Decentralised finance (DeFi) continues to reshape the traditional financial landscape by offering open, permissionless alternatives to services like trading, lending, and asset management. Today’s total value locked (TVL) across DeFi protocols exceeds $90 billion, highlighting the sector’s growing influence and user adoption despite ongoing market fluctuations. This surge reflects a maturing ecosystem where innovation, transparency, and user control drive sustained interest from retail and institutional participants.
Biggest DeFi Token By Market Activity Today – Top List
1. The Graph (GRT)
The Graph is a decentralised protocol that helps developers easily find and use blockchain data. It organises this data into open subgraphs APIs, making it easier to build and run decentralised apps (dApps) on blockchains like Ethereum, NEAR, and Polygon. This setup improves how fast and efficiently apps can access the needed data.
The GRT token powers the Network by supporting roles like indexers, curators, and delegators, who help keep it running securely. It’s also used to pay for data queries, ensuring everyone in the system is fairly rewarded and the protocol runs smoothly.
Key Features:
- Cross-chain compatibility via Chainlink CCIP.
- Token API beta for reliable multi-chain data access.
- Secure GRT transfers across Arbitrum, Base, and Solana.
👉 Explore GRT’s cross-chain potential
2. EigenLayer (EIGEN)
EigenLayer is a decentralised protocol built on Ethereum that lets users “restake” their ETH to help secure other services beyond the Ethereum network. This means staked ETH can be used in more ways, allowing validators to support multiple apps simultaneously. The goal is to boost innovation and scalability by creating a shared layer of security.
Recent Milestones:
- Launch of Verifiable Apps page showcasing dApps using restaking.
- Governance via EIGEN tokens for protocol upgrades.
3. Uniswap (UNI)
Uniswap is a decentralised exchange (DEX) on the Ethereum blockchain that lets users swap ERC-20 tokens directly from their wallets using liquidity pools. With features like concentrated liquidity and multiple fee levels, Uniswap v3 improves trading efficiency.
Governance: UNI holders vote on critical protocol changes, including fee structures and ecosystem expansions.
👉 Discover Uniswap’s liquidity solutions
4. 1inch Network (1INCH)
1inch Network aggregates liquidity from multiple sources to offer optimal swap rates. Supporting blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, it enhances cross-chain trading efficiency.
Token Utility:
- Governance via DAO proposals.
- Staking rewards through Unicorn Power (UP).
FAQs
Q1: What makes The Graph unique?
A1: Its decentralised indexing protocol simplifies blockchain data access for developers, supporting multiple chains and APIs.
Q2: How does EigenLayer enhance Ethereum’s security?
A2: By enabling ETH restaking to secure additional protocols, creating a shared security layer.
Q3: Why is Uniswap a top DEX?
A3: Its AMM model, liquidity pools, and governance-driven upgrades ensure low fees and high efficiency.
Q4: What’s 1inch’s competitive edge?
A4: Aggregating liquidity from various DEXs to provide the best swap rates with minimal slippage.
Final Thoughts
These tokens exemplify DeFi’s innovation, from data indexing (The Graph) and restaking (EigenLayer) to liquidity aggregation (1inch) and decentralised trading (Uniswap). Their market activity underscores their pivotal roles in shaping Web3’s future.