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.

Tech

BTCFi’s Big Problem: 77% of Bitcoin Holders Haven’t Even Tried It, Says Survey

A new GoMining survey shows Bitcoin finance has a marketing and trust problem — despite packed conferences and venture funding, most holders are staying away.

By Jamie Crawley, AI BoostOct 5, 2025

Bitcoin (Midjourney/Modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

AAVE Breaks Resistance as DeFi Market Hits Record $219B Size

The native token of the largest DeFi lending protocol is showing strong momentum despite short-term profit taking above $290.

By CD Analytics, Krisztian SandorOct 3, 2025

"AAVE Surges 2% on Institutional Volume Spike, Breaks Key Resistance Amid Consolidation"

Markets

Hyperliquid Still Best-Positioned Perp DEX Despite Aster’s Surge, DeFi Analyst Says

Perp DEX competition is heating up, but DeFi analyst Patrick Scott says Hyperliquid’s revenue, open interest and ecosystem give it staying power.

By Siamak Masnavi, AI BoostOct 3, 2025

Abstract illustration with glowing cubes representing perp DEXes

Finance

Solana Gets Another Treasury Firm with $2B Plan Backed by DeFi Protocol Marinade

VisionSys AI is the latest to join the roster of Solana-focused digital asset treasury companies, which collectively hold $3 billion in tokens.

By Krisztian Sandor, AI BoostOct 1, 2025

Finance

Swiss Bank Sygnum Unveils Bitcoin Yield Fund as BTC DeFi Demand Grows

The BTC Alpha Fund aims for 8%-10% annual returns through arbitrage while keeping full Bitcoin exposure.

By Ian Allison, AI BoostOct 1, 2025

Swiss flag in alpine landscape, symbolizing Sygnum’s Swiss roots (Janosch Diggelmann/Unsplash)

News Analysis

SEC's Bow to DoubleZero Carries Major Weight for Decentralized Infrastructure: Peirce

The U.S. regulator's decision to give the project's token distributions a pass represents the right get-out-of-the-way approach, Commissioner Hester Peirce said.

By Jesse HamiltonSep 30, 2025