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Why The Intrepid Are Bullish On A ‘Crypto Summer’ In Winter

cryptocurrency unicoin

Why The Intrepid Are Bullish On A ‘Crypto Summer’ In Winter

Suppose you have a company in need of financing to take your innovative solutions to real-world problems to a broader audience and grow your business.

You could, in theory, go to the bank and find stodgy resistance to your request for a loan – and then, of course, face interest rates that would eat up all your profits.

You may have alternatively heard a lot about bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies – and then likely, most recently, about Sam Bankman-Fried. Then you look a little deeper and find Ethereum’s Decentralized Autonomous Organization, first reading about the $168 million in investments and then about the hack attack that led to a $50 million loss and the currency’s demise.

If only there were a cryptocurrency backed by legitimate assets – a cryptocurrency that had the same type of backing as a bank, but with a lot more flexibility.

Then you learn there is such a currency – and that it is structured democratically such that individual holders of this currency can choose to help you fund your project; that it is not just the board of directors who decides your fate.

Not long ago, such a currency was a dream, but today, that dream has come true, thanks, in part, to a group of investors who pooled some of their assets to roll out the Unicoin two years ago.

By 2025, over $525 million worth of Unicoins will have been sold, according to the company website. Now, others appear to be copying the template to create additional asset-backed cryptocurrencies.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Argentine-born entrepreneur Silvina Moschini, who created the enterprise, ‘Unicoin’. Her group was already in the business of finding quality enterprises that wanted to go public but needed a direct pathway to diversified investors from around the world.

Early on, her Executive Leadership Team saw how Web3 blockchain technologies and token-based economics are opening up wealth creation opportunities that cut across traditional pathways and provide access for first-time and experienced investors alike.

In 2021, Moschini and several other entrepreneurs unveiled a streaming televised series they called Unicorn Hunters, which Real Screen described as mixing “entertainment with the potential for consumers [as well as the show’s entrepreneurs] to back select pre-IPO investment opportunities.”

In February 2022, the panel went on to introduce the Unicoin, which fellow Unicorn Hunter and legendary Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says is an asset-backed cryptocurrency tied to the financial results of the companies in which they and their viewers have invested. As these assets grow and pay dividends, the value of each Unicoin grows with them.

By contrast, the value of the dollar, the currency of traditional banks, shrinks with every inflationary move of the federal government.

As a corporation, Unicoin acquires a 5 percent equity stake in the companies it promotes to the investor community. Individuals can choose to diversify their own risk through Unicoin or via direct investment in those companies.

But Unicoin is far more than a tool for investing in promising businesses. Moschini says, “We think like financiers. We are building here under Unicoin a basket of high-growth potential assets already well known for retaining value and generating revenue.”

“We can,” says Moschini, “use unicoins to buy advertising, including billboards in airports using Unicoin as currency. We can use AI to develop initiatives to match investors with opportunities suited to their goals. Ultimately by decentralizing the coin, we can react to a fast-changing environment in real time.”

Again – traditional banks, by contrast, rely on a bureaucracy that moves much more slowly.

Unicoin also recently introduced a real estate investing platform that allows people to invest real estate into Unicoin, essentially swapping their real estate for coins. Already this platform has brought into the fold a five-star hotel in Thailand and a copper mine in Argentina among other globe-spanning initiatives wholly via coin swapping.

Unicoin does all this utilizing a highly decentralized team in the creative industry that includes developers from central and eastern Europe and other team members in nations such as Canada, Brazil, Colombia, the U.S., and Argentina.

Moschini, citing as an example how Facebook replaced MySpace, stated that Unicoin is driving this second generation of crypto – built on transparency and backed with tangible assets – in-part thanks to learning from the mistakes that caused first-generation cryptocurrencies to falter.

A primary goal now is working with lawmakers to craft a regulatory framework that does not stifle investment, but protects investors from fraudulent activity. Unicoin’s own assets are subject to auditing, which, along with transparency in transactions, must become the regulatory norm.

While Unicoin has grown rapidly, and the value of each unicoin has increased by 4,900%, Moschini envisions further expansion into such items as luxury-brand sneakers, sporting goods, and clothing – even Unicoin tee shirts – to build the brand.

