Definition ∞ DeFi activity refers to the transactions and operations conducted within decentralized finance protocols. This includes actions like lending, borrowing, trading, and providing liquidity through smart contracts rather than traditional financial intermediaries. It represents the dynamic utilization of blockchain technology for financial services.
Context ∞ Current discussions regarding DeFi activity often focus on total value locked (TVL) metrics, protocol growth, and the emergence of new financial instruments. News frequently highlights the risks associated with smart contract exploits, regulatory uncertainty, and the increasing institutional interest in decentralized applications. Analyzing DeFi activity provides insight into the adoption and maturation of the decentralized financial landscape.