![Why Do All These DeFi Projects Have Their Own Tokens? What Are the Risks With DeFi? [2021] @aantonop](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fAYcSfYo3FM/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Decentralized Finance or DeFi projects are said to be revolutionizing finance. But why do they all seem to have their own tokens? Why aren't they just using the underlying network tokens? Is it just a get rich quick scheme for the creators? Maybe, maybe not. Watch this video to learn some of the reasons why DeFi projects might have their own tokens, how they might be used to provide a hedge against immature technology and over centralization.
Chapters
0:00 Why do all these DeFi projects have to have their own tokens? What are the risks with DeFi?
1:31 Reasons SOME projects may actually need their own token
2:00 This is immature technology
2:30 Balancing decentralization and centralization
4:20 RIPCORD principles - collaborative
4:39 Features of some tokens: equity principles, access, governance
5:33 Governance decisions distributed
6:00 Examples of Maker DAO and Compound (not an endorsement of either project)
Related Videos
5 Categories of DeFi Risks - youtu.be/OxNXBhmtDrw
What is RIPCORD? youtu.be/NG4u55e3SYo
COMMENT below and let us know what you think of the video. Post your follow-up questions there too!
SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel and select the bell đź”” for notifications: youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN this YouTube channel about Bitcoin and open blockchains to become a YouTube Community Member and access custom emoji and other perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ/join
BECOME a Community Builder: patreon.com/aantonop
LEARN from Andreas in one of his popular Workshops which will teach you practical crypto skills. There’s even a FREE Intro to Bitcoin & Open Blockchains to get you started. aantonop.io/takeaworkshop
You can also learn from one of aantonop's many books about bitcoin, ethereum, and open blockchains. Andreas has written three technical books for developers about blockchain technology, Mastering Bitcoin, Mastering Ethereum, and Mastering the Lightning Network published by O’Reilly Media. He’s also written The Internet of Money Series books, which explain why bitcoin, ethereum, and open blockchains matter.
About aantonop: Andreas isn't promoting a company or an organization; he's paid by the community (people who support this work on Patreon and YouTube) and provides an unbiased look at open blockchain technologies, what they can do for our societies, and how to get involved (if you decide you want to). Learn more at aantonop.com
From Andreas: You may already know that my mission is to educate as many people as possible about #Bitcoin and open blockchain technologies. Watching these videos and sharing them with others is a big part of that. Thank you for being part of this mission.
***Learn More From Andreas**
Amazon & Kindle: amazon.com/-/e/B00MVAG8Z8
Audible: audible.com/author/Andreas-M-Antonopoulos/B00MVAG8Z8
E-books & Merch: aantonop.io/shop
Patreon: patreon.com/aantonop
Website: aantonop.com
Workshops: aantonop.com/workshops
***Connect with Andreas on Socials***
Facebook: facebook.com/AndreasMAntonopoulos
Instagram: instagram.com/amantonop
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/aantonop
Twitter: twitter.com/aantonop
Thanks for watching, sharing, and subscribing!
Decentralized Finance or DeFi projects are said to be revolutionizing finance. But why do they all seem to have their own tokens? Why aren't they just using the underlying network tokens? Is it just a get rich quick scheme for the creators? Maybe, maybe not. Watch this video to learn some of the reasons why DeFi projects might have their own tokens, how they might be used to provide a hedge against immature technology and over centralization.
Chapters
0:00 Why do all these DeFi projects have to have their own tokens? What are the risks with DeFi?
1:31 Reasons SOME projects may actually need their own token
2:00 This is immature technology
2:30 Balancing decentralization and centralization
4:20 RIPCORD principles - collaborative
4:39 Features of some tokens: equity principles, access, governance
5:33 Governance decisions distributed
6:00 Examples of Maker DAO and Compound (not an endorsement of either project)
Related Videos
5 Categories of DeFi Risks - youtu.be/OxNXBhmtDrw
What is RIPCORD? youtu.be/NG4u55e3SYo
COMMENT below and let us know what you think of the video. Post your follow-up questions there too!
SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel and select the bell đź”” for notifications: youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN this YouTube channel about Bitcoin and open blockchains to become a YouTube Community Member and access custom emoji and other perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ/join
BECOME a Community Builder: patreon.com/aantonop
LEARN from Andreas in one of his popular Workshops which will teach you practical crypto skills. There’s even a FREE Intro to Bitcoin & Open Blockchains to get you started. aantonop.io/takeaworkshop
You can also learn from one of aantonop's many books about bitcoin, ethereum, and open blockchains. Andreas has written three technical books for developers about blockchain technology, Mastering Bitcoin, Mastering Ethereum, and Mastering the Lightning Network published by O’Reilly Media. He’s also written The Internet of Money Series books, which explain why bitcoin, ethereum, and open blockchains matter.
About aantonop: Andreas isn't promoting a company or an organization; he's paid by the community (people who support this work on Patreon and YouTube) and provides an unbiased look at open blockchain technologies, what they can do for our societies, and how to get involved (if you decide you want to). Learn more at aantonop.com
From Andreas: You may already know that my mission is to educate as many people as possible about #Bitcoin and open blockchain technologies. Watching these videos and sharing them with others is a big part of that. Thank you for being part of this mission.
***Learn More From Andreas**
Amazon & Kindle: amazon.com/-/e/B00MVAG8Z8
Audible: audible.com/author/Andreas-M-Antonopoulos/B00MVAG8Z8
E-books & Merch: aantonop.io/shop
Patreon: patreon.com/aantonop
Website: aantonop.com
Workshops: aantonop.com/workshops
***Connect with Andreas on Socials***
Facebook: facebook.com/AndreasMAntonopoulos
Instagram: instagram.com/amantonop
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/aantonop
Twitter: twitter.com/aantonop
Thanks for watching, sharing, and subscribing!
![Why Do All These DeFi Projects Have Their Own Tokens? What Are the Risks With DeFi? [2021]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fAYcSfYo3FM/mqdefault.jpg "Why Do All These DeFi Projects Have Their Own Tokens? What Are the Risks With DeFi? [2021]
Decentralized Finance or DeFi projects are said to be revolutionizing finance. But why do they all seem to have their own tokens? Why arent they just using the underlying network tokens? Is it just a get rich quick scheme for the creators? Maybe, maybe not. Watch this video to learn some of the reasons why DeFi projects might have their own tokens, how they might be used to provide a hedge against immature technology and over centralization.
Chapters
0:00 Why do all these DeFi projects have to have their own tokens? What are the risks with DeFi?
1:31 Reasons SOME projects may actually need their own token
2:00 This is immature technology
2:30 Balancing decentralization and centralization
4:20 RIPCORD principles - collaborative
4:39 Features of some tokens: equity principles, access, governance
5:33 Governance decisions distributed
6:00 Examples of Maker DAO and Compound (not an endorsement of either project)
Related Videos
5 Categories of DeFi Risks - https://youtu.be/OxNXBhmtDrw
What is RIPCORD? https://youtu.be/NG4u55e3SYo
COMMENT below and let us know what you think of the video. Post your follow-up questions there too!
SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel and select the bell đź”” for notifications: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN this YouTube channel about Bitcoin and open blockchains to become a YouTube Community Member and access custom emoji and other perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ/join
BECOME a Community Builder: https://patreon.com/aantonop
LEARN from Andreas in one of his popular Workshops which will teach you practical crypto skills. There’s even a FREE Intro to Bitcoin & Open Blockchains to get you started. https://aantonop.io/takeaworkshop
You can also learn from one of aantonops many books about bitcoin, ethereum, and open blockchains. Andreas has written three technical books for developers about blockchain technology, Mastering Bitcoin, Mastering Ethereum, and Mastering the Lightning Network published by O’Reilly Media. He’s also written The Internet of Money Series books, which explain why bitcoin, ethereum, and open blockchains matter.
