DeFi Definitions

A lot of people are trying to describe the framework of Decentralized Finance. Few provide clear, actionable definitions that can be used by the traditional world of Finance and policymakers. We aim to change that.

Decentralization

Base Definition

A system is decentralized if it is fault and attack-resistant with a remote likelihood of collusion or creating a common point of control, with a sufficient number of diverse and independent contributors, political actors, and social influencers operating the system’s logic.

Deep dive into decentralization with our blog series here.

Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)

Base Definition

A DAO is a protocol – a collection of code that replicates an organization (O) on a permissionless decentralized public blockchain (D), operating autonomously (A). A DAO can work independently of anyone or with people by incorporating various built-in incentives to induce them to engage, interact and use the protocol optimally.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Base Definition

Decentralized Finance or DeFi utilizes peer-to-peer financial services on permissionless decentralized blockchains to extend – not replace – the global financial system. It is a set of composable financial tools that are trust-minimized, transparent, and accessible to anybody on the internet.

 

Stablecoins

Base Definition

Stablecoins are crypto-assets that replicate established stores of value – like currencies and commodities – to create a digital version of the cash you carry in your pocket.