[Astar crypto](https://astar.network/), the most comprehensive smart contract platform in the Polkadot ecosystem, can handle WASM and EVM. It has a parachain slot that provides direct access to the Polkadot ecosystem. It also has connections with other significant ecosystems such as Ethereum, BSC, Cosmos, Polygon, and others. 

Astar has a program called #Build2Earn that gives DApp developers a basic income via inflation and directly funds projects through the Astar Incubation Program. This company has secured [$24.4 million in funding](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/plasm-network) through two funding rounds, with contributions from 16 investors. Among the recent investors are Keisuke Honda and GSR. 

## Astar crypto tokenomics and ecosystem 

The tokenomics model of Astar crypto centres on aiding developers through DApp staking. ASTR token, the Astar crypto, has several functions, including serving as a means of payment for transaction fees, staking DApps, and receiving rewards for both DApp staking and collator rewards. 

There are four key roles you can play on this network: 

Developer: Build DApps or infrastructure on the blockchain. 

Collator: Where you run a node to support the blockchain. 

Staker: Stake $ASTR, the Astra crypto, to earn rewards. 

User: Join the Web3 movement and use Astar crypto tokens. 

## DApp staking on Astar Network 

The core team has developed a unique concept known as DApp Staking, which is exclusively available on Astar within the Polkadot ecosystem. It aims to become Polkadot's primary hub for decentralised applications (DApps). It has prepared incentives for DApp developers who build their smart contracts on the network. 

The DApp Staking mechanism is both simple and effective. 

Astar Network's innovative approach enables Astar crypto token holders to express their support for their preferred DApps by staking the [tokens](/news/article/tokenized-real-estate). 

This contributes to the ecosystem's growth and allows them to earn Astar crypto tokens through block rewards. Moreover, DApp developers can receive rewards based on the amount staked on their applications. 

Astar Network is committed to sustainability and decentralisation. It allows developers to earn tokens by creating smart contracts or infrastructure for the network community. This makes it a robust and [decentralised](/news/article/dns-servers) grant mechanism. 

## Why should you choose Astar to build? 

The reason for choosing Astar as a platform for developing DApps is its high flexibility and interoperability within the Polkadot ecosystem. 

It supports both WASM and EVM and hybrid Cross-VM dApps that can interoperate with one another. The platform provides direct access to the Polkadot ecosystem via its parachain slot. Its asset bridges and general message-passing protocols offer routes to other significant blockchains, including Ethereum, BSC, Cosmos, and Polygon. 

Furthermore, the innovative DApp staking program allows developers to earn a basic income as they work on building their products and communities. In collaboration with the community, the Foundation may also provide direct funding to projects through various ecosystem incubation initiatives like #MVP2Earn. 

## Substrate framework 

Astar is constructed using Substrate, a framework that enables developers to easily create customised blockchain solutions using Rust programming language. 

Substrate's modular structure makes it easy to choose and use only the necessary components for supporting networks and DApps, such as smart contracts, consensus, and storage, while reducing the focus on low-level implementation details. 

The advantages of using Substrate for building blockchain networks include several features such as forkless upgrades, cross-language compatibility through WebAssembly, deterministic finality that is light client-friendly, and smooth integration with other blockchains. 

For blockchain networks that aim to interface with the Polkadot network without intermediaries directly, the Substrate framework is essential, just like it is for Polkadot. 

## WASM 

Developers can build complex DApps using tools and languages they know through WASM smart contracts, bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 development. 

It offers direct access to the runtime, enabling developers to build DApps previously not possible on the Ethereum Virtual Machine. Astar Network supports any programming language that compiles to WASM, making it a secure and versatile environment for deploying highly optimised smart contracts. 

## EVM  

Developers familiar with Solidity will find Astar EVM a comfortable environment for building smart contracts. Additionally, they can fragment their smart contracts and selectively move logic to the WASM Virtual Machine, which offers better performance, security, and cost-effectiveness for certain applications. 

## Build2Earn Initiative 

Astar Network's DApp Staking (#Build2Earn) feature enables users to support projects by staking on them, thereby contributing to developers' passive income. This innovative approach motivates projects to offer unique value propositions and cater directly to end-users. 

## XVM 

Astar Network offers the Cross Virtual Machine (XVM), which enables developers to call smart contracts from one virtual machine to another, such as WASM to EVM. The creation of hybrid cross-VM DApps is facilitated by the innovative XVM protocol, which is exclusively available on Astar Network. 

## Polkadot Relay Chain 

The security of Layer 1 blockchains is enhanced with the Polkadot Relay Chain, considered the industry's most secure. Moreover, it enables the development of genuine multi-chain smart contracts that communicate across chains. 

## Interoperability 

Astar Network utilises XCMP, a message transport system, to establish connectivity with the Relay Chain and multiple other para chains within the Polkadot ecosystem. It employs vertical channels (VMP + DMP) to connect with the Relay Chain, while para-chain communication occurs horizontally through HRMP channels. 

Astar is designed to be interoperable with various blockchain ecosystems such as Ethereum, Polkadot, and Cosmos. This interoperability enables the seamless transfer of assets and communication between multiple ecosystems. 

For instance, thanks to Astar's cross-chain capabilities, users can easily transfer assets from Ethereum to Astar and vice versa without needing an intermediary. Furthermore, developers can create DApps on Astar that interact with DApps on other blockchains, resulting in an ecosystem that transcends the limitations of individual chains. 

This interoperability feature allows for a more connected and robust blockchain network, paving the way for new and innovative use cases that would have been impossible in the past. 

Astar crypto logo in green on abstract background

Astar Crypto: The Future of Smart Contracts?

[Volt Inu](https://voltinu.in/) is a crypto project that aims to become a one-stop shop for DeFi projects. Launched in December 2021, it has quickly become a project worth watching in the crypto space. 

The project boasts an ever-expanding ecosystem that currently consists of a decentralized exchange, NFT collection, and crypto-based games, with more services on the way. It is on the Ethereum, Polygon, and Binance networks, with plans to expand to more networks. 

## Ecosystem 

The project’s ecosystem comprises; 

·         Voltichange 

[Voltichange](https://voltichange.net/) is a deflationary decentralized exchange. It enables users to trade any BEP20 or ERC20 token with a 0.25% fee that the system burns. The exchange provides crypto holders with a deflationary way to increase the value of their tokens. 

The exchange also helps cryptocurrency projects burn their token supply. There is a [widget tool ](https://voltichange.net/widget)that enables crypto projects to provide their users with an easy way to buy directly from Voltichange while burning their supply at the same time. Other notable features include a trending bar, token data, and favorite trades, which make trading easier. 

·         VDSC 

[Volted Dragons Sailors Club (VDSC)](https://volteddragons.com/) is an NFT collection of 10,000 3D dragons. The dragons are ERC-721 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. They each have unique properties and traits that differentiate them and increase their rarity. 

The NFTs are available for purchase on OpenSea and other NFT marketplaces. Once you become a holder, you get exclusive access to future collections, exclusive rights, and revenues within the VOLT ecosystem, among other perks. 

·         Voltigames 

[Voltigames ](https://game.voltinu.in/)are [play-to-earn](/news/article/free-play-to-earn-games) games that offer multiple ways to earn VOLT tokens. 2D Racers is the first play-to-earn (P2E) game announced on the platform. It is an online racing game that can be played on browsers. 

In February, the crypto project released the first version of its NFT-focused game, Battle Royal, which can be played online. The game displays a fictional world of dragons that take part in battles on their island. VDSC NFTs are the backbone of the game. 

## VOLT 

VOLT is the native utility and governance token of the platform. It is a deflationary token that was launched on the Ethereum blockchain. It is designed to generate passive income for its holders through NFT fractionalization and node acquisition. 

The token is currently worth $0.000001697 and ranked the 289th largest cryptocurrency by market cap, valued at $92,810,418 by [Coinmarketcap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/volt-inu-v2/). It is available for purchase in more than 100 exchanges, including Gate.io and Bittrue. 

The tokens have a max supply cap of 69,000,000,000,000 coins. There are currently 54,766,287,142,827 of them in public circulation. 

Besides purchasing the tokens, you can also earn them by participating in various activities in its ecosystem, including playing the P2E games, 2D racers, and Battle Royale. 

## Is Volt Inu a good investment? 

VOLT tokens' current market price makes them the best choice for beginner crypto investors. However, according to many cryptocurrency prediction platforms, the tokens are not the best choice if you are looking to make quick returns. They are better left as a long-term investment option. 

According to DigitalCoinPrice, the tokens might trade at an average price of $0.00000334 in 2023, $0.00000410 in 2024, $0.00000596 in 2025, and $0.00000743 in 2026. Digitalcoinprice predicts that even by 2032, the tokens will still not be trading above 1 cent. 

Priceprediction predicts the coins might trade at an average price of $0.00000199 in 2023, $0.00000288 in 2024, $0.00000419 in 2025, and $0.00000597 in 2026. Like Digitalcoinprice, Priceprediction does not see VOLT hitting the 1 cent price even by 2032. 

Ambcrypto, another popular crypto prediction site, predicts the tokens might trade at an average price of $0.0000011 in 2023, $0.0000026 in 2024, $0.0000034 in 2025, and $0.0000044 in 2026. 

All crypto prediction sites and analysts agree that the tokens might take a long time before they even trade above 1 cent. One[ prediction platform](https://crowdwisdom.live/crypto/volt-inu-price-prediction/) even calculates that it might take close to 40 years for the token to trade above 1 cent. However, this is the crypto space, and it is highly unpredictable. 

## Latest news 

Volt Inu's latest news reveals that its native utility token was recently listed on Huobi Global, a leading crypto exchange. The news was announced on 8 March, 2023, via [Twitter](https://twitter.com/VoltInuOfficial). 

The move is one of many Volt Inu is making to increase its native token's legitimacy and accessibility. The more people have access to the token, the better its price appreciation chances. 

## Conclusion 

Volt Inu is an ambitious cryptocurrency project looking to take over the DeFi space. According to its road map, it has already accomplished a lot and is still working on more ways to add to its services and expand its user base. 

The native token might not be performing well, but it still stands out with its use cases. The token is worth watching out for, especially as its ecosystem continues to expand and more people find their way into it. 

volt inu logo on pink image of blockchain

What is Volt Inu?

