Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is an innovative financial ecosystem that operates on blockchain technology, primarily Ethereum. It allows users to engage in financial transactions directly without intermediaries like banks or brokers. DeFi encompasses a wide range of services, including lending, borrowing, trading, and earning interest on cryptocurrency holdings.
As of January 2025, DeFi has gained significant traction, with over $13 billion locked in smart contracts across various platforms. Users can access these services through decentralized applications (dApps), which are built on open-source protocols. This open nature provides greater transparency and accessibility, as anyone with an internet connection can participate.
DeFi offers several advantages over traditional finance, such as lower fees, faster transactions, and the ability to earn higher interest rates. However, it also carries risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities and market volatility. As the DeFi landscape continues to evolve, it holds the potential to disrupt conventional financial systems significantly.