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Ethical Finance Must Guide Crypto’s Evolution
Introduction: The Moral Imperative of Crypto
Crypto was born from a vision to decentralize power, democratize finance, and build systems where equity prevails over exploitation. Yet, as speculation surged, the movement’s moral compass wavered. The question now is: Can the industry realign with its original ethos of ethical finance, or will it remain shackled by short-term gains?
The crypto space stands at a crossroads. With layer-2 solutions proliferating and emerging markets embracing Web3 for real-world utility, the opportunity to redefine success—beyond speculation—has never been clearer. But how can ethical finance principles, such as those from Islamic finance, steer this evolution?
The Rise of Layer 2: Innovation or Speculation?
Vitalik Buterin’s insights on layer-2 solutions highlight a critical tension in crypto: Are these technologies driven by cultural and ethical values, or merely by profit? Layer 2s promise scalability, but their rapid proliferation risks prioritizing speculative gains over lasting impact.
- Community vs. Profit: Too often, crypto communities rally around token prices rather than shared ideals. Layer 2s must foster cultures that solve real problems—like reducing remittance costs or enabling financial inclusion.
- Utility Over Hype: The rise of 50+ layer-2 networks raises concerns about “innovation for innovation’s sake.” Projects must ask: Does this improve lives, or just trading volumes?
- Emerging Markets as a Blueprint: In regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, Web3 tackles inflation and banking exclusion. These use cases should inspire layer-2 development globally.
What Does True Innovation Look Like?
Innovation in crypto shouldn’t be measured by VC funding or transactional throughput. In emerging markets, it’s about survival:
- Stablecoins shield users from hyperinflation in Venezuela or Nigeria.
- DeFi platforms replace predatory lenders for small businesses.
- Blockchain-based IDs grant the unbanked access to financial services.
These solutions underscore a key truth: Ethical innovation addresses systemic inequities, not just technical bottlenecks.
Ethical Finance as Web3’s North Star
Islamic finance offers a millennia-old framework for ethical investing:
- Risk-Sharing: Unlike speculative trading, Islamic finance mandates asset-backed, profit-and-loss-sharing models.
- Tangible Impact: Institutions like Al Rajhi Bank invest in infrastructure and SMEs, aligning with crypto’s potential to fund real-economy projects.
- Anti-Exploitation: Prohibitions on usury (riba) mirror crypto’s goal of dismantling extractive financial systems.
For Web3, adopting these principles could mean prioritizing:
- DAOs that fund community projects, not pump-and-dump schemes.
- Stablecoins pegged to commodities or renewable energy assets.
- DeFi protocols with built-in redistributive mechanisms (e.g., fee sharing with users).
Conclusion: Building With Purpose
The next crypto bull run must be different. Projects should ask: “Would this pass the ethical finance litmus test?” Key steps include:
- Audit for Impact: Measure success by lives improved, not just TVL or token price.
- Learn From Emerging Markets: Partner with local communities to build tools they need.
- Embrace Regulation: Proactively align with frameworks like Islamic finance compliance to rebuild trust.
The future of crypto isn’t in reinventing speculative wheels—it’s in returning to the movement’s original promise: decentralization as a force for equity. The technology is ready. The question is, are we?
Opinion by: Daniel Ahmed, co-founder of Fasset and founding member of the Own Foundation.
This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