## Is Coinrule the best trading bot on the market? 

[Coinrule](https://coinrule.com/) has become one of the most popular names in the [crypto](/news/article/silvergate-bank-crisis-sees-crypto-tank) market thanks to the advancement in technological systems, such as trading bots, that make it easy for novice or beginner traders to enjoy the fruits of the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry. 

For newbies, speed, liquidity, and user-friendly problems normally lead to errors that do not help their cause in seeing substantial earnings from their crypto activities.  

While many online articles report multiple percentage gains within a short period, they do not caution potential traders and investors about the difficulty in trading using metrics and indicators. 

To fully integrate any trader with an internet connection into this financial revolution, Coinrule, as a trading bot, has considered the plight of traders and has put in place the right technological tool to facilitate trade and help users see gains. 

## What is Coinrule?  

Founded in 2018, Coinrule is a UK-based trading platform that customizes trading strategies to the needs and interests of its customers. The platform does not discriminate against any trader. As a result, those with extra money to spare on cryptocurrencies stand a great chance of making a profit using its tools. 

## How does Coinrule work?  

As a trading bot, Coinrule, like competitors, is an automated software that allows you to buy and sell digital currencies at the correct time. 

When you visit [Coinrule](https://coinrule.com/), you will be directed to click on START.  

As a beginner, you will be asked about the primary reason why you are on the platform. Since the service is primarily tailored to crypto needs, you would have to select whether you are interested in making a profit, making better trades, or just running a better trading strategy.  

You will then be taken to the next page, where you will select Beginner if you are new. If you have any experience with trading bots, you can choose Intermediate or Expert.  

After this, the next page will reveal three optimized templates. If you are interested in maximizing profit, you can pick BUY THE DIP (where cryptocurrencies falling to new lows will be purchased for you). For those interested in leveraging (using borrowed funds to increase a trader’s position above what you can with your cash balance), you can choose CATCH THE PRICE SWING. For those solely interested in buying dips, the third template to suit your need is the UPTREND FLASH CRASH.  

For simplicity's sake, let us examine how Coinrule works when you choose the template for BUY THE DIP.  

Before you choose a template, you have to select your preferred cryptocurrency exchange. Supported exchanges include [Binance](/news/article/binance-us-cleared-to-buy-voyager), Binance.US, Bitpanda PRO, Bitstamp, [Coinbase](/news/article/coinbase-receives-silk-road-bitcoin), HitBTC, [Kraken](/news/article/kraken-crypto-exchange-plans-bank-launch), KuCoin, Liquid, OKX, and Poloniex.  

Once the exchange has been selected, you can then set your rules.  

A great example of this is outlined below. 

"If any coin has a price increase by 10% from the current live price, BUY $100,000 of that coin with my USDT wallet as a limit order, AND SELL 75% of the total balance of that coin to my USDT wallet as a limit order starting on 15 March, 2023, 9:00 UTC, and execute one time." 

Once this rule has been set, the algorithm put in place by the development team behind the platform will ensure your needs are strictly adhered to. 

## Are there any fees associated with the use of Coinrule?  

YES! There are fees associated with Coinrule, but it depends on the type of trader you are and what you aim to get from the trading bot. There are four packages; Starter, Hobbyist, Trader, and Pro. 

For Starters who are just interested in learning more about the possibilities of crypto trading bots, there is no monthly or annual price. The total number of live RULES that can be set is two. The same number holds for DEMO RULES. The number of template strategies allowed is seven, while the number of exchanges permitted to be connected to the platform stands at one. There are no leverage strategies, live Telegram or text notifications, access to the trader community, or one-on-one training sessions. Starters are limited to up to $3,000 in monthly trading volume.  

For Hobbyists, the monthly price is pegged at $39.99 but can be billed annually at a discounted price of $359. The number of live RULES and demo RULES allowed is seven, while the number of template strategies available to the subscriber stands at 40. The number of exchanges that can be connected has been increased to two, while the monthly trading volume allowed is up to $300,000. While Hobbyists, like Starters, will not be enjoying one-on-one training sessions, they have access to the trader community, live Telegram plus text notifications, and leverage strategies. 

For Traders, there is a monthly charge of $79.99, and those with relatively larger budgets can subscribe at a discounted value of $719. The number of live and demo RULES are pegged at 15, while the number of template strategies allowed is UNLIMITED. Three exchanges can be connected, and one-on-one training sessions are available. They have extensive access to the trader community and also receive live text and Telegram notifications. Leverage strategies are also available. Traders are allowed a monthly volume of up to $3 million.   

Unlike the first three packages, choosing Pro will allow you to do more. Subscribers are allowed unlimited template strategies, connected exchanges, and monthly trading volume. They also benefit from the same perks as Traders but are allowed 50 live and demo RULES. Being able to do all these come with a $499.99 monthly charge or $5,399 for those willing to make a one-time annual payment. 

## How to register for an account with Coinrule  

One of the cons of using the platform is that it is only web-based as it does not have a mobile application. 

As a result, you can only create an account via its official website (Coinrule.com).  

You can create using your email address, similar to creating social media profiles on Facebook or Twitter. Aside from this, a feature allows newbies to sign up for an account directly through their already set-up LinkedIn, Google, or Facebook profiles. Either way grants users access to the website as well as its software. 

If you set up an account via email, you must create a password to safeguard your account. 

Coinrule highlights the need for clients to provide accurate information so they can be contacted should they find unscrupulous activities associated with a particular profile. 

## What payment methods does Coinrule accept?  

According to the platform's official website, the methods of payments are authorized by Checkout.com, Chargebee, and Stripe. They are boldly displayed on the website, and bank cards issued by Visa and Mastercard can be used to complete the subscription. 

## What are some of its competitors?  

Some of the other platforms with the right tools to help crypto traders maximize profit include, but are not limited to, TradeSanta, Cryptohopper, 3Commas, HaasOnline, TradeStation, Tickeron, Pionex, Altrady, Mudrex, Trality, Shrimpy, Kryll, CryptoHero, WunderTrading, Build Alpha, ChartBolt, and ProfitFarmers.  

## Conclusion 

Coinrule is among the best crypto trading bots on the market today. The packages it offers clients fall within the budgets of small, medium, and large investors. 

While the platform may have brought consistent profits to some of its customers, there is no certainty in the crypto market but possibilities.  

As a result, if you are a trader with an eye on making profits from trading bots, we advise you to do your own due diligence. 

Do an extensive study of all the aforementioned trading bots before you settle on one that can bring you the returns you dream of.  

Although the market may rebound in 2023, many traders are still in the red, so choose wisely. More importantly, align with a trading bot with a package that fits your investment goals in the short, medium, and long term. 

CoinRule Crypto Trading Bot Review

Technological developments, such as those involving the financial and payment systems that help streamline how we do things, have also led to a significant rise in scams related to sensitive data breaches like card payments. To protect users' sensitive data against cybersecurity threats and losses, governments and institutions can choose between encryption and tokenization to increase security, protect their data-at-rest and curb threats. 

Read on to understand the concept of tokenization, its benefits, and how it works. 

## Let’s define tokenization 

In simple terms, tokenization is a fraud-prevention mechanism that safeguards private, sensitive information in plaintext using a scrambled token. Once scrambled into a token, you can’t undo the process to return the information to its original state. Instead, the token replaces the original data during transactions.    

Banking and financial institutions, [real estate firms](/news/article/tokenized-real-estate), and regulatory agencies are among the sectors that heavily rely on the procedure. The mechanism can conceal important information, such as credit card details and social security numbers, to prevent hackers from accessing them. Nonetheless, you shouldn't get worried: even if a hacker managed to steal the tokens, which they often do, the information they steal is entirely worthless to them. 

The technology substitutes all your crucial details with non-specific randomly generated IDs known as tokens whenever you supply payment information at the point of sale (POS). The tokens are designed to have no direct or explicit relationship between your personal details and the resulting token. For example, if your debit card number is 1234-478-244-3241, it could be converted into a shorter tokenized value like B%@7f6%3fhTu. 

## The use of tokens from days past  

While tokens have been used over the years to replace valuables – such as casino chips to replace money - they entered the digital age in the 2000s. Beginning during the 1990s, when the use of computers gained popularity, collecting and storing critical information such as legal names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and bank account numbers by organizations became the new standard - companies collecting such data stored it to use for various purposes. 

Still, if hackers succeeded in moving past protective walls, they entered the databases and carted away the sensitive data to use for their criminal enterprises.   

As time has passed, the technology hasn't changed dramatically. It has become the go-to system for companies and regulatory agencies that still collect and similarly store critical data. 

[TrustCommerce](http://web.archive.org/web/20010405203446/http:/trustcommerce.com/billing.html) introduced a new paradigm in 2021: a method for banking institutions to collect sensitive data used for recurrent payments from their clients but release tokenized details linked to a client’s account to be used for subsequent transactions. Instead of exposing the vital data over and over again in the open, the token would ensure all secondary transactions were secure.   

## How tokenization technology works 

This technology transforms pieces of sensitive, valuable, and usable data such as credit card details and replaces them with surrogate data known as a token that's still usable but much harder to steal. 

The data is stored securely at a centralized location for future reference and requires strong safeguards. Tokenization is an integral part of blockchain technology as it involves issues like: 

- Fungible tokens: Having identical values that are interchangeable. 

- [Non-fungible tokens](/news/article/non-fungible-tokens): Without similar value representing ownership of digital data, real estate, or art.  

- Governance tokens: Tokens representing voting rights on blockchain systems 

- Utility tokens: Giving users access to various services and products on specific blockchains. 

Modern society recognizes two main categories of tokens. First are the front-end tokens people create when signing up for most online services. The problem with these tokens is that the user must understand how to make them and how they work if they're going to succeed. 

Next is the back-end model, where tokens are created automatically, and tokenization occurs before identifiers are shared with other systems. 

The following simple steps are required in token creation for both models: 

### Creation  

No computer program or algorithm scrambles the data. Instead, the system uses internal rules to replace some of your data set's numbers and letters. Alternatively, some tokens are selected randomly from a spreadsheet containing indiscriminate numbers and letters. 

### Replacement 

The token replaces the original sensitive data, meaning you'll never have to enter it again. The system only transmits the token through online channels. 

### Storage 

The system scrambles your sensitive data with some encryption and stores it in a vault. 

