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

Morgan Stanley Crypto Chief Exits to Launch DeFi Fund in Switzerland: Bloomberg

Andrew Peel plans to start fundraising for the new venture soon, according to the story.

By Will CannyMay 13, 2025

Tech

Bitcoin DeFi Security Improves as Rootstock Boosts Hashrate Share

Rootstock is one of numerous projects looking to bring greater utility to Bitcoin by expanding the provision for DeFi with smart contracts.

By Jamie CrawleyMay 11, 2025

Rootstock founder Sergio Demian Lerner gesticulates and wears a microphone headset. (Bradley Keoun)

Markets

DeFi Development Adds $11.2M in SOL, Bringing Holdings to More Than 400K Tokens

Formerly known as Janover, the company's SOL holdings are worth more than $57 million at current prices.

By Francisco RodriguesMay 6, 2025

Solana portfolio shown on a laptop (Amjith S/Unsplash)

Finance

IntoTheBlock and Trident Merge With $25M Backing to Build Institutional DeFi Gateway

The newly formed Sentora aims to offer a compliant DeFi platform for sophisticated investors looking for yield, liquidity and risk management.

By Krisztian SandorMay 6, 2025

Anthony DeMartino, CEO of Sentora (Sentora)

Finance

Franklin Templeton Backs Bitcoin DeFi Push, Citing ‘New Utility’ for Investors

"I don’t think focusing on Bitcoin DeFi will dilute or complicate Bitcoin’s core narrative." Farrelly said.

By Omkar GodboleMay 2, 2025

CoinDesk Indices

How Alpha-Generating Digital Asset Strategies Will Reshape Alternative Investing

Now that returns that simply mirror the broader crypto market are easily attainable, investors are looking for more ways to potentially exceed the market, says Lionsoul Global’s Gregory Mall.

By Gregory MallApr 30, 2025