Decentralized finance (DeFi) is an emerging and rapidly evolving area in the blockchain environment. Although examples of DeFi have existed for several years, a sudden upsurge of activity in 2020 has simulated interest from the private and public sectors. This toolkit highlights DeFi’s distinguishing characteristics and opportunities, while also calling attention to the new and existing risks. As well as providing an overview of the DeFi space generally, it maps out the potential legal and regulatory responses. The result of an international collaboration among academics, legal practitioners, DeFi entrepreneurs, technologists and regulatory experts, the report provides a solid foundation for understanding the major factors that should drive policy-making decisions.

This toolkit highlights the distinguishing characteristics and opportunities of decentralized finance (DeFi) while also calling attention to new and existing risks.