Boxmining v2

Category: Crypto Trends

Make sense of the news and how it affects the blockchain space as a whole. Crypto trends is a collection of relevant news and insights to help you make an informed decision.

  • FinxFlo ($FXF): Cost-saving crypto trading?

    FinxFlo ($FXF): Cost-saving crypto trading?

    Despite the apparent growth of the crypto ecosystem, one major problem faced by traders is the cost. Many retail traders often fall victim to exchanges that quote unfair asset prices. Unfortunately, these shortcomings can lead to distortions in the market. This is where FinxFlo comes in to provide a solution.

    FinxFlo is a platform that seeks to allow its users to trade with 25+ exchanges (DeFi and CeFi based) from a single interface, with a one-time KYC verification process. Therefore, traders on FXF can access the best price for the asset to be traded. With just one account and one KYC process, traders can maximize the prices and rates provided by the platform.

    Furthermore, the brokerage also enables traders to make informed decisions by providing them with accurate and real-time information and ensuring transparency.

    Background

    Founded in 2019, Finxflo comprises a multi-cultural team of individuals with successful stints in various industries such as Law, Finance, Fintech, etc.

    The CEO and Co-founder, James Gillingham, is a household name in the world of investments, who has once owned a trade algorithm platform, which he sold off later at the tender age of 23 in a big deal.

    Along with Thomas Plaskocinski, he is channeling all that experience towards creating a simple yet effective solution to most traders’ problems, namely, market volatility.

    FinxFlo operates under an exemption granted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) within the Payment Services Act 2019. Meanwhile, further regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions are underway.

    What is FinxFlo?

    FinxFlo is a crypto brokerage platform that aggregates offers from the top exchanges to create a fair market environment and provide more liquidity.

    Using Decentralized Finance (DeFi) model and concepts, FinxFlo doubles as a price aggregator platform with brokerage services to help traders and investors identify the best buy and sell positions for digital assets.

    That way, they can avoid the risks that exist within the crypto markets. But not only that, FinxFlo offers its users the privilege to trade at a low fee.

    Through its native token, FXF, users can earn rewards by engaging themselves in various activities available on the platform (more details in the subsequent sections). 

    In short, the platform combines the best of Defi and CeFi into a single product.

    The Advantages of FinxFlo

    Smart Order Routing

    It’s the proprietary concept at the heart of the FinxFlo trade algorithm. Whenever a user enters an order, the platform automatically compares available prices on different exchanges and selects the user’s overall best option.

    With it, users are ensured to derive maximum returns on their investment without having to swap platforms.

    Dark Pool Trading

    Front running, which closely resembles the popular pump and dump strategy, occurs when, as in most cases, a whale investor moves to cause a sudden change in the price of assets by creating a large transaction.

    Cryptocurrencies are not immune to such manipulation. But this is where the Dark Pool feature comes in. The function protects users from unsuspected market movements by enabling users to exit a trade in the case of such events swiftly. At the same time, if the user can pull profits with his position, the trade will be allowed to continue.

    A Unitary portal

    In trying to keep pace with this fast-evolving industry, most crypto traders end up owning even more than five accounts with different exchanges to access the extra privileges offered on each.

    But thanks to FinxFlo’s one account, one KYC, one wallet, and one interface policy, users can have all their needs met on a single portal without losing any of the benefits that come with having multiple accounts.

    Furthermore, FinxFlo’s combination of the Ethereum and Tron blockchain network means, for the first time, traders can access different asset pairs not available elsewhere.

    Token Mining

    On other exchange platforms, traders’ rewards are the profits they make with successful orders. On Finxflo, even the list performing traders get rewarded for their activities.

    This process is also referred to as Trade Mining.

    FinxFlo Fees

    On FinxFlo, a trading fee of 0.1% (for each buy or sell order) is deducted at the execution point. In addition, fund withdrawals are completely free.  

    Exchange Security

    Security and safety are arguably the most sensitive issues users worry about when selecting a good crypto exchange. For several years, various protocols and upgrades have been developed to address this issue but theft and hacks are still on the rise.

    For this reason, FinxFlo has partnered with Fireblock to insure users’ assets and also provide top-level security based on the latest cybersecurity technology.

    FinxFlo token (FXF)

    FXF is the utility token of the platform, which is built as a blockchain 3.0 asset to facilitate interoperability between two separate networks, Ethereum (as an ERC20 coin) and Tron (as a TRC20 coin).

    To enjoy some of the most exciting benefits of the ecosystem, users must hold the FXF coins. Aside from that, there are other lucrative benefits that come with having an FXF token in one’s FinxFlo account such as staking and yield farming.

    FXF token is available for trading on Uniswap, Gate.io and Bilaxy.

    Staking

    Trading fees accumulated over time are distributed to users through a reward pool system. To be eligible, token holders would need to stake their FXF holdings on the network. Users would have their rewards distributed via a smart contract relative to their staked coins.

    Yield Farming

    Similar to other DeFi platforms, FinxFlo offers a yield farming program. But unlike how it is being provided on other exchanges, FXF token holders are automatically listed as Liquidity Providers (LPs).

    These locked tokens are used to create funds, which serve as margins for FinxFlo exchange partners. In return, LPs get additional FXF assets as rewards. Most crypto investors utilize this process (called Liquidity Mining) to create additional income streams for themselves.  

    Conclusion

    With all the recent hype centered around crypto such as the Gamestop and Dogecoin debacle, major corporations like Tesla buying into Bitcoin, etc., many newcomers are now eager to join the blockchain movement, which also exposes them to massive risk.

    Fortunately, Finxflo’s vision to mitigate the risks of trading overhyped digital assets. Therefore, if the project becomes widely adopted, the crypto universe will see an even bigger influx of new individuals who will actively participate in trading, liquidity mining, as well as other crypto activities.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Huobi Exchange Review (2023): Low Fees, User-Friendly and Top-Notch Security

    Huobi Exchange Review (2023): Low Fees, User-Friendly and Top-Notch Security

    Huobi, one of the oldest and most reliable cryptocurrency exchanges on the market, offers a wide range of features and benefits for crypto enthusiasts to explore and take advantage of. We’ll look at Huobi’s key attributes as well as the kinds of advantages you may anticipate if you decide to make it your primary cryptocurrency trading platform. We’ll talk about the exchange’s security, supported coins, and a lot more topics.

    Sign up here to get started

    What is Huobi?

    Huobi, a leading digital asset exchange, was founded in 2013 by Leon Li, a former Oracle engineer. Huobi quickly gained momentum in the emerging Bitcoin market in China, and harnessed investments from leading investors, including the Sequoia Capital group. In just three months after its live launch, Huobi made over $4 billion in turnover, and by 2014, the exchange had quadrupled its turnover. Huobi has since become a leader in the Asian crypto market, providing a secure and reliable platform for digital asset trading. With its innovative technology and experienced team, Huobi is committed to providing users with a safe and convenient trading experience.

