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Web3, akin to numerous groundbreaking innovations, has been crafted with the explicit goal of improving and enriching our daily lives. It stands at the forefront of technological advancements that promise to reshape how we interact with digital systems and services. You might also like: Beyond the hype: Web3 is in dire need of a rebrand | Opinion

What makes web3 particularly noteworthy is its ability to transcend the boundaries of traditional financial institutions, as many of them have already discerned the potential for symbiosis with these cutting-edge technologies. Consequently, they are proactively delving into collaborative efforts and seeking ways to seamlessly integrate web3 into their core operations.

This intriguing interplay between web3 and traditional finance is shaping a new landscape that is bound to influence the global economy in profound ways. In 2024, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era, and it’s imperative that we dive into the exciting opportunities web3 holds for our world and the broader economic framework.

Expect more transparency

Amidst the backdrop of global economic and political uncertainties, there exists a palpable optimism surrounding the persistent growth of blockchain and decentralized applications (dapps). In an illuminating report from DappRadar, we observe a striking 15% surge in the average number of daily unique active wallets (dUAW) actively participating in decentralized applications, a figure that has soared to an average of 2.2 million dUAW since the second quarter of 2023.

Industry dominance by UAW in the dapp ecosystem | Source: DappRadar

While this growth paints a promising picture of the future, it’s essential to recognize the pressing concerns related to identity and privacy that loom large. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and the need for heightened security and accountability has never been more apparent. Fortunately, a significant shift within primary markets is discernible, with a pronounced emphasis on enhancing transparency. This concerted effort holds the potential to substantially curtail the illicit use of cryptocurrencies, evade sanctions and taxes, and mitigate similar issues that have challenged the integrity of the financial world.

For web3 technologies to thrive and gain widespread acceptance, a critical element is the collective embrace of transparency by users and the establishment of a robust regulatory framework that prioritizes the protection of all participants within the ecosystem. Regulators, too, find themselves in uncharted territory as they navigate the swiftly evolving innovation landscape. This necessitates a realization that adapting existing regulations will yield outcomes different from what we’ve known, ultimately shaping a future where trust, security, and accountability hold sway.

Adoption of defi protocols

The embrace of decentralized finance protocols has captured the attention and intrigue of both investors and regulators, establishing itself as the newest and potentially transformative innovation within the cryptocurrency domain.

At the present juncture, the real-world applications of defi, especially in the context of cross-border transactions, serve as compelling testaments to its distinct advantages over conventional systems. These use cases underscore the efficiency and security that defi brings to the table, paving the way for a financial landscape that needs to be addressed by geographical constraints and costly intermediaries.

However, while defi’s potential is undeniably promising, its broader adoption hinges on our ability to identify and champion additional use cases that provide tangible, real-world benefits. The impetus for this shift towards defi is particularly pronounced in developing economies, where inefficiencies and limited accessibility have historically plagued the legacy financial systems, making them ripe for the innovations that defi offers.

Forging synergies: Tradfi and web3 collaborations

The intriguing relationship between traditional finance institutions and the emerging web3 landscape is a dynamic that warrants a closer examination. While on the surface, they might appear as rivals, the realization of web3’s full potential is intricately tied to the collaboration and integration of traditional finance.

In the fast-evolving realm of emerging technologies, established incumbents often find it advantageous to seek partnerships with specialized providers rather than embarking on entirely new ventures. This approach allows them to tap into the innovative strengths of these specialized players. An illustrative case is E-Gates, which is strategically positioned to harness the advancements within the realms of cryptocurrency and blockchain, and which plays a pivotal role in enabling traditional entities, including financial institutions and e-commerce merchants, to seamlessly incorporate these transformative features into their existing operations while upholding regulatory compliance and reliability.

These progressive developments carry the potential to be a genuine game-changer, effectively bridging web3 with the familiar landscape of traditional financial systems fostering innovation and inclusivity in the ever-evolving financial ecosystem.

Instead of a summary

As we gaze into the future, the landscape of web3 finance beckons with boundless potential. Its transformative power extends far beyond the mere transfer of value, offering us a comprehensive reimagining of finance itself. In this forthcoming era, the doors to financial services are thrown wide open, promising widespread access and inclusivity like never before.

Defi is a central pillar of this transformation, with its profound impact evident across borrowing, lending, trading, and income generation. It introduces a new dimension of financial freedom and flexibility, rewriting the traditional rulebook.

Smart contracts, another cornerstone of the web3 revolution, ushering in an era of efficient and secure agreements and transactions, stripping away the need for intermediaries and offering newfound trust in digital interactions.

Not to be overshadowed, NFTs emerge as trailblazers, fundamentally redefining the concept of digital ownership and propelling the creative economy into uncharted territory.

The evolution of web3 is not in isolation; it adapts to regulatory frameworks and boldly explores cross-chain operations, diligently paving the path for further innovation. During this transformative journey, 2024 promises to be a year of groundbreaking advancements and fresh horizons within this dynamic field. Ready to join us in anticipating 2024’s exciting developments?

Read more: A decentralized revolution: Empowering the masses with home staking | Opinion

Sarah Clark

Sarah Clark, CEO at E-Gates, is a seasoned executive with broad international experience in various industries, including travel, retail, financial services, fintech, and e-commerce across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Africa. Sarah grew PayPal’s business across three continents to deliver the highest revenue growth in the company despite a challenging regulatory environment. She also launched and ran the European operations of two venture-backed businesses—LootCrate and Clearco—delivering double-digit revenue growth.

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