Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Balanced markets don't happen by accident. On every major GMX market, there are traders who consistently take the underweight side of the Open Interest. They provide the balancing flow that keeps the pools tight.

By doing so, they earn the positive price impact and funding that come with trading toward balance. It's an important service: leading to tighter pricing and more predictable execution for everyone on the platform.

Today we're launching the Balancer Program to provide additional rewards to the traders who do this — the active balancers — directly.

A dedicated referral code that pays a higher direct reward than the standard referral program, straight to your own wallet. Designed specifically for balancers: added value, in recognition of the role you play.

If you consistently trade to balance the pools — taking the underweighted side of the Long/Short balance and earning positive price impact and funding — this program is for you. Eligibility is based on consistent, meaningful balancing activity, reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Please reach out through @GMXPartners on Telegram.

We’ll confirm you qualify and help you get set up, and your rewards will start flowing directly to your wallet.

Launching today.

Balancer Proposes Winding Down Labs, Ending BAL Emissions in Sweeping Reset

The Protocol: Ethereum faces make-or-break moment as scaling, quantum and AI pressures mount

Volo Protocol Loses $3.5 Million in Sui Vault Exploit Amid DeFi Hack Streak

US-listed AI chip stocks saw mixed pre-market performance, with Qualcomm surging 13%.

According to Bitget market data, U.S. AI chip stocks posted mixed pre-market performance: Qualcomm (QCOM.O) surged 13%, Intel (INTC.O) rose nearly 6%, AMD (AMD.O) gained nearly 4%, and Google (GOOG.O) declined 1.4%.

4 minutes ago

Micron Technology surges 18% in pre-market trading on US stocks

According to Bitget market data, the US stock storage sector is seeing broad pre-market gains. Micron Technology (MU.O) jumps 18% in pre-market trading, as its strong earnings significantly exceeded expectations, with multiple major banks raising the stock’s target price. SanDisk (SNDK) rises 12.25%, Western Digital (WDC) gains 12.05%, and Seagate Technology (STX) climbs 8.63%.

4 minutes ago

SBI announced it will acquire cryptocurrency trading platform Bitbank for 46.7 billion yen.

According to Nikkei News, Japanese financial group SBI Holdings announced on the 25th that it will acquire cryptocurrency exchange platform bitbank for 46.7 billion yen (approximately $288 million). Upon completion of the transaction, SBI Group’s crypto asset custody scale is expected to exceed 1 trillion yen, making it one of the largest operators in Japan’s crypto industry. Per the plan, a subsidiary under SBI Holdings will acquire Bitbank shares from individual shareholders including its founders as early as August this year. Bitbank will then repurchase shares held by existing shareholders MIXI and Ceres by the end of October. If combining data from SBI’s own crypto exchange SBI VC Trade and Bitbank, as of April this year, the two firms had a total of around 2.92 million accounts and total custody assets of approximately 1.1 trillion yen. While different crypto exchanges disclose custody assets at varying time points, among Japan’s major industry competitors, bitFlyer held about 960 billion yen in custody assets as of the end of December 2025, and Coincheck had around 800 billion yen as of the end of March 2025.

4 minutes ago

Bithumb was fined for sharing user data overseas without consent.

South Korean regulatory authorities have ordered cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb to pay a 210 million won (approximately $136,000) fine for sharing user personal information with overseas platforms without user consent. According to an announcement released Thursday by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), the relevant user data exposure occurred between September and November 2025. At that time, Bithumb transferred user information to overseas platforms while sharing its USDT market order book data. The PIPC also noted that when assisting users with asset transfers to 13 overseas exchanges, Bithumb failed to obtain full and sufficient user consent before sharing personal details including names, wallet addresses, and dates of birth. For the two violations, the PIPC not only imposed the fine but also ordered Bithumb to rectify its processes and management systems related to cross-border transmission of user information.

4 minutes ago

US-listed AI chip stocks saw mixed pre-market performance, with Qualcomm surging 13%.

According to Bitget market data, U.S. AI chip stocks posted mixed pre-market performance: Qualcomm (QCOM.O) surged 13%, Intel (INTC.O) rose nearly 6%, AMD (AMD.O) gained nearly 4%, and Google (GOOG.O) declined 1.4%.

4 minutes ago

Micron Technology surges 18% in pre-market trading on US stocks

According to Bitget market data, the US stock storage sector is seeing broad pre-market gains. Micron Technology (MU.O) jumps 18% in pre-market trading, as its strong earnings significantly exceeded expectations, with multiple major banks raising the stock’s target price. SanDisk (SNDK) rises 12.25%, Western Digital (WDC) gains 12.05%, and Seagate Technology (STX) climbs 8.63%.

4 minutes ago

SBI announced it will acquire cryptocurrency trading platform Bitbank for 46.7 billion yen.

According to Nikkei News, Japanese financial group SBI Holdings announced on the 25th that it will acquire cryptocurrency exchange platform bitbank for 46.7 billion yen (approximately $288 million). Upon completion of the transaction, SBI Group’s crypto asset custody scale is expected to exceed 1 trillion yen, making it one of the largest operators in Japan’s crypto industry. Per the plan, a subsidiary under SBI Holdings will acquire Bitbank shares from individual shareholders including its founders as early as August this year. Bitbank will then repurchase shares held by existing shareholders MIXI and Ceres by the end of October. If combining data from SBI’s own crypto exchange SBI VC Trade and Bitbank, as of April this year, the two firms had a total of around 2.92 million accounts and total custody assets of approximately 1.1 trillion yen. While different crypto exchanges disclose custody assets at varying time points, among Japan’s major industry competitors, bitFlyer held about 960 billion yen in custody assets as of the end of December 2025, and Coincheck had around 800 billion yen as of the end of March 2025.

4 minutes ago

Bithumb was fined for sharing user data overseas without consent.

South Korean regulatory authorities have ordered cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb to pay a 210 million won (approximately $136,000) fine for sharing user personal information with overseas platforms without user consent. According to an announcement released Thursday by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), the relevant user data exposure occurred between September and November 2025. At that time, Bithumb transferred user information to overseas platforms while sharing its USDT market order book data. The PIPC also noted that when assisting users with asset transfers to 13 overseas exchanges, Bithumb failed to obtain full and sufficient user consent before sharing personal details including names, wallet addresses, and dates of birth. For the two violations, the PIPC not only imposed the fine but also ordered Bithumb to rectify its processes and management systems related to cross-border transmission of user information.

4 minutes ago

PANews reported on April 25 that, according to on-chain analyst Ai Yi, the address associated with the Balancer theft incident in November 2025 (loss of over $116 million) transferred 5,609 ETH, equivalent to approximately $13 million, to the cross-chain protocol THORChain in the past 9 hours for further money laundering and cross-chain swaps.

As of April 25, the Balancer hackers had exchanged 14,300 ETH for 419.3 BTC (approximately $32.51 million) through THORChain, and are still dismantling and transferring the remaining stolen funds.

A Balancer attacker has converted 21k ETH (about $48.7M) to 617 BTC over three days, leaving only 1k ETH in the hacker’s address. The probability of another $100 million crypto hack by December 31 is at 100% YES on Polymarket.

This conversion is part of the attacker’s ongoing liquidation of stolen funds. The crypto hack market sits at 100% YES with 251 days left until resolution. The certainty reflects how frequently hacks exceeding $100M have occurred, making another one before year-end a near-foregone conclusion.

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The liquidation of this much ETH into BTC has added selling pressure on Ethereum. The probability of Ethereum being above $2,600 on April 26 is at 0.2% YES across multiple sub-markets. That market has minimal daily trading activity at $3 actual USDC, meaning traders are not expecting a price rebound within the next two days.

