Layer 2 Innovations Propel DeFi Neobanks and Zero-Fee DEXs to Disrupt Traditional Finance

In recent podcast episodes, industry leaders discussed how blockchain advancements are reshaping finance. Episode 49 of The Crypto Beat featured Gnosis Co-Founder Stefan George, EtherFi CEO Mike Silagadze, and Ready Co-Founder Itamar Lesuisse, exploring how cheap Layer 2 solutions, new fiat rails, and self-custody are transforming high-reward crypto cards into global neobanks. These developments aim to challenge traditional players like Revolut and American Express by bridging DeFi to daily spending, addressing surging demand, and optimizing revenue models amid regional issuance hurdles.

Similarly, Episode 8 of The Big Brain Podcast highlighted Lighter founder Vladimir Novakovski's insights on building a zero-fee, ZK-powered perpetual DEX as an Ethereum L2. The discussion covered comparisons with centralized exchanges and rival perp chains like dYdX and Hyperliquid, lessons from market stress events, and the timing of Lighter's token generation event (TGE). Key topics included the zero-fee retail model, value capture in L1 vs L2 ecosystems, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance scalability and security.