The concept of an exchange in DeFi has long ceased to be just a place for conducting swaps. Because gradually, a whole system is being built around this basic action, where an exchange is only one of the entry points.

This is very clearly noticeable on the example of STONfi in the $TON network. Besides regular swaps, there are liquidity pools where users can not only exchange tokens but also participate in the very structure of the market. There is farming and staking, which allow for more flexible use of assets rather than holding them idle.

It is also worth noting the DAO model. It gradually gives users the opportunity to influence the development of the platform itself, rather than just using its functions. And here, it is fully possible to become a participant in the system.

In addition, there are frequent integrations with diverse projects. For example, one of the latest is the integration with Acrulus, which allows performing the same actions as on an exchange but directly within the wallet.

As a result, the exchange ceases to be a separate tool. It transforms into the foundation around which all activity is built: swaps, asset management, participation in development, and integration with other services.