    Huobi, reported a turnover of $247 billion in 2016, which is almost half of the world’s cryptocurrency exchange market share. After the Chinese authorities dropped the banhammer on the cryptocurrency exchanges operating in China, Huobi decided to relocate to Singapore and globalize its operations. It began exploring markets in Japan, Russia, Korea, and other countries. Huobi has since become a leading crypto exchange in the global market, offering a wide range of services and features to its users. With its innovative approach and commitment to providing a secure and reliable trading platform, Huobi has become a trusted name in the crypto industry.

    Key Features of Huobi

    Simple User Interface: Huobi’s professional interface and functionalities make navigating their website a breeze, providing users with access to price feeds, charting tools, and market depth data.

    Various Order Types: Offering a variety of order types including Limit, Market, and Stop Limit orders, as well as margin trading with 5x leverage and a 0.1% fee for 24 hours on Bitcoin (BTC) and Litecoin (LTC).

    Flash Trade: Huobi’s Flash Trade feature allows users to experience real-time trading with an order book, chart index, and market chart, making it an exciting way to trade during times of high volatility.

    Compatible with various platforms: The Huobi platform is compatible with multiple platforms like Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

    Security: Huobi, incorporated in Singapore with advanced crypto regulations, provides robust security measures such as 2-factor authentication to protect users’ accounts.

    Swift Customer Service: Huobi offers fast and reliable customer service, with its customer support team providing prompt responses to any trading issues within the hour.

    Key Advantages of Huobi

    We will start off by talking about the actual advantages that users will experience when using the exchange. The finest features of this platform are mentioned in a number of user Huobi exchange reviews that have been published online; among them, the prominence of the supported cryptocurrency coins stands out.

    Supports 300+ Cryptocurrencies

    Huobi is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers its users the ability to trade and exchange over 300 different cryptocurrencies. This includes both the most popular coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as some of the less-known crypto assets. Huobi’s wide selection of coins gives users the ability to purchase and invest in multiple different assets on the same platform, allowing them to diversify their portfolios and explore new opportunities. Huobi also offers a variety of features such as margin trading, spot trading, and futures trading, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice traders.

    Very Low Fees

    Huobi is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that offers its users some of the best fees on the market. Whether you’re starting out with crypto or looking to trade higher amounts, Huobi is a great choice for those looking for competitive fees. Multiple Huobi exchange reviews left online confirm that the platform offers great prices for its users. Huobi is a reliable and secure platform that is trusted by millions of users around the world. With its competitive fees and secure platform, Huobi is a great choice for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies.

    Crypto trading involves two terms – “maker” and “taker”. A ‘maker’ is someone who performs the payments, while a ‘taker’ is a person who receives it. Huobi exchange reviews show that the fees for both makers and takers are usually below 0.2%, which is significantly lower than most other exchanges. Additionally, Huobi Pro reviews show that users who hold Huobi tokens can get even lower fees. This makes Huobi a great option for those looking to trade crypto without having to pay high fees.

    Top-Notch Security Features

    Huobi is a reliable and secure cryptocurrency exchange, offering users a safe and secure trading experience. The exchange keeps up to 98% of its users’ crypto assets in cold wallet devices, which are offline hardware devices used to store cryptocurrencies and tokens. This ensures that a potential hacker won’t be able to access your funds, as it’s impossible to breach the security of a cold wallet without stealing the physical device. Additionally, Huobi’s User Protection Fund ensures that, if anything were to happen to your crypto assets, and their security was compromised, you’d be compensated for your losses. All in all, Huobi is a safe and secure crypto trading option.

    24/7 Customer Support

    Huobi is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers reliable and live customer support 24/7. This is a great feature that sets it apart from other exchanges, as many of them only offer email support. With Huobi, you can be sure that you’ll be able to get help with any issue you might be facing at any time of the day. The customer support team is knowledgeable and experienced, and can provide assistance with any issue you might have. This makes Huobi a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and secure cryptocurrency exchange.

    Credit / Debit Cards – Accepted!

    Huobi accepts both credit and debit card payments, allowing users to quickly and conveniently fund their accounts. Huobi also offers promotions and discounts to help users save money on their trades. With its user-friendly interface and secure platform, Huobi is a great choice for both experienced and novice traders.

    Key Disadvantages of Huobi

    From the Huobi Pro reviews, it is clear that the majority of the more unfavorable comments Huobi receives are more about the functionality the platform lacks than the things it does offer.

    Trading Exclusively in Cryptocurrencies (No Other Assets)

    Huobi is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to trade a variety of digital assets. While this can be seen as a pro for hardcore crypto fans, some user Huobi exchange reviews point out that it only allows users to trade cryptocurrencies and not other assets. This could be a con for those who would like to use Huobi as their standalone exchange. Ultimately, it all depends on the user’s financial portfolio-building preferences.

    An Unregulated Exchange

    Huobi falls under the laws of the Republic of Seychelles. What this means is that the company behind the exchange is not regulated by any major financial institution. This could be seen as both a pro and a con, depending on your stance regarding crypto regulations. For those who want to honor the philosophy behind crypto, the unregulated nature of the exchange might not be too big of a deal. However, if you are looking for a regulated and secure exchange platform, Binance and KuCoin are some of the best alternatives.

    How to Use the Huobi Cryptocurrency Exchange?

    Users can exchange their preferred crypto coins in Huobi by following these steps:-

    • Visit the homepage of Huobi exchange and click on the “Trade” button.
    • Click on the “Exchange” tab and choose the digital currency and the preferred amount that they want to exchange.
    • Confirm the amount and the USDT worth of crypto coins that they wish to exchange with bitcoin or any other crypto coins.
    • Click on the “Confirm” tab to complete the transaction.

    How to Register on Huobi?

    The registration process involves the following steps:

    Step 1: Go to Huobi’s official website.

    Step 2: Press Sign Up. You’ll be redirected to a new window, where you’ll have to fill out some relevant information. 

    Step 3: Now, you’ll have to verify your account by entering the code that was sent to your email.

    Step 4: Once you’ve done that, you’ll be redirected to the main page of the exchange. That’s it!

    The signup process was quite simple, as you can probably see by now. It only takes a minute and is incredibly simple, according to the majority of user Huobi exchange reviews!

    How to Deposit Funds into Your Huobi Account?

    Let’s look at Huobi’s credit or debit card payment options as the last point in our evaluation of Huobi’s exchange.

    Step 1: Navigate to the Buy Crypto button on the top-left of your main exchange page.

    Step 2: Here, you’ll have to choose a credit card payment option, and enter the amount of money that you’d like to spend on Bitcoin. 

    Step 3:If you still haven’t finished your verification, you will now be prompted to do so. You must give Huobi your address and a photo of identification during the brief verification process.

    Step 4: The necessary amount of cryptocurrency will be funded into your Huobi wallet once your transaction has been completed and you have successfully passed verification. All done!

    Huobi Exchange makes crypto purchasing fast and simple, as evidenced by the countless positive user reviews.