About aantonop: Andreas isnt promoting a company or an organization; hes paid by the community (people who support this work on Patreon and YouTube) and provides an unbiased look at open blockchain technologies, what they can do for our societies, and how to get involved (if you decide you want to). Learn more at https://aantonop.com
From Andreas: You may already know that my mission is to educate as many people as possible about #Bitcoin and open blockchain technologies. Watching these videos and sharing them with others is a big part of that. Thank you for being part of this mission.
***Learn More From Andreas**
Amazon & Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00MVAG8Z8
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Andreas-M-Antonopoulos/B00MVAG8Z8
E-books & Merch: https://aantonop.io/shop
Patreon: https://patreon.com/aantonop
Website: https://aantonop.com
Workshops: https://aantonop.com/workshops
***Connect with Andreas on Socials***
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreasMAntonopoulos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amantonop/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aantonop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aantonop
Thanks for watching, sharing, and subscribing!")
![DONT Give Them Cryptocurrency [2 Min Funny Video on Saying No to Bitcoin, Ether, Crypto Gifts]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ghIVEBZN0Hg/mqdefault.jpg "DONT Give Them Cryptocurrency [2 Min Funny Video on Saying No to Bitcoin, Ether, Crypto Gifts]
With prices of bitcoin, ether, and most other cryptocurrencies, at all time highs, do people you know now want you to give them cryptocurrency as a gift? Or do they think youre super RICH (even though youre not). What if you dont want to give them crypto? How should you respond? In this 2 min video, from the Gifting Crypto livestream, Andreas explains one way to deal with annoying people who now want your crypto!
This question is from the Gifting Crypto Livestream, which took place on November 14, 2020. Watch the entire video here: https://aantonop.io/giftingcrypto. If you want to ask questions early (before the live event), become a Community Builder on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aantonop Patrons get early access to ask questions, view talks, behind-the-scenes content, and much more.
COMMENT below and let us know what you think of the video. Post your follow-up questions there too!
SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel and select the bell đź”” for notifications: https://aantonop.io/youtube
JOIN this YouTube channel to become a YouTube Community Member and access custom emojis and other perks: https://aantonop.io/youtube
BECOME a Community Builder: https://patreon.com/aantonop
LEARN from Andreas in one of his popular Workshops which will teach you practical crypto skills. There’s even a FREE Intro to Bitcoin & Open Blockchains to get you started. https://aantonop.io/takeaworkshop
Take a look at some of our favorite questions from recent Monthly Livestream videos:
Can Someone Guess My Private Key? https://aantonop.io/sandykeys
WORST Places to Store Bitcoin: https://aantonop.io/worstbitcoinstorage
About aantonop: Andreas isnt promoting a company or an organization; hes paid by the community (people who support this work on Patreon and YouTube) and provides an unbiased look at open blockchain technologies, what they can do for our societies, and how to get involved (if you decide you want to). Learn more at https://aantonop.com
From Andreas: You may already know that my mission is to educate as many people as possible about #Bitcoin and open blockchain technologies. Watching these videos and sharing them with others is a big part of that. Thank you for being part of this mission.
***Learn More From Andreas’ Workshops, Books & Events**
Amazon & Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00MVAG8Z8
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Andreas-M-Antonopoulos/B00MVAG8Z8
E-books & Merch: https://aantonop.io/shop
Patreon: https://patreon.com/aantonop
Website: https://aantonop.com
Workshops: https://aantonop.com/workshops
***Connect with Andreas on Socials***
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreasMAntonopoulos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amantonop/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aantonop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aantonop
Thanks for watching!")
![Cryptocurrency Explained: Understanding Double-spend, Block Re-Organization, & Consensus [Bitcoin]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hixM4u7ep58/mqdefault.jpg "Cryptocurrency Explained: Understanding Double-spend, Block Re-Organization, & Consensus [Bitcoin]
Today there were headlines about a double-spend in bitcoin! Many took that to mean that bitcoin has a catastrophic flaw (it doesnt) or the network is not secure (it is) or that bitcoin is somehow broken (its not). Watch this video to learn the truth about what a double-spend is, what its not, and how to separate FUD from facts. tl;dw: Nothing abnormal happened.
