Key Data Structures and Epoch mechanism
EpochData
SettleData
Guide to Epoch Data and Settlement in Vaults
How EpochData and SettleData are managed within a vault, particularly during the valuation and total asset update processes.
Overview of Epoch Data and Settle Data
Each Epoch Data corresponds to a proposed total assets update, which is made by the valuation manager. Every time a new valuation is proposed for the vault, a new Epoch Data is created. This data holds details about all users' deposits and redemption requests and includes a reference to Settle Data.
The Settle Data is updated by the asset manager of the vault, who is responsible for finalizing the total assets of the vault after the valuation process.
Example: Understanding Epochs and Settlement
To clarify how this process works, let's examine the following scenario:
We have two Epoch Data instances: Epoch 1 and Epoch 3.
Both are pointing to Settle Data 1, which is not yet finalized (or "settled"). Therefore, the total assets in Settle Data 1 are still undefined and await confirmation from the asset manager.
The current epoch is Epoch 5, which has not yet been associated with any settle data. This is the epoch where users are actively depositing.
Where should Epoch Data 5 point?
The challenge is determining when and to which settle data the current Epoch Data (Epoch 5) should point. The decision hinges on the next settlement event or total assets update. There are two potential scenarios:
Scenario 1: Settlement Occurs Before a New Total Assets Update
In this scenario, the vault is settled before a new total assets valuation is proposed.
Once the settlement is completed, Epoch 5 can point to Settle Data 3 (instead of Settle Data 1), ensuring fairness.
This is crucial because we don't want users depositing in Epoch 5 to benefit from the same valuation as those in Epoch 1 and Epoch 3, who are already aware of the valuation they will be settled at.
After the settlement, Settle Data 1 is finalized at the last proposed valuation, which, for this example, was 100 assets for 100 shares.
Scenario 2: Settlement Occurs After a New Total Assets Update
In this alternative scenario, a new valuation is proposed before the vault is settled.
In this case, Epoch 5 can point to Settle Data 1, just as the previous epochs (Epoch 1 and Epoch 3) did.
Afterward, the asset manager proceeds to settle the vault, enforcing the newly proposed valuation. For this example, the valuation is set at 90 assets for 100 shares.