7 DeFi Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by Jay Hao, OKEx CEO and The Defi Edge, these DeFi books offer proven insights into decentralized finance

Jay Hao Okex Ceo
The Defi Edge
Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if I told you that decentralized finance, or DeFi, is reshaping money as we know it — without banks, intermediaries, or traditional gatekeepers? Despite its revolutionary potential, DeFi remains a complex and fast-moving space that challenges even seasoned investors. With platforms evolving and new protocols launching regularly, understanding how to navigate DeFi is more urgent than ever.

When Jay Hao, CEO of OKEx, one of the world's largest crypto exchanges, was introduced to "How to DeFi" by his intern at 4 a.m., he recognized its value instantly as a clear guide through this intricate ecosystem. Similarly, The Defi Edge, a well-regarded DeFi analyst, highlights this book alongside others that unpack everything from yield farming to smart contract risks. Their hands-on experience in trading, investing, and analyzing DeFi protocols lends real-world credibility to their recommendations.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and deep insights, if you're looking to tailor your learning to your background, goals, or specific DeFi sectors — like stablecoins, derivatives, or decentralized exchanges — you might consider creating a personalized DeFi book that adapts expert knowledge directly to your needs.

Best for solid DeFi fundamentals
Jay Hao Okex Ceo, CEO of the OKEx crypto exchange and a leading voice in the blockchain space, shared his early morning discovery of this book, calling it "a great kid and a great book" after his intern sent it to him at 4am in Hong Kong. His endorsement carries weight given his hands-on role in one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, signaling the book's relevance for those serious about understanding DeFi. He found the book a useful tool to grasp the evolving DeFi landscape firsthand. Alongside him, The Defi Edge highlights how this book serves as an essential primer covering key sectors like stablecoins and decentralized exchanges, helping newcomers gain a solid footing in DeFi's complex ecosystem.
JH

Recommended by Jay Hao Okex Ceo

CEO of OKEx crypto exchange

My intern sent me this at 4am in Hong Kong 🤣 a great kid and a great book (from X)

How to DeFi: Beginner book cover

by Coin Gecko, Darren Lau, Daryl Lau, Sze Jin Teh, Kristian Kho, Erina Azmi, Benjamin Hor, Lucius Fang, Win Win Khor··You?

2021·239 pages·DeFi, Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, Ethereum, Stablecoins

Drawing from the combined expertise of cryptocurrency analysts and DeFi practitioners at CoinGecko, this book offers a clear pathway into the complex world of decentralized finance. You’ll explore foundational concepts like Ethereum’s role, decentralized stablecoins, exchanges, lending, and insurance through straightforward explanations and practical guides. Chapters include step-by-step instructions on engaging with DeFi applications and real-life case studies demonstrating how users can navigate and benefit from these emerging financial tools. If you want to grasp how blockchain is reshaping finance without getting overwhelmed by jargon, this book provides a solid, accessible introduction tailored for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

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Best for DeFi’s impact on finance
Steven Boykey Sidley brings a rich background in technology and finance, combined with his award-winning writing career, to this exploration of decentralised finance. Alongside Simon Dingle, who has hands-on experience founding fintech firms including cryptocurrency exchange Luno and open banking provider Curve, they present a unique perspective on how DeFi is reshaping global financial systems. Their firsthand knowledge grounds the book's insights, making it an authoritative source for understanding the end of traditional banks and the rise of peer-to-peer finance.
Beyond Bitcoin: Decentralised Finance and the End of Banks book cover

by Simon Dingle, Steven Boykey Sidley··You?

2022·252 pages·Finance, DeFi, Banks, Strategy, Cryptocurrency

What started as a deep dive into Bitcoin's evolution became an exploration of decentralised finance's transformative potential. Simon Dingle and Steven Boykey Sidley leverage their combined fintech and cryptocurrency expertise to unpack how DeFi enables peer-to-peer financial transactions without traditional banks. You'll gain insight into DeFi's core mechanics, key players shaping this emerging industry, and the structural shifts poised to disrupt established financial institutions. Chapters detail foundational concepts as well as the likely winners and losers in this unfolding revolution, making it a solid choice if you're aiming to grasp how DeFi challenges conventional finance.

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Best for personal DeFi mastery
This personalized AI book about DeFi fundamentals is created after you share your experience level, areas of interest, and specific goals within decentralized finance. AI crafts a custom learning path that focuses on exactly what you want to understand, whether it's stablecoins, yield farming, or smart contracts. This approach makes the complex DeFi ecosystem more navigable, matching expert-level knowledge to your personal journey and accelerating your mastery.
2025·50-300 pages·DeFi, DeFi Fundamentals, Blockchain Technology, Smart Contracts, Decentralized Exchanges

This tailored book explores foundational concepts and practical applications within decentralized finance (DeFi), designed uniquely to match your background and interests. It delves into core DeFi protocols, offering a clear examination of how decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and stablecoins operate. By focusing on your specific goals and skill level, it presents complex topics in an accessible way, ensuring you gain a deep understanding of DeFi’s architecture and ecosystem. This personalized guide bridges the gap between expert knowledge and your individual learning needs, making the evolving DeFi landscape approachable and actionable.

Tailored Guide
Protocol Analysis
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical DeFi investing
De. Fi is a team of experienced yield farmers and independent auditors of DeFi smart contracts, providing valuable insights into Decentralized Finance. Their deep involvement since DeFi's early days, combined with hands-on experience in both significant gains and losses, uniquely positions them to guide you through this complex landscape. This book distills their expertise, offering you a thorough investor's guide to safely navigating and profiting from the DeFi revolution.
2021·207 pages·DeFi, Cryptocurrency, Investment, Strategy, Yield Farming

After years navigating the highs and lows of DeFi, the team behind De. Fi lays bare their journey in this guide, combining firsthand yield farming successes with lessons from costly mistakes. You’ll gain detailed knowledge about smart contract auditing—a critical skill for distinguishing safe investments from scams—and insights into key DeFi protocols, revenue models, and yield farming strategies. The book’s candid sharing, including the risks involved, makes it especially useful if you want a grounded perspective on investing safely in this rapidly evolving space. Whether you're a newcomer or seasoned investor, you’ll find practical frameworks to build confidence in your DeFi decisions.

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Best for finance professionals
Campbell R. Harvey, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Finance at Duke University and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, brings decades of expertise to this book. Having pioneered blockchain education since 2013 and earning the UBRI Global Blockchain Educator of the Year in 2020, he draws on academic rigor and practical insight to explain why traditional finance is ripe for disruption and how DeFi offers a new path forward.
DeFi and the Future of Finance book cover

by Campbell R. Harvey, Ashwin Ramachandran, Joey Santoro, Vitalik Buterin, Fred Ehrsam··You?

2021·208 pages·Finance, DeFi, Financial Systems, Blockchain, Lending

Campbell R. Harvey, alongside Ashwin Ramachandran and Joey Santoro, unpacks the inefficiencies of traditional finance exposed during the 2008 crisis and explores how Decentralized Finance (DeFi) aims to overhaul the system. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the structural flaws in banking, payment processing, and lending, with specific chapters dedicated to protocols like Uniswap and Compound that exemplify this shift. The book doesn’t shy away from the risks inherent in DeFi, offering a balanced assessment rather than hype. If you're involved in finance or policy, this book equips you with the knowledge to navigate and participate in the ongoing transformation of financial services.

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Best for new DeFi users
This book offers a clear and practical introduction to decentralized finance, breaking down complex topics like borrowing, lending, and trading within the crypto space. It demystifies blockchain technology and explains how DeFi can reshape traditional financial models. Ideal for anyone curious about entering this rapidly evolving field, it provides an accessible overview that helps you grasp the essentials and start engaging confidently with DeFi platforms and opportunities.
2022·214 pages·DeFi, Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, Lending, Borrowing

Daniel Rogers wrote this book to make decentralized finance accessible to everyone, cutting through the hype and confusion that often surrounds crypto. You’ll learn how DeFi platforms work, from lending and borrowing to trading derivatives and buying insurance, all explained in straightforward terms without jargon overload. The book walks you through key concepts like blockchain technology and Ethereum’s role, plus important risks to consider before diving in. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this guide offers clear insights to help you understand and engage with DeFi on your own terms.

