According to Coincu, recent data from DefiLlama reveals the top DeFi protocols dominating the landscape in 2023, with MakerDAO leading the list, followed by Lido, PancakeSwap, Convex Finance, and GMX. MakerDAO has strategically acquired US Treasury bonds since 2022, capitalizing on the benefits of rising interest rates.
The Spark Protocol subDAO, a pivotal component of founder Rune Christensen’s envisioned Endgame for Maker’s future, offered investors exposure to T-bill yields through a secured version of its DAI stablecoin. The locked DAI achieved an impressive yield, peaking at 8% this year. In contrast, Uniswap Labs entered the revenue-generating arena only in October, leveraging fees on its interface. Blockworks Research estimates Uniswap Labs to be on a trajectory towards an annualized revenue of $17.7 million. Despite its recent growth, Uniswap falls short of making it to the list of top DeFi protocols for 2023.
Industry leaders express optimism about positive developments in the DeFi space in 2024, anticipating continued growth and mainstream adoption. However, they caution that legal regulations might pose challenges for the sector, with an expected increase in scrutiny from regulators. The DeFi landscape remains dynamic, with protocols like MakerDAO setting the pace for innovation and strategic financial maneuvers.