[Internet Computer Protocol (ICP)](https://internetcomputer.org/) is a decentralized computing network that aims to reinvent the internet as we know it. It was developed by the DFINITY Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on creating a more secure and open internet. ICP aims to replace the traditional client-server model of the internet with a more efficient and scalable network that runs on a decentralized blockchain. ICP coin is the native cryptocurrency of the network. 

ICP is built on the same principles as blockchain technology, using a consensus mechanism to verify and validate transactions. However, instead of focusing solely on financial transactions like Bitcoin or Ethereum, ICP seeks to enable the creation of a decentralized cloud computing platform. 

This platform is designed to allow developers to create and run applications that can be accessed globally without centralized servers. 

The ICP network comprises a series of interconnected nodes that work together to provide a seamless user experience. When users access an application built on the ICP network, their request is routed to the nearest node. This node then processes the request and returns the result to the user. 

As it is a decentralized network, there is no single point of failure. This makes it much more resilient to cyber-attacks and other forms of disruption. 

ICP has been designed to be highly scalable, with the ability to handle millions of transactions per second. This makes it a promising platform for developers creating highly complex and resource-intensive applications. It could also significantly reduce the cost of running and maintaining large-scale applications, as there is no need for expensive server infrastructure. 

Overall, ICP represents a major leap forward in the evolution of the internet. By leveraging blockchain technology, it has the potential to create a more secure, open, and efficient internet that is accessible to everyone. 

While it is still a relatively new technology, ICP has already attracted a significant amount of attention from developers, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike and is set to have a significant role in shaping the future of the internet. 

## What is ICP coin? 

The native token of the Internet Computer Protocol is the ICP token or ICP coin. ICP coin is the digital currency that powers the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem and is designed to be used as a utility token to pay for computation and storage on the network. 

ICP coin can be used to interact with smart contracts, deploy canisters (software containers), participate in network governance, and earn staking rewards. The token's fixed maximum supply is 469 million, with a circulating supply of around 124 million ICP coins [as of April 2023](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/internet-computer). 

One of the unique features of ICP is its governance model. ICP coin holders have the power to vote on proposals affecting the direction of the network, including upgrades, changes to the governance system, and other significant decisions. 

This gives token holders a say in the future of the network and allows for a more democratic decision-making process. 

ICP is also used as a means of payment within the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem. Developers and users can pay for computation and storage using ICP coins, which can be earned by staking or purchased on various cryptocurrency exchanges. 

In addition to being used as a utility token, ICP can be used for speculation and investment purposes. Like other cryptocurrencies, the price of ICP can fluctuate based on market demand and other factors, and investors can buy and sell ICP on various exchanges. 

It is safe to say that the ICP coin plays a vital role in the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem and is essential for the proper functioning of the network. Its governance model and utility as a means of payment make it a unique cryptocurrency in the ever-evolving blockchain space. 

## Who created ICP? 

The Internet Computer Protocol was initiated by Dominic Williams in 2016 and developed by the DFINITY Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and development of this technology. 

In May 2021, after years of research, the Internet Computer Protocol was officially launched. The DFINITY Foundation has a team of researchers worldwide, including cryptographers with around 100,000 academic citations and 200 patents. 

## Why is ICP so popular? 

The Internet Computer Protocol's popularity is due to several factors. 

First, the founder has made ambitious claims about its potential to challenge internet giants by offering speed, scalability, and cost savings. Second, it has the backing of high-profile investors like Andreesen Horowitz and Polychain Capital. Third, market analysts have issued bullish price targets, contributing to investor enthusiasm. 

Of course, the broader bullish climate for cryptocurrencies also played a role in the Internet Computer Protocol's early price rise. In 2021, cryptocurrency projects captured the public's imagination and raised significant amounts of money. 

## How does ICP work? 

The current internet is highly centralized, with most popular web applications being hosted on a few data centres owned by big tech companies, making them vulnerable to failures and censorship. 

The Internet Computer Protocol aims to provide an alternative by allowing developers to create, host, and serve applications in a decentralized manner, directly on the public internet. This decentralized approach would also incentivize open-source and transparent software development. 

According to a profile in MIT Technology Review, the Internet Computer Protocol's software would not be tied to a dedicated server in a single location. Instead, it would be distributed across independent data centres around the world. This would make the network more resilient to failures and harder to censor or deplatform applications. 

ICP coin serves as a way to convert cryptocurrency into processing power. Developers pay a fee based on the amount of computing power required for their project. As long as the fee is paid, their website will run on the public internet. 

The Internet Computer Protocol can support any application, including social networks, software applications, and new types not yet created. As a demonstration of its capabilities, the developers of ICP have published open-source code for CanCan, a decentralized alternative to TikTok. 

The Internet Computer Protocol offers a decentralized alternative to the current internet infrastructure, providing greater resilience to failures and censorship while incentivizing open-source and transparent software development. 

## How is ICP coin different from other cryptocurrencies? 

The ICP coin has unique features that set it apart from other cryptocurrencies. 

First and foremost, it enables anyone to create software on the internet and develop applications that circumvent big tech companies using blockchain technology. In addition, it operates on a decentralized network powered by dedicated hardware set up by independent parties. 

Lastly, the cryptocurrency is known for its fast transaction processing speed, significantly quicker than other cryptocurrencies, which may take more than 30 minutes to complete transactions. 

It is important to note that ICP coin is not just a currency, but part of a protocol enabling the creation of decentralized applications. 

## Investing in ICP coin 

ICP is a reliable option for investors due to its strong technology foundation. It's a decentralized cryptocurrency that operates as an ecosystem that can compete with Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

The Internet Computer Protocol links the blockchain and the traditional web. Its Chain Key Technology allows for resource pooling from multiple computers to create a powerful and efficient distributed computing system. It functions as a blockchain that can handle the processing needs of current online services. 

In terms of investment, ICP is a solid choice because it's a fully operational network that offers various services, including DApps and different cryptocurrencies, at launch. Unlike Ethereum, which took years to develop and support multiple use cases, the ICP ecosystem is already equipped with several applications. 

## How can you get ICP coin? 

While the popularity of Internet Computer Protocol coin is soaring, it may not be available for trading on all exchanges. However, two of the biggest exchanges, [Coinbase](/news/article/coinbase-review-uk) and [Binance](/news/article/guide-to-binance-uk), allow users to buy, sell, transfer, convert, and store cryptocurrency. Additionally, the ICP coin can be traded on smaller exchanges like Gate.io and a few others. 

## The future of ICP coin 

The DFINITY team currently consists of approximately 200 members. It plans, over the next five years, to double that number and increase its community. 

According to a recent Medium article outlining the roadmap for ICP, the goal is to become a viable alternative to today's internet within the next decade. In the next 20 years, the Internet Computer Protocol plans to acquire the companies controlling the current internet, including Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft. 

Despite its ambitious plans, the Internet Computer Protocol has faced criticism due to centralized control by the team behind it. This level of control raises concerns about the autonomy and privacy of internet users. Furthermore, the project's plan to link everything to an internet identity could further threaten online autonomy. 

