Ethereum DeFi

Definition ∞ Ethereum DeFi refers to the collection of decentralized financial applications and protocols operating on the Ethereum blockchain. This ecosystem leverages Ethereum’s smart contract functionality to offer a broad array of financial services, including lending, borrowing, trading, and asset management, without central intermediaries. Participants interact directly with these protocols through code, enabling permissionless access and transparent operations. Ethereum DeFi has become a primary driver of innovation in the digital asset space, demonstrating the potential for open, programmable finance.
Context ∞ Ethereum DeFi continues to dominate the decentralized finance landscape, though it faces increasing competition from other layer-1 blockchains and scaling solutions. High transaction fees and network congestion on Ethereum have spurred the development of layer-2 scaling technologies and alternative platforms. Regulatory scrutiny of DeFi protocols is intensifying globally, focusing on consumer protection, anti-money laundering compliance, and systemic risk. The ongoing shift to Ethereum 2.0, with its proof-of-stake consensus, is anticipated to significantly impact the scalability and energy efficiency of its DeFi ecosystem.