DeFi Education

DeFi Education covers decentralized finance (DeFi), explaining essential concepts, risks, and opportunities. It provides terminology glossaries, valuation methods, security best practices, and market insights. Content includes project-specific analyses, general DeFi strategies, Q&A sessions, and market updates, aiming to inform and guide new and experienced investors.

DeFi Basics Investment Strategies Crypto Projects Market Insights Security Practices Community Engagement

The hottest Substack posts of DeFi Education

And their main takeaways

Bitcoin DeFi (Part 2) - Rootstock and Babylon Chain

359 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investment Security Usability
  1. Rootstock and Babylon Chain are important platforms in Bitcoin's decentralized finance (DeFi) space. They enhance usability and security for users dealing with Bitcoin.
  2. Layer 2 chains like Rootstock inherit security from the main Bitcoin network. This allows them to operate safely while expanding the functions available on Bitcoin.
  3. Understanding the potential of these DeFi platforms can help users make smarter investment choices. It's crucial for anyone interested in Bitcoin and DeFi to stay informed about these developments.

Fruit Vendors & Market Makers

739 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Finance Trading Blockchain
  1. A good market maker, like the apple vendor, is always ready to buy and sell, which helps keep prices stable and customers happy. This reliability makes people trust them.
  2. Being a market maker comes with risks, such as buying too much stock or competitors entering the market. It's important to be aware of these challenges.
  3. Creating a fair and stable market is better for long-term success than using tricks to drive prices up. People will appreciate and trust a vendor who plays fair.

Paid Sub Q&A

4656 implied HN points • 27 Nov 21
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Trading Regulations
  1. There is a paid Q&A session where subscribers can ask questions or make requests. It's a good chance to get specific help or information.
  2. The post encourages interaction from paid subscribers, making it feel more personal and engaging.
  3. The Q&A is organized to take place during holidays, hinting that the creators are dedicated and available even when others are not.

DeFi Education Q&A (January 2024 pt. 2)

379 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi Bitcoin Blockchain Investing Market Trends
  1. The Q&A format is now bi-weekly to keep up with the active market. This means you'll get new information more often.
  2. There is an upcoming post focused on Bitcoin DeFi, which many readers have asked for. It's taking a bit longer to prepare because it's a complex topic.
  3. Subscribers are encouraged to engage with the content to stay updated on the latest discussions in DeFi. Your participation helps shape future topics.

The Greatest Crypto Heist You Never Heard of

739 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Fraud Technology Regulation Blockchain Economics
  1. Ruja Ignatova is the mastermind behind the OneCoin scam, which defrauded investors out of over $4 billion. She has been on the run from authorities since 2017 and was added to the FBI's most wanted list.
  2. The OneCoin scheme was not a real cryptocurrency and was designed to deceive thousands of investors. Ignatova and her co-conspirators manipulated the value of OneCoin and profited from the scam.
  3. Despite numerous arrests of her partners in crime, Ignatova remains elusive, and her whereabouts are still unknown. Investigators believe she might still be alive and living off the money she stole.
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DeFi Education Q&A (December 2023)

479 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Finance Blockchain Investing Education
  1. DeFi Education offers monthly Q&A sessions for subscribers. This is a great chance to ask questions and learn more about decentralized finance.
  2. The sessions are led by professionals with experience in finance and software, so you can expect valuable insights.
  3. These Q&A sessions are exclusive to paid subscribers, giving them access to expert knowledge and support.

Trading The Digital Wave

659 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Digital Currency Market Manipulation Investment Strategies Case Studies DeFi
  1. DWF Labs has investments that have recently faced issues with market manipulation, specifically 'pump and dump' schemes. This means that some traders artificially boost a coin's price and then sell off their holdings for profit, leaving others with losses.
  2. The article explains how these market manipulations are engineered and provides examples of three coins affected. Understanding these cases can help investors avoid similar traps in the future.
  3. It's important for investors to be aware of how market dynamics work, especially in the volatile world of digital currencies. Educating yourself can make a big difference in making smarter trading decisions.