Regardless of the criticism, the ICP token remains a promising investment in the long run. 

Currently, it may not be widely available on all exchanges, but large platforms like Coinbase and Binance offer it. The Internet Computer Protocol's ability to allow anyone to create software on the internet, run on a decentralized network, and operate at web speed distinguishes it from other cryptocurrencies. 

Overall, the Internet Computer Protocol's future as an alternative to the current internet remains uncertain, but its potential as a cryptocurrency investment is promising. 

With its innovative technology, [decentralized network](/news/article/dns-servers), and fast transaction processing, ICP stands out from other players in the field. While the project has faced some criticism for its centralized nature, the long-term prospects for ICP appear bright, with plans to become a solid alternative to the current internet and potentially disrupt the largest tech companies. 

green image of ICP coin logo on picture of metaverse

ICP coin and all you need to know about it

Founded in 2013 in Beijing by ex-Oracle engineer Leon L, Huobi Global was made to provide [a cryptocurrency platform for the people of mainland China](/news/article/huobi-exchange-who-owns-it) and more. 

The platform skyrocketed after its launch and became one of China's top 3 cryptocurrency platforms, providing liquidity to those who wish to trade. 

Huobi's ecosystem includes spot trading, derivatives trading, staking, crypto loans, crypto yield products, and more, with a strong prevalence in the Asian market. 

## What is Huobi Global?  

In trade volume, Huobi is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms. In fact, it can be compared to giants like OKX and Bit-Z. 

Huobi intended to launch and operate in only Chinese markets, but quickly expanded to more than 130 countries, dominating the Asian market. 

Huobi is also one of the oldest cryptocurrency platforms, with teams worldwide in countries like Japan, South Korea, the UK, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Hong Kong. 

In 2018, Huobi launched its own token, Huobi Token (HT), which is listed as one of the top 100 cryptocurrencies today by Coin Market Cap. 

## How does Huobi work?  

The functionality of [Huobi Global](https://www.huobi.com/en-us/) is quite similar to that of other cryptocurrency platforms. 

Users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies while the exchange makes a profit by charging a transaction fee. However, recently, the platform has started focusing on stablecoins backed by the US dollar. 

These coins are pegged at the value of the US dollar, making them less susceptible to market volatility. Users can deposit any of the four stablecoins, [Paxos Standard,](/news/article/circle-paxos-crypto-approval-singapore) True USD, US Dollar Coin, and Gemini dollars, on the exchange, which are then automatically transferred to Huobi's HUSD. Later, while withdrawing the currency, users can pick from any of the four available stablecoins in a 1:1 ratio. 

For instance, a user can deposit one Gemini dollar, which is then automatically converted to one HUSD. While withdrawing, they can opt for one USD Coin. According to Huobi, the HUSD eliminates the need for users to choose between stablecoins and saves on conversion costs. 

## Huobi token  

Issued in 2018 by Huobi Global, the Huobi Token has a total supply of 500 million, of which 300 million were given away as a perk to users who bought a "points card" on Huobi Pro. 

The remaining tokens were distributed for user rewards, platform operation, and team incentives. HT was created to boost loyalty after a Chinese crackdown on crypto trading decreased trade volumes. HT is not mined and can be traded on any of Huobi's exchanges. 

Huobi Token is the native cryptocurrency of the Huobi exchange, designed to empower the Huobi ecosystem. A chief benefit is that it allows users to reduce trading fees on the platform. When exchanging currencies on the Huobi exchange, a 0.2% fee is charged. However, if the currency exchanged is Huobi Token, a lower fee is charged, which is attractive to high-volume traders. 

Huobi also rewards its Huobi Token holders through mining guides and occasional giveaways. Furthermore, holders of Huobi Token can exercise voting rights in deciding which token to add next to the exchange, giving them more control over the platform's development. 

Unlike other cryptocurrencies, Huobi Tokens are not mined but can be bought and sold on Huobi exchanges. 

## The future of Huobi Global  

Huobi is expanding its services beyond cryptocurrency exchange by launching futures trading through its own derivative market, creating a public blockchain called Huobi Chain, and announcing expansion plans in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia regions. 

The exchange hopes to attract more sophisticated investors and create the world's most technologically advanced blockchain. The advisory board for Huobi Chain includes Randi Zuckerberg. 

Huobi has demonstrated its expertise in cryptocurrency over the past decade, despite regulatory pressures causing significant challenges. The platform has adapted and developed a comprehensive user experience, appealing to investors seeking an alternative to Binance. 

With its own blockchain and native currency, Huobi's future looks promising for providing a secure and innovative industry experience. 

HUobi Global logo on blue image of person trading on an ipad

All you need to know about Huobi Global 

## All you need to know about Terra Luna 2.0 

In May 2022, the [Terra network](https://www.terra.money/) released their new coin called the Luna 2.0. The Terra Luna 2.0 coin started trading at £14.31 and spiked to £15.71 within the first hour of its trading. However, the coin soon proved to be unsustainable after its launch. 

This is because Terra's old coin, the Terra classic, coexists with the Terra 2.0 and has a higher market cap, £772 million, compared with Luna 2.0 at £161 million. 

The Binance, KuCoin, and OKX cryptocurrency exchanges added the new Luna 2.0 token to their platforms. However, the token remained underwhelming and mostly traded between £1.10 and £1.50 in the subsequent months, except for a surge of roughly 200% on 9 September. 

The [arrest warrant for Do Kwon](/news/article/terraform-ceo-do-kwon-arrested), founder of Terra, issued by a South Korean court later in September contributed to Terra Classic plummeting more than 20% and Terra Luna 2.0 going down by 40%. 

In addition, Luna 2.0 was not immune from the [FTX scandal ](/news/article/ftx-bankrupt-who-to-blame)and hit an all-time low of £1.16 in November 2022. 

## What is Terra Luna 2.0? 

Kwon proposed a hard fork for the Terra blockchain, resulting in the launch of Terra 2.0, which led to a 65.5% majority approval. The new Terra does not have the algorithmic stablecoin, and the Terra Builders Alliance provided technical details on integration, DApp migration, and rebranding of the original chain as Terra Classic. 

The old LUNA tokens were renamed LUNC, and coin minting or burning options were disabled. The launch of the new blockchain came on 28 May, 2022. 

Terra 2.0 introduced a policy to issue extra Luna tokens to crypto investors who bought more than 10,000 LUNA before the stablecoin crash. This move aimed to prevent a sudden sell-off of Terra 2.0. 300% of the investors' Luna tokens were unlocked immediately, while the remaining 70% will be issued over two years. After six months, these investors will receive the new Terra 2.0 tokens. 

## What is Luna classic? 

Luna Classic is the coin left behind after the collapse of UST/Luna and the establishment of the new Terra chain. 

