The Rise of DeFAI: How AI Is Transforming Decentralised Finance

How is artificial intelligence (AI) shaping the future of decentralised finance (DeFi)? Explore the rise of DeFAI and the top projects.

Introduction

Decentralised finance (DeFi) has revolutionised the financial landscape by offering trustless, permissionless, and transparent financial services. However, as DeFi continues to evolve, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is taking it to the next level. This combination, known as DeFAI, is reshaping how financial services operate by enhancing automation, risk management, and decision-making.

In this article, we explore what DeFAI is, its key applications, and how it is driving the future of decentralised finance.

What Is DeFAI?

DeFAI refers to the integration of AI and DeFi. By leveraging AI agents, predictive analytics, and automation, DeFAI enhances financial decision-making, trading efficiency, and security in decentralised finance. This synergy allows for more sophisticated financial strategies that reduce human error and increase accessibility.

Key Applications of DeFAI

1. Automated Trading and Market Analysis

DeFAI employs AI-driven trading bots that analyse market trends, execute trades, and adjust strategies in real time. These bots can process vast amounts of data to detect profitable opportunities, making DeFi trading more efficient and responsive.

2. Risk Management

One of the biggest challenges in DeFi is mitigating risks like impermanent loss, liquidation, and fraud. AI-powered risk models assess potential threats by analysing market conditions, user behaviour, and transaction patterns, enabling users to make informed decisions and mitigate potential financial losses.

3. Yield Optimisation and Portfolio Management

AI-driven algorithms optimise yield farming and liquidity provision by selecting the most profitable strategies based on real-time data. These algorithms allocate assets across different DeFi platforms to maximise returns while minimising risks, making DeFi more accessible to retail investors.

4. Market Analysis

AI models deliver deeper insights into price trends, sentiment analysis, and token performance, facilitating data-driven investment strategies.

Top 5 DeFAI Projects by Market Capitalisation

As of 27 March 2025, the top DeFAI projects by market capitalisation are:

1. Aixbt — Market cap $122M
   
   • Token Name: AIXBT
   • Description: AIXBT is an AI-driven crypto market intelligence platform designed to provide predictive analytics for cryptocurrency trading. By analysing vast datasets, it offers users insights into market trends, aiming to enhance trading strategies and profitability.
     
2. HeyAnon — Market cap $85M
   
   • Token Name: ANON
   • Description: HeyAnon aims to leverage AI agents to aid users in handling various DeFi functionalities, including trade execution, real-time information aggregation, and portfolio management, etc.
     
3. Olas — Market cap $59M
   
   • Token Name: OLAS
   • Description: Olas Protocol, also known as Autonolas, facilitates the creation and management of autonomous agent systems, which can operate continuously and independently off-chain while maintaining on-chain transparency and security.
     
4. Griffain — Market cap $45M
   
   • Token Name: GRIFFAIN
   • Description: Griffain is an abstraction AI platform that introduces a wide range of specialised agents that enable users to execute trades, manage wallets, mint non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and perform token sniping — all through simple natural language commands.
     
5. RSS3 — $39M
   
   • Token Name: RSS3
   • Description: The RSS3 Network is a decentralised platform designed to facilitate the free flow of open information across the web.

Crypto.com’s AI Agent SDK

Crypto.com has launched its own AI Agent SDK, which aims to empower developers and, ultimately, end-users to interact with the Cronos blockchain and other Crypto.com services by leveraging AI tools as an advanced intermediary. The SDK is able to handle various on-chain functions like calling chain data (e.g., balance enquiry), wallet management (create and transfer funds, get latest block), and smart contract interactions (swap token, wrap zkCRO). 

Below is an overview of its use cases in DeFAI:

How to Buy DeFAI Tokens

DeFAI tokens like AIXBT are available for purchase in the Crypto.com App. With a growing selection of over 300 supported cryptocurrencies and stablecoins — including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Polkadot (DOT), USD Coin (USDC), and Cronos (CRO) — Crypto.com makes it easy to access the DeFAI ecosystem.

Crypto.com App users can buy DeFAI tokens with USD, EUR, GBP, and 20-plus other fiat currencies and spend them at over 80 million merchants worldwide using the Crypto.com Visa Card.

Alternatively, users can also access more DeFAI tokens through Crypto.com Onchain. To start trading, download the Crypto.com App or Onchain wallet.

Conclusion

The rise of DeFAI marks a significant evolution in decentralised finance. By leveraging AI-driven automation, risk analysis, and trading intelligence, DeFi platforms are becoming more resilient and efficient. As AI technology continues to evolve, its integration into DeFi will create a more sophisticated, secure, and inclusive financial system for the future.

The synergy of AI and DeFi is just beginning, and its full potential remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain — DeFAI is paving the way for a new era of intelligent, decentralised finance.

Due Diligence and Do Your Own Research

All examples listed in this article are for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, cybersecurity, or other advice. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Crypto.com to invest, buy, or sell any coins, tokens, or other crypto assets. Returns on the buying and selling of crypto assets may be subject to tax, including capital gains tax, in your jurisdiction. Any descriptions of Crypto.com products or features are merely for illustrative purposes and do not constitute an endorsement, invitation, or solicitation.

Past performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future performance. The value of crypto assets can increase or decrease, and you could lose all or a substantial amount of your purchase price. When assessing a crypto asset, it’s essential for you to do your research and due diligence to make the best possible judgement, as any purchases shall be your sole responsibility.