One of the largest asset management companies [Blackrock Inc](https://www.blackrock.com/corporate). has recently entered the crypto market. It has introduced a private trust that allows its institutional clients in the US to get exposure to spot Bitcoin. Moreover, the news about Blackrock investing in [Bitcoin](/coins/btc) came through after [partnering up with Coinbase](/news/article/blackrock-crypto) for crypto custody and trading services. 

## Blackrock investing proves beneficial for Bitcoin

Blackrock investing in the crypto market has been quite constructive for Bitcoin. On 11 August, its price reached almost $25,000. Though its price has slid to $23,987, the move has boosted investors’ confidence. The overall market sentiment has also been bullish. 

Many known figures in the crypto space also welcome the Blackrock initiatives as a landmark for the market. William Clemente, the lead analyst for Blockware, called it the ‘[most bullish news](https://twitter.com/WClementeIII/status/1557723939366895617)’ for Bitcoin hodlers. He pointed out that it would ensure security for the investors. 

The company itself has also changed its stance on cryptocurrencies. Five years back, its CEO, Fink Larry, labelled Bitcoin as a money laundering index. However, now Blackrock is investing in a BTC product and a crypto trading services as well. As per the statement from the company, the interest from institutional clients in crypto has inspired them to enter the space. 

## Other asset managers in the crypto market

Though Blackrock investing in digital asset class services has been the most impactful, several other players are entering this volatile market. Earlier, Charles Schwab’s asset management arm also invested in the market. It introduced an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for the institutions linked with cryptocurrencies. With the STCE ticker, this ETF was introduced on the 4th of August 2022 on the New York Stock Exchange for trading.

On the other hand, the UK giant, Abrdn, is also exploring cryptocurrencies. This week, FTSE listed Abrdn bought a stake in the exchange Archax, a UK-regulated digital tokens and assets exchange. 



Blackrock investing strengthens crypto’s position

[Monero or XMR](https://www.getmonero.org/) is a widely popular and unique cryptocurrency because it allows users to remain untraceable. But it has also gained traction from criminals as they can keep their anonymity. This led to the discussions about a ban on Monero in Australia and several exchanges delisting it, which made buying this cryptocurrency quite challenging.

So, if you are also unsure whether you can buy Monero in Australia or not, this article will help clarify your doubts!

## What is Monero (XMR), and how does it work?

Transparency is the key feature of most of the crypto blockchains around the world. But Monero is the cryptocurrency that argues blockchain transparency leads to user identity and is unsafe. That’s why it introduces a blockchain which is confidential and untraceable. The details of each transaction on the blockchain remain hidden, keeping the sender and receiver identities safe. 

It works with three different technologies to keep the data confidential. Firstly, Monero uses temporary stealth addresses that detach the receiver’s public accounts from the transactions. Secondly, each trade requires a ring signature from multiple users. Other than the sender, these users include several decoys so that actual senders remain anonymous. The Ring Confidential Transactions (RingCT) is used as an added layer of confidentiality for encrypting transaction amounts. 

## How to buy Monero in Australia (XMR/AUD)?

You can easily buy XMR in AUD, as Australia allows trading these taxable assets. Like any other digital coin, you first need to find a trusted exchange to buy this coin. There are various credible names like Coinbase, OKX, Kucoin, etc., that you can opt for. After selecting one, create an account on that exchange. 

Register your email and phone number and set up a secure password. Then you can verify your details and deposit your Australian dollars (AUD) into the account to buy privacy coins. It would require selecting a payment method like bank transfer, credit card, or other payment options. Choose one as per your convenience and proceed to deposit AUD. Finally, find XMR on the exchange and swap it with Australian dollars, and you will be all set to use it. 

## XMR as an investment?

Monero is a distinguished token because of its confidentiality. That’s why investing in such privacy coins would depend on your necessity for security. If you want your digital transactions to remain anonymous, buying XMR with AUD could be a rewarding choice, considering its current price. However, you must be aware that it might bring certain risks, like its reputation for illegal activities which is the reason why several countries and exchanges have delisted it.



What is XMR and how to buy it with AUD?

Blockchain use cases grow as the technology enters new domains. The tokenised and reward-based system increases its applications and helps bring positive societal changes.

One such application of blockchain is move-to-earn. These applications encourage people to walk more and earn tokens as incentives.

Recently, [STEPN](https://www.stepn.com/) has risen in popularity among the move-to-earn apps. It is a Web3-based lifestyle app that includes GameFi as well as SocialFi. It is one of the notable use cases as it is built with the idea of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

## Tokenomics of STEPN App

Its tokenomics involves two tokens; Green Satoshi Token (GST) and Green Metaverse Token (GMT). You can earn GST through the games, whereas GMT is a governance token you can get through events or earn after crossing 30 levels. 

You also have non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as your sneakers. Initially, you have to purchase sneakers to start walking, jogging, or running with STEPN. They have different types and attributes that help with the game modes. Also, you can burn your GSTs to upgrade or mint sneakers.

## Mainstreaming STEPN in Japan

Recently, STEPN has been working to spread the use of the app in Japan. For this reason, it is looking to partner up with the LINE blockchain. LINE is one of the known Japanese tech corporations for decentralised application development. It has agreed to work with the fitness lifestyle app to bring it to the mainstream in Japan. 

Find Satoshi and LINE Xenesis have signed an MOU to introduce STEPN in the Japanese market. It is an already popular app in the country, and this agreement will further help promote it throughout Japan. 

The CEO and Representative Director of LINE Xenesis, Lim Inkyu, has shared his thoughts about this development. He believes the app is an ideal example of Web3 usage in the real world. He also mentioned that this collaboration might lead to more blockchain and Web3 use cases for the people of Japan.


Blockchain Use Cases: Move-to-Earn Apps

As Q2 2022 concluded, many companies shared their data for cryptocurrency losses.