Kwon's plan involved creating a new chain named Terra (Luna 2.0) for future transactions, while the old chain was split into two, the Terra and Luna Classic (LUNC). 

The term "Classic" is similar to Ethereum Classic, which split from Ethereum following a hack in 2017. The old version of the Terra protocol supported stablecoin developers in creating Terra DeFi projects, including Terra and Luna, with Terra being pegged to fiat and other currencies such as UST to the US dollar and KRT to the South Korean won. 

Terra's native token, Luna, served as the network's governance and staking asset. It was also used to burn and mint stablecoins tied to fiat. 

These stablecoins weren't backed by fiat, but were algorithmic. The system enabled users to invest in stablecoins without possessing their physical counterparts. However, on 9 May, UST was unpegged from the US dollar, which triggered a chain reaction, [leading to the UST and Luna crash](/news/article/terra-solutions) and a larger cryptocurrency sector decline from which it is yet to recover fully. 

## How does Luna Classic work? 

The distribution of the new Luna tokens in Terra 2.0 is divided into predetermined groups. The community pool and developers receive 30% and 10% of the total token distribution, respectively. Pre-crash LUNA holders get 35% of the new tokens, while pre-crash UST holders get 10%. Post-crash Luna holders and staking derivatives are getting 10% of the new tokens, with 30% unlocked at Genesis and the remaining 70% vested over two years, subject to a six-month cliff. 

Post-crash UST holders are getting 15% of the tokens, with 30% unlocked at Genesis and the remaining 70% vested over two years, subject to a six-month cliff. 

Additionally, all LUNA token holders with at least 10,000 tokens are receiving new coins to ensure equal initial liquidity profiles. 

It's important to note that delegating Luna tokens to validators comes with risk, as validators can be penalized for misbehaviour, resulting in staked tokens being slashed. In terms of incentives, rewards for delegators depend on the voting power of the validators, with those having more voting power earning more rewards. However, these rewards must be dispersed among a wider pool of delegators. Delegating can be done via the Terra Station interface. 

## How does Terra Luna 2.0 work? 

A classic PoS validates the Terra Luna 2.0 transactions on the cryptocurrency blockchain. 130 validators engage in the network consensus at any given time with voting privileges that are decided by the quantity of Luna 2.0 on the current node. To produce rewards, gas fees and a 7% fixed annual Luna 2.0 inflation are used. 

Luna 2.0 token holders participate in the consensus process by delegating their tokens to a validator of their choice. Validators typically contribute their own stake and take a commission before distributing rewards to delegators. 

In Terra 2.0, coin delegators are incentivized based on the voting power of validators. Validators with higher voting power earn more rewards, which are then distributed among a larger pool of delegators. The delegation process can be done through the Terra Station interface, but there is a risk involved. 

Validators can be penalized if they behave improperly, which could result in a loss of staked Luna 2.0. Slashing penalties can occur even if the validator is accidentally turned off for a short period. 

It is important to note that validators also put up their own stake, similar to delegates, before being able to reward delegators. This means that the validator has a vested interest in maintaining good behaviour to avoid losing their stake. Additionally, delegators can choose to delegate their LUNA 2.0 tokens to a validator of their choice, giving them a say in the consensus process. 

Overall, delegating LUNA 2.0 tokens can provide a way for investors to earn rewards while also participating in network governance. However, it is crucial to understand the risks involved and to choose validators carefully to minimize the chances of penalties or loss of staked tokens. 

## Investing in Terra Luna 2.0 

If you're interested in purchasing Luna 2.0 tokens, a cryptocurrency exchange is needed to convert your fiat currency into Luna. However, since Luna was delisted from several exchanges due to UST's collapse, it hasn't yet returned to all of them. 

Despite this, several exchanges, such as Binance, KuCoin, Crypto.com, and eToro, still facilitate the trading of Luna 2.0 tokens. 

Buying Luna 2.0 tokens on these exchanges involves registration, depositing funds, selecting an investment amount, and choosing a wallet to store the funds. 

According to Mudrex CEO and Co-Founder Edul Patel, Luna 2.0's revival plan aims to make Terra more like a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO). Patel notes that while the plans are in place and gaining support from Luna holders, it may take some time to materialise. 

Sathvik Vishwanath, CEO and Co-Founder of Unocoin, believes that Luna's recent struggles were partially due to the governance structure of the Luna Foundation. Luna 2.0 seeks to decentralise governance and become a DAO, allowing for more global governance rather than just one organisation or foundation, Vishwanath added. 

## Terra Luna 2.0 price today 

![Terra to USD chart](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_02_at_16_02_06_8fa5b3b96f.png)

Terra Luna 2.0 price stands at £1.00 and has seen a 1.24% hike in the last 24 hours. The market cap for the coin is set at £259,343,209 with a fully diluted market cap of £1,006,958,588. Terra Luna 2.0's value stands at £26,669,196, down 10.23% in the last day alone. Currently, Luna 2.0 has a circulating supply of 258,198,184. 

The graph for Terra Luna 2.0 shows that the coin's price is steadily increasing and [predicted to go up](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/terra-luna-v2/) in the coming days. 

 

Terra Luna 2.0 coin with green background image of man trading with smile

Terra Luna 2.0: Your Ultimate Guide

## Your ultimate guide to Platypus Finance 

A single-sided Automatic Market Maker (AMM) for[ stablecoins,](/news/article/what-are-stablecoins) Platypus Finance was created on the [Avalanche Network](/news/article/what-is-avax-wallet), which was designed to enhance capital efficiency. 

Instead of mandating liquidity providers (LPs) to offer liquidity by pairing tokens (e.g., ETH-AVAX), LPs have the option to provide liquidity by offering a single type of token. 

This mechanism was introduced as a way for LPs to offer liquidity with a single token type instead of the traditional pair tokens, ultimately reducing the impermanent loss for LPs while also increasing trading efficiency. Platypus works on the principle of asset liability, which is where LPs always receive the same amount and type of token that was deposited by them originally, along with any rewards they earned whenever they choose to withdraw from the liquidity pool. 

In many existing AMMs, there are several design flaws when it comes to things like impermanent loss risk, capital inefficiencies, and UX fragmentation. Platypus Finance was made to overcome these problems and work by enhancing the process on current frameworks. Platypus Finance has developed a single-sided liquidity provision mechanism called StableSwap. 

## StableSwap 

StableSwap is a smart way of exchanging cryptocurrencies, allowing for smoother transactions, better user experience, and improved scalability. Unlike other exchange platforms, StableSwap doesn't require specific pairs of tokens for trading. This means users can trade any token for any other token, making it more flexible and accessible. 

At the heart of StableSwap's design is the principle of asset liability management (ALM). This means that deposits made by LPs are recorded as a liability for the platform. LPs receive LP tokens representing the exact amount and type of token they deposited into the liquidity pool. 

This ensures that when LPs withdraw their tokens, they receive precisely the same amount of tokens they deposited, along with any rewards earned. 