Does Decentralized Machine Learning Need Crypto? Bittensor (TAO)

599 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology AI Crypto Decentralization Machine Learning Open Source
  1. Bittensor is a platform that uses decentralized machine learning to connect users with miners who run AI models. It aims to create a more open and fair AI ecosystem where everyone can participate.
  2. The platform rewards miners and validators with TAO tokens based on their contributions, similar to how Bitcoin operates. This incentive system encourages the best AI models to be selected for user queries.
  3. There's a growing trend of open source AI projects that show promise without needing huge corporate funding, making it possible for smaller teams to create effective AI tools without significant expenses.

AI in DeFi

499 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi AI Blockchain Smart Contracts Data Analysis
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) are making it easier for people without coding skills to interact with the DeFi space. Now, you can ask questions and get quick responses without needing to be a tech expert.
  2. AI can help enhance the security of DeFi by automating smart contract audits and identifying vulnerabilities. This means it can make DeFi safer, but there’s also a risk that hackers might use AI for malicious purposes.
  3. LLMs can streamline tasks like monitoring Discord communities by filtering out spam and detecting issues. This could make managing online crypto communities much more efficient.

Tokens vs. Equity

619 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Tokens Equity Blockchain Governance
  1. Uniswap is now charging a fee on some transactions, which goes to Uniswap Labs and not to token holders. This has caused a drop in the UNI token's value.
  2. There can be conflicts between token holders and equity holders in crypto, as they may have different goals and priorities. Token holders often want short-term gains, while equity holders may focus on long-term success.
  3. Uniswap Labs needs to show that it is acting in good faith for both the protocol and the token holders, or else the value of holding the UNI token is questionable.

You Already Own Nothing

1458 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Ownership Digital Assets Blockchain Legal rights Economic Systems
  1. Ownership is based on legal rights and often requires group agreement. Just saying something is yours isn't enough; the law has to back it up.
  2. In tough situations, like political or economic crises, ownership can be taken away by governments. This shows that owning something comes with conditions.
  3. Cryptocurrency offers a new way to own things without needing a central authority. It relies on technology to prove ownership, making it more secure against seizures.

New to DeFi? *Start Here* Glossary of DeFi Terminology as Well

5255 implied HN points • 29 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Cryptocurrency Finance Technology
  1. DeFi means doing banking activities using code instead of traditional banks. It’s changing how people manage money online.
  2. Common DeFi terms, like APR and APY, help you understand how interest works. APR is straightforward, while APY accounts for compounding interest, making it higher.
  3. Risks in DeFi include potential losses and scams like 'rug pulls.' It's important to do your research and understand these risks before getting involved.

Market Manipulation Through Social Media

759 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Market Manipulation Social media Bots Financial trends
  1. Social media bots can create fake hype around cryptocurrencies, leading to market manipulation. These bots make it hard for regular investors to know what's really happening with price movements.
  2. The use of bots in financial markets isn't new, but the scale at which they are being employed today is greater than before. This raises concerns about trust and authenticity in crypto investing.
  3. It's important for investors to be careful about what they see online. Double-checking information with others can help avoid getting caught up in hype driven by bots and manipulated trends.

Decentralized Finance - the High Level Basics

5115 implied HN points • 20 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Blockchain Smart Contracts Cryptocurrency
  1. Decentralized finance (DeFi) allows people to lend or borrow using their crypto assets without relying on banks. This means you can use your Bitcoin as collateral to get a loan without selling it.
  2. Smart contracts are essential in DeFi, replacing middlemen with code to streamline financial transactions. This makes processes like taking out loans or trading assets easier and cheaper.
  3. DeFi aims to remove inefficient centralized systems, allowing for 24/7 trading and more access to financial opportunities. This could change how we invest, like through NFTs and other digital assets.

