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  • KeyTango ($TANGO): the easiest way to DeFi?

    KeyTango ($TANGO): the easiest way to DeFi?

    KeyTango is an investment solution built on Web3 technologies that function as a gateway for DeFi products and services.

    While the decentralized finance (DeFi) market is growing, the struggle to keep up is getting bigger for many users. And sometimes, because of so many rug-pulls in DeFi, scam tokens, and underdeveloped projects in this space, people choose to avoid it altogether. KeyTango is a solution to these concerns.

    KeyTango offers a one-stop shop for various, reputable, and secure DeFi projects to minimize the risk that a new cryptocurrency holder or trader absorbs. It also offers learning options that can help anyone better understand what DeFi’s underlying concepts and technicalities actually mean.

    Background

    The growth of DeFi projects has been outstanding, posting 725% growth within just 3 months. However, there are still a lot of investors who are unfamiliar with how the ecosystem functions. Most of the new retail traders find themselves into sketchy projects that claim to be DeFi, only to find out later that these projects cannot actually deliver their promise.

    KeyTango is developed with the help of experts from cryptocurrency, financial technology, and investments. The project is also supported by many Outlier Ventures staff members as their angel investors. The goal of the team behind it is to introduce an easy-to-use, Robinhood-like platform, where users can easily trade in the DeFi space within just a few clicks.

    What is keyTango?

    KeyTango is a Web3-based investment solution that functions as a gateway for DeFi products and services. It is connected with multiple projects on a variety of DeFi markets. This gives users a wide selection of financial tools to choose from if they are looking for ways to maximize the capacity of their assets in making a profit.

    KeyTango features a user-friendly interface for any cryptocurrency or DeFi user and focuses on three main goals: discover, learn, and invest.

    Moreover, the platform offers its users a tailored recommendation on the products they could access based on the history of their activity on the wallet they linked. This makes it easier for the users to choose which asset fits their profile and easily avail of the products and services in the instruments suggested for them.

    Discover

    One of the things KeyTango gives to its users is exposure to different DeFi products, such as yield farming and liquidity mining. The platform is backed by a team of investment experts and venture capital managers. More than that, any product posted on the application is carefully curated by MIT and Y-Combinator Alumni, which assures users that the DeFi projects they discover through the protocol are guaranteed of good quality and reputation.

    Learn

    To address the problem of most cryptocurrency holders who do not completely understand some of the complex DeFi projects that they could potentially benefit from, KeyTango introduced a “Learn” layer on the application. Every technical knowledge that any user would need to know will be made accessible on this part of the platform.

    Invest

    Once a user has already understood what it means to put their assets in DeFi, from how they can earn yields to DeFi protocols’ underlying risks, they can easily use the platform to start their investments. The process is simple. Users just need to link their cryptocurrency wallet.

    Products

    Liquidity Pools

    Users who are looking to put their idle assets in a liquidity pool can now easily do so using the platform. In this product, a holder of a token can supply them to the liquidity of any supported decentralized exchange (DEX) to earn additional tokens from trading fees.

    The products that can be accessed on this market are DEXs like Balancer, Bancor, Curve, SushiSwap, and Uniswap.

    Yield Farming

    DeFi projects have their own native utility tokens. Holders of these tokens earn rewards for keeping them and using them to participate in the network’s activities. What yield farmers do is they stake their tokens to DEXs where these utility tokens are traded and supply their liquidity there.

    This way, they can also earn rewards in the form of the token that they supplied liquidity to. There are various yield farming protocols in the market today, however, they can be too difficult for others to access because due to the challenges is finding a safe platform. KeyTango makes it a safer opportunity for investors since they have also curated the projects they support on the application.

    DeFi Trading

    DeFi applications that offer spot trading and leveraged trading functions can be easily found in KeyTango. In these platforms, users will be able to access exchanges powered by automated market makers (AMM). Some of the platforms that are known for this product are 0x, Aave, and Sushiswap.

    Derivatives and Other Products

    As the DeFi economy continues to grow, KeyTango will also adapt accordingly. The application will be working on providing access to new DeFi opportunities such as NFTs, derivatives, and many others.

    TANGO

    TANGO is the platform’s native, utility token. It can be used to pay for the protocol’s transaction fees and to participate in the platform’s governance functions. A portion of TANGO’s total supply will also be allocated to the community treasury.

    Staking

    The platform will have four staking pools: Earlybird Staking, Pro Staking, Expert Liquidity Mining ETH, and Expert Liquidity Mining USDT. They have specific maturity periods and pool sizes which users can see in the interface. Users can also have an estimate of their potential profit as the pools also indicate their APY for each one.

    keyTango staking
    Some of the staking options available on keyTango (Image credit: keyTango)

    Conclusion

    KeyTango is a project that the whole DeFi space could benefit from. Having assembled a team of experts to curate the projects that will be made available on the platform provides a tremendous advantage. More than the minimization of risks and breaking the psychological barrier that keeps people from adopting DeFi, it also raises the awareness of the public as to what DeFi can offer.

    This is why the project is a promising complement to the DeFi ecosystem. Getting people to understand how DeFi works and enabling a way to easily supply their assets in the best projects available can be a huge boost when it comes to achieving wider adoption.

    Decentralised Finance (DeFi) series: tutorials, guides and more

    With content for both beginners and more advanced users, check out our YouTube DeFi series containing tutorials on the ESSENTIAL TOOLS you need for trading in the DeFi space e.g. MetaMask and Uniswap. As well as a deep dive into popular DeFi topics such as decentralized exchanges, borrowing-lending platforms and NFT marketplaces

    The DeFi series on this website also covers topics not explored on YouTube. For an introduction on what is DeFi, check out Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Overview: A guide to the HOTTEST trend in cryptocurrency

    Tutorials and guides for the ESSENTIAL DEFI TOOLS:

    More videos and articles are coming soon as part of our DeFi series, so be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our Youtube channel so you can be notified as soon as they come out!

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Coinmama Exchange Review (2023): Accessible, User-friendly, and Top-notch Security

    Coinmama Exchange Review (2023): Accessible, User-friendly, and Top-notch Security

    Coinmama is a non-custodial cryptocurrency broker from Israel, incorporated in Europe, and Slovakia, that provides fast, safe, and convenient cryptocurrency gateway services to digital currency enthusiasts in 188 countries, including the United States, with over 2.4 million users. Coinmama is the go-to platform for buying cryptos securely and conveniently, with helpful customer support, a wide variety of payment methods, and high levels of security.

    Sign up here to get started

    What is Coinmama?

    Coinmama is a cryptocurrency broker/exchange based in Israel that offers a fast, safe and fun way to buy digital currency from anywhere in the world. With Coinmama, users can purchase Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies with a credit or debit card. The service is available in 43 US states and all countries apart from those sanctioned, such as North Korea. Coinmama has been providing its services since 2013 and is committed to providing a secure and reliable platform for users to buy and sell digital currency. With their easy-to-use interface, users can quickly and easily purchase digital currency with just a few clicks. Coinmama is dedicated to providing a safe and secure platform for users to buy and sell digital currency.

    Coinmama is an exchange broker, meaning it holds the cryptocurrency and sells it directly to you for fiat money. Binance, on the other hand, is an exchange marketplace, which matches two independent buyers and sellers. Both exchanges offer a secure and convenient way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Coinmama has over 2 million customers in 188 countries, while Binance is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, with over 15 million users in more than 180 countries. Both exchanges offer competitive fees and a wide range of payment options, making them ideal for both experienced and novice cryptocurrency traders.

    Key Features of Coinmama

    Coinmama is a non-custodial cryptocurrency brokerage that makes it easy to buy and sell crypto for fiat currency, giving users full control over their funds. Other key features of the platform include:

    Capacity to buy and trade cryptocurrencies in 188 nations: Anybody can use Coinmama regardless of where they reside because it offers a global service.

    The ten largest coins are supported: Coinmama is a leading cryptocurrency platform that enables users to purchase Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP, EOS, QTUM, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Cardano (ADA), and Tezos (XTZ) with ease.

    Wide range of payment options: You can purchase cryptocurrency using a credit or debit card, a bank transfer via SWIFT or SEPA, Apple Pay, Fedwire, FasterPayments, Sofort, and more.

    24-hour client service desk: Coinmama boasts of having a top-notch customer support service.

    Non-custodial, safe platform: You don’t run the danger of an additional counterparty with Coinmama because you own your private keys.

    Key Advantages of Coinmama

    Let me first describe the benefits of Coinmama.

    Daily Payment Options

    Coinmama is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy digital assets using their debit or credit card (fiat money). This is a great advantage for those who don’t have any other cryptocurrency to deposit, as many exchanges don’t allow for this. Coinmama is easy to use and almost every major bank issues debit and credit cards backed by Visa or MasterCard, so you shouldn’t have any problems buying from Coinmama, providing you have a bank account! With Coinmama, you can buy cryptocurrency directly from the website, just like ordering your weekly groceries online.

