## Bullish or Gripped by Fear? A Guide to the Crypto Fear and Greed Index

Are you feeling confident or fearful when it comes to crypto investments? If you're unsure, don't worry - you're not alone. Sometimes, it's hard to predict whether the market is headed for bullish or bearish territory. That's where the [crypto Fear and Greed index ](https://edition.cnn.com/markets/fear-and-greed) comes in. This guide is all about this important market indicator.

## What is the Fear and Greed Index and How is it Calculated?

The crypto Fear and Greed Index was created to help crypto investors make better decisions. It does this by taking into account six different factors: volatility, social media, trends, Google search data, market momentum, and analyst ratings. Together, these factors give a good overview of how the market feels.
A high index value means that the market feels greed, while a low index value means that the market is feeling fear. The index is updated daily and can be a helpful tool for crypto investors who want to stay up-to-date with the latest market sentiment.

## How Does the Fear and Greed Index Fluctuate with the Market Conditions?

The Fear and Greed Index is a much-used tool for measuring market conditions. The index fluctuates between 0 and 100, with a reading of 0 indicating extreme fear and a reading of 100 displaying extreme greed. Readings below 20 are considered to be indicative of a bear market, while readings above 80 indicate a bull market.
The crypto Fear and Greed Index is of use to crypto investors. It can help them gauge market conditions and make informed investment decisions.

## What are Some Key Takeaways from the Fear and Greed Index Report?

The crypto Fear and Greed Index measures the level of fear and greed in the crypto market and provides valuable insights into market sentiment. The index is based on various factors, including social media activity, search engine data, and news stories. The index is updated daily, and investors can use it to gauge whether the market is feeling fear or greed.
Some of the key takeaways from the Fear and Greed Index report are that fear is currently dominating the market, and that investors are becoming increasingly worried about the future of crypto.
The index also shows that greed is slowly creeping back into the market, but it remains at fairly low levels. The report depicts a market that is cautious and fearful, but is gradually beginning to rebuild confidence.

## What is Causing Current Market Volatility and What Does it Mean for Investors?

The current market volatility is driven by several factors, including the crypto Fear and Greed Index. Crypto fear is the fear of missing out on the next big thing in the crypto world, and it's driving people to invest in new and unproven projects.
The greed index measures how much people are willing to pay for a given asset, and it's currently at an all-time high. This means that people are buying assets at unsustainable prices, and they're likely to pull out of the market as soon as they start seeing losses. This could lead to a sharp drop in prices, which would be bad news for investors.
Remember, though, that market volatility is normal and sharp downturns are often followed by periods of strong growth.
So, the long-term outlook for the market remains positive despite some likely bumps in the road.
The current market volatility is being caused, in part, by crypto fear. This is the fear of missing out on the next big crypto investment. As cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have exploded in value, more and more people are looking to get in on the action. This has created a situation where there is more demand than supply, driving prices up.

However, this situation is not sustainable and, at some point, the market will correct itself. This could mean big losses for investors who are not prepared for it.
The other factor contributing to market volatility is the greed index. This is a measure of what investors are willing to pay for stocks relative to earnings.
When the greed index is high, investors are paying more for stocks than they are worth. This often happens before a market crash, as investors become overly optimistic about future growth. You can't truly predict the movements of the markets, but understanding the factors that contribute to volatility can help investors make better-informed decisions about when to buy and sell.
 
## Can Investors Use the Fear and Greed Index to Make Better Investment Decisions?

By taking into account the various indicators it is based on, the Fear and Greed Index provides a valuable measure of investor sentiment.
Investors can make use of the Fear and Greed Index to make better investment decisions. When the index is in "fear" mode, it may be a good time to buy crypto assets, as prices are likely to be low. Conversely, it may be a good time to sell when the index is in "greed" mode, as prices are likely to be high. Of course, no single tool can provide all the information necessary to make informed investment decisions, but the Fear and Greed Index can be a useful tool for crypto investors.
Hence, the crypto Fear and Greed Index is a helpful tool for crypto investors. It measures the market sentiment by taking account of news coverage, social media activity, and trading activity. By tracking these indicators, the index can help investors make better-informed decisions. For example, if the index shows that the market feels fearful, this may be a good time to buy. That is because prices are likely to increase when fear subsides.
Similarly, if the index indicates that the market is in a state of greed, this may be a good time to sell. That is because the index suggests that prices are likely to fall when greed recedes. While the index is not perfect, it can be a helpful tool for crypto investors who want to take advantage of market cycles.

## Other Factors Investors You Should Consider

When it comes to crypto investments, investors should consider a few factors. The first is the crypto Fear and Greed Index.
A second is the amount of institutional money flowing into the crypto market.
While crypto-assets are still largely unregulated, some big investors are beginning to take notice. The increasing institutional interest could help drive up prices in the long run.
Therefore, crypto investments are notoriously volatile, and investors should be aware of the associated risks before making any crypto investments.
Crypto investments should be considered in the context of a broader portfolio. Because they are so volatile, crypto-assets should not make up the entirety of an investment portfolio. It can offer the potential for high returns to those with risk tolerance.

## Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The crypto Fear and Greed Index can prove itself to be a valuable tool for crypto investors. It takes into account various indicators to provide a measure of investor sentiment. By tracking the index, investors can make better investment decisions.
When the index is in "fear" mode, it may be a good time to buy crypto assets, as prices are likely to be low. Similarly, when the index is in "greed" mode, it may be a good time to sell crypto assets, as prices are likely to be high.

However, crypto investments are notoriously volatile and risky. As such, investors should only allocate a small portion of their overall portfolio to crypto assets.


Crypto Fear and Greed Index: Bulls or Bears? 

Interested in mining cryptocurrencies and becoming a contributing member of the blockchain? In that case, you might want to learn more about the best crypto miner.

Over the past few years, the culture of investing in crypto has become quite popular. To make money from crypto, you have two options; trading and mining. Trading crypto coins is convenient and more accessible. Whereas crypto mining is expensive but a lucrative option.

Though investing in crypto mining is a big-budget task, investors find it highly rewarding. How to become a miner? You have to set up a crypto mining rig through which you can mint coins and become a contributing miner of the blockchain. A rig needs both mining hardware and software.

Wondering what the best crypto miner is? We've listed the best mining software and hardware to help you set up your own mining rig.

## Best Crypto Mining Hardware

Crypto mining hardware uses various specialised technologies for mining cryptocurrencies. The recent ones mostly rely on GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASIC (Application-specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Here's some of the best crypto mining hardware you might want to invest in!

1. Antminer S19 Pro
Antminer S19 Pro is a highly advanced device for mining [Bitcoins](/coins/btc) and SHA-256 coins. The device offers you a solid efficiency of 29.7 j/TH, with which you can earn $12 daily. Besides, it has the potential to generate revenue of up to $10,000 yearly. Because of that, it gives you a 195% return on your annual investments.
This ASIC-based miner can work in an environment with 5 to 45 C. S19 Pro maintains the hash rate of 110 TH per second. The device will need 3250W and costs around $0.1 per kilowatt. But, the efficiency and return rate makes this device ideal for crypto mining.

2. DragonX WhatsMiner M30S++
DragonX WhatsMiner M30S++ is another powerful hardware for mining crypto. This device also uses the ASIC system and can generate 86Th per second. It features three chipboards and has a chip size of 8nm.
WhatsMiner M30S++ can mine Bitcoins along with 9 other SHA-256 coins. It has an ethernet interface, and it does not require software or host computers. M30S++ works between 200 to 240 volts and consumes around 3600W.

The device lets you earn around $12 daily, and you can accumulate up to $4,350 every year. Also, it offers you an efficiency of 0.038j/GH. However, M30S++ is not the ideal choice in terms of energy consumption, and it operates best for advanced mining purposes.

3. AvalonMiner 1166 Pro
AvalonMiner 1166 Pro is one of the best crypto miners for its hash rate. The device is also an ASIC, capable of dealing with 81TH per second. You can use 1166 Pro for the mining of Bitcoin, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Cash, and other SHA-256 currencies.
This AvalonMiner can earn you around $3 daily and maintain an efficiency of 0.042 j/Gh. It costs only $0.01 for each kilowatt consumption and generates over $1000 revenue annually. With this miner, you can make substantial profits by mining Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

## Best Crypto Mining Software

Once you have invested in the right hardware for your crypto mining rig, the next step is to choose some of the ideal mining software or apps to begin mining. Here are some of the best crypto mining software you might consider!

1. CGMiner - Overall best mining software
CGMiner is the best crypto miner because of the customisation power and the compatibility with many mining systems. It is an open-source platform with cross-platform compatibility. With this software, you can work with Windows, Linux, and macOS for mining.

CGMiner not only supports several devices, but it can also work with different crypto mining pools. Its interface is command-line, which is based on the C language. With simple one-line commands, you can track system performance and adjust settings.

Apart from that, CGMiner can also work with varying hash rates without affecting its functioning. Also, the software is always prepared for network disruptions, as it has a cache and archive to save the data. It is an ideal free crypto mining software you can use with your different devices.

2. MultiMiner - Best crypto miner for beginners
MultiMiner software offers a highly intuitive interface that is best for beginners. It comes with an easy-to-navigate GUI. A novice would be able to navigate through the app easily.
Moreover, MultiMiner can work with varying systems, including Windows 10, Linux, and macOS. But, for macOS and Linux, you might need extra apps for installation. Besides, it can support all hardware, including GPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

When you set up the software, it can automatically detect what hardware you are using. According to that, it gives you options for coins you can mine and the method you would use for mining.

3. [Awesome Miner](https://www.awesomeminer.com/) - Best for large scale mining
If you want to step into crypto mining at a larger scale, Awesome Miner would be an ideal choice for you. This miner can work with over 200,000 ASICs along with 25,000 GPUs and CPUs. With this much capacity, Awesome Miner offers you great scalability.