Chapters
0:00 Did a double spend happen on bitcoin?
1:31 What happened?
5:46 Miners are competing
18:53 2 competing blockchains
20:47 Consensus fork
22:41 How is consensus fork resolved?
26:10 What it means when someone says my transaction has confirmation
27:25 This process ensures that double spends are not successful
28:53 2 miners found 2 blocks simultaneously and broadcast them
29:17 Bitmex research and monitoring
29:58 What happens to transactions in those 2 blocks?
32:33 The Mempool
34:42 Double spend attempt
38:19 This doesnt matter for small amounts
41:47 Risk assessment
43:28 I would sell my house for 0 confirmation
44:56 Miners will take the most fee they can
48:59 How do we move forward? It seems fake news is becoming a major problem within bitcoin.
53:39 Do you think its easier to fake articles about bitcoin than it is about anything else? Given the complexity of the blockchain and how so many people that hold bitcoin dont really understand it
54:23 Was it the same transaction in the two blocks? It seems the amount spent is different. If yes, could it be indicative of someone deliberately trying to spend the same bitcoin twice and testing waters if there was some protocol flaw?
56:59 In my opinion what happened is too unlikely without being premeditated. Maybe someone has been propagating two different transactions like these for a long time until he finally got lucky and they were precisely included in 2 competing blocks
58:22 Would a node continuously propagating competing transactions get banned from connecting to the peer-to-peer network?
1:01:11 I think it would be beneficial to explain how a merchant should treat a bitcoin transaction and how the number of confirmations to wait before accepting a transaction should possibly scale.
1:10:21 Can Proof-of-Work provide immediate block finality like modern Proof-of-Stake algorithms
1:12:29 Why the clickbait title?
1:13:43 Announcement - Open topic Q&A
1:14:16 One of the solutions to confirmations is the lightning network
1:15:55 Conclusion
Are you interested in really understanding bitcoin? In this video, aantonop (one of the most trusted, unbiased sources of crypto info) answered questions bitcoin transactions, network double spends, how consensus works, and much more. Don’t miss Andreas version of what happens if you let someone drive away with your car after only 1 confirmation.
COMMENT with your questions and let us know how you like this video.
SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel and select the bell đź”” for notifications: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN this YouTube channel to become a YouTube Community Member and access custom emojis and other perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWCJCWOxBYSi5DhCieLOLQ/join
BECOME a Community Builder: https://patreon.com/aantonop
You may already know that Andreas’ mission is to educate as many people as possible about Bitcoin and open blockchain technologies. Watching and sharing these videos is one way to do that. Thank you for being part of this mission!
About aantonop: Andreas isnt promoting a company or an organization; hes paid by the community (people who support this work on Patreon and YouTube) and provides an unbiased look at open blockchain technologies, what they can do for our societies, and how to get involved (if you decide you want to). Learn more at https://aantonop.com
***Learn More From Andreas’ Workshops, Books & Events**
Amazon & Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00MVAG8Z8
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Andreas-M-Antonopoulos/B00MVAG8Z8
E-books & Merch: https://aantonop.io/shop
Patreon: https://patreon.com/aantonop
Website: https://aantonop.com
Workshops: https://aantonop.com/workshops
***Connect with Andreas on Socials***
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreasMAntonopoulos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amantonop/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aantonop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aantonop
Music: Unbounded by Orfan (https://twitter.com/grassfedbitcoin)
Thanks for watching!")
![aantonop Crypto Comedy: Awkward Holiday Conversations about Cryptocurrency [This is Satire]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hjOTi3Vaiqo/mqdefault.jpg "aantonop Crypto Comedy: Awkward Holiday Conversations about Cryptocurrency [This is Satire]
Watch this video where Andreas delivers 30+ minutes of crypto comedy on topics like, why do people buy xrp & conspiracy theories and bitcoin. Everyone has had an awkward holiday conversation about cryptocurrency, lets talk about what you should have said. This entire video is comedy, you will learn nothing!