Major United States crypto companies like Coinbase and Galaxy Digital have reviewed their activities. The data they shared further substantiates that we are experiencing a [crypto winter.](/news/article/crypto-market-crashing)

As per Coinbase, the dip for the previous quarter reached more than $1.1bn. Galaxy Digital's crypto depletion for the same period was $554 million.

## 'Fast and Furious' Cryptocurrency Losses for Coinbase

One of the largest crypto exchanges, Coinbase was listed by the NASDAQ in 2021. It has shared the data for its crypto losses of more than $1.1 billion in the second quarter of 2022. Since its stock exchange listing, this has been the worst quarter for the firm.

The company announced the deficit via a [shareholder letter](https://s27.q4cdn.com/397450999/files/doc_financials/2022/q2/Q2-2022-Shareholder-Letter.pdf) on August 9, 2022. The letter mentioned that consumer behaviour amid this ‘fast and furious’ crypto winter is the same as previous ones. 

Moreover, it revealed that the company is focusing more on innovation in this downward market as it will help the company in the next cycle. 

Coinbase shared that its revenue was $802.6 million for Q2. The firm experienced a 45.1% dip in comparison to Q1. Also, if you compare this revenue to Q2 2021, there is a decline of around 153.1%.

The firm is looking to join forces with [Blackrock](/news/article/blackrock-crypto). Both firms agreed to the partnership to support Bitcoin trading. The alliance announcement has been embraced positively in the stock exchange as it saw a surge of more than 15%. Analysts believe that, with Coinbase encountering losses and probes from SEC, a partnership with Blackrock might help the firm financially.

## Galaxy Digital Q2 Crypto Losses Reached $554.7m

Another digital assets giant, Galaxy Digital, shared its report for the second quarter of 2022.

As per the data, the deficit piled up to $554.7 million in Q2. In Q2 of last year, the company's total debt was only around $182.9 million.

The cryptocurrency losses for the major firms suggest a further aggravating crypto winter.


Cryptocurrency Losses for Major US 

Are you interested in purchasing supermoon coins but unsure how to buy them? Read this guide to easily get the cryptocurrency through the Binance exchange. 

To buy cryptocurrencies, different procedures need to be followed. The reason is that they are available on an array of exchanges, and not all of them can be compatible with your existing wallet. That’s why getting a new coin is always a struggle. 

[Supermoon coin](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/supermoon/) is one such cryptocurrency which is quite challenging to purchase. To help you figure out the tricky process, here’s a simple guide for buying OSM crypto!

## How do I get the Supermoon Coin?

The following easy steps will guide you through the buying procedure for the OSM coin.
1.	Get your [Binance](https://www.binance.com/en) Wallet
Firstly, you need to get a [Binance](/news/tag/binance-tag) wallet on your device. You can easily download it on your PC with the Google Chrome extension or Apple Store. You can also install it on your Android or iOS phones via Google Play or iOS Store. 

2.	Create your Binance account
Secondly, you would need to set up your Binance account by filling in all your personal details. Then create a strong password, verify the account, and enable two-factor authorisation. Also, ensure the safety of the seed phrase provided to you and note your account address.

3.	Purchase BNB chain
To buy the Supermoon coins, you first need to purchase a Binance crypto chain. For this, sign in and go to ‘buy and sell crypto’. It will give you options like bank transfer, credit card, P2P trading, etc. Select your desired option and proceed to buy BNB, and save them to your Binance wallet.

4.	Transfer BNBs to your wallet
After that, you need to transfer this coin(s) to your wallet. Go to your wallet and look for the withdrawal button. This will lead you to a form where you have to fill in your personal details like email, phone number, account address, and the amount you want to share. Set the network as a BNB chain for a smooth transaction and proceed with the withdrawal.  

5.	Connect your wallet with an exchange
Once you have transferred Binance coins to your wallet, you can look for an exchange to trade it for the OSM coin. One of the trusted decentralised exchanges for getting the cryptocurrency is Pancake Swap. You can link your wallet with it and trade it for Supermoon. 

6.	Swap your BNB chain for Supermoon Coin
Finally, to swap BNB with OSM, you firstly need to select it as your required coin. Besides, BNB will be your payment token. Now, you will be ready to proceed with the swap. It will turn your BNBs into Supermoon coins, and you can use them for any purpose. 

## Bottom line

Purchasing OSM can be tricky, but you can easily acquire them once obtaining Binance coins. Firstly, create your wallet to purchase and transfer BNBs there. After that, link it to a reliable exchange and swap your BNBs with Supermoon coins. 




How to buy Supermoon Coin (OSM)?

The crypto market has expanded exponentially in recent years with more than 9,000 digital coins. Now, investing in cryptocurrencies has become a mainstream trend. You can now generate passive income through lending and capital gain by crypto investing or trading. Another avenue you can take is investing in the many blockchains and DeFi startups.

There is also a rising trend of real-world equity investing and trading with stablecoins. Decentralised exchanges like [FTX US](https://www.ft.com/content/8379f141-8b94-438e-8347-cb5ffdf003ac) have already begun to offer services in this area. This has opened a new gateway for buying shares in a company with cryptocurrencies. 

However, the market lacks clarity on how equity trading will work with stablecoins. To make things more straightforward, we have discussed below how retail investors can benefit from fiat-based stablecoin investing. 

## The crypto world meets the stock market

The crypto market involves digital assets that emerged only in the last decade. The stock market is a much more mature and competitive market that involves real-world assets. Stocks were considered the primary investment option by the masses. But, as the crypto world continues to grow, many digital tokens have gained investors’ attention.  

However, crypto is a precarious and unpredictable market. That’s why tokens’ real-world usage is still limited. For this reason, stablecoins were introduced, pegged with fiat currencies. But the debacle of the Terra ecosystem left a dent in their reputation. 

Now, many DEXs are looking to link stocks and stablecoins. This will even help crypto investors in buying shares in a company. Moreover, it will help in diversifying your portfolio and help increase the real-world usage of crypto coins and tokens. 

