# Background & Motivation

### Market Opportunity

<figure><img src="/files/At7atYIDbJzkt6ie6Q8R" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Motivation for Development

#### The Transition from Digital Finance to DeFi Begins Now

South Korea has one of the most digitally advanced financial environments in the world, with **over 20 million people registered on cryptocurrency exchanges**.

Major exchanges such as **Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, and Gopax** collectively serve **more than 15 million users**,\
with **monthly trading volumes exceeding 200 trillion KRW**,\
**over 10 trillion KRW in fiat deposits**, and a **domestic crypto market capitalization surpassing 100 trillion KRW**.

Interest in **stablecoins** has also surged dramatically —\
according to data from NAVER, the nation’s leading portal, **search volume increased by more than 300% from 2024 to 2025**.

Despite this high level of interest and a vibrant trading environment,\
**less than 1% of users currently participate in DeFi (Decentralized Finance)**.

This means that if even **1% of existing crypto users transition to DeFi**,\
it could bring in **150,000 new users** and **over 1 trillion KRW in TVL (Total Value Locked)**.

### Problem & Solution

<figure><img src="/files/J3FRWCSd7z6ztmVl28s2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### DeFi Is Still Complex for Beginners — AquaBank Makes It Simple for Everyone

Although DeFi offers innovation and opportunity, it remains complicated and intimidating for newcomers.\
AquaBank identifies these barriers and introduces a beginner-friendly, streamlined approach.

| **Problem**                                                                                                           | **Solution**                                                                                                         |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Information Overload:** Too many products and structures confuse beginners.                                         | **Essential-Only Options:** A simple, single-deposit experience with clear steps.                                    |
| **Complex Terminology & Language Barriers:** Most resources are in English and difficult to understand.               | **Familiar Language:** Reinterpreting DeFi terminology in approachable, localized language (fully Korean-supported). |
| **Unfamiliar UI/UX:** Complicated and non-intuitive interfaces.                                                       | **User-Friendly Design:** Interfaces inspired by traditional finance apps, minimizing the learning curve.            |
| **Regulatory & Onboarding Barriers (e.g., Travel Rule):** Cumbersome wallet registration and withdrawal restrictions. | **Simplified Onboarding & Tutorials:** Clear, guided materials that help even first-time users participate easily.   |

***

### AquaBank’s Approach

<figure><img src="/files/XK8OzL8G0xMV2x9Fj58K" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

AquaBank is designed for users who are **familiar with financial products but new to DeFi**.

It allows users to participate **without prior knowledge of DeFi**, simplifying the experience through **intuitive UI** and **guided onboarding**.

By leading users through a **natural flow — from experiencing rewards → making deposits → earning yield**,\
AquaBank aims to become **more than a simple deposit service** —\
it aspires to be the **gateway hub for onboarding new users into the DeFi ecosystem**.


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