The hack prediction market has zero volume, so the 100% YES price reflects the near-certainty of resolution rather than active trading. Buying YES at 100¢ offers no return since the market is already priced to certainty.

Watch on-chain investigators like ZachXBT and firms like Chainalysis for further details on the Balancer attacker’s movements. Ethereum’s short-term price will depend partly on whether the remaining 1k ETH gets liquidated and on any additional large ETH outflows tied to this or similar exploits.

Get prediction market intelligence as a structured API feed. Early access waitlist.

Another Crypto Hack Over 100m December 31

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h December 31 100% 0.0¢ — View market → Ethereum Above On April 26

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h April 26 0.2% — — View market → What Price Will Ethereum Hit Before 2027

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h December 31 1.9% -2.1¢ $13K View market → Updated 4min ago

⚡ Also Impacted by This Story

Ethereum price on april 26 bearish

0% FLAT

PANews reported on June 9th that Cyvers Alerts detected suspicious transactions related to Token of Power (TOP), resulting in a loss of approximately $1.58 million. An address depositing funds via TornadoCash initiated malicious transactions into the TOP/WETH Balancer V1 liquidity pool, draining the pool's funds and then depositing the stolen assets back into TornadoCash. Cyvers stated that this behavior resembled a fraudulent attack and advised users to pay attention to their risk control measures to mitigate similar risks.

If traditional finance got a blockchain makeover, DeFi protocols would inevitably be the result. Here, decentralized apps (DApps) and smart contracts reign supreme, offering you control over your financial future. 

From staking your digital assets for crypto yield to conducting anonymous crypto swaps, this guide introduces you to the top DeFi protocols to keep an eye on in 2026.

In This Guide:

12 Top DeFi protocols in 2026 DeFi protocols comparedWhat are DeFi protocols?How do DeFi protocols work?Should you use DeFi protocols?Could DeFi replace traditional finance?Frequently asked questions12 Top DeFi protocols in 2026

1. dYdX

Best DeFi protocol for liquid staking

Token

dYdX

Token max supply

1,000,000,000 DYDX

Market cap

$1.499B

TVL

$401.81M

The dYdX protocol provides advanced financial instruments like perpetual and margin trading within the DeFi ecosystem. The leading exchange operates without KYC, allowing for anonymous, trustless trading. It supports perpetual and margin trading, alongside lending and borrowing, and offers competitive fee structures and gas-free trading experiences.

The platform provides lower collateralization levels compared to competitors, increasing accessibility. dYdX also utilizes StarkWare for increased efficiency and lower transaction fees and allows for community contributions and governance.

Notably, dYdX also transitioned to an independent blockchain within the Cosmos ecosystem, enhancing performance and furthering decentralization.

Pros

Advanced trading options No KYC required Low fees Layer-2 scalability Dynamic interest rates Interoperability with Cosmos Cons

Complex for beginners Dependent on Ethereum Limited spot trading New chain transition challenges Ecosystem adaptation required Trade features: Perpetual trading, margin trading, decentralized order book, layer-2 scalability, cross-margin capabilities.

Earning features: Lending, borrowing, dynamic interest rates, trading rewards.

Security features: Self-custodial security, third-party audits, secured by Ethereum protocol.

Platform and ecosystem features: No KYC, open-source code, integration with Cosmos ecosystem, decentralized governance, off-chain order matching.

2. PancakeSwap

Best DeFi protocol for cost-effective transactions

Token

CAKE

Token max supply

450,000,000 CAKE

Market cap

$974.4M

TVL

$2.224B

PancakeSwap is a top-tier DeFi protocol. It focuses on the Binance Smart Chain blockchain, but supports a total of eight networks, including Ethereum.

PancakeSwap’s native crypto is CAKE, which has a total supply of 450 million tokens. This decentralized exchange leverages an automated market maker (AMM) model, allowing for direct, wallet-to-wallet trades without intermediaries, enhancing user control and security.

Moreover, it offers a range of services beyond simple trades, such as yield farming, staking, and lotteries, enabling users to earn rewards in various ways. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, while its innovative features, like the zkBridge technology, ensure secure and efficient transactions across different blockchain networks.

PancakeSwap’s growth is underscored by its status as the first billion-dollar project on the Binance Smart Chain and its continual upgrades, such as the current PancakeSwap V3, demonstrating its commitment to improving functionality and user experience.

Pros

Intuitive interface High APY for liquidity providers (LPs) Supports staking and farming NFT marketplace Cons

No mobile app No native crypto wallet Trade features: Instant crypto trading, liquidity pools, asset bridging, perpetual trading, and cryptocurrency purchasing.

Earning features: Farming, pools, liquid staking, simple staking.

Game and NFT features: Gaming marketplace, prediction market, NFT marketplace for NFTs on BNB Chain.

DeFi and ecosystem engagement: Governance, initial farm offerings (IFOs), gauge voting and revenue sharing, and farm booster.

3. De.Fi

Best DeFi protocol for monitoring

Token

DEFI

Token max supply

1,000,000,000 DEFI

Market cap

n/a

TVL

n/a

De.Fi provides detailed smart contract analysis to detect potential vulnerabilities and assign security scores. It offers an extensive dashboard for monitoring wallet transactions and balances, alongside powerful investment tools for analyzing and controlling positions in DeFi protocols, NFT collections, and lending markets.

Additionally, De.Fi includes specialized security features like the De.Fi Shield and Scanner for thorough contract examination. It also comes with user-friendly transaction tools such as secure crypto sending and De.Fi Swap for easy cryptocurrency exchanges across various blockchains, making it a well-rounded solution for utilizing the DeFi space safely and effectively.

Pros

Advanced security scanning Comprehensive dashboard Real-time analytics User-friendly interface Multi-blockchain support Cons

Complexity for beginners Technical knowledge needed Frequent updates required Smart contract and security features: Vulnerability scanning, smart contract security scoring, De.Fi Shield, De.Fi Scanner.

Portfolio and transaction monitoring features: Comprehensive dashboard, address book, wallet balance tracking, deposited and loaned balances overview.

Investment and exploration features: Market analysis tools, NFT portfolio management, exploration of DeFi opportunities.

Security and protection tools: Asset security assessments, approval checks, risk highlights for tokens and NFTs, customizable security settings.

Transaction and exchange features: Secure cryptocurrency sending, De.Fi Swap, slippage tolerance settings.

4. Uniswap

Best DeFi protocol for community

Token

UNI

Token max supply

1,000,000,000 UNI

Market cap

$8.86B

TVL

$5.543B

Uniswap is another leading decentralized exchange. The native token is UNI, which has a total supply of 1 billion tokens.

Governed by its users through the UNI token, it offers a community-driven experience, unlike centralized platforms. Uniswap’s liquidity pools facilitate secure and direct token swaps, ensuring users maintain complete control over their funds. Originally built on Ethereum, it now supports other Ethereum-compatible networks like Polygon and Optimism, offering lower transaction costs.

Uniswap’s simplicity makes it accessible for beginners while providing advanced features for experienced users. This is rare when it comes to DEXs, which can often be tricky to use and less straightforward than their CEX counterparts. Uniswap also boasts broad token availability and deep liquidity, reducing price impact on large trades.

Additionally, the DEX has integrated NFT trading, enhancing its offerings. With nearly 5 million unique wallet addresses and surpassing $1 trillion in trading volume, its popularity and reliability are evident.

Finally, Uniswap’s swap fees are competitive, especially when compared to centralized exchanges, and users can choose cheaper networks to avoid high Ethereum gas fees.

