red image of trading graph with crypto.com ceo in foreground

Crypto.com CEO Past Includes Bankruptcy

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Do Kwon hiding in Serbia, claim Prosecutors

green abstract image of blockchain and nano logo

Nano Price Analysis

blue image of cryptocurrency altcoins with cryptonary logo. 

Cryptonary Pro Reviewed

Bitcoin Wallet UK Offerings Rated

blue image of crypto altcoins with coti logo

COTI Pay and Why You Should Consider IT 

green skyline with floating altcoin logos. Speel token logo is central

How to Buy Spell Token

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Flare Network Explained

visa debit card and zelf fintech logo in blue and black

ZELF Launches Crypto-enabled Debit Cards

sec logo with hands shaking in the background

SEC Crypto Enforcement Warning

blue image of phone on a laptop with niftify logo overlayed

What is the Niftify Platform?

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HNT Price Predictions

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FTX Brings in Financial Experts

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Celsius Bankruptcy: Judge Orders Return of $50m

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Koinly for Crypto Tax Calculations

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CoinEx Smart Chain

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iPod creator Tony Fadell launches crypto wallet

Blockonomics

Blockonomics Explained

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, is set to suspend British pound sterling deposits and withdrawals for all users by 22 May, 2023. Binance GBP deposits and withdrawals for new users were halted on 13 March, 2023.

## What led to the Binance GBP suspension decision?

According to a Binance spokesperson, Paysafe, [the cryptocurrency exchange’s fiat partner](/news/article/kraken-crypto-exchange-plans-bank-launch) for GBP deposit and withdrawal services via debit/credit card and bank transfers, "will no longer be able to provide these services from 22 May, 2023".

As of Monday, these services have been suspended for new users.

That means new Binance users [CANNOT deposit and withdraw](/news/article/binance-suffers-1bn-outflows) in the fiat currency. How soon Binance will tie up with a new fiat partner for GBP deposit and withdrawal services is yet to be seen.

Given that there are still a couple of months until the suspension kicks in, it is likely that the centralised exchange (CEX) will announce a new partner by then. At the time of writing, Binance is exploring alternatives and insists that fewer than 1% of its user base will be [affected by this decision](/news/article/binance-linked-to-bitzlato).

It is worth noting that all “other methods of depositing and withdrawing other fiat currencies as well as buying and selling crypto” [on the cryptocurrency exchange](/news/article/bestchange-find-the-best-crypto-rates) remain “unaffected”.

That means existing users from the UK can avail themselves of GBP and all other fiat currency options until 22 May. If the crypto exchange does not find a solution to this dilemma, UK users will have to resort to other fiat currency options post-suspension.

If a Binance UK user wishes to convert their US dollar (USD), for example, to GBP, they can use services such as XE.com.
 
![binance.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/binance_f54589d340.png)

Source: [XE.com](https://www.xe.com/)

XE.com is an international money transfer service that is simple to use. With real-time exchange rates, low fees, and quick transfers to over 170 countries in more than 100 fiat currency options, you can trust the [service to convert any fiat currency](/news/article/dai-to-gbp) you withdraw on Binance to GBP.

To utilise the service, create an account with your email address, enter the recipient’s bank details, address, and payment information, double-check the entered details, obtain the expected delivery date, and send your money transfer! Of course, solutions like XE.com are a last resort.

The popular crypto exchange should be able to sort out the GBP situation soon.


red image of binance trading app and bitcoins on a table

Binance GBP Deposits and Withdrawals Suspended

Giant banking firm HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA) is planning to buy Silicon Valley Bank's British unit. According to the [filing](https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/HSBA/hsbc-acquires-silicon-valley-bank-uk/15871682) released on 13 March, 2023, HSBC will acquire the firm for £1.

SVB UK collapsed, reeling from severe losses. The finance company had total debts of around £5.5 billion and had deposits of more than £6.7 billion until 10 March.

## UK Government facilitated the Silicon Valley Bank sale

On Monday, the Bank of England also released an [official statement](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2023/march/statement-on-silicon-valley-bank) regarding the matter. As per the statement, a number of other UK authorities were also involved. These included HM Treasury, the Prudential Regulation Authority, and the Financial Conduct Authority.
  
HSBC itself is regulated by the [FCA](/news/article/fca-crypto-regulation) and PRA, a fact which is likely help SVB UK recover from the losses. The statement issued by the Bank of England said that the step was taken to strengthen and stabilise the banking system of the United Kingdom. 

The central bank statement added that the move would ensure the continuity of banking services, minimise disruption to the country's tech sector, and support.

The Bank of England also guaranteed that all depositors' funds with the collapsed bank would be secured after its sale to HSBC.

