What is Intermediation & Disintermediation?

Intermediation & Disintermediation is a mental model used for better thinking and decision-making.

How do you apply Intermediation & Disintermediation?

To apply Intermediation & Disintermediation, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Intermediation & Disintermediation fall under?

Intermediation & Disintermediation falls under the Business & Strategy category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the Business & Strategy hub page.

Why is Intermediation & Disintermediation important?

Intermediation & Disintermediation is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

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Mental models
Intermediation & Disintermediation

Business & Strategy

Intermediation & Disintermediation

Model #0616Category: Business & StrategyDepth to apply:

4 min read

On this page

Core Idea
How to See It
How to Use It
Founders & Leaders
Connected Models
One Key Quote
Summary & Further Reading

Contents

1. Core Idea
2. How to See It
3. How to Use It
4. Founders & Leaders
5. Connected Models
6. One Key Quote
7. Summary & Further Reading

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·Business & Strategy

Section 1

Core Idea

Intermediation is the insertion of a middle layer between producer and consumer (e.g. distributor, marketplace, aggregator); disintermediation is removing that layer so buyer and seller connect directly. The core idea: intermediaries exist when they reduce cost, risk, or friction; they are vulnerable when technology or trust makes direct connection cheaper or better. Strategy turns on whether you are the intermediary, disintermediating, or being disintermediated.