The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is increasingly focusing on lending and staking, with Aave (AAVE) and Lido (LDO) leading the total value locked (TVL) rankings in 2025. This shift marks a move towards greater stability and reduced exploit risks within the industry. Emerging trends include EigenLayer-style restaking and the rise of protocols such as Morpho and EtherFi, which emphasize infrastructure development over direct user interaction. As the DeFi market matures, there is a growing emphasis on scalability and resilience, reflecting a broader trend towards sustainable growth in the sector.