    Get Your Coins Right Away In Your Own Wallet

    Coinmama is a secure and reliable platform for buying cryptocurrencies. With Coinmama, you can purchase coins quickly and easily with your credit or debit card. Your coins are sent to your private wallet as soon as the payment is processed, ensuring that your funds are safe and secure. Coinmama is a great choice for those looking for a secure and convenient way to buy cryptocurrencies.

    User-Friendly Platform

    Coinmama is a cryptocurrency exchange that makes buying cryptocurrency simple and straightforward. With no prior knowledge of trading required, users can open and verify their account, enter their card details and choose how many coins they want to buy. Coinmama offers a variety of features such as market orders and kill-or-fill orders, as well as graphs, charts and statistics to help users make informed decisions. With a user-friendly interface and helpful customer support, Coinmama is a great choice for those looking to purchase cryptocurrency.

    Excellent Support Team

    Coinmama offers a secure and easy-to-use platform, with a wide range of payment options and low fees. If you have any issues with your account, Coinmama has a helpful customer support team available to assist you. You can contact them through live chat during business hours (Sunday-Thursday 9:00-18:00 GMT+3), or via email, support ticket or Facebook outside of these hours. Additionally, their FAQ page provides answers to many common questions.

    Exceptional Security

    It offers users a fast and secure way to buy and sell digital currencies. Coinmama is known for its user-friendly interface and low fees. However, it is important to note that Coinmama experienced a security breach in 2019. Despite this, Coinmama remains a popular choice for those looking to buy and sell digital currencies. It is important to do your own research before investing in any cryptocurrency exchange, and Coinmama is no exception.

    Key Disadvantages of Coinmama

    But, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

     Credit Card Fees

    Coinmama is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies with their debit or credit cards. It is a great option for those who want to buy cryptocurrency quickly and easily. Coinmama offers competitive rates and a wide range of coins to choose from. However, users should be aware that there is an extra 5% fee when using a debit or credit card to purchase cryptocurrency. Despite this, Coinmama is a reliable and secure platform that is suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

    Coinmama Fees

    Coinmama is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy and sell digital currencies with real-world money. However, users should be aware that there are fees associated with using the platform. On average, Coinmama charges a 5.5% fee for each transaction, although this can vary depending on the amount of coins being purchased. Fortunately, Coinmama does not charge any withdrawal fees, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to buy and sell digital currencies.

    Only 10 Coins to Choose From

    Coinmama is a broker exchange that allows users to buy Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) with fiat money. Although it only offers 10 coins compared to other exchanges such as Kucoin which have more than 100 coins available, it still allows users to trade with all the smaller, less popular cryptos. Coinmama is a reliable and secure platform that offers fast transactions and low fees. It also provides customer support and a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for those looking to buy BTC and ETH.

    Coinmama Verification

    The verification process is simple and straightforward, requiring users to confirm their personal details and upload a form of ID. Once the verification process is complete, users can buy up to $15,000 in coins without needing to provide any more information. The verification process is usually completed within a couple of hours, so users don’t have to wait long to start trading. Coinmama is a secure and reliable platform, making it a great choice for those looking to buy and sell digital currencies.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Coins

    Now that you are fully aware of all the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing Coinmama, I’ll teach you exactly how to purchase your first coins.

    1. First, you will need to visit the official Coinmama website which can be accessed here.

    2. The simplest approach to create an account is to select the amount of bitcoin you wish to buy, enter it, and then click Purchase. Visa, MasterCard, ApplePay, SEPA, and a few other payment methods are accepted by Coinmama.

    3. Your entire name, a secure password, and the nation where you now reside must now be entered.

    4. Don’t forget to click the link Coinmama sent to your email to confirm your email address! If you don’t confirm the email right away, you’ll be asked to do so later.

    5. Once you have logged into your account, navigate to the Buy page, and select what you’d like to purchase – in this case, I’ll assume that it’s Bitcoin.

    6. You will see that you first need to verify your account. Click on “verification“.

    7. You will then be prompted to confirm your full name one more before entering your date of birth, contact information, and full address in the next window. If this doesn’t match the address on your credit card, it won’t be accepted.

    8. You must then input your identity information. Either your passport or your license will do this. Make sure you input the proper information twice to avoid slowing down the procedure. then select Next.

    9. You will then be asked to upload your documents. You will need to upload the front and back of your ID and then the following:

    • A selfie of you holding your ID.
    • An image of you holding a piece of paper saying “Coinmama” with today’s date.

    10. Following your submission, Coinmama will typically validate your ID in under ten minutes. If your pictures are blurry, they can urge you to take new ones.

    11. You will get an email after this is finished and your account has been verified. You can now purchase up to $15,000 worth of cryptocurrencies, congratulations!

    12. To finish your order, simply carry out the earlier stages once more. You will be required to input your debit or credit card information as well as your Bitcoin or Ethereum wallet address on the last step.

    Who Should Use Coinmama?

    Coinmama is a cryptocurrency broker/exchange that makes it easy for first-time buyers to purchase cryptocurrency with a debit or credit card. It is a great place to start if you want to buy a less popular coin, as you will need to trade it with another cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. To do this, you will need to transfer your Bitcoin or Ethereum over to another exchange that lists the coin you want, and then trade them for that coin. If you cannot find the cryptocurrency that you’re looking for, you should check out Kucoin that has more options to choose from.

    Conclusion

    Coinmama is a popular cryptocurrency broker exchange that allows users to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies with their debit or credit card. It is a secure and easy-to-use platform that is available in over 180 countries. Coinmama charges a 5.9% transaction fee and a 5% credit/debit card fee, making it one of the more expensive exchanges. However, it is one of the few exchanges that offer the option to use a debit or credit card, making it a great choice for those looking to purchase cryptocurrency for the first time. Coinmama also offers 24/7 customer support and a wide range of payment options, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and secure exchange.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • CBDCs: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

    CBDCs: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

    CBDCs are government-backed assets that would offer users an official way to explore existing fiat currencies in a digital manner. Stablecoins have become very popular cryptocurrency options because they function with little to no volatility, providing access to decentralized currencies without the risk of depegging in value. These assets offer stability to crypto enthusiasts who are uninterested in other assets with sudden price swings. As the number of stablecoins increased over time, many countries began to notice and eventually began exploring government-backed stablecoin cryptocurrencies, called Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about CBDCs, and their pros and cons. 

    This is a comprehensive review of CBDCs. If you want to know more about the history of CBDCs, we have also previously written about CBDCs here.

    What are Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)?

    A CBDC is a digital form of legal tender pegged to a country’s national currency. These digital currencies are under the control of central banks, which issue the assets, govern their supply, and create related policies. CBDCs have now gained a lot of traction in the financial space. Today, countries are either launching CBDCs or doing research and analysis into the economic and technical feasibility of establishing a national digital currency.

    How Do CBDCs Work?

    CBDCs address specific concerns around crypto volatility, government backing, and transparency through distributed ledger technology (DLT). In traditional finance, banks keep track of all user transactions in a ledger for account records and audits. With distributed ledger technology, there are several copies of CBDC transaction records stored and managed individually, although uniformly updated. It also allows for much easier tracking of spending compared to cash, which is data many governments would like to have.

    Separate financial entities (usually branches of a country’s central bank) manage these records in a distributed manner via DLT. This type of distributed ledger is known as a permissioned blockchain because the central banks have total control over access and distribution, usually only authorizing a few entities to perform specific administrative roles, including altering rights and accessing records. This is in direct contrast with permissionless networks, like most leading blockchains, which allow anybody to perform transactions without needing permission from a central authority. 

    Governments may choose CBDCs because they retain control over certain aspects, such as the total supply of digital currency. On the other hand, popular cryptocurrencies have a hard supply cap that may be impossible to alter. For instance, the Bitcoin network will create only 21 million coins. Once all 21 million Bitcoins are mined, there can be no more new Bitcoins. But CBDCs can be continuously created. Since central banks are responsible for maintaining financial stability, they may choose to reduce or add to the total supply in circulation whenever they consider it necessary.

    Types of CBDCs

    There are two categories of CBDCs, largely based on the intended uses:

    Retail CBDC

    Retail CBDCs are nation-backed digital currencies used by everyday consumers and businesses. People use retail CBDCs like they would use petty cash, without worrying about security or government regulations, even though the assets are under the government’s purview. Additionally, retail CBDCs promote financial inclusion, and also help to lower costs and environmental factors associated with printing cash.

    Wholesale CBDC 

    A central bank primarily creates wholesale CBDCs with financial institutions as their main target, as this type of CBDC facilitates easier and quicker payments between financial institutions. The process of settling transactions using wholesale CBDCs is also more efficient, as permissioned blockchains help institutions resolve risks associated with liquidity and third-party payment processors. Wholesale CBDCs also improve cross-border transaction efficiency.

