The [Ledger Stax](https://shop.ledger.com/products/ledger-stax) boasts the biggest touchscreen on the market, a Bluetooth connection, and an iPod-like design. It also asks for the most money on the market too, going for $279 against products like the Ledger Nano, which can go for a nifty $79. So why is it so expensive, and why are we discussing it in a[ Web3](/news/article/what-is-web-3.0-crypto) space? Let’s get into it! 

## Background 

Historically, storing and moving crypto assets has always been the primary goal behind using e-wallet services. The convenience of having all your crypto assets stored safely under a wallet address led to many names in the market coming up with newer, faster, and more user-friendly e-wallets. 

To differentiate themselves and to try and negotiate a sustainable market position, these e-wallets often focused on differentiated specialities. Some wallets specialize in transaction speed, some in security protocols, whereas some claim proficiency in a specific blockchain. 

## Hardware wallets 

As more niches started to develop in the market, it was no surprise to the community when [TREZOR](https://www.finder.com.au/trezor-bitcoin-wallet-review) came up with the first hardware wallet in 2014. The utility of hardware wallets was questioned because traders/asset holders at the time thought that the problem of e-wallet security had been catered to. Well, traders kept losing money and valuable assets as a result. 

In fact, it was not till Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies/assets had reached the $1,000 price that security and the utility of hardware wallets became a serious consideration in the crypto space. 

This sentiment was later reinforced when people started to trade NFTs worth a fortune. Slowly, it became necessary for high-profile traders to keep a [hardware wallet](/news/article/what-is-web-3.0-crypto) or wallets. 

Hardware wallets have been found to be more secure than their software counterparts because of their ability to store and hold transaction details/keys offline, just like a USB device. 

## Enter: Ledger Stax 

Things have gone through major upgrades in the last eight years. As threats to security and safe transactions have increased, so has the sophistication of hardware wallets. 

But the Ledger Stax only asks this price because of the convenience and gimmicks it offers better than the competition, and who would know better design work for gimmicks if not [Tony Fadell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Fadell), the man behind the iPod's design, and the Ledger Stax design? 

Having said that, this association with the iPod is not the only reason why the Ledger Stax asks you to pay a premium price. 

Other than its design, the Ledger Stax offers Bluetooth connectivity. This allows traders to connect the device to their cell phones and upload NFTs or other assets via Bluetooth transfers from the Ledger’s native Ledger Live application on their phones. 

Additionally, the Ledger Stax boasts the best battery life on the market. It may take you weeks or even a month to run the battery out, depending on the nature of your usage. And in case you are able to run the battery out, the Ledger Stax offers seamless Qi wireless charging as well. However, that is probably a feature most traders would trade off if it meant that the Ledger Stax could be made more affordable. 

Although gimmicky, the Ledger Stax can use your favourite NFT as a lock screen. Depending on who you are and what you own, that could be an offering that catches your eye.  


## But… 

Despite all these pluses, the Ledger Stax does indeed come off as little more than a status maximization tool that traders can show off. 

It is obvious that the utility that this device provides can suit the use cases of high-volume traders, but you can easily conclude that this product is not for everyone. In fact, it is possible to get two good-quality wallets for the price of this one, and I do not think that is going to make it easy for this wallet to sell. 

Another huge downside to the Ledger Stax wallet is that the e-ink touchscreen is not a coloured screen. So, if your favourite NFT depends on colour orientation, as most NFTs do, you are out of luck. You can still put it on as your lock screen, but you would not be doing justice to your valued crypto asset. 

There is one more concern. When it comes to products requiring high-security protocols, enabling a Bluetooth connection kind of defeats the purpose. The philosophy of hardware wallets is supposed to ensure that these wallets are a lot safer than the standard e-wallets. We are sure that the Ledger Stax developers have kept that in mind, but a Bluetooth connection to pair the wallet with your smartphone to enable a native application sounds like too many entry points for something malicious to enter your wallet. 

However, in the context of Ledger itself, it does serve the brand well to have multiple products of varying quality serving the same market. If Ledger’s work sounds interesting to you, you might want to read about [its crypto debit card](/news/article/ledger-crypto-wallet). 


Ledger Stax: The Web3 iPod?

It is threatening to have one of the biggest assets in the world be left unregulated. Having said that, it is true that any amount of regulation would label cryptocurrencies under the "centralized" territory, and it can be extremely difficult for the entire space to agree on how much centralization is acceptable to maintain crypto's decentralized nature. Amid this conundrum, the [European Commission proposed ](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230414IPR80133/crypto-assets-green-light-to-new-rules-for-tracing-transfers-in-the-eu)the European MiCA (Markets in crypto assets) in 2020. In April 2023, the European Parliament adopted European MiCA regulation. Let’s go into further detail. 

## What is MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets)? 

To understand MiCA, we must first distinguish between some of the asset classes within the crypto spectrum. MiCA defines a crypto asset as a digital portrayal of value or "rights" that can be traded using [DLT ](https://allesovercrypto.nl/blog/distributed-ledger-technology-dlt)(Distributive Ledger Technology). MiCA regulation also differentiates between conventional cryptocurrency and derived "tokens". 

MiCA crypto, as the name suggests, is a name given to categorize the markets within the [crypto space](/news/article/marscoin-project-2023). This distinction is necessary as it helps regulatory bodies understand what sort of regulations suit what kind of asset classes. The European MiCA regulation is an attempt to jumpstart the initiative of regulating a high-demand asset class to bring more of it under the umbrella of control and scrutiny. 

Although the MiCA crypto regulation is only a step towards regulating a massively valued industry, the European Commission thinks it will serve as a stepping stone towards greater and better-directed regulation in the future. The European Commission believes so because the European MiCA Regulation is the first regulatory body of its kind. 

Even though the European Union has always believed in the utility of crypto assets, it was sceptical of the legal frameworks in and around the technology. The rampant security failures that kept popping up within crypto only reinforced the EU's stance on crypto. To understand the potential impact of the MiCA regulation, read up [on our site](/news/article/euroc). 

The European MiCA Regulation provides the bedrock upon which a crypto ecosystem can be built, with sustainability and scrutiny in mind. This regulation could effectively allow the industry to grow at the rate at which enthusiasts have always wished while at the same time ensuring that there are safeguards in place. Countries like Japan [are following suit](/news/article/japanese-crypto-regulation-call-made) in the regulatory space. 

## How does MiCA crypto regulation work? 

The MiCA regulation extends to three major crypto asset classes: 1) Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs), 2) Electronic Money Tokens (EMTs), and 3) Crypto Assets that are neither ARTs nor EMTs. 

ARTs are crypto assets backed by [legal tender](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/legal_tender#:~:text=Legal%20Tender%20refers%20to%20all,or%20services%20that%20were%20rendered.) or a combination of real assets. These can be fiat currencies, the gold standard, or commodities. This domain pretty much includes almost all assets that are not EMTs. As a result, these crypto assets are relatively more secure and stable, and one could argue that they are susceptible to a degree of centralization. 

Conversely, EMTs may also be backed by legal tender, but at most, for one fiat currency only. This is the biggest difference between ARTs and EMTs. ARTs diversify risk by depending on a basket of commodities/assets, whereas EMTs rely on single asset classes, behaving more like electronic tokens. 

Lastly, the MiCA regulation also extends to utility crypto tokens. These include all derived tokens for Metaverses, blockchains, etc., with their own local exchange tokens. These differ from the electronic security tokens, as is also reflected by the fact that they do not come under the securities' framework in most countries. 

It is essential to note that the MiCA regulation does not provide for NFTs or other DeFi elements. This is mainly because these DeFi assets, by nature, are decentralized and go through their own regulatory protocols. Passing these assets through a centralized regulatory framework would pretty much take away their main point of differentiation. 

## Authority 

The European MiCA crypto regulation distinguishes between crypto asset Issuers and [crypto Asset Service Providers](https://www.esma.europa.eu/qa-topics/crypto-asset-service-provider-casp#:~:text=Crypto-Asset%20Service%20Provider%20(CASP,European%20Securities%20and%20Markets%20Authority&text=Is%20a%20DLT%20MI%20operator,without%20an%20additional%20MiCA%20licence%3F) (CASPs). The MiCA crypto regulation would have considerable authority and oversight over these two major stakeholders within the forces in crypto-asset markets. Issuers must provide authentic, transparent, and continuous details of the products they are dealing in. Service Providers need to certify their merit, undergo registration processes, and even implement anti-money laundering protocols. Only after these providers have ascertained the MiCA regulation of their merit would they be allowed to operate under the European MiCA framework. The MiCA framework would also have complete control over demanding a transparent paper/money trail whenever they see fit. 

