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

Coinbase Custody Doubles Down on DeFi Governance Options

Coinbase is making it easier for its Custody clients to vote their tokens on more DeFi protocols. New tools for Compound were announced Thursday.

By Leigh CuenApr 16, 2020

Crypto custodians are increasingly mindful of how stored tokens should be used in governing DeFi protocols. (Credit: NYPL)

Finance

Morgan Creek Invests in Startup Bringing Bitcoin to DeFi

Anthony Pompliano's investment firm has joined a seed round for Atomic Loans, a startup looking to create bitcoin-backed lending instruments.

By Paddy BakerApr 15, 2020

Tech

Chinese DeFi Platform dForce Raises $1.5M From Multicoin, Huobi Capital

One of China’s largest DeFi platforms has raised $1.5 million from Multicoin Capital, Huobi Capital and CMB International to expand its product lineup.

By William FoxleyApr 14, 2020

Multicoin Capital principal Mable Jiang. (Credit: BlockBeats/Odaily)

Tech

MakerDAO Users Sue Stablecoin Issuer Following 'Black Thursday' Losses

A lawsuit against the Maker Foundation claims the DeFi platform “intentionally misrepresented the risks associated with CDP ownership.”

By William FoxleyApr 14, 2020

Maker Foundation CEO Rune Christensen (CoinDesk archives)

Markets

Crypto Long & Short: DeFi and Traditional Finance Are Forming an Unlikely Friendship

Many believe DeFi is the future of finance, unleashing efficiencies and creating a more transparent framework. Others find the idea terrifying.

By Noelle AchesonApr 13, 2020

DeFi and traditional finance may be less like oil and water than once thought. (Credit: Shutterstock)

Markets

How DeFi Dinner Bonds Can Help Restaurants During Crisis

Travis Blane (aka DeFi Dad) explains how digital gift certificates ("Dinner Bonds") can help get money to restaurants.

By Daniel KuhnApr 8, 2020

Tech

Wrapped Bitcoin Aims to Kick-Start DeFi on Tezos Blockchain

Bitcoin Association Switzerland is partnering with the Tezos Foundation and others to create tzBTC, a bitcoin-pegged token meant to power DeFi applications on Tezos.

By William FoxleyApr 8, 2020

Tezos co-founder Arthur Breitman speaks in 2017. (Credit: CoinDesk archives)

Finance

Chicago's Trading Firms Look to DeFi With New 'Alliance'

DeFi may actually grow during the coronavirus crisis. TD Ameritrade, Cumberland, CMT Digital, DV Trading and Jump Trading are hoping to facilitate.

By Leigh CuenApr 8, 2020

Imran Khan of Volt Capital is the DeFi Alliance's project lead.

Tech

Makers of Keep Protocol Raise $7.7M to Bring Trustless BTC to DeFi

Thesis has closed a $7.7 million deal by selling its KEEP tokens to some of crypto’s top investors. Its TBTC project could get more bitcoin into DeFi.

By Brady DaleApr 2, 2020