    CBDCs Around the World

    Several countries have begun experimenting with blockchain CBDCs, while others have already launched their own iterations. So far, more than 100 countries have officially begun exploring CBDCs, with some in the research, development, or pilot stages. As of July 2022, 10 countries have officially launched CBDCs. Some of them include: 

    • China: Digital Yuan/ e-CNY (DCEP)
    • Sweden: e-krona
    • Bahamas: Sand Dollar
    • Nigeria: eNaira
    • Eastern Caribbean Area: DXCD
    • Marshall Islands: Sovereign (SOV)
    • Russia: Digital Ruble
    • Cambodia: Bakong

    To learn more about specific CBDCs, see our review of China’s Digital Yuan/ e-CNY (DCEP) here. 

    Which is the world’s first CBDC?

    The Bahamas ‘Sand Dollar’ is the world’s first CBDC to be released and available nationwide. The Sand Dollar was released on 20th October 2020 to all 393 residents of the Bahamas. Each Sand Dollar is pegged to the Bahamian dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar.

    Pros and Benefits of CBDCs

    CBDCs potentially offer the following benefits to a nation’s financial framework:

    Simplifying Monetary Policy Implementation

    One major challenge with traditional monetary policy implementation is that it depends on intermediaries within the financial system. As wholesale CBDCs streamline the flow of funds in financial institutions, retail CBDCs establish a direct connection between central banks and the citizens that use their currency. This connection to end users effectively improves the process of implementing policies, as the central bank has first-hand knowledge of users’ needs.

    Financial Inclusion 

    CBDCs make fund distribution much easier. They potentially provide more financial inclusion by making services available to people or regions with limited banking opportunities. With CBDCs, central banks can extend access to basic financial services without building an expensive banking infrastructure. 

    Efficient Cross-Border Transactions

    CBDCs enable faster and more secure fund remittance between countries. This significantly reduces the transaction fees required to send and receive funds to and from citizens in the diaspora, as well as allows the transactions to be completed in seconds or minutes instead of days or weeks.

    Further Deter Illegal Financial Activity 

    A distributed and transparent ledger makes it easier for central banks to keep track of transactions and prevent illegal activity. Moreover, where these illicit transactions occur, they are easier to trace, and could even be reversed or frozen.

    Growth of the Fintech Sector 

    CBDCs support the growth and development of the fintech industry. With the global adoption of CBDCs, the fintech space is gradually witnessing a new technological landscape that creates new jobs and opportunities.

    Cons and Drawbacks of CBDCs

    Like any innovation, CBDCs also have drawbacks users must consider. These disadvantages include:

    Traceability and Lack of Anonymity

    Since central banks manage CBDC transactions through a ledger, they have full control over transaction records. This method does not allow for user anonymity and is in direct contrast with the anonymous nature of most other cryptocurrencies and cash.

    Threat to Privacy

    Privacy is one of the key drivers behind cryptocurrency adoption. CBDCs may require that central authorities intrude on private users to monitor transactions and combat financial crimes like money laundering. No longer will there be private transactions, as everything is recorded on a ledger controlled by the country’s central banking entity.

    High Risk of Cyber Attack

    A central bank’s digital currency may attract malicious parties who want to swindle large amounts of money from one source. CBDCs must use top-of-the-line cybersecurity measures to prevent breaches effectively.

    Creating a social credit system?

    Maajid Nawaz, a social activist and co-founder of British think tank Qiulliam, has suggested that CBDCs can essentially create a social credit system. For example, people can be barred from spending their CBDCs on buses or trains, which will effectively limit their freedom to travel as they wish.

    Differences Between CBDCs and Cryptocurrencies

    Apart from centralization, here are some other ways in which CBDCs differ from cryptocurrencies: 

    • The use cases of CBDCs include payments and monetary transactions. On the other hand, crypto assets have selected applications, and not all institutions and companies accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option.
    • There is generally more value to safety with CBDCs. In a stable political and inflationary nation, CBDCs maintain their value over time since they are a fiat currency of the issuing country. For decentralized crypto assets, the cryptocurrency’s value depends on market speculation and user sentiments, which makes them much more volatile.
    • Central banks can maintain all aspects of CBDCs, including planning and deployment. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies have a decentralized decision-making process. 

    Conclusion 

    Considering the efforts and attention that central banks have dedicated to CBDCs, mainstream adoption of these assets is all but imminent. Global adoption of CBDCs will effectively boost the crypto industry’s growth as more people begin to carry out CBDC transactions and look for viable alternatives. CBDCs will also help central banks penetrate a country’s unbanked or underbanked population, which is fantastic for their underserved citizenry. 

    In the end, nations may enjoy better financial stability from CBDCs. With a centrally regulated, government-backed digital currency in circulation, central banks can enact monetary policies easily and with more transparency in distribution. CBDCs could eventually become the standard for local payments and also for cross-border transactions.

  • Moongate Features Innovative NFT Solutions in Taipei Blockchain Week

    Moongate Features Innovative NFT Solutions in Taipei Blockchain Week

    Taipei Blockchain Week

    Taipei Blockchain Week, the largest Web3 event in Taiwan, was held last week from December 12-17, 2022. Similar to TOKEN2049 Singapore, the event features a series of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and meetups with some of the leading developers and entrepreneurs in the Web3 industry. Speakers of the event included core team members from Avalanche, Solana, Filecoin, Moongate and many more, where they talked about the real-world applications of blockchain technology and the future landscape of crypto.

    Moongate, in particular, has introduced an end-to-end solution for brands and businesses to create customized NFTs for ticketing and memberships. In fact, Moongate is the official ticketing partner of Taipei Blockchain Week, having issued 4000 tickets for the event’s attendees. Despite the NFT industry getting a bad rap, Moongate helps bring meaningful and productive application of Web3 into the Web2 world with real utility NFTs that can greatly benefit everyday retail consumers. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer.

    What is Moongate?

    Moongate provides an end-to-end, no-code solution for brands and businesses looking to transform their user engagement experience via Web3. Its user application covers (1) membership and loyalty programs, (2) events and conferences, and (3) NFT projects. All customers will be able to own their membership as NFTs which unlock token-gated rewards and access.

    CEO of Moongate Jonathan Mui told Boxmining that they have helped brands, businesses, conferences, and sports leagues with NFT-empowered memberships and tickets. So far, Moongate has 30+ live programs, 50+ ecosystem partners, and 5000+ end customers. Notable partners include Polygon, SimpleHash (backed by Y Combinator), DTTD (backed by Animoca Brands), Limewire and many more.

    How Does Moongate’s App Work?

    Moongate’s User App is very easy to use, catering to both Web3 and Web2 users. You can create an account, which is also your crypto wallet, with your email, phone number or social media account. For experienced Web3 users, you can instead use your self-custodial wallet such as MetaMask to sign up.

    Moongate App

    Private Key Security Features

    To onboard Web2 users more easily, there won’t be any traditional Web3 private key management such as seed phrases. Moongate understands that with traditional private keys, users can never get their NFTs back if they lose their key. This can be a problem for most Web2 users who are not used to Web3 interfaces.

    Instead, Moongate is collaborating with some of the top endpoint security solutions to implement a next-gen key management architecture. Its security infrastructure involves two independently-created mathematical secret shares, eliminating the single point of failure for traditional private keys. The wallet is still non-custodial as users have full control over their NFTs but it also allows them to restore their account safely if they delete the App or lose their phones.

    User App Interface

    In the App, users can enroll in membership programs via one-click join/redemption. Users can view and claim exclusive benefits tied to their NFT memberships. Tiered rewards can be earned, and benefits will increase overtime with increased spending/usage. Moreover, users can earn token rewards by completing promotions, and use tokens to claim extra rewards across partnered brands.

    Moongate App

    Mui said that it is important for Moongate to integrate blockchain technology with legacy systems so that it would require less steps and create less friction for Web2 users to get onboard while reaping the benefits of Web3. Since most retail customers are accustomed to Point of Sale (POS) systems, Mui said that adopting some of the Web2 approaches can help make their product scalable and viable.

    Merchant Setup for Moongate’s App

    Apart from retail customers, brands and businesses with no Web3 knowledge can also easily manage their Moongate account. NFT projects can keep track of the holders engagement for future rewards and airdrops, without requiring holders to reveal personal information.

    NFT Design and Minting

    Users can create, deploy, and mint their own NFTs without any coding knowledge. Moongate’s smart contract builder is a simple drag-and-drop deployment. It supports dynamic NFT integration and can be issued on multiple chains. Moongate’s mint site builder provides customized storefront design with personalized information. Users can checkout with fiat or crypto via Web2 social logins or crypto wallets.

    Moongate App

    Utility Management Dashboard

    No-code dashboards are available for merchants and projects to set the parameters of online or offline token-gated content, access, and discounts across different tiers of membership. There are also key applications on offline discounts, exclusive events, and online e-commerce stores. Additionally, off-chain data can be captured to support corresponding changes to dynamic NFTs.

    Moongate App

    NFT Ownership Verification

    Moongate has a one-scan solution to complete real-time, on-chain NFT ownership verification across multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Users will have their own ephemeral QR code for merchants to scan and verify as it supports whitelabel integration with other apps or third-party scanners. Moreover, it is also compatible with near-field communication (NFC) “phygital” gateways, which are essentially physical cards that hold the QR code verification.

    Moongate App

    NFT Usage Management and Analytics Portal

    Moongate provides data analytics for merchants and projects to monitor membership usage in real-time and post-attendance. It can integrate with traditional technology stack such as POS and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) marketing software. The portal also displays API for data integration with other sites, supporting tracking of spending credits.

    Moongate App

    Key Takeaway

    Moongate introduces a new paradigm in customer loyalty while maintaining positive business impact. It changes how businesses can build better branding and how customers approach purchasing goods and services.

    Since customers can truly own their NFT membership, they can also choose to sell the NFT along with all the rewards stored in it, as the NFT is a transferrable token. That way instead of “spending”, customers are actually investing because they are creating value for their NFT. This also helps businesses better connect with the next generation of customers, lowering their Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). After all, that is what Web3 is all about — ownership by users.

  • 5 Reasons to be excited about Ethereum (According to Vitalik)

    5 Reasons to be excited about Ethereum (According to Vitalik)

    Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin recently discussed in his blog post his excitement about Ethereum and its potential. He admits that originally, he was more general about what Ethereum can achieve. But now, after so many projects being developed on Ethereum, he is shifting his gaze to applications already known to work. In this article, we look at some Vitalik’s reasons as to why we should be excited for Ethereum and its potential.

    What is Ethereum?

    Ethereum is an open-source, public, blockchain-based distributed computing platform featuring smart contract (scripting) functionality. It provides a decentralized virtual machine known as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The EVM can execute scripts using an international network of public nodes. Ethereum also provides a cryptocurrency token called “ether” ($ETH). Ether ($ETH) can be transferred between accounts and used to compensate participant nodes for computations performed. Ethereum was proposed in late 2013 by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015.

    To learn more about Ethereum, check out our article: Ethereum 2.0 is coming- Here’s what you NEED to know.

    Ethereum development roadmap
    Ethereum development roadmap (Source: Twitter)

    Reason 1: Ethereum as a form of payment

    In countries with fewer links to the global financial system or with extreme inflation, cryptocurrency (and Ethereum) is a valuable asset. Vitalik realised this in December 2021 when he was able to pay for meals using cryptocurrency in Argentina.

    One obstacle to the more widespread use of cryptocurrency, according to Vitalik, was high transaction fees. At the time, fees cost about a third of his meal, and several minutes to confirm. However, since he and the restaurant owner had Binance wallets, they were able to transfer the funds instantly for free.

    Since then, there have been significant improvements to the Ethereum network. After the Ethereum Merge transactions are being processed at a much faster and more stable rate. Scaling technologies such as rollups will even further push Ethereum’s scalability. Technologies such as social recovery and multisig wallets with account abstraction are also improving wallet security. It may take years for these technologies to mature, but progress is certainly being made.

    Donations are a notable use case for cryptocurrency. For example, we saw donations being made to Ukraine and refugees relying on digital currencies as a form of payment.

    To learn more, check out our article: Crypto war- The role of cryptocurrencies in the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

    In addition, countries’ adoption of CBDCs (e.g. China’s DCEP/e-CNY) has led to serious concerns about financial surveillance and control. According to Vitalik, cryptocurrency is the only technology that can combine digitalization with privacy.

    This makes payments one of the major reasons to be excited for Ethereum and its potential.

    Reason 2: Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

    Vitalik also sees huge potential in DeFi. In particular, he considers the following DeFi products to be especially important:

    • Decentralized stablecoins: Decentralized stablecoins are considered a secure and stable digital money. Essentially, halfway between holding crypto assets and withdrawing to fiat currency. They are also usually pegged to a reserved asset, such as the US Dollar, making it less volatile than most cryptocurrencies. Decentralized stablecoins have added aspects of being fully transparent and non-custodial. An example of decentralized stablecoins is the DAI token, DUSD or EOSDT.
    • Prediction markets: Prediction markets have been a reliable part of the DeFi landscape since Augur launched in 2015. They have been gaining traction ever since, demonstrating their utility in the 2020 US election. Allowing people to predict (and profit) from the outcome of the 2020 US elections. In 2022, both crypto-based prediction markets such as Polymarket, and play-money markets like Metaculus are becoming even more popular. Crypto-based prediction markets are advantageous, as they are more trustworthy and accessible worldwide. Vitalik expects these markets to continuously grow in terms of usage and value over time.
    • Other synthetic assets: Major stock indices and real estate have the potential to be replicated in the same way as stablecoins. However, there is a challenge in creating an appropriate balance of decentralization and efficiency to make these assets available at reasonable rates of return.
    • Glue layers: These will be necessary to allow users to easily trade between different assets, such as ETH, centralized or decentralized stablecoins, synthetic assets, etc.
    Polymarket is a popular platform allowing users to make predictions on current events
    Polymarket is a popular platform allowing users to make predictions on current events (Source: Polymarket)

    Reason 3: Blockchain Identity

    Vitalik is bullish on blockchain identity. Blockchain identity uses blockchain technology for aspects of identification such as basic authentication, attestations, naming, and proof of personhood. An example mentioned by Vitalik is the Sign In With Ethereum (SIWE) standard. The SIWE standard lets users log into websites similar to how we use Google or Facebook to automatically log in. But with SIWE, we can log into sites without fear of Google or Facebook accessing our private information, or locking our accounts. SIWE is currently used in end-to-end encrypted email, Skiff and many blockchain-based alternative social media projects.

    Also, ENS allows usernames to be used with proof-of-personhood systems. This can enable users to prove that they are actually human. This is especially useful for airdrops and governance, as it ensures fairness and prevents abuse. Proof-of-attendance protocol can also confirm a person’s participation and thus their eligibility for airdrops and participation in governance.

    Vitalik believes that each of these applications has its individual uses. But the true utility will be seen when these aspects are all combined. For example, users can log on to Blockscan chat using Ethereum, making them visible by their ENS name. Then, to fight spam, Blockscan chat could “verify” accounts by examining their proof-of-attendance protocols. This verification process could show information on a user’s participation, and even verify token balances or a proof-of-personhood profile. In turn, it can be determined whether the user should be eligible for rewards and perks.

    Reason 4: DAOs

    DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) are smart contracts that represent an ownership or control structure over an asset or process. Vitalik believes there is still room for improvement for DAOs, particularly in terms of ensuring they are not abused. For example, DAOs are crucial for the long-term survival of decentralized stablecoins. But, there have been cases of malicious actors abusing DAOs to drain DeFi projects out of hundreds of millions.

    Reason 5: Hybrid applications

    Finally, Vitalik believes there are applications that can take advantage of both blockchains and other systems in order to improve their trust models. For example, voting can utilise systems such as MACI to combine blockchains, ZK-SNARKs, and a limited centralized (or M-of-N) layer for scalability and coercion resistance. This will allow voting to be censorship resistant, auditable, and private.

    Conclusion

    According to Vitalik, we are only at the beginning stages of building applications that will push Ethereum’s potential even further. Currently, these applications face the challenges of the limits of present-day technology, such as the lack of scalability of blockchains. There will also be other challenges to come, such as privacy issues.

    However, there are numerous reasons to be excited for Ethereum, because all these problems can be solved. Vitalik believes that it will require us to look beyond the quest for excitement and short-term profit. Because sometimes, it is the more stable and boring applications that become the most useful and valuable in the long run.

  • Ledger Stax: Next-Gen Crypto Wallet Designed by iPhone Co-Creator Tony Fadell

    Ledger Stax: Next-Gen Crypto Wallet Designed by iPhone Co-Creator Tony Fadell

    Ledger and Tony Fadell Unveil Stax Wallet

    Ledger, one of the top hardware wallet providers, has announced the launch of its new Ledger Stax wallet in partnership with Tony Fadell, co-creator of the iPod and iPhone. This is a significant initiative as Fadell being one of the world’s foremost tech engineer is stepping in to bring clarity and confidence to owning digital assets following the collapse of FTX.

    Pre-order your Ledger Stax Wallet here!

    buy now

    Key Features of Ledger Stax Wallet

    Fadell realized that existing hardware wallets are difficult to use for mass consumers. Therefore, he drew inspiration from his iPod design to bring a more user-friendly experience for wallet users.

    Ledger Stax resembles a small smartphone and has a monochromatic E ink display which covers the front and curves around the spine. That way users can easily view complete transaction details as well as their NFT collections even when the wallet is off. This works in conjunction with integrated magnets, allowing multiple Stax devices to stack, hence its name. This is particularly useful for Ledger owners who have different portfolios since they can look at the labels displayed on the spine, like books on a shelf.

    Stackable Ledger Stax wallets with displayable screen on the spine (Source: Ledger)

    Users can store more than 500 cryptocurrencies or NFTs on Ledger Stax. Developers are also planning to allow users to explore Web3 applications through the Ledger Live app. Users can connect the Ledger Live app on (1) laptops via secure USB-C or (2) smartphones via bluetooth. This new user interface will enable clear and intuitive interaction for all mainstream users.

    Ledger Stax also has good energy efficiency and supports wireless Qi charging. Its battery can last as long as few months with a single charge.

    How to Get Ledger Stax Wallet?

    Ledger Stax is now available for preorder at $279 and will begin shipping by the end of March 2023. It will also be available from select retailers such as Best Buy in the U.S. Those who purchase the wallet will also receive an Infinity Pass, which provides users with a free utility NFT.

    Additionally, a Ledger Stax NFT Bundle is available to mint on [Ledger] Market for 0.22 ETH to redeem a free Ledger Stax device. It also unlocks access to exclusive NFT artwork from Ledger’s network of hand-picked artists. However, Genesis Pass holders and PREMINT Collabs have special mint-priority, and there are only 10,000 bundles available.

    Key Takeaway

    “Not your keys, not your crypto” — there is a great risk of losing all your crypto if you park it on a centralized exchange. Hardware wallets are great self-custodial solutions because only you have control over your funds. But the problem is it can be quite daunting to operate one, especially for beginners.

    Ledger Stax will revolutionize this by bringing the familiar user experience of smartphones into hardware wallets. This is a big step towards a decentralized financial future as more people are opting for self-custodial solutions. If you are interested in other hardware wallets, feel free to check these out:

    Pre-order your Ledger Stax for only $279 and get it by end of March 2023!

    buy now
    What is the Ledger Stax wallet?

    The Ledger Stax wallet is a new hardware wallet developed in partnership with Tony Fadell, co-creator of the iPod and iPhone. It has a unique and innovative design in the style of high-end Samsung cell phones, and lets users view their NFT collections even when the wallet is off.

    When will the Ledger Stax be available for sale?

    Ledger Stax is now available for reorder at $279 and will begin shipping by the end of March 2023.

    What features does the Ledger Stax offer?

    The Ledger Stax wallet is an easy-to-carry device about the size of a credit card, which allows users to store more than 500 cryptocurrencies or NFT collections. It also features an E-Ink touchscreen for viewing NFT collections, and a battery that can last for weeks or even months with a single charge.

    Are there any incentives for purchasing the Ledger Stax?

    Yes, those who purchase the wallet will be eligible for various prizes, such as a “Magnet Shell” protective case and an NFT from the “The Art On Ledger Stax Collection.”

  • Binance futures trading: How to guide

    Binance futures trading: How to guide

    Crypto futures trading allows traders to have exposure to cryptocurrencies without the need to own the underlying crypto asset. Binance exchange offers futures trading to users through Binance Futures, which has 279 trading pairs. This article provides a guide on how to trade on Binance Futures.

    Get 20% off fees when signing up for Binance with the following link!

    What is Binance?

    Binance was launched in 2017 and is arguably the world’s most popular centralized cryptocurrency exchange. It has over 2 billion average daily volume and 72 million site visits daily. The Binance ecosystem includes Binance exchange, BNB Chain, Trust Wallet, Binance card, and other services.

    What is crypto futures trading?

    Crypto futures contracts create an obligation for parties to exchange the asset at a predetermined price and date. On most cryptocurrency exchanges, however, the parties can settle for the cash equivalent. But, the trade must take place. 

    Traders use futures trading to profit from market movements by going either “long” or “short” on a futures contract. Going “long” means that a trader purchases a futures contract expecting it would increase in value in the future. And if the value of the cryptocurrency does increase, the long trader would profit. On the other hand, a trader going “short” means they are hoping prices will drop.

    Learn more about crypto futures trading with our guide- Crypto Futures Trading: What is it?

    What is Binance Futures?

    Binance Futures allows users to trade crypto futures contracts on Binance. It has 279 trading pairs and has the second-highest 24-hour trading volume amongst all crypto derivative exchanges. Binance Futures offers USDⓈ-M Futures and COIN-M Futures. These are perpetual or quarterly contracts settled in USDT/BUSD, or cryptocurrency respectively.

    Binance Futures also has interesting features such as a leaderboard, showing traders with the highest ROI or PNL. Other traders can follow these top traders and see what positions they are holding, as well as copy their trades.

    For traders who are more competitive, Binance Futures has a battle mode where you can guess whether prices will rise or fall within the next 1 or 5 minutes. Then, you will be matched with another player who predicted in the opposite direction. Players will still gain points regardless of whether they win or lose. Points can then be used to earn further rewards.

    Binance Futures trading fees

    Binance uses a maker-taker fee structure. Maker trades are orders that go on the order book partially or fully e.g. limit orders. Taker trades are executed immediately before entering the order book. Market orders are a type of taker trade. The fee charged depends on which type of trade. As maker trades add volume to the order books and thus “make” the market, it is in an exchange’s interest to have more of these orders. Therefore, maker fees are usually lower than taker fees.

    Binance also has a 9-tier VIP structure which offers progressively lower fees for users with high trade volume and substantial BNB holdings. Users who use BUSD, Binance’s USD stablecoin, or BNB for settling fees are also rewarded with lower trading fees.

    The lowest tier, i.e. “Regular users” are traders with a past 30-day trading volume of less than 15 million BUSD or hold 0 BNB. For regular users, the maker/taker fee for USDⓈ-M futures trading is 0.02%/0.04%, and for COIN-M futures, the maker/taker fee is 0.01%/0.05%.

    Highest tier users i.e. VIP 9, users must have a past 30-day trading volume of over 25 billion BUSD and hold over 5,500 BNB. VIP 9 users enjoy a maker/taker fee of 0.00%/0.017% for USDⓈ-M futures trading, and for COIN-M futures, the maker/taker fee is -0.009%/0.024%.

    Binance futures trading fees
    Binance futures trading fees (Source: Binance)

    Extra discount! Enjoy 20% off fees when signing up for Binance with the following link!

    Pros and advantages of trading on Binance Futures

    Binance is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges. According to CoinGecko, Binance has the second-highest trading volume with over US$35 million being traded in 24 hours. Here are some of the pros and advantages of crypto trading on Binance Futures:

    • Many trading pairs. Binance Futures have 279 trading pairs, giving traders a wide range of options from popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin ($BTC), to meme coins such as Shiba Inu ($SHIB).
    • Low trading fees and generous fee structure. Maker/taker fees start at 0.02%/0.04%. However, Binance Coin ($BNB) and BUSD holders, and high-volume traders are entitled to discounts, bringing trading fees to as low as 0.0100%/0.0207%.
    • Low minimum trade amount. Traders can start with a minimum trade amount of 0.001 BTC on the BTCUSDT Perpetual market.
    • Binance offers up to 100x leverage. This allows more experienced traders to potentially maximise their gains.
    • Binance has trading tools such as Grid Trading, TWAP, Advanced TP/SL, and Multi-Symbols Trading Page for maximum trading efficiency.

    Cons and disadvantages of trading on Binance Futures

    • Futures trading is not available in the US. So US traders will need to use other exchanges for futures trading.
    • Users must pass the verification process in order to begin using Binance Futures.

    Is Binance Futures trading safe?

    Binance has a US$300 million Insurance Fund to protect traders. The Fund acts as a safety net to protect bankrupt traders from adverse losses whilst ensuring that winning traders are paid in full. The purpose of Binance’s insurance fund is to limit counterparty liquidations. Counterparty liquidations are where the positions of opposing traders are automatically liquidated in order to cover a bankrupt trader’s position. The insurance fund takes the remaining positions when a trader in liquidation has less than 0 USDT after all their positions are liquidated. These remaining positions would be offloaded onto the market gradually and liquidation fees will be collected from users that do not result in bankruptcy.

    Binance also has a Cooling-Off Period function to help traders prevent compulsive trading behaviours. It works by preventing traders from trading futures-related products on the exchange for a predetermined period.

    How to start trading on Binance Futures

    Trading on Binance Futures only requires 5 simple steps.

    1. Sign up for a Binance Account

    To sign up AND get an additional 20% off trading fees click here.

    Alternatively, on the Binance main page, click register and enter your details. Don’t forget to fill in GQWT3T1T for the Referral ID in order to be eligible for 20% off trading fees.

    You can sign up with your phone, email, Google, or Apple accounts.

    2. Open a Binance Futures account

    Go to Binance Futures and click Open Now, if prompted, you can enter GQWT3T1T as the Futures referral code in order to enjoy 20% off trades. Then, complete and get all the answers correct on the 14-question quiz on how to use Binance Futures.

    3. Complete the verification process

    Click Profile and then Verification. Follow the steps and fill in your personal information. A government-issued ID (e.g. a passport) and address proof must be provided, and you must also pass the facial recognition test.

    4. Make a deposit into your Binance account

    Binance allows you to deposit fiat or cryptocurrencies into your account. To deposit, click on your profile and go to Dashboard. Under Fund your Account, you can choose to Buy crypto using Mastercard, Visa, Google, or Apple Pay. Users can also choose to Deposit crypto from other exchanges or their hardware wallet.

    5. Start trading

    On Binance Futures, choose between USDⓈ-M and COIN-M Futures Contracts. On the top left-hand corner (marked in yellow), you can choose which futures contract to trade.

