2025 proved to be a turning point for decentralized finance. The sector didn't just grow—it matured. Core DeFi primitives have hardened into reliable infrastructure. Liquidity pools run smoothly. Smart contracts execute with proven security. The technical foundation is solid. But here's what's really changing: institutions are waking up to this space. Major players aren't dabbling anymore—they're building. This institutional influx brings capital, credibility, and staying power. It's not just retail speculation driving things forward. The combination of bulletproof infrastructure and serious institutional players creates something durable. This isn't a fleeting cycle. What we're seeing is the scaffolding for a genuinely scaled DeFi ecosystem. The pieces are in place now. The next phase of growth has actual legs.