DeFi Explained: Decentralized Finance Tools and Real-World Uses

When you hear DeFi, short for decentralized finance, it means financial services built on blockchain networks without banks or traditional institutions. Also known as open finance, it lets you lend, borrow, earn interest, and trade assets directly—using crypto instead of a bank account. This isn’t theory. People are already using it to make money from their crypto holdings, get loans without credit checks, and move money across borders in minutes.

DeFi runs on blockchain, a public digital ledger that records every transaction securely and transparently, and most of it lives on Ethereum, the most used network for smart contracts and decentralized apps. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it—just a wallet, some crypto, and a clear idea of what you’re doing. That’s why guides on buying NFTs with Ethereum, bridging tokens between chains, or understanding perpetual swaps show up here: they’re all parts of the same system. DeFi isn’t just trading—it’s rethinking how money moves, who controls it, and who benefits.

What you’ll find in these posts aren’t hype or jargon-heavy explanations. These are step-by-step, real-user guides: how to actually set up a wallet, what happens when you bridge tokens, why a funding rate matters in a perpetual swap, and how to avoid common mistakes. There’s no fluff, no promises of quick riches—just clear, practical info for people who want to understand DeFi without getting lost in the noise. If you’ve ever wondered how someone earns interest on their crypto without a bank, or why people trade on decentralized exchanges instead of Coinbase, you’ll find the answers here.

What Is a DEX in Crypto? Simple Guide to Decentralized Exchanges

Posted by Anna Fenton on Nov, 1 2025

What Is a DEX in Crypto? Simple Guide to Decentralized Exchanges
A DEX in crypto is a decentralized exchange that lets you trade cryptocurrencies directly from your wallet without a middleman. No KYC, no custody risks, and access to thousands of tokens. Learn how it works, popular platforms, and key risks.