DeFi

DeFi, short for decentralized finance, represents a shift in the financial sector by leveraging blockchain technology, primarily Ethereum, to eliminate traditional financial intermediaries. It enables various financial applications, from simple transactions to complex contracts, through smart contracts that execute automatically under specific conditions. Key DeFi applications include decentralized exchanges (DEXs), stablecoins, lending platforms, and prediction markets. DeFi offers financial services like loans and interest-earning opportunities without traditional identity verification, relying instead on collateral, usually in cryptocurrency. This innovative sector promises increased accessibility and efficiency but comes with risks, such as market volatility and unregulated projects.

Learn

DeFi vs. CeFi in Crypto

Decentralized finance is a core value in crypto, but DeFi platforms can have a steep learning curve. Centralized finance platforms can provide an easier and more familiar point of entry for people.

By Ekin GençAug 15, 2022

Podcasts

Crypto News Roundup for Aug. 15, 2022

By Adrian Blust, Adam B. LevineAug 15, 2022

Weekend Story | The Short-Sightedness of Run-Amok Regulators

Tech

DeFi Platform Acala’s Stablecoin Falls 99% After Hackers Issue 1.3B Tokens

A bug in the protocol’s newly deployed iBTC-aUSD liquidity pool left the door wide open for hackers to exploit.

By Cheyenne Ligon, Shaurya MalwaAug 15, 2022

The Polkadot pavilion on the Promenade at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (Sandali Handagama/CoinDesk)

Opinion

Let Ugly Ducklings Grow: Why Crypto Needs a Safe Harbor

Too much much regulation may hinder the development of viable decentralized models.

By Michael J. CaseyAug 12, 2022

Tech

Crypto Exchange Binance Recovers $450K Stolen From DeFi Protocol Curve.Finance

The world's largest exchange is working with law enforcement to return the funds.

By Parikshit Mishra, Oliver KnightAug 12, 2022

Videos

MakerDAO Founder: Crypto Is a 'Force for Good'

MakerDAO founder Rune Christensen weighs in on how DeFi projects can "interact with the real world economy" and do things like invest in real estate and renewable energy. Christensen also shares his thoughts on the future of stablecoin regulation.

Aug 11, 2022

Videos

How Tornado Cash US Ban Could Impact Future of Crypto

Galaxy Digital has published a report on how the U.S. Treasury department’s sanction of crypto mixer Tornado Cash could impact the future of crypto.

Aug 11, 2022

Opinion

How DeFi Can Deliver Value for Artists and Musicians

Decentralized finance isn't just the future of money, says the founder of Unchained Music.

By Matt WatersAug 11, 2022

Videos

MakerDAO Founder on Tornado Cash, Stablecoin DAI, Ethereum Merge

The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned crypto mixer Tornado Cash, which could have a ripple effect across the industry. Rune Christensen, founder of Ethereum’s pioneering decentralized money layer MakerDAO, discusses the ban and what it means for MakerDAO, its decentralized stablecoin DAI and the state of DeFi. Plus, exploring the impact of Ethereum's merge.

Aug 11, 2022

Finance