Pros

Easy-to-use interface Low-cost trades Multiple blockchain networks supported Cons

No mobile app High fees when purchasing crypto (third-party services) Trade features: Instant crypto trading, liquidity pools, asset bridging, cryptocurrency purchasing.

Earning features: Funding liquidity pools, swap fee earnings.

Game and NFT features: NFT marketplace, prediction market.

DeFi and ecosystem engagement: Governance, concentrated liquidity, transaction fee structure.

5. Curve Finance

Best DeFi protocol for stablecoins

Token

CRV

Token max supply

2,091,644,627 CRV

Market cap

$730.32M

TVL

$2.486B

Curve Finance is a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Ethereum blockchain, specializing in the efficient trading of stablecoins and wrapped tokens like wBTC, renBTC, and sBTC. Founded by Michael Egorov, it has quickly risen to prominence, and is particularly famed for its innovative use of liquidity pools and automated market maker (AMM) systems. These allow users to earn high annual interest rates — over 300% in some pools — on deposited cryptocurrency.

The platform distinguishes itself with its unique bonding curve. This is optimized for stablecoins to reduce slippage, allowing significant trades with minimal price impact. This has positioned Curve as a vital component in the DeFi space, especially for those interested in liquidity mining and yield farming.

Curve Finance operates as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), with its governance token CRV enabling holders to vote on changes and proposals. This shift to a DAO structure allows Curve to operate with enhanced transparency and community-driven development. Despite its complexity and the potential for impermanent loss, Curve Finance offers significant opportunities for liquidity providers and traders, underlined by security measures including multiple code audits and bug bounties to safeguard user assets.

Pros

Specializes in stablecoins Reduced slippage Governed by DAO Multiple security audits Bug bounties for added safety Cons

Complex for beginners Focused mainly on stablecoins and wrapped tokens Reliance on Ethereum blockchain, leading to potential high gas fees Trade features: Stablecoin specialization, efficient liquidity pools, unique bonding curve, minimal slippage in trades.

Earning features: High annual interest rates from liquidity pools, rewards in CRV tokens, participation in yield farming.

Security features: Multiple security audits, bug bounties, governed by decentralized autonomous organization (DAO).

DeFi and ecosystem engagement: Governance via CRV token, high total value locked (TVL), support for various wrapped tokens.

6. Balancer

Best DeFi protocol for multi-tokens pools

Token

BAL

Token max supply

62,244,253 BAL

Market cap

$268.21M

TVL

$1.242B

Balancer is a versatile and innovative DeFi platform that redefines the concept of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) by combining elements of automated market makers (AMMs) and index funds.

Unlike traditional DEXs — which typically focus on two-token liquidity pools — Balancer’s USP lies in its ability to maintain a balanced portfolio through automatic rebalancing, adjusting the pool’s asset allocations in response to market price changes.

Balancer supports three types of pools: public pools, where anyone can add liquidity and earn trading fees; private pools, where only the creator can contribute liquidity and set parameters; and smart pools, which are private pools with adjustable parameters controlled by a smart contract. This flexibility caters to a wide range of user preferences and risk tolerances.

Furthermore, Balancer’s architecture is designed to function on Ethereum and also on six additional blockchain networks, expanding its accessibility and interoperability within DeFi ecosystems. By providing a decentralized platform for multi-asset liquidity, Balancer contributes significantly to the efficiency of the cryptocurrency market.

Pros

Multi-token pools Automated rebalancing Interoperability Cons

Complex for beginners Limited on smaller chains Trade features: Multi-token pools, automated portfolio rebalancing, customizable pool types (public, private, smart), wide asset variety, minimal slippage through dynamic trading fees.

Earning features: Rewards in BAL tokens, high yield from liquidity provision, participation in liquidity mining, diversified income streams through various pool types.

Security features: Regular security audits, bug bounty programs, non-custodial asset management, transparent smart contract operations.

DeFi and ecosystem engagement: Governance via BAL token, significant total value locked (TVL), interoperability across multiple blockchains, support for a variety of digital assets and wrapped tokens.

7. Summer.fi

Best DeFi protocol for services

Token

Summer.fi

Token max supply

N/A

Market cap

N/A

TVL

$5.345b

Summer.fi, initially known as Oasis.app and one of the earliest MakerDAO projects from 2016, has evolved significantly beyond its original scope.

After Maker became fully decentralized, Summer.fi emerged as a standalone platform, dedicated to establishing a highly trusted application for DeFi capital deployment.

It now transcends being merely an interface for the Maker Protocol. It aims to be the most secure place for engaging with DeFi, providing users with advanced automation features like stop-loss, auto-buy, and auto-sell, as well as strategies such as Constant Multiples for optimizing Vault performance. If your Vault’s collateralization ratio hits your Sell Trigger, Constant Multiple will execute.

Summer.fi prioritizes user experience, offering clear insights into positions, returns, and associated risks, backed by a comprehensive knowledge base reflecting community feedback.

Pros

Comprehensive DeFi services Advanced automation features, (stop-loss, take-profit, auto-buy, etc.) User-friendly interface Integration with multiple protocols (Aave and Maker) Cons

Complex for new users Limited to ERC-20 tokens Borrowing features: Flexible repayment schedules, diverse collateral types, integrated with multiple protocols like Aave and Ajna, protection against market volatility through the Oracle Security Module and constant updates from Chainlink.

Multiplying features: Increase or decrease collateral exposure in one transaction, use borrowed funds to buy more collateral, integration with liquid platforms and the 1inch DEX aggregator for best execution prices, dedicated interface for managing positions.

Earning features: Self-custody solutions for yield earning, compatibility with Aave and Maker protocols, increase yield from StETH, participate in the Dai Savings Rate for passive income.

Automation features: Stop-loss to prevent liquidations, take-profit for efficient exits, auto-buy and auto-sell for Vault management, Constant Multiple to maintain predefined exposure levels.

Integration and partnerships: Support for various wallets like MetaMask and Ledger, integration with the 1inch Network for efficient token swaps, launched on Optimism layer-2 for reduced transaction costs, Ajna Protocol integration for curated borrowing and lending pools.

8. Aave

Best DeFi protocol for liquidity

Token

AAVE

Token max supply

16,000,000 AAVE

Market cap

$1.711B

TVL

$10.564B

Aave (AAVE) is a pioneering entity in the DeFi sector. The comprehensive lending platform boasts a significant Total Value Locked (TVL), which surpasses $10 billion in crypto collateral.

Aave enables users to lend and borrow a wide array of tokens across multiple ecosystems, ensuring a versatile and inclusive financial experience.

The platform’s latest iteration, Aave V3, expands its reach beyond Ethereum to include 10 different blockchain networks, further solidifying its position as a key player in DeFi by enhancing accessibility and providing a range of options for its diverse user base.

Pros

High TVL Wide range of tokens Multi-chain accessibility Flash loans availability Governance via AAVE token Cons

Complexity for beginners High gas fees on Ethereum Risk of liquidation Trade features: Flash loans, real-time interest accrual, stable and variable interest rates, Ethereum network integration, multi-asset collateral support.

Earning features: aTokens for deposit interest, decentralized lending and borrowing, yield optimization strategies, liquidity mining.

Security features: Over-collateralization of loans, smart contract audits, safety module for risk mitigation, bug bounties for platform integrity.

Platform and ecosystem features: Governance via AAVE tokens, layer-2 solutions for reduced fees, decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) structure, no KYC requirements, multi-chain accessibility.