    Conclusion

    Huobi is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers users a secure and easy-to-use platform. With over 300 different crypto assets available and the ability to purchase cryptocurrencies with a credit or debit card, Huobi is a great choice for those looking to get into the crypto market. The majority of funds are kept in cold storage devices, providing users with an extra layer of security. User reviews of Huobi are overwhelmingly positive, making it a great choice for those looking to get into the crypto market. If you’re looking for even better alternatives, take a look at our list of the top-rated crypto exchange platforms, such as Binance and KuCoin.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. (Alprazolam) As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • ShapeShift Exchange Review (2023): Decent Crypto Exchange with Some Amazing Usability Features

    ShapeShift Exchange Review (2023): Decent Crypto Exchange with Some Amazing Usability Features

    ShapeShift is a free, open-source platform that allows users to buy, trade, track, and earn across multiple blockchains. Owned and operated by the community, private, non-custodial, and secure. We aim to share all about Shapeshift on this exchange review, from its features to how to create your account.

    Sign up here to get started.

    What is ShapeShift?

    ShapeShift is a unique crypto exchange that offers users a range of features. Although it hasn’t achieved the same level of recognition as other exchanges such as Binance or Kucoin, ShapeShift is a viable alternative and deserves consideration.

    ShapeShift, founded in 2013 by Blockchain enthusiast Erik Voorhees, is a Cryptocurrency exchange website that debuted in 2014. Erik designed ShapeShift to make purchasing cryptos like Bitcoin as easy as possible, transforming it into a “vending machine” that anyone can use. Initially, users could only trade a few cryptocurrencies.

    As the registered user list grew, the platform increased its trade count to 40 cryptocurrencies and 940 trading pairs by 2015. By July 2018, the list of cryptocurrencies had expanded to 103. Today, there are over 750 cryptocurrencies available for trading, including popular coins such as Bitcoin, ETC, BlackCoin, Augur, and Gnosis.

    Key Features and Advantages of ShapeShift

    Is ShapeShift safe and worth using? That’s the question most cryptocurrency enthusiasts ask when looking for ShapeShift exchange reviews online. To answer this question, we should first examine the safety and usability of ShapeShift before exploring its other features.

    A Unique Balance of Security VS Anonymity

    When it comes to cryptocurrency exchange platforms, security should always be the top priority. Users should be aware of the potential risks of a leak or hack, and make sure that the platform they are using has the necessary security measures in place to protect their assets. ShapeShift stands out from other crypto exchanges due to its anonymous purchasing feature. Reviews of the platform, however, suggest that the experience may be different.

    ShapeShift’s lack of a thorough account creation process was both a pro and a con. However, cryptocurrency enthusiasts often prefer this decentralized option, as evidenced by ShapeShift exchange reviews. People may be wondering if ShapeShift is legit before committing to a purchase. Rest assured, ShapeShift has maintained its security even after discontinuing the anonymity feature.

    You can be sure that each time you perform a transaction, a new public wallet key is generated for you, providing identity and account protection. Additionally, two-factor authentication is available on the site for added security. ShapeShift will never request your private key, which is an essential thing to remember. In the crypto world, the saying “not your keys, not your cryptos” is true to an extent – if you don’t own your private wallet key, you don’t truly own your assets, as they can be lost in an instant.

    The security of your crypto coins ultimately depends on you, as ShapeShift exchange was previously anonymous. Many user reviews emphasize this point.

    Superb Usability Features

    Usability is an important factor to consider when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange platform, such as ShapeShift. Reviews of the platform can help you determine if it is worth using, but usability should not be overlooked. ShapeShift has optimized their website, app, and platform to cater to crypto trading beginners. With the influx of new traders, ShapeShift has ensured their platform is user-friendly and secure.

    ShapeShift is an enjoyable and user-friendly crypto exchange, with a visually appealing interface that is free of difficult industry jargon and technicalities.

    50+ Supported Crypto Assets

    Cryptocurrency support is essential for a successful crypto platform. As the crypto markets have grown in popularity over the past few years, more and more people have come to the industry. To meet this increased demand, crypto enthusiasts are researching and purchasing a wider variety of altcoins in addition to Bitcoin.

    ShapeShift offers its clients the ability to trade over 50 different cryptocurrencies, meeting the market demand and providing a wide range of assets to purchase and trade.

    Innovative Features (Rainfall)

    ShapeShift’s latest update, Rainfall, provides users with USDT rewards every time someone makes a trade on the platform, making it a great crypto exchange alternative. Many online ShapeShift exchange reviews praise the attention they pay to providing users with different features.

    ShapeShift rewards its users with Fox tokens for completing specific tasks related to their accounts. If there is enough demand, the company may also start selling Fox tokens. With these tokens, users have the chance to win exciting giveaways from ShapeShift.

    Super-Low Fees

    When choosing the best crypto exchange for yourself, fees are an important factor to consider. To maximize your profits, you should look for an exchange that offers the lowest fees and is also secure. ShapeShift is a legitimate platform offering its users competitively low fees, making it a great choice when compared to other exchanges.

    ShapeShift offers competitive fees, with no deposit or withdrawal fees. The fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency being traded, but are typically lower than those of other exchanges.

    The KeepKey Wallet

    The KeepKey wallet, a hardware cryptocurrency wallet made and sold by ShapeShift, is widely regarded as one of the most popular crypto wallets available. With its advanced security features, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

    ShapeShift is renowned for providing some of the safest cryptocurrency wallets, so it’s no surprise that their exchange is secure too. Many user reviews agree that ShapeShift is a great alternative to storing crypto coins in hot wallets from a security perspective.

    Key Disadvantages of ShapeShift

    Users may come across some negative ShapeShift exchange reviews and feedback online. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a look at these reviews. Afterwards, we’ll discuss the registration process to the site.

    Prior Security Breach

    ShapeShift is widely considered a secure crypto exchange, despite its past security breaches. Unlike other exchanges, ShapeShift’s breach was not typical. ShapeShift experienced a security breach caused by an internal employee, resulting in the theft of approximately $230,000 worth of crypto coins from the company’s hot wallets. Fortunately, no users were affected by the breach.

    ShapeShift’s transition from an anonymous exchange to an account creation-requiring one caused concern, but the company has since rebuilt its reputation and is now considered reliable. For the most reliable cryptocurrency storage, Coinbase and Binance are the top choices. For even greater security, hardware wallets such as Ledger and Trezor are recommended.

    Some Users Report Lost Funds During Transactions

    ShapeShift has acknowledged that some of its customers have lost funds sent from the exchange to their wallets. It is actively working to resolve the issue and refund the affected users. A small percentage of customers experienced issues with their transactions; however, the majority of people had no problems.

    Most people have not reported any similar issues recently. It is indicating that the complaints about this issue are now in the past.

    ShapeShift’s active presence on media channels is evident, as they have responded to many frustrated users who have posted on Reddit about the safety of the platform. The answers to the question “Is ShapeShift safe?” may be mixed, but it is clear that the company is attentive to customer concerns.

    How to Use ShapeShift?

    The registration process for ShapeShift is easy to use and straightforward. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and start trading.

    1. Access ShapeShift’s official website.
    2. Create an account by clicking “Get Started” Button, enter your email and create a password.
    3. Download the ShapeShift app to verify your account by scanning the QR code or following the link in your email.
    4. Verifying your identity is the final step in creating your account. Quick and simple to follow, the account creation process is complete once you have done this.

    How to Start Trading on ShapeShift?

    Once you have verified that ShapeShift is legitimate, you can begin trading.

