The concept of a bank is about to become obsolete. For centuries, banks have been the gatekeepers of finance, holding onto their power by acting as intermediaries in nearly every transaction. They store your money, facilitate payments, and act as the middleman between you and the broader financial system. But this model is rapidly becoming irrelevant. In ten years, everyone will be their own bank.

The rise of digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi) is fundamentally altering how we think about money and financial transactions. The traditional model of banking, where you trust an institution to hold your money and execute your transactions, is being replaced by a model where you control your assets directly. With digital wallets, DeFi protocols, and peer-to-peer exchanges, individuals can now perform all the functions of a bank—without ever stepping into one.

Let’s start with the basics: custody. Banks have traditionally been the custodians of people’s assets because most people didn’t have the tools or infrastructure to safely store and manage their own money. But with digital assets, anyone can be their own custodian. A secure digital wallet gives you full control over your assets, with no need for a bank to hold them on your behalf. You don’t have to trust an institution to keep your money safe—you control it directly.

Next, consider transactions. Banks have long been the intermediaries for payments, charging fees and taking days to process transfers. But blockchain technology allows for instant, peer-to-peer transactions with no intermediaries and minimal fees. With a few clicks, you can send value across the world, bypassing the entire banking system.

DeFi is also replacing traditional banking functions like lending and borrowing. Instead of going to a bank for a loan, individuals can now use decentralized lending platforms to borrow directly from other users, with smart contracts enforcing the terms of the agreement. These platforms don’t require credit checks, lengthy approval processes, or hefty fees. They’re open, transparent, and available to anyone with an internet connection.

The implications of this shift are profound. In a world where everyone can be their own bank, the role of traditional financial institutions becomes increasingly irrelevant. Why pay fees, follow cumbersome procedures, or wait days for a transaction to clear when you can do everything yourself, instantly and securely? The tools already exist to make this a reality, and as they become more widespread and user-friendly, more people will embrace them.

In ten years, the idea that you need a bank to store, transfer, or invest your money will seem laughably outdated. Just as the internet made information accessible to anyone, digital assets and Web3 are making financial systems accessible to everyone. The power dynamics are shifting from institutions to individuals, and soon, everyone will have the ability to control their financial destiny without relying on banks.

The future isn’t just decentralized—it’s personal. In ten