Aave is spearheading efforts to drive mainstream adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) by focusing on consumer-friendly interfaces and fintech integration. As DeFi's total value locked (TVL) rebounded to $225 billion in October 2025, the sector sees potential for growth by attracting retail users. Aave's founder, Stani Kulechov, emphasized that 2026 will be pivotal for DeFi, with the Aave App aiming to simplify access for everyday users. Despite stablecoins and yield-bearing products supporting over $260 billion in on-chain liquidity, retail participation in DeFi remains limited. Kolten, an Aave contributor, noted that while crypto natives show persistent interest, broader expansion requires engaging retail users. The integration of DeFi features into fintech platforms is expected to bridge this gap, offering reliable, yield-focused products to a global audience. The path forward for DeFi involves optimizing user experience and leveraging real-world asset integration to attract new capital. By focusing on simplicity and safety, DeFi aims to expand its reach beyond crypto-native users, tapping into the vast potential of mobile neobanks and fintech apps managing trillions globally.