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

Umee Buckles Down for Mainnet With $32M Token Sale on CoinList

CEO Brent Xu is leveraging his former life as a bond trader to build what he calls a “global debt hub.”

By Danny NelsonDec 30, 2021, 9:30 a.m. ET

The Open Intents Framework is a new initiative created by Ethereum ecosystem leaders to simplify and standardize cross-chain token transfers. (Akinori UEMURA/Unsplash)

Markets

Cardano, Avalanche Lead Crypto Decline in Volatile Trading Session

Altcoins posted a mixed performance as the crypto market declined ahead of a major options expiry for bitcoin on Friday.

By Shaurya MalwaDec 30, 2021, 4:48 a.m. ET

The crypto market has been sliding this week. (Pezibear/Pixabay)

Tech

Gas DAO Token Struggles to Maintain Momentum After Airdrop

The latest in an increasingly absurd trend has already found 26,000 claimants.

By Andrew ThurmanDec 29, 2021, 11:55 a.m. ET

Macho the dog demonstrates surfing-while-popping-balloon skills. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Finance

Aoki, Alameda Back Algorithmic Stablecoin on Arbitrum at $200M Valuation

Sperax said its USDs stablecoin will generate yield from users’ collateral.

By Danny NelsonDec 29, 2021, 8:00 a.m. ET

Algorithmic stablecoins seek balance through unconventional means. (eswaran arulkumar/Unsplash)

Layer 2

How Ethereum Will Be Transformed in 2022

Here are five of the top changes to expect with Ethereum’s impending transition to proof-of-stake.

By Edward OosterbaanDec 29, 2021, 7:30 a.m. ET

Markets

Fantom Surges in Latest Layer 1 Bet

The rise comes even as the broader crypto market declines.

By Shaurya MalwaDec 29, 2021, 4:23 a.m. ET

Finance

OpenDAO’s SOS Token Hits $250M Market Cap Despite Unclear Goals, Security Risks

Airdrops can kickstart a community, but that doesn’t mean they have staying power.

By Andrew ThurmanDec 28, 2021, 2:34 p.m. ET

Finance

DeFi Portfolio Tracking Firm DeBank Raises $25M in Round Led by Sequoia China

The latest funding brings DeBank’s valuation to $200 million, according to the firm.

By Tanzeel AkhtarDec 28, 2021, 9:42 a.m. ET

Markets

DeFi Traders Push Terra’s UST Stablecoin to $10B Market Cap

The coin has surpassed Binance Smart Chain in total value locked amid rapid DeFi growth.

By Tracy WangDec 27, 2021, 4:50 p.m. ET

Markets

Cardano, Polkadot Jump as Bitcoin Holds Above $50K

Major cryptocurrencies including bitcoin and ether regained price levels from Friday after seeing a slight dip over an otherwise quiet Christmas weekend.

By Shaurya MalwaDec 27, 2021, 7:17 a.m. ET