Let's imagine you're going to make an online purchase. When signing up for the service, you most likely were required to input data like your credit card number, name, expiration date, CVV code, or bank account number. 

The merchant's website takes this information and issues a token that sits within your gadget, perhaps your smartphone. The merchant's payment gateway is designed so that the POS matches the token against the debit card number, which is unintelligible to anyone else, including the merchant. Every time you use the payment processor's app to make an order, the token completes the transaction, leaving your account information intact within the vault. 

## Benefits of using tokenization 

The processes involved in tokenization may sound more complicated than storing data in the traditional ways, but it comes with some tangible benefits for businesses, including: 

### Security 

It doesn’t matter if any criminal intercepts a token in transit in an unsecured network. There’s no way anyone can reverse-engineer the tokenized information, and it’s therefore useless to them. Whether they intercept data in transit on the internet or when it comes to tokens that are impossible to decrypt, attacks stop before they start. 

### Speed 

Tokens facilitate automation, making completing transactions faster, which can be beneficial, especially in [blockchain](/news/article/blockchain-for-dummies) or crypto-based industries.  

### Regulatory compliance 

Nowadays, industries like healthcare, payments, banking, and insurance that handle sensitive customer data are required to prove they safeguard sensitive data. Using tokenization is a surefire way to ensure they avoid facing heavy penalization. 

## Tokenization vs. encryption 

Unlike encryption systems, where anyone with a secret key can decipher encrypted data, tokenization systems link original data to a token. Still, there’s no way anyone can decipher tokenized data to reveal the initial input. Encryption pushes raw data through an algorithm, and a key can be used to reverse the process. However, tokens don’t have keys, meaning you can’t decrypt the tokenized message. 

## Tokenization and peace of mind 

While tokenization is not yet a legal requirement in any jurisdiction, most banks and merchants consider tokenization a serious fraud-prevention technology. 

Coming at a time when cyber-attacks and data breaches are the cause of concern in an increasingly digitalized world, any company dealing with sensitive customer information had better consider using tokenization technology to enjoy unparalleled peace of mind. 

When used correctly, the technology will conceal all sensitive customer data within a business's systems, liberating you from forever updating in-house IT department firewalls and worrying 24/7 about potential customer data leaks. 

Tokenization and its Importance Explained

Since the initial years of cryptocurrency, gambling platforms have thrived. Now, there are varying types of platforms that allow crypto betting and staking in a fun way. One such platform is [LuckyBlock Bitcoin casino](https://www.luckyblock.com/en), which offers a range of games and is on the list of [altcoins to watch](/news/article/altcoin-season).  

LuckyBlock casino deals in the most popular currencies, including [Bitcoin](/coins/btc), [Ethereum](/coins/eth), [Litecoin](/coins/ltc), Cardano, and others. With all these crypto tokens, you can play different betting video games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, crash, roulette, mines, and more.  

LuckyBlock offers a crypto casino that is convenient for crypto users. It does not require you to follow unnecessary KYCs. Neither do you have to pay on withdrawals. Let's find out what else this crypto-gambling house offers. 

## LuckyBlock casino bonuses 

LuckyBlock is an online [crypto-gambling](/news/article/crypto-bets) club that offers various types of bonuses to its customers. Firstly, when you register on the platform, it awards you a welcome prize. This welcome bonus applies to your first deposit, up to 200%. 

You will receive the reward in ten installments and may get up to 10,000 EUR. When you put a bet on 6x your deposit amount, you will get a 10% bonus. You only have to deposit 20 EUR to be eligible for the reward. Along with the tip in cash, you will get 50 free spins for Wanted Dead or Wild. 

Other than the welcome offer, there are several additional bonuses for the customers. It includes the LBlock coin airdrops, VIP bonuses, high roller bonuses, or loyalty program rewards. 

## Online casino games and sports betting 

The betting project introduces a rich collection of video games. You can play these games and gamble your crypto funds to earn through the platform. The collection includes popular slots, table games, poker, lottery, live casino, and others. Some popular titles on LuckyBlock include Time Spinners, Big Bamboo, Mystery Museum, Hop n Pop, and others. 

The platform offers not only online betting video games but also different sports betting options too. It includes football, eSports, tennis, basketball, and MMA, with 35 options. It is one of the best platforms for crypto sports booking, which allows live betting too.   

## Registration and verification  

The crypto casino also provides ease of use for its customers. It has a straightforward procedure for registration and verification. It allows you to register and start betting on the platform instantly. It has no set requirements for KYC. 

You can sign up on the LBlock casino with only an email, a username, and a password. Once you sign up after providing these details, you will be ready to play any betting game on the platform. However, to start gambling, you must first make an initial deposit. 

## LBlock (V1) vs. LBlock (V2) 

LuckyBlock coin, which is the native cryptocurrency of the platform, has two versions. The first is deployed on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), and the second is available on the [Ethereum chain](/news/article/ethereum-merge). The token is used for several reasons at the casino. The prime motive is to offer liquidity to its customers and power the platform.  

The smart contract of the V1 token was deployed on the BSC in the initial stage of the project. Its role was to power the casino’s ecosystem. However, as there was a need for a token for NFTs, the developers introduced the LBlock V2. At the time of this writing, the value of LBlock (V1) is $0.00009355 

The LBlock (V2) token was launched in 2022 to reward NFT holders. The current price of the token is around $0.0001313. 

## Is the LuckyBlock coin safe? 

LBlock introduces an array of fun games for crypto staking. However, crypto is a highly volatile market, and gambling comes with risks. So, there is no guarantee about the profits you will be making. 

Therefore, LuckyBlock coins can be highly risky as an asset. It is advisable to conduct your research and be cautious while dealing with such investments. 

luckyblock logo on purple image of casino table

What is LuckyBlock Casino?

[BlueWallet](https://bluewallet.io/) is a non-custodial mobile Bitcoin wallet that allows users to do more than send, receive, and store Bitcoin (BTC). It is highly secure, feature-rich, and compatible with the Lightning network. It is designed to be simple yet extremely powerful. 

BlueWallet Pros and Cons 

## Pros 

- Plenty of usability features. 

- Compatible with the Lightning network. 

- Simple user interface. 

Available on desktop and mobile. 

## Cons 

- Only supports BTC. 

- Not enough guidance and educational materials. 

## BlueWallet Features 

BlueWallet has lots of usability [features](https://bluewallet.io/features/). They include; 

- Multiple wallets: The feature allows you to import compatible wallets from other BTC platforms like Bread and Electrum and manage them on the app. 

- Watch-only: It allows you to import your offline wallets' public addresses without going offline. It enables you to connect your hardware wallet and manage your cold storage. 

- MultiSig vault: It adds an extra layer of security to every transaction made. It works like two-factor authentication, requiring two or more private keys to confirm transactions. 

- Lightning wallet: The feature allows you to use the Lightning network without opening channels, being online, or operating and maintaining a node. You will, however, need to create a Lightning wallet. 

- Fees and transactions control: It allows you to set the fees you wish to pay for transactions. However, the lower the transaction fee, the longer it will take for transactions to be verified. 

- Plausible deniability: It allows you to define a different password that will decrypt a "fake" wallet setup. 

Other features include coin control, Payjoin, offline mode, custom entropy, Coldcard support, Cobovault support, hardware wallets support, PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions) support, broadcast transactions, notifications, Segwit support, batch transactions, multiple storages, and so much more. 

## Supported currencies 

BlueWallet only supports [Bitcoin](/coins/btc). However, it allows users to display the value of their BTC holdings in more than 30 fiat currencies, including EUR, AUD, USD, CAD, JPY, CHF, GDP, BRL, CZK, CNY, HRK, MYR, INR, MXN, and RUB. Blue has integrated MoonPay, which lets you easily buy BTC within it. 

## Accessibility 

BlueWallet is available in almost every country. It has desktop and app versions that can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices (as long as the app store permits it). 

It is available in more than 30 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian, Indonesian, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Turkish. 

## Is it safe to use? 

BlueWallet is safe to use. It uses a 24-word mnemonic recovery seed to recover funds in case you lose your phone or forget your PIN. As a user, you can activate biometrics to unlock, delete, and sign a transaction. 

Wallets can also be encrypted with an additional password if you wish to add another layer of security. A further security feature is an option to set up decoy wallets in case you are forced to unlock your wallets. A decoy wallet may only be activated if a user has the encryption password set up. 

## Conclusion 

There are many reasons BlueWallet is considered by many as the best Bitcoin wallet. It is not only highly secure and feature-rich, but also very easy to use. Despite the fact that it is a BTC-only crypto wallet with little education materials, it is a great wallet to use for all your BTC business. 

BlueWallet Review 2023

## Wirex crypto card review 2023: A safe guide 

Reward credit and debit cards are a popular way to pay for goods and services, mainly because those rewards can easily be converted into stuff like cash back and free travel. And now, with [crypto cards](/news/article/best-crypto-card-uk), there is an opportunity to earn even more crypto rewards. If you have ever considered investing in cryptocurrencies or adding them to your portfolio, keep reading to discover the Wirex card, how it works, and what it offers. 

## What is Wirex?  

[Wirex](https://wirexapp.com/en) is a modern cryptocurrency exchange that operates a state-of-the-art mobile app and a next-generation crypto card that enables users to spend money, store, and exchange various cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies hassle-free. 

The platform provides crypto characteristics to fiat currency accounts, something that's especially attractive to cryptocurrency and [Web3](/news/article/what-is-web-3.0-crypto) enthusiasts. Users can use the platform’s app and crypto card to spend digital and fiat currencies through the platform.     

## How it works 

The Wirex card functions like your standard debit card, the only difference being that you can spend crypto and traditional currencies. The crypto card facilitates the real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion of crypto at the point of sale. 

However, crypto cards aren't linked directly to your bank account, unlike your regular debit card. Instead, you can top it up manually using cryptocurrency transfers of debit card and credit card deposits. 

## Main features 

The best thing about this crypto card is that users can store more than [52 different cryptocurrencies](https://wirexapp.com/help/article/list-of-available-currencies-0113), including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), and Gemini Dollar (GUSD), and they can receive from and send to different kinds of wallets. 

You can also buy and sell more than 250 digital assets using GBP, EUR, USD, and other fiat currencies at low rates of about 2.5%. Users in the UK and most European countries can enjoy [Mastercard](/news/article/mastercard-crypto-asia) debit cards, while their US counterparts are offered Visa debit cards. 

