Decentralized finance (DeFi) is an innovative idea that uses developing technologies to eliminate intermediaries in financial transactions. In light of this, many platforms have debuted that promote financial accessibility, security, and transparency while enabling peer-to-peer transactions through the use of software, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology. 

A unique perk of decentralized finance is that it allows people to deal directly without the use of middlemen like banks and brokerages, upending the established centralized financial system. DeFi has recently gained popularity among the crypto community. The majority of people are interested in trading and investing, which are the most popular use cases, followed by lending and borrowing. Financial inclusion, transparency, worldwide accessibility, and increased efficiency are among the primary benefits driving DeFi adoption. 

As we delve into the best DeFi projects to watch in 2024, we will uncover the innovative solutions and technologies that are redefining the future of finance.

SmarDex

SmarDex’s USDN could very well be the “Ethena’s killer.” It is poised to revolutionize DeFi with the first decentralized USD-structured product. By leveraging smart contracts on blockchain, USDN offers unparalleled security, transparency, and accessibility. SmarDex, despite its innovative prowess, is grossly undervalued.

SmarDex is also transforming the DeFi space with its novel way of dealing with impermanent loss. SmarDex uses a complex algorithm to convert impermanent loss into gain, giving liquidity providers smart returns and users access to the finest market chances. The platform provides a variety of features such as liquidity provision, farming, staking, etc, all of which are intended to maximize profits while minimizing losses. With its consistent ROIs and unrivaled innovations, SmarDex is the go-to platform for anyone trying to stay ahead of the DeFi game.

Further, its cutting-edge approach promises to democratize investment opportunities, fostering widespread adoption and trust in DeFi. As the market awakens to SmarDex’s transformative potential, its valuation is set to soar, marking a pivotal shift in the financial landscape.

Elys Network 

Elys Network is Cosmos Hub’s all-in-one DeFi Layer-1 appchain, partnering with the Atom Economic Zone to offer a unique trading experience. The platform combines the benefits of DeFi with the features of a CEX to provide a seamless UX that bridges the gap between Web2 and Web3.

Elys Network’s unified product suite includes cross-chain interoperability, spot and perpetual trading, simple staking, and leverage LP, creating a liquidity flywheel that enhances volume and revenues. As the first PerpDex, Elys integrates native Bitcoin staking, LP, and BTC trading on leverage, with deep connectivity and partnerships for native Bitcoin integration. Elys has also integrated one-click liquid staking for end users who can seamlessly bring PoS assets and earn a passive yield of 10-20%. 

With almost 275,000 human-verified users signed up for their incentivized public testnet, Elys Network is poised for success. The team has raised significant funds through its KOL, Private Sales, and Seed Rounds and is looking to form strategic partnerships to showcase its unique platform. Elys Network offers a comprehensive DeFi solution with a focus on ease of use, security, and financial functionalities.

Deeplink

Deeplink is one of the most promising projects to watch for in 2024, combining cloud gaming, AI, and DePIN. While players enjoy 3A games with ultra-low latency, machine renters earn rewards for sharing idle GPU and bandwidth resources. 

Its main technological team has over a decade of experience in the cloud gaming sector, having worked for top firms such as Cisco, Intel, Nvidia, Huawei, and Shunwang. DeepLink Protocol uses blockchain technology to enable miners and internet café operators to supply GPU servers and traffic nodes, earning token rewards while providing worldwide coverage without the need for centralized data centers. 

By removing the need for a high-end device, Deeplink makes gaming more accessible and reduces costs globally. Deeplink’s innovation paves the way for a global gaming community of 3 billion, offering a seamless gaming experience. The platform’s $DLC token is currently on public sale.

Insights from BestChange.com

Nikita Zuborev, Chief Analyst at BestChange.com, shares his insights on several interesting DeFi and crypto projects to watch. In his view, Lido Finance is a promising project that allows users to earn money by staking Ethereum without long-term capital freezing. Despite risks for US investors, the platform remains attractive due to its profitability and ease of use. If there are no regulatory shocks, Lido Finance is expected to continue to delight investors.

Other notable projects include STON, a DEX on the TON network that offers high market interest on stable trading pairs, and Chainlink, which creates authoritative oracles for smart contracts. Syncswap, a young project operating on four L2 networks, also shows promise, allowing token swaps and liquidity earnings with the potential for an airdrop, according to Nikita.

Deeper into his insight, Uniswap is worth revisiting despite its token’s unstable trend. The potential threat of SEC’s lawsuit has lowered the token’s value, but he believes the claim is fragile and may not be filed or will be won in court, leading to a potential price rise. 

Conclusion

The DeFi landscape is rapidly evolving, presenting numerous opportunities for innovative projects to disrupt traditional finance. As the industry continues to mature, investors and enthusiasts must stay informed and conduct thorough research and due diligence. The projects mentioned in this article are worth watching closely in 2024 as they pave the way for a more open, transparent, and accessible financial future.