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

Ether Staking Deposits Top Withdrawals for First Time Since Shapella Upgrade

The divergence comes amid a meme coin frenzy that has pushed up fees on the Ethereum blockchain.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 9, 2023

(Markus Winkler/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Videos

First Book on FTX and SBF's Implosion Published

Veteran crypto journalist and former CoinDesker Brady Dale has published a new book on FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried's downfall and the longevity of decentralized finance (DeFi). Dale joins "The Hash" to share insights into his book and the lessons learned from FTX's collapse.

May 8, 2023

Videos

Mysten Labs CEO on Sui Mainnet Going Live

Layer 1 blockchain Sui launched its mainnet this week, as it aims to edge out rivals like Aptos and other DeFi heavyweights. Evan Cheng, co-founder and CEO of the blockchain's core contributor Mysten Labs, shares insights into the benefits and opportunities of Sui and how it aims to stand out from the competition. Plus, Cheng reflects on the lessons learned from previously working on the Meta-led Diem project, formerly known as Libra.

May 5, 2023

Markets

Pepecoin Short Sellers Lose Millions as PEPE Nears $1B Valuation

The tokens have run from strength to strength in the past week even as skeptics warned of an impending collapse.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 5, 2023

PEPE moves higher (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

Markets

Liquid Staking Platform Lido Surpasses 6M Ether Deposits as Shanghai Upgrade Spurs Inflows

Ethereum’s Shanghai upgrade spurred deposit inflows to liquid staking protocols, including to the largest player Lido.

By Krisztian SandorMay 4, 2023

Tech

Layer 2 Network Optimism to Use Ethereum Attestation Service to Promote User Trust

The attestation service will allow any Optimism user to create digital sign-offs on all kinds of information involving the blockchain’s activities and users.

By Elizabeth NapolitanoMay 4, 2023