The cards are therefore accepted everywhere you see a Visa (US) or Mastercard (UK and EU) sign, translating to more than 80 million and 61 million outlets and ATMs globally. Card owners can pay up to 2% cash back paid in the [Wirex token](https://wirexapp.com/help/article/wirex-token-0121) (WXT) any time they use it for in-store or online purchases. The card is fully supported in most countries, including most of Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and the US, and partially supported in some countries. 

## Card fees  

Setting up your account and receiving your physical card is free. Users aren't charged any loading or domestic transaction fees. Nonetheless, users must pay up to £29.99 or $36 monthly to enjoy the best savings and cashback rates. The company also recently stopped charging monthly account management fees. 

Wirex users who maintain the free account are limited to only 0.5% cash back for in-store purchases. You can choose from numerous memberships with different fees and limits. Cardholders can enjoy unlimited crypto external withdrawals, commission-free trading, and free ATM withdrawals up to $250 but are charged 2% after that and a 1% fee on crypto top-ups. 

## Parting shot 

The Wirex crypto card facilitates a convenient way to spend your fiat and digital currencies using a single card and account. The ability to use different fiat and cryptocurrencies via the platform's app makes it a perfect companion, especially if you have to move around a lot. 

If you don't mind holding WTX, the platform's native token, and if the Wirex card is supported in your region, you can consider applying for the card and subscribing to its signature product, which lets you earn up to 8% back in WTX for online and in-store purchases. 

wirex crypto card and app on blue background image of money. 

Wirex Crypto Card Review 2023

## QuickSwap Exchange: What it is and how it works  

This article examines QuickSwap, a modern cryptocurrency exchange that offers high-end crypto services for liquidity pools, enabling users to swap compatible cryptocurrencies. It will allow you to understand better this exclusive exchange, how it operates, the list of available tokens, and straightforward steps to use it. 

As information and understanding about cryptocurrencies increase, the need to check and explore more than 100 popular crypto varieties can be overwhelming. Additionally, those coins are hosted by different blockchain networks with different token compatibility levels. Some platforms have ideated, designed, and launched liquidity pools into blockchain networks to address situations where the demand for some digital currencies is greater than the supply.     

## What is QuickSwap exchange? 

QuickSwap is a layer-2 decentralized cryptocurrency application supported by the Polygon blockchain’s layer-2 scalability infrastructure and enables users to swap ERC-20 tokens. The forum operates an Automated Market Maker (AMM) tool and liquidity pools to reward community members. As a decentralized exchange (DEX), the platform is pivotal in the burgeoning decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.    

Launched in October 2020, only four months after the unveiling of [Polygon’s Mainnet](https://polygon.technology/), the exchange uses a transparent, community-focused governance structure where only 3.25% of the token supply is reserved for the team. The remaining bulk of 96.75% is allocated to the community. Since it's a DEX, there's no need for Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. A user only needs a compatible wallet and MATIC tokens for settling transaction fees.   

As a layer-2 blockchain application, QuickSwap DEX offers numerous advantages, the greatest of which are reduced gas prices and lightning-fast transactions. By taking advantage of the Polygon layer-2 scalability solution, users can enjoy near-zero transaction fees and up to 65,000 transactions per second. Moreover, the platform aims to create a hassle-free experience for users interacting with DEXs and DeFi by creating a user interface that's easily accessible to even non-technical users.  

The QuickSwap exchange offers swapping for numerous tokens and currently supports over 100 ERC-20 tokens in addition to at least 200 liquidity pools. Additional incentives include offering DeFi farming pools where users earn on the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) protocol by providing digital assets for lending. Currently, there are more than 80 farming pools from which to choose. Holders of QUICK, the protocol's native token, make up the community and can vote on anything from the commission to change the reward distribution algorithm. 

## Main features 

QuickSwap offers functionalities that fill in gaps most leading DEXs leave. The main features include the following: 

Layer 2 transactions: By leveraging Polygon’s main feature of fast transactions, asset exchanges on QuickSwap can take less than two seconds and cost a fraction of what the Ethereum network charges.  

Non-custodial trading: Unlike centralized exchanges (CEX), users can trade directly from wallets like Metamask or others supporting [ERC-20 tokens](https://www.investopedia.com/news/what-erc20-and-what-does-it-mean-ethereum/). This means you retain the private keys and total ownership of your tickets, unlike in CEXs, where to must deposit your assets in the platform’s exchange.  

Yield farming: Users can contribute to liquidity pools and earn passive income through [yield farming](/news/article/yield-farming-crypto). A part of the amount charged as transaction fees is distributed equitably based on a user’s contribution to the collection.    

Community administration:  Token holders, who make up the community, retain voting rights on the platform, while stakers can profit from trading fees. They can vote to determine procedures and improvements in the protocol’s operations.  

## How QuickSwap works 

QuickSwap is head and shoulders above conventional exchanges by creating liquidity pools of tokens that users can access for swapping. The platform operates the Constant Product Market Maker design, a variant of a model called Automated Market Maker (AMM). AMMs are smart contracts that regulate liquidity pools enabling investors to conduct smooth trades such as buy/sell crypto orders. 

Instead of trading as makers and takers, users interact with a [smart contract](/news/article/smart-contracts-revolution), a specialized Ethereum-based computer program that automatically handles and regulates token exchanges without third-party intervention. 

Users can provide liquidity by depositing a pair of coins of equal value and, in return, receive liquidity pool (LP) tokens. The LP tokens are considered a receipt for the amount they have contributed to the pool and are burned as soon as a user reclaims their token. However, a user can also provide their LP tokens to third parties to use in yield farming, where the fees are constantly reinvested into the pool to earn compound interest.   

## How the platform makes its money  

Unlike CEXs that make money by charging their users fees, the liquidity providers on QuickSwap earn transaction fees from the 0.3% fee on swaps made from the liquidity pools. Liquidity providers can claim the portion of earned fees equivalent to their proportion of overall liquidity anytime they want, and they're free to reinvest them. 

## How to use QuickSwap  

If you're interested in using the platform, you only need an internet browser on your PC or mobile device. You want to ensure that you visit the official website and follow the simple steps laid out below:   

1. Visit [https://quickswap.exchange/#/](https://quickswap.exchange/#/) on your desktop or mobile browser. 
2. Connect a compatible digital wallet using a mobile wallet app or your desktop browser extension wallet – ensure your wallet supports the Polygon network – [Metamask](/news/tag/meta-mask-tag) and Trust are good examples.  
3. Ensure you’re on the “Swap” tab before initiating transactions.   
4. Select the token you want to swap from and the token you’re interested in receiving.  
5.  Click “Swap” – you’ll get a pop-up window asking you to review your selection.  
6. Review your transaction details in the pop-up window.  
7. Confirm the request in your digital wallet.  

## List of tokens available for swapping 

QuickSwap supports more than 100 ERC-20 tokens, and the following is a list of a few exclusive ones – note that this list isn't conclusive. They include ZeroSwap Token and Yearn.finance Token, Wrapped Bitcoin, WOO Network Token, WazirX Token, and Vulcan Forged PYR Token. 

Others are USD Coin, UniSwap Token, Unilend Finance Token, Unibright Token, TrustSwap Token, and Tether. The list includes QuickSwap Token, PlayDapp Token, Opacity Token, Matic Network Token, Mantra DAO Token, and IOI Token. You should find Ethereum, EasyFi Token, DSLA Protocol Token, DinoSwap Token, DeRace Token, Dai, Compound Coin, ChainLink Coin, Aave, and Celsius token in that long list of compatible tokens.  

## Available deposit methods 

Like all other DEXs, QuickSwap doesn’t provide the option for fiat currency deposits, meaning that you can’t do any transaction without some crypto holdings. If you’ve never dealt with cryptocurrencies, you can easily buy your first crypto from any entry-level exchange accepting fiat currency deposits.    

## Assets' security 

DEXs have their servers spread globally, meaning there's a lower risk of downtime and cyberattacks. Moreover, when you trade at a DEX, the platform doesn't touch your assets. Even if a hacker infiltrated the exchange, they wouldn't access your purchases, making them very safe. 

## Wrapping up QuickSwap 


As the platform continuously increases the number of available token pairs, the protocol is on its way to becoming a prominent brand among layer-2 scaling solutions and DeFi platforms. Moreover, the icing on the cake could be a reasonable price for the QUICK token. 

quickswap exchange logo on pile of cryptocurrency coins

QuickSwap Exchange Explained

Where should you keep your cryptocurrency? In a custodial wallet or a non-custodial wallet? 

The last five years have witnessed a dramatic rise in the popularity of cryptocurrencies. For their continuing development, the average user must be comfortable managing and securing their digital assets. Therefore many industry experts believe the development of the crypto wallet is [crucial to market expansion](https://dailyfintech.com/2020/08/31/crypto-built-on-top-crypto-wallets/). 

The modern crypto wallet is essentially a piece of secure digital software allowing consumers to store their precious digital assets safely. 

Crypto wallets fall into two main categories: 

- Custodial wallet. 

- Non-custodial wallet. 

The difference is relatively straightforward. In the custodial example, a third party takes ownership of your private keys and provides management services for the user. Conversely, a non-custodial wallet is managed purely by the consumer, private keys and all. 

In the simplest terms, [private keys](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/private-key.asp) are those held by the user, whereas public keys are given to any third party wishing to send crypto to that wallet's address. Two keys for the same lock. 

Choosing between a custodial or non-custodial wallet is about personal preference. However, as we can see from the example above, a non-custodial wallet provides users with total control over their digital assets. Given the number of exploits and crypto hacks in recent years, non-custodial wallets have seen an explosion in growth concurrent with the rise in the popularity of crypto. For more information on some of the best UK wallets available, check out [our article](/news/article/best-crypto-wallet-uk-top-picks). 

## Differences 

So, other than private keys, what are the main differences between custodial and non-custodial wallets? 

Firstly, non-custodial options provide the consumer with much greater control over their private finances and effectively allow the user to become their own private bank. 

Secondly, with non-custodial wallets, all transactions are shown in real time, while custodial methods tend to back-log transactions to make use of more profitable times to transact. 

Thirdly, because custodial wallet providers need to store data on their customers, there is a much higher risk of data breach and hacking, leading to higher costs and slower transaction times due to increased security measures. 

One of the main drawbacks of the non-custodial wallet is the lack of backup and recovery possibilities should things go wrong. Of course, non-custodial providers often feature opportunities for backup, but if this is lost, you are really on your own. While this isn't the case across the board, third-party providers of custodial options often have a more robust recovery procedure if anything goes wrong. 

Finally, any custodial wallet is only accessible if connected to the internet, while non-custodial balances are available 24/7. This could prove problematic in more ways than one. 

Overall, the choice between a third-party custodial and a non-custodial provider is personal, but the non-custodial option provides the consumer with much greater flexibility, even if it requires more personal responsibility. 

As we all know, given the current economic climate, having control over your personal finances isn't such a bad thing. 

Man with wallet. Question mark overlayed with blue filter

Is a non-custodial wallet right for me?

The play-to-earn blockchain gaming market remains one of the relatively undiscovered crypto earners with much potential. Despite what seems to be a dropoff in interest in blockchain gaming, new games are still coming on stream. One of these games is the League of Kingdoms, introduced into the market in 2021. 

## The League of Kingdoms concept 

League of Kingdoms is a multiplayer, play-to-earn crypto game based on gathering rewards via the conquest of lands and resources of other players. The plot of the game will remind you loosely of the Game of Thrones TV series. 

The game is all about building kingdoms and expanding these kingdoms. This will involve forging key alliances as you progress. You earn from unlocking new levels within the game and conquering other territories to expand your kingdom. 

The user starts with basic resources and has to deploy skills and intellect to harness new resources to build the structures that eventually form the castles that make up the kingdom's buildings. You must work on these until your kingdom's buildings become more formidable and better fortified. You will eventually unlock new resources to build an army that can partake in conquests to expand the realm. You will have to battle other players, and these will sometimes involve forming alliances to defeat bigger enemies. 

Ultimately, the scope of the wars expands. As showcased in the game's final levels, players from various continents battle to secure territory. This is indeed a league where kingdoms are made. At each point of conquest, successful players receive digital assets as rewards. Some of these rewards include the governance token of the project. 

The game is available on smartphones and PCs and remains worth playing even as the crypto winter persists. Please check the [latest UK NFT tax rules](/news/article/nft-tax-uk-rules-explored) if you want to play the game for money. 

## How to play 

The game is free to join and play. However, you will need access via your fractal wallet. The "Connect Wallet" option exists at the top right of the game's website so you can connect your wallet to plug into the game. Metamask and [Trust Wallet](https://www.g2.com/products/trust-wallet/reviews) are just two of several wallets that give you access to the game's interface. 

There have been complaints that the game has bugs and that the developers do not provide the best customer service. If you face these challenges, you may need to contact them via the Discord channel. 

pink image of league of kingdoms metaverse game logo.

League of Kingdoms: Worth Playing in 2023?

[Unity engine games](https://unity.com/), developed by Unity Technologies, have existed since 2005. Unity provides more developers access to game development tools, which was a groundbreaking idea during that time. The engine has undergone significant changes and expansions throughout its extensive lifespan, constantly adapting to the latest practices and technologies. 

Even today, its primary focus remains on offering a comprehensive set of tools to the game development industry and ensuring that the engine is accessible to developers of all skill levels, including beginners. 

Unity Technologies has also broadened its reach to other sectors, emphasising real-time 3D development, making it one of the most powerful engines available. 

## Unity engine games features 

Following are the key features offered by the platform to its users. 

1.    2D & 3D graphics support 

The platform provides support for both 2D and 3D graphics. It allows users to choose their preferred art style for their projects, with each graphic type equipped with specialised tools. For instance, 2D graphics offer tools such as sprite sheet cutting, while 3D graphics provide users with the ability to create custom materials, customise lighting, build shaders with the shader graph, and use post-processing effects. 

Additionally, users can create 2D tilemaps or generate 3D terrain within the engine. Various script APIs are available for each graphic type to access different physics options suitable for their preferred style. 

2.    User-friendly architecture 

The Unity development platform provides a user-friendly architecture for creating games. Unity engine games are divided into scenes containing all the necessary game objects for a particular level, such as the background, player character, enemies, bullets, and more. 

Unity also allows for parent-child relationships between objects in the hierarchy, simplifying the process of adding multiple objects, such as outfits, guns, or colliders, to one parent-player character object. 

Additionally, it offers the Inspector tool, which grants quick access to all object properties, enabling developers to make on-the-fly changes without constantly delving into the code. 

3.    Scripting API 

Unity offers a scripting API that provides developers convenient access to frequently used game features and specific engine functionality, enabling them to avoid working without prior knowledge. The scripting API covers all the elements the Unity Inspector can control, such as UI elements, audio playback, position, rotation, and materials. For instance, while modifying the text colour of UI elements from the engine itself is possible, the scripting API also offers this capability through code. Additionally, ample documentation is available to assist developers in using the scripting API to their advantage. 

4.    Animation tools 

Unity provides a comprehensive suite of animation tools that can be used for 3D and 2D graphics. While importing animations from other software is possible, Unity allows you to animate your projects directly within the engine. This includes manipulating the position and rotation of an entire object and adjusting the bones in a 3D model. Even 2D images can be rigged with bones in Unity engine games. 

These features can be accessed through the scripting API, which gives you much control over your animations. 

Unity's Animator system allows you to create animation state machines with ease. This means that animations can be played based on player actions, such as jumping, and can transition smoothly between each other. The Animator is presented in a visual graph style, making it simple to understand how everything is connected. 

5.    Cross-platform build support 

The platform enables developers to export Unity engine games to a vast range of locations by downloading the relevant development kit. Platforms include Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One. 

Moreover, the engine facilitates exporting HTML5 games for web deployment, provided that the performance meets the optimal standards. 

With Unity, [game](/news/article/luna-rush-gem-of-a-game) developers can minimise the number of modifications required for different platform builds, thus reducing the need to create multiple project versions for each platform. 

6.    AR and VR support 

The platform supports VR ([virtual reality](/news/article/metaverse-vr-project-guide)) and AR ([augmented reality](/news/article/augmented-reality-tokens-explained)) technologies. For VR, it provides a range of packages that support most VR headsets, which are continuously updated to keep pace with evolving technologies. Additionally, developers can use the engine to test their VR games. 

In the case of AR, the game engine offers various packages for ARCore and ARKit. Unity has also developed AR Foundation, which enables developers to create AR apps for Android and iOS without needing separate projects. 

Unity has also introduced the XR Interaction Toolkit to simplify developing VR and AR games. 

## Top 5 Unity engine games 

1.    Cuphead 

[Cuphead](https://www.cupheadgame.com/), a video game released in 2017, is categorised as a run-and-gun game and was developed by Studio MDHR. The game utilises the flexibility of the Unity graphics engine and is designed with an aesthetic inspired by the rubber hose style popular during the golden age of American animation. The game's challenging gameplay and retro feel have amassed a dedicated following of fans. Cuphead has achieved critical and commercial success, selling over six million copies in three years and receiving numerous awards. A Netflix animated series has also been produced, highlighting the game's strong appeal to audiences. 

2.    Ori and the Will of the Wisps 

This popular 2D Metroidvania game features the player controlling the character of Ori, a white guardian spirit. [The game](https://www.orithegame.com/) involves intricate puzzles that players solve by jumping, climbing, gliding, and swimming between different platforms. It has been highly acclaimed by critics and players, who praised its engaging gameplay, art direction, story, action sequences, musical score, and environmental design. This game is a sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, one of the earliest AAA titles to be created on Unity and achieved significant success. 

3.    Among Us 

[Among Us](https://amongusplay.online/) is a social online multiplayer game developed by Innersloth, an American game studio, in 2018. The game is influenced by the party game Mafia and is built using Unity's multi-platform publishing capabilities, making it compatible with multiple devices and even supporting cross-platform play. The game gained immense popularity during the pandemic and provided players with an enjoyable social experience, regardless of whether they were physically together or apart. 

4.    Pokémon Go 

Mobile game [Pokémon Go](https://pokemongolive.com/?hl=en) was released in 2016. Niantic developed and published the game in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. It utilises GPS technology on mobile devices to enable players to locate, capture, train, and battle virtual creatures known as Pokémon. These creatures appear as if they are in the player's real-world location, creating an augmented reality experience. Pokémon Go quickly became popular among players of all ages and has been enjoyed by parents and children playing together. 

5.    Beat Saber 

This [virtual reality rhythm game](https://beatsaber.com/) was created and published by Czech game developer Beat Games. The game's environment is surrealistic and set in a neon atmosphere where players use a pair of contrasting-coloured sabers to slice through blocks representing musical beats. Beat Saber's early access release on Steam saw it quickly rise to the top, becoming the highest-rated game on the platform within a week. Today, it remains a popular form of entertainment and exercise for gamers. 

unity games logo in front of purple image of gaming controller

Top 5 Unity engine games 

Web3 games and Metaverse projects have taken the industry by storm. Some of the games driving the rise of blockchain gaming include Axie Infinity, Splinterlands, Alien Worlds, Crazy Defense Heroes, Sky Mavis, and The Sandbox. Not only have these games enabled players all over the world to make money, but they have also introduced innovative mechanics and partnerships. 

Similarly, Metaverse projects have piqued people's interest by introducing ingenious ways for users to interact with one another in 3D space.

As per a report released by the data acquisition and analysis company DappRadar, Web3-based games and Metaverse projects have [raised $748 million](https://beat.10ztalk.com/2022/09/12/web3-games-and-metaverse-projects-raised-748-million-in-august-report/) since August 1, 2022. 

Axie Infinity, one of the most popular games in the field, has surpassed $4 billion in all-time NFT sales, with approximately 36,000 new daily players joining in the last three months.

Despite the ongoing market downturn, blockchain-based games continue to garner attention. According to DappRadar, companies in that field and Metaverse projects have raised approximately $748 million since the beginning of August. This is a 135% increase over July but a 16% decrease from June's figures.

Gabriel Leydon, the founder of Machine Zone, made one of the largest investments of $200 million in Web3 games.

Temasek, a Singaporean investment firm, led the latest $100 million funding round for Animoca Brands to increase the company's exposure in the sector. 

Xterio, a cross-platform publisher and developer of high-quality mobile and web3 games secured a $40 million fundraising round. 

