> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://agodefi.gitbook.io/ago-defi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://agodefi.gitbook.io/ago-defi/presentation/the-world-of-tomorrow.md). # The world of tomorrow For several years, the traditional banking system as we know it, has been the target of numerous criticisms regarding its efficiency and transparency. Centralized institutions, holding the monopoly of wealth, which have led to the many financial crises throughout history, are gradually losing consumer confidence. According to the Booth/Kellogg Financial Trust score, the confidence in the financial sector has decreased by more than 33% since 2019. There are numerous reasons for this decline in trust. Among them, the exponential development of technologies as well as the various regulatory pressures which, over the past decade, have weakened the business model of traditional banks. Although banks have evolved, many have failed to adapt to current demands or to offer a sustainable, fair and transparent business model. Not too long ago, six of the largest French banks were convicted by the DGCCRF for a lack of transparency regarding the overall commission rates invoiced to clients and for excessive fees linked to card payments. Similarly, several studies have estimated that for 2017 alone, the “hidden fees” charged by banks to consumers relating to cross-border financial transactions, amounted to almost $2 billion. Besides the development of multiple online banks, the emergence and sudden popularity of certain digital assets gave rise to the birth of crypto-banks, allowing their clients to pay both in fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.) and in crypto-currencies (Bitcoin, etc.) while managing their crypto portfolio via the bank's exchange platform. In the self-custody era, we believe that crypto exchanges must be reinvented. Major centralized actors (such as FTX) are too risky for our ecosystem, yet are more accessible than DeFi applications (Dapps). In response, Ago was born. A decentralized platform with a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily swap, trade, and use their crypto in everyday life. AGO token holders are the protocol owners. They decide how the platform evolves and receives fees generated. We aim to be the perfect mix between a neo-bank and a DEX, for accessibility, utility, and self-custody. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://agodefi.gitbook.io/ago-defi/presentation/the-world-of-tomorrow.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.