Decentralized Finance

This session of DataTalk, an interactive monthly forum of the Institute of International Finance and knowledge partner the Oliver Wyman Forum, focused on decentralized finance, exploring the programmability of financial contracts, security and transparency, interoperability with the existing financial system, and other key issues. This note provides a summary of the key themes that emerged, noting that the conversation was conducted under the Chatham House rule, and comments are unattributed. 

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is the collective term for applications that theoretically provide financial services without centralized intermediaries by leveraging automated protocols and blockchain technology such as smart contracts. The landscape is quite complex, featuring nascent and fast-evolving technologies, abstract and novel concepts and paradigms, and limited regulation. While the space is developing rapidly, and has enormous potential, myriad risks and considerations must be addressed for the market to scale.

To read the key takeaways from this session, please click here.

Attendance at the DataTalk series is available by invitation only. To get in touch, email us at OWForum-Data@oliverwyman.com. You can learn more about the collaboration with the IIF here.