## PM Rishi Sunak on the decline of SVB

The Bank of England released the official statement detailing plans for the sale of SVB UK just after [Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak](/news/article/rishi-sunak-crypto-believer-uk-pm) assured the nation about the "sound" financial system of the country.

In talks with the media regarding the US bank's subsidiary's downfall, the Prime Minister said, "There's nothing to worry about."

He went on to add further reassurance that the country's financial health is "resilient" and would not be affected by the decline of SVB. The PM is currently in San Diego, where he will likely meet President Joe Biden.


silicon valley bank branch with red filter and money falling

Silicon Valley Bank UK to Be Bought by HSBC 

On Wednesday, the US DOJ (Department of Justice) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reported that Guo Wengui, a Chinese billionaire living in exile, was detained in New York for supposedly planning a fraud scheme worth more than $1 billion which involved cryptocurrency.

Guo, also known as Miles Guo and Ho Wan Kwok, or "Brother Seven," has been accused of committing 12 counts of wire fraud, securities [fraud](/news/article/terraform-labs-accused-of-fraud-by-sec), bank fraud, and money laundering. The DOJ stated that he allegedly used false statements and representations to persuade hundreds of thousands of his online followers to invest in various entities, resulting in more than $262 million in victim funds being obtained through the Himalaya Exchange, a supposed [cryptocurrency](/news/article/what-is-future-of-cryptocurrency) ecosystem.

The DOJ disclosed that it had seized around $634 million from 21 bank accounts linked to the alleged fraud.

The DOJ also [stated](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ho-wan-kwok-aka-miles-guo-arrested-orchestrating-over-1-billion-dollar-fraud-conspiracy) that Guo Wengui is accused of making false statements and offering his investors inflated returns in exchange for supporting various ventures, including GTV Media Group Inc. In addition, Guo has been charged by the SEC for participating in unregistered and deceitful offerings that garnered more than $850 million.

## Bail Denied for Guo Wengui

According to the SEC, an investment scheme that employed cryptocurrency security called "H-Coin" or "Himalaya Coin" deceptively collected hundreds of millions of dollars from investors.

The project falsely stated that 20% of the coin's value was supported by gold and that the issuer would compensate investors in the event of any losses. According to Gurbir S. Grewal, the director of the SEC's enforcement division, the issuer, Guo, capitalized on the hype and appeal of cryptocurrency and other investments to victimize thousands and fund his and his family's luxurious lifestyle.

On Wednesday, the SEC made this statement, and CNN reported that Guo was denied bail at a hearing held the same day.

US Attorney Damian Williams claimed that Guo had committed the crime of profiting from embezzled money. Williams specifically mentioned that Guo had used the [stolen funds](https://twitter.com/SDNYnews/status/1636013342962712577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1636013342962712577%7Ctwgr%5E5aa49442bd1adc0405714d5fc3a9c0868d934968%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforkast.news%2Fheadlines%2Fus-accuses-exiled-chinese-tycoon-guo-wengui-of-1-billion-crypto-linked-fraud%2F) to buy a 50,000 square-foot mansion in New Jersey for himself and his close relatives, as well as a Ferrari valued at $3.5 million, two mattresses worth $36,000 each, and a lavish yacht that cost a whopping $37 million.


red backgound of money with guo wengui and a white dog

Guo Wengui Accused of $1 Billion Crypto Fraud 

The Arbitrum Foundation has [announced](https://arbitrumfoundation.medium.com/arbitrum-the-next-phase-of-decentralization-e7f8b37b5226) that its new token, ARB, will be airdropped to community members on 23 March.
This crypto project is considered one of the most significant players in Ethereum's layer 2 scaling ecosystem. With the introduction of ARB, the foundation aims to establish itself as a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO).

Arbitrum token holders will be empowered to vote in crucial decision-making processes governing Arbitrum One and Nova, which are networks that enable users to carry out transactions on the Ethereum [blockchain](/news/article/blockchain-use-cases) with reduced fees and increased speed.

The foundation also launched Arbitrum Orbit, a user-friendly and decentralised platform allowing developers to create their own layer 3 (L3) blockchains without permission. This platform is equipped with Arbitrum Stylus, which supports multiple programming languages, including C, C++, Rust, and Solidity, for building L3 chains.

## $ARB token distribution

There will be 10 billion $ARB tokens in circulation. Of these, 56% will be under the control of the community. Within this, 11.5% will be distributed to the community and 1.1% to DAOs that operate within the ecosystem. DAO will manage the distribution of the remaining community tokens through a treasury.

The remaining 44% of tokens will be owned by Offchain Labs, the company responsible for developing the network. The tokens allocated to investors and team members will be locked up for four years, with the first unlocking scheduled for after one year and periodic unlocking occurring throughout the following three years.