Last year, the gaming space raised around $4 billion. This figure has already been surpassed in 2022, with investments totalling around $7 billion. If current trends continue, the figure is expected to reach $10.2 billion by 2022.

## DappRadar July report

At the end of July this year, the firm determined that blockchain games and Metaverse projects appear to be faring much better than other industry segments during the crypto winter. 

According to the report, unique active wallets (UAWs) decreased by 7% in Q2 compared to the previous quarter. This meant that people were still interacting with blockchain decentralised applications at nearly the same rate as before the [Terra collapse](/news/article/terra-luna-collapse).


Web3 games and Metaverse projects raised $748M

CoinPayments is a global crypto payment solution and wallet that enables individuals and merchants to send, store, and receive Bitcoin and hundreds of altcoins as payment. 

Launched in 2013, it is the first payment processor to support altcoins. Since its inception, it has become a respectable and widely-used company in the crypto market. It boasts millions of users across 182 countries worldwide. 

## Pros and Cons 

#### Pros 

- Supports more than 2,305 cryptocurrencies. 

- Has lots of useful features, including merchant tools and vault services. 

- Easy to use. 

- Low transaction fees. 

- Mobile and website support. 

- Great security. 

#### Cons 

- Breach in 2017. 

## Features 

CoinPayments’ features are a major reason for its success. The platform has a wide variety of features (more than 40) that include: 

- Multi-currency wallet: The wallet enables businesses and individuals to send, store, and receive more than [2,305 cryptocurrencies](https://www.coinpayments.net/supported-coins), including Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ether, and Dash. The wallet is free to set up and available on the web and mobile. 

- Merchant tools: They are for merchants and offer various ways to accept crypto payments from customers. They include shopping cart plugins, payment buttons, APIs, invoice builders, mobile apps, and point-of-sales tools, which offer a simple way to accept in-person payments. 

- Cryptocurrency vault: The feature allows users to store their cryptocurrencies in a secure online database for as long as they want. Within the storage time, the cryptocurrencies won’t be accessible by any means. 

- E-commerce integration: CoinPayments is compatible with many leading e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magneto, and WooCommerce. Merchants can also establish their own custom integrations using application programming interface (API) functionality for a tailor-made digital storefront. 

Other features include digital asset management, billing and invoicing, data security, transaction monitoring and history, payment processing, status tracking, a self-service portal, payment fraud prevention, and much more. 

## Security 

CoinPayments uses the latest technological security mechanisms to secure clients' funds. Users can set up two-factor authentication when registering their accounts to enhance security. Additionally, they can connect hardware wallets to their account as an additional layer of protection. 

It is worth noting that in June 2017, it was reported that hackers broke into CoinPayments Ripple-storing security databases and stole huge amounts of XRP coins. Six months after the breach CoinPayments managed to reimburse all affected users. 

According to CoinPayments, [the incident](https://blog.coinpayments.net/announcements/official-coinpayments-ripple-theft-statement) was not a hack but a network error that allowed a few users to withdraw excessive XRP coins from hot wallet XRP accounts. The company later assured users it had completed a complex back-end rebuild, including multiple new safety measures and protocols to ensure the issue never occurred again. 

## Fees 

CoinPayments is a fairly cheap platform to use. It has a flat fee of 0.5% for all incoming payments. The platform does not charge any fees for account creation. It also does not charge any withdrawal fees to use its wallet. 

There are network fees that vary depending on the cryptocurrency you are sending and how busy the networks are. They also apply when withdrawing cryptocurrencies. 

## Is the platform safe? 

Yes, CoinPayments is a safe crypto-payment platform. The platform has never had any security breaches or incidents since the 2017 XRP incident. Its team continues to amplify its security with the best and latest security mechanisms in the market. You can be sure your funds are safe while using the platform. 

## Accessibility 

CoinPayments is accessible in lots of countries across the globe. However, it is [inaccessible](https://www.coinpayments.net/help-restricted) in several countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cambodia, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Qatar, and the US. 

In July 2022, CoinPayments [announced ](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/coinpayments-to-shut-down-in-us-5-days-left-to-withdraw-funds/)that it would cease operations in the US and advised its customers from the country to withdraw their assets before 19 July. The company blamed Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and market changes for the closure of business operations in the US. 

The platform's restriction in more than 30 countries is one of its few cons. If you are in any of the restricted countries, you can't use any of the platform's services. 

Besides English, the platform is also available in French, Indian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Korean, among other languages. 

## Getting started with CoinPayments 

To benefit from CoinPayments services as a merchant, you'll first have to open a user account. The process is very simple. Go to the platform's official site and click the highlighted “Sign Up” button in the top right corner. 

On the next page, you will have two options, create a Personal Account or Business Account. You can choose either and fill in the required mandatory information. 

After you register your account, you will have to verify your email account by clicking on the activation link sent to the email you used to register for an account with. 

After you've verified your email, the next step is to sign in to your account and configure your Merchant ID, IPN, and other important credentials. How you do it is: 

- Go to the "Account" tab and click "Account Settings". 

- In the "Basic Settings" tab, you will find the Merchant ID you need to save or copy for later use. 

- In the "Public Info" tab, enter your full name, email ID, and the URL you want to be displayed publicly to customers for sending payments. 

- In the "Login & Security" tab, change the two-factor authentication (2FA) method from email to any convenient option. 

- In the "Merchant settings" tab, write your IPN secret code. Save and copy the IPN code for later use. Select the base currency and remember to toggle which notifications you want to receive. 

The next step is to choose which [cryptocurrencies](/news/article/what-is-future-of-cryptocurrency) you want to accept as payment. Go to the "Account" tab and click "Coin Acceptance Settings". Select the cryptocurrency you want to accept by checking the box next to each cryptocurrency and clicking "Update Coin Preferences". 

There are more steps to configure to start accepting cryptocurrency as payment to your wallet, like fiat settlement, crypto coins conversion, and payment forwarding, among others. Make sure to complete all the steps to avoid any hiccups. 

## How to use the CoinPayments wallet 

CoinPayments wallet is a mobile app that can be downloaded from the Google Play and Apple app stores for free. Once you've downloaded the wallet, sign up. The sign-up process will require your name, username, password, and your location. 

You will then receive a confirmation email to confirm your email address. Next, set up two-factor authentication. 

Log in and select whether to create a business or personal crypto wallet. After you've clicked "Wallet", you can choose between creating a standard wallet or a personalized PayByName wallet. Once you are done, you can start receiving cryptocurrencies in your wallet. 

To send crypto, you must have some crypto in your wallet. You can buy crypto from CoinPayments using a debit or credit card, PayPal, SEPA, or bank transfers. 

Once you have some cryptocurrencies in your wallet, you can send them to other wallets by pasting their public address, selecting the number of coins you want to send, and clicking the "Confirm" button. 

To withdraw cryptocurrencies from your wallet, choose from other supported payment methods and select the amount you want to withdraw. CoinPayments does not charge any fees for withdrawals. 

Remember that you must complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process during your sign-up process to use all CoinPayments features. 

## Customer support 

CoinPayments has an exceptional customer support team that is prompt at delivering ready solutions to all customer queries. Users with queries must communicate by raising a ticket. 

To raise a ticket, a user visits the support wizard, where they are provided with a support code (valid for one hour) and a link to submit a support ticket on FreshDesk. Besides support tickets, users can also reach the support team via social media platforms like Twitter, Telegram, and Facebook. 

## Conclusion 

CoinPayments is an amazing crypto-payment platform with lots of attractive features. It is highly secure, easy to use, supports many cryptocurrencies, is accessible via the web and as a mobile app, features pretty low fees, and has a great customer support team. 

There is hardly anything not to like about the platform. It is no wonder many reviewers consider it one of the best crypto-payment platforms. 

coinpayments logo in front of blue image of cryptocurrency wallet

CoinPayments Review 2023

Spreadex: Bet on your favourite sports with cryptocurrency 

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

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

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

## Range of markets 

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

## Cryptocurrency trading 

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

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

## The benefits of trading on Spreadex 

There are several benefits, including: 

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

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

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

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

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

## Wide range of sports to bet on 

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

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

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

SPreadex crypto betting logo on purple image of crypto coins

Spreadex: Bet on Popular Sports with Crypto

As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, the need for seamless and secure gateways for cross-border payments is rising. Cryptocurrencies have proved a viable alternative to traditional methods, yet the need for a platform connecting crypto with fiat remains. Alchemy Pay is a solution that has been gaining traction in the crypto space. 

It is a convenient payment solution that offers a secure path for crypto/fiat transfers. The platform connects the traditional financial system with the crypto world. In fact, Alchemy Pay news has been making headlines due to its partnerships with various crypto and financial firms, cementing its position as a leader in the space by offering a seamless payment solution. 

## What is Alchemy Pay? 

[Alchemy Pay](https://alchemypay.org/), a payment service provider that simplifies crypto to fiat and vice-versa transfers, focuses on providing a fast, secure, and convenient gateway for global consumers and sellers. The platform is designed to promote the use of Web3 and blockchain products and services. 

It is a Singapore-based firm founded in 2018. It offers services in more than 170 countries and supports 300+ payment channels. It also provides access to all types of cryptocurrencies and supports over 50 fiat currencies. 

The platform aims to shape a digital financial system that eliminates barriers for all global users. It is built to empower the masses financially and offer a dependable payment system. It also ensures transparency and is viable for both individuals and enterprises.  

## What does Alchemy Pay offer? 

The hybrid payment system offers services to various types of users. It can facilitate individual users, small businesses, large enterprises, or institutions. Here are some benefits the platform can offer: 

#### Facilities B2B and B2C payments 

The payment solution can facilitate business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions. The good thing about the platform is that it supports crypto-fiat payments. As a result, many e-commerce platforms, SaaS businesses, and various other businesses may opt for this payment solution. 

#### Allows crypto investment 

Since Alchemy Pay supports a range of cryptocurrencies, it allows its customers to invest in crypto. Individuals and institutions like banks or asset management firms can use its services for [crypto investments](/news/article/crypto-invest-strategy). It can play the role of a broker to facilitate the fiat to crypto or vice versa exchanges.  

#### Simplifies day-to-day purchasing 

You can also acquire the services of the ACH platform for personal finance. You can use it to buy different goods and services. You can also manage your crypto assets through the platform. It allows you to hold, stake, or [trade crypto](/news/article/how-does-crypto-trading-work) at your convenience. 

