logic resides in the vault controller, and execution operates under clear constraints governing exposure, token liquidity, and operational thresholds.
The system enables secure, transparent deployment of yield strategies across multiple chains. Capital movement is structured, and vault behavior is governed by programmable rules. By integrating Gauntlet’s quantitative frameworks directly into Aera’s architecture, the platform brings precision and reliability to an otherwise complex environment. Cantina collaborated with the Gauntlet team through a high-signal competition to test this architecture prior to launch.
Gauntlet USD Alpha: Measurable Yield on Stablecoins
Gauntlet USD Alpha, launched on Base and accessible through the Gauntlet App, curates yield across Morpho vaults on Base and Mainnet (additional protocols to come), with rewards automatically swapped and reinvested. Execution parameters are enforced through live data feeds that guide allocations and manage risk.
The vault maintains portfolio composition through a defined parameter set. Exposure to non-blue-chip stablecoin vaults must remain below a forty percent ceiling (blue-chip vaults include USDC, USDT, and DAI). Position sizing, collateral constraints, and token turnover are calibrated to reflect real-time liquidity across markets. Supply and withdrawal behavior is tracked transparently through the Gauntlet App, providing complete visibility for all participants.
In a backtest, Gauntlet USD Alpha returned an annualized rate of 11%, compared to 6.7% observed across similar yield strategies benchmarked by vaults[dot]fyi. These returns reflect systematic allocation and performance tracking rather than externally incentivized boosts.
Structured Design Across a Complex Landscape
Yield opportunities across DeFi continue to expand in volume and diversity. However, maintaining consistent performance, managing risk exposure, and navigating liquidity constraints across protocols and chains presents meaningful challenges. Aera V3 is designed to address this complexity with a structured framework that simplifies allocation while maintaining transparency and security.
Rather than relying on reactive vault management or informal rebalancing, each Aera vault is governed by rules that define acceptable exposure ranges and operational limits. These parameters ensure that allocations remain aligned with risk thresholds, regardless of market movement.
The Gauntlet optimization engine supports this structure with ongoing analysis of market conditions, enabling each vault strategy to evolve while remaining within enforced boundaries.
Technical Profile of the Vault System
The design of Gauntlet x Aera vaults emphasizes control, transparency, and operational flexibility. The following table outlines key architectural elements.
This structure allows allocators to evaluate each vault on its technical foundation, with visibility into how strategies are constructed, adjusted, and measured.
Collaboration Through Competition
Ahead of mainnet launch, Cantina collaborated with Gauntlet on a focused security competition targeting the Aera V3 contracts. Researchers examined critical components, including the vault controller, allocation logic, and strategy enforcement mechanisms. All submissions were supported by mandatory proof-of-concept requirements and evaluated against live threat models. The engagement reinforced the value of independent, adversarial testing in strengthening protocol resilience.
Cantina continues to support Gauntlet through high-signal reviews as new strategies deploy across an expanding vault architecture.
Designing Yield Infrastructure That Scales
Gauntlet x Aera introduces a new model for risk-adjusted and secure capital allocation in DeFi. With infrastructure built for stability, transparency, and verifiable performance, this system supports structured vault strategies that adapt to evolving conditions while preserving safety and clarity.
Vaults operate within defined constraints, allocations respond to measurable indicators, and users retain visibility into execution at every step. This model supports both scalable deployment and consistent risk oversight, delivering a foundation that meets the operational standards of institutional finance while remaining accessible to the broader DeFi community.
Planning to launch a strategy, infrastructure, or protocol upgrade? Run a high-signal security competition with Cantina. Get in touch today.