Financial Inclusion through Decentralized Finance: A Citizen Perspective

Abstract

DeFi, a blockchain-based innovation, eliminates traditional financial intermediaries, offering direct peer-to-peer financial transactions and access to a wide array of financial services including lending, borrowing, insurance, and investment opportunities. This paper delves into how DeFi democratizes access to financial resources, particularly for the underserved and unbanked populations worldwide, by reducing transaction costs, enhancing transparency, and providing secure and equitable access to financial services. Through a citizen-centric lens, this article contributes to the ongoing dialogue on leveraging DeFi for global financial inclusion, suggesting pathways for integrating DeFi into the broader financial ecosystem in a manner that maximizes its inclusivity and benefits for all citizens.