## Arbitrum token eligibility

Arbitrum Foundation and Offchain Labs collaborated with Nansen to create a set of eligibility criteria for an ARB token airdrop in the past few months. They established a point system based on different network usage metrics, which included users of both Arbitrum One and Nova.

Early users of Arbitrum One (before Nitro) received more points. Users with three or more points are qualified for the airdrop, but points were deducted from users who participated in Sybil-linked usage patterns. The [point system and eligibility criteria](https://docs.arbitrum.foundation/airdrop-eligibility-distribution) can be found.

For those wanting to be part of the network's governance without actively voting on-chain, delegation is a passive participation option.

The foundation introduced a second mechanism called DAO airdrops to extend token distribution to new and infrequent users.

Only projects built on this platform with DAO treasuries are eligible for this airdrop. The Protocol Guild, which represents [Ethereum's](/news/article/ethereum-prediction) core developers and contributors, was among the exceptions to the DAO airdrop.


Arbitrum Token: What to Expect 

No stranger to controversy, Madonna, who's been turning heads for more than 40 years on matters of entertainment, business, and sexuality, is at it again. In partnership with the artist Mike Winkelmann of the Beeple NFT fame, she's lately released a series of NFTs.

## Madonna embraces blockchain

Pop superstar Madonna's entry into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) last March 2022 caught many fans by surprise. She forked out 180 ETH, worth a whopping $560,000 at that time, for a tattooed NFT ape from the Bored Ape Yacht Club ([BAYC](/news/article/bayc-derivatives-explored)) digital art collection. 

Later, in May 2022, the musician released the first Madonna NFT series titled the “[Mother of Creation](https://motherofcreation.xyz/)". The series comprises three digitally rendered videos showcasing a nude woman giving birth to fauna, flora, and technology.

The digital artwork resulted from a year-long partnership between her and Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple. Winkelmann made the headlines in 2021 with his Everydays: the First 5000 Days, which fetched $69.9 million at Christie's and set the NFT space on fire. 

## What is the Madonna NFT collection?

The "Mother of Creation" is an exclusive collection containing only three single-edition NFTs. The digital artist and pop/sex symbol is using the videos, showcasing three different motherhood-inspired aspects of life to celebrate motherhood. The Madonna NFT videos give audiences a full-frontal view of the pop star's avatar lying in a hospital bed, forest floor, and rusted vehicle, giving birth. Each of the NFTs is paired with her poetry or that by Rumi, a mystic poet. 

The NFTs are named:

1.	Mother of Nature: The first Madonna NFT, depicting her lying on a laboratory bed delivering a tree that blooms as soon as it comes out of her body, focuses on plant life.  

2.	Mother of Evolution: The second NFT depicts her naked in a run-down city while sitting in some modified vehicle. In the video, her legs are open, and butterflies emerge from her body – the NFT focuses on animal life.

3.	Mother of Technology: The third NFT showing Madonna stark naked and lying in the middle of a forest shows a series of bionic centipedes moving up and down after protruding from her vagina, focusing on technological advancement.

## A provocative NFT collection with a cause
 
To the casual observer, the Madonna [NFT collection](/news/article/are-nfts-dead-investigation) is peculiar but mostly seen as provocative. However, for those in the know, both the theme and execution of the videos are consistent with the character and style of Madonna and Beeple. The amorousness depicted has characterized Madonna’s decades-long musical and artistic career, while the weird renderings speak loudly of Beeple’s typical artwork.

Asked about the provoking nature of her NFT project, Madonna told [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/09/arts/design/madonna-beeple-nft-videos.html) that the theme was deliberate and wasn't simply "provocative just for the sake of provocation". According to the pop diva, the centipedes and butterflies she gives birth to in the videos symbolize hope and technology.    
  
## Conclusion 

Despite the backlash and initial criticism from the community following the launch of the Madonna NFT collection, the Mother of Creation NFT series fetched more than $600,000. While it may be a far cry from Beeple's $69.9 million, Madonna intimated that proceeds from her NFTs would benefit three non-profit organizations working for women and children. They are the Ukraine-based Voices of Children Foundation, the Congo-based City of Joy Foundation, and Black Mama's Bail Out.

Beyond being a source of entertainment, Madonna’s NFTs indicate that celebrities and charities can, through the [sale and auctioning of NFTs](/news/article/are-nfts-dead-investigation), secure funds for organizations and movements supporting significant causes.


madonna nft created by beeple with image of madonna singing in foreground

Madonna NFT Collection Courts Controversy 

Before we look at the 2025 price prediction for the Ankr crypto token, let's take a look at its history.

Coming onto the crypto scene in 2017, Ankr is a platform made at the University of California Berkley by co-founders Chandler Song and Ryan Fang. Ankr is one of the few blockchain projects seeking to create its own decentralized platform for the next and newer generation of businesses. Ankr's price has always been interesting, considering the mission of the platform and the service it is set to provide.

