Journal Markcount Finance
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

THE FUTURE OF DECENTRALIZED FINANCE (DEFI): DISRUPTING TRADITIONAL BANKING MODELS

Amir Raza (Badakhshan University)
Roya Zahir (Kunduz University)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

The rapid advancement of blockchain technology has given rise to Decentralized Finance (DeFi), a financial ecosystem that operates without traditional intermediaries and challenges the foundational structures of conventional banking. DeFi platforms enable peer-to-peer financial services through smart contracts, offering increased transparency, accessibility, and efficiency. This study aims to analyze the potential of DeFi to disrupt traditional banking models by examining its core mechanisms, value propositions, and structural differences from centralized financial institutions. The research seeks to assess both the opportunities and challenges posed by DeFi in reshaping financial intermediation. A qualitative analytical approach was employed, drawing on an integrative review of peer-reviewed literature, industry reports, and documented DeFi case examples. Data were analyzed through thematic synthesis to compare DeFi functionalities with traditional banking operations, focusing on governance, risk management, and financial inclusion. The findings indicate that DeFi introduces innovative financial models that reduce transaction costs, expand access to financial services, and enhance operational transparency. The study concludes that DeFi represents a transformative yet complementary force rather than a complete replacement for traditional banking. Its future impact will depend on regulatory adaptation, technological maturity, and institutional integration.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jmf

Publisher

Subject

Description

Journal Markcount Finance, established in 2023 by Yayasan Adra Karima Hubbi, has become a leading platform for economic research that connects financial innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the evolving economic ecosystem. In 2026, the journal introduced a change in its ...