## Crypto exchanges for buying shares in a company

Buying shares in a company with cryptocurrencies is an emerging trend in the industry. There are limited exchanges that offer equity trading services with stablecoins. Here are a few names that have already started or have announced to provide this service soon.

1.	FTX US
One  of the leading digital asset exchanges, FTX, has recently announced its services in the stock market. The exchange will allow buying company shares with both fiats and fiat-backed currencies. FTX US will primarily deal with US dollar-pegged stablecoins like Binance USD and USDC (USD Coin). Also, the exchange made it clear that it would not be supporting algorithmic stablecoins like [Terra](/news/article/terra-usd) USD.

2.	Voyager Digital
Another US decentralised exchange, Voyager Digital, has also signalled toward offering a similar service. It will work as a brokerage platform and allow you to buy stocks through stablecoins. Voyager Digital will likely work with USD-backed stable tokens like USDC. The platform has announced it would begin offering the service later this year, however this looks unlikely given that Voyager filed for bankruptcy protection last month.

3.	Bitstamp USA
Yet another US-based crypto exchange, Bitstamp USA, might enter the stock trading services via stablecoins. The platform has yet to announce its plan for when and how it will introduce the equity trading service. However, the platform’s CEO, Bobby Zagotta, showed keen resolve to enter the market.  

## Bottom line

Stablecoins in the stock market can revamp the existing business model of brokerage exchanges. It can create an environment where investors can trade both real-world and digital assets in one place. Buying shares in a company may also help bring crypto investors into a regularised market and increase the real-world usage of cryptocurrencies. 




Buying shares in a company with crypto

Shiba Inu’s name features among the most prominent [meme coins](/news/article/meme-coins). In the bullish market of late 2021, the coin made notable gains and expanded its SHIBArmy. But amidst the recent crypto winter, the token is struggling to sustain itself.  

To keep the Shibaverse coin afloat, its developers are working to intensify the burning process. It is used by many other digital tokens to increase a coin’s worth by limiting its supply. For this reason, SHIB developers have also set up a Shiba Inu Coin burn portal that runs on a reward system. 

Here’s everything you need to know about SHIB burning!

## The Shiba Inu Coin burn mechanism

Coin burning is a standard procedure through which cryptocurrencies can remove tokens from the market to increase the price. The Shiba Inu token also uses a similar strategy to sustain its price. It has a decentralised exchange (DEX), ShibaSwap, which has recently introduced a burn portal. Through the [ShibaSwap burn portal](https://burn.shibaswap.com/), you can easily eliminate tokens and get incentives. 

## How does SHIB burn Portal work? 

The SHIB burning portal has three null wallet options. Among them, two are dead wallets, and one is a black hole wallet. First is the most commonly used dead wallet, which Vitalik Buterin also used to burn $6.7 billion tokens. The second one is for ShibaSwap listings. Whereas the Black Hole is for Shiboshi NFTs renaming. 

To burn Shiba tokens, you have to transfer them to a dead wallet. A dead wallet, aka a burning wallet, does not have a private key. So, sending your tokens to such a wallet makes them unretrievable and instantly wipes them off the market. 

The portal will give you burntSHIB tokens as incentives as you burn.

## Shiba Inu Coin burning reward system

The ShibBurn portal can give you RYOSHI tokens as rewards. However, burning SHIB would not directly yield RYOSHIs. Instead, at first, it will provide you with burntSHIB tokens. After that, you can stake these tokens in your Ethereum wallets to get RYOSHI token rewards. The yield on your burntSHIB holdings can be up to 19%.

## What’s the Shiba Inu Coin burn rate?

The Shiba Inu Coin burn portal was introduced in April this year. Since then, the SHIB Army has successfully removed more than 59 billion tokens from the circulating supply. Despite that, the current burn rate of the coin is -68.59%. Also, its price has not increased as much as the community and developers expected. 

Contrastively, as of the end of the first half of 2022, around 70 billion SHIBs have been burned. So far, the highest amount of coins has been burnt in May. 
 
![shib coin burn.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/shib_coin_burn_4db5f47ec3.png)

[Source](https://www.datawrapper.de/_/hdopE/)

## What lies ahead for Shiba Inu?

Despite having a distinguished burning portal, Shiba Inu’s price has not recovered yet. SHIB’s current price is only $0.00001078, with a market cap of $5,920,266,602. As per the SHIBQueenie estimates, for its price to even reach the $0.001 mark, over 88 trillion coins need to be burnt annually for six years. 

However, this will remove over 90% of the tokens and might not get the desired result as its hype declines. So,  a coin burn might not be the only solution for its revival. That’s why the developers need to work on more projects like Shibarium and Shiba Inu Metaverse. 







Shiba Inu Coin Burn: How does it work?

Solana wallets are experiencing a severe cyberattack that has nearly drained $8 million. A leading [SOL-based NFT](/news/article/solana-nft) marketplace, Magic Eden has sent an alert to its users to cancel permission for dubious sources. The marketplace has pointed out that there has been a widespread exploit on the SOL blockchain. 

## Solana wallet funds being transferred to unspecified addresses

Many Solana wallet holders are reporting a loss of funds on Twitter. The funds from these wallets are being transferred to an unspecified address. However, some users have claimed that the wallet where all the SOL funds are drained is “Htp9MGP8Tig923ZFY7Qf2zzbMUmYneFRAhSp7vSg4wxV”.

![solana wallet 1.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/solana_wallet_1_91ef2d1dd4.png)

Mainly, the hot wallets are being targeted. Therefore, the hot wallets on Phantom and Slope are at the risk of being hacked and drained. So far, these wallets, including Magic Eden, are the firms that have reflected on this hack.

[Phantom](https://twitter.com/phantom/status/1554626111535026177) has ensured that it is working with its team to gather the information regarding the hack. Also, it has clarified that the hack is ‘Phantom-specific’. Likewise, Slope commented on the hack and said its team is working to identify the issue. Moreover, Slope is also updating its users regarding the developments. 

