> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://shellfinance.gitbook.io/shell/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://shellfinance.gitbook.io/shell/overview/what-is-shell-finance.md).

# What is Shell Finance

Shell Finance is a decentralized stablecoin protocol built on the Bitcoin #Layer1 network. It allows users to leverage on-chain Bitcoin assets (including BTC, Ordinals, Runes, BRC-20, Atomicals, etc.) as collateral to obtain synthetic asset $sUSD(sUSD•sUSD•sUSD) issued by Shell Finance.

At Shell Finance, we build directly on Bitcoin #Layer1, it allows users to borrow $sUSD directly on #BitcoinL1, making Shell Finance a liquidity booster for Bitcoin L1 assets. 

Shell Finance's business model is similar to that of MakerDAO, where users pledge their assets within Shell Finance to borrow synthetic assets $sUSD, with Shell Finance acting as the intermediary in the lending process. This model enables Shell Finance to meet the $sUSD borrowing needs of a wide range of users, achieving efficient liquidity from individuals to pools in the UTXO model.