When Ankr first came into play on 13 March, 2020, it was valued at £0.00059 and has since increased by a whopping 6,000% over just two years. As far as the ANKR price prediction 2025, with the advancement in crypto technology, it is bound to go up.

This is because the technology Ankr wants to provide will make it easier for businesses and all users looking to trade their crypto, use cloud computing, etc. Initially, it was developed as a sophisticated network for distributed cloud computing with the aim of utilizing untapped resources on the internet to provide more effective cloud services. However, over time it has grown to provide a wide range of blockchain services.

## How does Ankr work?

Ankr was created with the idea of building a new type of internet that uses distributed ledger technology. This new internet aims to be more secure and private for its users by using decentralized applications, protocols, and systems. The ambition is to eliminate the need for middlemen and central authorities so that users and network participants can have full control over their data and applications.

After the Ankr mainnet was launched in 2019, the project team developed a staking protocol called Stkr. This protocol enables users to stake their [Ethereum (ETH)](/news/article/ethereum-price-in-uk) and receive aETH in exchange, representing their potential earnings on the staked balance. This is a way to reward network participants who use the Stkr protocol for staking. Additionally, users can set up development nodes, develop decentralized applications (DApps) on the network, or create staking nodes to take advantage of the benefits of being a staker on the [Ankr Web3 platform](https://www.ankr.com/).

Currently, Ankr uses cloud computing power [backed by the DLT](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/distributed-ledger-technology-dlt.asp) to collect relevant data and resources that are then given to stakers and developers through data centres at affordable prices. Developers and stakers can use this to easily make and deploy DApps and stake their balances.

Ankr is a platform that offers distributed networks of blockchain nodes that aid in cross-chain development access. It has played a key role in developing Web 3.0, providing users with reliable and precise communication and integration capabilities. Ankr's one-click node deployment, API services, and access to 40 of the largest blockchains are its biggest contributing factors in the crypto community at the moment. This is another reason why Ankr crypto price prediction says that, in the long run, it is set to sore to new heights.

Additionally, the Ankr network employs the Proof-of-Useful-Work Consensus (PoUW) protocol, which can achieve high-security standards while consuming low energy. The PoUW approach provides a promising opportunity for harnessing idle computing power globally, incentivizing each participant with calculation rewards and additional rewards for creating blocks. With a resource-efficient blockchain that utilizes distributed cloud computing, the Ankr platform presents a convenient infrastructure for businesses. It has the potential to resolve many of the issues currently faced by Bitcoin's network.

## How is Ankr different?

Like many of its competitors, Ankr's goal is also to decentralize the internet and contribute to advancing Web3 technology. However, it is notably more prominent in the field than any of its alternatives currently. Ankr is a one-of-a-kind project that promotes the growth of a decentralized, more secure, and private internet. One of the distinctive features of Ankr is its utilization of Intel SGX, a critical technology that enables the hardware-based execution of DApps. This approach results in cost-effective solutions for both developers and businesses.

Ankr also provides diverse practical options for developers, stakers, and other network participants, making it an appealing choice for many.

## Ankr crypto price prediction: Is it valuable?

Since Ankr is part of a market that is considered volatile, its value is bound to fluctuate. However, even after being part of this market, Ankr has shown tremendous growth since its launch and even received a [huge investment from Binance](/news/article/ankr-investment-from-binance), one of the world's most popular cryptocurrency trading platforms.

The price of ANKR tokens is determined by various factors, such as the limited supply of 10 billion tokens, which prevents inflation. Market conditions and trends, like the significant rise in cryptocurrency value in Q1 2021, can also impact ANKR's price. The release of new developments, updates, and upgrades, like the Stkr staking protocol and ANKR mainnet, can also affect ANKR's market price as these features are predicted to increase Ankr's value. The ultimate value of ANKR is mostly based on its technology, technical capabilities, and use cases, which at this point, are still in the early stages. However, Ankr continues to enjoy the support of multiple businesses and organizations and remains one of the best platforms to conduct business and trade securely.

## Market analysis for Ankr
 
Currently, Ankr is valued at £0.02227. The average price level of ANKR is relatively low, which makes it a viable option for novice investors. Starting from an all-time low of approximately £0.00051, ANKR rose to an all-time high of £0.16, with a significant market cap of £211,523,208.

In August 2021, ANKR's value increased, but a major sell-off on 7 September, 2021, caused the ANKR price to drop from £0.09 to a minimum of £0.06, reversing the bullish cycle and breaking supports. Short-term analysis indicates that ANKR has tested a support level of £0.01 and is attempting to regain momentum.

