At The Defiant, we are convinced finance will become increasingly decentralized and open. It just makes sense; our current financial system is running on infrastructure that was built in the 1970s; messaging networks like SWIFT and ACH that simply aren’t made to transact value.
Blockchains have value at their core. They are money networks, and as such, they make for more efficient financial systems. They cut out intermediaries, improving speed and cost. They are permissionless and global, so that essential tools to grow savings and make payments and transfers, are at the hands of anyone with an internet connection, anywhere in the world.
A financial system that’s running on distributed networks and powered by cryptocurrencies allows users to maintain control over their assets and information. For the first time ever, any individual can own a piece of the networks and applications they use. They can participate in these protocols’ governance and benefit from their growth. It’s a new paradigm for the internet and for money.
We are witnessing the birth of the internet of money. It’s here, growing and maturing. You can use it right now.
The Defiant is the leading information company at this intersection of tech and money. It’s the only content platform producing unbiased, objective journalism, that’s focused on decentralized finance. We cover the news in this space day to day, across our newsletter, podcast, YouTube channel, and website.
For those who are new to this ecosystem (and even for those who have been around for longer), the flood of new terms, apps, and concepts can feel overwhelming.
This guide is meant to be a one-stop-shop to get started. These are all the DeFi basics you will need to start exploring the internet of money.
🤝 Share this guide with your friends, family, colleagues —anyone who you think would benefit from learning about the future of finance and how to start taking control of their assets.
Here are the first two articles you need to read as you get started on your DeFi journey.
Definition: Decentralized finance, or DeFi, is the ecosystem of financial applications being built with blockchain technology and without banks.
Characteristics:
History: