Almost 18% of Americans use or own cryptocurrency. 84% use Defi for online shopping, 78% for billing and 77% for savings. 54% want full control over their personal and financial data.
A new study by the Defi Education Fund conducted at IPSOS reveals a strong desire for an alternative financial system in the United States.
The study has seen a widespread frustration with traditional banks, and many Americans want to have greater control over their money. At the same time, interest in decentralized finance is steadily rising.
One in five Americans own or use cryptocurrency, but the larger group is keen to explore Defi as a way to manage transactions without relying on intermediaries.
The findings highlight the scale of economic dissatisfaction and the shift towards digital finance.
Increased demand for Defi access
This study shows that 42% of Americans attempt to Defi if regulations facilitate access.
Of these, 84% use Defi for online shopping, 78% use invoice payments and 77% to save money.
Nevertheless, only 12% of respondents stated that they themselves were very or very interested in learning about Defi, indicating a gap between potential use and deeper understanding.
Four in 10 participants believe Defi will help reduce transaction fees and service charges.
Approximately 22% of Americans are also interested in blockchain, crypto and other non-traditional financial models.
This study highlights how people of different ages and backgrounds are interested and point to widespread demand.
Weakening trust in traditional banks
Trust in the banking sector remains low. Only 40% of respondents trust large national banks, while 43% say they trust regional or community banks.
Less than half of Americans feel that the financial system meets their needs, and only 25% believe it will benefit ordinary people.
Studies show that 56% of Americans want to have full control over their money, while 51% want the ability to send money digitally without third-party involvement.
Foreign-born Americans showed particularly strong desire for these traits.
Security concerns are also prominent, with only 29% of respondents who consider their financial system to be secure.
Many participants also said they viewed current fees as a barrier to inclusion and emphasized the demand for alternatives.
Legislators are considering crypto regulations
The findings come when lawmakers and industry leaders are actively shaping crypto policy in the United States.
Efforts to regulate digital assets could have a direct impact on adoption rates, particularly as 42% of Americans make their interest in defi easier through the law.
The survey emphasizes that 54% of Americans want full control of their personal and financial data, reflecting broader concerns about the privacy of digital transactions.
This intersection of public demand, regulatory debate and emerging technologies could play a key role in determining how DEFIs will develop in the US over the next few years.
The data suggests that financial conversations are no longer limited to banks and regulators, but they will more and more include everyday Americans who want a different kind of system.
The ongoing debate on increasing participation in the crypto market and financial rules will continue to shape whether defi will move quickly into the mainstream.
