DAI Stablecoin. What Is DAI and How to Use It

DAI was launched in 2017 by MakerDAO as the first major decentralized stablecoin. Instead of being issued by a centralized company, DAI is created when users lock crypto assets such as Ethereum into MakerDAO vaults. The system uses overcollateralization to keep DAI stable at 1:1 with the U.S. Dollar.

This unique design has made DAI a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem, powering lending, borrowing, and decentralized trading.

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What is DAI?

DAI was launched in 2017 by MakerDAO as the first major decentralized stablecoin. Instead of being issued by a centralized company, DAI is created when users lock crypto assets such as Ethereum into MakerDAO vaults. The system uses overcollateralization to keep DAI stable at 1:1 with the U.S. Dollar.

This unique design has made DAI a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem, powering lending, borrowing, and decentralized trading.

Why DAI is Important

DAI matters because it shows that stablecoins can exist without reliance on banks or central issuers. In places where access to traditional finance is limited or unstable, DAI provides a censorship-resistant and transparent alternative. It also plays a central role in DeFi, where it is used as collateral, liquidity, and a settlement currency.

By combining decentralization with stability, DAI demonstrates the future of trustless digital money.

Risks of DAI

DAI carries risks different from centralized stablecoins. Collateral volatility can threaten its peg if markets move sharply. Smart contract vulnerabilities also pose risks since the system runs entirely on code. Additionally, governance decisions by MakerDAO can affect how DAI functions, making community trust essential.

DAI

 in Numbers

Market cap

Over 5 billion USD in 2025

Issuer

MakerDAO (community-governed)

Launch year
2017
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