In February, Ankr saw a significant rise in prices peaking at £0.42 on 22 February, 2023, and has been at a consistent graph since then.

## Ankr crypto price prediction 2025

To get to the Ankr crypto price prediction 2025, let's go over a detailed look at 2023 and 2024 first.

## Ankr crypto price prediction 2023

In 2023, Ankr is expected to make a fresh move, with the token forecasted to reach £0.039. A long-term logarithmic chart shows that by 2024, Ankr will have wide acceptance and that investing and trading in Ankr will be easier with the wide circulation of ANKR tokens in the market. So, according to Ankr's predictions, the highest price may reach £0.046 in the year 2023. So far, Ankr has already seemed to stay true to its prediction by reaching the estimated price in early 2023. The chart is currently on an upwards trend, so there is a good possibility that Ankr will increase its predicted values.

## Ankr crypto price prediction 2024

If the price of Ankr goes above the £0.0348 level, it could be a significant breakthrough, potentially leading to an increase in Ankr's value, according to Ankr enthusiasts and price predictions based on a logarithmic chart. The chart suggests that the highest price of Ankr could reach £0.0496 by 2024. Again, the token seems to have left the chart behind since it has already almost reached its predicted price for 2024 in 2023.

## Ankr crypto price prediction 2025

As per the technical analysis conducted by cryptocurrency experts, Ankr is anticipated to have a trading range of £0.068 to £0.080 in 2025, with a projected average trading price of £0.074. These estimates suggest that Ankr's value will continue to rise steadily over coming years. This information comes from the Changelly team. You can find more details on Ankr's projected prices in 2025 by visiting their website.

## Conclusion

Ankr is a promising cryptocurrency with a unique approach to blockchain technology that sets it apart from other projects. While the cryptocurrency market can be volatile and unpredictable, many experts believe Ankr has a bright future. Based on technical analysis and market trends, the Ankr crypto price prediction 2025 suggests a positive outlook with a minimum price of £0.0693 and a maximum price of £0.0809. Investors should do their own research and consider various factors before making any investment decisions. That said, Ankr is definitely a cryptocurrency worth watching in the coming years.

So far, Ankr has either exceeded or stayed on track with its predictions. Currently, the graph remains consistent and is projected to double in value by 2025. However, considering how volatile the crypto market is, these predictions are always subject to change.


green image of ankr logo on pile of altcoins

Ankr Crypto Price Prediction for 2025 

Traditional financial service companies and startups have noticed that cryptocurrency is becoming a valuable investment asset and getting bigger. To attract new users with crypto, they've introduced a new type of cryptocard with great flexibility and security features. Here's what you need to know.

## What is a prepaid cryptocard?

Also known as a crypto debit card, a [prepaid cryptocard](https://www.mastercard.com/global/en/business/issuers/crypto/card-program.html) is a card that takes funds from a user’s crypto account. The card is topped up using crypto from an individual’s or cryptocurrency exchange accounts. Crypto debit cards allow users to spend their crypto funds instantly without moving money around. 

Before their introduction, crypto holders intending to spend their assets had first to convert them from crypto exchanges and have them wired to their accounts, a process that would take hours or several days.

A prepaid cryptocard can be used for in-person and online purchases and cash withdrawals from ATMs, including from ATMs and vendors that don't traditionally accept cryptocurrencies. Cardholders no longer need to exchange their digital assets for any local currency. Once preload their crypto debit card with a given amount of cryptocurrency, it automatically and instantly converts during a transaction. 

## Crypto credit vs. debit cards

Unlike a crypto debit card tied to your account and drawing directly from your crypto holdings, a crypto credit card functions like a short-term loan. [The card](/news/article/nexo-card-or-binance-card) provider allows you to use their funds, to a specific limit, based on your credit history. Typically, the card provider is responsible for servicing your account, accepting your payments, billing you for purchases, and all other administrative tasks. Your responsibility is to make timely payments to continue enjoying the service.

## Should you acquire a prepaid cryptocard?

As knowledge about cryptocurrencies and digital assets rises remarkably, more financial service providers are hitting the market with [cryptocurrency cards](/news/article/best-crypto-card-uk), most of which incorporate rewards they pay out in crypto. The best thing about crypto rewards is that, unlike other reward points programs such as those offered by airlines and some stores, the value of crypto rewards can appreciate. If you believe in cryptocurrencies, a crypto debit card from a trusted provider is generally a good idea.


blue image of person paying at till with cryptocard

Cryptocard Choices: Which One for You?

Alongside Play-to-Earn gaming, the faucet concept, as found on the Solana network, has witnessed a record rise in interest over the last few months. In a similar vein to P2E, faucets reward users with micro amounts of crypto in exchange for completing tasks such as viewing ads, completing captchas, or taking surveys. To find out more about P2E, check out [our article](/news/article/play-to-earn).

