#DeFiGetsGraded DeFi, or Decentralized Finance, refers to financial services built on blockchain technology, primarily Ethereum, that operate without centralized intermediaries like banks. It uses smart contracts—self-executing code—to enable peer-to-peer transactions for lending, borrowing, trading, and investing. DeFi platforms offer services like decentralized exchanges, yield farming, and stablecoins, accessible globally with just an internet connection and a crypto wallet. By removing middlemen, DeFi aims to provide transparency, lower costs, and greater control over assets. However, it carries risks like smart contract vulnerabilities and regulatory uncertainty. Popular DeFi protocols include Uniswap, Aave, and Compound.