The MiCA crypto regulation would also oversee the environmental footprint of issuers and service providers under its umbrella. This will help crypto regain the goodwill lost due to unsustainably high-power consumption mining routines. 

## Cross-border cooperation 

Since the European MiCA regulation is the first of its kind, it has to fulfil a cross-border responsibility of trust and cooperation with other countries looking to build similar frameworks around crypto. This first-mover aspect will offer the MiCA regulation a solid reputation and could help establish it as the focal point of global crypto regulation. 

## Conclusion 

Although MiCA crypto regulation seems to be building toward a product offering that the larger market has been demanding for some time now, it would be interesting to see how crypto enthusiasts worldwide respond to this kind of regulatory oversight. Would they welcome this whiff of centralization in their decentralized product, or will they lash out and reject the muddying of their founding principles? 


MiCA: Responding to the crypto market’s call 

Chances are, if you are well connected with crypto news and updates, you have been seeing a lot of Quantum AI on your timeline. 

According to Elon Musk, Quantum AI is the next big leap. So much so that he has decided to sideline his work with Twitter, SpaceX, and Tesla to dedicate time to this newfound technology that he apparently has been secretly developing for the last three years! 

What is more? Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has also been testing this technology for two years and already has some gains to boast about. 

If any of this sounds real to you, then you owe us a few bucks because we just saved you from getting scammed! 

## Background 

Quantum AI is a trading platform "allegedly" developed by Elon Musk and hyper-marketed as the next big leap in crypto trading through social media advertising campaigns by affiliate marketing. 

The trading platform claims that it is faster, stronger, and more secure than anything that has been put on the market yet. Perhaps more than anything, the boast of opening traders to earnings of more than $1,320 in less than five hours of trading and "erasing poverty" through this trading model is what gives it all away. 

## What even is the Quantum AI scam? 

Quantum AI is a trading platform that has been maliciously attacked by groups trying to create multiple fake Quantum AI alternatives under the same name. 

Unfortunately for the authentic and real Quantum AI, these alternatives use high-power affiliate marketing tactics to grab and retain customer attention. This has grossly tainted the market positioning of the real Quantum AI. 

Even at this moment, you would find tens of Google results on different types of Quantum AI under the same name, many for Google’s own [Quantum AI software](https://quantumai.google/) (which is legitimate, of course). 

## Why is this happening? 

We all know how much AI has emerged into the mainstream since the advent of OpenAI and Chatgpt. Everyone wants to learn more about machine learning and AI these days. 

Couple that with one of the highest-grossing branches of physics, "quantum physics", and combined, they offer an attractive soundbite to viewers. As a result, many marketers worldwide use such soundbites to get a higher number of clicks and more market relevance. 

As viewership and clicks increase in response to these marketing tactics, scammers catch a whiff of the traffic generated through this kind of nomenclature. As a result, you get a situation such as this, where every Tom, Dick, and Harry with no real knowledge and expertise in either AI or quantum physics can muster up a half-working trading platform and call it Quantum AI. 

## How were the Quantum AI scams so successful? 

A consumerist society with a strong appetite for soundbites failing to regulate new products/markets and make responsible financial decisions is all that scams such as these need to work and succeed. 

There are a number of tools that many of these scams employ to make themselves sound as legitimate as possible. 

- The influence factor - Quantum AI frauds have made use of deep fake technology and have also tampered with pre-existing video recordings of major business tycoons such as Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and countless others to make it look as if these celebrities are endorsing and marketing these scams as actual solutions to poverty. Since many people follow these influencers blindly, they do not thoroughly certify the credibility of these campaigns and end up buying into these scams, fueling the sentiment WITH them, and preparing the industry for disaster. 

- Usage of makeshift trading tools - Using tools such as Signaling Panels, Pivot Tables, TREND analysis software, and even MACDs, many of these fake trading platforms try to work very hard on their visuals so that they can look as appealing as possible to a trader. These tools suggest to a trader that the platform they are trading through is legitimate and uses appropriate protocols. 

- Riding on the back of trends - Changing legal frameworks, such as acceptance from the European Commission, is an example of new changes in the market that scams like the Quantum AI scam excel at juicing. They can convince the end trader that the recent support rendered to the industry is a proverbial testament to the idea that things will only improve in the market. This is done to put the trader under a false sense of security. As a result, many traders do not realize the scam they are being put into because they hope for good results.  

For more on how these scams work, you may find [scam crypto robots ](https://scamcryptorobots.com/quantum-ai-review-scam/) helpful. 

## How can you spot these scams? 

There are ways to hedge against these scams. 

- First, you can ensure that every product that comes your way goes through standardized scrutiny protocols, no matter who seems to be endorsing it. 

- Keep an eye out for click-bait action. Make sure your spider senses start tingling as soon as you read over-the-top statements in a product’s objective statement. 

- Look for licensing and some central certification. Even though most creative scams can source fraudulent certificates, this habit of due diligence should hedge you against most scams. 

- Learn how to read reviews. If reviews start to sound like scripted lines out of a TV advertisement, BOUNCE! 

- Ensure you install the appropriate malware safeguards on your computer/device. Most anti-malware software can read into a web address's lack of security protocols. They proceed to block ads and even block certain kinds of attacks on your IP address. 

- Lastly, do not be lured into the scam by payout claims. Your curiosity/greed can very much cause the end of your trading days. 

## Conclusion 

Despite employing so many safeguards, it is still extremely difficult to ensure you are good to go into the devious crypto world. 

These scams are the primary reason why once-active users/traders have started to leave the crypto umbrella. 

If scams like "Quantum AI" are not sufficiently hedged against, they could eat into the market completely and devoid the world of potential innovations that are still within scope. 

Having said that, these scams have been ridding the market of unsophisticated customers/traders, which might lessen the speed and likelihood of bubble creation in the crypto space. Here is a piece that [can offer deep insight](/news/article/crypto-scams-failing) into that. 

red image of man reading code on a computer

Quantum AI: Is That a Scam I Smell?

Founded in 2017, [Polygon](https://polygon.technology/) (previously known as Matic Network) is a cryptocurrency and Web3 platform designed to facilitate Ethereum use cases. Even though Ethereum was hot back then because it was newer, faster, and stronger than Bitcoin, Polygon still became necessary. Let us understand why as we discuss how Polygon (Matic) news took over the blockchain industry. 

## What is Polygon? 

The [Polygon](/news/article/uquid-web3-integrates-with-polygon) technology essentially is a layer-two blockchain built on top of[ Ethereum](https://ethereum.org/en/)’s layer-one nature. Why was that necessary? As Ethereum became more widely used, users and enthusiasts understood that the platform had started to succumb to the "blockchain trilemma". 

The blockchain trilemma relates to the trade-off between;
1. The potential for decentralization
2. Security
3. Scalability

This is important to understand because we already know that Ethereum became a hot pick. After all, it offered better scalability, better security, and better scope of decentralization than Bitcoin. 

However, sometime between 2016 and 2017, Ethereum understood that it would soon face a challenger if it did not pick one (or max two) areas to specialize in. 

Ethereum committed to better security and better decentralization owing to its founding principles. However, at the same time, Ethereum wanted to find a way to work on scalability, but with a new philosophy, i.e., a second layer. This was when Polygon technology was founded. 

## Recent Polygon MATIC news from around the world 

In recent Polygon MATIC news, the number of whale transactions on the Polygon network increased by more than 200% in April, with several large transfers of MATIC tokens. This surge in activity is noteworthy, as it represents the largest token shift by whales on the network so far this year. 

Could this Polygon MATIC news signal a shift in the grand scheme of things? 

Experts suggest that several factors may have contributed to this increase in whale activity on the Polygon network. For one, Polygon has made significant improvements to its network, including implementing a new consensus algorithm and introducing new tools to help developers build on the network. Additionally, the MATIC token has been gaining popularity among investors, which may be driving up demand for Polygon, hence the news. 

While the implications of this surge in whale activity on the Polygon network are not yet clear, it is an interesting development to watch. 

As always, we will continue to monitor the latest Polygon MATIC news and all trends in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency and share our insights with you. 

## Ethereum's PoS move 

In recent Polygon MATIC news, an article on [BeInCrypto](https://beincrypto.com/polygon-matic-future-ethereum-transition-pos/) suggested that Polygon may be the future of Ethereum as it transitions to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm. 

As of now, Polygon has several advantages over Ethereum, including faster transaction times, lower gas fees, and improved scalability. These factors make Polygon an attractive option for developers and users looking for a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to Ethereum. 

