If you’re not familiar with the term, decentralized finance (or “DeFi”) is a growing trend in the world of finance. But what is it, and why should you care? Here’s a closer look at DeFi, some of the benefits it offers, and some of the potential risks associated with decentralized finance too. By the end of this article, you’ll have a good understanding of what DeFi is and why it matters.

Decentralized finance, or “DeFi” for short, is a hot topic in the world of cryptocurrency. DeFi is a term used to describe financial applications that are built on top of blockchain technology. These applications allow users to create and use financial products without the need for a middleman.

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital asset that exists on the blockchain, which is a public ledger. Cryptocurrencies can be used as a form of currency, or as a means to send and receive payments. They are also used for investing in projects, creating digital assets, and other online activities. Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency, but there are many other digital assets available.

Cryptocurrency is not just for people who know a lot about technology or finance. There are now several easy-to-use apps that make it simple to start buying and selling cryptocurrency, such as Coinbase and Binance. 

Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger, meaning that the information on it is shared across multiple computers instead of being stored on one central computer. This can provide greater security and privacy for users, as well as increased transparency. The data on a blockchain is immutable and cannot be changed, meaning that it can be used to store information securely. All transactions are recorded and stored in chronological order, so they can be easily tracked and verified.

Chainlink is being talked about increasingly in the world of DeFi. It is a blockchain-based middleware which enables the secure transfer of data between blockchains and other external systems, such as bank databases. This technology is being used to create a range of new financial products and services. Read this Chainlink report for more information about the difference Chainlink can make.

So what is the benefit of DeFi to you if you’re just an average person? Here are some of the benefits of DeFi.

No Third Parties

The main benefit of DeFi is that it enables users to access financial products without the need for a third party. This means that users don’t need to go through a bank or other financial institution in order to access the services they need. This reduces the cost and complexity of accessing financial products, which can be a great benefit to those who are new to cryptocurrency. So if you wanted to access cryptocurrency, you would just need to set up a wallet and you’re good to go.

Lower Fees

Since there is no need for third parties, DeFi services can be accessed at lower costs. This can mean lower fees for users, as well as faster and more efficient transactions. So whereas a bank will charge you for the services they provide, a DeFi service can be accessed at much lower costs.

Increased Security

DeFi applications are built on top of the blockchain, meaning that they are more secure than traditional financial services. The data on a blockchain is immutable and can’t be changed, which makes it much harder for hackers to access. In addition, DeFi applications often use smart contracts which provide users with greater control over their funds and increased security.

Greater Privacy

Another benefit of DeFi is that it provides users with greater privacy. Since all transactions take place on the blockchain, they are secure and private. This means that your financial data is not visible to anyone else, giving you more control over how it is used.

Reduced Risk

DeFi also reduces the risk of traditional financial institutions, such as banks. Since DeFi transactions take place on the blockchain, they can’t be reversed or frozen like traditional bank accounts. This means that users have more control over their funds and are not at risk of having them frozen or taken away.

International Access To Finance

For people living in countries that offer less stability than others, and less opportunities to access financial services, DeFi offers a way to access international financial services. This can help people in these countries to get access to more secure and reliable financial services. This helps to bring equality and access to finance, no matter where you’re from.

Overall, DeFi has the potential to revolutionize the way we access financial services. By providing lower costs, increased security and privacy, as well as international access to finance, DeFi is set to become an important part of the way people access financial services in the future. It has already seen a great deal of adoption, and this looks set to continue. Some practical ways anyone can access DeFi services today include through cryptocurrency exchanges, non-custodial wallets and decentralized finance applications. It’s worth exploring to see what you think!