DeFi Dawning
An exploration into the rapidly evolving world of Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and its potential to reshape our financial landscape
The cornerstone of the global financial system, for long, has been trust. Over years of tweaking, this trust was placed on intermediary institutions that would handle deposits and give out loans as and when necessary – under the strict purview of regulation and (if needed) government intervention. The creation of central banks was the next major step for currency creation and maintenance of stability in a system that had soon started becoming rather complex. Recently, we have transitioned to the possibility of an era where this intrinsic trust is now to be placed on decentralised algorithms and protocols, removing the need for any (human) financial intermediary.
Indeed, how likely is it that Decentralised Finance (DeFi) will truly become the future of finance? A new report from the Brookings Institution delves deep into this contemporary trend, providing invaluable insights for those keen on understanding the future of finance.
The Dawn of DeFi: Dissecting the Fundamentals
First things first, DeFi is a blockchain-based financial system that allows for financial transactions and applications without the need for intermediaries such as banks or insurers. In layman’s terms, it is akin to rebuilding the existing financial architecture but without the traditional gatekeepers.
In their book, DeFi and the Future of Finance, authors Cambell Harvey, Ashwin Ramachandran, and Joey Santoro argue that Bitcoin functions ‘almost exclusively as a payment network’. It is thus understandable why this technology was predominantly built on the Ethereum network, aiming to enable a more accessible, transparent, and potentially less costly financial system.
“Realisation of the full potential of DeFi requires a “smart contract platform” of which Ethereum “is the primary example.” This argument builds on Buterin (2014), and the book’s main sections are devoted to explaining how various smart contracts work on Ethereum, ranging from basic ownership tokenization, savings and borrowing, and derivates and synthetics,” write experts from the Brooking Institution about the book. DeFi on Ethereum claims to be inclusive, eliminating the barriers often faced by unbanked or underbanked communities worldwide.
However, in spite of its numerous opportunities, the DeFi dream also comes with its fair share of challenges. On the one hand, DeFi’s primary allure is its capability to offer financial services to anyone with an internet connection. It could potentially democratise finance, fostering economic equality and financial inclusion. Moreover, it introduces programmable money, which could drastically revolutionise how transactions and contracts are carried out.
On the flip side, DeFi is not without risks. The lack of regulation and oversight in the nascent DeFi industry means that users may be exposed to substantial financial and security risks. Indeed, the report highlights numerous incidents of security breaches, fraudulent projects, and extreme price volatility, underscoring the need for effective governance mechanisms.
The Regulatory Conundrum
One of the focal points of the report is the critical question of how DeFi should be regulated. Without a doubt, the current regulatory framework is ill-equipped to deal with the challenges posed by DeFi. Traditional regulatory tools designed to regulate centralised entities may not apply to the inherently decentralised nature of DeFi.
Regulatory efforts, therefore, need to strike a careful balance. Over-regulation could stifle innovation and hinder the potential benefits of DeFi, while under-regulation could leave consumers exposed to significant risks. The report advocates for a principle-based approach, which could provide flexibility to adapt to this rapidly evolving technology while still ensuring consumer protection.
In the end, the DeFi revolution is much more than just the buzzword of the day. It’s a transformative force with the potential to fundamentally reshape our financial systems. While the path to a DeFi-dominated future is fraught with challenges, the rewards could be substantial if navigated correctly.
To harness the full potential of DeFi, we need to embrace innovation while simultaneously addressing the associated risks. Policymakers, stakeholders, and innovators need to come together to design a regulatory framework that fosters growth while protecting users. After all, the end goal of DeFi, as highlighted in the report, is to democratise finance and create a more inclusive and equitable financial system.
The report is a deep dive into the nascent world of DeFi, providing critical insights into its potential and the challenges ahead. As we continue to navigate this bold new frontier, one thing is for certain – DeFi is poised to be a game-changer in the world of finance.
Read the full review from the Brookings Institution here.
