Blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) are revolutionizing how data is used and trusted. Blockchain creates a distributed ledger where data records are copied across all computers and cryptographically protected from manipulation. This allows data to be immutable and decentralized without a central authority. DeFi aims to create open-source financial building blocks through blockchain integration, enabling borderless and intermediary-free services. Examples provided demonstrate how blockchain and DeFi can improve access to financial services and support data-driven decisions through trustworthy and transparent frameworks. Challenges discussed include scalability issues, evolving regulation, data privacy concerns, complexity requiring more education, and security threats. The conclusion states these technologies will catalyze more robust, transparent and democratic systems as

1. Empowering Data-Driven Innovations:
Blockchain & DeFi
Mariana de la Roche
Board of Directors & Co-chair social impact and
sustainability working group INATBA
Expert Panel EUBOF
Regulatory Affairs Expert- IOTA

2. The Data Economy
In our digital age, data is the new oil, driving
innovations across sectors. But With an
ever-increasing volume of data, innovative
technologies are essential for harnessing its full
potential.
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Today, we explore how Blockchain and
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) are
revolutionizing the way we use and trust data

3. Understanding Blockchain
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● Distributed database (accounting) with data
records that are copied across all computers.
● Data records cryptographically protect their
"predecessor data records", thus older data
records cannot be manipulated.
● Since the "accounting" is decentralized,
everyone in the network receives a copy and
also independently checks whether the
cryptographic correctness of the data and also
the sender (e.g. by signatures) is correct →
this proves the immutability of the data.
● Since many parties can participate in this
system, there is no longer a need for a central
office that takes care of distribution or
evaluates whether the data has been
manipulated.
● This underlying system is used for many
applications, which we will present in a
moment.
● A blockchain has per-transaction fees - IOTA
does not, as it uses a newly designed model
where other users validate data integrity.
In summary:
Decentralization: Eliminates single points of failure.
Transparency: Every transaction is traceable and irreversible.
Security: Cryptographic hashing ensures data integrity.

4. Use-case for the data economy
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GHG Emissions

5. Demia - USA
Description
Demia is a carbon management platform, enabling
projects to be audited and certified efficiently
while increasing the value of their credits.
Founded: 2023
Focus area: Global
Blockchain application
Our implementation of blockchain streamlines
interactions between project operators, auditors and
certifiers. We focus on data security and access using
immutable data, helping to scale the supply of projects
while creating positive impact. It achieves this with an
ecosystem focused on Open Collaboration hosted by
Gold Standard, enabling trust and transparency.
Impact
At Demia, we’re working to democratize access to impact
data, empowering communities to combat climate change,
promote social justice, and drive economic prosperity. Our
platform enables informed decision-making, fostering
collaboration, and increasing the integrity of carbon markets.
We directly impact SDGs 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 12 and 13.
Additional Link(s): (any link you judge relevant: pitch deck, whitepaper, medium article, other materials, github, linktree, discord)..
ANALYTICS LAYER
APPLICATION LAYER
SERVICE LAYER
DATA LAYER

6. TraFi Vs DeFi
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Decentralized Finance
● Borderless, and not reliant on
intermediaries.
● Typically local and community-driven
solutions or empowers communities
● Potential to supports marginalized and
historically discriminated communities
Traditional Finance
● Centralized in bank and corporations
● Top-down approaches
● Limitation of access

7. Introduction to DeFi
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Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is based on blockchain technology and aims to create open-source financial building blocks. It
refers to a paradigm that operates through the integration of various technologies with common characteristics, as opposed
to operating as a cohesive unit like traditional financial systems. At its core, DeFi embodies the principle of absolute financial
freedom arising from absolute responsibility on the part of users. This causes it to extend beyond the boundaries of
conventional financial systems, encompassing and influencing every economic activity in our lives. DeFi encompasses
various activities managed without intermediaries, including but not limited to exchange, lending, and tokenization. However,
achieving a high level of DeFi often requires a balance between decentralization and security. DeFi can be viewed as both
globally accessible and transnationally operated. It serves as a universal platform that transcends geographical boundaries,
providing financial services to individuals worldwide. Simultaneously, it fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing across
different jurisdictions, enabling a decentralized financial ecosystem that connects participants from various countries. This
dual perspective highlights DeFi's aim to establish a borderless and interconnected financial landscape, unrestricted by
traditional system limitations
https://files.iota.org/comms/Highlights_Defi_Definition_report.pdf

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DeFi Example
Access to financial services

9. EthicHub - Spain
Description
a blockchain-based P2P platform connecting investors
with profitable small farming communities around the
globe.
Founded: 2017
Focus area: South/Central America
Blockchain application
using blockchain to connect global transactions
between investors and borrowers (small farmers) with a
smart contract based crowd-lending platform
Impact
500+ projects funded
100% returned to investors
3.5M+ capital invested
2000+ Ethichubbers globally

10. DLT & DeFi advantages:
● Users can lend or borrow funds
directly.
● Decentralized Exchanges: Trade
assets without centralized control
and at any time (example lending
platforms)
● Democratization of Finance: DeFi
puts financial control back in the
hands of individuals. More people
can access the financial services.
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● Blockchain ensure data accuracy,
availability, and auditability, crucial for
data-driven ecosystems.
● Blockchain and DeFi provide a
trustworthy, decentralized framework
for data-driven decisions. Which
generates Data-Driven Decisions
where Smart contracts execute
transactions based on real-time data,
ensuring efficiency and transparency.
For the users
For the data
economy

11. DLT & DeFi challenges:
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Scalability
“Current scalability
issues need
addressing for mass
adoption.”
Regulatory Issues
"The evolving
landscape of regulation
poses challenges."
Ethical Considerations
"Data privacy and
ethical use of data
remain paramount
concerns."
Complexities
“Blockchain is not easy and hence there
is a need for more education and more
user friendly applications.”
Security Concernc
“Despite inherent security, the ecosystem
is not immune to cyber threats.”

12. Conclusion and Future Outlook
● Blockchain and DeFi are not just technologies
but catalysts for a new era of data-driven
innovation.
● As these technologies mature, we'll witness
more robust, transparent, and democratic
systems
● A Manifesto for Blockchain - Embracing its
Potential in the European Union
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Thank you!
Mariana de la Roche Wills