Branding, she notes, along with effective communication, trust and engagement, are of paramount importance to building loyalty to the company.

Worldwide access via the Internet has changed the nature of the investing world, says Moschini. Addressing a Blockchain Expo in London earlier this week, “we were surprised to have so many investors stop by our booth.”

But then, investors in Unicoin already come from 160 of the world’s nations.

Unicoin is today applying for licenses in Dubai, indeed the United Kingdom (UK), and many other nations as part of its campaign to open up investment to the world’s masses. Their vision is to democratize access to wealth and to ensure that this vision remains central, as Unicoin diversifies and scales upward into assets far beyond real estate and IPOs – even possibly into carbon trading.

To the intrepid entrepreneurs entering the decentralized marketplace for the first time, or to the seasoned – I agree with Canadian businessman and ‘Shark Tank’ icon, self-made entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary’s recent proclamation on the future of digital finance – I too am bullish on crypto and in 2024, as the dust settles in what many considered the Wild West, with regulators clearing the field, it’s truly time for new, exciting, diverse and cross-industry endorsed “compliant platforms to unlock this sector’s true potential”.

bitcoin

Bitcoin Miners Seize Opportunities Amidst Cryptocurrency’s Rally Ahead of Halving

Bitcoin miners are capitalizing on the recent surge in cryptocurrency prices, breathing new life into the industry. As Bitcoin experiences a revitalized rally, mining companies are working fervently to secure profits before the upcoming “halving” event in April 2024, where rewards for producing Bitcoin will be halved.

Scheduled every four years, the halving is designed to slow the release of Bitcoin, given its capped supply of 21 million, with 19 million already mined. The urgency among miners is evident, with a push to maximize operations before the impending reduction in token rewards.

Gregory Lewis, an analyst at brokerage BTIG covering the 13 largest U.S.-listed Bitcoin miners, notes the rush to deploy mining rigs ahead of the halving. The hashrate, representing the computational power required to mine a coin, has reached an all-time high, indicating increased energy consumption as miners work to solve complex mathematical puzzles for Bitcoin production.

J.P. Morgan analysts report a record-breaking hashrate for 11 consecutive months, including a historic surge in October. Bitcoin’s price has climbed approximately 37% in the past month to around $37,000, sparking a renewed interest among miners to connect powerful computers and generate new coins.

Blockchain.com data reveals a steady improvement in the 30-day average revenue earned by miners, reaching an 18-month high at $32.46 million on November 11. Despite this positive trend, mining, being an energy-intensive process, remains less profitable than during its peak in 2021.

Miners, facing a competitive landscape, are exploring strategies to maintain profit margins before the halving. William Szamosszegi, CEO of mining company Sazmining, emphasizes the need for miners to operate at a high level to withstand the challenges posed by each halving.

Historically, Bitcoin prices have surged following halving events. With the upcoming reduction in rewards to 3.125 Bitcoin per block in April, mining companies are upgrading equipment and increasing hashrate power to stay competitive. Some are even relocating operations to Central American countries with more affordable energy prices and cryptocurrency-friendly governments.

Matteo Greco, an analyst at digital asset investment company Fineqia International, notes that the profitability increase has led many mining companies to upgrade equipment and boost hashrate power. However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain, as increased profitability often results in a rise in network hashrate and difficulty.

As the cryptocurrency market experiences a resurgence, Bitcoin miners are navigating the dynamic landscape to seize opportunities and maximize profits ahead of the halving event.

regulatory

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Cryptocurrencies: Global Perspectives and Implications

Across the world, cryptocurrency has sparked interest from investors, IT enthusiasts, and even average bystanders. Given the introduction of Bitcoin and the subsequent growth of alternative cryptocurrencies, it is difficult to ignore the potential of digital currency. The management of the regulatory framework, however, becomes more crucial for the success and continued usage of cryptocurrencies as the sector matures. From a global perspective, let’s look at the effects of bitcoin regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • Although cryptocurrencies have significantly increased in popularity, different nations have different regulatory systems.
  • Each regulatory strategy has its own repercussions, ranging from outright prohibitions to permissive restrictions.
  • For people and companies interested in cryptocurrencies, it is essential to understand the worldwide regulatory landscape.
  • Adopting unified rules is essential for widespread acceptance and the expansion of the bitcoin ecosystem. Countries may promote innovation, safeguard investors, and ease cross-border transactions by developing uniform and transparent regulatory frameworks across borders. This will eventually result in the development of a safe and healthy global crypto economy. To achieve harmonization and realize the full potential of cryptocurrencies, coordination and collaboration between governments and international organizations are crucial.


