Launched in 2019, Fantom is a smart-contract compatible network, built with a focus on providing the infrastructure needed for DeFi. It aims to address the ‘blockchain trilemma’ through the use of its ‘Lachesis’ consensus mechanism which (in theory) allows the network to be decentralized, secure and scalable — all at the same time. Its native token FTM is used for staking, paying fees, and governance of the ecosystem and as a layer 1 network, it has positioned itself as a competitor to Ethereum. Although it still has a long way to go before it can take on the king of DeFi.