9. MakerDAO

Best DeFi protocol for generating a stablecoin

Token

MKR

Token max supply

1,005,577 MKR

Market cap

$2.686B

TVL

$7B

MakerDAO is a pioneering DeFi platform that has revolutionized the way users engage with digital assets. The platform provides a decentralized borrowing and lending system with its stablecoin, DAI, at the core.

Built on the Ethereum blockchain, it allows users to leverage a variety of cryptocurrencies as collateral to generate DAI, maintaining stability through rigorous governance by MKR token holders.

The platform distinguishes itself with features like over-collateralization to ensure loan security, and a dual-rate model offering users the choice between stable and variable interest rates. However, users must navigate complexities such as liquidation risks and market volatility.

As MakerDAO evolves, it continues to solidify its status as a cornerstone of the DeFi landscape with the introduction of upgrades like V3 and the addition of the GHO stablecoin — balancing user empowerment with the intricate dynamics of decentralized finance.

Pros

Decentralized lending DAI stability Ethereum-based Governance by MKR Over-collateralization Variable interest rates Cons

Complexity High gas fees Liquidation risks Trade features: Flash loans, stable and variable interest rates, real-time aTokens, multi-currency collateral, governance-driven updates.

Earning features: Interest on deposits, participation in governance, yield farming opportunities, dynamic interest rates.

Security features: Over-collateralization, liquidation mechanisms, community governance for risk management, security modules for asset protection.

Platform and ecosystem features: Decentralized borrowing and lending, Ethereum-based, MKR token for governance, integration with multiple crypto assets, open-source development, Maker Vaults for asset management.

10. Compound Finance

Best DeFi protocol for staking

Token

COMP

Token max supply

10,000,000 COMP

Market cap

$487.27M

TVL

$2.668B

Compound Finance is a prominent decentralized lending platform operating on the Ethereum blockchain, known for pioneering the DeFi lending space.

Established by Robert Leshner and Geoffrey Hayes in 2018, Compound simplifies the process of borrowing and lending cryptocurrencies without intermediaries, allowing over $2 billion in assets to be locked on its platform.

Unique for its innovations, such as yield farming and governance through COMP tokens, the platform aims to provide financial inclusion, eliminating traditional transaction minimums and credit checks.

While offering competitive returns through real-time interest rates, users engaging with Compound and its governance token, COMP, must be cautious of market volatility and conduct in-depth research prior to investment.

Pros

Decentralized borrowing and lending No transaction minimums User-friendly interface Supports multiple ERC-20 assets Yield farming opportunities Cons

Market volatility risks Requires over-collateralization Complexity for new users High gas fees on Ethereum Trade features: Real-time interest rate adjustments, supports diverse ERC-20 tokens, and a user-centric lending and borrowing system.

Earning features: Yield farming with COMP tokens, competitive APR for lenders, dynamic interest rates based on market conditions.

Security features: Extensive security audits (Trail of Bits, OpenZeppelin), economic risk analysis by Gauntlet, transparent and verifiable contracts.

DeFi and ecosystem engagement: Decentralized governance with COMP tokens, financial inclusion without traditional verifications, continuous platform innovation and updates.

11. Lido

Best DeFi protocol for ETH staking

Token

LDO

Token max supply

1,000,000,000 LDO

Market cap

$2.215B

TVL

$34.445B

Lido Finance is a DeFi staking protocol offering user-friendly, semi-custodial staking services across multiple cryptocurrencies. Known for its simple interface and decentralized structure, Lido allows users to stake their assets and receive liquid staking tokens, such as stETH, which can be utilized in the broader DeFi ecosystem for yield farming.

Supported by major players in DeFi and endorsed for its reasonable fees and rewarding referral program, Lido maximizes decentralization through its governance token, LDO, allowing stakeholders to partake in decision-making. While Lido streamlines the staking process, users should consider the semi-custodial nature, the staking rewards fees, and potential tax implications associated with rewards.

Pros

User-friendly interface Liquid staking tokens Decentralized governance Supported by DeFi leaders Cons

Semi-custodial service Staking rewards fees Potential tax implications Staking features: Easy and unrestricted staking, maximized earning potential, liquid staking tokens for yield farming.

Earning features: Daily staking rewards, assets used as collateral for lending and yield farming, participation in governance for reward optimization.

Security features: Smart contracts audited by Quantstamp and Sigma Prime, semi-custodial nature maintains user control.

DeFi and ecosystem engagement: Governance via LDO tokens, broad DeFi integration, supports multiple blockchains including Ethereum.

DeFi protocols comparedProtocolTypeTVLTokenNo. of blockchains supportedPancakeSwapDEX$2.224BCAKE9UniswapDEX$5.543BUNI8CurveDEX$2.486BCRV14BalancerDEX$1.242BBAL8Summer.fiDEX$5.345bsummer.fi4AaveLending$10.564BAAVE12MakerDAOLending$7BMKR1CompoundLending$2.668BCOMP4dYdXDEX$401.81MdYdX1LidoStaking$34.445BLDO5De.FiTracker and walletn/aDEFI15What are DeFi protocols?DeFi protocols are sets of rules, procedures, and codes that govern decentralized finance (DeFi) systems, enabling users to engage in activities such as trading, lending, and staking tokens within blockchain ecosystems. 

DeFi represents a paradigm shift leveraging blockchain technology, primarily Ethereum, to cultivate an open, permissionless, and borderless financial ecosystem. Unlike traditional systems, developers write smart contracts to deploy DeFi protocols that enable peer-to-peer interactions without intermediaries. By adhering to the same set of rules, DeFi protocols ensure a standardized experience for all participants. 

An example of a DeFi protocol is MakerDAO. The popular DeFi lending platform allows users to borrow against their crypto assets by locking them in exchange for a stablecoin, DAI, thus offering more predictable repayment terms despite the volatility of crypto markets. 

Other protocols allow you to earn a passive income by generating yield from your staked assets. One popular example is the Lido protocol, which allows you to earn on stETH.  Platforms like Lido aim to offer the highest APY on crypto staking, allowing users to maximize returns on their staked assets within the Ethereum ecosystem.

The total value locked (TVL) is often used as a metric to gauge a protocol’s adoption and utility, with MakerDAO being one of the largest by TVL, highlighting its significant role in DeFi.

In 2026, new and more efficient technologies are being developed. For instance, some protocols incorporate asynchronous smart contracts, which allow transactions and agreements to be executed without needing all parties to be present or online simultaneously. This helps streamline operations within networks like Ethereum.

According to DeFiLlama, the top protocol categories are lending, DEXs, bridges, CDP (protocols that mint their own stablecoin using collateralized lending), and restaking. 

Protocol categories: DeFiLlamaWhy do you need DeFi protocols?DeFi allows decentralized apps (DApps) and platforms to provide services like crypto lending and crypto yield earning through staking. Users can participate in AMM (automated market maker) systems to improve liquidity. 

These features offer a fertile ground for startups to innovate beyond conventional financial products, fostering rapid experimentation and potential disruption. The global accessibility facilitated by DeFi platforms makes them a significant tool for financial inclusion, allowing startups to reach a worldwide audience. 

The interoperability among various DeFi protocols enhances this further, enabling seamless integration of services like web3 gaming and metaverse tokens, broadening the scope of what blockchain startups can achieve.

The total value locked (TVL) in DeFi platforms serves as a metric of trust and utility, indicating the number of cryptocurrencies staked, lent, or committed to liquidity pools, highlighting the ecosystem’s growth and stability.

By eliminating intermediaries, DeFi significantly lowers transaction costs, making it an attractive model for startups, especially in crypto lending and yield generation. Instead of being worried about your credit score, you can apply for a crypto loan with fewer restrictions than in TradFi. This reduction in costs, combined with the potential for high crypto yield through mechanisms like staking, positions DeFi as an increasingly popular option for both entrepreneurs and investors in the crypto market.

