Introduction: Decentralization Technologies in Finance

This chapter first gives a brief overview of the evolution of the financial sector, highlighting key milestones such as the introduction of automated teller machines (ATMs), the rise of online and mobile banking, and the impact of FinTech innovations and open banking regulations. It then explores the paradigm shift initiated by Bitcoin and blockchain technologies toward decentralized financial services. The subsequent discussion of potential benefits and challenges of adopting decentralization technologies underscores the dynamic interplay between technological advancements and financial services. As such, the chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the impact of decentralization technologies on the financial sector.