Finance: Theory and Practice | 2026
Authors: Zverkova T.N.
DOI: 10.26794/2587-5671-2026-30-1-200-213
Journal: Finance: Theory and Practice
Year: 2026
Publisher: Financial University under The Government of Russian Federation
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
The article explores one of the main trends in modern financial transformation, namely the impact of decentralized finance (DeFi) on the banking sector. The author goes beyond conventional discussions about banks’ responses to DeFi and proposes a different vision for their role and function in the digital economy and Web 3.0. The aim of the study is to identify and analyze changes brought about by the rise of DeFi, as well as to propose possible strategies for banks to adopt in light of technological advancements. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on the conflict between banks and DeFi platforms, this work emphasizes the analysis of future models of financial intermediation. Concepts such as “5.0 banks”, “metabanks”, and autonomous digital ecosystems are explored, where banking functions are implemented in a more programmable manner. The research methods include a comparative analysis of the structural and functional differences between the traditional banking system and decentralized finance (DeFi), an analytical review of recent scientific publications, and an assessment of potential future developments for banks in the face of decentralized technology. Based on this research, we found that banks remain an important part of the financial system, despite increasing pressure from decentralized finance. However, banks must adapt to technological change in order to maintain their relevance. We identified three possible paths for the future of banking: the integration of DeFi features into existing banking products, the creation of hybrid models that combine DeFi and traditional banking, and the transition to fully autonomous algorithmic systems powered by smart contracts and artificial intelligence. While all three scenarios are possible, we believe that the hybrid model that combines DeFi innovation with customer protection and regulation is the most likely to succeed in the long term. The novelty of this work lies in its conceptual approach to how banks can adapt to decentralized technologies and forecast their future evolution within the context of Web3. Its practical significance lies in the potential for using these findings to develop digital transformation strategies for banks. © Zverkova T.N., 2026.
banks; blockchain; CeDeFi; decentralized finance; DeFi; digital assets; financial intermediation; innovation; smart contracts