Other than scalability, you can also have a system to manage your crypto-mining rig centrally. In addition, you can ensure efficiency and maintain revenue. The software also allows you to keep track of your income, power consumption, temperature, and other features.

It is a cross-platform software that can support the mining of several currencies. Moreover, it has the auto-recovery feature that ensures the least downtime. Besides, Awesome Miner lets you access all these features for free. That's why in a large-scale crypto mining setup, this software can be pretty handy.

Conclusion

Crypto mining has become a popular trend. The reason is that it allows you to mine crypto coins and makes you a contributing member of the blockchain who enjoys distinguished benefits. However, crypto mining is a big-budget task; that's why you need to be diligent about how you set up your crypto mining rig.

For this reason, it's important to get familiar with both mining devices and apps to help make the right decision. One way to achieve this is by going through our list of some of the best crypto mine hardware devices and software you can invest in to make better profits.


Best Crypto Miner: Top Mining Tools

This guide will help you learn about the different types of cryptocurrency wallets, how they work, and which one to choose. Once you've read this article, you'll have a better idea of which crypto wallet is best for you. 

The use of cryptocurrencies has increased for both businesses and individuals alike. It has revolutionised the world economy and empowered the masses. But this also poses a threat of cyber theft that could result in immense financial losses. One way to keep your cryptocurrencies secure is to invest in the best wallet crypto traders use, which will keep your money safe and help manage your digital assets.
There are many to choose from, which helps explain why so many people Google 'best wallet crypto' happen every day.

## So, what is the answer to the search 'best wallet crypto'?

There are various types of wallets in the crypto market. However, they generally fall into two categories; hot wallets, also known as software storage, and cold wallets, often referred to as hardware wallets.

One might wonder which is the best wallet crypto users choose: hot or cold? Let's get some insights into it and explore some of the best crypto hot and cold wallets!

## Why Do You Need a Crypto Wallet?

You can easily store your crypto coins in the exchange from where you bought them. It is more convenient and less complex, but does it ensure the security of your coins? Unfortunately, the answer is negative. Your crypto money in the exchange is always vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Having a secure and efficient crypto wallet is necessary, especially when you are making investments on a larger scale. These e-wallets provide more security and speed up the transaction processes. In addition, some of the best crypto wallets in the market would allow more liquidity, support for different coins, ease of use, and better control over your assets.

## What are Hot Wallets?

Hot crypto wallets are the most commonly used e-wallets for holding crypto coins. These wallets have internet accessibility, which allows you to have smoother transactions. You will be able to conveniently liquidate your assets and make trades on the go. Besides, hot wallets offer you to sign up for free. They also have an intuitive interface, so managing one is not a problem.

Though hot wallets are decentralised, there is still a risk of cyberattacks. They are often protected with only one password, making it easy for criminals to hack in. That's why hot crypto wallets still pose a security threat for crypto investors. Nonetheless, this type of wallet is suitable for people who prioritise convenience and liquidity for quicker trading.

## How do they work?

Accessing cryptocurrency is only possible if you use your private keys. These keys need to be protected for which you have e-wallets. For this reason, a hot crypto wallet provides you with soft storage where you can securely keep your private keys.  

Hot crypto wallets are software that you can run on your device's storage and cloud servers. They can support PCs, laptops, smartphones, and other gadgets for running the software and provide you with an interface through which you can access your account.
To manage a hot e-wallet, you would require continuous internet access. But you can easily set up transactions and manage your crypto coins because of its easy-to-use interface.

## Features of Best Crypto Hot Wallets

1.   Convenience
Hot wallets are best known for their convenience and user-friendly interface. Handling a hot wallet is as easy as operating any other app on your phone. Its interface gives you straightforward options for initiating transactions, checking balances, liquidating funds, and more. With this convenience, you can make quick trades.
2.   Faster Trading
With high convenience comes faster trading. With these wallets, you can access your crypto money through your smartphone and trade anywhere. It speeds up the transaction process, so you can always be active.
3.   More Liquidity
Another valuable feature of hot wallets is that you can liquidate your funds instantly. That means you can easily convert your crypto money into cash whenever you want.
4.   Compatible with Multiple Currencies
Hot wallets also allow you to hold more currencies at the same time. These wallets are compatible with numerous cryptocurrencies in the market so that you can invest in multiple currencies. 
5.   Free Sign up
Some of the best crypto hot wallets also let you sign up for free. You won’t need any fee for setting up your wallet and can start trading instantly.
6.   Backup
Backup is another essential feature of a reliable hot wallet. Backups on hot wallets work the same way as other socialising apps. The backup option ensures that you don't lose any wallet data in case of any mishap.

## What are Cold/Hardware Wallets?

This type of wallet provides a higher level of security to your digital assets. They are entirely offline and do not require internet access all the time. This means your digital assets won't be vulnerable to cyber attackers.

Hardware wallets usually come in the shape of USBs, allowing you to access their contents by connecting them to your device whenever needed. You can remove it when it is not in use, making it inaccessible to cyber attackers.
Though these wallets are much more secure than hot wallets, they do not give you the ease of use. Moreover, they don’t offer instant liquidity, and their trading speed is relatively low. That's why these wallets aren't generally used for trading activity. However, they are the most secure option for holding significant crypto funds for long-term usage.  

How do they work?

Like hot wallets, hardware or cold wallets can also hold your private keys. But the difference here is that they are USBs that can save your cryptographic keys distant from the internet. This hardware has a PIN only through which you can access your account.

These hardware wallets also enable you to sign every transaction you make. You can add your unique signature to verify each transaction from your wallet. Besides the PIN code, there are in-device signatures for transactions. So, even if someone gets the possession of your private key, they would still fail to make any transactions because of its in-device signatures.

Features of Best Crypto Hardware Wallets

1.   High-Level Security
Cold or hardware wallets have the ideal security for keeping your large sums of crypto coins. It remotely saves your private keys from the internet, denying access to hackers. In addition, the USB has a PIN and a unique in-device signature without which no transaction is possible through your wallet.
2.   Operated Offline
These wallets are operated entirely in offline mode. You won't need to keep them connected to the internet all the time, which enhances their security. While connected to the internet, they are still safe from cyberattacks because of the in-device signature protection for transactions.
3.   Less Liquidity
Another feature of cold wallets is that they offer less liquidity than hot wallets. The reason is that they are designed for holding crypto coins for the long term and making transactions on a large scale.
4.   Direct Trading
Best crypto hardware wallets would also offer you the option of wallet-to-wallet trades. When trading through an exchange, you will have to pay fees and wait for them to process your transactions.
Direct trading breaks you free from relying on the exchange for proceeding with your trades. You no longer have to pay the transaction or withdrawal fee on each transaction.   
5.   Support Multiple Crypto Coins
A hardware crypto wallet can also support more than one cryptocurrency simultaneously. You can hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins altogether. But different hardware supports specific cryptocurrencies.

## Hot Wallet vs Cold Wallet

Hot and cold wallets have their own unique features, offering different benefits. The debate of hot wallets vs cold wallets always boils down to your choice of security over convenience or vice versa. Ideally, choices should be based on needs.

If you have to be involved in frequent trades, you might look for a hot wallet's convenience and better transaction speeds. However, for your long-term crypto savings, you would want the enhanced security of a cold wallet. Since we have to deal with both scenarios in the crypto world, choosing one over another is not the wisest choice.

Therefore, it is wise to blend both and follow the "don't keep all of your eggs in one basket" strategy. You may use a hot wallet for your day-to-day transactions and a cold wallet to secure your cryptocurrencies. Make sure to use your hot wallet primarily for transactions and do not store large chunks of your crypto coins in it.

## Best Hot Wallets for Crypto

Here are some of the leading crypto wallets with hot storage on the market!

## Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase wallet is a project of the Coinbase Exchange. They offer hot storage to users for trading their digital assets and holding them. This wallet is highly convenient, has an intuitive interface and can easily be handled by a beginner. Not only does it allow the trade and storage of your coins, but it also works for NFTs.

In addition, you can store more than500 different cryptocurrencies in your wallet. As it is integrated with the Coinbase exchange, you will also enjoy smoother transactions using this wallet.

## MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is another great software-based hot wallet. It is an open-source wallet, so you won’t have to pay any signup fee for setting up your wallet. MetaMask works best with the Ethereum blockchain and can deal with ERC-20 and Ethereum tokens.
It is also a beginner-friendly wallet as managing coins is relatively easy with this wallet. Besides, if you are using a Ledger hardware wallet, you can easily integrate MetaMask with them.

## Trust Wallet

Trust wallet has associations with Binance, making it one of the most credible hot wallets. It also has a free to sign up option, so it doesn't cost you an account setup fee. The wallet supports numerous blockchains and all sorts of digital assets.
Trust Wallet's user-friendly app ensures you do not face hurdles in the transactions. You can also earn daily interests and track coin prices.

## Best Crypto Hardware Wallets/Cold Wallets

### Trezor Model One Hardware Wallet

Trezor is a trusted name among hardware wallets, and the Trezor Model One USB can be a good choice for cold storage. It allows for more than 1,000 digital assets and ensures their complete security through a PIN and multiple signatures.

### [Ledger Nano S](https://shop.ledger.com/?r=7d474bfdcfa2&tracker=msa)

Ledger Nano S is another offline cold storage for your crypto investments. It features an OLED screen for clear display and two buttons for confirming or rejecting the transactions. This highly secure hardware supports more than 1100 crypto coins, including other digital assets.

### SafePal S1

SafePal S1 is an affordable yet secure device that has ties with Binance. This device can store all the major coins, including Binance coins, Ethereum, [Bitcoin](/coins/btc), and ERC-20 coins. You can operate and manage your wallet through the SafePal app, making the transaction processes quite simple.

Final Thoughts

You have numerous choices for digital wallets. 'Warmness' should inform the decision of which crypto wallet is best for you. This refers to the ratio of convenience to security. The easy-to-use wallets are hot, while the secure ones are cold or hardware wallets.
Choosing any one of them is not the ideal choice. Hot wallets are best for day-to-day transactions and cold ones are suitable for keeping your long-term investments safe. So, you should go for a blend of both to enjoy security as well as convenient transactions.