Faucet sites are funded through advertisement and sponsorship. Many sites have number or time limits that help manage the amount of crypto users can claim. Solana faucets generally have fixed periods in which it is possible to claim, but it is important to check with [each site for its terms and conditions](https://101blockchains.com/top-crypto-faucets/).

Faucets fall into two main categories:

•	Instant output.

•	Recurring payments.

As the name suggests, platforms that offer instant output allow users to 'cash out' their balance at any time they like. Usually more popular with players, this method often comes with various tasks that originate from the same party.

By contrast, platforms that only allow users access to their funds at specific intervals usually offer a wider variety of tasks to complete. Payments, in this case, are usually managed by algorithmic bots, which make managing the platforms easy.

If using this kind of platform isn't for you, you can even build your own Solana faucet to earn passive income. The process is relatively straightforward and within the ability of anyone with basic internet and crypto knowledge.

## Conclusion

Solana faucets, like many other cryptocurrency faucets, are a good way to get people involved with crypto and earning their first tokens. Crypto can be pretty daunting for those new to the industry, so platforms like Solana faucet are a cheap and easy way to get involved for [minimal outlay and invested time](https://www.cryptonewsz.com/gambling/casino/faucet/solana/).


A quick look into the popularity of Solana faucets

The non-fungible tokens market has kept on evolving since its inception. However, at times you may feel that most projects do not have an ecosystem that enhances the utility of the NFTs. One popular project, Azuki NFT, has introduced a diverse ecosystem that offers many benefits to you.

The project takes on a relatively uncommon theme of NFTs: anime. Recently, it started gaining traction in the digital art space and is among the top five projects. 

This article will help you learn why the platform makes waves and its unique features.

## What is the Azuki collection?

[The Azuki NFT project](https://www.azuki.com/gallery) is a collection of around 10,000 digital art pieces. It follows the anime aesthetics and creates its own world. These art pieces are hand-drawn and tokenised on the blockchain, working as an avatar for you. It changed the market as it did not follow the trend of pixelated or animal characters.

It has shaped a Web3 environment for artists and collectors to promote decentralisation for NFTs. The Azuki NFT collection is one of the subprojects of an ecosystem built by [Chiru Labs](https://www.chirulabs.com/). Other projects in its ecosystem include Beans, Masks, skateboards, and gates. 

Each Azuki character exhibits different features. The platform describes each one in terms of 12 traits, including background, type, headgear, clothing, offhand, and other facial features. In addition, each one has such characteristics that it becomes a part of the Azuki lore.

## The origins of the Azuki NFT project

Chiru Labs is based in Los Angeles. The firm’s founding team is anonymous and hails from the crypto, game development, and technological background. The pseudo-anonymous, Zagabond, who is also a crypto expert, leads the team.

![azuki.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/azuki_85df44ab72.png)

[Source](https://www.azuki.com/garden#section1)

The project aims to form a decentralised [Metaverse](/news/article/how-to-invest-in-metaverse) ecosystem comprising various DAO projects. For this reason, the firm introduced Azuki NFTs, which is a foundational collection for its Metaverse. 

The manifesto for the Azuki NFT project includes three fundamentals. The first is the community-first approach which eliminates centralisation. Secondly, it aims to bring creativity and novelty to the [NFT market](/news/article/nft-art-marketplaces). This is the reason it quickly became a trendsetter in the industry and inspired many projects to opt for the anime genre. Lastly, it preaches trusting the process.

What makes Azuki unique is that it has become a brand in the industry. The brand-forward approach has helped it achieve instant success and growth in the market. Plus, the project is still planning to offer its merchandise, [P2E games](/news/article/play-to-earn), and other related projects to provide more value to its community.

## The world of Azukis

![azuki2.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/azuki2_ceac146490.png)
 
[Source](https://www.azuki.com/world/hilumia)

The Azuki NFT collection is part of a decentralised Metaverse ecosystem. Therefore, it is not wise to look at the project in isolation. 

It introduces you to the world of Azukis, based on its own storyline. In addition, its ecosystem is built around "The Garden", part of the virtual world the project is building.

Buying an Azuki NFT will give you access to its Garden, but you must find a secret portal in "the Alley" to enter the Garden. You can only find the portal if you take the rarest red bean.

Another island in the Azukis’ world is “Hilumia". You will find numerous exciting destinations like MODA, Ember Square, 56 Fitness, Hilu Hall, Liues Arcade, and others here. In all of these destinations, you can socialise with other Azukis. 
All-in-all, the world of Azukis connects the real world with the virtual one, offering you various benefits.