ALM also enables each token to grow naturally based on its demand and supply, unlike most other AMMs that require all tokens to have the same level of liquidity, which can hinder the growth of less popular tokens. 

This design gives StableSwap a reliable metric for tracking its financial health, lending out idle assets, and eliminating impermanent loss. Overall, StableSwap provides a more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly way of exchanging cryptocurrencies. 

## Platypus Finance functions and pricing  

The core function of the Platypus protocol is StableSwap. This system is designed to facilitate the exchange of stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, enabling users to swap tokens easily and with minimal barriers. It aims to reduce the impact of high-value trades by minimizing friction and lowering slippage during the exchange process. Each StableSwap transaction requires a 0.01% liquidity provision fee and $AVAX for gas fees. 

## Platypus Finance price 

 ![platypus finance to GBP chart](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_04_18_at_11_03_19_4e38dce329.png)

Currently, Platypus sits at £0.06 with a [market cap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/platypus-finance/ptp/gbp/) of £2,550,619. PTP is on an upward trend after a drop at the end of March. It has a circulating supply of 41,436,585 and a fully diluted market cap of £18,467,806. 


platypus finance logo over green image of platypus

Platypus Finance: All You Need to Know 

If you need to know how to connect Uniswap and your Ledger device, read on.

Started by Hayden Adams, Uniswap works as a finance protocol on Ethereum for swapping or exchanging ERC-20 tokens.

[Uniswap](/news/article/obama-aide-uniswap) is great because it lets people trade tokens of their liking without needing a middleman. However, users have expressed concerns about the high gas fees that come with using Uniswap, along with the security of their tokens. This is where Uniswap Ledger connect comes into play. It is a tool that allows you to interact with the Uniswap Decentralised Exchange of DEX through your hardware ledger wallet.

## What is it?

Uniswap Ledger connect is a powerful tool in the form of a browser extension and a website/application that lets you interact with the Uniswap DEX using your hardware Ledger wallet. It works by using the Ledger Live app installed on your computer or mobile. You can sign in to the app and broadcast transactions securely. With this integration, you never have to worry about your private keys being exposed to the public, as there is an extra layer of security when you swap tokens on Uniswap.

## How does it work?

To use connect Uniswap and Ledger, you need to have a Ledger hardware wallet and the Ledger Live app installed on your computer or mobile device. Once you have these set up, you can connect your Ledger wallet by adding your Uniswap portfolio to the app and start trading.

When you initiate a transaction on Uniswap, it is sent to your Ledger wallet for confirmation. You will need to review and approve the transaction using your Ledger device, which confirms that you are the wallet owner and that the transaction is valid. Once you confirm the transaction, it is signed and broadcast to the blockchain, completing the trade.

## How to connect Uniswap with Ledger

To connect your Uniswap account with Ledger, follow the steps listed below.

•	First, you need to set up your [Ledger hardware wallet](/news/article/nanoledger-essential-for-2023) if you don't already have one. If you don't, buy one and follow the instructions provided by Ledger to set it up and make a new Ethereum account.

•	Install the Ledger Live app, which is available for both desktop and mobile. This is the app that you will use to manage your hardware Ledger wallet.

•	Now, go to the [Uniswap Ledger connect website](https://www.ledger.com/coin/wallet/uniswap) and connect your Ledger wallet to the platform. Next, you will follow the instructions given on the website and approve the integration using your Ledger device.

•	You can now start trading.

Lastly, to ensure secure trading, keep your Ledger firmware and app updated, double-check transaction details, monitor gas fees, and protect your device and recovery phrase.



blue image of uniswapand ledger logos on pile of cryptocurrency tokens

Uniswap Ledger Connect Guide

Based in the UK, CEX is a cryptocurrency exchange platform with more than four million global users. The platform has a team of 250 people from multiple countries and operates under the Financial Conduct Authority's temporary registration scheme.

[CEX.IO](https://cex.io/) first shot up to fame by being one of the first fiat-to-crypto exchange platforms in the UK. Users that signed up on the platform could easily trade fiat currency like GBP or USD for the cryptocurrency of their choice via card payments and bank transfers. The platform is also a founding member of the CryptoUK, whose mission is to build cooperation between the UK's regulatory authorities and major cryptocurrency players.

## CEX exchange UK offering review

CEX is a significant leap for all looking to trade in crypto. This is because the platform allows users to buy, sell, and trade with more than 115 cryptocurrencies and in 225 trading pairs. It can be accessed via browsers and on both Apple and Android devices.

At the time of writing, CEX.IO has three products available for UK customers: CEX.IO, CEX.Broker, and CEX.Direct.

## Cryptocurrencies available on CEX.IO

Right now, CEX.IO allows users to trade with more than 200 digital currencies and tokens. CEX exchange UK users' most popular cryptocurrencies are:

•	[Bitcoin](/news/article/what-is-bitcoin) (BTC).

•	Litecoin (LTC).

•	[Ethereum](/news/article/ethereum-price-in-uk) (ETH).

•	Bitcoin Cash (BCH).

•	Cardano (ADA).

•	Cosmos (ATOM).

•	Tether (USDT).

•	Uniswap (UNI).

## Who can trade on CEX.IO?

CEX.IO caters to three different types of users that it calls everyone, businesses, and traders.

Everyone can go on the crypto exchange platform and use the instant feature to buy the crypto of their choice. CEX.IO takes the cake when it comes to payment methods, as it is flexible and allows users to pay via credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. It also allows users to soft stake in 13 cryptocurrencies, letting them earn crypto and crypto-backed loans. This enables people to get fiat currency by offering their crypto as collateral.

For traders, the exchange provides spot and margin trading platforms and a mobile app, CEX.IO, which they can use for trading even while on the move.

The CEX exchange UK business offering allows firms to sign up via CEX.PRIME. CEX.PRIME lets institutional-sized buyers attain liquidity.

Businesses can also integrate cryptocurrency payments using CEX.DIRECT, a cryptocurrency payment gateway that works under CEX.IO.

## CEX.IO Fees 

CEX works on the maker-trader model, which means that all its transaction fees are based on the 30-day trade volume for all the coins users deal in. This is recalculated every day at 00:00 GMT.

CEX exchange UK fees for low volume and new users are a 0.25% makers fee and a 0.15% takers fee. As you become a more regular user trading in higher volumes, the fees are almost waived depending on the amount you spend.

## CEX.IO Security

Security is a strong focus for CEX.IO. The Financial Conduct Authority conducts the CEX exchange UK regulation. The platform is registered under FinCEN as a money service business in the US. The platform also has a Money Transmitter License (MTL) in 33 states.

## CEX.IO customer satisfaction

CEX exchange customers in the UK rated the platform as "excellent" on Trustpilot with a score of 4.7/5 calculated from more than 22,000 reviews. The platform leaves behind its most famous competitors, such as Coinbase and Kraken, regarding customer satisfaction. 

Moreover, the team at CEX.IO exchange is committed to increasing customer satisfaction even more as it responds to any negative or dissatisfactory customer reviews within 48 hours.