The Varying Regulations

There isn’t a mechanism for cryptocurrency regulation that is applicable everywhere. A variety of administrations’ strategies have resulted in a patchwork of legal frameworks. Here are a few standout examples:

  • United States: Different authorities in the US regulate various facets of cryptocurrencies, creating a complicated regulatory environment. Some tokens are categorized as securities by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), whereas derivative goods are the purview of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
  • China: China has tightened regulations in an effort to curb speculation and maintain control over its financial sector. Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are now subject to strict regulations, and cryptocurrency exchanges are no longer permitted.
  • Switzerland: Switzerland is recognized for its crypto-friendly environment and has taken a proactive position. It has established an open regulatory framework that promotes the growth of global blockchain projects and allows the establishment of bitcoin businesses.

The Effects of Regulatory Methodologies

 There are significant repercussions to the differing regulatory techniques employed by different countries. Let’s look at a few key issues:

  • Market confidence: Market confidence may be created through open policies that promote investment and company expansion. On the other side, draconian regulations or outright bans might hinder progress.
  • Protection vs. Innovation: It can be challenging to strike the right balance between promoting innovation and protecting investors. Although rules protect individuals from fraud and scams, having too many restrictions may impede technological advancement.
  • Global competitiveness: Because cryptocurrencies have no physical borders, nations who adopt them may have an advantage over rivals. A nation may become a hub for the cryptocurrency sector by implementing progressive policies that draw investors and encourage innovation.

Vechain’s Ascent

Vechain is a well-known cryptocurrency that is causing a stir in the market. A blockchain network called Vechain (VET), which specializes in supply chain management, has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The platform makes use of blockchain technology to improve supply chains’ traceability, transparency, and effectiveness. Vechain has established collaborations with well-known businesses including Walmart China, BMW, and H&M because of its distinctive features. The term “Vechain” has come to represent supply chain systems driven by blockchain, which are changing many different sectors.

Harmonizing Adoption Laws Around the World

The necessity for unified laws across borders is becoming more urgent as cryptocurrencies are incorporated more deeply into our digital environment. Harmonization would provide a uniform and understandable regulatory framework that would encourage widespread adoption and ease cross-border trade. A secure and successful global crypto economy may be achieved by governments harmonizing their regulatory frameworks in order to promote innovation, safeguard investors, and address the problems brought on by decentralized digital currencies.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the regulatory environment is vital for both people and companies as the crypto industry continues to develop. One can traverse the complexity and make wise selections by being educated and responding to the changing requirements. It’s important to keep in mind the following:

  • Conduct rigorous research to stay up to date with changes to the legal system in your country and the crypto industry as a whole.
  • Obtain legal advice: You might want to do this if you work in the bitcoin industry to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
  • Recognize innovation, but do it responsibly. It’s critical to uphold moral principles and safeguard your assets, even when laws may differ from one country to another.
  • Regulatory frameworks will continue to change as long as cryptocurrencies are a new phenomenon. You may confidently navigate the ever-changing waters of the cryptocurrency industry by remaining informed and accepting the possibilities and difficulties that present themselves.

 

crypto

Crypto Security in the Current Climate: What Today’s Investors Should Know

Crypto users are faced with a near constant barrage of threats including widespread phishing schemes, targeted attacks from scammers impersonating friends & application support staff, malware crawling for improperly secured private keys, and speculative meme coins with a sole purpose to build market liquidity for early entrants to dump on retail investors. Thankfully, as attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, those who aim to defend against bad actors are developing advanced tools to educate and protect consumers. Here are a few examples of the most common scenarios to protect yourself against, as well as how the crypto space is evolving to stay ahead of the curve.