How do DeFi protocols work?DeFi protocols function by leveraging blockchain technology. While most of them are based on Ethereum, some may also support other networks. At the heart of these services are smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, which facilitate, verify, and enforce the negotiation or performance of a contract.

DeFi, however, requires thorough research and understanding of several factors, including security, liquidity, and the platform’s governance structure. It’s important to assess the user experience, the degree of interoperability with other DApps and blockchain systems, and the level of community involvement in decision-making processes.

1. Decentralized apps (DApps)Users can engage with various DeFi platforms or DApps to access a wide range of financial services. 

One common way to participate is through crypto lending on platforms. Protocols such as Aave or Compound allow you to deposit cryptocurrencies to earn interest. The earnings are measured as Annual Percentage Yield (APY), which is a volatile percentage that corresponds to the market’s demands.

2. Liquidity miningAnother popular DeFi activity is liquidity mining. You can provide liquidity to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) by depositing your assets into liquidity pools. This deposit is usually made for a pair of assets, such as ETH-USDT, but it can be anything else.

In return, you earn rewards, often in the platform’s native tokens. This process is critical for ensuring there is enough market liquidity for trading and is facilitated by AMMs, algorithms used by DEXs to determine the price of tokens and facilitate trades.

3. Swaps (trading)Trading on DEXs is another key function of DeFi protocols. These platforms allow users to trade cryptocurrencies directly with others in a more private and accessible manner than on centralized exchanges. 

This not only supports the decentralized ethos of blockchain but also contributes to the Total Value Locked (TVL).

Should you use DeFi protocols?Pros  Earn money: You can make your crypto work for you. Put your assets in DeFi platforms to earn interest or rewards. Trade easily: Swap cryptocurrencies directly with others. No need for a middleman. More control: You’re in charge of your money. No bank or institution can block your transactions. Open to everyone: Anyone with an internet connection can join. It’s global and inclusive. Transparent: Everything is recorded on the blockchain. You can see all transactions. New opportunities: Explore new financial services like crypto lending or web3 gaming. Cons  Risky: Crypto values can change fast. Your investments can shrink quickly. Complicated: Some DeFi stuff is hard to understand. It’s not always beginner-friendly. Security issues: Hacks happen. If a DeFi platform gets attacked, you might lose your money. No customer support: If you have a problem, there’s no customer service to call. Research needed: You need to do your homework before investing. Not all platforms are safe. High fees: Sometimes, you’ll pay a lot to make transactions, especially when the network is busy. Could DeFi replace traditional finance?Decentralized finance has the potential to usurp traditional institutions, specifically TradFi. Decentralized finance enables users to transact securely, anonymously, and efficiently and is thus likely to gain popularity as web3 and crypto adoption grows. From crypto lending to staking to market makers, DeFi is exciting but also risky.

Do not interact with any DeFi protocols until you have developed a solid plan and are entirely comfortable with the mechanisms of the platform. Always be aware of the potential for losses, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

Frequently asked questions What is the most popular DeFi protocol? The most popular DeFi protocol is often considered to be MakerDAO. It frequently leads in terms of Total Value Locked (TVL) and has a wide usage across the DeFi ecosystem. MakerDAO’s platform revolves around the generation of DAI, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, and enables decentralized borrowing and saving. Its popularity stems from its innovative approach to maintaining currency stability and providing a decentralized credit service.

What are the top five DeFi tokens? The top five DeFi tokens typically include Maker (MKR), Aave (AAVE), Compound (COMP), Uniswap (UNI), and PancakeSwap (CAKE), based on their market capitalization and impact on the DeFi space. These tokens facilitate governance of their respective platforms, offering holders voting rights on decisions and upgrades. They are integral to the operations of these platforms, from lending and borrowing to providing liquidity and facilitating decentralized trading.

What is TVL in DeFi protocols? Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols refers to the total amount of assets currently being staked, lent, or deposited within a DeFi protocol’s smart contracts. It serves as a metric to gauge the overall health and growth of the DeFi market, indicating how much money is actively used in these decentralized financial services. A higher TVL suggests greater user trust and utility of the DeFi ecosystem.

How many DeFi protocols are there? The number of DeFi protocols is constantly growing as the space evolves and new projects are launched. There are hundreds of DeFi protocols across various blockchains, catering to different aspects of decentralized finance such as lending, borrowing, trading, and liquidity provision. The exact number can vary daily due to the dynamic nature of the crypto and DeFi industries.

How many DeFi protocols are there? The number of DeFi protocols is constantly growing as the space evolves and new projects are launched. There are hundreds of DeFi protocols across various blockchains, catering to different aspects of decentralized finance such as lending, borrowing, trading, and liquidity provision. The exact number can vary daily due to the dynamic nature of the crypto and DeFi industries.

Is TVL a good metric? TVL is a good metric for understanding the scale and usage of a DeFi protocol, as it reflects the total capital committed by users. However, it should not be the sole metric for assessing a protocol’s value or success, as it does not account for risks, decentralization level, or liquidity. It’s best used in combination with other factors like user growth, transaction volume, and protocol governance for a comprehensive evaluation.

What is a good FDV TVL ratio? A good FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) to TVL (Total Value Locked) ratio for a DeFi project is typically below one, indicating that the project’s market valuation is not excessively higher than the value of assets locked in the protocol. Lower FDV/TVL ratios suggest that the protocol is undervalued or efficiently using its capital, which can be attractive to investors. However, this ratio should be considered alongside other metrics and project fundamentals for a complete analysis.

What is the TVL formula? The TVL formula in DeFi protocols calculates the total value of all assets deposited in the protocol’s smart contracts, which can include cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and other tokens. It aggregates the value of these assets, often converting them to a common currency like USD for a standardized measure. The formula is the sum of the value of each type of asset multiplied by its current market price.

How to calculate FDV? The Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) is calculated by taking the total supply of a token (both circulating and non-circulating) and multiplying it by the current price of the token. This gives an idea of what the market cap would be if all tokens were in circulation and trading at the current price. It’s an important metric for understanding the potential market size and investment risk of a cryptocurrency or DeFi project.

The "Retail vs. Wall Street" concept-linked token WEN continues its strong run, rising over 18% in after-hours trading.

According to Bitget market data, Wendy's (WEN) rallied 25.66% in the regular trading session, then climbed an extra 18.96% in after-hours trading, now changing hands at $9.35. Earlier reports noted that Serenity took to Twitter to mock the latest meme stock movement unfolding on Reddit's high-risk trading communities, targeting U.S. fast-food chain Wendy's. The Reddit community's meme warning reads: "If Wendy's goes bankrupt, we'll all be out of jobs, and after losing all our trading money, we'll have to work behind Wendy's trash cans." Serenity later clarified that they hold no positions, only found the activity amusing, and added they were unsure if the campaign would succeed. Wendy's holds a special cultural status on Reddit's WallStreetBets community; for years, "working behind Wendy's trash cans" has been a staple joke among retail investors mocking their trading losses.

6 minutes ago

Danske Bank: Federal Reserve may raise interest rates at least twice

Danske Bank senior analyst Kirstine Kundby-Nielsen and chief analyst Jens Peter Sorensen stated in a report that they expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise interest rates twice, in December 2026 and March 2027 respectively, bringing the federal funds rate to 4.00%-4.25%. "However, we emphasize there is a risk that rate hikes could come earlier and that the number of hikes may exceed two," they said. The first Federal Reserve meeting led by Kevin Warsh sent a clear signal that the Fed is increasingly moving away from forward guidance surrounding future monetary policy decisions. "All signs indicate that (the Fed) is leaning toward having greater discretion in future policy decisions," the Danske Bank analysts added. Source: Jin10

6 minutes ago

SK Hynix's stock price rise widened to 15.4%, while Samsung Electronics gained 6.3%.

