1. Uniswap: Uniswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that allows users to trade various cryptocurrencies without the need for a centralized intermediary. It has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and fee-rewarding token distribution model.

2. Compound Finance: Compound Finance offers users the ability to lend and borrow cryptocurrencies in a decentralized manner. It has gained popularity for its high interest rates and user-friendly interface.

3. MakerDAO: MakerDAO is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that enables users to generate the stablecoin DAI by locking up collateral in the form of other cryptocurrencies. It has gained popularity for its stability and decentralization.

4. Aave: Aave is a decentralized lending platform that allows users to lend and borrow a wide range of cryptocurrencies. It has gained popularity for its innovative features, such as flash loans and decentralized governance.

5. Yearn.finance: Yearn.finance is a yield aggregator that automatically moves user funds between various DeFi protocols to optimize returns. It has gained popularity for its automation and optimization capabilities.

6. SushiSwap: SushiSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that forked from Uniswap and offers additional features such as yield farming and staking. It has gained popularity for its community-driven development and innovative tokenomics.

7. Synthetix: Synthetix is a decentralized platform that allows users to issue and trade synthetic assets that represent real-world assets. It has gained popularity for its flexibility and diversity of assets available for trading.
As decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to revolutionize the financial industry, it is essential to stay informed about the top DeFi platforms and projects to watch in 2021. These platforms and projects are paving the way for a more decentralized and transparent financial system, offering users innovative solutions for borrowing, lending, trading, and more. In this article, we will highlight some of the most promising DeFi platforms and projects that are making waves in the industry.

1. Uniswap:
Uniswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that allows users to trade a wide range of tokens without the need for a centralized intermediary. With its user-friendly interface and low fees, Uniswap has quickly become one of the most popular DeFi platforms in the space. Keep an eye on Uniswap as it continues to introduce new features and improve its platform in 2021.

2. Compound:
Compound is a decentralized lending platform that allows users to borrow and lend various cryptocurrencies. By utilizing smart contracts, Compound enables users to earn interest on their crypto assets or borrow funds against their holdings. With its transparent and efficient lending protocol, Compound is a top DeFi platform to watch this year.

3. Aave:
Aave is another leading DeFi lending platform that offers users the ability to borrow and lend a wide range of cryptocurrencies. With its innovative features such as flash loans and variable interest rates, Aave has gained significant traction in the DeFi space. Keep an eye on Aave as it continues to expand its platform and introduce new products in 2021.

4. Yearn Finance:
Yearn Finance is a decentralized aggregator that helps users optimize their yield farming strategies across various DeFi protocols. By automatically moving funds to the most lucrative opportunities, Yearn Finance aims to maximize users' returns in the DeFi ecosystem. With its growing ecosystem and dedicated community, Yearn Finance is a top DeFi project to watch this year.

5. Chainlink:
Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data. By providing reliable and secure data feeds to DeFi applications, Chainlink plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the DeFi ecosystem. With its expanding network of data providers and partnerships, Chainlink is set to play a vital role in the future of decentralized finance.

In conclusion, the DeFi space is evolving rapidly, with new platforms and projects emerging to meet the growing demand for decentralized financial services. By staying informed about the top DeFi platforms and projects to watch in 2021, you can stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the innovative opportunities that DeFi has to offer. Stay tuned for updates on these exciting projects and witness the transformation of finance through decentralized technologies.