    1. Navigate to the Platform from your Dashboard, then press GO TO PLATFORM button.
    2. Press the Trade button on the left side of the screen to access the platform.
    3. Verify your account to start trading cryptocurrency. Scan the QR code to complete the verification process and begin trading your selected amount of cryptocurrency.
    4. Exchange your currency for cryptocurrency with Banxa, integrated within the ShapeShift platform – no fiat money required.

    Your crypto coins will be credited to your wallet in a short time after you make the trade. It’s that easy!

    Conclusion

    It is difficult to give a definitive answer to the question of whether or not to use ShapeShift for cryptocurrency exchange. Online reviews are mixed, with many users unable to make a clear decision. ShapeShift is an ideal alternative for those who want low fees and an easy-to-use platform. It offers a variety of features and promotions, making it a great choice for users.

    If you’re looking for an exchange to transfer fiat-to-crypto, but don’t want to risk the negative user reviews that mention the transaction issue that ShapeShift has experienced, you could consider alternatives such as Binance and Coinbase, which are the leaders in this area.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • CBDCs: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

    CBDCs: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

    CBDCs are government-backed assets that would offer users an official way to explore existing fiat currencies in a digital manner. Stablecoins have become very popular cryptocurrency options because they function with little to no volatility, providing access to decentralized currencies without the risk of depegging in value. These assets offer stability to crypto enthusiasts who are uninterested in other assets with sudden price swings. As the number of stablecoins increased over time, many countries began to notice and eventually began exploring government-backed stablecoin cryptocurrencies, called Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about CBDCs, and their pros and cons. 

    This is a comprehensive review of CBDCs. If you want to know more about the history of CBDCs, we have also previously written about CBDCs here.

    What are Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)?

    A CBDC is a digital form of legal tender pegged to a country’s national currency. These digital currencies are under the control of central banks, which issue the assets, govern their supply, and create related policies. CBDCs have now gained a lot of traction in the financial space. Today, countries are either launching CBDCs or doing research and analysis into the economic and technical feasibility of establishing a national digital currency.

    How Do CBDCs Work?

    CBDCs address specific concerns around crypto volatility, government backing, and transparency through distributed ledger technology (DLT). In traditional finance, banks keep track of all user transactions in a ledger for account records and audits. With distributed ledger technology, there are several copies of CBDC transaction records stored and managed individually, although uniformly updated. It also allows for much easier tracking of spending compared to cash, which is data many governments would like to have.

    Separate financial entities (usually branches of a country’s central bank) manage these records in a distributed manner via DLT. This type of distributed ledger is known as a permissioned blockchain because the central banks have total control over access and distribution, usually only authorizing a few entities to perform specific administrative roles, including altering rights and accessing records. This is in direct contrast with permissionless networks, like most leading blockchains, which allow anybody to perform transactions without needing permission from a central authority. 

    Governments may choose CBDCs because they retain control over certain aspects, such as the total supply of digital currency. On the other hand, popular cryptocurrencies have a hard supply cap that may be impossible to alter. For instance, the Bitcoin network will create only 21 million coins. Once all 21 million Bitcoins are mined, there can be no more new Bitcoins. But CBDCs can be continuously created. Since central banks are responsible for maintaining financial stability, they may choose to reduce or add to the total supply in circulation whenever they consider it necessary.

    Types of CBDCs

    There are two categories of CBDCs, largely based on the intended uses:

    Retail CBDC

    Retail CBDCs are nation-backed digital currencies used by everyday consumers and businesses. People use retail CBDCs like they would use petty cash, without worrying about security or government regulations, even though the assets are under the government’s purview. Additionally, retail CBDCs promote financial inclusion, and also help to lower costs and environmental factors associated with printing cash.

    Wholesale CBDC 

    A central bank primarily creates wholesale CBDCs with financial institutions as their main target, as this type of CBDC facilitates easier and quicker payments between financial institutions. The process of settling transactions using wholesale CBDCs is also more efficient, as permissioned blockchains help institutions resolve risks associated with liquidity and third-party payment processors. Wholesale CBDCs also improve cross-border transaction efficiency.

    CBDCs Around the World

    Several countries have begun experimenting with blockchain CBDCs, while others have already launched their own iterations. So far, more than 100 countries have officially begun exploring CBDCs, with some in the research, development, or pilot stages. As of July 2022, 10 countries have officially launched CBDCs. Some of them include: 

    • China: Digital Yuan/ e-CNY (DCEP)
    • Sweden: e-krona
    • Bahamas: Sand Dollar
    • Nigeria: eNaira
    • Eastern Caribbean Area: DXCD
    • Marshall Islands: Sovereign (SOV)
    • Russia: Digital Ruble
    • Cambodia: Bakong

    To learn more about specific CBDCs, see our review of China’s Digital Yuan/ e-CNY (DCEP) here. 

    Which is the world’s first CBDC?

    The Bahamas ‘Sand Dollar’ is the world’s first CBDC to be released and available nationwide. The Sand Dollar was released on 20th October 2020 to all 393 residents of the Bahamas. Each Sand Dollar is pegged to the Bahamian dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar.

    Pros and Benefits of CBDCs

    CBDCs potentially offer the following benefits to a nation’s financial framework:

    Simplifying Monetary Policy Implementation

    One major challenge with traditional monetary policy implementation is that it depends on intermediaries within the financial system. As wholesale CBDCs streamline the flow of funds in financial institutions, retail CBDCs establish a direct connection between central banks and the citizens that use their currency. This connection to end users effectively improves the process of implementing policies, as the central bank has first-hand knowledge of users’ needs.

    Financial Inclusion 

    CBDCs make fund distribution much easier. They potentially provide more financial inclusion by making services available to people or regions with limited banking opportunities. With CBDCs, central banks can extend access to basic financial services without building an expensive banking infrastructure. 

    Efficient Cross-Border Transactions

    CBDCs enable faster and more secure fund remittance between countries. This significantly reduces the transaction fees required to send and receive funds to and from citizens in the diaspora, as well as allows the transactions to be completed in seconds or minutes instead of days or weeks.

    Further Deter Illegal Financial Activity 

    A distributed and transparent ledger makes it easier for central banks to keep track of transactions and prevent illegal activity. Moreover, where these illicit transactions occur, they are easier to trace, and could even be reversed or frozen.

    Growth of the Fintech Sector 

    CBDCs support the growth and development of the fintech industry. With the global adoption of CBDCs, the fintech space is gradually witnessing a new technological landscape that creates new jobs and opportunities.

    Cons and Drawbacks of CBDCs

    Like any innovation, CBDCs also have drawbacks users must consider. These disadvantages include:

    Traceability and Lack of Anonymity

    Since central banks manage CBDC transactions through a ledger, they have full control over transaction records. This method does not allow for user anonymity and is in direct contrast with the anonymous nature of most other cryptocurrencies and cash.

    Threat to Privacy

    Privacy is one of the key drivers behind cryptocurrency adoption. CBDCs may require that central authorities intrude on private users to monitor transactions and combat financial crimes like money laundering. No longer will there be private transactions, as everything is recorded on a ledger controlled by the country’s central banking entity.

