#DeFiGetsGraded Decentralized Finance, or DeFi, is revolutionizing the financial landscape by leveraging blockchain technology to create open, permissionless, and transparent financial systems. Unlike traditional finance, DeFi eliminates intermediaries, enabling peer-to-peer transactions for lending, borrowing, trading, and investing. Built primarily on Ethereum, DeFi protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and Compound offer users control over their assets through smart contracts, ensuring trustless and secure operations. With over $100 billion locked in DeFi platforms, its growth reflects increasing adoption. However, challenges like scalability, high gas fees, and regulatory uncertainty persist. DeFi empowers individuals, democratizing finance and fostering innovation, but users must navigate risks like smart contract vulnerabilities.