    Choose which futures contract to trade
    Choose which futures contract to trade (Source: Binance)

    On the left-hand side, there are various tools to help you identify patterns or trades such as trend lines, arrows, or Fibonacci retracement. You can use these tools to annotate your charts.

    Binance Futures chart tools
    Binance Futures chart tools (Source: Binance)

    On the top right-hand side of the page, you can select the Margin Mode. Users can choose between Cross or Isolated margin modes. Cross-margin mode means that the entire margin balance will be shared across open positions. However, if there is a liquidation event, the risk is that their entire margin balance and any open positions may be lost. Isolated margin mode, on the other hand, allows traders to manage their risk on individual positions by restricting the amount of margin allocation. The benefit of isolated margin mode is that if a position is close to being liquidated, users can allocate additional margin to that position.

    Select Cross or Margin Mode on Binance Futures
    Select Cross or Margin Mode on Binance Futures (Source: Binance)

    Set your Leverage (if any) by clicking on the top right-hand corner. Traders can set the leverage from 1x to 125x. However, traders should be careful that setting high leverage could result in significant losses in the event of a liquidation.

    Set leverage on Binance Futures
    Set leverage on Binance Futures (Source: Binance)

    On the right-hand side of the page, you can also select the type of order (e.g. Limit, Market, Stop Limit, etc), the order price, and size. For a more automated yet managed trading experience, traders can also select TP/SL i.e. when to take profits, or stop loss. Finally, traders need to select between a Buy/Long, or Sell/Short order.

    Is Binance Futures safe?

    Binance Futures comes with security features expected from every reputable cryptocurrency exchange. Binance Futures requires users to have passed the KYC verification before they can start trading. Before trades are executed, users must also have enabled 2FA authentication and will be sent an Anti-Phishing Code for verification.

    Binance Futures also has a nearly US$300 million insurance fund to protect bankrupt traders from adverse losses. It also ensures that profits of winning traders are fully paid out.

    Finally, if users really need help, Binance offers customer support in 17 different languages via Live Chat or email.

    Conclusion

    Trading futures contracts are a great way for cryptocurrency traders to profit from fluctuations in cryptocurrency prices. Furthermore, Binance Futures is a popular exchange for traders of any level to trade futures since they have a large number of trading pairs. Binance Futures also has the benefit of a huge insurance fund, helpful tutorials, and customer support to ensure that customers have a straightforward and secure trading experience.

    Enjoy 20% off fees when signing up for Binance with the following link!

  • Crypto Futures Trading: What is it?

    Crypto Futures Trading: What is it?

    Crypto futures trading is a type of derivative financial contract. It creates an obligation for the parties to exchange the crypto asset at a predetermined price and date. In this article, we look at what is crypto futures trading.

    What is futures trading?

    Futures are generally named based on the month they expire. For example, a March crude oil futures contract will expire in March and is based on crude oil as an underlying asset. You can also find contracts for other commodities. 

    Traders use the term futures broadly for a whole asset class. And there are multiple futures contracts available based on different types of assets. For example: 

    • Commodities such as crude oil, corn, and wheat;
    • US bonds, or any other government-backed financial bond;
    • Precious commodities like silver and gold; and
    • Index futures such as the Dow Jones Industrial Index.

    For example, a BTCUSD quarterly contract uses BTC as an underlying asset and expires quarterly.

    What is crypto futures trading?

    In crypto futures trading, traders can gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without actually needing to possess the underlying crypto asset. However, there are risks involved with futures trading such as high price volatility.

    Traders use futures trading to take advantage and profit from market movements by going either long or short on a futures contract. Going “long” means that a trader purchases a futures contract expecting that it would increase in value in the future. On the other hand, a trader going “short” means they are hoping prices will drop.

    Here is an example of a futures contract:

    Adam enters into a long futures position when BTC was trading at US$15,000 whilst Bob enters into a short futures position. BTC prices rose to US$20,000 and both Adam and Bob agree to settle their positions. For Adam, BTC was worth more at settlement than when he entered the long position. So Adam makes a profit of US$5,000 from the exchange, being the price difference between the two times. On the other hand, Bob is holding a losing trade since he was holding a short position. So Bob must instead pay the exchange the deficit loss of US$5,000.

    Crypto futures trading
    Crypto futures trading (Source: Binance)

    Difference between options and futures contracts trading

    Futures and options contracts are not the same. An options contract does not impose an obligation on the buyer or the seller. Rather, an options contract gives the parties the option to buy or sell a crypto asset at a fixed price on a specified expiry date. There are 2 types of options contracts: call contracts which give traders the right to buy, and put options which give traders the right to sell.

    On the other hand, in a futures contract, the buyer has to take possession of the underlying asset, and the seller has to sell that asset. The parties can settle for the cash equivalent, which is what happens on most cryptocurrency exchanges. However, the trade must take place. 

    Pros of crypto futures trading

    Here are some benefits (pros) of crypto futures trading:

    • Crypto futures contracts allow traders to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies and possibly profit from their price movements without holding the cryptocurrency itself.
    • Traders can bet against the direction of the market and profit from it. Long traders predict the price of a crypto asset will increase. Whist traders which go short would profit if prices drop.
    • Trading crypto futures with leverage allows traders to potentially have more gains with only a fraction of the total cost. This, however, comes with risks.

    Cons of crypto futures trading

    Here are some risks (cons) of crypto futures trading:

    • Cryptocurrency markets can be very volatile. And unlike traditional markets, cryptocurrencies are traded 24 hours a day. This means traders must constantly check the direction of the market.
    • Leveraged trading is very risky and could lead to substantial losses.

    Conclusion

    Crypto futures trading is a good way to gain exposure to cryptocurrency trading without holding the underlying cryptocurrency. It is also a hugely popular financial product that is offered on most crypto exchanges. Traders however should take extra care and ensure they have appropriate trading risk mitigation strategies in place to manage their portfolios. You would never invest more than you can afford to lose, especially when cryptocurrency markets are by nature extremely volatile.

  • Crypto funding rates: How it works and how to earn passive income

    Crypto funding rates: How it works and how to earn passive income

    Funding rates are periodic payments by cryptocurrency exchanges to traders based on the difference between the perpetual contract market and spot prices. Depending on your standpoint, you could either stand to receive payment or be the party paying it. Many cryptocurrency traders take advantage of crypto funding rates to earn passive income. In this guide, we look at how crypto funding rates work and how you can earn passive income from them.

    What are traditional futures vs perpetual futures contracts in crypto trading?

    To understand what is a funding rate, we must first know the difference between Traditional Futures and Perpetual Futures contracts. 

    A key feature of traditional futures contracts is the expiration date. Traditional Futures contracts usually settle (expire) once a month or quarter. And when this happens, the settlement procedure begins. During this settlement period, the contract price converges with the spot price and then all open positions will expire.

    Crypto-derivative exchanges like Binance often provide Perpetual Futures contracts, which have a similar structure to Traditional Futures contracts. Perpetual contracts, on the other hand, have a significant advantage. The advantage of perpetual contracts is that they do not have an expiry date. So traders can, for example, keep a short position open indefinitely unless they are liquidated.

    Furthermore, Traditional Futures usually have a broker who will ask the trader to top up the amount accordingly based on “margin calls” i.e. the margin difference between the contract price and the spot price.

    Due to the fact that perpetual futures contracts never settle or expire, cryptocurrency exchanges require a system to ensure that futures and index prices converge on a regular basis. This is where the concept of the funding rate comes in.

    What is a Funding Rate?

    Funding rates are periodic payments to long traders, which predict the market will go up, and short traders, which foresee the market will go down. The funding rate amount is based on the difference between the perpetual contract market and spot prices. So, depending on the traders’ position, they can either stand to pay or receive the funding rate.

    When the funding rate is positive, the price of the perpetual contract is greater than the mark price. In such cases, long traders pay short traders. Conversely, the funding rate is negative when perpetual prices are below the mark price. This is when the short traders pay the long traders.

    Why do Funding Rates Exist?

    Futures contracts expire (settle) at a future date. When this happens, the futures price will meet with the current spot price. That is, the futures price is a predetermined spot price at a predetermined date in the future.

    The futures market can be in one of two states relative to the spot price:

    • Contango: The futures market is trading above the spot price; or
    • Backwardation: The futures market is trading below the spot price.

    The difference between the futures and spot market is called the “basis”.

    Whilst perpetual contracts do not expire, they still need to settle at a spot price. However, there are sometimes differences in the cryptocurrency’s prices between the spot and futures prices on an exchange. This is despite the fact that they should be in line since they need to settle against each other over time.

    Therefore, to keep the spot price and the perpetual contract prices in line, exchanges add an interest rate component (i.e. a funding rate). This funding rate incentivizes traders to take positions that help close the price gap, whilst penalizing those that do the opposite. In essence:

    • When the funding rate is positive, those who are long pay those who are short. This means those who are short will benefit. Therefore, people are incentivized to take short positions; and
    • When the funding rate is negative, those who are short pay those who are long. So if you are in a long position, you will receive the funding paid by those who are short.

