DeFi vs Traditional Finance
Traditional Finance
✗ Banks control your money
✗ Limited hours (9-5)
✗ High fees & slow transfers
✗ Need permission to access
Decentralized Finance
✓ You control your money
✓ Available 24/7/365
✓ Low fees & instant transfers
✓ Permissionless - anyone can use
What is DeFi?
DeFi (Decentralized Finance) is a blockchain-based financial system that operates without traditional intermediaries like banks. Using smart contracts on networks like Ethereum, DeFi lets you lend, borrow, trade, and earn interest on your crypto - all without asking permission.
$100B+
Total Value Locked
1000+
DeFi Protocols
24/7
Always Available
DeFi Categories
DEX (Decentralized Exchange)
Trade crypto without intermediaries
Lending & Borrowing
Earn interest or borrow against crypto
Liquid Staking
Stake and stay liquid with derivative tokens
Yield Farming
Maximize returns across protocols
Top DeFi Protocols in 2026
| Protocol | Category | TVL | Chain | APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniswap | DEX | $5.2B | Ethereum | Variable |
| Aave | LENDING | $11.5B | Multi-chain | 2-8% |
| Lido | STAKING | $33B | Ethereum | 3.5% |
| Curve | DEX | $2.7B | Multi-chain | 5-20% |
| MakerDAO | LENDING | $8.1B | Ethereum | 5% |
| PancakeSwap | DEX | $1.8B | BSC | Variable |
How to Get Started with DeFi
Get a Web3 Wallet
Download MetaMask or use the built-in Web3 wallet on exchanges like OKX or Binance.
Buy Some Crypto
You'll need ETH, BNB, or other base currencies to pay for gas fees and interact with protocols.
Start Small & Learn
Begin with small amounts on established protocols like Aave or Uniswap. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Monitor & Diversify
Track your positions and diversify across different protocols and strategies to manage risk.
DeFi Risks to Understand
Code bugs can be exploited. Even audited protocols have been hacked.
Providing liquidity can result in losses if token prices diverge significantly.
Ethereum fees can make small transactions unprofitable. Use L2s or other chains.
New protocols may be scams. Stick to established, audited projects.
Pros and Cons of DeFi
Advantages
- Full control of your funds - no bank can freeze them
- Higher yields than traditional savings
- Permissionless - anyone can participate
- Transparent - all transactions are on-chain
Disadvantages
- Complex to use for beginners
- Smart contract risks and hacks
- No customer support if things go wrong
- Volatile yields and token prices
Key Takeaways
DeFi lets you access financial services without banks or middlemen
Start with established protocols like Aave, Uniswap, and Lido
Always research before investing - check audits, TVL, and team
Never invest more than you can afford to lose in DeFi
Access DeFi from These Exchanges
These exchanges offer easy Web3 wallet access to DeFi protocols
Ready to Explore DeFi?
Start your DeFi journey with a trusted exchange and Web3 wallet
Access DeFi on OKX