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Best for personal growth plans
This AI-created book on DeFi investing is crafted based on your current experience, specific interests, and objectives within decentralized finance. You share which aspects of DeFi and yield farming you want to focus on, and it provides a clear, personalized pathway to help you grow your skills and portfolio effectively. This tailored approach helps you cut through the noise and concentrate on what truly matters for your success in this fast-evolving ecosystem.
2025·50-300 pages·DeFi, DeFi Basics, Yield Farming, Portfolio Growth, Risk Management

This tailored book offers a focused exploration of decentralized finance, guiding you through the dynamic world of DeFi investing and yield farming with a step-by-step approach. It examines core concepts such as liquidity pools, smart contract interactions, and risk management, all aligned with your personal background and goals. By delving into specific DeFi protocols and growth techniques, the book ensures you grasp the nuances relevant to your investing style and knowledge level. Its personalized content helps you navigate complex strategies effectively, making the learning experience both efficient and engaging. This tailored guide truly matches your interests, accelerating your understanding and application of DeFi growth tactics.

Tailored Guide
Yield Farming Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for blockchain finance overview
Malek Almsaddi CBP, a Certified Blockchain Professional and founder of Invtron DAO, brings his diverse experience in business and blockchain technology to this concise guide. His commitment to democratizing investment through blockchain innovation inspired the creation of this book, which aims to open the door for anyone curious about decentralized finance and its applications. With a background that combines practical business skills and deep blockchain knowledge, Malek offers readers a straightforward path to understanding the transformative potential of DeFi and Web3 platforms.
2023·64 pages·DeFi, Cryptocurrency, Web3, Blockchain Technology, Investment Strategies

What started as Malek Almsaddi's drive to democratize investment led him to craft this accessible guide to decentralized finance. Drawing from his Certified Blockchain Professional expertise and experience founding Invtron DAO, he breaks down complex topics like Web3 applications and blockchain fundamentals into digestible segments. You'll learn not just the mechanics of DeFi platforms but also how these technologies reshape investment decision-making and empower communities. The book’s approachable style makes it suitable for those new to DeFi as well as professionals seeking a clearer understanding of its practical uses. Chapters cover everything from basic concepts to potential applications, making it a solid introduction without overwhelming technical jargon.

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Conclusion

Across these seven books, three themes emerge clearly: mastering the foundational concepts of DeFi, understanding its disruptive impact on traditional finance, and applying practical strategies for investing and risk management. If you're grappling with where to start, "How to DeFi" offers an accessible entry point packed with actionable insights. For a deeper dive into how DeFi challenges banks and financial norms, "Beyond Bitcoin" and "DeFi and the Future of Finance" provide thoughtful analysis.

Investors eager to navigate yield farming and smart contract audits with greater confidence will find "The Wall Street Era is Over" especially useful. Meanwhile, newcomers benefit from the straightforward guidance in "DeFi for Beginners" and Malek Almsaddi's "DeFi," which bridges technical concepts and community empowerment.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized DeFi book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These carefully selected books can help you accelerate your learning journey and position you to engage confidently with decentralized finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "How to DeFi" – it offers a clear, jargon-free introduction that covers key DeFi sectors and practical usage, making it ideal for newcomers.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to DeFi?

Not at all. Books like "DeFi for Beginners" and "How to DeFi" are tailored for those new to DeFi, breaking down complex ideas into understandable terms.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like "How to DeFi" and "DeFi for Beginners," then explore broader impacts in "Beyond Bitcoin" and "DeFi and the Future of Finance." Follow with investment-focused reads like "The Wall Street Era is Over."

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

They balance both. For example, "The Wall Street Era is Over" emphasizes practical investing and smart contract auditing, while "Beyond Bitcoin" explores theoretical shifts in finance.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast DeFi changes?

While DeFi evolves rapidly, these books provide lasting frameworks and principles that remain relevant, especially foundational concepts and investment strategies.

Can I get a DeFi book tailored to my specific learning goals?

Yes! While these expert books offer foundational knowledge, you can create a personalized DeFi book that adapts insights directly to your background, interests, and objectives for more targeted learning.

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