Decentralized Finance (DeFi) aims to provide financial services like saving, borrowing, and investing to anyone with internet access, without going through a bank. It operates on blockchain technology, which is a digital ledger making it super secure and transparent where smart contracts self-running agreements are used to handle transactions.
It enables users to lend, borrow and trade digital assets directly without taking any services of a middleman. Thus, it offers a financial system that's more open, transparent and easier to access.
DeFi services include Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap and SushiSwap, lending and borrowing on platforms like Compound and Aave, insurance on platforms like Nexus Mutual, Yield Farming, and Stablecoins.
It gives everyone a chance to join the financial world and provides everything recorded on blockchain for all to see, which is traceable and open to everyone.
DeFi doesn’t involve middlemen, which results in minimal fees. Furthermore, users keep their assets in digital wallets, which means they control their money directly.
DeFi does come with a few risks, such as price swings of cryptocurrencies, smart contract risks due to bugs or hack in the code, governments around the world figuring out how to regulate DeFi, and its complexity that newbie users might face.
The future consortium of DeFi and traditional banks mutually benefitting each other seems possible, where DeFi technology could help banks to improve their services, and regulations can result in the safety of users.
DeFi is taking financial freedom to the next level, especially in developing countries, as it provides them with a financially inclusive system. It gives individuals power and control over their financial decisions.
To start with DeFi, one must learn the basics, get a digital wallet, research and start with a small investment, and keep updated with news and updates. Joining DeFi is an exciting opportunity for young individuals to explore a financially revolutionized world.