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

Fantom-Based Algo Protocol Fantasm Exploited for $2.6M

Some of the at-risk funds were recovered from the weeks-old protocol in the early hours of Thursday.

ghost, balloon, phantom

Markets

THORChain’s RUNE Surges 37% After DeFi Synthetic Assets Goes Live

THORChain’s Chaosnet supports swaps between several major cryptocurrencies using its RUNE token.

Lately, Thorchain has had to battle with attackers everywhere.

Opinion

How Crypto Companies Must Mesh With Traditional Financial Services Platforms for DeFi to Succeed

Crypto companies looking to engage with traditional financial institutions must address risk management and compliance expectations stemming these institutions' regulatory obligations.

(Getty Images)

Tech

Chad DePue, Former Snapchat Director of Engineering, Moves to Uniswap Labs

The talent drain from Web 2 tech companies into crypto continues.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Videos

Polymesh Announces $25M Developer Grant Program, Avalanche Commits $290M in Avax for New Projects

Polymesh, a securities-focused blockchain, has announced a $25 million developer grant initiative to encourage security token projects on their network, and meanwhile, Avalanche committed $290 million to grow gaming, DeFi, and NFT “subnets.” “The Hash” discusses these incentivized initiatives for developers and how money is allocated in the crypto and blockchain space. 

Recent Videos

Learn

What's a DeFi Wallet, and How to Choose the Right One

Certain DeFi protocols can sometimes be supported by specific crypto wallet services. Here's what you need to know.

(Getty Images)

Finance

‘Minimum Viable DAO’ Product Looks to Supercharge Web 3 Governance

Decent Labs has an opinion on what the future of DAOs should look like, and it’s baking it into a new set of tools.

(Martin Rancourt/Unsplash)

Finance

Avalanche Commits $290M in AVAX to Attract Gaming, DeFi and NFT ‘Subnets’

The “Multiverse” incentive fund is meant to create a network of application-specific blockchains.

(Unsplash)

Finance

Bain Capital Launches $560M Crypto Fund

The $155 billion investment giant will focus on DeFi and Web 3 and isn't afraid to get its hands dirty with liquid tokens.

Bain Capital staffers dedicate a wing of the Boston Children's Hospital in 2018. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images for Boston Children's Hospital)