## Azuki NFT price

At the time of this writing, the floor price of Azuki NFT is 14.79 ETH. Its trading volume in the past 24 hours was 3,601.8 ETH, and 235 NFTs were sold. In addition, the total floor cap of the project is 147,900 ETH.

In the short history of Azukis, the most expensive collectable has been a gold-plated skateboard. It sold at auction for 309 [ETH](/coins/eth). 

The data from [NFTPriceFloor.com](https://nftpricefloor.com/azuki) shows that the current ranking of the project is #5. Moreover, the project has surpassed big players like [Bored Ape Yacht Club](/news/article/bored-ape-nft) and [CryptoPunks](/news/article/jay-z-cryptopunks-nft). It speaks for the popularity of the project, which was introduced in January last year.

![azuki3.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/azuki3_f9c953e961.png)
 
[Source](https://nftpricefloor.com/)

It is available on almost all popular marketplaces and continually attracts art collectors. Also, it is ranked among the top 5 collectable projects on [OpenSea](https://opensea.io/). 

## What benefits do the Azuki NFTs offer?

Owning an Azuki anime NFT offers many benefits. These include:

1.	It gives you an avatar that you can use on multiple platforms.

2.	It makes you a member of its decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO), which gives you access to many exclusive events. 

3.	It allows you to interact with a like-minded community that believes in decentralised Metaverse.

4.	You can also be part of multiple subprojects from the Chiru Labs.

5.	In the future, the platform will also introduce its Web3 games that you can play with your Azukis.

6.	It is one of the most valuable projects in the NFT space, which can give you financial benefits.

## Bottom line

The Azuki NFT collection is ranked among the top 5 projects in the industry. It was launched last year and has gained instant popularity. There are several reasons behind that. 

One is its branding which is targeted toward anime fans. Another reason is the ecosystem of NFT projects by Chiru Labs. It allows you to get accessories like skateboards for your Azukis.

This project has captivating lore, and each collectable can become its part. Meanwhile, plans are in the pipeline for transforming the ecosystem into a decentralised Metaverse. 

So, it's a worthwhile exploring project if you are a collector or an otaku!


Azuki NFT: Anime-Inspired Digital Art 

Cardano Midnight is a privacy-focused blockchain set to revolutionize privacy and regulation in the blockchain landscape. The blockchain, a sidechain of Cardano, is yet to be launched.

According to its official website, it will be a [smart contract](/news/article/smart-contracts-blockchain) blockchain that allows users to only share information they want. It will enable users to share highly sensitive information without the fear of data leaks or censorship.

It will also allow developers to create DApps using many commonly used programming languages, making developing and deploying smart contracts easier.

The sidechain aims to protect the fundamental freedom of association by collaborating through open rules agreed upon by its community. It also seeks to protect the freedom of commerce by allowing users to exchange value securely and privately but in a regulatory-friendly way. Thirdly, it aims to protect freedom of expression by allowing users to express ideas and opinions without the fear of censorship.

## Zero-knowledge-proof technology (ZKP)

[Cardano Midnight](https://midnight.iohk.io/) is based on zero-knowledge-proof technology. The technology, which first appeared in computer science and cryptography, works by verifying information with minimal knowledge shared between parties.

The technology is popular because it tries to eliminate issues plaguing other authenticating ways, like hacking and loss of control of user data. Other privacy-focused blockchains using the technology include Monero (XMR) and ZCash (ZEC).

## DUST tokens

DUST token will be the native token of Midnight. Its use cases haven't yet been revealed. However, most project followers believe it will be used to pay gas fees. The token will co-exist with ADA, the native token of Cardano.

Once it launches, stakers on Cardano will earn DUST tokens automatically together with ADA rewards, according to its developers.

## Allegations

After the sidechain's announcement, Monero was quick to point out that it had a "backdoor". The privacy network claimed that the opportunity for authorities to audit, which was mentioned in the announcement of Midnight, is a “backdoor” for regulators.

IOG countered the allegations stating that regulators' interference would only be possible if authorized. Monero later called off its allegations and deleted the tweets that drew suspicion to the project.

The sidechain was [announced](https://twitter.com/IOHK_Charles/status/1593624972001349632) on 18 November, 2022. However, informants reveal that developers have been working on it, in secret, for four years. Charles Hoskinson, the CEO of IOG, admitted that he had to bite his tongue on many occasions not to reveal the project.

## Conclusion

Cardano Midnight and its native token, DUST, are part of the [Voltaire era](https://roadmap.cardano.org/en/voltaire/). If successful, the project is set to revolutionize privacy and regulation in the crypto space and give blockchains like Monero and ZCash a run for their money.