    Traders try to avoid paying the “penalty” by closing their long or short positions before the funding rate expires. When traders do this, the prices between the contracts and spot prices will begin to converge.

    For example, when the contracts price is above the spot price, the funding rate is positive. In such cases, those who are long pay those who are short. Traders with long positions are encouraged to close their positions before the funding rate expires to avoid paying those with short positions. Meanwhile, traders are incentivized to open short positions because they can receive payment. The effect of this is that the contracts price will be pushed down and the gap between that and the spot price will be closed.

    On the other hand, when the contract price is below the spot price, the funding rate is negative. Shorts will pay the longs. Therefore, traders with short positions will try and close their positions to avoid payment and open long positions to receive payment. Thus, the contract price will be increased to meet the spot price.

    What is the Purpose of Funding Rates?

    The purpose of funding rates is to prevent continued divergence in the perpetual contract market and the spot price for a cryptocurrency. And since prices of cryptocurrencies are consistently fluctuating, the funding rate has to be recalculated periodically. For example, some exchanges like Binance will recalculate their funding rates every 8 hours.

    How to Make Money and Earn Passive Income from Funding Rates

    One tip to make some “passive income” from funding rates is to buy AND short the exact same amount of the cryptocurrency you put your money on. 

    This method balances the positive and negative funding rates, where technically you do not have a position in that particular cryptocurrency market since it is counterbalanced. 

    However, your short trading will get paid on an hourly basis. So, you can get “passive income” on the side, even though overall it mostly turns out to be net value since you have the positive trades too. 

    A lot of large trading firms use this defunding method to get large sums of money quickly. 

    Conclusion

    Crypto funding rates are an integral feature of the perpetual futures market Most cryptocurrency exchanges use funding rates to ensure that contract prices are always in line with spot prices. In turn, traders can benefit from taking advantage of funding rates to earn some passive income with funding fees.

    To learn more about how to profit from funding rates on different exchanges, check out these articles:

  • Proof-of-Reserves Explained: Essential for Crypto Exchanges

    Proof-of-Reserves Explained: Essential for Crypto Exchanges

    In light of the FTX collapse, cryptocurrency exchanges are implementing proof-of-reserves (PoR) as a form of on-chain accounting that shows their entire holdings and customers’ assets. As centralized entities, this is a big step towards a more transparent crypto ecosystem, but some argue it might not be enough to regain investor trust. In this article, we will explain how PoR works and why it matters.

    What is Proof-of-Reserves (PoR)?

    Proof-of-reserves (PoR) is a cryptographic method to verify that an exchange has enough assets to cover all customers’ deposits. In doing so, the exchange ensures customers they have sufficient liquidity on hand to process all withdrawals, should a bank run occur.

    This came to light after FTX secretly used $10 billion of customer funds to prop up its sister company Alameda Research, which ultimately led to a liquidity crunch amidst mass withdrawals.

    This has left the crypto community wondering what other crypto exchanges might be doing with customer assets. As a result, Binance CEO Chengpeng Zhao (CZ) urged all crypto exchanges to do PoR, albeit Kraken was one of the first exchanges to prove their reserves in February 2022.

    How Does Proof-of-Reserves Work?

    Proof-of-reserves essentially involves taking a snapshot of all balances held on the exchange which are aggregated into a Merkle tree — a data structure designed to encapsulate and encrypt data. These Merkle trees, also known as hash trees, function as a map of the exchanges’ assets and liabilities (customers’ tokens).

    From there, a Merkle root is obtained, which is a cryptographic fingerprint that uniquely identifies the combination of these balances at the time when the snapshot was taken. Afterwards, digital signatures produced by the exchange are collected, which prove ownership over the on-chain addresses with publicly verifiable balances. To put it simply, the exchange discloses these addresses and provides proof that they have access to the associated private key.

    Because Merkle trees are part of blockchain technology, anyone can compare and verify if these balances exceed or match the customers’ balances represented in the Merkle tree. In the case of crypto exchanges, this process is either self-attested by the exchange or carried out by an independent third-party audit. As of now, most crypto exchanges have been working with Nansen, a blockchain analytics platform, for their PoR audit.

    Downsides of Proof-of-Reserves

    Although proof-of-reserves is certainly a step in the right direction, there are still several improvements that could be made to enhance transparency and trust.

    Proof-of-Reserves are Pointless without Proof of Liabilities

    A proof-of-reserve audit without disclosure of total liabilities, not just customers’ tokens, does not paint a full picture of an exchange’s solvency. This would include anything the exchange owes such as debts and taxes. Kraken CEO Jesse Powell expressed that Binance’s PoR is pointless without liabilities. This is also in reference to other platforms publishing their PoR without mentioning any liabilities. He also added that accounts with negative balances must also be included in the sum of total liabilities.

    However, the problem is that these liabilities are NOT on-chain, which means an independent auditor has to step in. At that point, crypto exchanges will have to provide the same proof as all public and regulated companies provide — audited financial statements. (Clonazepam) Coinbase is one of the few exchanges to do this. Since they are a public company subject to U.S. regulations, they have already been proving their reserves using balance sheets audited by the SEC.

    Therefore, the most reliable way to prove an exchange’s assets are more than its liabilities is via third-party auditors. In fact, CZ responded to Powell’s comments that Binance would involve third-party auditors to audit their PoR results.

    Proof-of-Reserves Audits Can be Falsified

    Although the cryptographic proof do not lie, it can be manipulated and framed to look healthy. There is the issue of crypto exchanges moving their funds right after the snapshot for the audit was taken. Recently, Crypto.com mistakenly transferred 280,000 ETH to a Gate.io address after it released its proof-of-reserves audit. Many speculated that exchanges were borrowing assets to show a healthy balance sheet, only to return them after the snapshot.

    Moreover, a PoR audit is only as good as its verifier. There is also the issue of exchanges colluding with third-party audits to produce false results. Unless the exchange is audited by a reputable source such as the Big Four accounting firms, we will just have to take their word for it.

    Proof-of-Reserves Do Not Prevent Customer Fund Misappropriation

    Even then, audits and attestations may not suffice. At its core, crypto exchanges are not the same as banks — crypto is not insured by government depositary schemes. Even if all the steps are done correctly, customers can still lose their crypto if mishandled.

    Merkle tree-based PoR would not prevent the misappropriation of customer funds completely. It only tracks the money, providing information. It does not provide customers with greater control over their funds. If the exchange is caught in the act, you would not be able to get your crypto back as it is likely to be tied up in litigation.

    Not your keys, not your crypto. We strongly suggest keeping your crypto on hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano S, Trezor One or Trezor Model T.

    Why Proof-of-Reserves is Crucial

    At the end of the day, proof-of-reserves is the first step towards a more transparent crypto ecosystem. In effect, it functions as a verification tool to filter out fraudulent crypto exchanges, albeit not completely.

    By leveraging blockchain technology, PoR brings crypto exchanges closer to the treasuries of DeFi protocols, allowing anyone to trace funds on-chain at any time. However, there is much to improve in this aspect. But with on-demand, real-time tracking of exchange reserves, the industry is working towards a decentralized and trustless system, where customers do not need to trust the institution, only the math.

  • Binance Funding Rates: What is it and how to profit from it?

    Binance Funding Rates: What is it and how to profit from it?

    Binance is the world’s most visited and used centralized cryptocurrency exchange in the world. The exchange has over 2 billion average daily volume and over 1.4 million transactions per second. The Binance ecosystem includes not only Binance exchange, but also BNB Chain, Trust Wallet, Binance card, and more. Many crypto traders like to take advantage of an exchange’s funding rates and fees to earn some profit and passive income. In this article, we look at how Binance funding rates and fees work, and how to profit from it.

    Sign up for Binance and enjoy 20% off fees!

    What is Binance?

    Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and Ye He founded Binance in 2017. Since then, Binance has become the world’s most popular cryptocurrency exchange with the largest organic trading volume. Binance is available in most countries, including the United States under Binance.us (with the exception of a few states). The exchange also supports 600 cryptocurrencies on its international site and over 130 cryptocurrencies on Binance.us.

    What are crypto funding rates?

    Crypto funding rates are periodic payments of the price difference between perpetual contract markets and spot prices. Funding payments are made either to/by long or short traders depending on the funding rate.

    Funding rates exist to align the perpetual contract price to the spot price. If the perpetual contract trading price is higher than the spot price, long position holders would pay short position holders. Conversely, if the perpetual contract trading price is lower than the spot price, short position holders pay long position holders.

    Learn more about crypto funding rates with our article: Crypto funding rates: How it works and how to earn passive income

    What are Binance funding rates?

    As mentioned above, the purpose of funding rates is to prevent continued differences between the price s fo the perpetual contract markets and spot prices. Therefore, crypto funding rates are periodically recalculated. Binance recalculates its funding rates every 8 hours.

    Users can locate the funding rate, and when the funding interval expires at the top of the Binance Futures page. So as seen in the below screenshot, the funding rate is -0.0014% and the funding period will expire in 3 hours 26 minutes.

