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.

Finance

Bain Capital Launches $560M Crypto Fund

The $155 billion investment giant will focus on DeFi and Web 3 and isn't afraid to get its hands dirty with liquid tokens.

By Brandy BetzMar 8, 2022

Bain Capital staffers dedicate a wing of the Boston Children's Hospital in 2018. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images for Boston Children's Hospital)

Videos

Prolific Developer Andrew Cronje Leaves DeFi Behind

Decentralized finance developer Andrew Cronje, known for his work with Yearn Finance, will be leaving the crypto industry following a Twitter announcement from a close associate of his. As dozens of tokens tumble in price following this news, “The Hash” discusses the role Cronje played in the DeFi ecosystem.

Mar 7, 2022

Markets

Fantom FTM's Loss Eases as Foundation Soothes Investor Concerns

Fantom ecosystem tokens and value locked on DeFi protocols have fallen in the past 24 hours.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 7, 2022

Andre Cronje interviewed at Seoul Blockchain Week, 2019. (CoinDesk)

Markets

Fantom Ecosystem Coins, DeFi Value Locked Plunge After Developer Exit

Investors reacted to the exit of an influential Fantom developer Andre Cronje.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 7, 2022

Finance

Dozens of Tokens Tumble as Prolific Developer Andre Cronje Calls It Quits

Investors are running for the exits as a mercurial developer leaves DeFi development behind.

By Andrew ThurmanMar 6, 2022

Tech

Convex Finance Bug Causes CVX Token to Sink on Forced Token Unlock

After a smart contract exploit, locked CVX tokens flooded the market, dragging down prices.

By Andrew ThurmanMar 4, 2022

Convex users are battling through excess liquidity. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Opinion

Ukraine Fundraisers Bring Out the Best, and Worst, in Crypto

If you tried to make money off Ukraine’s fundraising efforts, your soul is just as broken as your brain.

By David Z. MorrisMar 4, 2022

"A Saint Triumphant Over the Devil," by an unknown 18th century German artist. (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Layer 2

Pplpleasr Will Not Always Please You: The Rise of NFT Artist Emily Yang

It was initially an accident for this artist to get into NFTs, but she’s now realizing a lifelong dream to create for herself.

By Angelique ChenMar 4, 2022

Emily Yang, aka Pplpleasr (on the right) discusses one of her artworks, projected on the wall. (Angelique Chen)

Tech

Algorand Upgrade Set to Allow for Easy Creation of Complex Dapps

The upgrade will, in the future, allow Algorand-based products to run in low-power environments like mobile phones and smartwatches as well as on other blockchains.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 4, 2022