Polygon has been making significant strides in terms of adoption and partnerships. For example, several major Decentralized Finance (DeFi) projects have recently migrated to the Polygon network, a sign of growing confidence in its capabilities. Additionally, Polygon has formed partnerships with major players in the blockchain space, such as [Chainlink](https://chain.link/) and [Aave](https://aave.com/). 

As Ethereum prepares to transition to a PoS consensus algorithm, Polygon may become an even more important player in the blockchain ecosystem. Its ability to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for decentralized applications (DApps) could make it a valuable complement to Ethereum, rather than a direct competitor. 

## Enter the Polygon 

Riding on the back of a strongly integrated community and governing philosophy of "super interoperability", Polygon entered the market for blockchains. Regarded as the "Ethereum's Internet of Blockchains", Polygon vowed to make Ethereum's hefty and clunky operations easier. 

Now that we know that Polygon technology is a scaling solution brought to the mix to make it easier for Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible projects to remain competitive, we can move on to how Polygon does what it does. 

- Polygon’s Software Development Kit (SDK) works exactly as it sounds. For a developer, it is a gold mine because it includes pre-existing guides on developing features that are key for most software being developed on the Polygon mainframe. These include modules for identity recognition, security frameworks, and consensus (for smart contracts). 

- The Polygon (PoS) Chain is the chief Polygon mainframe on the network. This chain is what makes it possible for Ethereum-compatible decentralized applications to run transactions at the speed and reliability with which they run. Moreover, it compiles PoS data for reference. It also runs a consensus algorithm responsible for the maintenance of the entire network. You can call it the Spine. 

- Polygon Plasma Chains are the layer-two support chains within the layer-two scaling chain. These are to Polygon what Polygon is to Ethereum. These chains run in tandem with the mainframe to provide extra cushioning and speed when required. They are also responsible for running transactions that are off-network. This is only made possible because Plasma chains are backed by a Plasma framework that helps them operate independently, as well as in complete cohesion with the spine. 

- Polygon's PoS Bridge is Polygon's two-directional link with the outside world. This bridge allows Polygon to communicate, interact, and operate with other blockchains, like Ethereum. A dedicated bridge is one of the major factors that allow Polygon to boast about its superior interoperability. 

It is true that Polygon is not the only layer-two scaling solution on the market. With time, many blockchains have invested in their own proprietary layer-two blockchains or other specialized ones. Despite rising competition, Polygon has always been able to innovate and reinvent to stay ahead of the curve.

## How is Polygon a scaling solution 

The Ethereum mainnet is bound to struggle with scalability issues despite the fact that it can host more than a thousand transactions per second, simply because the ecosystem is constantly evolving and inducting heavier decentralized applications. 

These scalability issues can be in the form of slow transaction processes and high gas fees (transaction fees). With Polygon, the Ethereum mainnet can take larger breaths of air. The acquisition of ZK-rollups and other optimistic rollups has also severely reduced the amount of time required per transaction. 

Other than scalability, Polygon offers superior interoperability throughout Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible systems through the tools mentioned above. Aside from this level of interoperability, Ethereum makes it really easy for smaller [DApps](https://cointelegraph.com/learn/what-are-dapps-everything-there-is-to-know-about-decentralized-applications) to enter the ecosystem through many tools, such as the development kit mentioned above. 

This has made it easy to believe that the Polygon philosophy is sustainable as it disallows any unjust barriers to entry into the ecosystem. 

Perhaps the greatest indication of Polygon's utility is provided by Polygon's community. The community constantly provides valuable feedback, reviews, and firsthand user perspective, which is vital for any blockchain trying to stay competitive. The community also gets innovative sometimes and offers groundbreaking discoveries within the system, which can help Polygon debug, or even discover a potent strategy. 

## Future Polygon MATIC news? 

In the end, the market gets to decide whether Polygon has innovated enough to stay competitive or not. 

That said, there is no denying that Polygon makes life easier for Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible projects. It is vital to note, however, that as the market makes larger leaps towards better user utility and more diverse use cases, future Polygon MATIC news might see Polygon looking to edge out Ethereum in the long run. 

Polygon, in cahoots with other major platforms on Web3, should now start addressing security concerns. This crusade will go a long way in attracting genuine interest from the segments still sceptical of Web3 because of its seemingly insecure nature. 

If these segments enter the Web3 space in the numbers they could, the blockchain market will enter a phase of genuine enrichment. 

Polygon matic token logo on green background image

Polygon (Matic) making major moves over Ethereum 

With more blockchains appearing, there is a greater need to develop "bridges" and links between these blockchains for efficient and lossless transactions. However, blockchains have been subject to centralization, causing hefty protocols. This has put limits on the potential of these blockchains. Here, we discuss how Thorchain and the Rune coin aim to tackle this persistent issue in the crypto industry. 

## What is Thorchain? 
[Thorchain ](https://thorchain.org/)was founded by anonymous pioneers at the [Binance Dexathon](https://medium.com/binanceexchange/binance-dexathon-845dc0cbfffe) of 2018. Shortly after raising almost $1.5 million at its IDO, Thorchain launched its first product, "BEPSwap," a decentralized exchange that facilitated BEP-2 tokens to swap on BNB. 

In essence, Thorchain serves as a decentralized liquidity protocol designed to pump more liquidity into the pools of the blockchain market. It can do this by guaranteeing a "trustless" and "custody-less" manner of operation. What does that mean? How does Thorchain guarantee security when there is no centralized body overseeing the transaction? 

Thorchain almost made a massive leap when it introduced the multichain chaos net (MCCN), one of the first cross-chain swapping protocols that would allow [Bitcoin](https://bitcoin.org/en/), Ethereum, Litecoin, and other crypto assets to be traded. 

However, the system went through utter chaos as it was made a target of several hack attacks, resulting in a colossal loss of $13 million. 

## How does Thorchain work? 

[Thorchain](/news/article/thorchain-explained) connects the two parties willing to engage in a trade/operation independent of a third-party facilitator. This improves security by eliminating the "middleman", on whose ethical compliance the entire trade is dependent. Thorchain claims that eliminating this intermediary makes the entire process much faster and more secure. 

[$RUNE](/news/article/thorchain-explained), or Rune coin, is the native token used throughout the Thorchain network. Rune coin is used to pay gas fees as well as to deposit value into the liquidity pool, against which traders will execute trades. This drives the value and utility of the Rune coin up. 

Along with making things easier for the users, Thorchain helps liquidity by providing great interoperability between different compatible and incompatible blockchains. It can pull this cross-chain accommodation through its multi-bridge mechanism powered by its decentralized network. 

This, in turn, obviously gives the end-user more options to choose from, as more blockchains can be easily accessed under the Thorchain mainframe. 

This is not all that Thorchain does. A smart contract drafted between two parties within the system will need to have actionable terms. This is where the AMM (Automated Market Maker) model and the CSDK (Cosmos Software Development Kit) come in. The AMM model allows smart contracts to automatically adjust to the appropriate exchange rates based on demand and supply. 

This makes it easier for there to be a more widely accepted term of trade as the terms are not being dictated by a central body, but rationalized by a fair algorithm. This also allows the induction of assets and blockchains that were previously not interoperable. This ties in well with the ultimate purpose of Thorchain – providing a liquidity protocol to the market. 

## What is Thorchain made of? 

- [BEPSwap](https://coinmarketcap.com/exchanges/bepswap/) is Thorchain's mainframe. It is the liquidity protocol that serves Thorchain itself and allows Thorchain to do what it set out to do. This very BEPSwap is the AMM mechanism within Thorchain that allows users to trade crypto in a custody-less manner. BEPSwap uses the CPMM (Constant Product Market Maker) model to calculate exchange rates and arrange liquidity pools. For reference, CPMM is the same model used by Uniswap and other major swapping protocols. 

- THORNode can be described as the dashboard on which the chain runs. It is an open-source platform that anyone can contribute to. It allows users to participate in the ecosystem as validators or Liquidity providers. 

- Rune coin is the main utility token for Thorchain, as it helps solidify the economic foundation for the entire network to operate on. 

- Cross-Chain Bridges are the pride of Thorchain's interoperability philosophy. Having said that, most chains on the market are now focusing on bridges since it is pointless to run a blockchain protocol without taking into account the diversity and compatibility issues that you may have to deal with. 

- Validators are nodes within the ecosystem. These work like modern-day auditors that are incentivized to ensure they uphold the system's honesty and security. 

Within the Thorchain ecosystem, there are several roles that the Thorchain community members are encouraged to take up. 

These are: 

- Liquidity Providers (LPs): As the name suggests, these are the token holders or shareholders of the Rune coin liquidity pools. The majority of the liquidity circulating within the blockchain's system is made possible because of their investment and their gain. 