Understanding ETFs

519 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Crypto Regulations ETFs
  1. ETFs are investment funds that hold a collection of assets and are traded like stocks. They aim to track the performance of an index or asset class.
  2. Creating your own ETF is complicated and needs approval from regulators. It’s not as easy as just launching a product; there's a lot of scrutiny involved.
  3. ETFs have a unique process for buying and selling called creation and redemption. This helps keep their price in line with the value of the assets they hold.

Tokenomics Primer Part 1

1179 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Tokenomics Blockchain DeFi Investment Regulation
  1. Tokens are really important in the crypto world, acting as a way to raise money and attract users. Unlike stocks, tokens can be essential to the product itself.
  2. Good tokenomics is all about connecting the token's value to the success of the underlying project. If the project doesn't do well, the token's value can drop a lot.
  3. Demand for tokens can come from real use or from things the project does to create demand, like buybacks. It's important for projects to find the right balance to keep their tokens valuable.

Safary Hack, Paid Post Explains How to Avoid the Losses...

439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Security Investing Decentralized Finance Hacking
  1. Check your DeFi transactions carefully before approving them to avoid losing funds. Malicious attacks can trick you into giving away your money.
  2. Frontend attacks can make trusted websites seem normal but steal your crypto. Always be cautious when interacting with these sites.
  3. Even experienced users can fall victim to these hacks, so it's important to stay informed and learn how to protect your assets.

How Liquidity Impacts Market Crashes

599 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Strategies Risk management Market Analysis Cryptocurrency
  1. Low liquidity can cause big price drops in markets, meaning even small buy or sell orders can affect prices a lot. This can lead to more volatility and crashes.
  2. Market makers provide important liquidity, but they may pull back during volatile times. This makes it harder for traders to buy or sell quickly without impacting prices.
  3. Knowing when liquidity is low can help investors manage risks better. By watching market conditions, investors can make smarter decisions about when to trade or hold their assets.

DeFi Lives to Fight Another Day

699 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Decentralized Finance Blockchain Technology Smart Contracts
  1. DeFi is trying to replace traditional banks with software, helping avoid the risky loans and bailouts associated with banks. It offers more transparency since anyone can see a DeFi bank's financial activities.
  2. Smart contracts are working well, allowing for borrowing, lending, and trading without the need for trust in government or banks. This makes it easier for people to control their assets, especially in emergencies.
  3. There are both opportunities and challenges within DeFi. While it has potential for profits and security advancements are improving, issues like software security and human behavior still need attention.

A Historic Alt Season is Approaching. Or is it? (+ a Short!)

1159 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Altcoins Bitcoin DeFi Market Trends Investing
  1. Bitcoin has seen a significant price increase recently, which often leads investors to think about buying altcoins with those profits. People usually believe that when Bitcoin rises, altcoins will also get a boost next.
  2. The upcoming Arbitrum token airdrop is generating a lot of excitement in the crypto community, prompting many to reactivate their dormant wallets. However, it's important to remember that not all airdrops translate into actual wealth; the support and liquidity of the token matter.
  3. Despite the hype around altcoins, some experts suggest being cautious about investing in them just because Bitcoin is doing well. They recommend focusing on Bitcoin itself as a safer investment, rather than taking risks with many altcoins.

The State of DeFi RWAs in Q4 2023

479 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Staking Investment
  1. 1. People in crypto are focused on finding ways to earn more money, especially through yield. They're looking for profitable options.
  2. 2. Users on Ethereum pay fees that turn into rewards for staking, which is a key part of the earning process.
  3. 3. Investing stablecoin money in things like US treasuries can provide stable returns, showing the importance of traditional finance in decentralized finance.

dYdX v4

419 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Exchanges Investments Regulations Technology Market Trends
  1. The founders of major crypto exchanges like Binance and FTX are now convicted felons, highlighting the risks in the industry. It's important to be cautious when engaging with crypto platforms.
  2. Putting your crypto in third-party custody can be dangerous. It defeats the purpose of holding your assets securely on your own.
  3. DeFi education is crucial to understand the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and to navigate it safely. Staying informed helps protect your investments.

