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 Has Words for the SEC. Is It Listening?

The crypto exchange says a surprise legal warning came after months of transparency about its lending plans.

By David Z. MorrisSep 8, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 09: (L-R) Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Gary Gensler, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew share a moment during a Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) meeting December 9, 2013 at the Treasury Department in Washington, DC. Members of FSOC met to discuss cybersecurity and receive a presentation from the Office of Financial Research on financial market developments. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Markets

Large Investors Are Behind Binance Smart Chain’s Rapid Growth: Nansen

The report by the blockchain data firm counters the widespread belief that retail investors were largely responsible for Binance Smart Chain’s rapid growth.

By Muyao ShenSep 8, 2021

Tech

Valid Points: SEC Probes DeFi, Gas Fees Stabilize

Also: The rise of layer 2s and a comeback in total value locked (TVL) on Ethereum

By Edward OosterbaanSep 8, 2021

(TEK IMAGE/SPL/Science Photo Library/Getty Images Plus)

Policy

State of Crypto: The SEC Takes on DeFi

The SEC’s investigation into DeFi platforms is unsurprising. The question is whether the U.S. regulator will bring charges.

By Nikhilesh DeSep 7, 2021

Videos

Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto's Future

29-year-old multi-billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, head of crypto exchange FTX, trading firm Alameda Research, decentralized finance (DeFi) project Serum, and now the new owner of options platform LedgerX, joins a special episode of “First Mover” to discuss his personal mission and vision for the crypto industry at large. Plus, insights into crypto regulation, leveraged tokens, DeFi, altcoins, Web 3.0, business partnerships, altruism, and utilitarianism.

Sep 7, 2021