The Best Wallet for Crypto - Hot or Cold?

The U.S. payment operator PayPal has some [news to share](https://newsroom.paypal-corp.com/2022-06-07-PayPal-Users-Can-Now-Transfer-Send-and-Receive-Bitcoin-Ethereum-Bitcoin-Cash-and-Litecoin) – the company finally decided to respond to its users’ demand by allowing them to transfer cryptocurrencies, including to external wallets. 

Two years after the fintech behemoth expanded its activities to accepting digital currencies, the customers are now having the choice to self-custody of their digital assets.  

The new add-on is now available only to select U.S. clients but will be expanded out to all eligible U.S. customers in the next few months.
Back in October 2020, the company decided to allow cryptocurrency trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. However, users couldn’t move their assets off the platform without transferring it to fiat first. 

Jose Fernandez da Ponte, Senior Vice President and General Manager said that the new attribute was the one users have been asking for the most.

Now, when a client has crypto stashed somewhere else and needs to secure it, they’ll be able to convey it to PayPal from an exterior address. “They (users) will additionally ship crypto to anybody who’s within the PayPal system,” said Fernandez da Ponte.
He also confirmed the company has been assigned a BitLicense, a New York term for all crypto-related businesses. 

Fernandez da Ponte added that the main reason the company entered the crypto space was because of its belief that a sizeable part of trade is going to move to cryptocurrencies. Trade in terms of buying or selling tangible and intangible products or services with cryptocurrency. 
The focus on trade, rather than making itself an exchange, allows PayPal to function without fees related with cryptocurrency transactions by letting its users’ using tools like ‘Checkout With Crypto’. 

## Paypal news bringing the stock up

It's still not known how much digital assets are adding to PayPal's bottom line, especially since the company didn’t reveal the exact numbers of how many people are using its Bitcoin or Ethereum service. 

It is to believe though, if compared with much bigger crypto businesses such as the Coinbase or Robinhood, that the volume of cryptocurrency transactions plunged substantially along with the recent market downturn. Paypal also recorded a fall in its quarterly results. The company’s first-quarter revenue for 2022 stood at $6.48 billion. Even though this represents a year-over-year increase of 8%, Paypal lost 32% in operating income, dropping to $711 million. 

The company reported a net income of $509 million with $0.43 earnings per share, which is down 53%. Earnings per share decreased by 28% on an adjusted basis to $0.88. That is why it’s even more likable that the company hasn’t been backing off its ambitious crypto plans.
Fernandez da Ponte said he's being calm.

"There’s a lot of discussion about crypto winter, but it’s important to see beyond that," he commented. "The macro trend (of broad cryptocurrency adoption) is undisturbed."

After the news went global, shares of the company were up by 2.05% at $88.59.

There seems to be allot of positive momentum with Fintech payment services adopting crypto with [Mastercard going on a crypto hiring spree](https://www.monitalks.io/news/article/mastercard-uk-hiring) to ramp up its efforts in the space. This can only bode well for the industry which is becoming increasingly integrated with the traditional financial ecosystem.



PayPal allows crypto transfers to external wallets

[Mastercard](https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb.html) has obviously decided to broaden its cryptocurrency sector by going on a hiring spree. According to their ads on LinkedIn.com, the UK and Irish branches of the global card operator plan to hire crypto training directors, managers of blockchain and digital assets, senior data scientists and others.

Even though it’s still not official, it seems that with crypto hiring, Mastercard is recognising digital assets as an important part of the payments world. 

“We are seeing this fact play out on the Mastercard network, with people using cards to buy crypto assets,” the company said previously.
Users, especially in the UK are rapidly making use of crypto cards in order to trade with cryptocurrencies, make a profit and convert crypto to traditional currencies for spending.

To be clear, this data is not of any individuals — it's anonymised and in aggregate — but the trend is unmistakable.
The company already supports several cryptocurrencies on its network and has previously partnered with Wirex and BitPay. 

## Crypto adoption to happen ‘very soon’

However, the current discovery isn’t something we should be surprised by. On the recent webinar during Avalanche’s Powering Business with Blockchain series, the Mastercard’s VP of new product development and innovation, Harold Bossé stated that the global adoption of [blockchain](/news/category/blockchain-news) technology and cryptocurrencies will happen “sooner rather than later”.

“There are millions of individuals today consuming and sending digital assets around the world,” Bossé said. 
“They are early adopters and new adopters, but we have switched toward mass markets, and that will be a very important aspect for financial institutions to move into the space.”

Still, he commented that crypto sector stands before numerous challenges such as lack of knowledge among the management, speed, costs, regulations, etc. All of this is halting companies who perhaps would like to enter the market. Since Mastercard is clearly hiring professionals for its crypto segment to extend its payment services offering, there is no question that this could energize the dying credit card market. 




Mastercard crypto hiring spree in the UK

Cryptocurrency investors are being targeted by an increasing number of Bitcoin trader scams.
Bitcoin, a decentralised digital currency, was introduced to the market in 2009 by a mystery developer named Satoshi Nakamoto.

It was created to act as a virtual coin and a form of payment beyond the authority of any individual, group, or entity, thus terminating the necessity for third-party involvement in monetary transactions.

It is rewarded to blockchain miners for the work done to demonstrate trades and can be bought on multiple exchanges.
Currently, it is the leading cryptocurrency in the market. Its popularity has resulted in the development of multiple other cryptocurrencies. There are, at present, 21 million Bitcoins in the market.

Tricksters are always waiting for a chance to steal investors' money. The massive popularity of Bitcoin and the technological advancement in recent years resulted in numerous Bitcoin trader scams. According to [blockchain data firm Chainalysis](https://blog.chainalysis.com/reports/2022-crypto-crime-report-introduction/), cryptocurrency scams had a record-breaking year in 2021 – scammers stole $14 billion of crypto last year. Investors interested in Bitcoin must know how to recognise these ongoing crypto scams and the best practices to avoid them and save their money.

## How to Recognise Bitcoin Scams?

Caution signs to look out for include:

1.   Assurances of guaranteed returns:
 Bitcoin is a volatile investment. It has its ups and downs in the market. No monetary investment can assure future returns because investments can go down and up. Any Bitcoin offer that guarantees you future returns is a big red flag.
2.   Free money:
Free money is a scam. Free money is a myth, any investment opportunity, be it cash or digital coin promising free money, is likely to be fake.
 Any individual or company asking you to invest in Bitcoin and enjoy free money return is scamming you.
3.   Exaggerated marketing:
All enterprises advertise themselves. But one way that crypto scammers lure people is by investing in a hefty marketing strategy. This could include online advertising, paid influencers, and offline promotion. This is planned to reach as many individuals as possible to raise finances fast in the shortest time feasible. If the crypto offering marketing feels heavy-handed or drives grand claims without backing them up, break and do detailed research to save yourself from such a scam.
4.   Bitcoin craze:
Bitcoin rose dramatically in value because genuine investors consider it a promising investment to buy at the right time, hold, and sell when the market is high. Always avoid "investment opportunities" that promise you a good return and ask you to invest in Bitcoin for Bitcoin's sake.

## 5 Common Cryptocurrency Scams

Cryptocurrency has evolved as a hunting ground for scammers. Let's dive into some common cryptocurrency scams.

1.   Fake websites

Fraudsters create phony cryptocurrency trading platforms or fake interpretations of authorised crypto wallets to scam gullible investors. These fake websites generally have similar, but slightly distinct domain titles from the sites they try to emulate. They look identical to legal sites, making it hard to differentiate. Fake crypto sites usually function in one of two ways:
•	As phishing pages - All the data you share, such as your crypto wallet's password, recovery phrase, and other monetary data, end up in the tricksters' hands.
 
•	As straightforward theft - Initially, the site may allow you to withdraw a small number of funds. As your investments function well, you tend to invest more money in the site. However, the site closes down or rejects the request when you want to withdraw your money later.
2.   Pump and Dump Scams
 
This scam sees a specific coin or token being promoted by scammers via an email blast or social media such as Twitter, Facebook, or Telegram. Traders often fall prey to such schemes and rush to buy the coins promising huge returns in a short time. Having thrived in raising the price, the tricksters then trade their holdings, resulting in a crash as the investment's value sharply falls. This can occur within minutes.

3.   Phishing Scams

Crypto phishing scams usually target data related to online wallets. Fraudsters target crypto wallet private keys, which are needed to access coins within the wallet. Their working method is similar to other phishing attempts and connected to the fake websites explained above. They send an email to draw gullible investors to a specially designed website asking them to enter personal critical data. Once the scammers have received this data, they steal the cryptocurrency in those wallets.

4.   Blackmail and Extortion Scams

Another trick crypto fraudsters use is blackmailing. They send emails that proclaim a history of adult websites accessed by the user and threaten to reveal them unless they share private keys or send cryptocurrency to the scammer.