On the other hand, Magic Eden has also confirmed the breach in the SOL blockchain. Moreover, it has provided directions for its users to keep themselves safe from the cyberattack. Magic Eden has firstly directed to cancel permissions to unverified sources. Secondly, the marketplace has suggested transferring the Solana wallet funds to either a new or cold wallet. 

![solana wallet 2.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/solana_wallet_2_bd3fd1d4cc.png)
 
[Source](https://twitter.com/MagicEden/status/1554620084831674370)

## What’s the issue?

Though there is limited information regarding the breach, some speculate it to be a ‘supply chain issue’. PeckShield, a blockchain investigator, has pointed out that the supply chain has been breached before to steal the private keys. This could be the reason behind the Solana wallet hack that transferred funds to an unknown address.  



Cyberattack on Solana wallets drained $8 million

Investing in crypto can be risky for an aggressive trader or an inflexible HODLer. This article features the top 5 crypto investment strategies that may help you manage the volatility. 

Cryptocurrencies have featured in global economic headlines for a long time. Now, it has become a source of passive income and capital gain for many. However, it has also remained a highly risky and volatile market, meaning lesser financial security. 

Besides, the uncertain digital world also goes through deadly [crypto winters](/news/article/bitcoin-price-falls) every once in a while. Currently, it is also experiencing a [detrimental meltdown](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-26/crypto-winter-why-this-bitcoin-bear-market-is-different-from-the-past) which started in the beginning of this year that has resulted in a loss of over $2 trillion.

Starting in this market environment without a plan would be dicey. Here we've laid out a simple crypto investment strategy for beginners and have discussed the 5 most important tactics you must know before entering the market. 

## 5 unavoidable crypto investment strategies

Here are the top 5 crypto investing strategies that you should never avoid!

1.	Tackle the market volatility
The foremost part of your crypto investment strategy should be to keep risks minimal. That's why, as a beginner, you should have a plan to tackle market volatility. Firstly, learning the price cycles and reading the short-term and long-term trends to familiarise yourself with market behaviour.

Secondly, neither be an aggressive trader nor an inflexible HODLer. Instead, you must find a middle ground to ensure you don't miss out on earning opportunities and have the perseverance to endure market lows. 

2.	Diversify your portfolio
Diversification of a portfolio is not only for traditional assets, but it's as crucial for digital ones. The age-old saying "don't put all your eggs in one basket" also applies to the crypto market. That's why you should not stick to only one coin, rather regularly look for innovative and high-potential projects.  

However, you should not go berserk with diversification. Ideally, investing in a basket of maximum 5 to 10 crypto currencies is beneficial as opposed to opting for a coin. Don't fall for the hype; instead, study their roadmap and consider the market cap. 

3.	Know your risk tolerance
Another critical part of the crypto investment strategy is to keep your investments within your risk tolerance range. The primary rule of investment is to not invest more than your immunity to losses. That's why you shouldn't invest your life savings, borrowed money, or health and emergency funds in any digital asset.

Since the crypto market is highly unpredictable and risky, investing more than your risk tolerance level would be a gamble. Therefore, starting with a modest amount you can bear to lose is a smart choice. Ideally, you should not invest more than 5 to 10% of your total portfolio.

4.	Utilise cost averaging
Cost averaging is the most popular crypto investment strategy. Whether you are a trader or a HODLer, you can use cost averaging to make better better risk adjusted returns in the long term. Cost averaging comprises of investing smaller amounts at regular intervals. Through this, you can mitigate the risk of unpredictable losses by investing when the market is up (at a premium) and when it is down (at a premium)- resulting in an average cost price with lower volatility.

Instead of making a single lump sum investment, you can divide your entire year's investment into small amounts. Then you can set a time for investing it, whether monthly, weekly, or daily. This will allow you to invest at the time of both upward and downward trends, which will reduce losses. 

5.	Opt for safe storage
Safe storage is a high priority for crypto investments. You will find crypto wallets or storage of two types: hot or cold. Hot ones are better for day-to-day trading, whereas cold ones work best for long-term investments. This is because hot storages have internet access all the time to make trades instantly.

In comparison, cold wallets are hardware devices on which you can store your coins remotely with limited internet usage. This makes cold wallets much more secure than hot wallets. However, you should use both as hot storage will come in handy in trading, and cold ones will keep your long-term investments safe. 

## Bottom line

Cryptocurrencies prices are spiralling downwards as the market goes through a bearish trend. In this situation, you would be better off with a strategy than without one. The key to investing in crypto is a balanced approach and using safe storage for your digital assets. Consider cost averaging and diversification to help you achieve less volatile risk adjusted returns. You should always be aware of market trends and risk tolerance to avoid losses due to short term market timing.









Crypto investing strategy for beginners

US and UK crypto regulation authorities collaborate to foster and regulate the cryptocurrency and NFT market. The joint forces of these countries will be working on different initiatives to regulate crypto. This recent development will focus on promoting stablecoins and bringing financial innovation. 

Recently, the US Department of the Treasury released a joint statement regarding the UK and US collaborative financial regulatory working group. The virtual meeting was held on 21 July. 

The HM Treasury and the [US Department of the Treasury](https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0888) members took part in the meeting. Besides, the Bank of England (BOE), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) were also part of the meeting. 

## US and UK crypto regulation focus points

In general, the crypto regulators from the UK and US discussed seven themes. These include a cooperative international and bilateral approach, financial innovation, secure financing, and non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI). Moreover, benchmark transition, operational resilience, and developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. 

The Working group meeting established that it will focus on promoting financial stability to reduce the risk and uncertainty from the market. Regarding the issue of Non-Bank Financial Intermediation, the meeting decided that liquidity risk management must be prioritised. 
Besides that, the Working Group also discussed the situation of stablecoins in detail. The developments in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) were also a key discussion point. For this, all participants showed commitment to promoting safe monetary innovations and regulatory measures for stablecoins that can be followed throughout the jurisdiction. 