- Swappers: These are traders actively or passively trading crypto assets ON the Thorchain network (on-chain traders). This could either be in exchange for Rune coin or other cryptocurrency tokens. 

- Traders: These are traders that do more demanding work. These traders look for undervalued or overvalued assets within the chain. Consequently, they trade for their gain with other chains, and this proves the utility of Thorchain’s AMM model. It also helps Thorchain attract off-chain trade, vital for its sustainable growth. 

## Conclusion 

With time, more blockchains seem to be specializing toward a main use case. This suggests that blockchains across the market understand that it is much more rewarding to establish themselves in one line of work than on multiple lines of work. Additionally, the costs and resources required to specialize across multiple domains are high, especially considering blockchain science is still relatively new. 

Even though Thorchain tries to adopt a decentralized and trustless mode of operation, it is important to note that other main chains, like Polygon, have established a name for themselves on security grounds. It would be difficult to steer audiences away from that use case. 

Even though Rune coin's market cap is nothing to shy away from, at about 400m, it's still far away from chains that offer similar utilities, such as [Polygon](https://polygon.technology/). 

While Rune coin's Thorchain seems to have travelled quite a bit on the crypto path, it's still not within the sights of the final destination. 

green iamge of runes with Runecoin crypto logo overlayed

How Rune coin helps Thorchain operate 

In the crypto industry, finding a platform that offers everything you need in one place can be difficult. That's where Bit2Me comes in. 

With a range of services, including buying and selling [cryptocurrencies](/news/article/2021-cryptocurrency-review), online wallets, and more, Bit2Me is an all-in-one platform for crypto enthusiasts. In this article, we'll look closer at the platform and all it offers. 

## Buying and selling cryptocurrencies 

Among the most popular services offered by [Bit2Me](https://bit2me.com/) is buying and selling cryptocurrencies. With a wide range of payment methods and user-friendly interface, it's easy to buy or sell your favourite cryptocurrencies on the platform. Supported cryptocurrencies include[ Bitcoin,](/news/article/marathon-digital-sustainable-mining) Ethereum, Litecoin, and many more. 

In addition to buying and selling cryptocurrencies, the platform offers a unique service called "Instant Exchange". With Instant Exchange, you can exchange one cryptocurrency for another in just a few clicks. This is a good feature for those who want to quickly and easily diversify their cryptocurrency holdings. 

## Online wallets 

Another great feature of Bit2Me is its online wallets. With its online wallets, you can securely store your cryptocurrencies and easily manage your holdings. The online wallets are user-friendly and offer advanced security features to keep your cryptocurrencies safe. 

The platform also offers a unique service called "[Tikebit](https://tikebit.com/)". With Tikebit, you can buy cryptocurrencies in physical stores using cash. This is a useful option for those who prefer to use cash instead of online payment methods. 

## Bit2Me Pay 

If you're a business owner looking to expand your payment options, [Bit2Me Pay](https://support.bit2me.com/en/support/solutions/folders/35000223915) is the perfect solution. With the feature, you can easily accept cryptocurrency payments online, making it easier for your customers to buy from you. The integration process is simple. 

Also, with the platform's advanced security features, you can rest assured that your transactions are secure. 

## Bit2Me Academy 

Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology can be complex and hard to understand, especially for those new to the space. That's where [Bit2Me Academy](https://academy.bit2me.com/en/) comes in. With a wide range of courses, tutorials, and articles, the Academy is the perfect resource for anyone looking to learn more about cryptocurrency. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, Bit2Me Academy has something for everyone. Best of all, the educational resources are completely free, so you can learn at your own pace without breaking the bank. 

This is a good resource, allowing users to be properly informed about the crypto industry. And, knowing that they got education from the platform, users would want to use it as their premier crypto-based application too. 

## Customer support 

In addition to educational resources, Bit2Me offers customer support in multiple languages. Whether you have a question about buying or selling cryptocurrencies or need help with your online wallet, the customer support team is there to help. 

This allows users to feel valued and that the service caters to their needs and requirements. 

## Security 

An important aspect of any cryptocurrency platform is security. Bit2Me takes security seriously and offers advanced security features to keep your cryptocurrencies safe. These security features include two-factor authentication, email and SMS notifications, and multi-signature wallets. 

The platform is also fully compliant with EU regulations, which means you can trust that your personal and financial information is being handled with the utmost care. 

## Conclusion 

Overall, Bit2Me is a comprehensive platform that offers everything you need to buy, sell, and store your cryptocurrencies. 

With user-friendly interfaces, advanced security features, and excellent customer support, Bit2Me is the perfect platform for beginners and experienced cryptocurrency users. 

Moreover, you can use the platform to get free education about [crypto-related topics](/news/article/bybit-trading-games-review). 

bit2me app on blue background image of bitcoins

Bit2Me: The all-in-one platform for your cryptocurrency needs 

Spreadex: Bet on your favourite sports with cryptocurrency 

[Spreadex](https://www.spreadex.com/) is a leading [online trading](/news/article/altcoin-trading-tips) platform that provides access to a wide range of financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. 

As one of the most comprehensive trading platforms available, Spreadex offers a suite of tools and resources to help traders stay informed and make informed investment decisions. 

Here, we explore the features and benefits of Spreadex and why it's a popular choice for traders of all levels. 

## Range of markets 

Spreadex started by providing access to various financial markets, including stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. However, in recent years, cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular and the platform has responded by offering a range of digital currencies for trading. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies available on the platform include [Bitcoin](https://www.bitcoin.com/), [Ethereum](https://ethereum.org/en/), Litecoin, and [Ripple.](https://ripple.com/)

## Cryptocurrency trading 

Spreadex allows traders to trade[ cryptocurrencies](/news/article/cryptocurrency-news-predictions) such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. The platform offers both spread betting and CFD trading options, allowing traders to choose the trading method that best suits their needs. Spread betting means traders can speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. [CFD trading](https://www.ig.com/en/cfd-trading/what-is-cfd-trading-how-does-it-work) allows traders to take a position on the price movements of cryptocurrencies with leverage. 

The platform offers competitive spreads and margin requirements for cryptocurrency trading. Additionally, traders can take advantage of risk management tools, like stop-loss orders and guaranteed stop-loss orders, to help manage their risk exposure. 

## The benefits of trading on Spreadex 

There are several benefits, including: 

- Access to a wide range of financial markets: Spreadex provides access to a vast range of financial markets, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios and reduce risk. 

- Competitive pricing: The platform offers competitive pricing and low spreads. This makes it an affordable option for traders of all levels. 

- Advanced trading tools: Spreadex offers a suite of advanced trading tools, including charting, technical analysis, and risk management tools. These tools can help traders stay informed and make informed investment decisions. 

- Mobile trading: The mobile trading app allows traders to access the platform on the go, making it easier to be aware of the latest market news and trends. 

- Demo account: The platform offers a demo account, allowing traders to practice their strategies and get a feel for the trading environment before putting down any real money of their own. 

## Wide range of sports to bet on 

One of the stand-out features of Spreadex is its wide array of sports options you can bet on. From F1 and football to cricket, you can bet on any sport you can name! 

The fact that it allows users to bet on so many sports, all with crypto, is something we don't often see in the industry. What's more, Spreadex is regulated by the [FCA](https://www.fca.org.uk/) and [Gambling Commission](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/). This not only makes it safer to use, but it also points to an excellent platform and services. 

So, if you've got crypto to hand, and you'd like to bet on your favourite team over the weekend, Spreadex might just be your best bet! 

SPreadex crypto betting logo on purple image of crypto coins

Spreadex: Bet on Popular Sports with Crypto

It has engaged millions of people, but is still to launch its own coin. That's why making a Pi Network price prediction is so challenging!

Pi Network was created in 2019 by a group of Stanford University graduates. Unlike other [cryptocurrencies](/news/article/what-is-future-of-cryptocurrency), Pi does not require any specialized hardware to mine. Instead, users can mine Pi using their mobile devices, which makes it accessible to a much larger audience.

The Pi Network is built on a unique consensus algorithm called the "Proof of Work/Proof of Stake" hybrid model. This algorithm allows users to mine Pi by verifying their identity and contributing to the network's security by verifying transactions.

Pi Network's consensus algorithm is designed to be lightweight, energy-efficient, and more accessible than the mining algorithms used by other cryptocurrencies.
Pi has a limited supply of 10 trillion coins, which will be gradually released into circulation as users mine and verify transactions on the network. Currently, the Pi Network is in its beta testing phase. Users can earn PI coins by simply downloading the Pi Network app (read to the end to know how to download the Pi app) and creating an account.