CEX.IO previously had mining services available to the public. That came to a halt due to profitability issues, which was met with many negative customer reviews. However, CEX.IO has rebuilt its reputation and works well as an exchange platform for new and experienced customers.

To conclude, for people looking for a smooth and low-fee cryptocurrency exchange platform, CEX exchange is the way to go.

With a user-friendly design and great customer satisfaction, CEX is undoubtedly the best in the UK.


blue iamge of CEX crypto exchange logo and exchange

CEX Exchange UK Offering Reviewed 

Radicle, commonly referred to as RAD, was launched in 2018 as a decentralised network for software development collaboration. Radicle was built on top of a Directed Acyclic Graph or DAG as a peer-to-peer or P2P network. Currently, Radicle offers a ton of features to users, including Ethereum integration, which comes with some amazing blockchain-based functionalities. As far as the RAD to GBP prices goes, it stands at £1.74 today.
What is RAD?

Made for computer programmers, [RAD is a platform](https://radicle.xyz/) that allows them to work on software projects together in a P2P network. However, where RAD stands out is with its accessibility. Anyone can use RAD without worrying about censorship. It is open source, comes with high security, and can be accessed even without the internet.

To elaborate, it does not require a Domain Name Service, or DNS, to function, and people can work on it even when they are offline.

Moreover, Radicle is a platform designed to facilitate collaboration between programmers without relying on centralized intermediaries. The team accomplishes this by utilizing open protocols that allow users to freely share coding projects without the need for permission from centralized code repositories, DNS hosting services, or proprietary collaboration platforms.

One of the key features of the Radicle platform is its community-driven governance mechanisms, which are partly controlled by the radicle token (RAD). The use of the ERC-20 tokenization standard ensures that users can participate in decision-making processes, and the platform can be self-governed by its community.

It is all of these features that make Radicle truly stand out and contribute to the RAD to GBP price hike. RAD is committed to empowering programmers and uplifting the community while eliminating the problem of centralized gatekeepers.

## Is RAD worth investing in?

As per a report written by CoinMarketCap, RAD currently has a ranking in the top 250 altcoins and is considered to be one of the most successful cryptos in the world. It is because of this that RAD has the interest of a lot of potential digital investors and remains steady even after the [market crash](/news/article/crypto-market-crashing).

Additionally, if users want to work using the platform, Radicle charges them a fee to use specific features or protocols. This is unless users are token holders or registered with the platform already. For token holders and registered users, the platform is completely free to use. Furthermore, people on the Ethereum network have control over the smart contracts and Radicle Treasury. 

The Radicle Treasury holds more than 50% of the total token supply, and it's controlled by Radicle Token holders through the Radicle DAO.

Encouraging token holders to hold onto their tokens can create a new way of operating, where the community owns the virtual open-source network and benefits from shared decision-making. Additionally, if users are unhappy with the network, they can voice their concerns or sell their tokens on the marketplace to leave the network.

These are all the reasons why the RAD to GBP price has not only remained steady, but is expected to go up in the long run.

## RAD price last month
 
Last month, the RAD to GBP price had increased by a whopping 4.48% and was predicted to rise even more in the coming days.

The RAD volume stood at £6,329,123. The currency's market cap was valued at £84,622,949, a 3.62% over a day. The fully diluted market cap of the coin is £173,302,554, also a 3.62% increase.

Experts say this is a good time to get your hands on the coin as it has a circulating supply of 48,829,112 and a maximum supply of 99,999,620. The RAD price is expected to stay consistent.


RAD to GBP Trading and Price 

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 

In Ripple XRP news, investors are speculating about the price prediction for the token in 2023.

XRP, often referred to as Ripple, is a cryptocurrency launched in 2012. Ripple was designed to move transactions from central databases, controlled by financial institutions, to a more independent infrastructure while cutting costs.

## Ripple XRP news: Token never hit £4 in 2022

[Predictions show that the XRP token is capable of reaching the £4 mark](/news/article/ripple-price-prediction), but progress will be slow. Ripple, which was set to skyrocket last year, faces many roadblocks ahead. It took a hit in 2020 with a lawsuit filed by the Security and Exchange Commission, which is still not settled. Since legal proceedings take time, the token has seen a stagnation in price until recently.

It will take time for Ripple to come out of the aftereffects of the lawsuit. The token saw a downward trend all year in 2022 due to the uncertainty with the SEC lawsuit, among other macroeconomic concerns. The token price saw a downward trend last year, with a price cut of 56%.

## Ripple XRP news: When will the lawsuit be settled?

People interested in investing in the token only have one question on their minds, '[When will the lawsuit be over](/news/article/sec-vs-ripple-news)?'.

At the time of writing this, both parties involved in the lawsuit have provided all the necessary documentation required for the legal proceedings to begin. However, the final judgement is probably months away due to the Daubert Motions waiting for the final papers. Once they are provided, the judge usually takes three months to sign them. However, this gap may vary because cases involving securities and commodities are among the slowest ones.

In any case, eager potential and current investors may not have long to wait for the verdict since it is predicted that the judge will make a final ruling in the first half of 2023.

This means that if the ruling is in favour of Ripple, the [price will skyrocket](https://insidebitcoins.com/news/xrp-price-explodes-20-to-0-41-as-trading-volume-hits-1-2-billion-how-high-can-xrp-go) since thousands of new investors will start to pour in. On the other hand, Ripple's price is expected to go down even further if the judge rules against the token and its workings.

But that's not all. The verdict in this case is important even if you are not an XRP investor, but are a part of the crypto space. The outcome, whatever it may be, will have a [huge impact on the crypto market](/news/article/market-ripple).

## Ripple CEO says he is hopeful of a resolution

In recent Ripple XRP news, CEO Brad Garlinghouse said [he is optimistic about a resolution](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/18/ripple-ceo-optimistic-crypto-firm-will-get-sec-xrp-lawsuit-ruling-soon.html) in the first half of 2023. At the Davos World Economic Forum meeting, he stated that he feels good about Ripple's position so far in the lawsuit relative to the law and facts.

The SEC launched a lawsuit against the company alleging that the executives in the company sold the XRP coin, launched in 2012, without first registering the company as a security.

Ripple is fighting the claim stating that XRP should not be considered as an investment contract and that the token is used in Ripple's business for international transactions between banks and other financial institutions.

In December, the SEC and Ripple provided the final rounds of briefs to the court in hopes of a summary judgement. Both parties accuse each other of stretching the law. As of this moment, the judge can choose to pass a ruling, not take the case to trial, or even present it in front of a jury. Whatever happens, the masses will have to wait and see what the final verdict will be.

## XRP price
 
XRP token saw a whopping 20% price increase in late January after a tumultuous 2022. The token is now valued at £0.3324 with a market cap of £16,684,137,602.84. The circulating supply stands at 50,796,877,639 XRP and the max supply is 100,000,000,000 XRP coins.


