DeFi, or Decentralized Finance, refers to a financial system built on a decentralized, blockchain-based network. This means that financial transactions, such as lending, borrowing, and trading, can occur without the need for intermediaries such as banks or other financial institutions.

DeFi relies on smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into the code. These smart contracts enable users to interact with the network and execute transactions in a secure, transparent, and automated way.

DeFi protocols typically run on top of the Ethereum blockchain and use its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), as the primary means of exchange. Other cryptocurrencies, known as "tokens," can also be used within these protocols to represent various assets or to provide additional functionality.

Some of the most common types of DeFi applications include decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending platforms, prediction markets, and stablecoins. DeFi is seen as a way to provide greater financial inclusion, transparency, and accessibility, as well as to challenge traditional financial institutions.

However, DeFi is also subject to risks such as smart contract bugs, price volatility, and market manipulation. It is important for users to conduct thorough research and due diligence before engaging with any DeFi protocol or asset.

💡 The term "DeFi" was first used in August 2018 in a Twitter thread by Gabriel Shapiro, a lawyer and investor in blockchain technology. The thread discussed the potential of decentralized finance and how it could disrupt traditional financial systems. Since then, the term has gained popularity and is now widely used in the blockchain and cryptocurrency community.

Overall, DeFi represents a significant shift in the traditional financial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and financial freedom.