It is important to understand the distinction between holding cryptocurrency on centralized exchanges and holding it in your own wallet through self-custody. The easiest way to get into crypto is to make an account on a centralized exchange and buy some tokens. However there is significant risk in leaving investments on a centralized exchange. Centralized exchanges often lack transparency in accounting and lead to traditional ‘web2’ style fraud as we saw with FTX collapse, which was echoed by the collapses of traditional banking institutions throughout the world. However, once a crypto user withdraws their tokens to their own self-custody wallet they are faced with the responsibility of avoiding phishing campaigns, protocol hacks, private key leaks, and more.

Phishing campaigns range from widespread campaigns to targeted attacks. Recently I have encountered malicious Google Ads which redirect users from legitimate websites to perfect clones which prompt the user to confirm transactions in their wallet which send all of their assets to an attacker. There are also scammers posing as benevolent actors warning users that an application they recently used has been compromised and they need to withdraw all of their funds immediately. The site the scammers send the user to looks identical to the application with which they are familiar, which then prompts them to confirm the same style of malicious transactions.

Even when users connect to legitimate applications, they are not safe from protocol vulnerabilities and accidental introduction of bad code through protocol updates. In the last year there have been network bridges and decentralized exchanges which introduced unaudited updates to their codebase which were soon exploited by bad actors, draining all the deposits of users.

An ongoing problem with crypto wallets is that transactions are impossible to decipher for the vast majority of users. People have become accustomed to clicking ‘confirm’ on opaque blobs of hex data, trusting that the application is telling them the truth. Wallets are starting to get smarter, and there are now tools people can install on their computers, or networks people can connect their wallets to which help filter out mistakes and hacks. The Shield3 RPC is a free tool that people can use to filter out common hacks and interactions with known bad actors (https://www.shield3.com/transaction-guard).

Also, like many fields, AI is helping. Decentralized finance applications provide unprecedented transparency and data availability to train and adapt models for common mistakes by developers, attack patterns by bad actors, and penetration testing by benevolent hackers. For example, one can now visit a blockchain explorer, copy the code of a smart contract from a popular DeFi app, and paste it into ChatGPT, asking it to find potential ways the code can be exploited. One can also ingest all of the data about all smart contracts and transactions in existence, and identify patterns and transactions that lead to a major hack. Specifically, when someone is about to attack a protocol there are often a series of transactions where they create a new anonymous wallet using a private transaction service, like Tornado Cash, then prepare their wallet to exploit a protocol. Protocols can defend themselves by detecting these patterns and pausing the protocol before the exploit can take place, then implement fixes before unpausing.

However while this data is widely available, it is near impossible to understand for the vast majority of users. AI tools allow us to take the insights from threat analysis and detection tools and present them in language which is personalized and comprehensible to everyone, regardless of their level of technical sophistication. We can take highly technical audit reports and data streams and have large language models summarize the threat in any language, for any audience.

These tools allow us to both detect threats faster and more efficiently than ever before, and democratize access to the insights to make security and risk mitigation widely available.

About the author

Isaac Patka is a former electrical engineer in the semiconductor industry, turned crypto dev in early 2017; specializing in web3 security, DAOs, and experimental applications of blockchain technology. Isaac is an active contributor to open standards in the governance and security fields of web3. He entered the Ethereum space in 2017 by hunting bug bounties for experimental new smart contracts. Ever since then he has used his passion for accessible, transparent security to demonstrate both what can go wrong, and how to fix it. Last year he published a ‘white hat’ exploit of a popular smart contract framework that manages billions of dollars in the crypto space. Citation:https://law.mit.edu/pub/exploitinginattentionandmisconfigurations/release/1

He also volunteers his efforts to help people recover from losing their private keys and access funds in leaked wallets. In addition, he collaborates with artists in their exploration and creation of crypto-native forms of art, often exploring collective creation, intellectual property, and ownership.

finance

Cryptocurrencies and their Impact on Global Economics and Finance

Cryptocurrencies have had a big influence on economics and finance because they provide new and creative methods for individuals to invest and interact in a decentralized fashion. During the past few years, the popularity of these digital assets has skyrocketed, with Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, driving the movement.

The rise of cryptocurrencies has put established financial institutions and their command over the currency under pressure, and it is altering how individuals perceive and engage with financial systems. This article will examine the effects of cryptocurrencies on international finance and economics as well as their potential in the future.