According to Bitget data, SK Hynix’s stock price gain has widened to 15.4%, with Samsung Electronics up 6.3%.

6 minutes ago

The entire cryptocurrency market is down across the board; funding rates indicate BTC remains in bearish territory, while ETH’s bullish sentiment is significantly stronger than BTC’s.

According to HTX market data, Bitcoin is currently trading at $61,684.51, down 1.88% in the past 24 hours; Ethereum is at $1,647.36, down 1.48% over the same period. Current funding rates on major centralized exchanges (CEXs) show a clear divergence between BTC and ETH: BTC rates across all platforms have fallen back into bearish territory, while ETH rates on most platforms remain above the neutral range, indicating significantly stronger bullish sentiment for ETH than BTC. BlockBeats Note: Funding rates are fees set by cryptocurrency trading platforms to maintain the balance between contract prices and underlying asset prices, typically applicable to perpetual contracts. They serve as a fund exchange mechanism between long and short traders; platforms do not collect these fees, instead using them to adjust the cost or return of traders holding contracts, so that contract prices stay close to the underlying asset prices. A funding rate of 0.01% is the benchmark. A rate above 0.01% indicates broad bullish market sentiment, while a rate below 0.005% signals widespread bearish sentiment.

6 minutes ago

South Korea's KOSPI index climbs back above the 9,000 mark, up 6.25% on the day.

According to Bitget data, South Korea’s KOSPI index has returned to the 9,000 level, gaining 6.25% on the day.

6 minutes ago

Silver plunged 6% intraday, breaching the defense of long positions, as a smart money entity reaped $2.16 million in shorting profits.

According to Hyperinsight’s monitoring, the Silver (SILVER) contract on Hyperliquid is currently priced at $56.78, down 6.34% over 24 hours, with a trading volume of $263 million, ranking first in the precious metals sector. Driven by gold prices falling below $4,000 and safe-haven funds flowing back into chip stocks, short sellers have reaped significant profits. Notably, smart money address 0x49e has been shorting Silver on 3x leverage since April 29 at a high of $78.79, holding a position worth $5.77 million, and has already booked a precise profit of $2.16 million (+81%). On-chain Silver whales are overall bearish: the nominal position size of short sellers is approximately 1.5 times that of long positions. The average entry price for short positions is around $65.05, and the current price is 12.7% lower than this level. Long positions are overall trapped, with an average entry price of about $59.75, roughly 5% above the current price. Current short sellers have sufficient safety margins: the nearest short liquidation line stands at $77.18, some 36% above the current price, meaning short sellers face almost no liquidation pressure. Address: 0xe9ffe7698f46f96f980f2877e18c43f5b4165903-HyperInsight Bot is now live. Add @HyperInsightBot to your TG group and set it as an admin (enable message sending permission) to automatically sync on-chain updates.

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Can Recovered $21M from Balancer Hack by StakeWise Boost ETH Price?

Balancer hack update: StakeWise recovers 73.5% of stolen osETH 

StakeWise takes back $20 million from Balancer hacker.The protocol used a loophole in the ownership structure of its smart contracts to do so.When a hacker stole $128 million from decentralised finance protocol Balancer yesterday, depositors were left reeling.

Now, there’s a glimmer of hope: liquid staking platform StakeWise, issuer of some of the stolen assets, says it has recovered $20 million from the attacker.

“The recovered funds will be returned to the users affected in the Balancer V2 exploit, distributed pro-rata according to their pre-exploit balances,” StakeWise said in a Monday X post.

In a post-mortem, StakeWise said it was able to intervene only because of a loophole in the ownership structure of its smart contracts.

The recovered assets include about $19 million in osETH tokens and $1.7 million in osGNO.

Those tokens, along with around $100 million more, were drained from Balancer in a sophisticated exploit that targeted a bug in the liquidity protocol’s code.

That’s despite the protocol receiving multiple audits from some of the industry’s most prominent security firms.

The losses add to a record-breaking year for crypto hacks, which has so far seen over $2.2 billion stolen, according to a July report from Chainalysis, a crypto security firm.

How it workedA wallet controlled by StakeWise’s DAO — a collective of token holders who govern the protocol — played a decisive role in the recovery.

Here’s how it happened.

The smart contracts behind the stolen tokens were tied to so-called controllers, accounts with the authority to create or destroy the assets in users’ wallets. The osETH token contract itself is owned by the StakeWise DAO, which lets holders of its SWISE governance token approve upgrades through onchain votes.

Late on Monday night, the seven members managing the DAO’s multi-signature wallet sprang into action. They carried out a series of transactions giving the DAO wallet temporary control as a token controller for osETH and osGNO.

With that power, the DAO burned the tokens sitting in the hacker’s wallet and minted an identical amount in its own wallets on Ethereum and Gnosis Chain. A final transaction then revoked the controller privileges and restored the setup to how it was before the exploit.

Closing the loopholeWhile victims welcomed the recovery, it also exposed just how centralised StakeWise really is.

The existence of the loophole is at odds with the ethos of many in the DeFi industry, who advocate for protocols to minimise the need for users to trust the people building them.

Because of this, StakeWise has created a proposal to remove the functionality for its DAO to vote on.

“Monday November 3 was the first time that the powers of the emergency multisig were invoked,” StakeWise said.

“We believe it would be right to also make it the last such time.”

Tim Craig is DL News’ Edinburgh-based DeFi correspondent. Reach out to him with tips at [email protected].

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$1.58 Million Vanishes in Minutes: How a Tiny Token’s Governance Was Hijacked

An attacker exploited Token of Power's Aragon DAO on Tuesday to mint 10 billion TOP tokens via a malicious governance proposal, then swapped the supply for 944.2 WETH worth roughly $1.58 million.

An attacker exploited a governance misconfiguration in Token of Power's Aragon DAO on Tuesday to mint 10 billion TOP tokens, then swapped a fraction of that supply for 944.2 WETH worth roughly $1.58 million.

Security firm Blockaid identified the incident as a governance-takeover attack, distinct from a smart-contract coding flaw. The attacker first spent approximately 662 ETH, withdrawn from Tornado Cash, to acquire about 8,192 TOP tokens: just over 50% of the protocol's total supply of 16,384 tokens, giving them absolute majority control of the DAO. With that stake in hand, they submitted a governance proposal to mint 10 billion new tokens directly to an attacker-controlled contract.

TOP DAO had not installed a timelock on the Aragon voting system (even though the tech stack offers that configuration), allowing the attacker to create the proposal, vote it through, and execute it in a single transaction. PeckShield confirmed the attacker then deposited 945.1 ETH into Tornado Cash after the drain.

Governance SystemThe root vulnerability was architectural. Token of Power ran on an Aragon DAO using a MiniMeToken-based governance contract, infrastructure widely adopted during earlier phases of Ethereum's DAO ecosystem. Blockaid noted the attacker was able to cast a vote and execute it in a single atomic transaction because no timelock gated any of those steps.

That gap eliminated the window a community would normally need to detect and cancel a malicious proposal. With majority control already secured through the initial token purchase, the proposal passed the moment it was submitted.