## What’s an ACH token? 

Alchemy Pay is a hybrid payment system that introduces its own token, ACH. The token is an ERC-20 and BEP-20 that engines the entire ecosystem of the platform. The ACH tokens are pre-mined with a total supply of 10,000,000,000. Out of the total supply, around 5,082,155,932 ACHs are circulating in the market. 

The [smart contract](/news/article/smart-contracts-blockchain) for ACH coins is deployed to create an infrastructure that supports easy transactions between crypto and fiat. It can support a wide range of audiences, including individuals, institutions, and businesses. 

According to [CoinMarketCap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/alchemy-pay/), an ACH token is currently worth $0.0372, with a total [market capitalisation](/news/article/what-is-market-cap-cryptocurrency) of $176,327,968. In the past 24 hours, the trading volume for the asset has been $78,230,553.  

The token made its all-time high value of $0.197 in August 2021. ACH’s price is currently down by more than 80% from its all-time high value.  

## Alchemy Pay partnerships with major crypto firms 

In the last couple of years, Alchemy Pay has secured partnerships with various crypto exchanges, payment channels, on and off-ramps, and e-commerce firms for offering crypto payments. 

Here are some of the prominent partnerships that the ACH secured: 

#### Facilitates payment between Shopify and Binance 

One of the largest e-commerce platforms, Shopify, has integrated the Alchemy Pay plugin. It allows Shopify stores to offer a crypto payment channel to their customers. Besides, Binance Pay also supports the ACH payment solution. It will enable Binance Pay users to make peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency transactions seamlessly. 

Due to the support for Alchemy Pay, Binance Pay users can also make payments on Shopify via cryptocurrencies.  

#### Mastercard and Visa crypto cards 

Alchemy also offers virtual [crypto credit cards](/news/article/cryptocard-choices-which-one-for-you) with Mastercard and Visa support. These cards enable users to make payments in crypto tokens. They are compatible with more than 50 cryptocurrencies, including popular options like [BTC](/coins/btc) and [ETH](/coins/eth).  

####  Fiat on-ramps for Polygon 

The Hybrid payment solution is also available on one of the most popular layer 2 solutions, [Polygon](/news/article/polygon-crypto). ACH platform offers fiat on-ramps to the Polygon network. It enables users to pay directly for DeFi products or services in fiat currencies. The platform has embedded fiat on-ramps across its ecosystem. 

####  Listed on popular exchanges 

Apart from the platform’s different payment options, the ACH token is available on various popular exchanges, including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, [Crypto.com](/news/article/nft-crypto-com), Gate.io, Kucoin, Huobi Global, [Uniswap](/news/article/uniswap-price-prediction-2025), [Bybit](/news/article/bybit-uk), and several others. 

#### Various cross-chain integrations 

The payment solution is integrated with multiple blockchain networks. Alchemy Pay news today suggests it is currently available on the Algorand blockchain, NIUM, [Avalanche](/news/article/avalanche-bridging), IoTeX, MakerDAO, and numerous other blockchains.     

## Alchemy Pay price prediction 

According to insights from [CoinCodex](https://coincodex.com/crypto/alchemy-pay/price-prediction/), the ACH token shows bullish sentiments. The current market has ‘buy’ to ‘strong buy’ signals. Moreover, the data suggest that the ACH price may increase by over 102% later in March. 

 ![alchemy pay price prediction chart](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_03_31_at_15_15_19_b1adb0498d.png)


Source: [CoinCodex ](https://coincodex.com/crypto/alchemy-pay/price-prediction/)

Meanwhile, ACH's current price is higher than its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA). The current 200-day SMA is around $0.014, but it is expected to increase. Data suggest that the 200-day SMA will likely cross the $0.02 in April 2023. The 50-day SMA is expected to reach the $0.055 mark. 

## What will Alchemy Pay be worth in 2030? 

According to various forecasts, the ACH coin will grow tremendously over the next few years. [PricePrediction.net](https://priceprediction.net/en/price-prediction/alchemy-pay) indicates that the coin’s value may average $0.079 in 2025. Five years later, in 2030, Alchemy’s worth may reach $0.5.   

## Will Alchemy Pay reach $1? 

It is highly unlikely that the ACH token will reach the $1 mark anytime soon. Although the coin suggests bullish signals, it would need consistent long-term growth for that. The forecast from [PricePrediction.net](https://priceprediction.net/en/price-prediction/alchemy-pay) indicates that ACH may hit $1 in 2032. 

## Is Alchemy Pay a good investment? 

Alchemy Pay is a growing hybrid payment solution for fiat/crypto transactions. The platform promotes blockchain-based transaction systems, which allow easy integrations with multiple blockchains and payment methods. It is also trusted by numerous big players like Binance and Shopify. As a result, its crypto, ACH, shows good potential as an investment. 

Currently, the market is bullish for Alchemy’s token, as forecasts suggest gains of around 102% in March. The market sentiment for the token is also positive, which means now can be an ideal time to invest in the ACH coin. Nonetheless, it is advisable to note that all cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile assets; therefore, conducting your research before making any financial decision is crucial. 


alchemy pay logo on image of credit cards

Alchemy Pay: A Crypto-Fiat Payment Platform

The concept behind play-to-earn games has been around for a while, but the rapid rise of NFTs and Web3 technologies has brought them to the limelight. As the increasing number of blockchain games begins to bring a tangible meaning to the term "play-to-earn", this article focuses on the popular [Spider Tanks ](https://www.spidertanks.game/)NFT game, how to play it, and the potential to earn a good income while you play. 

## What are play-to-earn games? 

Play-to-earn (P2E) is the name given to a class of blockchain-based games where you can earn income directly or indirectly as you play. Players generate digital income, which they can later materialize, meaning they can transfer their earnings into the real world using blockchain technology. 

Most P2E games use non-fungible tokens (NFTs in terms of characters, potions, outfits, armor, or weapons), which are solely unique assets the players own. P2E games thrive on NFTs and in-game cryptocurrencies, and the rarity of NFTs offers real monetary value in the games' economic ecosystem. 

## Spider Tanks overview 

Spider Tanks is a [free-to-play](/news/article/free-play-to-earn-games) PVP (player versus player) game where players can choose from numerous weapons and tank bodies to engage in arena-based combat. Developed by award-winning Dutch company Gamedia, the game offers several P2E mechanisms revolving around skill-based competition, gathering resources, and player-driven upgrade cycles. 

The multiplayer PVP NFT game built on the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem can be played on PCs and macOS. The game’s developers aim to make it a global P2E eSports game where players can compete against a familiar group of close friends or strangers. 

The game solely focuses on tank battles and features unique aesthetics, uptight gameplay, and a fascinating upgrade system that makes it potentially profitable. The game's cycle leverages on rarity and benefits accrued from NFT Weapons, Tanks, and Bodies. Some core aspects of the tanks include the following: 

- All tanks have a weapon and a body as the main components. 

- Players can use every weapon to create different options for their tanks. 

- All components are NFTs built on the Ethereum blockchain and carry different values.    

- Players can earn new NFT pieces as they play and earn higher P2E titles. 

## Game Options 

Spider Tanks presents three diverse game modes with different objectives over variable maps. Winning your games increases your potential to earn greater rewards afterward. Players make in-game currency they can use in their Garage (a place they can visit between battles to equip their parts and add weapons to their tanks). Players can rent out or sell their upgraded tanks for in-game currency. These modes are: 

#### Team Deathmatch   

Team Deathmatch is the classic PVP game featuring two teams of three players battling to the death, with the team executing the most kills at the close winning. 

#### Capture the Flag 

This mode features an old-style game but introduces a significant control aspect where opposing teams battle it for a flag. Teams garner points every time they hold the flag; the team with the most points at the end is the winner. 

#### Capture the Chicken 

The Capture the Chicken mode is designed to have a player rescue as many chickens as possible spread around the map and return them to their base. Under normal circumstances, Tanks and Chickens have nothing in common, but this game mode creates a unique possibility.   

## How to earn SILK tokens 

Spider Tanks players can earn [SILK tokens](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/spider-tanks) every time they win a game. As usual, better performance translates to greater rewards. You can also earn the in-game SILK tokens renting out your tanks for 24 hours in exchange for 50% of their earnings when someone wins with the tank. Take note, though, that the rank of your tank NFT defines your efficiency in earning SILK. 

## Should you play Spider Tanks? 

Spiders Tanks is an exciting P2E game that’s high-speed, intense, competitive, and packed with uniquely stylized graphics that bring real character to NFT gaming. That some players can easily [earn a significant income](/news/article/play-to-earn) by playing is a good enough incentive for anyone to try it out. 

spider tanks logo on a purple background photo of woman playing p2e video games

Spider Tanks review: Learn, play, and earn 

You may have heard of the blockchain-based Fireblocks platform. 

Fireblocks platform is a product created for the crypto market to move and manage institutional assets. So what is this platform all about?
Most of what you may have experienced as a crypto market trader or investor is buying and selling crypto assets on a small scale. A small-scale crypto investor may be trading with funds that range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.

When crypto investments break the seven-figure barrier, this marks a transition from a small-scale operation to an institutional-scale one. At the institutional level of investment, you cannot keep operating with the same tools as the small-scale, retail-level traders. It would help if you had a resource that guarantees better security, better pricing for your trades, and more robust tools to manage such enterprise-level investments. This is where the Fireblocks platform comes in.

Fireblocks is a platform that provides you with enterprise-grade resources to move and manage your digital assets securely.

The large sizes of institutional crypto portfolios require the brokers/exchanges handling their business to offer something beyond the regular. Several factors constitute risks in the crypto market.
The first is the system of storing digital assets. Crypto assets are held on exchanges or in self-custody wallets with private keys. The two systems are fraught with risks.

Exchange-held assets are highly vulnerable because they are stored in online/hot wallets. Hackers are no longer the only threat to exchange-held tokens. Recent events such as [the collapse of FTX](https://brendanbeeken.com/ftx-collapse/) and [Celsius](/news/article/celsius-bankruptcy-judge-order) have shown that exchanges run by inexperienced hands with limited compliance and internal controls are as much a risk as a hacking team.

Self-custody wallets require that the owner of the assets secures the wallet with a private key. If the key is misplaced or compromised, the assets are lost forever.