5.   Scheming Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

An ICO is a mode for start-up crypto firms to raise funds from future customers. Usually, users are guaranteed a discount on the new crypto coins in trade for sending popular active cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

## 10 Best Practices to Avoid Bitcoin Trader Scams

Many crypto scams are sophisticated and influential. Here are measures to save yourself from such situations.
1.   Don't believe in celebrity-backed offers:
One of the significant crypto scam trends includes fake celebrity-backed offers. BBC TV show Dragons' Den was one of them. The scam involved people going crazy behind Bitcoin investments because it was presented as celebrities supporting Bitcoin. But it was fake and was a trick used by fraudsters to steal investors' money.
2.   Protect your wallet:
To invest in Bitcoin, you require a wallet with confidential keys. If a company requests you share your keys to partake in an investment chance, it's highly likely to result in a scam. Make sure you don't share your wallet keys with strangers.
3.   Keep a watch on your wallet app:
In the initial stage of transferring money, make sure first to check the legality of a crypto wallet app. Do it by performing a small test of sending a small amount first. If, while updating a wallet app, you detect questionable behaviour, close the update, and uninstall the app instantly.
4.   Take your time:
Fraudsters often use high-pressure techniques to pressure you to invest your funds fast – for example, by assuring rewards or discounts if you partake instantly. Take your time and conduct your own analysis before financing any money in Bitcoin.
5.   Be cautious of social platform adverts:
Crypto fraudsters often use social platforms to boost fraudulent tactics. They may use unauthorised pictures of superstars or high-profile business individuals to build a sense of legality or guarantee giveaways or free cash. Beware of such tactics and don't fall prey to such scams promoted on social media. 
6.   Avoid cold calls:
If a person suddenly contacts you to tell you about a crypto investment opportunity, immediately cut the call, block the number and inform the police. Never reveal personal data or transfer money to a person who reaches you in this way.
7.   Do your research:
If you are new to Bitcoin investments, it's good to conduct thorough research about the digital coin before investing your funds. Look if there is a whitepaper you can read, find out who handles it and how it functions, and scrutinise for honest reviews and testimonials.
8.   Examine Links:
Before downloading any document or accessing any links online, examine the website to ensure it is trustworthy and is SSL-certified. With technological advancements, scams related to fake websites are increasing, so it's good to avoid landing on unsecured websites.
9.   Companies too good to be true:
Businesses that promise assured returns or overnight riches are scams. These companies have their chain set up to lure investors into investing in their fraud schemes by attracting them with positive Bitcoin returns.
10.   Only install apps from authorised platforms:
Although phony apps can end up in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, installing apps from these mediums is more secure than elsewhere.

## Final Thoughts

[Bitcoin](/coins/btc) is the most popular crypto coin in the market. With its popularity comes a high possibility of fraud. Crypto fraudsters tend to sell the information they have collected to other scammers. So, investors must scrutinise before investing funds and update their usernames and passwords across the board to avert further damage. Remember, keep your wallet key private, double-check every URL, and if something appears too good to be true, avoid it as it will probably be a scam.

Finally, as with any investment opportunity, never invest money you can't afford to lose. Even if you're not being scammed, cryptocurrency is volatile and speculative, so it's critical to comprehend the stakes.


Bitcoin Trader Scams - Best Practices to Avoid Them

The Crypto Valley in Zug, Switzerland, is quickly becoming the global hub for blockchain innovation. With its favourable business environment and forward-thinking regulators, the Crypto Valley has become a magnet for crypto start-ups and investors alike.

Here, we explore why the Crypto Valley is so attractive to crypto businesses and what makes it stand out from other crypto hotspots worldwide.

## What Is the Crypto Valley and What Makes It so Special for Blockchain Innovation?

The Crypto Valley is a nickname for the Canton of Zug in Switzerland, a small town that has been a haven for crypto and blockchain innovation since the early days of [Bitcoin](/coins/btc). The crypto valley is home to many crypto and blockchain start-ups and a number of major crypto exchanges.

What makes the Crypto Valley so special is its supportive regulatory environment. The Swiss government has welcomed crypto and blockchain innovation and has created a supportive regulatory framework.

This has made the Crypto Valley a hotbed of innovation and has attracted many talented developers and entrepreneurs to the area. The Crypto Valley is also home to several major crypto conferences attended by leading figures in the crypto world. This makes the Crypto Valley a very special place for blockchain innovation.

## Who are Some of the Key Players in the Crypto Valley?

The Crypto Valley is home to a number of key players in the crypto space, including the Ethereum Foundation, [ShapeShift](https://shapeshift.com/), and Bitcoin Suisse.

These organisations are made up of experts in the fields of blockchain technology, cryptography, and economics. Together, they provide the infrastructure and support that helps to drive innovation in the crypto space.
In addition to these organisations, there are also several important individuals who contribute to the development of the Crypto Valley ecosystem. These include Maximilian Walsh, who founded the Bitcoin Association Switzerland; Ralf Sasse, who heads up the Ethereum Foundation's research arm; and Reto Trinkler, the co-founder of Melonport AG.

Together, these individuals have helped make the Crypto Valley one of the most important centres for blockchain and crypto innovation globally.

## What Notable Projects Have Come Out of the Crypto Valley So Far?

Notable projects that have come out of the Crypto Calley include the Ethereum Foundation, The Swiss Blockchain Federation, and The Crypto Valley Association.

These organisations are working to promote blockchain technology and crypto-assets, and to foster an environment that is conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to these organisations, there are also a number of start-ups and scale-ups based in the Crypto Valley.

Some of these companies include Xapo, ShapeShift, and bitFlyer. These companies are working on various innovative projects, ranging from storage solutions for digital assets to decentralised exchanges.

The Crypto Valley is quickly becoming a leading destination for blockchain and crypto-related activity. It is poised to make a significant impact on the industry in the years to come.

## How Does Zug's Regulatory Environment Support Blockchain Innovation?

The regulatory environment in Zug is very supportive of innovation, providing a light-touch framework that allows businesses to experiment and scale quickly.
However, this can also present challenges for businesses, as the lack of clarity around regulations can make navigating the legal landscape difficult.

Nevertheless, the Crypto Valley is a hotbed of innovation, and businesses operating in the area are ideally positioned to take advantage of the blockchain technology opportunities presented.

## What Is Likely to Happen in the Crypto Valley?

The Crypto Valley is likely to continue to shape blockchain innovation worldwide. It is home to many of the world's leading blockchain and crypto companies, and it is also a major hub for start-ups and ICOs.
The Crypto Valley is also home to several world-class research institutes and universities, making it an ideal environment for developing new blockchain technologies.

In addition, the Crypto Valley has a highly developed infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. These factors all make the Crypto Valley an attractive destination for blockchain companies and developers.
As a result, it is likely to continue to be a significant force in shaping the future of blockchain innovation around the world.


Crypto Valley: Hub for Blockchain

As the global cryptocurrency landscape evolves, so do crypto regulations governing it. Keeping up to date with the rules and regulations in different countries is not always easy, but it is essential for anyone looking to trade or invest in cryptocurrencies.

Here are some key regulatory developments in the space over the past year and what we can expect in the year ahead.

## United States

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States has been ramping up its scrutiny of the cryptocurrency space.
In 2020, the SEC brought many enforcement actions against companies and individuals involved in illegal activity, including fraud and money laundering. The SEC also issued several investor warnings about the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies.

In 2022, the SEC is expected to continue its crackdown on illegal activity in the cryptocurrency space. The agency is also likely to release more guidance on what types of digital assets will be considered securities. This could significantly impact how cryptocurrencies are traded and sold in the United States.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers cryptocurrencies a digital representation of value that serves as a store of value, unit of account, and a medium of exchange. Still, it does not consider them to be legal currency. As a result of this guidance, the IRS has issued cryptocurrency-specific tax rules.

## Europe

As the European Union looks to 2022 and beyond, cryptocurrencies will continue to play a significant role in the digital economy. In light of this, the EU is taking steps to ensure that crypto assets are regulated to promote innovation and protect consumers.

The Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD), brought into force in January 2020, is a vital part of the EU's efforts to regulate cryptocurrencies. 5AMLD brought cryptocurrency-fiat currency exchanges under EU anti-money laundering legislation to prevent the use of crypto assets for illicit purposes.

The European Commission is considering proposals to extend 5AMLD to cover custodial wallet providers and peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges. The Commission is also considering introducing a pan-EU licensing regime for cryptocurrency service providers.

The European Union is also working on developing its digital currency, known as the Digital Euro. The Digital Euro would be a new form of central bank money, available to all citizens and businesses in the EU. The European Commission is currently exploring the feasibility of launching a Digital Euro and is expected to present its findings before the launch.

## China

In Asia, China has been one of the most active countries when it comes to regulating cryptocurrencies. In 2017, China banned initial coin offerings (ICOs) and shut down cryptocurrency exchanges. Since that time, the Chinese government has taken a more cautious approach to space.

In 2020, China launched its digital currency, known as the "digital yuan." The digital yuan is not entirely decentralised like other cryptocurrencies. However, it is still seen as a significant step forward for the adoption of digital currencies.

The Chinese government is also working on a blockchain-based system to track and trace digital assets.
This year, we can expect more regulatory clarity from the Chinese government. The digital yuan is expected to launch in a pilot program sometime this year. And the [blockchain-based tracking system](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cbdc-launch-first-2022-093011347.html) could be up and running very soon. And it will be legalised as payment for tolls, transport fares, bills, and goods.

## South Korea

As the global cryptocurrency market matures, governments and financial institutions pay increasing attention to digital assets. Cryptocurrencies are not treated as legal money in South Korea. While exchanges are legal, they operate in a carefully regulated environment.

Cryptocurrency transactions are currently tax-free in the country because they are considered neither currency nor a financial asset. However, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance has stated that it will consider imposing a tax on cryptocurrency earnings to provide clarity for investors.

The South Korean government announced a new bill in March 2021 that requires cryptocurrency investors to use the same name on their digital wallet accounts as they do on their bank accounts. That requires cryptocurrency exchanges to provide information to banks to confirm customer identities.

The Tax on Cryptocurrency in South Korea was supposed to go into effect in January 2022, but it has been delayed until January 2023. South Korea has also committed to maintaining the tax framework to foster international financial transparency. In addition, the country has stated that it will continue working toward aligning the industry with FATF's anti-money laundering standards.

## Final Thoughts

The United States, Europe, China, and South Korea are all taking different approaches to regulating cryptocurrencies. Here's a breakdown of what each country is doing and how it will impact the future of crypto.