The officials from both countries acknowledged the importance of the US and UK crypto regulation partnership. Also, the members from both sides pledged that they would work together to introduce long-term crypto-asset regulations for a robust and safe market. Earlier, UK lawmakers confirmed to broaden [property rules](/news/article/uk-assess-crypto-law) to the crypto space and NFT. Such developments will help the government in becoming a crypto hub in the future. 

US and UK crypto regulation officials join forces

Norway Bitcoin mining has set a precedent for the global mining industry. Now, only green and renewable energy is being used for mining in the country. [Arcane Research](https://arcane.no/research/bitcoin-mining-around-the-world-norway) indicates that Norway's 'flourishing' crypto industry relies 100% on green power resources, leaving almost no carbon footprints.  

The data shows that the country's Bitcoin mining makes up nearly 1% of the global hash rate. Contrastively, its population is only 5 million, which makes up only 0.07% of the world's population. Moreover, it is less than a tenth of the hash rate Norway is currently producing. 

Overall, sustainable mining of bitcoin rises to 59.5%, making Crypto Fear and Greed Index drop from “extreme fear” to “fearful”. 

## Which renewable resources do Norwegian Bitcoin miners use?

The electricity Norway consumes comes from different resources; however, most of these resources are renewable. That's why the country is able to limit its carbon emissions that are [harmful to the climate](/news/article/blockchain-energy-fud). Mainly, Bitcoin miners in the country rely on hydropower as it is the country's most used source of electricity. 

Besides hydropower, wind power is the second-most reliable source of power for Bitcoin mining in Norway. Also, as the country is a member of the European electricity system, it uses a small amount of foreign-produced electricity using different technologies and resources.  

If you consider these electricity stats, Norway is using only renewable energy. This poses an excellent opportunity for Bitcoin miners around the world. The author and researcher Jaran Mellerud also believes that the country's mining industry can further expand as its northern part has an abundance of cheap hydropower. 

## Utilising Bitcoin miner’s excessive heat

Norway Bitcoin mining is not only limited to using renewable power resources, but the country is also working on repurposing energy. A German company, Bluebite, has started its operations on Norwegian land and is working on utilising the by-product heat emitted by Bitcoin miners. Currently, the company is exploring different options like vertical farming of strawberries, drying timber, growing seaweed operations, or even supplying the heat to citizens. 



Norway Bitcoin mining now uses 100% green energy

In recent years, the online gambling industry has progressed tremendously as it is worth [61.5 billion USD](https://www.statista.com/statistics/270728/market-volume-of-online-gaming-worldwide/) and is expected to grow by 86% in 2028. The primary reason behind its growth is the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in gambling. 

Now, various online casinos deal in fiat currencies and digital tokens. One of the most popular options is mBit Casino which is ideal for [Bitcoin](/coins/btc) players. But, like any other online gambling platform, critics question its legitimacy. Are you wondering whether this casino is white-labelled or not? Read this review to find out the truth! 

## How does gambling work on mBit Casino?

mBit is a Bitcoin wagering platform that is regulated by the Curacao government. You can anonymously register on it and start gambling in Bitcoins. However, if you want to bet with fiat currencies, you would need to provide your personal details. It offers a variety of game categories and payment options. 

Other than Bitcoin, you can gamble with Ethereum, Dogecoin, BitcoinCash, Litecoin, and Tether. It gives you jackpot opportunities like Mega Moolah, or you can try your luck with free spins. 

## Prominent features 

1.	Deposit/no deposit welcome bonuses
You can either deposit an amount initially or start without it. In either case, you will get welcome bonuses. mBit no-deposit welcome bonus will be 50 free spins. Whereas your initial 3 deposits will earn you 250 spins and up to 2.5 BTC.  

2.	Variety of game types
The range of game categories it offers is another distinctive feature. You will get a table, poker, jackpot, slots, and live dealer games. These games are backed by reputable gaming providers. 

3.	Anonymity and security
Crypto gambling will ensure that you remain anonymous. It doesn’t require personal information and keeps you safe from data thefts. Curacao regulates the casino and it has the backing of CoinGaming.io and Direx NV, making it a secure space for gambling.

4.	Withdrawal speed and payment options
Its speedy withdrawals and numerous payment methods are other special features. For transactions, you will have options like bank transfer, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Accentpay, and many others.

## Final Verdict: Is mBit Casino legitimate?

In a nutshell, yes, it is a legit, white-label platform for Bitcoin gambling. The Curacao government oversees its regulations which ensures the platform’s safety. Its affiliation with CoinGaming.io and Direx NV further verifies its authenticity. 

Besides that, the range of secure payment options like Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, and others, adds to its credibility. So, good news for Bitcoin gamblers: mBit Casino is legitimate, making it one of the favourites to go!




mBit Casino Review

The United Kingdoms’ giant lender, Barclays, is set to invest a modest sum in a growing cryptocurrency custody firm, Copper. Sky News has [reported](https://news.sky.com/story/barclays-snaps-up-stake-in-2bn-cryptocurrency-firm-copper-12658295) that Copper, a $2bn crypto firm having Hammond Lord as its advisor, has attracted Barclays crypto investment. Barclays confirmed its stake in the recent round of investment for the company. 

The funding has long been under discussion because of the bear market. However, the company has managed to close it in the Series C round. The company’s valuation has reportedly reached $2 billion. Last year, it was a billion short of its expected $3 billion valuation.

The previous round of investment for the firm took place in March 2021. In the Series B round, it raised around $50 million. But Copper did not disclose its valuation after that.  
Barclays crypto funding of ‘millions of dollars’
According to the sources, Barclays crypto investment for this round will be ‘millions of dollars.’ The funding will be concluded in the coming days. However, neither Copper nor Barclays has confirmed the investment. 