As of writing, not much about the project is known. However, according to Hoskinson, 2023 is set to be a fun and exciting year for the project. Updates are on the way.


blue image of cardano coin and click face showing midnight

Cardano Midnight: A New Privacy Blockchain 

It's one of the most widely known altcoins in the crypto market today, and, as many people know, it was one of the best price performers in the previous bull run. But just what is Chainlink, and is there potential for returns this time round?

The brainchild of Russian developer Sergey Nazarov, Chainlink describes itself as an 'industry standard Web3 services platform connecting the people, businesses, and data of today with the Web3 world of tomorrow'. In simple terms, this means Chainlink acts as a connector between real-world data, on-chain protocol, and other abstract blockchains.

The development of the Web3 space is a sight to behold. It is surely the infrastructure of the future. The technology, however, will be of no use if each blockchain exists in a walled garden. The technology underpinning Chainlink allows blockchains to talk to each other and manage data streams from the real world.

There's more about Chainlink and how it works in [our report](/news/article/chainlink-news).

## Real-world use

Chainlink's close association with DeFi is well documented. It has led many to speculate that this was the cause for the token's strong performance through the last bull run.

Core to protocol design is Chainlink's ability to allow users to become node operators and earn revenue by providing critical data infrastructure. These node operators help power a broad range of decentralised price feed oracles, which are critical in securing billions in value for the leading DeFi applications such as Aave, Compound, and Synthetix.

Facilitating DeFi data price feeds is just the beginning. The current Chainlink ecosystem has more than 1 billion data access points, securing in excess of $75 billion in value with over 1,000 integrations across 700 oracle networks. As you can see, Chainlink means serious crypto business.

Reaching far beyond the crypto world, the success of projects such as Chainlink is integral to the widespread adoption of blockchain-based solutions in the real world. Business relationships with mainstream brands such as AccuWeather, FedEx, and Associated Press show just how serious modern business is taking the advent of distributed technology networks.

Ex-Google Chairman Eric Schmidt has joined the project as a Technical Advisor and believes the project is perfectly poised to help speed worldwide crypto adoption stating, "Chainlink is a secret ingredient to unlocking the potential of smart contract platforms and revolutionizing business and society.”

## Chainlink price action

Managing the vast amount of data needed to populate blockchains and smart contracts are becoming an industry within itself. It is easy to see why Chainlink proved so popular through 2020 and 2021. With next to no competition, Chainlink price grew by 2,500% in little more than 18 months, from January 2020 to May 2021.

The native token of the Chainlink network is $LINK, which has a maximum supply of 1,000,000,000. However, the circulating supply is only 491,599,970, with a current price of $7.34, giving it a market cap of $3.7 billion.

Starting the year at $5.57, the Chainlink price grew steadily in the following weeks. This slow and steady increase has caught the eyes of many crypto investors looking for a predictable return on their investment.

Opinions vary, but it is commonly believed that the Chainlink price will be one of the strongest performers in the next bull run. Technical analyses are indicating bullish signs going forward, with predictions of $100 per coin by the end of the decade not uncommon.

It doesn't pay to get ahead of ourselves. So, let's look at some predictions for the rest of 2023. Popular crypto resource site [CryptonewsZ.com](https://www.cryptonewsz.com/forecast/chainlink-price-prediction/) suggests that the Chainlink price will hit $20 by the end of the year. Whatever happens, it is safe to say that $LINK is a good crypto buy if you want to position yourself for the next bull run.

Of course, there are other ways to profit from cryptocurrency besides trading and investing. One of these is staking. [Staking](https://blog.chain.link/how-to-stake-chainlink-link/) allows holders to participate in a Proof of Stake network by loaning their tokens to the network to run a validator node.

For this, stakers are rewarded with a share of the network fees. 

Staking is a low-risk way to earn passive income on your investment. With some networks offering rewards of more than 10%, it is easy to see why it is so popular.

For a deep dive into what staking is and how it works, [read our article](/news/article/what-is-staking-crypto).

## Conclusion

As you can see, $LINK is one of the more popular cryptocurrencies available on the market today, with high levels of anticipation about what Chainlink price can achieve in the next bull run. As can be imagined with any top 50 cryptocurrency, getting hold of the $LINK token is relatively easy. Binance and Coinbase prove to be the most popular source. While the long-term future may look bright for Chainlink, there is still some concern regarding the immediate outlook. Users of the popular crypto analytics website coinmarketcap.com see a price reduction by the end of April 2023.

What the future holds for Chainlink price, we just don't know. 

However, until comprehensive regulation and policy are implemented, the industry will continue to be victim to fraud and scams. So, the same advice must be heeded for this project as much as any other – always do your own research and conduct due diligence before investing in any form of cryptocurrency.


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Latest articles | Page 19

Cardano Midnight: A New Privacy Blockchain

Azuki NFT: Anime-Inspired Digital Art

Arbitrum Token: What to Expect