CertiK separately reported the same attack path. The newly minted 10 billion TOP tokens were swapped into the existing TOP/WETH Balancer V1 pool, which operated on a 50/50 weighting between the two assets. Flooding the pool with freshly minted TOP against a fixed reserve of real WETH let the attacker extract 944.2 WETH at a price the pool had no mechanism to resist.

Token of Power is associated with "The Mask of Power" DAO and built TOP around collective governance of a specific MetaMask NFT. Balancer itself was not the vulnerable surface: the attack targeted the protocol's governance layer and used the Balancer pool only as the exit route.

[ UPDATE: Article was updated on 6/11 @ 12:42PM to note the Aragon tech stack does have the ability for users to include a timelock ]

Binance has issued a warning that has fueled discussions in the crypto market. For context, the leading cryptocurrency exchange announced plans to extend its Monitoring Tag to 11 tokens, putting them at risk of future delisting.

Meanwhile, tokens affected include Balancer (BAL), and Cortex (CTXC), among others, while Enzyme (MLN) and Horizon (ZEN) will be removed from the risk list. Several market watchers view this development as a signal for potential price volatility for the affected tokens.

Binance Adds Monitoring Tag To 11 Tokens Binance’s recent announcement about its Monitoring Tag has sent ripples through the crypto market. As of July 1, the exchange will add several tokens, including Balancer (BAL), Cortex (CTXC), and Convex Finance (CVX), to its Monitoring Tag list.

Meanwhile, as per the announcement, tokens with this tag are considered high-risk and are closely monitored for volatility and compliance with Binance’s listing criteria. The tokens newly added to the Monitoring Tag list are:

Balancer (BAL), Cortex (CTXC), PowerPool (CVP), Convex Finance (CVX), Dock (DOCK), Kava Lend (HARD), IRISnet (IRIS), MovieBloc (MBL), Polkastarter (POLS), Status (SNT), Sun (SUN).

In contrast, Enzyme (MLN) and Horizon (ZEN) will be removed from the Monitoring Tag list. This shift indicates a reassessment of the risks and stability associated with these tokens. However, Binance’s decision to tag these 11 tokens highlights their increased volatility and potential for not meeting the platform’s listing criteria in the future.

Meanwhile, according to Binance, the Monitoring Tag serves as a warning that the listed tokens are under scrutiny and may face delisting if they fail to meet specific standards. These standards include the project’s commitment, development activity, trading volume, network stability, public communication, and ethical conduct.

Binance emphasizes that the Monitoring Tag aims to maintain a healthy and sustainable cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Also Read: 900M SHIB Burn Sparks Optimism Over $0.00003 Price Target Ahead

Price Drop Ahead? The introduction of the Monitoring Tag for these tokens has significant implications for investors. Historically, announcements of this nature from major crypto exchanges like Binance tend to impact market sentiment and token performance. Positive announcements usually boost market confidence, while warnings and potential delistings can weigh on investors’ sentiment.

Meanwhile, the affected tokens could experience increased price volatility and reduced trading volume as investors respond to the perceived risk. Tokens under the Monitoring Tag are also subject to additional trading restrictions on Binance.

In addition, users must complete a quiz every 90 days to trade these tokens, ensuring they understand the associated risks. This additional layer of scrutiny aims to protect users and promote informed trading decisions.

The announcement underscores the importance of due diligence in the rapidly evolving crypto market. Investors must stay informed about the status and compliance of their holdings, particularly in light of such warnings from leading exchanges. In other words, Binance’s criteria for the Monitoring Tag emphasize the importance of project transparency, network stability, and ethical conduct.

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The name Artificial Superintelligence Alliance sounds admittedly like a group of comic-book polymaths attempting to solve world problems. While this isn’t quite the case, ASI is nonetheless altruistic in its goals. Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) is a group of crypto projects that have joined forces to advance and democratize AI. Here is what you need to know in 2026.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
➤ The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI) is a collaborative effort formed by merging three major blockchain and AI-based projects.
➤ ASI aims to democratize AI technology, offering an alternative to AI development dominated by large tech companies.
➤ The alliance has expanded to include CUDOS for decentralized cloud computing.
➤ ASI has introduced a new unified token, merging existing tokens from member projects to simplify governance with the alliance.

In This Guide:

What is the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI)?ASI origins and formationHow does Artificial Superintelligence Alliance crypto work?Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) tokenASI embodies a collaborative philosophyFrequently asked questionsWhat is the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI)?The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI) is a collaboration formed by the merging of three blockchain and AI-based projects: Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, and Ocean Protocol. This union, which took place in 2024, is an effort to advance decentralized AI development.

Challenging the Titans: ASI's Potential to Agitate Centralized Tech Giants

The ASI merge is more than a technological feat; it's a statement. It embodies the potential of decentralized networks to compete with and surpass the capabilities of established tech giants, offering a… pic.twitter.com/KKY6QJ89KU

— Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (@ASI_Alliance) July 15, 2024 ASI origins and formationThe ASI alliance came to fruition from a desire to push the boundaries of AI and blockchain technology. The aim is to create a platform that can accelerate the development of superintelligent systems.

By combining their platforms in autonomous agents, AI marketplaces, and secure data sharing, the alliance hopes to lead in the development and deployment of the next-generation AI solutions. With the addition of CUDOS in October 2024, the alliance has expanded to a decentralized cloud computing platform focused on scalable cloud services.

CUDOS Joins the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance@CUDOS_ joins the Alliance, marking a significant step in developing decentralized AI infrastructure

As the Alliance grows stronger, paving the way for advancements toward AGI/ASI — Who would you like to see join next..? pic.twitter.com/aOKWe2ckvC

— Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (@ASI_Alliance) September 25, 2024 Did you know? In November 2024, there was a proposal for Paal.AI to join the ASI Alliance. The integration plan aimed to merge 90% of the Paal token supply into the ASI ecosystem. However, on Nov. 13, 2024, Paal AI withdrew its merger proposal with the ASI Alliance following community feedback.

Key objectivesThe ASI will attempt to address a number of key problems and objectives. These include:

Decentralization of AI: The ASI Alliance aims to create a decentralized AI ecosystem — an alternative to AI development dominated by big tech companies. This objective attemps to distribute power and control over AI technologies.
Advancing AGI and ASI: The alliance focuses on accelerating the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI).
Ethical and responsible AI: The ASI Alliance aims to create AI systems that are powerful but also ethical and responsible.
Open-source development: Unlike most AI models, barring DeepSeek, the ASI Alliance will promote transparency and collaboration in AI advancement. Structure and governanceThe ASI Alliance operates with a unique governance structure resembling a joint venture:

The alliance will operate as its own distinct entity, incorporated in Singapore with its own website, marketing team, and key objectives.
Each member organization (Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, and Ocean Protocol) maintains its independence, with unchanged leadership, teams, and token treasuries (except for the tokens exchanged for ASI).
The alliance is guided by a governing council, initially proposed to consist of Humayun Sheikh (Fetch.ai founder) as chairman, Dr. Ben Goertzel (SingularityNET founder) as CEO, and Trent McConaghy and Bruce Pon (Ocean Protocol co-founders) as members.
A new token, ASI, was created to merge the utility tokens of the member projects. A joint venture in business is a partnership between two or more companies where they combine their resources, expertise, and efforts to achieve a specific business goal, usually for a limited time, by sharing the risks and rewards of a project.

How does Artificial Superintelligence Alliance crypto work?The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance functions as a group, although each project has its own autonomy and ecosystem. Here is how each project works and how it adds to the initiative to progress decentralized AI.