•	The United States has been relatively hands-off when it comes to cryptocurrency regulation. However, the SEC recently clarified that they consider some digital tokens to be securities. Companies issuing or selling these tokens must comply with federal securities laws. 
•	Europe is taking a more rigorous approach to crypto regulation than the US. The EU has classified Bitcoin as a currency and virtual asset, which subjects it to certain regulations like anti-money laundering and terrorist financing laws. Additionally, new rules proposed by the European Commission would require exchanges to verify customer identities and report suspicious activity. 
•	China has taken a hard line on cryptocurrency regulation, banning ICOs and exchanges. However, the Chinese government is still researching blockchain technology and its potential applications. 
•	South Korea is another country that has taken a tough stance on crypto regulation. The government has banned anonymous trading, required exchanges to verify customer identities, and limits how much money Koreans can invest in cryptocurrency.

These different approaches to regulating cryptocurrencies will have a big impact on the industry's future. In the US, crypto companies will need to comply with securities laws if they want to sell digital tokens. In Europe, crypto exchanges will need to verify customer identities and report suspicious activity. And in China and South Korea, crypto trading is more difficult due to the restrictions placed on exchanges.

As the world grapples with crypto regulations, it will be interesting to see how these different approaches play out.


Crypto Regulations 2022 and Beyond

Binance announced on Monday, 30 May 2022, that it will be rewarding users who are staking BiSwap Coin (BSW). The promotion duration is 1pm UTC on 30 May to 12:59pm UTC on 9 June.

This [Binance Staking promotion](https://www.binance.us/en/staking) celebrates BiSwap's first anniversary as a cryptocurrency exchange after joining the market in 2021. This promotion is open to all Binancians who are fully verified.

## Why Does It Matter?

Binance remains the biggest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. Aside from this, Binance Staking is one of the best when it comes to rewarding users with high annual percentage yields (APY). BiSwap is one of several decentralised digital asset trading platforms in the space.

As of May 2022, every exchange has created a token that supports the fortunes of their respective platforms. Binance has Binance Coin (BNB) and BiSwap has BSW. 

BSW was added to Binance in March 2021, and the trading pairs of BSW/BNB, BSW/BUSD, and BSW/USDT were made available to traders across the globe. 

In May, BSW recorded a minimum and maximum trading volume of $30 million and $115.87 million, respectively, signaling impressive investor interest. 

This corresponds to market capitalisation of around $135 million (small-cap), which has made BSW a top 250 digital asset in terms of ranking. 

As part of its first anniversary, Binance Staking has made available two (2) promotions to increase the mileage of BSW and contribute to extensive demand for the coin, which will positively impact its price in the future.
Binance Staking Promotions for Biswap Coin (BSW) 

The first promotion is to deposit and stake BSW to get a chance to share $370,000 in BSW tokens. Overall, you can enjoy up to 107.59% annual percentage yield (APY). From 30 May through to 9 June 2022, you can engage in locked staking on Binance and see daily payouts.

For this promotion, Binance has capped the maximum limit per user to 100,000 BSW for 30 days, 10,000 BSW for 60 days, and 300 BSW for 90 days. 

The second promotion is primarily reserved for users who are new to locked staking. The first 6,000 new locked staking users on Binance will have the opportunity to share $37,000 in BSW rewards. 

When the agreed staking period ends, Binance Staking will return staked assets to users' respective spot wallets.

As of writing, BSW was changing hands for $0.6. This means that you need $60,000 to buy 100,000 BSW for 30 days of staking, $6,000 to purchase 10,000 BSW for 60 days of staking, and $180 to get your hands on 300 BSW for 90 days of staking. 

If you do not have thousands of dollars to spare, you stand a great chance of earning BSW rewards by staking $180 or more.

## About Binance Staking and BSW 

Launched in September 2019, Binance Staking has the purpose of being a value-added service to Binance users. With Binance Staking, Binancians can grow their portfolios by receiving periodical rewards and distributions by simply depositing and holding funds for a given time on the biggest exchange across the globe.  

Launched in 2021, BSW is the native asset of the first decentralised exchange platform on the market with a three-type referral system that comes at low fees. BSW is the governance token of the exchange and has a total supply of 700 million.  

Aside from Binance, BSW can be accessed on around 14 exchanges: Gate.io, Kucoin, AAX, Bitget, CoinTiger, Bitrue, Nami, MEXC Global, CoinEx, Folgory, BingX, BKEX, Hoo.com, and LBank.

More [Crypto Business news](/news/category/crypto-business-news).


Binance Staking Launches 107.59% APY

What is a crypto mining company? How does it work? What happens when all [bitcoins](/coins/btc) are mined? If you have similar questions, read this article to the end. We will dive into these topics and learn more as we explore the particulars of a mining company, crypto mining, and its legal aspects.

## What is Cryptocurrency Mining?

Cryptocurrency mining is a process requiring specialised computers, also known as mining rigs or nodes, to verify blockchain transactions for a particular crypto coin. The miner, in turn, receives a mining reward for their computational work.

## The Mining Dozers: Rigs, Nodes, and Pools

Blockchains need an expansive network of high-performing machines to validate and store transactions. Mining rigs use modern processors, like FPGA, GPU, or ASIC, and serve as nodes for their network. One might wonder if using standard personal computers as mining equipment is enough to mine Bitcoin. Here's the reason why it's not a good idea. Personal computers lack the computational power required to handle this level of processing. Therefore, a mining rig is used to perform cryptocurrency mining. It's a combination of mining devices to increase the mining output power, multiply hash rates, and thus the rewards.

Bitcoin mining requires enormous computational power and electricity. But having such resources for an individual miner is not easy. So, miners form a mining pool, which allows them to work together and combine their computational resources over a network for more profitable mining.

## How Does Cryptocurrency Mining Work?

Here is how a cryptocurrency mining company works. Cryptocurrency mining is not merely about mining new coins. It serves two purposes: generating new coins and validating transactions on the blockchain.
Bitcoin miners earn the reward, in the form of Bitcoins, when they complete verifying a block of transactions. This increases their capital along with the total number of Bitcoins in circulation.

## What is proof of work (PoW)?

PoW is a consensus mechanism to ensure all stakeholders agree on the legitimacy of transactions and prevent miners from spending the same money twice. Many cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, use the PoW strategy to achieve these verifications.

In the PoW mechanism, miners race to solve complex mathematical problems once a transaction block is filled. After solving the equation, they generate a 64-hexadecimal hash, which allows the miners to generate Bitcoin for themselves and verify the transaction.

## What Happens When All Bitcoins Are Mined?

The limit on Bitcoins that can be mined or issued is 21 million. This number is not expected to be reached because Bitcoin uses bit-shift operators. The number of Bitcoins issued per block decreased roughly by four years. Therefore, the final Bitcoin isn't expected to be generated until 2140. What happens after reaching the upper supply limit largely depends on how Bitcoin evolves.

What happens when all Bitcoins are mined? Even if the number is ultimately slightly below 21 million, new Bitcoin will no longer be issued. However, Bitcoin transactions will continue to be pooled into blocks and processed. Miners will likely continue to get rewards in terms of transaction processing fees.

## How to Start Mining Cryptocurrency

Before you start mining cryptocurrency, there are some factors to consider. For starters, your regular computer or laptop won’t really cut it, as mining cryptocurrencies require a lot of computing power and time. Here are the basics you will need to start mining cryptocurrency:

•	Computer equipment
•	Mining software
•	Wallet

Depending on which cryptocurrency you opt for, you will need to set up a special mining rig. Bitcoin, for example, is mainly mined using ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) rigs. It can cost thousands of pounds each. Since you will be going through a lot of power, you should also consider the electricity cost.

Furthermore, you will need specific software to carry out the actual mining. Next, you’ll need to set up a crypto wallet to store the earned coins. You might also need a mining pool membership for high-probability limited profits.
 
## Is Bitcoin Mining Profitable?

Mining Bitcoin can be profitable if you earn more than your mining costs. The profit, however, depends on several factors, including the operating expenses and the cost of equipment.

How much do Bitcoin miners earn? For every successful verification, miners currently receive 6.25 Bitcoins. But this amount gets halved every four years or so. As of May 2022, 6.25 Bitcoins are worth roughly £182,000 – not a bad payday! But first, you need to beat off the competition to validate the block.

## Risks of Bitcoin Mining

Price Volatility: The value of Bitcoin has significantly varied since it was introduced in 2009. During the past year, Bitcoin has traded for less than £25,000 and nearly £65,000. This kind of instability makes it difficult for miners to evaluate whether their reward will outweigh the high costs of mining.

Regulations: Not many governments have embraced digital currencies like Bitcoin, and many are ready to view them sceptically. Due to their decentralised nature, these currencies operate outside government control, and their mining contributes to the carbon footprint. There’s also a risk that governments might outlaw Bitcoin mining or cryptocurrencies altogether.

## Downsides of Crypto Mining – All Revealed

While crypto mining offers high return prospects, there are some downsides to it. Crypto mining uses a great deal of electricity, emitting a giant carbon footprint. It's also associated with regulatory and financial issues.
Crypto mining is an energy-hungry process. Bitcoin mining, for example, uses more electricity than countries like Norway, Sweden, and Argentina. This reflects mining's mammoth greenhouse gas emissions and high costs. 

Therefore, mining tends to occur in regions with low electricity costs. But this also results in worsened environmental problems due to a lack of modern infrastructure, thus adding to the growing energy problem.
The ongoing operation cost isn’t the only expense miners face. The upfront costs to start mining can be ridiculously expensive as well. The hardware miners need, including the mining rig, can cost a few thousand pounds each.

Moreover, running into a problem with your computer isn’t rare. You’ll need some skills to quickly troubleshoot the computer if you run into an issue. Bitcoin mining isn’t for people with a lack of computer know-how. Understanding the mining procedure and setting up necessary equipment requires understanding blockchain and computing infrastructure.

## Crypto Mining: Outlawed in Some Countries

Imagine you've set up your mining rig to mine Bitcoin, only to discover you're not allowed to mine. You must understand the legal aspect of cryptocurrency mining in the region you're mining in.
 