    High Risk of Cyber Attack

    A central bank’s digital currency may attract malicious parties who want to swindle large amounts of money from one source. CBDCs must use top-of-the-line cybersecurity measures to prevent breaches effectively.

    Creating a social credit system?

    Maajid Nawaz, a social activist and co-founder of British think tank Qiulliam, has suggested that CBDCs can essentially create a social credit system. For example, people can be barred from spending their CBDCs on buses or trains, which will effectively limit their freedom to travel as they wish.

    Differences Between CBDCs and Cryptocurrencies

    Apart from centralization, here are some other ways in which CBDCs differ from cryptocurrencies: 

    • The use cases of CBDCs include payments and monetary transactions. On the other hand, crypto assets have selected applications, and not all institutions and companies accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option.
    • There is generally more value to safety with CBDCs. In a stable political and inflationary nation, CBDCs maintain their value over time since they are a fiat currency of the issuing country. For decentralized crypto assets, the cryptocurrency’s value depends on market speculation and user sentiments, which makes them much more volatile.
    • Central banks can maintain all aspects of CBDCs, including planning and deployment. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies have a decentralized decision-making process. 

    Conclusion 

    Considering the efforts and attention that central banks have dedicated to CBDCs, mainstream adoption of these assets is all but imminent. Global adoption of CBDCs will effectively boost the crypto industry’s growth as more people begin to carry out CBDC transactions and look for viable alternatives. CBDCs will also help central banks penetrate a country’s unbanked or underbanked population, which is fantastic for their underserved citizenry. 

    In the end, nations may enjoy better financial stability from CBDCs. With a centrally regulated, government-backed digital currency in circulation, central banks can enact monetary policies easily and with more transparency in distribution. CBDCs could eventually become the standard for local payments and also for cross-border transactions.

  • Moongate Features Innovative NFT Solutions in Taipei Blockchain Week

    Moongate Features Innovative NFT Solutions in Taipei Blockchain Week

    Taipei Blockchain Week

    Taipei Blockchain Week, the largest Web3 event in Taiwan, was held last week from December 12-17, 2022. Similar to TOKEN2049 Singapore, the event features a series of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and meetups with some of the leading developers and entrepreneurs in the Web3 industry. Speakers of the event included core team members from Avalanche, Solana, Filecoin, Moongate and many more, where they talked about the real-world applications of blockchain technology and the future landscape of crypto.

    Moongate, in particular, has introduced an end-to-end solution for brands and businesses to create customized NFTs for ticketing and memberships. In fact, Moongate is the official ticketing partner of Taipei Blockchain Week, having issued 4000 tickets for the event’s attendees. Despite the NFT industry getting a bad rap, Moongate helps bring meaningful and productive application of Web3 into the Web2 world with real utility NFTs that can greatly benefit everyday retail consumers. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer.

    What is Moongate?

    Moongate provides an end-to-end, no-code solution for brands and businesses looking to transform their user engagement experience via Web3. Its user application covers (1) membership and loyalty programs, (2) events and conferences, and (3) NFT projects. All customers will be able to own their membership as NFTs which unlock token-gated rewards and access.

    CEO of Moongate Jonathan Mui told Boxmining that they have helped brands, businesses, conferences, and sports leagues with NFT-empowered memberships and tickets. So far, Moongate has 30+ live programs, 50+ ecosystem partners, and 5000+ end customers. Notable partners include Polygon, SimpleHash (backed by Y Combinator), DTTD (backed by Animoca Brands), Limewire and many more.

    How Does Moongate’s App Work?

    Moongate’s User App is very easy to use, catering to both Web3 and Web2 users. You can create an account, which is also your crypto wallet, with your email, phone number or social media account. For experienced Web3 users, you can instead use your self-custodial wallet such as MetaMask to sign up.

    Private Key Security Features

    To onboard Web2 users more easily, there won’t be any traditional Web3 private key management such as seed phrases. Moongate understands that with traditional private keys, users can never get their NFTs back if they lose their key. This can be a problem for most Web2 users who are not used to Web3 interfaces.

    Instead, Moongate is collaborating with some of the top endpoint security solutions to implement a next-gen key management architecture. Its security infrastructure involves two independently-created mathematical secret shares, eliminating the single point of failure for traditional private keys. The wallet is still non-custodial as users have full control over their NFTs but it also allows them to restore their account safely if they delete the App or lose their phones.

    User App Interface

    In the App, users can enroll in membership programs via one-click join/redemption. Users can view and claim exclusive benefits tied to their NFT memberships. Tiered rewards can be earned, and benefits will increase overtime with increased spending/usage. Moreover, users can earn token rewards by completing promotions, and use tokens to claim extra rewards across partnered brands.

    Moongate App

    Mui said that it is important for Moongate to integrate blockchain technology with legacy systems so that it would require less steps and create less friction for Web2 users to get onboard while reaping the benefits of Web3. Since most retail customers are accustomed to Point of Sale (POS) systems, Mui said that adopting some of the Web2 approaches can help make their product scalable and viable.

    Merchant Setup for Moongate’s App

    Apart from retail customers, brands and businesses with no Web3 knowledge can also easily manage their Moongate account. NFT projects can keep track of the holders engagement for future rewards and airdrops, without requiring holders to reveal personal information.

    NFT Design and Minting

    Users can create, deploy, and mint their own NFTs without any coding knowledge. Moongate’s smart contract builder is a simple drag-and-drop deployment. It supports dynamic NFT integration and can be issued on multiple chains. Moongate’s mint site builder provides customized storefront design with personalized information. Users can checkout with fiat or crypto via Web2 social logins or crypto wallets.

    Moongate App

    Utility Management Dashboard

    No-code dashboards are available for merchants and projects to set the parameters of online or offline token-gated content, access, and discounts across different tiers of membership. There are also key applications on offline discounts, exclusive events, and online e-commerce stores. Additionally, off-chain data can be captured to support corresponding changes to dynamic NFTs.

    Moongate App

    NFT Ownership Verification

    Moongate has a one-scan solution to complete real-time, on-chain NFT ownership verification across multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Users will have their own ephemeral QR code for merchants to scan and verify as it supports whitelabel integration with other apps or third-party scanners. Moreover, it is also compatible with near-field communication (NFC) “phygital” gateways, which are essentially physical cards that hold the QR code verification.

    Moongate App

    NFT Usage Management and Analytics Portal

    Moongate provides data analytics for merchants and projects to monitor membership usage in real-time and post-attendance. It can integrate with traditional technology stack such as POS and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) marketing software. The portal also displays API for data integration with other sites, supporting tracking of spending credits.

    Moongate App

    Key Takeaway

    Moongate introduces a new paradigm in customer loyalty while maintaining positive business impact. It changes how businesses can build better branding and how customers approach purchasing goods and services.

    Since customers can truly own their NFT membership, they can also choose to sell the NFT along with all the rewards stored in it, as the NFT is a transferrable token. That way instead of “spending”, customers are actually investing because they are creating value for their NFT. This also helps businesses better connect with the next generation of customers, lowering their Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). After all, that is what Web3 is all about — ownership by users.