What Your Tokens Really Mean

839 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto Tokens Regulation Market Analysis Investing Risks
  1. The SEC is actively pursuing major crypto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase for selling what they consider unregistered securities. This shows they are serious about regulating the crypto market.
  2. Crypto tokens represent programmed code and their value is determined by market demand, unlike stocks and bonds which are backed by legal agreements. This can lead to confusion about what people are actually buying.
  3. People often misunderstand the real meaning of tokens, especially in times of market volatility. It's important to know that tokens can have different purposes and values, not all tied to money.

Coinbase v. SEC: Will the COIN Shorts Win?

959 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🔮 Crypto Regulation Market Analysis Legal issues Trading Industry Trends
  1. Coinbase is fighting back against the SEC, arguing that the digital assets they trade aren't securities. They believe the legal tests applied to these cases might not even fit.
  2. The SEC has raised concerns about Coinbase's business practices, particularly regarding staking services and crypto wallets. Coinbase argues that these services are more like IT support than investments.
  3. If Coinbase's legal arguments are successful, it could change how the government regulates crypto. This could provide much-needed clarity in the industry and potentially protect users and businesses.

The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried

519 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Fraud Regulation Financial Technology
  1. Sam Bankman-Fried's trial is focusing on accusations of fraud that led to big losses for FTX customers. It's important to pay attention to how the trial unfolds, especially the testimonies from key witnesses.
  2. People often trusted centralized exchanges like FTX instead of managing their own crypto safely. Understanding cognitive biases can help investors avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
  3. Investing in crypto without learning about it can lead to serious losses. Gaining knowledge and understanding the technology is key to making smart investments and avoiding scams.

Q&A

2318 implied HN points • 11 Jun 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Finance Markets Technology
  1. Crypto is always changing, even in tough markets. It's important to stay updated on what's happening.
  2. Engaging in Q&A can help clarify doubts about DeFi and crypto. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you're confused.
  3. Being part of a community helps share knowledge and gather different viewpoints about the markets. It's good to hear what others think.

Proto-Danksharding

599 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Ethereum Transactions Scalability
  1. Proto-Danksharding is a new feature for Ethereum that helps lower transaction costs and provides temporary data storage. This makes it cheaper and faster for Layer 2 solutions to function.
  2. High transaction costs are a major hurdle for DeFi, limiting its growth. By making transactions cheaper, it can attract more users and enable smoother operations.
  3. The collaboration between Optimism and Base aims to share transaction revenues, which could boost their performance and value in the future, benefiting both projects.

Q3 2023 In Review

519 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Trading Market Analysis Investing Regulation Technology
  1. Crypto markets seem to be feeling a bit too excited right now, which some are calling an 'echo bubble'.
  2. Stronger performance in crypto might not happen until the monetary policy becomes more relaxed.
  3. Big changes and developments in the crypto world occurred in Q3, setting the stage for future predictions.

Reverse Engineering Crypto's Pain Points

659 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investment Regulation Market Trends
  1. Crypto faces a big problem with not having enough users. Many people find it really complex to use, which makes them give up before they even start.
  2. There's also the issue of not having enough attractive things to do with crypto. Many projects don't solve real problems, leading to confusion for new users about what to do with it.
  3. Finally, scalability and regulation are major hurdles. Current blockchain networks have trouble handling lots of users without high fees, and regulations are changing, creating a lot of uncertainty.

Fending off the Regulatory Barrage

559 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Regulation Investing Market Analysis Legal issues Decentralization
  1. Grayscale recently won a court case that could lead to the approval of a Bitcoin ETF. This is important because it could help investors get better prices for their Bitcoin investments.
  2. A court ruled that Uniswap, a decentralized exchange, is not responsible for scams involving tokens traded on its platform. This is good news for developers in the DeFi space, as it shows they can’t be held liable for the actions of others.
  3. The SEC has confirmed that some NFTs can be considered securities, as seen in a case where a company settled for not registering its NFT offering. This emphasizes that just because something is digital doesn't mean it escapes regulation.