Ripple XRP News for 2023 

Utherverse was the backbone of the internet back in the early 2000s with the launch of games like Second Life and Play Station Home. The company set a precedent for VR, AR, interactive, and open-world games on the web.

The company is now set to launch its new take on the concept with its new game. The 3D internet game giant says it's unveiling the next layer when it comes to interactive and 3D games on the internet.

Any individual looking to play the game and be a part of the community can do so by installing the all-new web 3D browser named Xaeon™. The team at the company calls it the next-generation Metaverse platform as they get ready to release their in-house crypto called UTHER coin.

In the game, players can expect to use the UTHER coin and buy the company's NFTs. Like many other platforms and interactive, open-world [games on the Metaverse](/news/article/metaverse-games), Utherverse is joining the bandwagon to release its game where users can own places, services, and other things.

These possessions will hold real-world value from which users can expect to make a [passive income](/news/article/how-to-invest-in-metaverse). 

## How does Utherverse work?

The game is set to build a fully functional world in the Metaverse. If someone is looking to build a significant Metaverse presence, this is the place to go. The platform will provide players with all the tools they need to build their very own Metaverse.

These include software, tools, IP protection, and technical support, among other things, making it easier for players to customize and build their own unique identity within the world.

The company is taking a leap into the world of 3D internet games as players now have unlimited options when it comes to worlds within the game. In other words, players can transport, hopping in and out of millions of different worlds. The worlds in the browser can be interconnected with the correct permissions, allowing users unlimited options.

The company also states that the technology used to build the world is not only patented, but also ahead of its time and competition.

## The economy

Since the company has been in this business for 17 years and is a pioneer in virtual world games on the internet, the UTHER token's launch is no surprise.

They have also [launched the first fNFT](https://www.utherverse.io/fnft) (fractional non-fungible token) ever created. The fNFT comes in the form of a genesis trunk which comes "alive". The trunk contains many goodies within the game and is the rarest form of asset you can own within the Metaverse.


Utherverse Launches First-Ever fNFT 

Polkacity is a multi-chain [Metaverse game](/news/article/farming-games-in-metaverse) that allows players to generate a passive income by simply holding NFTs. In the virtual world blockchain game, players can own virtual locations and have a steady passive income. It's native token, POLC, price could be linked to game development.

Each location within the world has actual value in the form of an NFT, which generates income in the form of a POLC token.

## How does it work?

The workings of Polkacity are quite simple. Once registered as a valid player or member of the Polkacity community, you can start buying and investing in assets.

The virtual world has a GTA-esque vibe and operates on the same principle; players can own assets in the form of taxis, gas stations, energy stations, services, and so much more.

Once players pick their preferred asset, they are provided with a contract address. From there, they have to make a deposit to the contract address shared with them. Once payment is made, players can expect to receive payments every week in their wallets.

If you invest in assets like the hotel in the game, you can make big money. Once the game is fully functional, you can expect to receive more than 13,000 POLC tokens in a week with bigger assets.

To elaborate, Polkacity is a hub for investors. The Polkacity price will only increase as the game picks up pace and functions at full capacity. The team at Polkacity uses resources available within the Metaverse, such as DeFi and NFTs, to make it easier for private investors to get the assets they want. In other words, every community member can make a passive income by investing in assets that work best for them.

## How to play Polkacity

Anyone interested in playing Polkacity and being a part of the growing community can access the game through a mobile application or desktop. The game is available to play on both PC and Mac.

The game remains in its beta phase, so new additions and improvements are made daily. As the team at Polkacity works hard to add better controls, new city-wide features, and improved graphics, Polkacity price is expected to go up. On the other hand, players in the Metaverse can already move freely by car, on foot, and by other modes of transportation.
 
The [Polkacity token, POLC, stands at £0.03111](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/polkacity/). The token at the time of writing has a circulating supply of 83,414,352 and its market cap is at £1,771,886.60.


pink image of polkacity logo on image of pink city

Polkacity Price Could Rise as Updates Arrive 

Blockchain and cryptocurrency started with the idea of not letting central authorities control our finances. This decentralized anonymous system lets people make a passive income while keeping their identity private. This inspired DRIP Network, enabling token holders to have a consistent passive income that grows over time.

Regular shares and stocks pay out a dividend. This means that once you own a company stock, you can make money as long as the company is turning a profit.

This is the principle on which DRIP aims to work. According to DRIP, it will pay token holders a daily dividend, allowing them to make money/passive income without actually having to do anything.

## What is DRIP Network?

DRIP Network, created by teams led by Forex_Shark and BB, was launched in July 2021. Forex, who has been involved in the crypto space since 2012, is the main developer of DRIP. The total supply of DRIP tokens is capped at 99,999,999.

[The network is based on the DRIP Token](/news/article/drip-token). It is a community that pays token holders 1% of their investment daily, going up to 365% a year.

## DRIP features

•	DRIP Network token - According to the DRIP Network website, the official token of the network, DRIP, is built on the Binance Smart blockchain (BSC) as a BEP-20 token. The token is designed to be scarce, deflationary, and resistant to censorship. Its current value stands at £0.38.

•	Swap - Traditionally, you would have to use exchange platforms such as PancakeSwap to exchange your BNB for DRIP. However, now you can use the DRIP Network website to make the exchange without incurring a 10% fee.

•	DRIP Faucet - The Faucet is a feature on the DRIP Network's website where users can deposit their DRIP. As stated on the website, this feature is a low-risk, high-reward contract that operates in a similar fashion to a high-yield certificate of deposit by providing a daily return on investment of 1% up to a maximum of 365%.

## How does it work?

DRIP token workings are simple - you deposit a pre-decided amount of DRIP into the DRIP Network. The idea here is to start making a passive income that will not only return you your initial deposit, but also turn in a profit after a certain period.

To explain further, let's say you invest £10,000 as your initial deposit. It would take you about 3.5 months to make your deposit back; from there, whatever you make from the rest of the remaining 365 days is yours to keep. In other words, it is pure profit.

## How to get started with DRIP

Let's look at how you can start investing and making a profit with DRIP.

•	Buy BNB - Grab yourself some BNB from places like Coinbase, Kucoin, Binance, [or other wallets](/news/article/best-crypto-wallet-uk-top-picks). Once you've got it, send it over to your Metamask or Trust wallet. Just make sure you're sending it to the Binance Smart Chain.

•	Swap your BNB for DRIP - Once you're on the [DRIP website](https://drip.community/), connect your wallet by clicking on the "Connect Wallet" button on the top right corner of the page. Then go to the swap page by clicking on the "Swap" button. To buy DRIP using BNB, enter the amount of BNB you want to exchange under the "Buy DRIP" section and confirm the transaction. 

Review and approve any smart contract and exchange actions on your wallet before proceeding.

•	Deposit your DRIP - Once you have your desired amount of DRIP tokens, click on the Faucet to go to the Faucet page. You can use this step to put in a referral if you have one. To deposit DRIP, input the desired amount and select "Deposit". 