Besides, the company has attracted investments from various other lenders. These include prominent names like MMC Ventures, Dawn Capital, and LocalGlobe. 
On the other hand, the crypto news shows the declining market, where several companies like Celsius have declared bankruptcy. Amidst such a climate, securing Barclays crypto funding is a success for the company. 

Previously, the UK’s giant lender refused its services to firms like Coinbase and Binance. But, the bank is one of the oldest to support cryptocurrencies and digital assets in the country. Hence, its stake means more credibility for the firm. 

On the contrary, Copper is facing issues with the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority. There is a deadlock over the issue of temporary registration required for companies that provide digital asset services. That’s why it is working with Switzerland’s regulations. Find out more about recent development in the digital world at [Latest Moni](/news). 






Barclays snaps up stake in $2bn cryptocurrency firm Copper

Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency that started as a joke in 2013 and became the highlight of the crypto space in 2021. Last year, DOGE saw a surge of over 200% as [Elon Musk](/news/article/elon-musk-doge), Tesla Founder, started advocating for the token.  

However, today, the [Dogecoin price](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/dogecoin/) is stuck around $0.065 only. Its lack of real-world usage and dying hype are some reasons behind its decline. That’s why many investors are opting out and selling their Dogecoins. 

If you are looking to sell DOGE after considering the current market trends, follow this simple stepwise guide!
How to sell Dogecoin?

### The following guide will show you how to sell DOGE in a step-by-step manner:

1.	Find out a crypto exchange to sell DOGE 
Firstly, find a credible crypto exchange through which you can sell your Dogecoins. You can trade this cryptocurrency on numerous exchanges; you should go for popular and credible names like Binance, Kraken, OKX, or Coinbase.

In addition, you should check the trading fees and the withdrawal fees on each. Besides, consider the exchange rates for tokens or fiat currencies.  

2.	Set up your account
Afterwards, set up your account on the exchange so that you can send and sell DOGE through it. It will be a straightforward process, where you will need to provide your email and phone number. Then set up a secure password and verify your details through the verification code provided via email. Finally, agree to terms and conditions and proceed with signing up.

3.	Transfer Dogecoin to your exchange wallet
Once you have set up your account on the exchange, you will be ready to send your Dogecoins to its wallet. You can do that simply by going to the wallet, choosing Dogecoin as your depositing token, and proceeding with the deposit. 

It will open a form where you would need to fill in the details of the amount and from where you want to transfer your Dogecoins. Here copy-paste your wallet address, where you currently hold the coins. Verify the address and insert the amount of transfer. Finally, click on send and wait for the deposit confirmation. 

4.	Finally, sell Doge!
Now, sell DOGE by either selecting a limit or market order. A limit order allows you to exchange Dogecoin at your desired limit, while a market order allows you to sell at the current market price of the coin.  

## Conclusion

Selling Dogecoin is a straightforward procedure that includes selecting a trusted exchange and creating an account there. After that, transfer your Dogecoins to the exchange wallet and finally sell DOGE through either limit order or market order. This guide only simplifies the procedure of selling this digital coin. Therefore, it’s advisable to conduct your research before making financial decisions.  



Sell DOGE in 4 Simple Steps

The high energy consumption of blockchain has become a topic of heavy debate over the past few years. Let's critically analyse whether blockchain's energy usage is really a threat to the climate!
 
Blockchain is touted as the most disruptive technology for data transparency in ledgers. It is being used in several industries for governing transaction procedures in a decentralised way. Though technology has revolutionised the world economy, blockchain often faces criticism for consuming large amounts of energy. 

Since the origination of the blockchain, its energy consumption has been questioned by many environmentalists. Undoubtedly, blockchain energy expenditure is relatively high. But does higher consumption necessarily imply more harm to the climate? 

Various widespread misconceptions about blockchain energy hold us back from using it as a secure payment gateway. To ensure blockchain smart transition in businesses, here we've demystified the FUD surrounding blockchain energy! 

## Environmental sustainability and blockchain energy usage

Blockchain technology is mainly used for cryptocurrency mining. Since Bitcoin is the largest and oldest currency, its mechanism, PoW (Proof-of-Work), is often perceived as the only viable mechanism. And as PoW has a [high energy consumption rate](/news/article/bitcoins-growing-energy-problem), environmentalists view it as a massive danger to the climate. 

According to many environmentalists, blockchain technology should be halted as it can cause a threat to the climate. Previously, there also have been discussions about its ban in the European Union. Moreover, cryptocurrency critics use this misconception as an argument to outlaw the crypto market. But this argument is based on several myths and misconceptions about blockchain energy consumption, which must be addressed.

## The common misconceptions about blockchain energy consumption

Here are the most common and problematic misconceptions about the energy expenditure of blockchain technology.

1.	Blockchain energy consumption amounts to the same carbon emission
One of the most common misconceptions about blockchains is that the amount of energy they consume leaves the same amount of carbon emission in the atmosphere. This view is problematic for various reasons. 

Firstly, calculating the amount of energy required for blockchain is easy and doable as you can find the hash rates. However, calculating the carbon emission against it is quite arduous. Because here, you would need to know what energy sources different crypto miners are using and what their hardware specifications are. That's why the estimates for carbon emission are incorrect.

Secondly, not every crypto miner uses fossil fuels as energy resources. Many opt for renewable sources for uninterrupted energy supply and efficiency. Data shows around [28% to 74%](https://www.coincenter.org/education/crypto-regulation-faq/understand-bitcoins-energy-use/) of energy for Bitcoin mining comes from renewables. 
 
2.	Slower transactions mean more energy consumption
Another misleading notion about blockchain energy expenditure is that slower transactions mean more energy consumption, thereby more CO2 emission. 

But the truth is blockchain does not require energy for transactions. Blockchains consume energy only for mining, which involves solving a puzzle in the PoW algorithm. That's why considering the amount of time required for transactions for calculating energy consumption is unnecessary.  