## Social mining?

One of the unique features of the Pi Network is its social mining approach. Instead of competing against each other for rewards, users are encouraged to build their networks of trusted contacts and earn additional PI coins by inviting new users to join the network. This social mining approach creates a more inclusive and collaborative community where users can work together to build the network and earn rewards.

Another important aspect of the Pi Network is its focus on user privacy and security. The Pi Network uses a combination of advanced cryptography and [blockchain technology](/news/article/blockchain-for-dummies) to protect user data and prevent fraud. 

Transactions on the network are verified using a decentralized consensus mechanism, which ensures that all transactions are valid and there is no possibility of user-ended issues.

Furthermore, even without an active coin, the Pi Network has launched a wallet and a browser for users to experiment with. This way, early adopters can get familiar with how the Pi system operates and get straight to extracting their coins when the coin drops.

Unlike other cryptocurrencies that require massive amounts of energy to mine, the Pi Network's consensus algorithm is designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. This makes PI a more eco-friendly alternative to other cryptocurrencies like [Bitcoin](https://bitcoin.org/en/), which have come under scrutiny for their massive energy consumption.

## 25 million users without an active coin?!

A huge pointer to Pi being an exciting project is the fact that the company has managed to accumulate more than 25 million users on its platform – even before launching the PI coin or the mainnet!

This is also one reason why getting a Pi Network price prediction in place is almost impossible. When there's no coin in circulation yet, you have to make a calculated prediction about its future value, which is the case for the Pi Network coin.

The platform's marketing has been on-point, and there's real value in the Pi Network, leading to a huge user base. Moreover, the team behind Pi have done a great job of being active and not letting the user base sit idly while the network is being developed.

## Pioneers, Contributors, Ambassadors, and Nodes

Pi has allocated four roles for its users, providing ownership to them and allowing multi-level marketing to take place.

Pioneers are general users registered on the Pi Network app. These users must verify their identity daily to ensure they're not tagged as bots by the app.

Contributors are basically pioneers who have taken part in three mining sessions. This role is just a virtual medal for active users taking part in the network's activities.

Ambassadors, well, do what their name suggests. They act as ambassadors of the Pi Network, bringing in other users to the platform for further rewards.

Nodes, lastly, are users who participate in the node software on their computers, interacting with other nodes to generate as many coins as possible. They can "generate" coins and collect them, but there won't be any earnings yet. The users will be able to gain all the tokens they've generated ONCE the coin gets released.

A system like this allows users to feel connected with the platform, which is one of the main reasons for the network's popularity.

## Hackathon

The Pi Network also held a hackathon for developers to test their DApps on the platform. This was done with the help of the Enclosed Mainnet of the Pi Network, allowing developers to deploy various DApps.

Of course, these DApps will be publicly operational once the mainnet is released – which is unknown and unannounced for now. The activities will be powered by the PI coin, allowing transactions for all kinds of applications.

## Pi Network price prediction

As we mentioned above, considering the PI coin hasn't been released, and the mainnet's release is yet to be announced, too, giving a Pi Network price prediction is tough.

Nonetheless, there are still a few opinions by experts and analysts in the industry.

A lot of sources advise users to stay away from the Pi coin, as there is much ambiguity regarding its future – a valid point. When you don't know when the coin and the main network will launch, it's smarter to wait until more information is available.

On the other hand, a few websites have estimated a Pi Network price prediction. [DigitalCoinPrice](https://digitalcoinprice.com/coins/picoin), for example, thinks that the PI coin will launch around the $0.007 mark.

## Pi Network price prediction 2023, 2024, 2025

Generally, this prediction for the Pi Network will be a shot in the dark, with little to no information at our disposal. However, we can still take some factors into play and get some understanding of the PI coin's future price.

For example, we know that the Pi Network project is unique, and it looks very promising even at its current stage. With millions of users already participating in its activities, the network seems strong, which is always a great look for the company's future valuation.

We suspect that the Pi coin could reach $0.009 or even $0.01 by the end of 2023 if there’s enough social hype around the app. By the end of 2024, the price could push even further if the developers manage to maintain the utility of the Pi network, keeping the users engaged within the app.

Lastly, we could see the Pi coin cross the $1 mark in the future, perhaps by 2025, if the crypto market returns to stability by then.

Overall, the Pi Network and PI coin represent an exciting new development in cryptocurrency. With its innovative consensus algorithm and social mining approach, Pi has the potential to become a significant player in the world of digital currencies. If you want to discover more about Pi, you can download the Pi Network app [here](https://minepi.com/#download)!


pi network logo on image of person trading

Pi Network Price Prediction and Features 

Xinfin is an exciting up and coming crypto project. Today we'll be going over XDC news and price prediction.

## What is XinFin (XDC)?

[XinFin](https://xinfin.org/) is a hybrid [blockchain network](/news/article/blockchain-for-dummies) focusing mainly on global financial trading and aiming to make the process easier for everyone, regardless of location.

The name XinFin is short for exchange infinity, which might give you an idea about the company's motive. XinFin has been all over the news lately, so let's discuss why it's risen in popularity so quickly.

There are two major issues with two different industries that XinFin aims to solve with its network: the finance sector's outdated trading infrastructure and crypto's complete anonymity within transactions. XinFin eliminates both issues by providing a middle-ground, with an open blockchain network that consists of smart contracts as well.

One big factor that allows XinFin to stand out from its competitors is its steps to integrate with the finance sector. For starters, the XinFin protocol is compatible with the [ISO-20022 messaging standards](https://www.iso20022.org/), allowing it to integrate seamlessly with SWIFT systems, legacy banking, and ERP applications.

This would allow XinFin to be used on a wide range of platforms, providing those decentralized services within regular banking models. Not only does this give a much more integrated infrastructure for trading assets, but it also allows financial institutions to view XinFin in a good light. Perhaps the way XinFin has gone about its business model could pave the future of crypto that we all hoped for.

## The XDC01 Protocol

The efficiency and speed of XinFin are made possible with the help of a special XCD01 protocol that XinFin has deployed. The protocol, in essence, is a hybrid system consisting of public and private networks. This means that it gets benefits from private networks, like secure transactions, and from the public state, such as decentralization and transparency.

This hybrid setting is unique and allows the protocol to provide not just immensely rapid transaction speeds, but also remain completely transparent with its operations. All transactions are made possible with the XDC token, which serves as the main currency for the XinFin network.

## Interesting XinFin features and figures

There are many other features of XinFin, and we'll go over a few exciting aspects of the network.

We haven't really mentioned the retail side of XinFin's operations, so now would be a good time to talk about the XinFin wallet and its functionality. In simple terms, the network also has a user-friendly wallet where you can not only buy XDC, but also trade it for various other tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

We should also talk about the sheer speed and efficiency of the XinFin network. We did mention that it focuses on being rapid, but we didn't talk about how rapid it is with its transactions compared with other blockchain networks.

For comparison, [Ethereum](/news/article/ethereum-price-in-uk) can perform up to 16 transactions per second, which is decent, but XinFin can do more than 2,000 transactions per second. Is that impressive, or what? Next, each transaction charges around $0.00001, which is a huge deal when compared with Ethereum, which charges $10. Lastly, where ETH consumes 20.61 TWh, XinFin only requires 0.0000074 TWh.

So, the XDC network is pretty much an improvement over the likes of BTC and ETH in terms of transaction speeds, energy consumption, and overall efficiency.

## XDC news and token price

XDC is the main token for XinFin and is involved throughout each network process. The initial maximum supply set for XDC was at 100,000,000,000 tokens, and it will remain so. 25% of this supply was kept for the owners and the XinFin team. The majority of tokens (32.5%) were reserved for users taking part in the XinFin ecosystem to circulate the coins.

## XDC price

If we talk about the [price of XDC](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/xinfin/), then it's currently sitting at $0.02968, with a 0.72% increase over the last 24 hours. Furthermore, the price saw a decent 4.47% growth over the past week, which, given that it had to pass through Friday, is a great result. It has a circulating supply of 13.8B XDC, making it one of the bigger cryptocurrencies in the market.

## XDC news

In recent about XDC news, the company announced a new project that it is launching called DAOFin. This will provide XinFin with a decentralized funding structure for future network-related improvements like ecosystem development, network upgrades, and much more.

There will also be a comment period until 15 March, when the public can present its opinion regarding DAOFin. This will allow XinFin to get some idea of what the public sentiment might be regarding this move and how much of its assets should be invested in it.

That's it for the latest XDC news. Now let's get into future price predictions for XDC for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

XinFin (XDC) price prediction 2023, 2024, and 2025
As of writing, the XDC news is that the token is going for $0.0258, and it seems to form a bullish pattern due to its features and usability. It might very well be that the token gets to see a great increase in price in a short period.