Some countries discourage Bitcoin mining due to its decentralised nature and environmental impact. China's government banned crypto mining as it was concerned about the environmental effect and people using digital currencies for money laundering and fraud. Other countries that banned cryptocurrencies include Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Bangladesh, and Tunisia.

Countries like Sweden want the European Union to halt the 'Proof of Work' mining because of its energy concerns. Implementing this proposal would drastically reduce the number of areas where miners can legally operate.
Another 42 countries, including Bahrain, Bolivia, and Algeria, have implicitly banned digital currencies by prohibiting banks from dealing with crypto or restricting cryptocurrency exchanges.

## Bitcoin Energy Consumption

Bitcoin's estimated energy consumption was around an annual rate of 6.6 terawatt-hours in 2017. But in early 2022, it soared to 138 terawatt-hours, sparking a heavy debate about the growing energy problem and climate concern.

Why does it use so much energy? Bitcoin mining uses oodles of electricity to help computers solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions. The complexity of these calculations increases as the number of miners grows. Therefore, miners now require more powerful machines and bigger server farms to get a competitive edge. 

The positive news is that the community is trying to mitigate this negative impact by seeking green and cleaner energy sources (such as solar or geothermal energy) for mining operations. Shifting to less energy-intensive consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Stake (PoS), is another strategy. However, switching to PoS has its own drawbacks. Critics of PoS say this mechanism incentivises hoarding instead of using coins and risks the centralisation of consensus control.

## Should You Mine for Cryptocurrency?

Should you start your own cryptocurrency mining company? The answer depends on your risk tolerance, resources, and knowledge.

First, ask yourself if you understand the process of setting up the equipment and troubleshooting any problems. If you answer yes, then the next question is if you can cover the ongoing expenses and upfront costs involved in cryptocurrency mining. Do you have enough capital, equipment, and access to electricity capabilities to make this project profitable? If yes, have you considered the environmental and legal impact? If the answer is yes, the final question is whether you've considered the financial risks involved with mining. You will be rewarded with the same cryptocurrency when you do crypto mining. The prices of these currencies can fluctuate massively. So, the mining profit could be a huge payoff or next to nothing.

Suppose you have the resources and knowledge and can also tolerate the risks. In that case, you could be ready to do Bitcoin mining and keep the ‘proof of work’ cryptocurrencies working!

## The Bottom Line

Cryptocurrency mining is an energy-intensive process with a powerful mining system that competes to solve complex maths puzzles. A reward is paid, in the mined currency, to the first miner to solve the equation. This process confirms transactions on the network and makes them reliable.

During the cryptocurrency's early days, individual miners using regular computers played a role. However, large mining companies now dominate the ecosystem that runs mining pools worldwide.

Bitcoin mining is also controversial because of its astronomical energy usage. With increasing awareness of climate change and cryptocurrencies being out of governmental control, many countries have outlawed crypto mining. Because of that, several miners have moved operations to regions that use green energy sources for electricity production to reduce the environmental impact.
 
 



Crypto Mining Company: How Does It Work?

Cryptocurrencies like [Bitcoin](/coins/btc), Litecoin and some others are generated through mining. Crypto Tab Browser was designed to make mining easier for miners. The digital world is greatly advancing, including the world of cryptocurrency. Hopefully, Crypto Tab will bring a lot of positive impact for crypto miners. Read on for more insights!

## Crypto Tab Browser

According to the creators, Crypto Tab Browser is an app that supports mining and browsing the web. This browser stands out as the first of its kind.

[Crypto Tab](https://cryptotab.net/en/) is a one-of-a-kind browser used to surf the web and mine Bitcoin simultaneously. If your mining is successful, you get rewarded with the mined Bitcoin. 

You are probably wondering how possible it is for a browser to have the capability of mining Bitcoin, considering the high level of hardware devices needed. 

The app is said to be a free, reliable cryptocurrency mining app, but is it?

## What is Mining?

To fully understand what Crypto Tab Browser is about, you must first understand what mining is and how it works.
The mining process creates new coins for some cryptocurrencies. This helps to maintain the circulation of the coins. 
Mining for most coins, especially Bitcoin, is usually not easy. Mining requires high hardware capable of solving complex problems. The miner who first solves the next block and broadcasts it, if approved, gets added to the blockchain. The miner then gets rewarded with the mined coins. 

Crypto Tab creates an easy opportunity for Bitcoin miners to earn Bitcoin. Miners will enjoy this browser, with its lightweight browsing speed and fast and ready-to-mine feature. The best part is that the browser is completely free.

## Features of the Crypto Tab Browser

Based on the description of the browser by its authors, the browser:

•	Is a super-fast, lightweight browser: This app offers a fast internet speed. Aside from having good mining features, Crypto Tab provides a good browsing experience.
•	It has built-in mining features CryptoTab: this is the unique feature of this app. Mining is a process that requires unique hardware devices, but with this app, you can mine with any device. 
•	It is user-friendly: Users can easily assess the browser
•	Sync everything across multiple devices: The app can be synced with all your devices. 

## What Can the Browser Do?

•	Crypto Tab Browser is a reliable browser with lots of unique features. 
•	Miners can earn on the browser while still surfing the internet. 
•	Mining on the browser is fast due to its fast built-in mining algorithms. 
•	It can be used on all devices, including desktops and tablets. 
•	It mines bitcoin: 

## Some controversies about Crypto Tab

Despite all these positive attributes of Crypto Tab, most people still have their doubts about the browser. 
Although Crypto Tab is a free browser, people still suspect it to be a scam. Whether the browser is a scam or not remains uncertain.


Crypto Tab Browser: What You Need to Know

Will the crypto market recover after crashing down in 2022? This article addresses the crucial topic that most people want to know. We also discuss when to expect bull-run crypto again. Let's start our analysis!
The current crypto market situation is exactly the opposite of what heights it reached in 2021. [Bitcoin](/coins/btc) lost more than 60% of its price value from last year. Meanwhile, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Litecoin, Cardano, Doge, and others are red.

Besides, the Terra Luna crash has left a dreadful impact on the market. As a rising coin, Luna has flattened, and the stablecoin, UST, lost its peg. It has shaken the investor's trust in the crypto market. Overall, the crypto market is in a tailspin, with everyone having the same existential question: will crypto recover anytime soon?

To clarify the doubts, here are some insights into current crypto trends.

## Why is the Crypto Market Down Today?

Several social factors have influenced the recent crisis in the crypto market. Last year, it was Tesla’s pull-out from accepting payments in Bitcoins and China’s sanctions on crypto. But today, it is because of the Russia-Ukraine war and the looming fear of global inflation. Moreover, the debacle of the Terra Luna blockchain has also played its part in this downward trend.

Last year, despite the two happenings, various cryptocurrencies saw their all-time highs. But today, it isn't the case, as the investors' confidence in the market has sunk. Luna's crash resulted in the de-pegging of the stablecoin TerraUSD (UST), which was considered a safe bet for trading.

Besides, the fear of recession has kept people from investing in digital assets. [The inflation in the UK has reached a 40-year high](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-12196322) rate of 9% and is expected to be 10% in the coming months. Fuel and gas prices are also surging worldwide. In this scenario, people are more inclined to keep liquid assets or other risk-free assets.
 
## When Will the Crypto Market Go Bull Run?

The crypto predictions today depict quite a gloomy picture of the market. But, the one thing we can learn from the previous crypto market crashes is that they always result in some innovations in crypto and are part of the cleansing process of the market.

The cleansing of the system usually happens when it hits bottom. So, the question should not be ‘will crypto recover?’ Instead, it should be ‘when will crypto bull run again?’ To figure it out, you must watch Bitcoin closely, as its value directly affects other altcoins.

As of May 27, Bitcoin stands at $29,007.14 and is down by 2.25%. Since the start of the year, it has lost around 60% of its value. Some analysts like Tony Nyman from Informa Global Markets suggest that Bitcoin might fall under the $20,000 mark.

On the other hand, another analyst, Michaël van de Poppe, hoped that if Bitcoin showed resistance at $29.4K, it might make gains and reach the $32.8K mark. But, it is quite unlikely as Bitcoin has already fallen that mark.
According to some analysts, it might go down to as low as $8K by the end of 2022. Therefore, before we see a significant recovery, the crypto market will go through more bleeding to reach the bottom. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that the crypto market, like any other market, operates on the supply-demand, and its recovery will depend on it.

## Road Towards Sustainable Stability

The previous crypto market crashes show that there can be an increase in market capitalisation after the continuous downward trend. In addition, for the system’s stability, there is room for certain technological innovations that can overcome the existing drawbacks of the system.

For instance, the January 2018 crypto crash resulted in shaping the DeFi system in the crypto world. In the same way, the current market crash can help us establish a secure blockchain for stable coins, which will resolve the issue of high volatility in the market.

It is exactly what the Chief Marketing Officer of Coinbase, Kate Rouch, has pointed out in a recent blog.

So, as we observed the failure of a stable coin, the current downward trend might bring up better and more secure projects. Moreover, when the market hits bottom, it can naturally wipe out the Ponzi scheme-based projects that run on faulty algorithms.

A market collapse is also a good reminder for crypto investors to educate themselves about the current trends and make informed decisions. As an investor in the current climate, you should take a step backwards and study the blockchain systems before investing money in any.

After all, it gives you another crucial lesson not putting all your eggs in one basket. You must not risk all your life investments on one single token. Instead, it is better to accumulate and trade side by side.


Will Crypto Recover? When to Expect a Bull Run

Tricksters behind the Bitcoin Trader scam have been exploiting pictures of celebrities from the hit TV show Dragon's Den to attract gullible investors to invest.

It is a scam. The pictures and false quotes have attracted investors into a get-rich-quick [bitcoin](/coins/btc) scam on websites and social platforms.

Let's discuss in detail the Bitcoin Trader scam.

## What is Dragon’s Den?

[Dragons' Den, produced by the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006vq92), is a popular UK reality TV show. Promising entrepreneurs put their business visions to professionals and ask for investments.