As per studies, global cryptocurrency adoption rates have been estimated at an average of 4.2%, indicating that there are over 420 million cryptocurrency users across the world. This surge in adoption has led to an increase in the number of merchants accepting cryptocurrencies as a form of payment, further fueling the growth of the industry. 

 

The remittance sector is another place where cryptocurrencies are having a big influence. Sending money across international boundaries has always included exorbitant fees and protracted processing delays. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, provide a more affordable and quicker alternative, with some platforms providing nearly instantaneous transfers for a small fraction of the cost of conventional techniques.

Moreover, cryptocurrencies have the potential to improve financial inclusion by providing access to financial services for those who are unbanked or underbanked.

Over 2.5 billion persons worldwide do not have access to formal financial services, according to the World Bank. These people may be able to join in the global financial system with the help of cryptocurrencies, giving them access to a variety of financial services including savings accounts, loans, and insurance.

Despite the potential advantages, cryptocurrencies have come under fire and encountered difficulties. The absence of regulation, which has resulted in problems like market volatility, fraud, and illegal activities including money laundering and terrorism funding, is one of the main causes for worry. To give investors and consumers more certainty and stability, several nations are currently developing legal frameworks for cryptocurrencies.

The energy usage of cryptocurrency is another issue. High energy usage is caused by the mining process, which includes solving challenging mathematical equations to validate transactions and produce new currencies. According to research by the University of Cambridge, the yearly energy consumption of the Bitcoin network alone is comparable to that of Argentina as a whole. Yet some cryptocurrencies, like Cardano, are looking at more energy-efficient options, such proof-of-stake, which consumes less energy than conventional proof-of-work techniques.

The need for safe and convenient wallets to store and handle cryptocurrency has grown along with the adoption of cryptocurrencies. For instance, a digital wallet called a Bitcoin wallet enables users to send, receive, and keep Bitcoin. Hardware, software, and mobile wallets are just a few of the several kinds of Bitcoin wallets available. While they keep the private keys offline, hardware wallets are seen to be the most secure choice because they are less susceptible to virus and hacker assaults.

Security and Decentralization

The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies is one of their distinguishing characteristics. Cryptocurrencies are not governed by any central authority, unlike conventional financial systems that are, for example, regulated by banks or governments. As a result, they are more secure and impervious to fraud and hacker efforts since they run on a decentralized network of computers. This gives users more control over their money because transactions are clear, safe, and unchangeable.

The high level of security that cryptocurrencies offer is another important advantage. Advanced cryptography is used to safeguard transactions, making it almost hard to hack or modify them. In addition, using cryptocurrency gives consumers total privacy and anonymity, enabling them to conduct transactions without the help of a third-party mediator. This is a big benefit since it gets rid of the requirement for expensive and time-consuming verification procedures, which greatly lowers transaction costs.

Global Economics and Finance Influence

Cryptocurrencies have the ability to upend established financial institutions by giving users access to brand-new, cutting-edge methods of investing and transacting. They provide quicker and more affordable methods of sending money throughout the world, doing away with the need for expensive middlemen like banks or money transfer businesses. Also, they provide consumers more control over their finances, lowering the chance of fraud or theft. In nations with troubled financial systems or high rates of corruption, this is especially crucial.

In addition, cryptocurrency users have access to fresh markets thanks to the unique investment options it offers. They give investors a means of reducing risk exposure and diversifying their investments. Also, during the past few years, the price of cryptocurrencies has increased significantly, giving investors huge returns on their investments. More individuals are investing in cryptocurrencies as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty as a result, which has increased interest in them.

Cryptocurrencies, however, also present a number of difficulties for conventional financial systems. Concerns regarding their usage in unlawful activities including money laundering and terrorism funding have arisen because to the absence of legislation and control. Furthermore, because to their extreme volatility, which causes values to change dramatically over short time periods, cryptocurrencies are a dangerous investment. Concerns regarding the stability of the cryptocurrency market and its effect on the world’s financial institutions have arisen as a result of this.

Conclusion

With new and creative ways for consumers to transact and invest, cryptocurrencies are revolutionizing the fields of finance and economics.

investment

6 Areas of Interest for Progressive Investors in 2023

The last few years haven’t been kind to the stock market. Stakeholders face an uphill battle trying to find profitable investment opportunities as big tech, cryptocurrency, and other once-hot markets have continued to fall. 

2023 could bring a breath of fresh air to progressive investors, as these six areas of interest might take a leap in the new year.

  • Talent Development

One of the main reasons for the current supply chain stagnation and economic decline is a global labor shortage across the board. White-collar and blue-collar industries alike desperately need more experienced hands. Companies have responded by investing more heavily in talent development.

About 60% of supply chain professionals report struggling to find workers with operational experience, according to a survey of 350 businesses conducted by global logistics firm DHL. In response to their hiring struggles, these businesses have sought to bolster their talent pipelines in several key ways:

  • Laying out clear career paths for new hires.
  • Providing more education and training opportunities.
  • Partnering with expert talent development specialists.
  • Building a stronger company culture.

These development efforts indicate that cloud software, video conferencing applications, and other online collaboration tools will remain profitable. These tools helped remote and hybrid work become more widely available employment options, and they could do the same for talent development in traditional work environments.

Training the next crop of laborers will be crucial for supply chains to return to normal operations. 2023 looks to be a big year for talent development as businesses seek more drastic measures to get their workforces back to full strength.

  • Renewable Energy Storage

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is gaining momentum as we enter 2023. 

Government intervention has played an important role, with legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act. This new bill seeks to build a clean energy economy with solar panels, wind turbines, and battery manufacturing plants.

As the energy transition continues, investments in storage will expand by necessity. Solar and wind energy can be sporadic depending on the weather, which means we must find ways to save excess energy from these sources for future use. This is perhaps the greatest obstacle preventing the widespread adoption of renewable energy.

Additionally, the batteries required to power large-scale solar and wind energy systems are heavy and fragile. A robust storage system is essential for their long-term functionality. Energy storage companies and manufacturers who supply the materials will naturally grow in demand as more families and businesses install their own renewable energy systems.

  • Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles also have a promising outlook in 2023. Sales reached all-time highs in 2022 and market analysts project that EVs will make up a majority of vehicle sales by 2030. Investing in EV manufacturers, including Tesla, General Motors, and Ford, will be a safe bet as these companies continue to put out new and improved models.

However, there might be greater profit potential in a few other areas. The rise of eco-friendly commercial fleets offers a potential solution to our stagnant supply chains. Lithium stocks will become more profitable as lithium-ion battery production ramps up to meet the demand for EVs. The global charging infrastructure also needs major improvements.

  • Campgrounds

The swift rise in EV sales is also strong evidence of a widespread shift in consumer attitudes. People are more eco-conscious than ever, which means they’re spending more time doing outdoor activities. People are also investing more time and money in their physical and mental well-being in the wake of COVID-19.

A ripple effect of investment opportunities could happen as EVs become mainstream. With more people on the roads, profitable investments will emerge in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Shares in vacation rentals, hotels, cruise ships, and resorts all expect to see growth, especially in emerging markets overseas.

As a result of shifting consumer attitudes, the outlook for campgrounds and other outdoor recreation properties looks promising. 2022 showed definite signs of life, as 50% of surveyed campers booked a trip in the last year, and that number is expected to increase in 2023.

  • Machine Automation

Inefficient technology is one of the main factors holding back our supply chains. A digital transformation could be on the horizon, though, as investments in machine automation are ramping up. This trend is happening across a wide range of industries, from higher education to retail to the health care sector.

Emerging automated tools like order management software make transactions more accurate and time-efficient. Rather than manually sending out hundreds of POs and invoices, we can let the software do these menial tasks for us. Shipments can go out and deliveries can come in more quickly with minimal human error involved.

Machine automation also increases visibility along the supply chain. High-volume supply chains are prone to many errors, especially when they go international. AI-powered tracking devices can send status alerts across the world to notify businesses about any damage or delays. This technology helps managers make timely adjustments and keep their products moving.

  • Web 3.0

2022 has been a rough year for big tech stocks, losing almost 30% of their value on the Nasdaq. High inflation and interest rates are the main reasons for big tech’s poor performance, but another reason is more intriguing – a lack of public trust in large corporations. Fewer people are enthusiastic about the idea of Apple, Google, and Amazon controlling the digital world.