But, the volatility of the crypto market must be kept in mind when making such predictions. We advise everyone to do their own research before investing in any token, let alone XDC. Now that a disclaimer has been provided, let's get talk price prediction.

### XDC price prediction for 2023

For 2023, with the way the current crypto market is, we don't suspect a huge spike in price for XDC. However, as we see the coin growing in value nonetheless, there is reason to believe it might end the year on a good note. The XDC news could be of the token ending the year at $0.0542.

### XDC price prediction for 2024

If things become more stable, as we hope for next year, we could good XDC news as the token takes off. Thanks to its seamless integration between decentralization and transparency, XinFin could be the foundation for future crypto projects. All this means it's bound to grow in value, hence a price prediction of around $0.0954 for 2024.

### XDC price prediction for 2025

In 2025, we might see crypto return to regularity, with a significant focus on utility and cooperation with various financial institutions worldwide. This is something that XinFin will be able to target comfortably, providing not just a retail approach for consumers, but also industrial integration with the major financial players in the industry.

Due to all we've discussed above, we could see XDC news that the token's value has crossed the $0.1 mark by 2025. Anywhere from $0.1 to $0.15 could be a viable price for XDC after a couple of years.

Again, all this is based on speculation and prediction – remember to take this with a grain of salt, as the crypto market can be highly unpredictable. There are good chances that the price of XDC goes the other way and drops down instead. However, the project’s utility and functionality lead us to believe that that’s the more improbable route.


xdc coin logo on pile of other crypto coins

XDC News and Price Prediction 

Gambling has evolved into a booming industry. With the advent of technology, the online gambling market has exploded, providing easy access to various casino games to people worldwide. One [online gambling platform](/news/article/betfury-crypto-dapp) that has gained immense popularity is Gamdom.

Gamdom is a comprehensive online gambling platform that offers users a wide range of games. From traditional [games you'd find in a casino](https://www.casino.org/games/), like roulette, blackjack, and slots, to innovative games like crash, hi-lo, and Tradeup – it has something for everyone. The platform was launched in 2016 and is regulated and licensed by the Curacao authorities.

The fact that an entire state regulates a gambling platform indicates a degree of legitimacy and security. Gambling is an industry where one can definitely experience shady business regularly – so such a platform is a feasible option for gambling enthusiasts.

## Features of Gamdom

One of the standout features of Gamdom is its user-friendly interface. The platform is easy to navigate, and users can quickly find the games they seek. The website is also optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to gamble on the go. Additionally, this platform offers a seamless user experience with fast loading times and minimal lag.

Another notable feature is its social aspect. Users can chat with each other while playing games, creating a sense of community on the platform. The website also offers a live chat feature where users can talk to customer support representatives in real-time. The customer support team is available 24/7 and is known for its quick and helpful responses.

It also offers a range of bonuses and promotions to its users. New users can take advantage of a welcome bonus, which typically includes free coins that can be used to play games. Gamdom offers regular promotions, including daily bonuses, giveaways, and special events.

One major factor that sets Gamdom apart from other online gambling platforms is its focus on esports. The platform offers betting on a variety of esports games, including CS:GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends. This makes Gamdom an excellent choice for gamers interested in [esports betting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_betting).

## Conclusion

To sum up, Gamdom is a comprehensive online gambling platform offering a wide range of games, a user-friendly interface, social features, and esports betting. With its focus on safety and security, Gamdom provides an environment that feels safe and secure for users to gamble online.

Additionally, its customer support team is known for its helpfulness and quick responses, making it a good choice for those seeking a reliable online gambling platform.


Gamdom Online Gambling Platform 

[Cryptocurrency](/news/article/cryptocurrency-books-guide) is becoming more popular, with increasing numbers of people investing in digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. However, trading cryptocurrency can be a challenge at times. Some platforms charge more than others, some have more options, and some are easier to work with. Today we're discussing [BestChange](https://www.bestchange.com/), and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular crypto exchange platform.

BestChange is a cryptocurrency exchange aggregator that allows users to compare exchange rates from multiple exchange services in real time. The platform was launched in 2007 and has grown to become among the most popular exchange aggregators on the market. It currently supports more than 250 exchange services and offers exchange rates for more than 10,000 currency pairs.

## Features of BestChange

One of the standout features is its user-friendly interface. The platform is easy to navigate, and users can quickly find the exchange rates they are looking for. The website is also optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to check exchange rates on the go. Additionally, BestChange offers a seamless user experience with fast loading times and minimal lag.

The website design itself isn't really too glamorous or pleasing to the eye, like most other exchanges. It's designed to get the job done and be easy to operate for traders, and it nails that well.

Another notable feature is its reliability. The platform only works with trusted and verified exchange services, ensuring that users can exchange their currencies with confidence. Additionally, BestChange does not charge any fees for its services. Users only need to pay the fees charged by the exchange service they choose to use.

BestChange also offers a range of tools to help users make informed decisions when choosing an exchange service. The platform provides information on the reliability and security of each exchange service, as well as user reviews and ratings. Users can also use the platform's calculator to calculate fees and exchange rates for a specific transaction.

Using BestChange allows users to find the best exchange rates for a variety of digital currencies. The platform supports popular cryptocurrencies like [Bitcoin](https://bitcoin.org/en/), [Ethereum](https://ethereum.org/en/), and [Litecoin](https://litecoin.com/en/), as well as lesser-known currencies like Ripple, Dash, and Zcash. This makes it a good choice for anyone looking to buy or sell digital currencies.

## Using BestChange for your businesses

BestChange is not only a great platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, but also for businesses that deal with digital currencies. The platform offers an API that allows businesses to integrate exchange rates into their websites or applications. You can find the API [here](https://pypi.org/project/bestchange-api/%5C).

This can be particularly useful for businesses that accept cryptocurrencies as payment or those that deal with international clients. By providing real-time exchange rates, businesses can ensure they always get the best deal when exchanging digital currencies.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, BestChange is a reliable and convenient platform that helps users find the best exchange rates for a variety of digital currencies. With its user-friendly interface, real-time exchange rates, and helpful tools, BestChange provides a seamless user experience for anyone looking to exchange cryptocurrencies.

Additionally, the platform's focus on reliability and security ensures that users can exchange their currencies with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned cryptocurrency investor or a newcomer to the world of digital currencies, BestChange is worth checking out.


hands transferring an ethereum cryptocurrency

BestChange: Find the Best Crypto Rates

The price at the time of writing of Jade Protocol sits around $13.20, with the market cap being around $12.89m. Its 24h trading volume sits at about $300 – comparatively a lower figure showing an unpopular response to the crypto token.

## What is Jade Protocol?

[Jade Protocol](https://jadeprotocol.io/) is a cross-chain decentralized investment collective aiming to provide a new level of transparency and security in decentralized finance (DeFi). It is currently deployed on the [Binance Smart Chain](/news/article/bnb-price) (BSC) and the Avalanche C-Chain. It aims to provide a platform for users to invest in various assets and earn returns through a decentralized, trustless, and transparent system.

## Jade Protocol price prediction for 2023

According to the predictions by some crypto experts and analysts, Jade Protocol's price is expected to grow in the coming months, with the value at the end of the year almost doubling its current state. As per the claims, the minimum price of Jade Protocol is expected to be $24.875, which gives a lower barrier for interested parties.

Furthermore, if you're one for optimism, the maximum price can reach up to $36.580 – worth almost triple the current price of Jade Protocol. Finally, after considering the upper and lower bounds, we can expect the average price to be around the $29.264 mark. The signs look good with this token, but these claims must be taken with a grain of salt.

As we all know, cryptocurrencies can never be trusted to stay positive and always ride upwards in value. These tokens are highly volatile and can incur sharp drops and hikes to prices that no one can expect.

Hence, such price predictions are mere guesses, and the real price of Jade Protocol may well be much higher or much lower than the claims made. Always make sure you do your research before investing!


Jade Protocol Price and Predictions 

## What is DexGuru and how can you use it? 

DexGuru, peculiarly, is not a DEX (Decentralized Exchange) itself, as the name might suggest. Instead, it helps you better understand other DEXs, with a well-executed user interface to make things easier. As the company explains on [its blog](https://blog.dex.guru/DexGuru101) – “DexGuru offers data”. 

There are a lot of complexities and technicalities when it comes to trading – especially cryptocurrency. You need to weigh hundreds of different variables to ensure you have the relevant information to make proper trades. 