3.	Crypto mining increases the load on electrical grids
Crypto critics also argue that using blockchain for mining increases the load on public electrical grids. However, this is also based on a false assumption that crypto miners use public grids. 
Crypto mining requires an enormous amount of uninterrupted flow of energy. Therefore most miners use private electrical grids with sustainable sources. Mostly, miners rely on sunlight, rain, wind, tides, etc., to produce electricity and maintain energy efficiency. 

4.	Blockchains use only Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism
Since the Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism is one of the oldest and is used for Bitcoins, many perceive it as the only mechanism for blockchains. But as blockchain technology has evolved, numerous blockchain consensus mechanisms exist. 

PoW is only one of the many consensus mechanisms used by blockchains. Its widely known energy-efficient alternative is Proof-of-Stake (PoS). Ethereum blockchain is one of the most popular blockchains that runs on this mechanism. It mainly involves maintaining the electronic ledger for the number of tokens the node holds. 

Besides, there are various other energy-efficient options like Proof of History (PoH), Proof of Action (PoA), Proof of Capacity (PoC), or Proof of Burn (PoB). Therefore, blockchain technology is not limited to PoW. 

5.	Blockchain energy expenditures are useless
Many opponents of crypto consider the blockchain use of energy useless. According to them, it is unnecessary, even if renewable sources are used for producing the energy for blockchains. 

The main reason behind this argument is the lack of clarity regarding blockchain technology and how it can help transform our businesses. The 'decentralised and secure ledger' is often misunderstood by the masses. So, they mistakenly consider the entire technology a scam.   

6.	Blockchain popularity will increase energy consumption
It is also an unreasonable misconception that the rate at which blockchains currently consume energy will gradually increase. This argument is unreasonable because the PoW algorithm used in Bitcoin mining consumes the highest rate of energy. 

But, Bitcoin is not a utility token due to its slow transaction rate. Also, there can only be 21 million Bitcoins ever. So, increasing its popularity would not necessarily mean increasing energy consumption. Moreover, as of now, the annual energy consumption by Bitcoin networks is only 84.70 TWh. At this rate, Bitcoin mining does not possibly threaten the environment.

## Blockchain energy consumption: Is it really a concern?

The Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism for blockchains is not the only viable option. Various other algorithms can now work to maintain transparency in the blockchain. However, PoW is the most reliable one as it is highly secure and requires intensive energy for this purpose. 

According to a study, 'The Energy Consumption of Blockchain Technology: Beyond Myth', Bitcoin PoW mechanisms consume around 60 to 125 TWh annually. This consumption is equal to the annual energy consumption of countries like Austria and Norway. Though the energy consumption is indeed enormous, it does not pose a threat to the environment.  

The main reason is that you cannot rely on fossil fuels or other traditional ways to produce this much electrical energy. That's why renewable sources are used to keep the costs to a minimum and minimise Carbon footprints. Around 28% to 74% of the Bitcoin miners use renewable resources for producing energy. And as they set up private grids, it does not affect energy distribution through public grids. 

In addition, the total Bitcoin blockchain energy consumption worldwide is only 84.70 TWh. If you compare it against the annual global energy consumption, which is 170,000 TWh, it will amounts to only less than a tenth of a percent. It is also notable that 59.5% of the energy consumed by Bitcoin blockchains, is produced through renewable resources.    

![Picture1.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Picture1_8cc35cf5f9.png)


[Source](https://www.swanbitcoin.com/bitcoins-energy-usage-is-not-a-problem-heres-why-by-lyn-alden/)
 
## How can blockchain be energy-efficient?

Environmental sustainability is one of the unavoidable concerns for humanity today. Therefore, many measures have been taken in various fields to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. We can also observe considerable work in blockchain technology for decarbonisation.

### Smart electricity metre

Blockchain can not only be energy-efficient, but it can also work for clean energy. One of its examples is its use as a smart electricity metre. Smart metres can shape a decentralised infrastructure for monitoring electricity production and usage. 

Moreover, blockchain can bring transparency and efficiency to smart contracts in businesses. Besides, you can use it for crowdfunding for climate action or other causes. There are many other emerging use cases of blockchain technology for the environment. These can be part of the climate action plan for decarbonising and decentralising the environment.

## Final Thoughts

Blockchain technology is a revolutionary innovation that can transform the way we do business. It can help us bring transparency and security to our everyday transactions. But unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions and vagueness around blockchain energy consumption, which results in sluggish growth of the technology. 

This article demystified some of the most common misconceptions about blockchain energy expenditure. To sum it up, blockchains are not dangerous to the climate as there are various consensus mechanisms other than PoW that consume less energy. Most blockchains also leverage renewable resources for energy production, minimising their carbon emissions.
  




Blockchain energy FUD demystified

It is no secret that cryptocurrencies have revolutionised the financial world. And now, we see more and more use cases of blockchain technology in the real world. This is why the decentralised finance (DeFi) industry is booming. 

One such inventive project in the DeFi world is Altair crypto. It is a network that allows the financing of real-world assets through a decentralised blockchain, Centrifuge. Through Altair, you can tokenise any of your assets and can easily finance them. 

If all these terms sound complex, this guide will break down the Altair network for you. 
Let’s get you started!

## How does the Altair network work?

[The Centrifuge](https://centrifuge.io/) has shaped the Altair crypto network, which works the same way Kusama works for Polkadot. Like Kusama, Altair is also set up on the Substrate blockchain framework for scalability. Altair can assist you in financing your assets, whether they are digital or real-world assets (RWA).

Altair works as a link between different ecosystems like [Ethereum](/coins/eth), Polkadot, and Kusama. That’s why it allows you to acquire financing from anywhere. To gain financing access, you must use a DApp, Tinlake. Currently, it is limited to only these ecosystems but has the scalability to link with more.

## What is Altair crypto token AIR?

The Altair network also has a native token called Altair crypto (AIR). It is an ERC20 token that you can use as a utility token within the network. You can easily buy Altair crypto through the Kraken or Gate.io exchanges. 

