---
title: "CeFi (Centralized Finance)"
url: "https://www.unknowngravity.com/en/glosario/cefi-finanzas-centralizadas"
site: Unknown Gravity
published: "2025-06-11T07:00:02+00:00"
modified: "2026-07-15T10:51:27+00:00"
language: en-US
description: "CeFi (Centralized Finance) refers to a model of financial services based on cryptocurrencies but managed by centralized entities."
section: "Home > CeFi (Centralized Finance)"
---

# CeFi (Centralized Finance)

GLOSSARY · BLOCKCHAIN & WEB3

Finance model based on traditional intermediaries, applied to cryptocurrencies.

WHAT IS IT? · FOR DUMMIES

**CeFi** is like a bank, but for cryptocurrency. You give them your cryptoassets (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum), and **they keep them, move them or give you interest** for having them there. You don't need to know technology or manage private keys.

You trust a company (like Binance or Coinbase), which takes care of everything: changing your coins, storing them, lending them or helping you use them. It's easy and fast, but you depend on them.

WHAT IS IT? · PRO

**CeFi (Centralized Finance)** refers to a model of financial services based on cryptocurrencies but **managed by centralized entities**.

These platforms act as **intermediaries and guardians** of funds, offering products and services similar to those of traditional banking, but on digital assets.

Typical examples of CeFi platforms include **Binance, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Nexo, or BlockFi**, among others.

The main features of CeFi are:

- **Asset custody:** the user hands over control of their cryptocurrencies to the platform.
- **Integrated financial services:** asset exchange (trading), interest accounts (staking/lending), crypto cards, secured loans, etc.
- **Simplified experience:** accessible interfaces and customer support, ideal for non-technical users.
- **Regulatory Compliance:** they tend to apply KYC/AML policies and operate under licenses in different jurisdictions.

## 01 / Key points

- Dependence on the solvency and security of the company.
- Possible freezing of funds in the event of a crisis or regulations.
- Lack of transparency about internal operations.

## 02 / Advantages

- Friendly interface and easy access.
- Liquidity and speed.
- Customer support.

## 03 / Disadvantages

- Risk of bankruptcy or freezing of funds
- Lack of transparency.
- You don't control your private keys.

RELATED CONCEPTS

[DeFi (Decentralized Finance)](/en/glosario/defi-finanzas-descentralizadas) [Bitcoin](/en/glosario/bitcoin) [Blockchain](/en/glosario/blockchain)

KEEP LEARNING

[$TRUMP - Analysis of its impact on the crypto market](/en/articulos/trump-analisis-en-el-mercado-cripto) [Benefits of creating your own NFT Marketplace](/en/articulos/beneficios-de-crear-tu-propio-marketplace-nft)

RELATED SERVICES

[Blockchain consulting for companies](/en/servicios/asesoria-blockchain) [Web3 Development](/en/servicios/desarrollo-web3) [DeFi protocols](/en/servicios/protocolos-defi)

[Full glossary](/en/glosario)

This entry is informative. It is not legal, tax or investment advice. The rules cited change: check the current version on [BOE](https://www.boe.es) and [EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu).