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.

Markets

How to Bring Off-Chain Assets to DeFi

Institutions are interested in DeFi for off-chain assets, such as real estate. Here, from our columnist, are some issues they might consider.

By Ajit TripathiFeb 17, 2021

Tech

Ethereum's Favorite Lossless Lottery Will Airdrop Its POOL Token Today

The distribution was designed to reward small depositors on PoolTogether who stayed in a long time.

By Brady DaleFeb 17, 2021

Videos

Erik Voorhees on ShapeShift’s Shift to DeFi and Coinbase’s $77B Valuation

ShapeShift’s CEO Erik Voorhees explains why his crypto exchange’s move to DeFi protects consumers. And why Coinbase, readying for its IPO, received such a high valuation.

Feb 17, 2021

Learn

What Is a Flash Loan?

A guide to one of DeFi’s most innovative and controversial features.

By Alyssa HertigFeb 17, 2021

Un dólar fuerte podría correlacionarse con el mercado cripto y continuar su recuperación. (Shutterstock).

Markets

Bitwise Launches DeFi Crypto Index Fund

The fund bets on 10 Ethereum-based protocols angling to shape the future of finance.

By Danny NelsonFeb 17, 2021

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Remains Around $48.5K Amid Flat Trading Activity

“We are at all-time-highs territory [and] the market still has to make up its mind" about next resistance or supporting levels, says one broker.

By Muyao ShenFeb 16, 2021

Videos

Bitcoin Breaks $50K Barrier; What Comes Next?

Bitcoin hit $50K today, up nearly 72 percent year-to-date. Ikigai Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Travis Kling joins First Mover to discuss the outlook for crypto and decentralized finance.

Feb 16, 2021

Finance

DeFi Insurer Nexus Mutual Raises $2.7M in NXM Token Sale

The firm aims to sell over $1 billion worth of cover in 2021 spread across at least 30 protocols.

By Ian AllisonFeb 16, 2021

Videos

Investment Strategists On Bitcoin’s Anticipated Move to $50K

Lyn Alden, Founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy discusses what to look for as we approach bitcoin’s possible rise to $50K, also touching on the topics of gold, dollar weakness, and DeFi.

Feb 15, 2021

Markets