0:00 Awkward Holiday Conversations about Cryptocurrency starting soon
0:53 Introduction
2:32 Aantonop Workshops
4:50 Whats the best strategy to deal with an older family member with an advanced business degree that says things that are often quite wrong about bitcoin (e.g. its vaporware designed by criminals and mostly used to sell drugs on the darknet)?
6:17 Im dating someone new and havent yet mentioned my love affair with bitcoin. I want to give them a few sats for Christmas. How do I make this not an awkward holiday conversation?
9:45 Is it the right time to sell bitcoin? What do you say to someone to whom youve gifted bitcoin previously that asks if its the right time to sell every time bitcoin is in the news?
11:30 How should I respond when my distant half-drunk cousin who I dont really like asks (in front of everyone), So when are you gonna give us all some of those bitcoins you got? I dont even have one bitcoin yet but I dont want to tell them that.
15:02 NoCoiners think that when the number goes up we get excited & watch the charts more. Its nice but if youre really in it, youre watching more when it goes down!
16:55 Is there an elegant way to make a backup for someone that really wants bitcoin as a gift, but is unlikely to follow directions related to custody and security?
19:48 In my experience, giving BTC away leaves the perception it holds no real value, and people will often end up losing it. Whereas everyone I paid BTC to (for say plumbing / selling their music) equate their effort with value & keep it safe. Is teaching security & how to buy and transfer to a wallet a better gift?
21:30 I once gifted bitcoin to someone that later asked me if it was ok for them to use it to buy drugs online before pot was legal in Canada. What would you have said?
25:03 I helped most of my family buy bitcoin during the 2017 hype. Then a few months ago I bought it all from them because I felt they kinda blamed me for losing money. Now theyre freaking out because they couldve sold now and not lost any money & some of them couldve profited a little. What should I do?
27:09 As a noob in 2017, I advised everyone to buy Bitcoin. Of course, they didnt. Now, they think I am a millionaire. How do I tell them I am still down 7% on my investment?
30:56 I foolishly brought up the subject of cryptocurrency and how I own a bit of Bitcoin at a lunch. One of the friends asked me how much Bitcoin I had. I stammered. How should I have responded?
32:40 Why people buy XRP? Sister asked me if it was wiser to buy XRP since that was the coin the banks trusted (Christmas 2017). What should I have said?
36:26 Keeping your bitcoin holdings secret. I paid someone a small debt with bitcoin. However, the transaction featured a large amount moving from my address, with a large portion given back as change. The recipient now knows how much bitcoin I have. What is the best way to prevent this?
39:25 Ungrateful kids and crypto gifts: As a small gift in Christmas of 2018, I gave paper wallets with 10 EUR. 1 of the kids asked Only 10 EUR? I wanted to answer inflation, store of value & Bitcoin halving but since he was only 6 I just smiled. What could have I answered, for the adults to listen?
41:28 Conspiracy theories and bitcoin: A friend believes in conspiracy theories, he thinks bitcoin is on the side of banks and evil elites. What can I say?
How can I ask questions and vote?
Community Builders who support this free work on Patreon get to ask questions and vote on questions at least a week before the event. Community Members who support this work on YouTube get to ask questions and vote on questions a day before the event starts. Everyone else gets to ask questions and vote on questions when the event starts.
BECOME a Patreon Community Builder: https://patreon.com/aantonop
JOIN this channel to become a YouTube Community Member and access custom emojis and other perks: https://aantonop.io/youtube
SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel and select the bell đź”” for notifications: https://aantonop.io/youtube
About aantonop: Andreas isnt promoting a company or an organization; hes paid by the community (people who support this work on Patreon and YouTube) and provides an unbiased look at open blockchain technologies, what they can do for our societies, and how to get involved (if you decide you want to). Learn more at https://aantonop.com
***Learn More From Andreas’ Workshops, Books & Events**
Website: https://aantonop.com
#bitcoin #cryptocomedy")