The show features a board of investors known as "dragons" who are ready to place their own money in potential business visions.

## What is the Bitcoin Trader Scam?

The Bitcoin Trader scam is a phony investment opportunity that falsely asserts that it is connected with the famous BBC show. The scam has distinct versions, but all share one common trait; they ask for money from unsuspecting investors in trade for a fake investment option.

Tricksters draw gullible investors into trading with their money by manipulating pictures of celebrities from the TV show on websites and social media platforms.

The Bitcoin Trader scam is an example of how phony sites exploit the names of renowned public figures, superstars, and TV shows to encourage a get-rich-quick strategy. It's not a genuine investment opportunity, but something to trick innocent people and take their money by luring them with false promises.

Some of the well-known false claims from the Bitcoin Trader scam include:

•	A phony news report asserting Deborah Meaden, one of the investors on Dragons' Den, made a £250,000 investment in bitcoin. It is not true.
•	A bogus interview with Sarah Davies and Jenny Campbell, two new investors on Dragons' Den, asserting they had invested in bitcoin. Again, it's completely fake.
•	A fake interview with Peter Jones claimed he was initiating a bitcoin investment program after witnessing the get-rich-quick bitcoin scheme. This is also false.
•	Last, but not least, Theo Paphitis is said to be backing bitcoin as a lucrative cryptocurrency on the Dragon's Den show. This, too, is phony.

## In Summary

Bitcoin Trader is a scam. It's a phony get-rich-quick system that falsely promises investors enormous profits within a short span.

It is not legal.

Advances in technology bring advances in digital fraud, and cryptocurrency is not immune. Investors should conduct thorough research of the website or social media platform before investing their money.


Bitcoin Trader Scam: Dragon's Den

If you've been searching for a Bitcoin Code review, this article might help.

Nowadays, seeing how much profit it earned some individuals, many people want to get into crypto. Of course, when talking about cryptocurrencies, the first that comes up to one's mind is bitcoin.

The possibility of growing a passive income by trading [bitcoins](/coins/btc) has become very attractive lately. However, numerous auto trading platforms already have bad reviews, so people are being much more cautious about investing. It is hard to evaluate which trading platform is legit and which is a scam.
Bitcoin Code is an auto trading platform for cryptocurrencies that promises "insane returns" and "great profits" with "just a few minutes of work".

As we already mentioned, there is no real way to be sure whether something is a scam or not. The Bitcoin Code is known and has its own growing community of users who claim the scheme has been more than lucrative.

We have witnessed the evolution of different auto trading platforms, such as Bitcoin Revolution, which also has trading robots doing everything for the client.

With Bitcoin Code, everything seems pretty much the same. The user deposits money and then activates the live trading feature and sets stop-loss limits. 

The bots do everything else, such as market analysis, placing orders, and performing transactions.

## What is the Bitcoin Code?

The Bitcoin Code is usually described as an automated trading platform that trades for the client. 

The math seems simple - buying low, selling high. With only a $250 deposit and relying on a sophisticated, 99.4% accurate algorithm, the robot tracks the crypto market and trades 0.01 seconds ahead of market movements.

There is an option of performing manual trades as well, but it's available only to clients with intermediate knowledge of how manual trading works.

## Is it a Scam?

As we already mentioned, it is easy to believe that one can get rich over the night by investing only $250. However, everyone with a little bit of "Poirot" in them can see that Bitcoin Code is a scam.

Everything, including a photo of Bitcoin Code's alleged creator Steve McKay, is fake.

The photo of the alleged multi-millionaire who "has featured on the cover of Forbes magazine" and claims his team can help you "earn a guaranteed $13,000 in exactly 24 hours", is a photo of a rented actor from e-gig website [Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/banjoman15).

Also, if you try and look it up on Google, most search results will give the Bitcoin Code good reviews and claim it's the "real deal".

However, if you ask Facebook, things are definitely darker than it looks. Back in 2018, the company had to remove fake Daily Mirror ads stating Martin Lewis, of Money Saving Expert, had made a fortune from Bitcoin Code.

Mr. Lewis is now suing Facebook, which was paid to publish the fake adverts.

Steve McKay, therefore, never has been on "Dragon's Den" or in Forbes. This is a group of crypto scammers, and Steve McKay doesn't exist.
Every trading scheme with his name turned out to be an investment scam that is better to avoid.

However, this scheme isn't illegal per se. Because the client willingly gives their assets (whether it's $250 or even more) and is warned about the potential risks of trading – this cannot be charged as illicit activity.

The only real advice would be that if you want to try legit cryptocurrency trading, you should try some free demos with virtual money and do your own research before making any investment.


Bitcoin Code Review: Scam or Legit?

COTI crypto (“currency of the Internet”), a Layer-1 platform that operates on the Proof-of-Trust (PoT) consensus, has recently turned bullish and left everybody asking – for how long?

As the first enterprise-grade blockchain platform for payments, COTI integrates a so-called directed acyclic graph (DAG) data structure with the demands linked with traditional finance, such as fees, latency, and so on. A DAG is a data structure that enables more efficient and scalable transactions. 

Here, each transaction is confirmed by two previous transactions. It makes a more efficient, transparent, and, therefore, safer network of trust than a traditional blockchain.

## Why is COTI trending?

According to [CoinMarketCap](https://coinmarketcap.com/), COTI crypto is currently trading at $0.19 with a volume of $22,185,025 over a day. However, not long ago, COTI recorded a price of $0.33 and analytics claimed this was only the beginning. During the last month, COTI crypto has witnessed both plunges and jumps, demonstrating the token's volatility. There are good reasons to watch this cryptocurrency.

The first one includes expecting the forthcoming MultiDAG 2.0-layer launch. This will enable the COTI protocol to develop the new tokens on top of its Trustchain. This will also ensure that the COTI mainnet creates a governance token for COTI’s treasury. This new token will act as one more enterprise-driven token built on its Trustchain.

Another reason for its rally is its announced partnership with Cardano’s first NFT Gaming platform dubbed Revelar.

This cooperation includes Revelar implementing COTI stablecoin Djed to ensure a more secure and balanced way to buy and sell NFT game assets on the Revelar platform. Moreover, the Djed stablecoin will ensure the COTI’s presence in new tokenomic models.

Revalar’s integration with Djed is only a part of a bigger plan to create new NFT payment options, such as fiat-backed payment integrations to Cardano.

Shahaf Bar-Geffen, CEO of COTI, said that “by integrating Djed to their platform, Revlar is giving their developers and gamers more stable payment options".

## COTI price performance

COTI crypto's uniqueness lies in the fact that it consistently pays for all the features and makes sure both buyers and sellers are protected within a stable framework. This allows COTI to save time and increase processing speed.

According to CoinMarketCap, COTI crypto rose by 1.77% at the time of writing, with a live market cap of US$199,294,662 and 1,05B COTI coins in circulation.

As we already mentioned, COTI operates a cross-chain bridge and, through reproducing, the bridge constantly processes delayed transactions involving ERC-20 and COTI native tokens.

COTI crypto has been trading almost at a similar price as the ERC-20 version. Both tokens were listed on some of the biggest exchanges, such as Crypto.com, Celsius, Huobi, 1inch, and Coinbase. This also triggered the price surge.

Analysts say that the community built around COTI and Cardano also boosted trading volumes, seeing an almost twentyfold rise since last June.

With these metrics in mind, the conclusion stands that the COTI crypto race won’t be coming to its end anytime soon.

More [Business & Markets news](/news/category/crypto-business-news).


COTI Crypto: Bullish Trend Coming?

What's new with Chia crypto? Well, one of the “greenest” blockchains, Chia Network, recently confirmed it had launched a native, peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange service for its wallet users.

The cryptocurrency, which can brag about being the most sustainable and energy-efficient, said it partnered with Stably to launch a new dollar-pegged stablecoin, dubbed USDS, to support its product 'Offers' within the Chia blockchain.

Offers is the one that enables peer-to-peer asset exchange within the Chia crypto ecosystem, meaning it is possible that tokens that run on the Chia blockchain can be swapped without running through the exchange. 

However, there is a need for two parties – the Maker who makes the offer and the Taker who receives it. Both parties are not required to fully trust each other since the offer is valid only in its original form. Any try to change it - will annul it.

## ‘Offers’ is immutable and secure

Chia also added that as well as being immutable, its new service allows trading in a completely secure manner. That means that both parties control their private keys and their assets.

Furthermore, Offers is simultaneous, meaning the Maker's and Taker's transactions must happen within the same block. This way, one type of Maximum Extractable Value (MEV) gets discarded, so one cannot re-order transactions or increase fees.

In Chia, all transactions conducted within a single block happen simultaneously.

Offers is also non-custodial since it eliminates the need for Over-the-Counter (OTC) desks and other intermediaries who ask their users to submit assets before finishing the transaction. In this case, neither Taker nor Maker has to send their funds to a mediator.

Also, Offers is commission-free since there is no need for escrow services or third parties. There are only Chia blockchain transaction fees included.

Additionally, it is important to stress that a Maker can make an offer for multiple assets on both ends.

## Using Proof of Space and Time (PoST)

Chia crypto is also unique since it uses a new method of trading. Rather than leaning on Proof of Stake (PoS) or Proof of Work (PoW), it uses an even more decentralised protocol called Proof of Space and Time (PoST). This means one must prove he spent a certain amount of time keeping the reserved space unchanged. 

The fintech corporation Stably will also provide wrapped [Bitcoin](/coins/btc) and [Ether](/coins/eth) for the Chia blockchain.

Chia head Gene Hoffman confirmed the main focus was on meeting “critical security and compliance needs to make peer-to-peer transactions safer and easier”.

He explained that the launch of Offers was a first step in meeting those needs and that partnering with Stably to provide US$-pegged stablecoins and wrapped cryptocurrencies was "integral to that process".

Hoffman added that the new partnership would help Chia crypto “hook up” with its “core community of early adopters – entrepreneurs and developers”.

