Decentralized Finance & Accounting – Implications, Considerations, and Opportunities for Development

The blockchain and cryptoasset sector, since coming to the attention of the mainstream business and financial markets during the bitcoin bull run of 2017, continues to accelerate and evolve rapidly. Decentralized finance (DeFi), a new iteration of what was previously referred to as open finance, has emerged as an innovative use case and service enabled by blockchain technology. As with any innovation or new tool, however, there remains a range of questions and considerations that will have to be addressed prior to wider adoption and utilization. This research attempts to contextualize the development of DeFi, frame it within the blockchain and cryptoasset sector, and explain potential obstacles and challenges to further development. Subsequent to this examination of DeFi trends, challenges, and opportunities, a potential framework for further development and implementation will be presented. Outlined and written in a manner approachable to both practitioners and academic users, this research should be used a springboard for further discussion, analysis, and progress.