Another requirement for institutional crypto investors is a robust trading environment that presents the user with professional tools that are not accessible to anyone else. For instance, institutions are very keen on risk management and prefer using platforms that provide market-neutral trade types.

As will be discussed later, the MPC proprietary protocol used in designing the institutional-grade wallets on Fireblocks also enables trades to be made up to eight times faster than the industry average. If you trade huge volumes, you must split up your trade sizes to get good executions without altering the market price too much. Having ultra-fast transaction speeds compensates for the inability to push out all orders simultaneously, and the MPC protocol guarantees this.

## Digital asset operations you can perform on Fireblocks

a)   Deposits and withdrawals using MPC wallets
Multi-Party Computation (MPC) wallets are considered more secure than traditional crypto wallets as they utilize a system of wallet key management that allows multiple parties to simultaneously perform various cryptographic-based functions without revealing their inputs.

This means there is no single point of failure (such as losing your private keys) as with traditional wallets. Fireblocks is one of the pioneers of this technology. As an institutional player, you cannot pin the security of your massive crypto holdings to the existence of a private key. Considering that billions of dollars in crypto assets have been lost forever due to the misplacement of private keys, you would know that this is a big deal.

b)  Trading with liquidity providers and trading venues
Trading on an institutional basis requires a direct connection to liquidity providers. This level of trading is equivalent to wholesale trading because the liquidity required at this level is enormous. This large liquidity base enables institutional traders to get the best possible pricing and the cheapest spreads. The Fireblocks platform provides direct market access to liquidity providers, trading desks, and counterparties. This connection also provides access to a round-the-clock settlement of trades for more than 400 tokens across over 30 major exchanges.

c)  Perform various account analytics functions
Fireblocks also allows you to view various asset storage analytics. For instance, you can view your digital assets in offline vaults, exchanges, or in fiat accounts. You can also view your account inflows and outflows and check your open/closed trades and positions.

d)  Speedy transfer of digital assets to and from centralized exchanges
Another vital function required to effectively manage institutional crypto assets is the ability to move funds in and out of an exchange to a non-custodial wallet. Typically, institutional digital assets account for most fund outflows from centralized exchanges during market turbulence.

Whenever there is a market upheaval, the crypto market witnesses a large volume of outflows from centralized exchanges to private wallets. The UST collapse, FTX collapse, and the [bankruptcy of Celsius led to net outflows from centralized exchanges](https://blog.chainalysis.com/reports/personal-wallets-institutional-crypto-adoption-self-custody-defi/). Institutional funds accounted for 68% -77% of these outflows.

The reason is not far-fetched. Capital preservation and risk management are at the heart of institutional-level investment operations. To protect capital during a market downturn, there has to be a secure pathway to move these large volumes of digital assets.

The Fireblocks platform offers this secure environment. Its connectivity with several exchanges ensures that such movement of funds can be done simultaneously, securely, and speedily.

## Fireblocks Conclusion

Enterprise-level crypto portfolio management requires a more robust approach than what is obtainable in the retail segment of the market. Upgraded encryption, advanced cryptography that eliminates a single point of failure, and a secure system for conducting the industrial-scale movement of digital assets between exchanges and non-custodial wallets are a must. Fireblocks has provided a one-stop shop for institutional-level clients' needs.

The Fireblocks platform serves hedge funds, neobanks, PSPs, exchanges, prop traders, and lending desks. The platform supports all ERC-20 tokens and assets on the Binance Chain and the Avalanche network. You have to initiate the connection process by requesting access via the online form on the website.


fireblocks logo on image of blockchain with blue filter

Blockchain-Based Fireblocks Platform Explained

Recently, there has been an explosion of new cryptocurrencies and blockchains. It has caused the need for interoperability, as you have to send your tokens between different networks. One innovative decentralised platform which is solving this issue is [THORChain](https://thorchain.org/). 

The network offers a cross-chain infrastructure that allows you to swap tokens across multiple blockchains. It is designed to smooth out the peer-to-peer exchange of digital assets. Along with its interoperability, it maintains immutability and does not need wrapped tokens for swaps. 

Curious to know how the THORChain works? This article covers the blockchain’s unique features, the working mechanism, and crypto RUNE.  

## What is THORChain?

THORChain is one of the leading cross-chain architectures which offer a secure path for token exchange. It is an entirely decentralised platform that is compatible with eight popular chains. It can support swaps between [Bitcoin](/coins/btc), [Ethereum](/coins/eth), Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain, [Dogecoin](/coins/doge), Bitcoin Cash, [Litecoin](/coins/ltc), and Cosmos Hub. 

Leveraging its interoperability, you can swap the native tokens of its supported blockchains. It creates a frictionless experience and is used for various [DeFi](/news/article/what-is-a-defi-token) needs. 

In the beginning, THORChain was deployed on the [Cosmos network](/news/article/cosmos-crypto-explained). However, in April 2021, the network introduced an update that transformed it into an independent blockchain. Its mainnet provides an environment where non-compatible currencies can be exchanged without intermediaries. 

The blockchain also provides you with more liquidity. Because of this, its network poses a more secure option than the various centralised and decentralised exchanges.

In addition, you can also earn yields on the network. It has liquidity pools where you can deposit your assets and gain profits. The THORChain DEX brings you [crypto lending](/news/article/crypto-lending) services too. It also allows you to secure digital asset funding almost instantly. 

## How does the THORChain work?

THORChain is a cross-chain DEX protocol that works like an Automated Market Maker (AMM). Its mechanism involves Tendermint software, Threshold Signature Scheme (TSS), and the Cosmos SDK. 

It follows the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. It involves validators [staking](/news/article/what-is-staking-crypto) their RUNE tokens in the network to validate transactions and run the nodes. Among these, the operative nodes are also responsible for creating liquidity pools.
 
The blockchain works with the same principle as the Bancor DEX. It includes the pool liquidity ecosystem where users deposit their cryptocurrencies. The pool also includes the native token of the chain, which is RUNE. Then the protocol behind it uses algorithms to evaluate the value of the assets against RUNE.

The process facilitates the exchange of non-native tokens. So, for instance, when you swap Bitcoin for Ethereum, the protocol exchanges BTC with RUNE first. Then it moves on to swapping RUNE with Ethereum. 

This double-swapping process allows instant completion of transactions. Besides, it enables non-custodial exchanges to work freely with the THORChain protocol.

## What are the benefits of using THORChain?

One of the main goals behind the creation of THORChain is to offer deep liquidity to the users. It was built on the premise that centralisation removes economic safety from exchanges. That’s why there needs to be decentralised exchanges that offer more [economic security](/news/article/cryptocurrency-and-the-economy) because of locked assets. 

The liquidity of THOR, along with its cross-chain abilities, makes it an exceptional choice for users. It allows them to swap tokens back and forth between different blockchains. Moreover, it does not need intermediaries for swapping, keeping the system swift and secure. 

In addition to that, you can be part of different liquidity pools on the network. It allows you to earn yields on your funds and get crypto loans. 

Overall, the THORChain blockchain provides a single interactive interface from which you can securely access multiple assets. It not only offers interoperability but also has features like crypto lending, yields, etc.

## THORChain ecosystem
 
![thor1.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/thor1_18f2cb48bf.png)

[Source](https://thorchain.org/ecosystem)

The network ecosystem involves a range of different decentralised applications (DApps). According to the THORChain website, there are a total of 41 projects offering various services to its users. These include both THOR’s own as well as third-party apps.

The list of DApps involves various self-custody wallets like Trust, Edge, and ThorWallet. It also introduces digital asset trading platforms like ShapeShift DAO, [THORSwap](/news/article/what-is-thorswap), and Rango Exchange. 

You can also get analytical insights on the platform with the projects like THORChain explorer, THORCharts, and Nansen Portfolio. Other categories include NFT, Launchpad, Support, Community, and more.

## THORChain crypto (RUNE)

RUNE token is the native crypto in the THOR network. It plays a crucial role in the cross-chain exchange of different tokens. It serves as a settlement asset and offers deep liquidity. The high liquidity RUNEs provide you with economic safety on the network. Due to its mechanism, you do not need wrapped tokens or several cryptocurrency pairs.

Crypto is also used as the governance token on the network. When you use crypto, you will gain governance rights for choosing your liquidity pool. The network also uses RUNE to provide incentives to the users. 

## RUNE tokenomics and price

The economics of the THORChain crypto is reasonably straightforward. According to [CoinMarketCap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/thorchain/), the max supply of the tokens is 500,000,000, from which around 327,056,566 RUNEs are in circulation. The project's market cap is more than $500 million.

![thor2.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/thor2_21cbd803b0.png)
 
[Source](https://thorchain.org/)

It is designed to lock RUNE's $3 against each $1 of the non-native assets in the liquidity pool. The network's total value-locked (TVL) is $132,570,726.

As for the price of the coin, it directly depends on the usage of THORChain. Currently, one RUNE is priced at around $1.67, with a trading volume of $52,092,701 in the past 24 hours. 

## THORChain price prediction 2023, 2025, & 2030

According to the forecast from [DigitalCoinPrice](https://digitalcoinprice.com/forecast/thorchain), RUNE shows bearish long-term trends. Its data suggest that the coin will likely capitalise on its current price and maintain an average of $3.28 in 2023. In addition, the coin may hit the $6 mark in 2025. However, until 2030, its price will be around $17, even less than its current all-time high value. 

On the other hand, data from [PricePrediction.Net](https://priceprediction.net/en/price-prediction/thorchain) shows slightly bullish trends. It predicts that the THORChain crypto may reach the maximum of $2.95 in 2023, whereas it will likely average $2.62. Moreover, in 2025 its price may grow to $6.57, and it may average around $5.54. Meanwhile, till 2030, RUNE’s price may cross the $30 mark and will likely average $33.81.

## Closing thoughts 

THORChain network is a unique take on DEX. It follows the AMM model and is backed by high liquidity, providing enhanced security. It is an all-in-one platform where you can perform multi-currency exchanges frictionlessly. Besides, it gives you access to the most popular currencies like BTC, ETH, and DOGE. 

Meanwhile, the platform is still seeing growth. Many third-party applications are becoming a part of THORChain, which will help the RUNE crypto to grow as an investment.


Thorchain logo on blue image of lightening strike on mountain

THORchain Explained 