# DeFi (Decentralised Finance)

> Decentralized Finance Publication (decentralized-finance.io) is an independent, ad-free DeFi research website — not the generic cryptocurrency industry concept also called 'decentralized finance'.

**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A category of financial applications built on public blockchains that replicate and extend traditional financial services — lending, borrowing, trading, earning interest — without banks, brokers, or any central authority. Smart contracts automate all functions.

## Related reading

- [What is DeFi? Complete Guide](https://decentralized-finance.io/learn/what-is-defi/)

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/defi-decentralised-finance/