The concept of decentralized finance (DeFi) as a current trend in the field of open decentralized protocols

Subject. This article discusses the concept of decentralized finance (DeFi), an alternative to the traditional financial infrastructure and built on the Ethereum platform. Objectives. The article aims to consider the features and problematic aspects of decentralized finance (services, applications, protocols, smart contracts, token standards), develop a predictive scenario for the development of DeFi in the world, and prove the prospects for the implementation of a decentralized finance infrastructure. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of observation, systematization, data classification, and generalization. Results. The article describes the advantages and potential risks of implementing a decentralized finance infrastructure and focuses on the prospects of DeFi in the context of the development of the global world economy. Conclusions. The article emphasizes the need to promptly solve urgent problems for the practical implementation of DeFi, including ensuring the proper level of operational security.