Be sure to confirm the transaction in your wallet and remember that a 10% tax will be applied and the funds will not be refundable.

After depositing, you will be able to view the following statistics: Available DRIP earned (at a rate of 1% per day), the total value of DRIP deposits, total claimed DRIP, total DRIP earned from team member referrals, and the maximum payout amount based on your deposit and 1% daily earning potential. 

This amount may increase when you reinvest. Your team members will also be visible.

•	Hydrate/Claim - You will see two buttons, "Claim" and "Hydrate". "Claim" allows you to collect your earned rewards. "Hydrate" lets you reinvest your rewards, increasing your earning potential and max payout. This option has a 5% fee and is preferred by users who want a long-term investment.

DRIP, a new type of offering, aims to be sustainable by implementing several features that encourage price stability and discourage large holders from impacting the market.


blue image of drip network logo and blockchain

DRIP Network Explained

A prolific hacker famously known as the 'Blockchain Bandit' is believed to be on the move again after hacked crypto was moved.

Blockchain Bandit first gained popularity in 2015-16 after using a technique called "Ethercombing" to steal more than £70m in crypto from thousands of holders.

Six years after the infamous incident, the hacker has awakened. The huge amount of crypto hacked back then was moved from the Bandit's wallet last week.

This crypto hacking scandal was considered a programmatic theft because of the sheer amount of money involved. The hacker stole 51,000 ETH and 470 BTC, valued at £73 million today. The hacker is suspected to be moving his funds due to the recent rise in crypto prices.

The Blockchain Bandit got their name after successfully stealing ETH from thousands of holders with weak private keys using Ethercombing. The hacker's attempt emptied more than 10,000 wallets from holders worldwide.

In 2019, the [Blockchain Bandit gained 45,000 ETH](https://cointelegraph.com/news/blockchain-bandit-has-stolen-45-000-eth-by-guessing-weak-private-keys-report-claims) by simply guessing the weak private keys. The now infamous thief heavily relied on the process of being able to guess an address's public key if you are aware of the private key. The hacker seems to have come up with an automated system that helped him scan and identify these weak keys. He exploited this to no extent and was able to steal millions in funds from thousands of crypto holders.

![hacked.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/hacked_008b7d1142.png)
 
Chainanalysis came up with a diagram to portray the shifting of funds. However, they did not mention any specific targets. Chainanalysis advises crypto holders to use well-known and reliable wallets to do transactions and use hardware wallets to move large amounts of funds to avoid getting their crypto hacked.

## Why is the hacker on the move?

After over half a decade of inactivity, the hacker's wallet was seen to be active as he was moving the crypto hacked previously. Crypto experts believe this sudden activity and the moving of funds is due to the recent hike in crypto prices.

The hacker is suspected of moving millions in stolen funds to a more secure location. There have been no updates since his last activity, but his moves are being heavily monitored.

The news comes only days after the [FTX reported more than £342m in stolen funds through hacking](/news/article/ftx-us-reports-415-million-hacked).


red image of hacker stealing crypto with bitcoins falling

Crypto Hacked: Blockchain Bandit Active Again

On 18 January, 2023, US authorities confirmed the arrest of a co-founder and major shareholder of Hong Kong-registered crypto exchange platform Bitzlato for facilitating and harboring money laundering criminals.

A Russian native currently living in China, Anatoly Legkodymov, was arrested in Miami on 17 January, 2022. 

He was booked under a section of the US Patriot Act aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. His charges included operating an unlicensed money exchange business.

Bitzlato is a crypto exchange platform [based out of Hong Kong](/news/article/is-crypto-legal-in-hong-kong) with global operations. The platform allegedly exchanged more than £500 million in cryptocurrency on the Hydra Market. The Hydra Market was the largest darknet marketplace in the world before it was shut down in April 2022. The crypto exchange co-founder also allegedly received £12 million in ransomware proceeds.

## Bitzlato labeled primary money-laundering concern 

The US FinCEN (Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) previously named the crypto giant a "primary money-laundering concern".

This is among the most serious sanctions from the US anti-crime team as it usually works by cutting the target off financially around the globe.

The platform allowed users to sign up and operate by providing little to no personal information, making it a haven for criminals. It also allegedly posted ads on Russian-language sites telling users that they can sign up and start using the site by only providing their email address and nothing else. The company made it exceptionally easy for users to buy crypto for cash for a negligible fee and practically no personal information.

The seizure of Bitzlato does not come as a surprise. US law enforcement has been hard at work because the crypto community has been under a microscope since last year following [scandals in the industry](/news/article/how-to-avoid-crypto-scams). US authorities charged [FTX CEO Sam Bankman Fried in 2022 with eight counts of fraud](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64036615) after the exchange filed for bankruptcy.

The operations of the Hong Kong-based exchange platform Bitzlato have been seized until the trial.


red image of bitzlato logo on red background

Bitzlato co-founder charged with laundering over £500m

The crypto market in the UK has seen a significant jump in value in the new year, with [BTC](/news/article/buy-bitcoin-cash-uk) prices seeing a 3.45% hike and SHIB experiencing a 2.08% increase, among other cryptocurrencies. So far this year, the crypto scene has been optimistic. The hikes mentioned above have all happened over a 24-hour period alone.

And it isn't just Bitcoin and SHIB. A selection of other cryptocurrencies have seen a similar price hike. These include such altcoins as Solana (SOL), with a jump of 3.31%, and Ethereum (ETH), number two to BTC, successfully crossing the £1,143 mark with a 0.76% price hike. [Polygon (MATIC) has also seen a significant 2.61% hike](https://www.binance.com/en-IN/price/polygon).

Fetch.ai is running its bull period in full force and has seen a whopping 18.23% rise in the last 24 hours alone. The token's value has skyrocketed, by an impressive 99.43%, in the last week alone. 

Crypto prices UK are on the rise along with the global crypto market
After a bruising 2022, the cryptocurrency markets have started this year with a more positive energy. The global crypto market has seen a 2.01% increase in 24 hours. The market cap stands at £739.21billion now. There has been a 23.88% increase in the total crypto value in a day. It now stands at £46.57 billion.

## BTC hikes by 3.45%

With a 3.45% price hike in the last 24 hours, BTC is now valued at £15,394. [There has been a long wait for BTC to cross the $18,000 mark](/news/article/bitcoin-forecast-2023). 

![btc.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/btc_a60e1ac602.png)

![btc2.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/btc2_fa0d093951.png)

Inevitably, the rise in price for Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has subsequently increased the trading volume by 34.55% too.
  
## SHIB rises by 2.08%

This token, which started as a meme, has seen a 2.08% hike over the last day. The crypto is now valued at £0.0000078 with a £4.72 billion market cap. The trading volume also saw a spike of 6.12% as the price increased.

![shib.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/shib_47feb1fdd0.png)

  
  


blue image of crypto prices on trading mobile app

Crypto Prices UK: BTC and SHIB on the Rise

Coinstar is about making buying crypto easier - the company based in the US operates coin-cashing machines. The idea is simple: all you have to do is pour your coins into the machine and it does the rest of the work for you.