“The stablecoins are a great way for a business to put dollar value into a Chia wallet to buy carbon credits," Hoffman concluded.

Last year, this San Francisco-based startup, created by BitTorrent founder Bram Cohen managed to raise $61 million in a Series D funding of around $500 million. After that, a series of events happened. The most important was Chia partnering with the World Bank in the initiative, which will enable the [Climate Warehouse](https://www.theclimatewarehouse.org/about) “to facilitate the transparent sharing and reporting of climate project information and its issuances”. 
 
 
 



Chia Crypto: Peer to Peer Trading

In the United Kingdom, [regulation](https://brendanbeeken.com/crypto-regulation-in-2022/) for a UK crypto exchange can be seen as somewhat of a grey area compared to the European Union (EU) and the rest of the world.

Before diving into the state of play in the global regulatory realm, we look at why regulation is significant to a UK crypto exchange. Anti-regulation crypto enthusiasts often oppose any notion of regulation being introduced, believing it will hinder innovation and goes against the decentralised nature of cryptocurrency, specifically not being tied to any institution or government authority.

In the eyes of policymakers and many crypto business owners alike, these are the factors in which crypto may have implications on global financial stability:

## Size, scale, and volatility of the burgeoning crypto market 

The collective crypto market cap has reached highs of an estimated $2 trillion with high volatility. At the time of writing, the cryptocurrency market has shed $1 trillion in the last month! The crypto market is forecast to continue growing at a rapid rate sporadically.

## Disruptive innovation effects of the industry

The distinctive nature of cryptos underlying blockchain technology conflicts with existing regulation for traditional methods of cross-border data flow, intellectual property rights, and capital controls. This introduces ambiguity as to how digital assets are treated for taxation purposes and various other policy concerns.

## Correlation to existing financial markets

Earlier enthusiasts insisted that crypto can add valuable diversification benefits as a hedge to one's portfolio. So much so that the OG of crypto, Bitcoin, is still often dubbed "Digital Gold". Recent analysis suggests this is not the case, as there is a strong correlation between BTC and the S&P500 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Figure 1 below displays significant swings in volatility aligned with the trend of the US stock market. 

![Uk crypto exchange image 1.webp](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Uk_crypto_exchange_image_1_539fbfac6f.webp)

 
Figure 1 (IMF, 2022)

For these reasons, policymakers worldwide see regulatory guardrails as imperative to achieving the common objectives of stabilising their monetary systems while championing innovation and economic growth.

## Importance of regulation for a UK crypto exchange

Close to a year ago, Binance, the largest crypto exchange in the world in terms of daily trading volume, was banned by the UK regulator. This caused panic among British users who could not withdraw their fiat funds from the platform. 

Crypto is volatile enough. UK crypto exchanges do not want to be banned like Binance. UK crypto exchanges crave stability, guardrails, and direction from regulators that can inform how to run their business sustainably. Therefore the Moni Talks team and I believe regulation is positive for a UK crypto exchange.

## Regulation fosters stability in the market

For cryptocurrency to unleash its full potential, the industry will need to integrate into the mainstream financial system. This will unlock even more finance and use cases of blockchain technology among institutions and everyday retail investors alike. 

Regulation will guide cryptocurrencies from looking like a gamble to more like an investment.

## Encourages consumer protection and confidence

UK crypto exchanges do not have access to the same capital protection in the case of default as regulated stock exchanges in the legacy financial system. If, one day, investors can be assured that 80% of their funds are recoverable in the case of default, this will inspire wider adoption of cryptocurrencies. It will shift the mindset away from “only invest an amount in crypto you can afford to lose (5%-10% allocation of your portfolio)”.

## Safer Crypto Industry

Although certain cryptocurrency coins like [BTC](/coins/btc) are completely secure, immutable, and transparent, many certainly are not. There is widespread fraud, scams, rug pulls, and market manipulation, which gives the industry a bad name. Scammers took $14 billion worth of crypto last year, a record compared to the $7.8 billion taken by scammers in 2020, according to a report by blockchain data firm Chainalysis.

At Moni Talks , we are a customer-first company and support regulation to weed out bad actors in the industry.

## Current regulatory landscape

Globally, central banks and policymakers are assessing impending regulatory responses to the rise of the crypto ecosystem. The traditional financial system becomes more interconnected with the rapidly growing decentralised finance (DeFi) industry each day. Concerns about how significant the overspill effects of this could be on the systemic stability of the monetary system have been keeping policymakers busy.

Countries from China to El Salvador have started evaluating and implementing different regulatory options. Most countries are broadly aligned in their objectives: to protect consumers, prevent illicit financing, protect the integrity of the market, and promote innovation. 

Some jurisdictions, such as India, have proposed amending existing legislation. The EU and United Arab Emirates (UAE) propose setting up completely new regulators to deal with the industry comprehensively. The UK has adapted. The UK has transposed some of the related frameworks related to [cryptocurrency regulation](https://complyadvantage.com/insights/crypto-regulations/cryptocurrency-regulations-uk-united-kingdom/) in the EU into its domestic law. Many jurisdictions' regulation is in limbo while still being developed before having the ability to be enforced. In Great Britain, all UK crypto exchanges are to be registered with the FCA.

Differing regulation presents arbitrage opportunities, lack of common standards and lingo. The Digital Currency Governance Consortium, composed of more than 80 organisations representing 33 countries, is tasked with facilitating a coordinated approach to regulation across the globe.

Key takeaways of UK crypto exchange regulation:
•	UK crypto exchanges are legal and have registration requirements with the Financial Control Authority (FCA)
•	The sale of crypto derivatives and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are banned
•	Cryptocurrency is currently not considered legal tender
•	The HM Treasury plans to regulate some cryptocurrencies as part of a wider plan to make the UK a digital payment hub.

## Turbulent regulatory timeline for a UK crypto exchange

The UK has transposed some of the related frameworks related to cryptocurrency regulation in the EU into its domestic law. 

On 10 January 2020, the FCA announced that firms offering cryptocurrency services based in the UK are to be registered within one year. 

Importantly, to be classified as a registered UK crypto exchange, a company must comply with Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) reporting and customer protection obligations. This ignited a scramble of application submissions inundating the FCA processing resource.

On 6 October 2020, it was announced that the sale of cryptocurrency derivatives to retail consumers was banned by the FCA. This came into effect three months later in order to protect everyday investors from market volatility. 

In December 2020, a ‘temporary registration regime’ was introduced due to the prolonged processing times of all registration from crypto businesses applying to adhere to the licensing requirements. On this register, a UK crypto exchange will be able to continue trading while awaiting determination of it’s application for registration with the FCA. 

More than 80% of applications to the FCA have withdrawn or been rejected on the back of not meeting standards money laundering standards. Crypto has often been referred to as the Wild West and licensing requirements are clearly the new Sherrif in town. 

Gemini’s head of UK, Blair Halliday, said, “The licensing regime is important as it provides customers the assurance that they’re dealing with a firm that has undergone rigorous scrutiny." 

From 10 January 2022 onwards, UK crypto exchange firms, as well as recognised financial advisers and investment managers that market and provide services in the UK market, have to be registered by the FCA. As of 30 March 2022, 33 firms have been registered with the FCA, and only 12 firms remain on the temporary registration regime with notable names such as Revolut and Copper. 


Regulatory Impact on a UK Crypto Exchange

Founded as Atomic Swap in 2017 by Konstantin Gladych, CEO and co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Changelly, [Atomic Wallet](https://atomicwallet.io/) is often chosen as one of the best wallets.

Described as among the most secure platforms within the crypto-space, Atomic Wallet can brag about supporting more than 500 cryptocurrencies, its improved speed, privacy, and anonymity. It is convenient for both new and existing crypto traders.

According to reports, the Atomic Wallet is optimal for beginners because it is free. It is unique since it enables buying crypto straight through the wallet even if one doesn't own other cryptocurrencies. This is different from some other crypto wallets, which demand users to already have crypto previously bought on some other exchange and then sent to the wallet to begin trading. Furthermore, the Atomic Wallet enables users to store, swap, or exchange almost any coin and token since the Atomic Swap exchange is connected with the wallet. However, it allows the integration with other crypto exchanges for an extra fee.

## Spotlights

The Atomic Wallet’s best features include its price and coin support as well as its security and the, already mentioned, possibility to buy cryptos straight through the wallet with a bank card. The wallet is free, but there are some network transaction fees. The Atomic Wallet's easy-to-use interface makes it an excellent solid option for crypto enthusiasts to securely and anonymously deal with their portfolios.

Alongside allowing users to swap, exchange, or convert crypto-based assets, Atomic Wallet enables traders to win rewards in different ways, like staking and cashback programs.

The exchange is decentralised, so all of the crypto assets are stored on the blockchain. Private keys are also encrypted and stored on private ledgers containing a 12-word recovery phrase as a backup in case a device is lost or stolen.

## Protection
 
Atomic Wallet is protected by the user-created password needed to access the wallet. However, to do so, the user may need to confirm every transaction and confirm private keys.

To back up the password, the user has to remember (or write down) a randomly generated 12-word phrase used to recover access to the wallet if needed.

All data kept on the users' device or sent when making a transaction is fully encrypted.

Atomic Wallet uses so-called AES and TLS encryption for secure transactions. No data is kept on servers, and Atomic Wallet does not keep nor can access users' private keys.

## Supported Operating Systems

Atomic Wallet supports numerous operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux. 

Most Linux users favor Atomic Wallet as it supports popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. The mobile version of Atomic Wallet can be downloaded from both the Google Store and the App Store for Android and iOS devices.

### Cons

Only a few cryptocurrencies ([Bitcoin](/coins/btc), Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple's XRP, and Bitcoin Cash) can be bought in the wallet by using bank cards. Also, Atomic Wallet is not hardware-compatible such some other wallets.


Atomic Wallet - Best Choice for Crypto Beginners