The hottest DeFi Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Crypto Topics

Craft World: A Beginner's Guide

Ronin’s Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Craft World is a free-to-play resource-management game with a fully on-chain economy on Ronin where the core loop is collect, craft, trade, and build using blockchain-tracked materials and DynoCoin.
  2. Progression revolves around repairing and upgrading your base (Town Hall, Exchange, Vault, Workshop, Mastery) and balancing power, production chains, and permanent choices like Workshop Points to optimize long-term efficiency.
  3. Earning comes from many paths—selling on the Exchange, Vault passive gains, community Masterpieces, Live-Ops, liquidity pools, and owning Water/Fire Dyno NFTs—so a patient, market-aware strategy beats short-term grinding.

Points Programs and the Free Money Olympics

DeFi Education • 639 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Points programs in crypto can help users understand what actions are valued by projects. They give a clearer idea of how to earn potential tokens in the future.
  2. While points might seem like a fun way to engage, some projects use them to delay actual token launches, which can leave users feeling tricked if no tokens ever come.
  3. It's important for users to be strategic about participating in points programs. They should like the project or see clear ways to benefit, rather than just hoping for a future reward.

Airdrop Farming Opportunity (Closes Soon!)

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. There's a new chance to participate in an airdrop farming opportunity, but it's ending soon. Don't miss out if you're interested!
  2. A snapshot has already been taken, which means important data has been collected for this opportunity. Make sure you've completed any necessary actions by now.
  3. This information is for people who pay for a subscription. If you're not a subscriber, you may need to sign up to access all the details.

Bitcoin DeFi (Part 1)

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Bitcoin is seen as a strong foundation for decentralized finance because it's secure and valuable.
  2. There is a lot of unused money in Bitcoin, around $800 billion, that could potentially be used in DeFi projects.
  3. While both Bitcoin and Ethereum have good security, Bitcoin might be a better choice for building a safe DeFi system.

Things That Don't Change

DeFi Education • 859 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Consumers will always want cheaper, faster, and more accessible financial services. These basic needs won't change over the years.
  2. DeFi allows for innovation without needing a lot of money or big companies. Even small developers can create useful financial tools.
  3. The banking industry is slow to adapt, while DeFi can offer services anytime and anywhere. This gives DeFi a big advantage over traditional banks.
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DeFi Education Q&A (January 2024)

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Bitcoin (BTC) is currently down since the approval of the ETF, showing some volatility in the market.
  2. Ethereum (ETH) has seen recent gains, moving up from a buy level of 0.05 to 0.06 against Bitcoin.
  3. The farming project mentioned earlier is doing well, indicating a positive trend in that area.

The Snapshot has been taken

DeFi Education • 379 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. A snapshot means that important information has been recorded or captured.
  2. This post is specifically for paying subscribers, so not everyone can access it.
  3. Reading updates about this topic is meant for those already interested or engaged.

Bitcoin DeFi (Part 2) - Rootstock and Babylon Chain

DeFi Education • 359 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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

DeFi Education • 4656 implied HN points • 27 Nov 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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)

DeFi Education • 379 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

DeFi Education Q&A (December 2023)

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto 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.

AI in DeFi

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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

DeFi Education • 619 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

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

DeFi Education • 5255 implied HN points • 29 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

Decentralized Finance - the High Level Basics

DeFi Education • 5115 implied HN points • 20 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

Tokenomics Primer Part 1

DeFi Education • 1179 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

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

DeFi Education • 1159 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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

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

Long Take: How Wise disrupted $150T of Cross-Border Payments and earns $1B in revenue

The Fintech Blueprint • 511 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💰 Finance DeFi
  1. Wise disrupted the costly traditional cross-border payment system by using a peer-to-peer platform and offering transparent, low fees.
  2. The company earned $1.2B in revenue in 2021 with a significant portion coming from its margin on FX transfers.
  3. Wise's growth and profitability are driven by its innovative approach to simplifying and optimizing cross-border transactions.

Proto-Danksharding

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

DeFi: Frax Finance completes V3 rollout with on-chain bonds

The Fintech Blueprint • 275 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💰 Finance DeFi
  1. Frax Finance introduces on-chain bonds called FXBs, resembling zero-coupon bonds and converting to FRAX stablecoin upon maturity.
  2. The emergence of interest-bearing stablecoin projects like sFRAX and USDe is likely to shift focus from non-interest paying stablecoins like USDT.
  3. There has been a significant growth in Total Value Locked (TVL) in tokenized securities with U.S. Treasury exposure, reaching around $790MM.