After you put the coins in the machine, you have three options:

•	You can get cash which typically has a convenience fee.

•	You can get a no-fee eGift card.

•	You can donate to a charity of your liking.

## Buying crypto with Coinstar made easy

The coin-machine giant is partnering with Coinme to make exchanging [cash for crypto](https://coinme.com/coinstar/) more straightforward. Since crypto has gained popularity in recent times and is only available to purchase online, many people feel left out. 

Coinstar anbd Coinme are doing a phenomenal job at giving people the option to exchange their cash for crypto in three easy steps.

•	First, you need to create a Coinme account and claim your [crypto wallet](/news/article/crypto-wallet-multiple-currencies), which is free.

•	Second, find a Coinstar kiosk near you and buy a crypto voucher for cash at the coin-cashing machine.

•	Finally, redeem your voucher instantly and claim your crypto with Coinme.

## Crypto offered

Of course, since [blockchain technology](/news/article/what-is-blockchain) and crypto have taken the world by storm, you will have a lot of options when you exchange your cash for a crypto voucher. At this time, Coinme offers:

•	Bitcoin

•	Dogecoin

•	Ethereum

•	Litecoin

•	USD Coin.

•	[Chainlink](/news/article/chainlink-staking-to-boost-oracle-security).

•	Polygon

•	Stellar

If you are someone who has thought about or wants to get into the crypto world, this could be your chance in a straightforward way. With this partnership, the two companies, Coinstar and Coinme, are making buying crypto easier and more accessible than ever. Find a kiosk near you today to exchange cash for crypto vouchers and get started.


Coinstar: Buy Crypto with Cash

Markets are unpredictable: they can shoot up and go down quickly. This constant change is referred to as bull and bear markets. To put it simply, markets that are experiencing steady and sustained growth are bull markets. Markets experiencing a noticeable decline are known as bear markets.

The bull and bear have become quite symbolic in the investing world as they make it easier to note which markets are up and down. A common misconception about the bull and bear market terms is that they are only used when referring to the stock market. Bull and bear are used to note the conditions of almost every market, such as real estate and cryptocurrency.

## What is a bull market?

The [market for cryptocurrency](/news/article/crypto-impact) is majorly influenced by the general population. A bull market is when the price trends are going upward. In other words, a bull market occurs when investment prices keep rising for a sustained period. The majority is investing and the demand is higher than the supply. Confidence is soaring.

When a market price is seen quickly rising, one can conclude that this indicates the investors are optimistic or "bullish". If the price continues to go up, it may be the start of a bull market. When investors are bullish about a market, that is, they are confident that the price trend will continue to go up, they are known as "bulls". This causes more investors to come in, and the prices continue to rise.

When it comes to [cryptocurrency](/news/article/crypto-invest-strategy), the market is heavily influenced by the public. Public confidence in a cryptocurrency or a market is seen as an asset. Some investors use a strategy to observe optimism known as "market sentiment".

The thing about a bull market is that no matter what, the prices don't continue to go up forever. At some point, investors start to lose confidence and the prices start to go down. Some dips and fluctuations don't automatically mean that the market is not bull anymore. In fact, it is normal to have fluctuations even during a bullish period.

What marks the bull market ending and the beginning of a bear one is when there is a sharp decline in the price. This is when investors are not confident in the market anymore and the prices continue to fall.

## What is a bear market?

Contrary to a bull market, a bear market occurs when investor confidence is slow, and supply outweighs demand causing the prices to go on a downward trend. Investors who are pessimistic about the price trend and believe that the prices will continue falling during this period are known as "bears". It can be challenging to invest during this time because no one can tell when the bear trend will end.

This is due to reasons including economic growth, unforeseen circumstances, investor psychology, and more. A market is only considered to be bear when prices fall more than 20% for a sustained period. Bear markets can last very long, even years. During this time, investors usually look to sell for cash and security. This creates a seller market which contributes to bear market trends.

## Bull and bear - where should you invest?

As discussed above, there are several differences between bull and bear markets. Therefore, the investment strategies for both are also wildly different from one another.

Having a higher allocation of stocks during the bull market period is considered to be better because there is a potential for high returns. One can also capitalize easily in the bull market period by buying the rising stocks or, in this case, cryptocurrency, early and then selling before they hit their peak. This allows investors to gain more capital at a faster pace.

Alternatively, investing in a bear market requires investors to have more of a longer-term [investment strategy](/news/article/crypto-invest-strategy). Like the bull market, the bear market also doesn't last forever. So, when one invests in a bear market, they can typically profit a lot and get high returns on their investments when the cycle goes back to normal. 

Moreover, investors should also be on the lookout for temporary or short spikes if they are looking to sell early.

As an investor, one can use different bull and bear investment strategies like [short selling](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/short-selling/), where investors bet on where the asset price will start to fall. In the crypto world, many investors use the dollar-cost averaging strategy. This is where they continue to invest a certain amount of money every week or month, no matter the price trend.

In either case, bull and bear markets will continue to happen. How one invests during this period largely depends on the investor. If someone is looking for short-term profits, the bear market is the way to go and vice versa.


blue image of cryptocurrency with bull and bear in foreground

Bull and Bear Markets - What to Know

The governor of the French central bank, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, has called for stricter licensing criteria and requirements for crypto companies operating out of France. His comments come after taking into consideration the current turbulence in the crypto market.

During his speech on 5 January in Paris, the Bank of France governor stated that [France should not wait](/news/article/france-crypto-rules-under-pressure) for the upcoming crypto [laws in the EU](/news/article/eu-crypto-regulation-save-energy) to impose compulsory licensing for local digital asset service providers (DASPs).

The Markets in Crypto Assets Bill (MiCA) by the European Parliament lays out a crypto licensing order not expected to be put into force until 2024.

In a 5 January report from Bloomberg, the governor talks about the country's financial industry, stating that all the chaos in 2022 only points to one thing. That is, France should move to a compulsory licensing of DASPs instead of just a registration as soon as possible.

Presently, all crypto businesses that offer crypto custody and training must only register with the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), the country's market regulator.

## The French central bank governor urges for licensing after MiCA amendment proposed

The push for licensing comes after an amendment was proposed in December by Hervé Maurey, a member of the senate finance commission. The amendment called to eliminate a clause that allows companies to operate without a license.

Currently, the laws in France allow companies to operate without needing a license until 2026. This is to remain the same until MiCA passes a regime that does not allow companies to run unlicensed. 

Considerations regarding the amendment will begin in January in the parliament.

MiCA has been a work in progress for the EU parliament since September 2020. On 10 October, a European Parliament committee passed the [crypto framework](https://cointelegraph.com/news/european-parliament-committee-passes-mica-crypto-framework-in-landslide-vote) on Economic and Monetary Affairs as a result of deliberations between the European Commission, EU Council, and European Parliament.


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