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.

Opinion

Should SOL Be Trading at a 70% Discount to ETH?

Solana's SOL is starting to rival Ethereum's ether in terms of on-chain activity and network usage metrics, raising questions about whether the market is dislocated, says Michael Nadeau.

By Michael NadeauNov 27, 2024

Videos

Why the TON Ecosystem Could Be Crypto's Dark Horse in 2025

Maple Finance CEO and co-founder Sid Powell joins CoinDesk to discuss the recent rally across the broader crypto market. Plus, insights into stablecoin holdings, increasing demand for leverage and a potential resurgence of DeFi. This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes.

Nov 20, 2024

Opinion

DeFi’s Renaissance

Pro-crypto legislation could allow DeFi to potentially connect with mainstream financial systems, says Toe Bautista.

By Toe BautistaNov 20, 2024

Markets

Ethena Sees $1B Inflows as Crypto Rally Brings Back Double-Digit Yields

The protocol's rejuvenation is driven by elevated perpetual funding rates, with more catalysts ahead for growth.

By Krisztian SandorNov 19, 2024

U.S. dollar (Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Finance

Trump-Supported World Liberty Financial Taps Chainlink Data Services as DeFi Platform Takes Shape

Chainlink will provide crucial pricing data and cross-chain interoperability infrastructure for the nascent DeFi platform.

By Krisztian SandorNov 14, 2024

Donald Trump at BTC 2024 (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)

Markets

Solana Joins $100B Club, Hitting Nearly a Three-Year High Above $210

The fourth largest crypto could potentially reach its 2021 record high of $260 in the coming days given its relative strength through crypto's eight-month long consolidation phase, one analyst noted.

By Krisztian SandorNov 10, 2024