The Evolution of Asset Management

Historical Context and Limitations of Traditional Finance

1. Inaccessibility of Real-World Assets (RWAs):

   • Illiquidity: Assets like real estate, art, and intellectual property have high liquidity barriers. Selling these assets often involves a lengthy process, limiting quick access to their value.

   • High Entry Barriers: Investments in such assets have been traditionally restricted to institutional investors or individuals with significant capital, excluding average investors from these opportunities.

2. Centralized Systems:

   • Dependence on Intermediaries: Traditional asset management relies heavily on banks, brokers, and other intermediaries, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies.

   • Opaque Transactions: Often, the details of transactions and asset ownership are not transparent, leading to potential mistrust and lack of clarity for investors.

Introduction of Blockchain and DeFi

1. Blockchain as a Game-Changer:

   • Decentralization: Unlike traditional finance, blockchain operates on a decentralized model, removing the need for central authorities or intermediaries.

   • Transparency and Security: Transactions on the blockchain are transparent and immutable, enhancing trust and security in financial operations.

2. Rise of DeFi:

   • Democratizing Finance: DeFi uses blockchain to recreate traditional financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading, making them accessible to a broader audience.

   • Innovative Financial Services: Offers novel services such as automated smart contracts, yield farming, and liquidity mining, previously unavailable in traditional finance.

Bridging Traditional and Digital Finance

1. Crypto-Native Assets Focus:

   • Initially, DeFi’s integration with blockchain was primarily with crypto-native assets like cryptocurrencies, limiting its reach to traditional asset classes.

2. Broadening the Horizon:

   • Inclusive Financial Ecosystem: Efforts are being made to extend blockchain and DeFi to include traditional assets, widening the scope beyond just crypto assets.

   • Hybrid Models: The development of models that combine the security and transparency of blockchain with the tangible value of traditional assets.