  • MetaMask Integrates PayPal Payment in the U.S. for Easier ETH Purchases

    MetaMask Integrates PayPal Payment in the U.S. for Easier ETH Purchases

    MetaMask Enables U.S. Users to Purchase ETH via PayPal

    MetaMask developer ConsenSys has announced the integration of a PayPal payment option to its software wallet. Users will be able to buy and transfer Ethereum (ETH) by logging into the mobile MetaMask app, tapping on the “Buy” button, and selecting “PayPal.” This will redirect users to PayPal, where they can complete their transaction OR send ETH from their PayPal account to their MetaMask wallet.

    This feature will be rolled out to all U.S. users first in the coming weeks, as they are one of MetaMask’s largest markets in terms of users. For MetaMask’s desktop browser extension, MetaMask Product Manager Lorenzo Santos told Decrypt via email that it will be available in the next quarter.

    As of now, it is unclear whether the feature will be deployed in other countries or if other cryptos will also be available for purchase. Since ConsenSys is run by Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin and MetaMask is an EVM-only wallet, it makes sense that ETH purchases are focused first.

    Unlocking the Web3 Ecosystem with MetaMask and PayPal

    As one of the top crypto wallet providers, MetaMask is often a starting point for users interacting with DeFi applications, GameFi, and metaverse platforms. And because PayPal is one of the largest online payment systems with 432 million active accounts worldwide, adding PayPal to MetaMask could broaden the customer base, making it easier for newcomers to enter the Web3 ecosystem.

    Santos stated in the press release, “this integration with PayPal will allow our U.S. users to not just buy crypto seamlessly through MetaMask, but also to easily explore the Web3 ecosystem.” 

    Traditional Payment Companies Expanding to Web3

    Over the past year, more and more traditional payment companies have been integrating crypto into their services. In fact, PayPal first began offering customers the ability to buy, sell, and hold crypto on its platform in 2020, and allowed customers to checkout with Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash in 2021. In June 2022, PayPal also enables customers to transfer crypto from PayPal to other wallets or exchanges. And now with the new integration into MetaMask, we can expect PayPal to release more new features gradually.

    Other traditional payment companies have also followed suit. Cash App, the number one finance app in the App Store, has also added support for transactions via the Bitcoin Lightning Network, the layer-2 protocol for Bitcoin’s blockchain. Stripe, an Irish-American financial services company, has also launched its own tool to help Web3 companies, allowing their customers to buy crypto with fiat.

    Other global financial services have also hinted at the possibility of dabbling into crypto. In October, Western Union filed trademark applications for managing wallets, exchanging digital assets and commodities derivatives, issuing tokens of value, and brokerage and insurance service, according to trademark attorney Mike Kondoudis.

  • Are Crypto Trading Bots Safe to Use?

    Are Crypto Trading Bots Safe to Use?

    While crypto trading bots can be profitable for users, like with any form of automated trading, there are always risks involved. Therefore, it is important to consider whether or not using a trading bot is the right decision for you. In this article, we will explain how crypto trading bots work, the advantages they offer, and the risks involved.

    What are Crypto Trading Bots?

    Crypto trading bots are software programs that use algorithms to analyze market data and automate trading tasks. Users can enter specific parameters for the bots to buy and sell crypto, depending on the users’ trading strategies and goals. Spot trading is the most common way to use trading bots. More experienced traders can also use bots in leveraged trading, arbitrage trading, options, and futures.

    It is important to remember that trading bots are NOT money-making machines. They only execute trading orders automatically based on the commands you give them. It is essentially an extension of your trading skills. Before operating one, you should have some understanding of technical analysis (identifying bullish or bearish trends) and risk management.

    How do Crypto Trading Bots Work?

    Crypto trading bots typically access a user’s crypto exchange account by using the exchange’s application programming interface (API). An API is a set of protocols and tools that allow one piece of software to interact with another. The user will first need to create an API key for the exchange. This key will grant the trading bot access to the user’s account and allow it to execute trades on the user’s behalf.

    It is important to note that users must specify which specific permissions the API key should have before connecting the bot to the exchange account. Users should ONLY allow bots to execute trades, and disable other personal options such as withdrawing funds and viewing account information.

    There are many reputable platforms that provide trading bot services such as 3Commas, Pionex, Cryptohopper, TradeSanta, and KuCoin Trading Bot. However, this does not mean they are risk-free. Users should carefully do their research and select the one they trust to hand over their API keys. We will cover more about the entailed risks below.

    Advantages of Using Crypto Trading Bots

    Crypto trading bots are generally considered to be more effective than manual trading for several reasons.

    Execute orders faster and more accurately

    Based on predefined rules and algorithms, trading bots can track market data for hundreds of trading pairs on several markets simultaneously and execute large trades in a matter of a few milliseconds. On the other hand, a human trader would have to spend a lot more time analyzing market conditions one by one and make decisions based on their own judgment.

    Operate 24/7 without human emotion

    Additionally, trading bots only follow logic, removing the emotional and psychological biases that are the bane of human traders. Trading bots can also operate 24/7 and trade on multiple crypto exchanges, taking advantage of market opportunities that may be difficult for a human trader to spot. Therefore, trading bots help automate and streamline the trading process, which saves a lot of time and reduces human error.

    Efficient in building wealth over time

    The efficiency of trading bots allows them to execute hundreds of trades within an hour if there is enough trading volume and volatility for the asset being traded by the bot. This is also achieved by setting the take-profit percentage low for the bot to consistently enter and exit trades. This is essentially dollar-cost averaging (DCA) on a much smaller time frame — profits are compounded over time, leading to continuous growth of the crypto portfolio.

    Risks of Using Crypto Trading Bots

    Though crypto trading bots are useful tools, the risk they pose is twofold: security and market conditions.

    API Key Leak/Hack

    One major risk is the potential for the API key to be hacked or otherwise compromised, potentially allowing an attacker to gain access to the user’s account and steal their funds or sensitive information. Additionally, if the API key is not properly secured, it may be possible for unauthorized users to access the user’s account and make trades without the user’s knowledge or consent.

    Following the collapse of FTX, there have been numerous reports of unauthorized trades initiated via API keys, suggesting a database leak in trading bot platforms such as 3Commas. Though shortly after the attack, 3Commas provided evidence that the attacks were not a result of a leak from their database. They believed that victims’ API keys were phished or compromised from an outside source.

    Extremely Volatile Market Movements

    Sudden market movements can have a significant impact on the performance of crypto trading bots. Because these bots are designed to buy and sell cryptocurrencies based on pre-programmed rules, they cannot adapt quickly to sudden changes in the market. This could lead to bots triggering unfavorable buy orders, in which their take-profit order will never close as the market continually declines. Bots are only profitable if there is enough volatility for them to get in and out quickly and regularly.

    For human traders, this is when they perform better than bots. They can take breaks and step away from the market when necessary. For these reasons, it is important for users to monitor the market and be prepared to adjust their trading strategies as needed in response to sudden changes.

    Key Takeaway

    While crypto trading bots can help traders take advantage of market opportunities, their risks are arguably greater than their benefits, especially given the shortcomings of many centralized platforms today. By sharing your API keys, you are practically giving a third party access to your crypto exchange accounts. Should they get hacked or become fraudulent, you run the risk of losing all your funds.

