Traditional Finance (TradFi)

Traditional Finance (TradFi) refers to the conventional financial system that operates through centralized institutions such as banks, stock exchanges, and regulatory bodies. It encompasses a wide range of financial services, including banking, lending, asset management, and investment, all of which are governed by strict regulatory frameworks to ensure stability and consumer protection.

The defining characteristic of TradFi is its reliance on intermediaries to facilitate transactions and manage financial activities. Banks, for example, act as custodians of funds, process payments, and provide credit, while stock exchanges and investment firms enable the trading of equities and other assets. These institutions are subject to oversight by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Federal Reserve, which enforce compliance and risk management practices.

A key advantage of TradFi is its structured legal framework, which provides recourse in cases of fraud or financial mismanagement. However, this system also introduces inefficiencies, such as high transaction costs, limited accessibility for the unbanked population, and slower settlement times due to intermediary involvement.

Despite the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) as an alternative, TradFi remains the backbone of the global economy. Many financial innovations, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), aim to bridge the gap between TradFi and blockchain-based systems, enhancing efficiency while maintaining regulatory safeguards.