Synthetix

379 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Blockchain Market Trends Risk management
  1. The content is now more focused on finding new investment opportunities and taking on more risks.
  2. They are producing lots of content quickly, typically three posts a week.
  3. The fast-paced world of crypto means things can change quickly, even between their posts.

Crypto's Fork in the Road

579 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Digital Assets Investment Strategies Market Dynamics Decentralized Finance
  1. The cryptocurrency market is splitting into two main groups: builders and institutions versus casual or speculative traders. This means that projects may start focusing more on serious investors rather than just the retail crowd.
  2. Institutional investors work differently than retail traders. They think long term and have to follow strict rules, while retail traders can move quicker and are less regulated.
  3. For those involved in crypto, being open about your identity can help you gain more trust and attention, as doxxed individuals may have an edge over those who stay anonymous.

Coinbase Q2 2023 Earnings

599 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Exchanges Regulation Investing Market Trends Earnings Reports
  1. Coinbase cut its costs significantly, laying off 30% of its staff, and is focusing on expanding beyond just trading. They want to include features like payments and messaging in their app.
  2. A big challenge for Coinbase is the current regulatory environment in the U.S. The company is actively fighting these regulations to promote the growth of the crypto market.
  3. While Coinbase's trading revenue has dropped, they are making more money from interest on USDC. They have a lot of cash in hand, which helps them stay financially healthy even during tough times.

Q&A + Requests

2238 implied HN points • 07 May 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Markets Investing Cryptocurrency
  1. The DeFi team is open to answering questions about DeFi, crypto, and markets. You can ask anything you're curious about.
  2. You can also suggest topics or projects that you want the team to cover. This helps them provide content that is valuable to you.
  3. This post is for paid subscribers, so make sure you're signed up to get access to the Q&A and any special requests you might have.

Mid-Year Crypto Outlook 2023

679 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Market Trends Investments Regulations Technology Predictions
  1. 2023 has been a strong year for crypto, with the best first half for prices since 2019. Bitcoin is trading above $30,000, showing good market momentum.
  2. There is growing interest from major financial institutions, like the world's largest asset manager, seeking to offer Bitcoin ETFs. This could boost the legitimacy and adoption of crypto.
  3. The overall sentiment in the market is positive, but it's important to stay cautious and informed about potential future changes in regulations and market dynamics.

Solana Update

499 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Technology Finance
  1. Solana is a fast blockchain that can handle 50,000 to 65,000 transactions every second. This high speed makes it suitable for many applications.
  2. MakerDAO, a big player in decentralized finance, is looking into using Solana for its operations. This could bring even more attention to Solana.
  3. Staying informed about updates in DeFi and blockchain technology is important. New developments can create new opportunities and partnerships.

How to Learn Crypto if You're Starting Today

1278 implied HN points • 21 Dec 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Decentralization Market Trends Technology
  1. Start learning about Bitcoin first. It’s crucial to understand the basics like the Bitcoin whitepaper and how its network works.
  2. Next, dive into Ethereum. This platform allows for smart contracts and is key to many new decentralized applications.
  3. Don't forget about stablecoins. They help connect the crypto world with traditional finance and are growing rapidly, so learning about their types and use cases is important.

Don't Just Survive - Win

399 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Education Trading Market Analysis
  1. The DeFi Academy offers a structured way to learn about crypto and transform your approach from just surviving to winning in the market.
  2. Timing is essential in the crypto world; those who take action are more likely to succeed than those who hesitate.
  3. There's a limited opportunity to join the DeFi Academy at a discounted price, encouraging quick decision-making for those ready to engage.

Everything is Risk (+Radiant Capital)

759 implied HN points • 27 May 23
💼 Business Finance Risk management Investing Career development Personal Growth
  1. Risk-taking is essential for growth and success. If you don’t take risks, you might miss out on big opportunities.
  2. Real-life experiences with risk help you learn and get better at decision-making. It’s important to face challenges to achieve greatness.
  3. In sports and investing, the biggest rewards come from taking calculated risks. Embracing these chances can lead to significant achievements.