    Binance funding rate and expiry
    Binance funding rate and expiry (Source: Binance)

    How does Binance calculate the funding rate?

    Binance calculates the funding rate based on two factors: The interest rate, and the premium.

    Binance Futures generally fixes the interest rate at 0.03% per day (i.e. 0.01 per funding interval). However, for BNBUSDT and BNBUSD, the interest rate is 0%. Meanwhile, the premium fluctuates depending on the price difference between the perpetual contract and the mark price. A large difference, or spread, equates to a high premium. On the other hand, a low premium means there is only a narrow difference between the two prices.

    When the funding rate is positive, it means that the price of the perpetual contract is higher than the mark price. Whereas if the funding rate is negative, the perpetual prices are below the mark price.

    Binance uses the following formula to calculate funding rates:

    Funding Amount= Nominal Value of Positions x Funding Rate

    Where Nominal Value of Positions= Mark Price x Contract Size

    How are Binance funding rates paid?

    When the funding rate is positive, long traders pay short traders. On the other hand, when the funding rate is negative, the short traders pay the longs. On Binance, funding rates are paid between users i.e. peer-to-peer. This means Binance does not take any fees from users paying or receiving the funding rates.

    Funding payments are made every 8 hours at 00:00 UTC, 08:00 UTC, and 16:00 UTC. However, this can be subject to change in cases of extreme market volatility. Traders must have open positions 15 seconds before or after the specified funding times in order to be liable to pay or receive any funding fees.  

    How to profit from Binance funding rates?

    The purpose of funding rates is to encourage traders to take positions that allow the perpetual contract prices to be in line with the spot market. So, traders can develop strategies that allow them to take advantage of funding rates and profit from it.

    How to be notified of Binance funding rates

    Binance offers a notification feature where they will send you an email/SMS/in-app notification when the funding rate reaches a certain percentage. To activate this feature, log in to your account and go to “Derivatives” and then “USDⓈ-M Futures”. Then, click on the “notification” button, “preference” and then “notification”. Here, you can set the funding fee trigger. The default trigger is 0.25%, meaning that Binance will send you a notification when the funding rate reaches 0.25%.

    Crypto funding rate trends

    Crypto funding rates are correlated with the price trend of the underlying asset, as seen from historical data. So the spot market generally dictates the funding rate.

    Binance historical funding rates
    Binance historical funding rates (Source: Binance)

    The above diagram shows the correlation between Binance’s funding rates and Bitcoin prices for the period from 20 December 2019 to 20 January 2020. As can be seen, the rise in funding rates corresponds to a Bitcoin price pump.

    Traders can see Binance’s historical funding rates here.

    Sign up for Binance and get 20% off fees!

  • Key Similarities and Differences Between FTX.com and FTX.us

    Key Similarities and Differences Between FTX.com and FTX.us

    FTX operates two exchange domains, including “FTX.com” for users outside of the US, and the US-regulated “FTX.us” for traders in the US. Although both domains are quite similar, there are a few notable differences in their features and functionalities.

    FTX cryptocurrency exchange first came onto the scene in 2019 as FTX.com. Since then, FTX cryptocurrency and derivatives exchange experienced tremendous growth in trading volumes and the number of registered users. FTX has increasingly hit several milestones on these metrics by providing innovative financial products for all types of crypto traders. The exchange offers leveraged tokens, futures trading, and many more features, including reduced trading fees and multiple ways to earn passive income. In 2020, FTX.us was launched specifically to be US Regulation compliant and to cater to US customers. 

    FTX EXCHANGE (INCLUDING FTX INTERNATIONAL AND FTX.US) ARE NO LONGER IN OPERATION

    Both exchanges have filed for bankruptcy. Subsequently, the exchange was “hacked” and more than US$600 million worth of cryptocurrencies drained. The hacker is strongly rumoured to be a former FTX employee. For more about how this story unfolded and the latest news, check out these articles:

    FTX.com and FTX.us: Who Are They For?

    Although both domains belong to the same platform, they cater to different groups of users. FTX.com is not available for traders in the US due to securities and crypto asset trading regulations imposed by the US government. US customers can only use the FTX.us exchange, as it complies with regulatory requirements. All features users enjoy on FTX.us are also available on FTX.com.

    FTX.com is more suitable for experienced traders since it is strictly a crypto derivatives trading platform with a higher risk of fund loss. Most of the financial products offered by FTX require substantial knowledge of the market and the crypto assets up for trading.

    Similarities Between FTX.com and FTX.us

    FTX.com and FTX.us offers similar features, including user-friendliness and an easy trading experience. Like many exchange platforms, they both feature a trading chart that provides various trading features, charting tools, and in-built indicators.

    Many traders opt for the FTX exchanges because both platforms offer convenient ways to control and track open trading positions. FTX also provides more order types than most crypto exchanges. Available order types include:

    • Market order
    • Limit order
    • Stop limit
    • Stop market
    • Trailing stop
    • Take profit
    • Take profit limit

    Another interesting feature is that they both allow the integration of API keys to automate trading using crypto trading bots. Both domains require users to complete a KYC verification process to start trading and withdrawing funds.

    Differences Between FTX.com and FTX.us?

    FTX and FTX.us are run by different companies, hence previous negotiations to buy out FTX international did not include FTX.us as part of the deal.

    The major difference between the .us and .com FTX exchanges is that FTX.com is a crypto derivatives platform where users can’t trade any real crypto. Users can only trade derivatives, which are secondary products that derive their value from these assets. On the other hand, FTX.us allows users to trade the actual underlying cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the two domains have a few differences regarding the following:

    • Trading pairs and contracts
    • Leverage and margin trading
    • Deposits and withdrawals
    • Trading fees

    Trading Pairs and Contracts

    FTX.com supports futures contracts trading for over 80 cryptocurrencies. Unlike many of its competitors, FTX.com allows futures trading for coins with low market caps. It also supports many fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, AUD, SGD, GBP, TRY, HKD, TRY, CHF, BRL, and CAD.

    One unique feature of the FTX.com platform is its MOVE contract, which allows users to trade market volatility. MOVE contracts represent the absolute value of the amount a crypto asset moves over a period. Additionally, the platform allows its users to trade leveraged ERC-20 tokens, which give traders leveraged exposure to the cryptocurrency market.

    On the other hand, FTX.us does not support as many currencies and contracts as its .com counterpart. The US version only supports about 24 cryptocurrencies and has fewer financial products than FTX.com.

    Leverage and Margin Trading

    FTX.com currently offers its users up to 101x leverage, with an initial maximum leverage of 10x by default. Traders may expand this leverage if their user accounts meet the platform’s requirements. With FTX.us, crypto traders can only get up to 10x leverage subject to specific terms and conditions.

    Deposits and Withdrawals

    FTX.com supports deposits in many cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and various stablecoins. The exchange promptly processes all deposits and withdrawals and does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees for Ether and ERC-20 tokens. For Bitcoin, all withdrawals of more than 0.01 BTC are free. Smaller withdrawals incur withdrawal fees only after the first free one for the day.

    FTX.com also allows users to deposit and withdraw in their local fiat currencies using bank wire transfers. USD transactions take one business day, while other currencies may take longer. Although there are no charges on deposits with FTX.com, fiat withdrawals below $10,000 incur a $75 fee.

    Deposits and withdrawals on FTX.us are also very fast. However, depositing and withdrawing USD can take up to two weekdays. Like FTX.com, FTX.us also charges a fee for USD deposits completed via wire transfer. Users can make one free withdrawal of less than $5,000 per rolling week period. Additional withdrawals cost $25, but all withdrawals above $5,000 are free.

    Trading Fees

    FTX.com uses a 6-tier structure for trading fees. Like many other crypto exchanges, FTX.com gradually decreases the trading fees for its users based on their daily trading volume to encourage higher trading volumes. Tier 1 traders pay a taker fee of 0.07% and a maker fee of 0.02%, while traders in tier 6 only pay 0.04% in taker fees.

    As for FTX.us, the platform generally charges its users higher fees. Although it operates a similar fee structure, FTX.us has 9 tiers. Tier 1 traders pay a maker fee of 0.1% and a taker fee of 0.2%, while traders in tier 9 pay only 0.05% in taker fees and no maker fee.

    Is FTX.us affected by the collapse of FTX International?

    As of 10th November 2022, when users go to FTX international, there will be a banner warning: “FTX is currently unable to process withdrawals. We strongly advise against depositing.”

    Now, when accessing the FTX.us website, there is now an announcement banner warning that, “…trading may be halted on FTX US in a few days. Please close down any positions you want to close down. Withdrawals are and will remain open. We will give updates as we have them.”

    Banner on FTX US website
    Banner on FTX US website

    However, Sam Bankman-Fried, Founder of FTX has tweeted that FTX US is unaffected by the crisis surrounding FTX International and that it is “100% liquid”.

    Nevertheless, many members of the crypto Twitter (CT) community are warning users to withdraw their funds from FTX.us as soon as possible. Given the current situation with FTX International, users of FTX.us are indeed urged to exercise caution and keep updated on any news from the team.