To a novice trader, all these 'switches and knobs' won't really make sense, nor will they matter. However, if you're enthusiastic about trading and want to understand how the market works, DexGuru could be the perfect tool. 

You can do much with DexGuru, with [charting](/news/article/understanding-crypto-price-charts) at the core of the feature list. You can play around plenty with the charts on the app, with functions like overlaying various charts on top of each other, looking through different periods for comparison, and multiple indicators to understand trends. Moreover, you can compare and view up to nine different charts simultaneously – a dream come true for avid traders! 

You can also monitor all the trading activity related to your favourite crypto tokens 24/7. It's not just basic information like buying and selling prices; DexGuru can also help you dive in much deeper, like how much of the token whales, sharks, and bots are buying, respectively. 

You can also trade using the DexGuru platform, with a feature referred to as a "swap tool" by the developers. You can buy and sell "spot" assets on the platform without using another DEX. 

## Trading crypto, but it’s not a DEX – how? 

You might have this question in mind, "they said it isn't a DEX, but then how can you buy and sell crypto assets on it?". 

The catch is that it uses the [0x API](https://www.0x.org/) as its foundation to facilitate all crypto-related transactions. This not only helps its users trade “in-house”, but it also provides the best rates on the market. Moreover, because of using 0x, DexGuru itself doesn’t charge any extra fees, as most other DEXs do. 

It's a win-win situation for everyone, making DexGuru a great application for trading. It's insightful, easy on the eye, and facilitates cheap trading for users while providing a mountain of important data – what more could you possibly need? ## 

dexguru logo on blue image of blockchain code

What is DexGuru and How Does it Work?

Even with the entire crypto world operating like [headless chickens](/news/article/cryptocurrencies-prices-plummet), some great steps are still being taken to resuscitate the industry. Activities like NFT meetups, seminars, and networking events can play a huge part in reviving the industry's image. We'll be going over some of the most exciting NFT events London offers in this piece.

## Networkverse: Open-mic and networking

The first event to keep a lookout for is [Networkverse](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/networkverse-nft-web3-metaverse-tam-open-mic-and-networking-tickets-516521047357?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1), presented by Zee West. It will take place at the Temple of Art and Music in Farringdon. The event will be held on the 16 February and will be one of the first major NFT events in London in the month of February.

The idea of the event is to present a space where individuals interested in the crypto field can get more information and listen to experienced professionals from different facets of the industry. Various panellists will be at the event, ranging from Web3 experts to blockchain developers.
The event will provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to speak with high-influence individuals and expand their network.

## Web3 and NFT meetup at the Arcade Apes bar

This one is hosted by [Web3 Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/web3-events-57908379873), and it’s another intriguing [event](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/calling-all-web3-and-nft-enthusiasts-in-the-uk-tickets-481334082197?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1) to consider attending if you're a crypto enthusiast. Happening on 18 February, you can head to the world's first Bored Ape Yacht Club bar, [Arcade Apes](https://arcadeapes.com/web3/), to participate. It seems like the perfect venue to host an NFT-related discussion and networking event.

There's one factor in this event that differentiates it from most other NFT events London offers, or elsewhere, it promotes participation of women and promises a 50-50 male-to-female cutoff at the event.

As for the itinerary, there will be a panel of speakers discussing the future of Web3 and how the industry can move forward productively. There will also be a Q&A if anyone has particular queries regarding any crypto-related topic.

To make networking easier, there will also be a bunch of fun board games to break the ice with. Locating the event won’t be too difficult, as the bar can be found on Google, and it's situated right next to the famous Buckingham Palace.

## Blockchain/Metaverse/NFT meet up at the Tower Suites

NFT events in London are one thing, but networking events where you can get a panoramic view of the entire city – now that’s a totally different experience. If you want to experience and take part in this fun event, head to the Tower Suites in London on 18 February. The event is organized by Stratis, a blockchain solution company founded in 2016.

Stratis has an entire blockchain architecture built on top of Bitcoin. It provides developers with a platform on which to build their blockchain-based apps and games.
The event will serve as an opportunity for like-minded individuals to come along and discuss the field of crypto and NFTs, networking their way to potential partnerships and deals. You can even head to the Skyline Bar to grab a few drinks, giving you a relaxed, comforting state of mind so you can go about your business without any worries.

## NFT evening at a ‘private members club’

The Luxe Club is hosting this [next event](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crypto-nft-and-web3-networking-evening-at-a-private-members-club-in-london-tickets-523459781297?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1) on our list, as it will take place on 20 February in Mayfair, London. If you're looking for high-profile NFT events in London, look no further than The Luxe Club, as it hosts monthly Crypto/NFT evenings for members to get together and discuss the industry's happenings.

This is also the only event on our list that requires an entrance fee for participation – all the others are free. The main reason behind the fee is probably the nature of the event itself, as you can expect a proper reception, a formal dinner, and private tables. Since the event is at a 'private members club', there ought to be a fee to ensure the experience is kept top-notch by the organisers.

If you're looking to attend the fanciest NFT events London offers, where you can get expensive drinks and a fine-dining experience, sign up for a cool £35 fee.

## Final thoughts

Although these aren't the only NFT events London will witness in February, they are some of the more exciting ones to look forward to. If you would like to join an entire crypto-related club and meet regularly with other members, we'd recommend going for the event presented by The Luxe Club – the last option on our list. It will not only help you expand your network, but also provide you with a luxury experience while at it!

However, for strictly business purposes and to speak with high-value individuals regarding potential deals and cooperation, you should go for the other events on the list.

Firstly, you won't have to pay an entrance fee. Secondly, you will be able to hear from industry-leading panellists regarding their experiences with crypto. Ideally, the goal is to learn, expand your professional circle, and grow!


Exciting NFT Events London Offers this Month 

## Crypto exchange Gemini in line for the next round of downsizing

In yet another blow to the industry, crypto exchange, Gemini plans to lay off another 10% of its staff to cut back on costs.

The [report](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/gemini-is-laying-off-10-of-staff-marking-latest-blow-for-winklevoss-crypto-startup?utm_content=article_push&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=AB_post&utm_term=AB_post) was provided by The Information after it intercepted an internal communication plan meant for Gemini's employees. The message referred to the crypto industry's crisis, as well as some "bad actors" in the industry that caused Gemini to make this decision.

This is the third round of downsizing that Gemini is going through within the past six months, as the crypto exchange is experiencing tough times.

The president of Gemini, Cameron Winklevoss, said the company had hoped to avoid further staff cuts, but that the "persistent negative macroeconomic conditions and unprecedented fraud perpetuated by bad actors in our industry" left it with no choice.

Of course, the party in question was none other than Genesis, and its parent company Digital Currency Group. Due to Genesis' own financial issues and bankruptcy, it has failed to meet obligations to Gemini and the crypto exchange platform's special project, Earn.

Earn is an interest-paying financial instrument that Gemini offers. The finances provided for the lending were covered by the Genesis group. However, due to bankruptcy, it was unable to pay the remainder of the due costs, which – [according to Gemini ](/news/article/winklevoss-claims-genesis-owes-investors)– amounted to around $900m.

There was a back-and-forth between the two entities on social media as well, with [Twitter](https://twitter.com/gemini/status/1592873279232278532?lang=ens) being the main playground for the heated exchange.

## Increasing trend of lay-offs in the crypto industry

Gemini isn't the first crypto exchange or crypto-based company to lay off its employees in the past year. The increasing number of bankruptcies, failures, and downright fraud committed by multiple crypto entities has contributed to a huge crash in the market.

After all these companies inherit losses and find it difficult to cover their expenses, the only stakeholder with a target on its back tends to be the employee.

The mismanagement of funds by upper-level executives is becoming more and more detrimental to not just company employees, but the crypto industry itself.

We wait to see how the market revives – if it does at all – and how much trust skilled workers will have in these crypto entities once again.


red image of employees carrying boxes out of office

Crypto Exchange Gemini Cuts Staff Again 

Dai is a crypto based on the Ethereum network. Its main defining feature is the fact that it's a stablecoin.

Dai works alongside MakerDAO, and the Maker Protocol, to ensure the stability of its coins is maintained throughout its existence.

Maker Protocol is open-source software, which, due to its nature, is accessible by anyone. It sits on the Ethereum network seamlessly, allowing Dai to carry out its operations to remain a stable crypto coin.

## How do stablecoins work?

Stablecoins are extremely popular in the crypto world, as they provide stability and regularity in the heavily volatile crypto world. In simple terms, [stablecoins](/news/article/what-are-stablecoins) are cryptocurrencies that match the US dollar in value. Essentially, its exchange rate with the USD will always remain 1:1 - if things are going well, that is!