Here are some advantages of holding AIR tokens:

●	It facilitates transactions within the system.

●	Gives you voting rights for the governance of the network.

●	You can earn through its reward program.

●	Ensures secure and transparent transactions while protecting identity.

## Altair crypto price prediction

According to [CoinMarketCap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/altair/), the Altair crypto token’s current price is $0.01544. On the other hand, it might reach up to $0.037 by 2023 as per the data by PricePrediction.net. Moreover, even by 2025, the token is unlikely to go bullish and will only average around $0.083. Besides, the forecast by DigitalCoinPrice.com shows further slower growth of the coin. It suggests that AIR token price will only be worth $0.0663 by 2030.  

## Final Thoughts

Altair crypto is a utility token in the Altair network which assists in tokenising both; RWA and digital assets. Through Altair, you can get financing for your assets from Ethereum, Kusama, or Polkadot ecosystems. Though AIR facilitates all the network transactions, its price is currently only $0.01544. Nevertheless, it is a scalable network, so you can expect more blockchains to join Altair at a higher price in the future.




Altair Crypto Network Explained

Non-fungible token technology is here to stay as it continues to evolve every day. And yet another innovative and exciting project in the NFT space is the [Innocent Cats NFT](https://www.innocentcats.io/). It’s a collection of over 10,000 Ethereum blockchain-based digital collectables of cool cat characters. 

Unlike most digital assets, owning an Innocent Cats’ NFT can earn you an exclusive club membership card providing various benefits. It is built with the idea of live Metaverse concerts. That’s why these NFTs can also work as concert tickets for you. 

So, if you are wondering how Innocent Cats can get you Metaverse concert tickets, here’s an easy explanation. Let’s dive in!

## What is an Innocent Cats NFT and how does it work? 

Innocent Cats is an NFT project on the Ethereum blockchain that is becoming widely popular among rap artists. Like Phanta Bear, it is also built on the vision of promoting live Metaverse concerts globally. Mainly, Innocent Cats promotes the hip hop and rap genre and has attracted numerous celebrities like Tyga, Andrew Wiggens, and NFT influencer Flur. 

It is a unique Ethereum-based project that resolves the issue of higher gas fees in the blockchain. Unlike most NFTs that use ERC1155 and ERC721, Innocent Cats use ERC721A, which minimises the transaction fee. 

Apart from that, the NFTs, Innocent Cats offers are not only digital assets or avatars, but they can also work as your membership card for the club. Also, as the platform will be holding Metaverse concerts, you can directly enter them through these NFTs. There is a 9025 circulating supply of NFTs, which you can claim.

![Picture1.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Picture1_f9a4592410.png)

Source: Innocent #6041

In addition, there is a staking utility, too. This allows you to collect multiple NFTs and earn rewards, aka ‘Cat Food.’ The cat food is redeemable and gives you random surprise bags.

## Benefits of an Innocent Cats NFT

Holding an Innocent Cats NFT can benefit you in various ways. Here are a few of them:

1.	Direct entry to SecondLive Metaverse concerts.
2.	Earns you Innocent Cats club membership.
3.	NFT staking utility and airdrops. 
4.	Cat food can be redeemed for concert tickets, branded accessories, and clothes. 

## Innocent Cats NFT price

Though the project is getting recognised by celebrities and influencers, its prices are not as high as one would expect. The data by NFT-stat.com shows that the average price of NFTs in the past 30 days was $17. The highest Innocent Cat price was $30, and the lowest was $13. However, the [most expensive Innocent Cat NFT sale](/news/article/nft-art-marketplaces) was $284.    

Innocent Cats is an innovative NFT project on the Ethereum blockchain. The project aims to shape an ecosystem for rap and hip-hop artists by introducing Metaverse concerts. If you buy an NFT such as this, you will get access to concerts, club membership, redeemable rewards and potential capital gain. Although currently these NFTs’ prices are quite low, their proposed roadmap looks promising and forecast is positive.




Innocent Cats NFT explained

In crypto news from Australia, the [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)](https://www.accc.gov.au/) is testing automated scam site removal.

After more than 300 reports, ACCC's trial has taken down various scam sites, including ones linked to cryptocurrency.

Cybersecurity experts believe this measure will help regularly take down fraudulent sites that pose a cyber threat to consumers.

## Crypto News Australia

On Tuesday, the ACCC's chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, announced the trials at the 2022 Law Council Australia. This followed crypto news from Australia that, last year, there was a loss of around 113 million (AUD) because of cryptocurrency scams in the country. That's why ACCC thinks that action against such scams is mandatory.

ACCC is currently working with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) to remove crypto scam sites from the internet. To take an efficient and automated action against scammers, ACCC is taking help from Netcraft, a UK-based firm. Netcraft is an experienced firm for cybersecurity as it has been working with the UK’s National Cyber Security Network for the last four years. 

Cass-Gottlieb said more than 300 scam sites have been reported and removed from the internet in the last three weeks. These sites include phishing, tech support, puppy, and cryptocurrency investment scams.

## Australia Introducing Strict Crypto Regulations

Other crypto news from Australia suggests that the country's crypto regulators are introducing strict policies for criminals. Along with taking action against scam sites, the Australian courts have announced severe sentences for criminals who will use crypto in their illegal activities.

The ruling came after a recent study on Crime and Cryptocurrency in Australian courts. According to this study, using blockchain for crimes indicates considerable planning and technical knowledge. That's why the court concluded that the crimes involving crypto are more offensive to the law. 

Australia is now also looking to shape a formidable framework for cryptocurrencies to ensure a safer environment for investors. Previously, many other countries like the UK, Russia, South Africa, and others have made amendments to their cryptocurrency regulations.

Read more crypto news at [Latest Moni](/news).



Latest Moni

Author: Wasay Ali

Author: Wasay Ali | Page 9

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