For over a century, trusted institutions, including central and commercial banks, have been responsible for managing money. They print currency, set interest rates, process payments, and safeguard savings. As a result, this system has become deeply ingrained in people’s daily lives. When people need a loan, they go to the bank; when they want to transfer money abroad, they turn to a payment provider; and when they wish to invest, they consult a broker.
However, this reliance on third parties may soon change, as the rise of digital assets has opened the door to a new alternative. Initially, much of the focus was on cryptocurrency prices, but perspectives on these assets are rapidly evolving. In fact, according to Acropolium, over eight in ten top public companies are now using blockchain technology to enhance their operations.
The financial sector is no different. Data from Cognitive Market Research suggests that the global blockchain finance market could grow from $22.4 billion in 2025 to $194.015 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by infrastructures like decentralised finance (DeFi), which are changing the way people transact and access their funds.
DeFi Amid the Growing Demand for Fast and Seamless Payments
An important trend in the financial landscape is the increasing demand for real-time payments. According to Projective Group, 78% of businesses plan to invest in real-time payment systems in the coming years. Modern consumers are fast-paced and expect their transactions to be completed without delay. Testlio reports that frustratingly slow payment systems can reduce conversion rates by up to 20%.
Such statistics explain why businesses are eager to adopt crypto-based technologies. David Princay, President of Binance Research, comments, “We continue to see strong interest in crypto from institutional investors and corporate treasuries (and even from sovereign wealth funds), and naturally, their primary interest is in Bitcoin as the most established crypto asset.”
Crypto-based technologies, such as DeFi, are appealing because they eliminate the need for third parties in transactions. These intermediaries often cause delays by lengthening approval processes. By cutting out intermediaries, DeFi ensures that consumers can access their funds almost instantly.
Moreover, Grand View Research predicts that the global real-time payment market will surge from $17.6 billion to $123.3 billion by 2030. This shift towards real-time payments signals a growing preference for these options, and failing to adapt could harm a company’s competitiveness. This provides further momentum for the adoption of DeFi.
Meeting the Needs of Trust-Driven Audiences
The blockchain industry is already working hard to meet the rising demand for secure interactions. In a recent statement, Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU at Binance, said, “At Binance, we are committed to fostering a maturing crypto ecosystem where innovation, regulation, and security work hand in hand. Joining the T3+ initiative reflects our dedication to proactive collaboration with industry partners and law enforcement to combat illicit activity in real time.”
The increasing number of stakeholders working to improve security makes the crypto space more attractive to investors. This also partly explains the rise in decentralised finance activities. With the growing prevalence of online attacks, people are increasingly hesitant to transact in insecure environments. Traditionally, individuals have trusted banks to safeguard their funds.
However, events like the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank have raised questions about whether traditional financial institutions can be relied upon. This is where decentralised finance (DeFi) comes into play. DeFi replaces institutional trust with mathematical trust via smart contracts, which are auditable and governed by transparent code. Instead of relying on a bank to safeguard your deposits, you trust that a piece of code will execute exactly as programmed.
That said, DeFi is not without its risks. Decentralised finance protocols have experienced significant losses—over $1.1 billion in 2025 alone, according to theblock.co. The key difference with DeFi, however, is visibility. Unlike traditional finance, where risks are often hidden until it’s too late, DeFi allows anyone to inspect the contract logic, providing a greater level of transparency.
Opening Doors to the Unbanked
Imagine a scenario where a farmer in rural Africa can secure a loan without the need for any paperwork. Such possibilities could be game-changing, particularly for the unbanked. While the world has made significant strides in financial inclusion, much work remains to be done.
A recent World Bank report estimates that around 1.4 billion people remain unbanked as of 2024. That’s a significant portion of the global population, and relying solely on traditional payment options means missing out on a huge potential market.
Thanks to DeFi technology, businesses can overcome these challenges. Consumers now need only a smartphone and an internet connection to access financial services. This expands the reach of financial services and signals a commitment to innovation, which can enhance a brand’s reputation.
As customer acquisition and retention costs continue to rise, organisations are turning to more efficient technologies to maintain their competitiveness. DeFi, for instance, addresses the increasing demand for fast, secure, and inclusive payments. Given that these needs are non-negotiable, more businesses are likely to embrace decentralised finance, cementing its place as the future of money.