This means that even if the crypto market is falling, a stablecoin, like Dai, will stay at the same ratio as the dollar. In fact, there are several reasons why you might want to hold on to a stablecoin instead of US dollars in fiat:

•	A stablecoin is less likely to be affected by inflation when the government prints too much fiat currency.

•	Stablecoins, like Dai, provide a borderless and international mode of payment that seamlessly transfers anywhere in the world in minutes.

•	The cost of transactions with these stablecoins is lower, too, with most options only requiring some cents per transaction.

## Types of stablecoins

Why are these coins, including Dai crypto, able to match the US dollar's value and stay par with it? Well, there are multiple ways to achieve that feat - mainly three, to be specific.

## Algorithm-based stablecoins

With these coins, particular algorithms are set to allow the crypto to match the USD's value. These projects will consist mainly of two different tokens representing the same organization: one to deal with the market's volatility and the other to stay level with the dollar.

This is the slightly more uncommon route we see in the crypto industry regarding stablecoins, as the other two models follow are more popular. Both the following models are based on the concept of collateralization, so we'll delve a bit into that before we talk about the models themselves.

## Collateralization

You may have heard of the term "collateral". It is a common term and an important factor in obtaining loans. If you're not familiar with collateralization, [here’s](https://www.fe.training/free-resources/corporate-finance/collateralization/) a great source of information where you can learn about the topic in depth.

To put it briefly, collateralization is securing a loan by providing a valuable asset in return to the lender. The asset that's provided as security to the lender is called collateral. Dai's approach to being a stablecoin in the crypto industry also follows the collateralization route.

## Crypto-backed collateralization

In this case, users provide cryptocurrency as collateral to obtain that project's tokens. To get their crypto back from the platform, they need to return the exact amount of tokens they borrowed plus a processing fee.

If we're talking about Dai crypto, in particular, it makes use of Ethereum as crypto collateral. So, users keep Ethereum in the vault of MakerDAO as collateral to receive Dai tokens in return. And, when they're looking to retrieve their Ethereum, they need to pay the exact amount they loaned in Dai, plus a fee on top. This is how the platform maintains stability and consistently matches with the USD.

## Fiat-backed collateralization

This follows the procedure of the crypto-based method, but uses fiat instead of cryptocurrency as collateral. Users can provide any fiat currency as collateral to receive that platform's token and then vice versa when they need to return it. Tether USD or TUSD is a popular stablecoin that follows this strategy to stabilize itself.

## What makes Dai crypto unique?

A major factor that makes the Dai crypto unique is that it was one of the first projects to introduce the idea of decentralized finance or DeFi. Its usage of stablecoins and matching with the exact value of the dollar, but more liquid and accessible, meant that it seemed more viable for the future.

Dai crypto is also one of the few stablecoins based on Ethereum using crypto collateralization. It also offers great incentives and security for users. One huge security factor with Dai is that it maintains a specific ratio of 150% of Ethereum kept as collateral to the amount borrowed in Dai. This means that to borrow $10 worth of Dai, one would need to keep $15 worth of Ethereum as collateral with MakerDAO.

And, if this ratio is ever broken or inconsistent, the user can appeal and receive a proportion of the collateralized Ethereum in compensation.

## Anomalies with Dai crypto

Dai has remained pretty stable over the years, with the crypto matching the USD value with a 1:1 ratio. However, there was one incident where it spiked to $1.11 in value. An increase of 0.11 might not seem much in the crypto world usually, but it's massive for a stablecoin.

It's worth noting that this happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when the market was extremely volatile. Apart from that, Dai has remained one of the best stablecoin options in the market, if not the best.

## Integration with applications and MKR token

MKR is the main crypto token of the MakerDAO platform and is tied heavily with Dai. Its primary role lies in the governance and operation of Dai. Holders of the MKR token have a say in the future of Dai. They can have voting rights, with the main idea being [decentralized governance](https://makerdao.com/en/governance/) for the Dai crypto. There are various forums and voting platforms where holders can have their say openly.

## Other applications

Various applications use Dai and accept it as a means of payment. These include crypto exchanges and platforms, such as [Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/), [Metamask](https://metamask.io/), and [Ledger](https://www.ledger.com/). Some popular Metaverse games also accept payment in Dai - notable names include [Sandbox](https://www.sandbox.game/) and [League of Kingdoms.](https://www.leagueofkingdoms.com/)

## Final thoughts on Dai crypto

The fact that Dai is accepted widely by many big-name applications shows that it's seen as a reliable crypto token. Accessibility is a big factor in making cryptocurrencies important for users. Dai does just that with its usability and stability.

Another crucial aspect that Dai implements well is integrating the community and users within the project. It's important, today, to involve your community in your operations, especially as a crypto-based project.

Dai looks to stay strong moving forward, with a great foundation like MakerDAO supporting the project. Hopefully, we have a lot more to come from the project in the future too!


green image of euros and altcoins with dai crypto in centre

Dai Crypto Contribution to the Stablecoin World

MyAlgo Wallet is a [digital cryptocurrency wallet](/news/article/solana-phantom-wallet-guide) launched by the Algorand Foundation. This project by Algorand is fairly new and is the second digital wallet in their collection. Here's how you can create a new wallet on MyAlgo and activate it properly.

## Create an account on MyAlgo Wallet’s website

Open your browser of choice and head to the [MyAlgo Wallet website](https://wallet.myalgo.com/new-account). 

Here, you'll see the terms and conditions and a rather in-your-face disclaimer. The website will warn you of the decentralized nature of the digital wallet, and also remind you to take special care of your mnemonic seed, which we'll discuss below.

Then, you set a password that passes the requirements set by the website and click on "New Account". This will allow you to create a new MyAlgo Wallet.

## Store and verify your mnemonic seed phrase

On your screen, you'll come across five cards consisting of a collective total of 25 words. This will be your mnemonic seed phrase. Ensure you save it, store it somewhere safe physically on a piece of paper, and never lose it. It will be the only verification method to access your account should a mishap occur.

You'll also be asked to verify this seed phrase in the same order as it was displayed previously. Make sure you get this part right!

## Set an account name and voila!

Finally, set a name for your wallet and hit the "Create Account" button. You're now set and ready to start trading ALGO crypto coins!

We must stress this again; it is essential that you make sure that your mnemonic seed phrase is secure and accessible only to you. If someone else gets access to it, they'll automatically have access to your account. 

Don't leave yourself vulnerable, and be safe out there!


blue image of hands opening wallet with myalgo logo

MyAlgo Wallet: How to Make and Use One

The global crypto crisis in recent months has sent shockwaves throughout various industries - especially the financial sector. 

More often than not, the infrastructure of crypto technology itself was blamed. However, Japanese crypto and finance experts have suggested otherwise, putting pressure on global financial regulators to monitor the industry properly.

One of the [major statements](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/japan-pushes-global-counterparts-to-regulate-crypto-like-banks-1.1870854) came from the deputy director-general at the Financial Services Agency's Strategy Development and Management Bureau, Mamoru Yanase. He believes that crypto should be regulated just like any other financial institution on a global level.

"What's brought about the latest scandal isn't crypto technology itself," said Yanase, with regard to FTX's failure in the US and Japanese crypto markets. "It is loose governance, lax internal controls, and the absence of regulation and supervision."

Financial experts from the US are mainly of the opposing opinion, as they consider crypto an inadequate technology - one that's not sustainable for the long term. However, the Japanese crypto viewpoint considers the industry to be of immense significance - only lacking the vigilant and proactive regulation that such a large industry requires.

This entire discussion is based on the [FTX case](/news/article/ftx-bankrupt-who-to-blame) that's been going on since November. The fallout from FTX sent the entire crypto industry into an unforeseen frenzy. And, looking back at it now, it was probably the lack of supervision and control that led to the whole mess in the first place.

## Sale of FTX’s Japanese crypto branch imminent

Mamoru Yanase also touched upon the sale of FTX Japan, as the crypto company went bankrupt last year. He mentioned how the Financial Services Agency has helped to "segregate client's assets" from FTX Japan's account to ensure their safety. 

Furthermore, he added that clients would be able to withdraw their assets from their FTX Japanese crypto accounts as early as February.

As per a report from [Cointelegraph](https://cointelegraph.com/news/japanese-regulators-want-crypto-treated-like-traditional-banks) based on a recent court filing in the US, there were 41 parties interested in buying out FTX Japan.

It only makes sense to put in place controls and regulations for crypto transactions, like those for the banking sector globally.

This must be done to avoid future issues like money laundering and stealing of assets. Otherwise, a proper revival of the crypto industry seems far off from happening any time soon - at least in the eyes of Yanase.


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