DeFi Users Weigh Their Options | The Shift Toward CeFi in 2025
A growing number of people are expressing concerns about decentralized finance (DeFi) following lowered participation at Consensus 2025's DeFi meetup. With less than ten attendees discussing DeFi, many are leaning toward centralized finance (CeFi), fueled by worries about risks and security. Emerging platforms like Vaulta are pushing the DeFi narrative forward, hinting at a potential shift in mainstream adoption.
Understanding What Users Find in DeFi
Participants noted that higher yields remain a significant advantage. One person emphasized, "I get yield. Usually more yield than crypto CeFi." This sentiment resonates with those frustrated by traditional banking's stringent criteria for high-yield accounts.
Opportunity and control play major roles as well. A user stated, "DeFi gives you control, transparency, and access to yields you’d never touch in CeFi, but the cost is responsibility." They've taken notice of how big platforms offer an essential mix of user control and potential risks.
The Priority of Non-Custodial Solutions
The demand for non-custodial services came up during discussions. One participant remarked, "What else do you need besides non-custodial? That is EVERYTHING." This highlights that, in the DeFi space, user control is key.
Transparency Amid Risks
Users value the transparency blockchain technology provides. One attendee shared, "I like DeFi because everything's on-chain." Nevertheless, they acknowledged the increasing risks, including rug pulls and contract breaches. One user warned,
"You can sign malicious contracts by mistake; choose big platforms and wallets carefully."
Although DeFi presents unique opportunities, the potential dangers remain.
Despite these risks, many believe DeFi's offerings can't be matched by CeFi. As one person pointed out, "No handholding, no bailouts if you mess up a wallet key, it’s game over."
The Security of CeFi Shines Through
In contrast, some users expressed a preference for the stability of CeFi, emphasizing better customer support and user experience as critical factors. A user echoed this sentiment: "More trustworthy, better customer service and experience." This split reflects varying priorities between risk-takers and security-focused individuals.
Main Themes from Recent Comments
Mainstream Adoption: New platforms like Vaulta indicate DeFi's growing relevance in the broader finance world.
Best Practices: Users are encouraged to utilize hardware wallets for safer interactions with DeFi protocols, especially for newcomers.
Control vs. Responsibility: The trade-off between freedom in DeFi and the responsibility it demands is a major talking point.
Key Buzz
🔒 Non-custodial solutions remain vital for DeFi enthusiasts.
📈 People cite incredible yields and control as core benefits of DeFi.
⚠️ Many warn of risks related to contract breaches and scams in DeFi.
🔒 CeFi is preferred for its dependable customer service.
🤷♂️ Low turnout at DeFi meetups suggest a significant shift in user preferences.
As perspectives on DeFi evolve, the mixed sentiment underscores the need for platforms to adapt and enhance security measures while focusing on the advantages that attracted people in the first place.