November 8, 2022

What are DeFi Coins and Tokens? What You Should Know?

A DeFi coin is much like a digital version of a fiat coin; it transfers value in the course of a financial transaction. Know more about what are DeFi coins and...

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Anuska

Home » Blog » Blockchain Basics » What are DeFi Coins and Tokens? What You Should Know?

DeFi has reinvented how we view finance, giving users more control over their money. With personal wallets and trading services catering to individuals, DeFi allows users to conduct financial transactions in a more peer-to-peer manner. It eliminates the need for a centralized finance model and can be used by anyone, regardless of who or where they are. It makes financial services more accessible and inclusive. In this post, we find out all about ‘what are DeFi coins and tokens?’

What are DeFi Coins and Tokens?

The new financial system that DeFi is bringing to the masses is rapidly gaining popularity among investors and entrepreneurs. It is providing a much-needed breath of fresh air in the slow-moving world of traditional finance by eliminating intermediaries and allowing for direct financial transactions. Through emerging technologies like blockchain, DeFi can provide a secure and efficient way for people to conduct financial transactions. With the Slope Wallet Vulnerability continued development of DeFi, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications in the future. With its many advantages, it’s no wonder DeFi is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of finance.

Now, what are DeFi coins and tokens, and why invest in DeFi coins and tokens? In this post, we find out the answer to ‘what are DeFi coins and tokens?’, and also learn about the top DeFi tokens and DeFi coins we have today.

What is DeFi?

One of the most promising aspects of the blockchain space is decentralized finance or DeFi. DeFi applications use blockchain technology to do away with intermediaries like banks and financial institutions in financial transactions. What usually happens is that banks and other institutions hold our assets while we do transactions with others. What if the entire purpose of the banks is done away with, and one could directly transfer their assets to others? This is the main concept of DeFi, explained in simple words. Individuals could hold on to their DeFi coins and tokens without having to deposit them anywhere to transfer them.

Why was DeFi Developed?

A huge number of people in this world don’t have access to banks and traditional finance. On the other hand, the access to smartphones and the internet has been increasing rapidly worldwide. The DeFi infrastructure offers a new model of financial services based on technology and peer-to-peer interactions. This allows for a more open, public, and transparent system accessible to anyone with a mobile phone and an internet connection. With this infrastructure in place, it is possible for those who do not have access to traditional financial services to gain access to the tools and resources they need. DeFi provides users with greater security, transparency, and financial autonomy. Using technology and P2P models, DeFi allows for crowdfunded and community-sourced capital.

How Does DeFi Work?

Decentralized finance, or “DeFi”, is a growing industry that uses blockchain technology to provide financial services. Blockchain is a distributed database or ledger that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. DeFi applications, run on the blockchain and provide a wide range of financial services. Other users verify the transactions on the blockchain. If they agree on a transaction, the block is closed and encrypted. With each block containing information about the previous block, a “chain” of blocks is created. This chain is what gives blockchain its name. Ethereum is used to build most of the current DeFi apps.

Since DeFi is largely unregulated, investors are advised to do their research and only contribute assets they can afford to lose.

DeFi Coins and Tokens

Here are the basic definitions for ‘what are DeFi coins and tokens?’

1. DeFi Coins

DeFi coins are one of the many components of decentralized finance. These coins are responsible for transferring value in a financial transaction. One needs to note they are vastly different from fiat currencies. Bitcoin, Litecoin, ETH, and more can be good examples of DeFi coins.

2. DeFi Tokens

DeFi tokens, on the other hand, can be used for various purposes beyond financial transactions. Both DeFi coins and tokens are built on blockchain networks, but DeFi coins are often named for their native blockchain, while DeFi tokens may not be. DeFi tokens transfer value but can also be used for non-financial purposes. For example, a DeFi token might represent a vote or access to a particular service.

DeFi tokens offer a wide range of services, including lending, trading, and earning interest on cryptocurrency holdings. Despite their potential, DeFi tokens are considered high-risk investments due to their volatile nature. Nevertheless, they have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for ways to get involved in the cryptocurrency space.

What are the Top DeFi Tokens?

These are some of the best DeFi Tokens:

1. Uniswap (UNI)

One of the top DeFi tokens in 2022, Uniswap offers an alternative to those users who don’t want to store their assets in a centralized crypto exchange.

2. Aave(AAVE)

It is one of the oldest decentralized finance platforms and one of the first offering crypto loans, and without a doubt Aave ranks among the best DeFi tokens.

3. Maker (MKR)

MKR is one of the most popular DeFi protocols. Due to its widespread acceptance among users, it is counted among the best DeFi tokens.

4. Compound (COMP)

Compound lets users take out crypto loans, and the platform’s token ranks among the top DeFi tokens so far.

5. SushiSwap (SUSHI)

The first and most successful Uniswap hard fork was SushiSwap. SUSHI is definitely one of the best DeFi tokens till date.

What are the Risks of DeFi Tokens?

As you learn why to invest in DeFi coins and tokens, you need to know the risks associated as well.

1. Fraud

Fraudsters pose one of the biggest risks by offering huge returns to new investors. Many users with half-baked knowledge and a thirst for a quick buck fall into these traps.

2. Theft

One can also lose their crypto deposits from wallets to thefts if they are unaware of their privacy protocols. Hackers may exploit the vulnerabilities of some of these exchanges.

3. Volatility

The volatility issue always remains when dealing with DeFi tokens and exchanges, since it’s in the inherent nature of cryptocurrencies as an asset class.

4. Closed projects

Since the beginning of DeFi, numerous projects have closed down for various reasons. Users should know and evaluate all aspects of a new project before getting involved.

Users must also deal with complex terminologies and fluctuating yields and consider various cost factors before getting into DeFi coins and tokens trading.

Conclusion

We do hope this post has helped you understand ‘what are DeFi coins and tokens?’ and also given you reasons as to why to invest in DeFi coins and tokens. As DeFi seeps more and more into the mainstream, the best DeFi tokens and coins we see today will surely lead the future of finance.

Disclaimers: Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s). They do not necessarily purport to reflect the opinions or views of Shardeum Foundation.

About the Author: Anuska is an independent freelance writer freshly exploring web3 and blockchain space. Her articles blend personal exploration with established editorial methods, and she’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!