    However, that is not to say that crypto trading bots are bad, especially in the longer scheme of things. After all, 90% of the stock market’s total turnover are done by algorithmic trading (trading bots), according to JPMorgan research. But with repeated cases of centralized failure in the crypto industry, it is best to approach these platforms with caution for now.

  • 5 Reasons to be excited about Ethereum (According to Vitalik)

    5 Reasons to be excited about Ethereum (According to Vitalik)

    Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin recently discussed in his blog post his excitement about Ethereum and its potential. He admits that originally, he was more general about what Ethereum can achieve. But now, after so many projects being developed on Ethereum, he is shifting his gaze to applications already known to work. In this article, we look at some Vitalik’s reasons as to why we should be excited for Ethereum and its potential.

    What is Ethereum?

    Ethereum is an open-source, public, blockchain-based distributed computing platform featuring smart contract (scripting) functionality. It provides a decentralized virtual machine known as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The EVM can execute scripts using an international network of public nodes. Ethereum also provides a cryptocurrency token called “ether” ($ETH). Ether ($ETH) can be transferred between accounts and used to compensate participant nodes for computations performed. Ethereum was proposed in late 2013 by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015.

    To learn more about Ethereum, check out our article: Ethereum 2.0 is coming- Here’s what you NEED to know.

    Reason 1: Ethereum as a form of payment

    In countries with fewer links to the global financial system or with extreme inflation, cryptocurrency (and Ethereum) is a valuable asset. Vitalik realised this in December 2021 when he was able to pay for meals using cryptocurrency in Argentina.

    One obstacle to the more widespread use of cryptocurrency, according to Vitalik, was high transaction fees. At the time, fees cost about a third of his meal, and several minutes to confirm. However, since he and the restaurant owner had Binance wallets, they were able to transfer the funds instantly for free.

    Since then, there have been significant improvements to the Ethereum network. After the Ethereum Merge transactions are being processed at a much faster and more stable rate. Scaling technologies such as rollups will even further push Ethereum’s scalability. Technologies such as social recovery and multisig wallets with account abstraction are also improving wallet security. It may take years for these technologies to mature, but progress is certainly being made.

    Donations are a notable use case for cryptocurrency. For example, we saw donations being made to Ukraine and refugees relying on digital currencies as a form of payment.

    To learn more, check out our article: Crypto war- The role of cryptocurrencies in the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

    In addition, countries’ adoption of CBDCs (e.g. China’s DCEP/e-CNY) has led to serious concerns about financial surveillance and control. According to Vitalik, cryptocurrency is the only technology that can combine digitalization with privacy.

    This makes payments one of the major reasons to be excited for Ethereum and its potential.

    Reason 2: Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

    Vitalik also sees huge potential in DeFi. In particular, he considers the following DeFi products to be especially important:

    • Decentralized stablecoins: Decentralized stablecoins are considered a secure and stable digital money. Essentially, halfway between holding crypto assets and withdrawing to fiat currency. They are also usually pegged to a reserved asset, such as the US Dollar, making it less volatile than most cryptocurrencies. Decentralized stablecoins have added aspects of being fully transparent and non-custodial. An example of decentralized stablecoins is the DAI token, DUSD or EOSDT.
    • Prediction markets: Prediction markets have been a reliable part of the DeFi landscape since Augur launched in 2015. They have been gaining traction ever since, demonstrating their utility in the 2020 US election. Allowing people to predict (and profit) from the outcome of the 2020 US elections. In 2022, both crypto-based prediction markets such as Polymarket, and play-money markets like Metaculus are becoming even more popular. Crypto-based prediction markets are advantageous, as they are more trustworthy and accessible worldwide. Vitalik expects these markets to continuously grow in terms of usage and value over time.
    • Other synthetic assets: Major stock indices and real estate have the potential to be replicated in the same way as stablecoins. However, there is a challenge in creating an appropriate balance of decentralization and efficiency to make these assets available at reasonable rates of return.
    • Glue layers: These will be necessary to allow users to easily trade between different assets, such as ETH, centralized or decentralized stablecoins, synthetic assets, etc.

    Reason 3: Blockchain Identity

    Vitalik is bullish on blockchain identity. Blockchain identity uses blockchain technology for aspects of identification such as basic authentication, attestations, naming, and proof of personhood. An example mentioned by Vitalik is the Sign In With Ethereum (SIWE) standard. The SIWE standard lets users log into websites similar to how we use Google or Facebook to automatically log in. But with SIWE, we can log into sites without fear of Google or Facebook accessing our private information, or locking our accounts. SIWE is currently used in end-to-end encrypted email, Skiff and many blockchain-based alternative social media projects.

    Also, ENS allows usernames to be used with proof-of-personhood systems. This can enable users to prove that they are actually human. This is especially useful for airdrops and governance, as it ensures fairness and prevents abuse. Proof-of-attendance protocol can also confirm a person’s participation and thus their eligibility for airdrops and participation in governance.

    Vitalik believes that each of these applications has its individual uses. But the true utility will be seen when these aspects are all combined. For example, users can log on to Blockscan chat using Ethereum, making them visible by their ENS name. Then, to fight spam, Blockscan chat could “verify” accounts by examining their proof-of-attendance protocols. This verification process could show information on a user’s participation, and even verify token balances or a proof-of-personhood profile. In turn, it can be determined whether the user should be eligible for rewards and perks.

    Reason 4: DAOs

    DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) are smart contracts that represent an ownership or control structure over an asset or process. Vitalik believes there is still room for improvement for DAOs, particularly in terms of ensuring they are not abused. For example, DAOs are crucial for the long-term survival of decentralized stablecoins. But, there have been cases of malicious actors abusing DAOs to drain DeFi projects out of hundreds of millions.

    Reason 5: Hybrid applications

    Finally, Vitalik believes there are applications that can take advantage of both blockchains and other systems in order to improve their trust models. For example, voting can utilise systems such as MACI to combine blockchains, ZK-SNARKs, and a limited centralized (or M-of-N) layer for scalability and coercion resistance. This will allow voting to be censorship resistant, auditable, and private.

    Conclusion

    According to Vitalik, we are only at the beginning stages of building applications that will push Ethereum’s potential even further. Currently, these applications face the challenges of the limits of present-day technology, such as the lack of scalability of blockchains. There will also be other challenges to come, such as privacy issues.

    However, there are numerous reasons to be excited for Ethereum, because all these problems can be solved. Vitalik believes that it will require us to look beyond the quest for excitement and short-term profit. Because sometimes, it is the more stable and boring applications that become the most useful and valuable in the long run.

  • Is Binance SAFE? Funds Fully Audited by Mazars

    Is Binance SAFE? Funds Fully Audited by Mazars

    Binance is tackling to issue of proving where user funds are by using the third-party auditor Mazars, a leading Hong Kong-based auditing firm, to prove independently that user funds held by the exchange are safe and “untouched”. This is particularly important as users are demanding to know that funds are safe (or “SAFU”) and that they can trust the exchange to keep holding their funds. Auditing centralized exchanges help to ensure that they are compliant with applicable laws and regulations, as well as industry best practices. This helps to protect users from fraud, manipulation, and other malicious activities.

