DeFi coins and tokens: A simple guide for beginners

Discover the cryptocurrencies that provide utility to DeFi applications.

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Key takeaways

  • DeFi coins and tokens are often used interchangeably but they're not quite the same.
  • Tokens are used in DeFi applications that are built on top of an existing blockchain.
  • Tokens can be highly volatile and can experience significant price movements in a short time frame.

If you've started exploring decentralised finance (DeFi), you've probably come across "tokens" and "coins". Though often used interchangeably, they aren't quite the same thing.

DeFi coins are the native currencies of blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, powering the networks that DeFi is built on. DeFi tokens live on those blockchains and are used within DeFi apps, whether for trading, lending or rewards.

Although a fairly new sector, these tokens have quickly attracted the attention of many investors. It may be why you have found this article today.

In this guide, we will explore what DeFi coins and tokens are, outline their use cases, describe the most popular ones on the market and the risks involved. Let's dig in.

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.

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DeFi protocols are experimental works in progress. Funds deposited into DeFi protocols in general can be at risk of smart contract vulnerabilities, malicious developers and hacks. DeFi protocols are usually governed by token holders through a DAO (decentralised autonomous organisation).

What are DeFi tokens?

Each DeFi token is developed for use within an associated decentralised finance application. DeFi applications mirror conventional financial concepts, such as exchanges, lending, borrowing and insurance. Tokens are usually built on the same blockchain that hosts the DeFi application.

Built on the blockchain, DeFi tokens have the same seamless transferability and transparency as all other cryptocurrencies. However, unlike cryptocurrency coins that help secure a blockchain network, DeFi tokens are used in decentralised applications that are built on top of an existing blockchain. Each DeFi token holds a unique purpose within the associated DeFi protocol.

Finder survey: What assets do Australians invest in at different ages?

Response75+ yrs65-74 yrs55-64 yrs45-54 yrs35-44 yrs25-34 yrs18-24 yrs
None53.85%54.94%37.01%38.37%25.7%22.34%39.22%
Individual stocks32.69%29.01%36.36%36.63%36.31%37.77%27.45%
Real estate11.54%13.58%20.78%23.84%21.23%19.15%17.65%
Other9.62%6.79%7.79%5.81%3.91%2.13%0.98%
Ethereum1.92%3.7%6.49%8.72%18.99%20.21%10.78%
Other cryptocurrencies1.92%0.62%11.04%11.05%21.79%14.89%5.88%
Index funds (e.g. ETFs)6.17%12.34%16.86%20.11%31.91%24.51%
Bitcoin4.94%12.99%15.12%30.17%29.79%20.59%
Commodities3.7%3.9%4.07%5.59%5.32%3.92%
Forex3.25%6.4%8.94%5.32%8.82%
Stablecoins1.3%2.91%2.23%7.45%0.98%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1009 Australians, December 2023

Different types of DeFi tokens

There are 3 types of DeFi tokens. These include:

  1. Fee tokens
  2. Governance tokens
  3. Collateral tokens

Fee tokens

Fee tokens are simply DeFi tokens designed to facilitate the collection of fees generated by a DeFi protocol. Each DeFi protocol implements specific fees and processes for collection. For some, stablecoins are accepted. Others employ a native DeFi token.

Governance tokens

Governance tokens are DeFi tokens that give holders governance rights. They represent voting power within DeFi protocols and enable holders to influence daily operations and future development. Most tokens issued within DeFi applications fall into this category.

Governance tokens represent the foundation of decentralisation. They effectively represent the "De" in DeFi. By encouraging community participation, holders of such tokens can actively participate in the development of the sector.

Collateral tokens

Collateral tokens are tokens that are used to stabilise a DeFi protocol. If there is a shortfall on a borrowing platform due to user loans being liquidated, any gaps can be covered by collateral tokens. As a result, price is pegged to the stability of a DeFi protocol. The tokens are vital for protocols where cryptocurrencies can be used as collateral or where synthetic assets are created.

UNI

UNI is the primary token of Uniswap, which is one of the leading decentralised exchanges (DEXs). The token was built using the ERC-20 token standard, which means that it is compatible with the Ethereum blockchain.

UNI tokens were launched in September 2020 as a means to reward Uniswap users. The tokens entered the market trading at $2.94. After a development period, holders of the tokens can now use them to vote on upgrades on the protocol. Investors can also stake their tokens on the exchange to earn extra interest on their investment.

LINK

LINK is the native token of Chainlink, one of the most widely used decentralised oracles in the cryptocurrency industry. The decentralised oracles provide real-world data to decentralised finance applications. LINK is another ERC-20 token compatible with the Ethereum blockchain.

LINK has existed since 2017 but the Chainlink application has gained interest from the DeFi summer of 2020. As a result, LINK's price has increased dramatically since its launch.

