DeFi and Layer 1s - The Next Big Boom for Crypto?

[iamcryptic]

What's up crypto fam! With 2024 now underway, I'm curious what sectors and trends everyone thinks could catalyze the next big boom for the crypto industry.

In my view, two areas with massive potential are DeFi (decentralized finance) and layer 1 blockchain protocols.

DeFi feels like it's just getting warmed up in bringing traditional financial services on-chain. There are now billions of dollars worth of assets locked in DeFi, but that's still a drop in the bucket of global finance. As blockchain technology improves and DeFi expands into new offerings like derivatives, lending, payments etc. it could absolutely explode.

Meanwhile, competition is heating up between layer 1s like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Injective , BNB and Polkadot. As their technology matures and UX improves, layer 1s could graduate from being speculative assets to serious rivals to existing systems. And more real-world usage could create a feedback loop attracting the next wave of crypto adopters.

Of course nobody can predict the future. But DeFi and layer 1s seem well-positioned to drive the next major wave of innovation and adoption that takes crypto firmly into the mainstream. The pieces are falling into place in 2024 for them to ignite and thrive.

What do you all think - could this be the year DeFi and layer 1s cement themselves as integral to the fabric of crypto? Let me know your thoughts on whether they'll drive the next massive bull run!