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

Avalanche-Based Wonderland Makes Seed Investment in Betting Dapp

The DAO wants to compete with venture capitalists by providing opportunities to its “frog nation” instead.

By Shaurya MalwaJan 7, 2022

Wonderland users (self-styled as the ‘frog nation’ in crypto circles), portray themselves as men and women using technology and crypto to capitalize on opportunities, instead of seed rounds and investments mostly benefiting venture funds and well-connected private investors. (Getty Images)

Finance

A16z Leads Additional $25M Round for DeFi Credit Protocol Goldfinch

Other investors in the round included noted hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, crypto investment firm BlockTower and investment management firm Kingsway Capital.

By Brandy BetzJan 6, 2022

Finance

Arab Bank Switzerland Is Quietly Getting Into DeFi

The Swiss sister entity to Jordan-based Arab Bank is offering clients access to AAVE, COMP, UNI and more.

By Ian AllisonJan 6, 2022

Layer 2

What Really Mattered to Crypto Markets in 2021

The CoinDesk Research Annual Crypto Review for 2021 examines some of the key themes and metrics that marked the year’s progress in cryptocurrency markets.

By George Kaloudis, Edward OosterbaanJan 6, 2022