MKR

Launching in 2017, MKR is the governance token of MakerDAO, arguably one of the first-ever DeFi applications. MakerDAO was built on the Ethereum blockchain and offers users the ability to access crypto-backed loans. By depositing cryptocurrencies, users can access loans distributed in the US dollar stablecoin DAI.

MKR tokens have grown in popularity due to their requirement in the management of the stablecoin DAI. If DAI performs well and remains pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar, the stability is often reflected in MKR price.

COMP

COMP is the native token of Compound, a leading and popular decentralised cryptocurrency lending platform. The token was launched in June 2020 and has become a popular investment option in the DeFi sector. The token gives holders voting rights to the Compound protocol and is used by the application to distribute rewards to those lending.

AAVE

AAVE is the native token of Aave, a cryptocurrency lending platform that is similar to Compound. The DeFi platform was first introduced in the cryptocurrency market in 2017. At the time it went by the name ETHLend and implemented LEND as its native token. In 2018 ETHLend was rebranded to Aave, with all LEND tokens transferring to AAVE.

Aave's open-source protocol is built on the Ethereum blockchain and, therefore, AAVE tokens have been built based on the ERC-20 standard. Holding AAVE provides users with discounts on the lending platform and allows them to vote on the development of the platform.

Aave protocol

CRV

CRV is the native token of the Curve Finance platform, a decentralised exchange launched in 2020 that was built for efficient stablecoin trading. Today it is one of the largest DeFi protocols for stablecoin liquidity.

Compare cryptocurrency exchanges that offer DeFi tokens

Some of the exchanges below sell DeFi tokens including the tokens listed above.

2 of 2 results
Checked 14 October 2026
Deposit methods Fiat currencies Trading fees Cryptocurrencies Trading features Disclaimer
Bitcoin.com.au logo
Bitcoin.com.au
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, PayPal, PayID
1
Maker: 1.00%
Taker: 1.00%
41
Charting tools, Recurring buy
Get $20 worth of Bitcoin when you sign-up, verify and trade. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
Gate.io logo
Gate.io
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card
64
Maker: 0.10%
Taker: 0.10%
2636
NFT marketplace, Trading API, Charting tools, Recurring buy
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
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Showing 2 of 2 results

Risks of using DeFi tokens

Price volatility

A risk that all cryptocurrencies share is price volatility. DeFi tokens are highly volatile and can experience significant price movements over a period of hours.

Price volatility is a key reason why many investors remain cautious of cryptocurrencies. As easy as it is for one to make money in the market, it is also easy to lose huge sums. The lack of inherent value is one reason why cryptocurrencies are so volatile.

Technology risks

DeFi applications rely heavily on smart contracts. These are automated digital contracts that are programmed by developers. If there is a coding mistake or exploit in a smart contract, digital assets can be lost in the DeFi ecosystem.

In April 2021, a hacker took advantage of a vulnerability that had been present in Uranium v2 contracts, resulting in a loss of $57 million. The hacker exploited a coding error in the platform's balance modifier logic. Similarly, in May 2021 a hacker exploited Rari Capital smart contracts by "tricking" them into allowing hostile contracts to have unauthorised access to funds stored in its vault. The hack resulted in an $11 million loss.

Flash loans

Flash loans are an innovative DeFi feature that allows users to borrow without depositing collateral. The feature facilitates opportunities such as arbitrage, self-liquidation and collateral swapping. However, as beneficial as flash loans are, they have quickly become one of the most common features that hackers target to directly or indirectly steal funds.

Verdict

DeFi is an innovative sector within the cryptocurrency industry and DeFi tokens are a crucial part of the system. By facilitating fee collection, providing governance rights and offsetting collateral, tokens provide many advantages to the financial products on offer. They have already proven popular among cryptocurrency investors, with many solidifying a position within the cryptocurrency market. While not risk-free, the tokens have the potential to help revolutionise the finance and banking sector.

Pros and cons of cryptocurrency lending

Pros

  • Accessibility. DeFi tokens improve accessibility to a broad range of financial services.
  • Increased transparency. DeFi tokens could create new standards of transparency and access in the financial sector.
  • Automation. Combined with smart contracts, DeFi tokens help the automation of DeFi applications, which can greatly reduce the costs for financial services.
  • Governance. DeFi tokens often provide holders with governance rights to a platform. This places the development directly into the hands of loyal users.

Cons

  • Price volatility. Like all cryptocurrencies, DeFi tokens are highly volatile. Significant price swings can occur within hours.
  • Security risks. There is an inherent risk when using DeFi applications, which transfers across to DeFi tokens. If an application is exploited, the value of an associated DeFi token would be affected.
  • No regulation. The DeFi sector is an unregulated industry. There is no insurance in case applications fail or funds are lost.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
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