    Binance BTC Reserves are Fully Backed

    Mazars, an international audit, tax, and advisory firm, has confirmed that Binance has more than enough Bitcoin (BTC) to cover all customer deposits. The report verified a 101% collateralization ratio on 575,742 BTC in net customer deposits as first published on their proof-of-reserves system on November 25. All assets included customers’ spot, options, margin, futures, funding, loan and earn accounts for BTC and wrapped BTC circulating on the Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and BSC blockchains.

    Learn more about Binance- Binance Exchange Review (2023) Best Crypto Exchange?

    To ensure customers’ assets are not being lent out or stolen without permission, Binance implemented a Merkle Tree proof-of-reserves system that allows customers to independently verify the safety of their assets.

    Binance Merkle Tree Proof-of-Reserves (Source: Binance)

    Binance Securely Controls Custodial Wallets

    Mazars has also asked Binance to perform transactions at specific times to prove that the wallets were actually under Binance’s control. This clarifies the situation in late November when Binance moved 127,351 BTC to an unknown wallet. According to the report, Mazars used Etherscan and BSCscan to check that the wallets indeed belong to Binance.

    Moreover, Mazars reviewed the scripts that Binance uses to extract the total net deposits, making sure there was no duplicated or rigged user IDs. This confirms that Binance’s Merkle tree is built with open source script developed by Silver Sixpence.

    What This Means for Investors

    Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, and is arguably the most used platform for all crypto users. After the collapse of FTX, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was jokingly hailed as the “savior” of crypto, doing everything he can to repair the industry. However, Binance itself is no exception to scrutiny as a result of FTX’s collapse. People need to know what centralized exchanges are doing with their money.

    Binance’s audit has cleared up a lot of doubt, restoring confidence in the exchange. However, there are still two issues raised by the crypto community:

    A Step in the right direction

    Overall, auditing centralized exchanges are essential for protecting users and ensuring that exchanges are operating in a safe and secure manner. By conducting regular audits, exchanges can help to ensure that their customers are protected and that they are getting the best possible service. Binance has also provided on-chain proof of funds using “Merkle” Proofs in November of 2022. This means that Binance has taken efforts to prove that both Fiat and Crypto deposits in their custody are safe.

    FAQ

    Is Mazars a reliable auditing firm?

    While most of the community praises Binance’s initiative, several Crypto Twitter users expressed concerns that Mazars is not one of the “Big Four” accounting firms: Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG. For the longest time, audits made by any one of the Big Four is the gold standard, and any other firms are deemed not “credible” enough.
    This is reasonable enough seeing as FTX was in fact audited by smaller accounting firms. But that might not be the case for Mazars. Founded in 1945, Mazars is one of Europe’s largest audit and accounting firms with global presence. In fact, Mazars was a longtime accountacy firm for former president Donald Trump. But after finding out Trump’s business filings were not adding up, Mazars cut ties with his business. Given their track record, it is safe to say that Mazars is reliable as they conduct due diligence on any business.

    Binance audit only accounts for BTC reserves

    The audit only focuses on BTC assets for now. As of now, Binance does not have a proof-of-reserves system for other cryptocurrencies. But at the end of the day, this is a big step towards a more transparent ecosystem. Let’s hope there will be more developments in the coming weeks.

    References

    Recently some users are reporting USD withdraw issues, CoinMagazine

  • Ledger Stax: Next-Gen Crypto Wallet Designed by iPhone Co-Creator Tony Fadell

    Ledger Stax: Next-Gen Crypto Wallet Designed by iPhone Co-Creator Tony Fadell

    Ledger and Tony Fadell Unveil Stax Wallet

    Ledger, one of the top hardware wallet providers, has announced the launch of its new Ledger Stax wallet in partnership with Tony Fadell, co-creator of the iPod and iPhone. This is a significant initiative as Fadell being one of the world’s foremost tech engineer is stepping in to bring clarity and confidence to owning digital assets following the collapse of FTX.

    Pre-order your Ledger Stax Wallet here!

    buy now

    Key Features of Ledger Stax Wallet

    Fadell realized that existing hardware wallets are difficult to use for mass consumers. Therefore, he drew inspiration from his iPod design to bring a more user-friendly experience for wallet users.

    Ledger Stax resembles a small smartphone and has a monochromatic E ink display which covers the front and curves around the spine. That way users can easily view complete transaction details as well as their NFT collections even when the wallet is off. This works in conjunction with integrated magnets, allowing multiple Stax devices to stack, hence its name. This is particularly useful for Ledger owners who have different portfolios since they can look at the labels displayed on the spine, like books on a shelf.

    Stackable Ledger Stax wallets with displayable screen on the spine (Source: Ledger)

    Users can store more than 500 cryptocurrencies or NFTs on Ledger Stax. Developers are also planning to allow users to explore Web3 applications through the Ledger Live app. Users can connect the Ledger Live app on (1) laptops via secure USB-C or (2) smartphones via bluetooth. This new user interface will enable clear and intuitive interaction for all mainstream users.

    Ledger Stax also has good energy efficiency and supports wireless Qi charging. Its battery can last as long as few months with a single charge.

    How to Get Ledger Stax Wallet?

    Ledger Stax is now available for preorder at $279 and will begin shipping by the end of March 2023. It will also be available from select retailers such as Best Buy in the U.S. Those who purchase the wallet will also receive an Infinity Pass, which provides users with a free utility NFT.

    Additionally, a Ledger Stax NFT Bundle is available to mint on [Ledger] Market for 0.22 ETH to redeem a free Ledger Stax device. It also unlocks access to exclusive NFT artwork from Ledger’s network of hand-picked artists. However, Genesis Pass holders and PREMINT Collabs have special mint-priority, and there are only 10,000 bundles available.

    Key Takeaway

    “Not your keys, not your crypto” — there is a great risk of losing all your crypto if you park it on a centralized exchange. Hardware wallets are great self-custodial solutions because only you have control over your funds. But the problem is it can be quite daunting to operate one, especially for beginners.

    Ledger Stax will revolutionize this by bringing the familiar user experience of smartphones into hardware wallets. This is a big step towards a decentralized financial future as more people are opting for self-custodial solutions. If you are interested in other hardware wallets, feel free to check these out:

    Pre-order your Ledger Stax for only $279 and get it by end of March 2023!

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    What is the Ledger Stax wallet?

    The Ledger Stax wallet is a new hardware wallet developed in partnership with Tony Fadell, co-creator of the iPod and iPhone. It has a unique and innovative design in the style of high-end Samsung cell phones, and lets users view their NFT collections even when the wallet is off.

    When will the Ledger Stax be available for sale?

    Ledger Stax is now available for reorder at $279 and will begin shipping by the end of March 2023.

    What features does the Ledger Stax offer?

    The Ledger Stax wallet is an easy-to-carry device about the size of a credit card, which allows users to store more than 500 cryptocurrencies or NFT collections. It also features an E-Ink touchscreen for viewing NFT collections, and a battery that can last for weeks or even months with a single charge.

    Are there any incentives for purchasing the Ledger Stax?

    Yes, those who purchase the wallet will be eligible for various prizes, such as a “Magnet Shell” protective case and an NFT from the “The Art On Ledger Stax Collection.”