Reverse Engineering Crypto's Pain Points

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

Synthetix

DeFi Education • 379 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

Q&A + Requests

DeFi Education • 2238 implied HN points • 07 May 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

Solana Update

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  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.

DeFi: Portal Network raises $34MM to bypass bridge hacks - will it also unify modular chains?

The Fintech Blueprint • 235 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology DeFi
  1. The system of bridging in DeFi faces challenges like inefficiencies, centralization, and risky synthetic asset replication
  2. Portal Network raised $34MM to create a decentralized exchange network without the need for bridges or custodians
  3. Portal Network's innovative features aim to address liquidity fragmentation and inefficiencies in cross-chain swaps

Staking Ethereum and Safe Wallets

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Using hardware wallets like Trezor is recommended for better security. Metamask is also a good software wallet, but be cautious with privacy.
  2. Solo staking is the best option if you have the technical skills and resources. It offers full control and rewards, but requires a lot of maintenance.
  3. If you prefer not to manage everything yourself, consider pooled staking services like Rocket Pool. They can simplify the process but come with some extra risks.

No More Sandwiches

DeFi Education • 779 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. MEV, or Maximum Extractable Value, allows bots to profit by reordering transactions on the Ethereum network. This means they can buy what you want to buy before you, and then sell it back to you at a higher price.
  2. Sandwich attacks are when these bots place their transactions around yours, making them 'sandwich' your transaction and causing you to pay more. They monitor your trade and act quickly to exploit pricing changes.
  3. To protect yourself from these attacks, use decentralized exchanges (DEX) that have RFQ technology or aggregators. They help you get the best price without being targeted by these bots.

DeFi: In Simple Photos and How to Make Your First Transaction!

DeFi Education • 3636 implied HN points • 24 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) offers better returns than traditional banking. You can earn more on your investments compared to the low interest rates from banks.
  2. Using decentralized exchanges allows you to trade assets directly with others, cutting out the middlemen like banks. This means you can have more control over your money.
  3. While there are great opportunities in DeFi, be careful as there are many scams. Always research projects and use established protocols to protect your investment.

Curve Exploited! DeFi in Danger from Bad Debt?

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Curve's founder borrowed a large amount of money secured by a significant percentage of CRV tokens. This means a lot of the circulating tokens are tied up in loans.
  2. The recent exploits have raised concerns about the health of decentralized finance (DeFi). Many people worry about 'bad debt' affecting the entire system.
  3. The specific loan at Frax finance has reached a full utilization rate, indicating that all available credit is in use and shows the strain on this lending platform.

This Time is Different

DeFi Education • 639 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Bitcoin's value is over $30,000 again and is growing, showing strong interest in crypto.
  2. Although the crypto market is buzzing with energy and institutional support, social media activity seems quiet, possibly due to summer vacations.
  3. It's important to stay informed and engaged with the crypto world, even if there are quiet periods.

Uniswap v4 at a Glance (+Vitalik Post)

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Uniswap v4 introduces new features like programmable 'hooks' that allow developers to customize trading pools. This means more flexibility for creating unique trading tools within the platform.
  2. The transition to smart contract wallets could improve security for users, making it easier to manage funds without relying on centralized services.
  3. There's a growing concern in the crypto community about moving away from open-source projects, which might limit innovation and user freedom in the decentralized finance space.

What To Do When Banks Stop Fiat Withdrawals

DeFi Education • 1039 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Banks are becoming stricter about crypto transactions, making it hard for users to withdraw USD or deposit new money to buy crypto.
  2. It's smart to use a separate bank account for crypto-related transactions to avoid issues with your main bank account.
  3. Using a decentralized exchange (DEX) like Bisq can help you trade crypto and fiat more safely and securely, even during limited banking access.

What Is DWF Labs, Really?

DeFi Education • 419 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. DWF Labs is a key player in the crypto market, investing heavily even when other investors are pulling back. They reported investing $149 million in the first quarter of 2023.
  2. The firm has been involved in important DeFi deals, like buying $5 million of CRV tokens to help Curve Finance and proposing market making agreements with other projects.
  3. DWF Labs' bold investments raise questions about their funding sources and their reasons for such confidence in a tough market.

Crypto Bankruptcy Update, Curve Wars, And More...

DeFi Education • 519 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi
  1. Curve's founder is selling his CRV tokens to pay back loans, which shows some financial strain in the DeFi space.
  2. DeFi organizations that offered loans are becoming stricter with their lending rules now.
  3. New findings about BlockFi are raising serious concerns, potentially affecting trust in crypto lending platforms.