An open protocol is a set of rules and standards that can be used, modified, and built upon by anyone, without restrictions or centralized authorizations. They are the foundation of the decentralized development that drives Web3 and blockchains.
In the crypto ecosystem, these protocols allow applications, wallets, exchanges, and DeFi platforms to work together, fostering interoperability, permissionless innovation, and total transparency.

Highlighted examples:
Ethereum: open protocol that allows the creation of smart contracts and DApps.
Uniswap: non-custodial DeFi protocol for decentralized exchanges.
Lightning Network: open second-layer protocol on Bitcoin for fast payments.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, summarizes it this way:
"Open protocols are the key to building systems that scale globally without central control."

Why does it matter?
Because the financial future will be open, auditable, and free of intermediaries. Open protocols are the heart of this transformation.
Are you already building on an open protocol?