CeFi (Centralized Finance) relies on central authorities like exchanges to manage financial transactions, offering familiar structures and customer support.
Examples of CeFi platforms include Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, and Nexo, providing services comparable to traditional banks.
Key features of CeFi include centralized control, KYC requirements, custodial services, customer support, and a wide service range.
Pros of CeFi include ease of entry for newcomers, services like lending and borrowing, and customer support, but it comes with risks like hacks and limited transparency.
DeFi (Decentralized Finance) operates on public blockchains using smart contracts, allowing users to have full control over their funds and interact directly with protocols.
Leading DeFi examples include Uniswap, Aave, Curve Finance, Lido Finance, and PancakeSwap, offering services without intermediaries and enhanced transparency.
Key features of DeFi include permissionless access, smart contract automation, user control, open-source code, and innovation in financial tools.
Pros of DeFi include control and direct access to financial tools, lower transaction fees, 24/7 market availability, transparency, and ongoing innovation.
Cons of DeFi include risks of internet connectivity, smart contract bugs, lack of customer support, complex interfaces, and vulnerabilities to errors and hacks.
CeFi and DeFi differ in ownership of assets, development transparency, arbitrage risks, trading methods, custody, atomicity, access, transparency, fees, innovation speed, risk, security, cross-chain services, fiat conversion, and regulation.