Fetch.ai (FET)Fetch.AI is a project that combines blockchain, machine learning, and multi-agent systems to create a decentralized digital economy. It allows users to deploy autonomous AI agents that can perform economic tasks on behalf of individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Founded in 2017, the Cambridge-based artificial intelligence lab Fetch.ai made its debut on Binance through IEO in March 2019. In January 2020, the Fetch.AI mainnet went online.

How does it work?Fetch.AI uses a consensus mechanism based on directed acyclic graph (DAG) technology and a version of proof-of-stake (PoS) based on Cosmos’ Tendermint. The Fetch.ai network develops tools and infrastructure for smart AI using three primary components: Autonomous Economic Agents, the Open Economic Framework, and the Fetch Smart Ledger.

ComponentPurposeAutonomous Economic AgentsSoftware programs that can act independently and make decisions on behalf of individuals, businesses, or even devices with limited input. Agents can come together to establish multi-agent workflows.Open Economic FrameworkA dynamic environment within the Fetch.ai network that enables agents to interact and conduct economic transactions. It is built on the Fetch Smart Ledger.Fetch Smart LedgerThe Fetch Smart Ledger is a distributed ledger that serves as the foundation of the Fetch.ai platform.FET The total supply of FET before the merge is 1,152,997,575 FET. The distribution is:

Foundation: 20% Founders: 20% Token sale: 17.6% Future releases: 17.4% Mining: 15% Advisors: 10% Ocean Protocol (OCEAN)Ocean Protocol is an open-source platform designed to monetize the exchange of data and data-related services — essentially a data marketplace. Ocean Protocol uses blockchain technology to ensure transparent data sharing, especially for AI applications.

How does it work?Ocean Protocol marketplace: oceanprotocol.comOcean Protocol uses “data tokens” to regulate access to datasets, which allows data owners to monetize their information while maintaining control. These data tokens are ERC-20 standard tokens that gatekeep the right to access data or data services.

Providers publish, deploy, and mint data tokens and create data services. Consumers, on the other hand, acquire and spend data tokens to access those services. The consumer sends data tokens to a data provider to access a dataset — which remains off-chain.

Providers deploy data tokens on the Ocean Market, where they can specify a fixed price or use the AMM for automated price discovery. Balancer supports the AMM pools, which include both the data token and OCEAN as a trading pair.

OCEAN holders can stake their OCEAN tokens in a liquidity pool and earn fees. Because they are ERC-20 tokens, data users can store them in crypto wallets, trade them on crypto exchanges, transfer them to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), and perform other DeFi operations.

OCEAN The total supply of the OCEAN token before the merge with ASI is 1,410,000,000 OCEAN. The distribution is:

Foundation: 20% Founders: 20% Token Sale: 17.6% Future releases: 17.4% Mining rewards: 15% Advisors: 10% SingularityNet (AGIX)SingularityNET is a decentralized marketplace that democratizes access to AI. It allows developers to publish and monetize their AI services, which can be used by anyone on the network. Dr. Ben Goertzel, a prominent AI industry figure, leads the project.

SingularityNET supports various AI domains, including image processing, speech recognition, and natural language processing (NLP).

How does it work?SingularityNET creates a platform for developers to create, publish, and manage AI services that may be incorporated into a variety of applications. Developers can sell their AI models using the AI Publisher.

The linchpin of SingularityNET’s AI marketplace is AGIX, the platform’s native utility token. It serves several purposes:

Payment for AI Services Governance Staking and liquidity Token bridge AI Publisher The AGIX token is used to pay for marketplace-based transactions, providing access to AI services and future autonomous AI interactions. The SingularityNET Bridge allows users to transfer AGIX tokens to supported blockchains.

To guarantee community participation in the platform’s evolution, AGIX holders take part in governance decision-making within the SingularityNET organization. Users can also contribute to the stability and security of the network by staking AGIX tokens to earn incentives and supply liquidity to the platform.

AGIXThe total supply of AGIX tokens before the merge with ASI is 2,000,000,000 AGIX tokens. The distribution is:

Token sale: 50% Incentivizes for early users, developers, and partners: 20% Core team members and early contributors: 18% SingularityNET Foundation: 8% Bounty programs: 4% Cudos (CUDOS)Cudos is a blockchain network that bridges cloud and blockchain technology to provide decentralized cloud computing resources. It is a layer-1 blockchain that uses a delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) mechanism. The project aims to make computing more sustainable and cost-effective by utilizing spare computational resources.

How does it work?Cudos network: cudos.orgCudos brings its global network of distributed computing to the alliance, providing access to its network of GPUs. This significantly enhances the Alliance’s capacity to scale AI innovations. Cudos’ cloud infrastructure enables access to premium AI hardware at allegedly 50% of the cost of centralized providers like Amazon AWS.

The integration of Cudos into ASI is expected to accelerate progress towards decentralized AGI and ASI while ensuring these technologies are governed by a global community rather than centralized entities.

CUDOSThe total supply of CUDOS before the merge with ASI is 10,000,000,000 CUDOS. The distribution is:

Ecosystem and community development: 34% Reserve: 33.78% Team (2-year vesting): 20% Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) tokenArtificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) price: coingecko.comThe FET, AGIX, and OCEAN tokens will merge to form the ASI token; however, FET will serve as the foundation of ASI. There will be a total of 2.63 billion ASI tokens. 1.48 billion tokens will be generated to achieve this supply, with 867 million handed to AGIX holders and 611 million to OCEAN token holders.

The exchange rate between FET and ASI is 1 to 1. Therefore, if the user has 500 FET, they can convert them into 500 ASI (i.e. FET) tokens. The CUDOS token will be merged into the Alliance’s unified token (FET) at a conversion rate of 112.427 CUDOS to 1 FET.

Ocean Protocol (OCEAN) token holders will receive 0.433226 ASI tokens for each OCEAN token, while SingularityNET (AGIX) token holders will receive 0.433350 ASI tokens each AGIX token.

If your coins are listed on a centralized exchange, you do not have to do anything. ASI will arrange conversions with each exchange, and your holdings will automatically convert into ASI tokens.

The ticker will be withdrawn once an exchange has converted all of its previous tokens.

If someone inadvertently sends the old tokens to an exchange following the conversion event, there is no assurance that they will be available or converted to ASI.

A token migration option is available if your tokens are offline or in a hardware wallet. The token bridge can be used to convert tokens.

If you’re interested in investing in the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, check our step-by-step guide detailing how to buy FET in 2026.

ASI embodies a collaborative philosophyThe Artificial Superintelligence Alliance represents a unique venture within crypto and AI. Unlike typical projects in these fields, which often view each other as competition, ASI embodies a different philosophy.

There is a saying, “When two bulls fight, the grass suffers,” ASI stands in stark contrast, advocating for collaboration over competition. This approach hopes to pave the way toward a better decentralized future, leveraging the open-source nature of crypto and the transformative potential of AI collaboration.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR). Investing in any token, including AI-powered assets, carries risk, and profits are never guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance is a group of primarily three blockchain-based AI projects, Fetch.AI, SingularityNet, and Ocean Protocol. Cudos was included later as a decentralized physical infrastructure network for compute. The alliance is an attempt to progress and democratize artificial generalized intelligence and artificial super intelligence.

The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) crypto token merges the SingularityNet (AGIX), Fetch.AI (FET), Ocean Protocol (OCEAN), and Cudos (CUDOS) tokens. Holders of the member tokens can convert their crypto into the new Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) token. Eventually, the FET ticker will be replaced by ASI after all conversions are final.

The ASI alliance has several goals. It aims to democratize AI, create artificial super (ASI) and generalized (AGI) intelligence, and to create ethical and responsible AI. All of the goals of the alliance are an attempt to create the next-generation of AI.

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