In an attempt to level the playing field, investments in Web 3.0 have ramped up. The metaverse, Web 3.0’s defining feature, could decentralize the internet and open up new online worlds in both employment and educational settings. Communication, teamwork, and productivity all can improve inside these virtual workspaces.

Other industries that contribute to Web 3.0’s infrastructure are also interesting investments. Semiconductor companies such as Nvidia and Qualcomm will see a spike in demand. Internet providers will stay busy keeping the metaverse’s systems running. Cryptocurrency declined in 2022, but crypto trading services will remain profitable so long as the metaverse exists.

Producers of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies will also grow as the metaverse becomes more advanced. These tools have already begun to revolutionize employee training, as they can simulate real environments and scenarios to bring new hires up to speed.

Once again, a variety of industries stand to benefit from the rise of the metaverse. Students can receive real lessons instead of lectures. Health care employees can perform mock procedures before attempting the real thing. Retailers and supply chain managers can virtually stock their inventories and identify the most efficient organization methods.

Big Changes on the Horizon in 2023

2022 wasn’t kind to most investors. Economic conditions got worse and stocks that were previously rock-solid have become vulnerable. However, big changes are on the horizon. Advancements in technology and renewable energy could bring new life to our supply chains, bring the workforce back to full strength, and give power back to the stakeholders.

ICO

Crucial Things You Need to Know About ICO in Crypto

ICO is an acronym that needs to be known by anyone who wants to venture into the crypto world. This stands for Initial Coin Offering, and it is the most common way in which cryptocurrencies are created. Most of the cryptocurrencies that are making rounds and being traded today started as ICOs. The inception of an ICO for any cryptocurrency begins with just an idea by an individual or group of people who intend to build a token or coin. A token or coin could represent a lot of things. This could range from an asset, unit of value, or even utility that goes onto a blockchain. The brains behind this token or coin can then proceed to create an ICO. It is important that every ICO owner properly outlines the coin’s purpose and offers precise information to convince their target market that it will succeed and has prospects of being very useful.


 

In a situation where this goes as planned and works out as it should, that is the point where the general public can decide if they think the project has potential and is worth investing in. In this case, anyone may purchase the project’s first utility token. By purchasing these tokens, they participate in the project at hand and acquire a piece of ownership. An ICO must have a fundraising target to begin the project, and once that target has been reached, the project may begin. People who purchase these tokens have hopes that the coin will experience growth and eventually be worth more in the future when the project actually begins.

What Do I Need To Know About ICOs?

Considering what is stated above, you can understand the meaning of ICOs and their vital role in cryptocurrencies. The information helps answer the very common question, what is an ICO in crypto? We could say beyond reasonable doubt that creating ICOs seems like a great system to raise capital for certain upcoming projects. However, many ICOs have grown to have a bad reputation due to previous scams and technical issues. Furthermore, it is undeniable that some ICOs have been enormously successful, but it is also important to recognize the signs of a risky project. A couple of things that should be considered and properly looked into include:

White Paper

This is the first step that anyone researching an ICO is to carry out. A vague or poorly written and improperly planned white paper may be the clearest sign that the project is not fully looked into, lacks proper planning, and has the potentials of crashing. Therefore, it is extremely important to investigate the team and any business partnerships.

An experienced team will have a stronger chance of navigating the challenges of a competitive business environment. It is essential to thoroughly read and analyze and assimilate the white paper of a prospective investment because this document outlines the aims and strategies of that project and all it entails in detail. Some projects might have stratospheric ideas but are void of a practical approach for achieving those goals. Others may lack crucial details that leave you wondering whether the project is truly feasible or it is the sham that it looks like.

Although a good white paper is not a guarantee that the ICO will be a success, an incomplete, hastily written, problematic, and improperly planned one can be a sign of trouble to come. Glaring issues with spelling, formatting, or grammar can also be considered red flags. Conversely, if you’re preparing a white paper for your own ICO, it is important to expect investors to pore over every detail.

Evaluate The Quality Of The Code

It is a major red flag if a project has no working code before an ICO, or even if they do, it isn’t open source. If you are privileged to have even a little bit of programming experience and have the ability to read a code, you should do so when evaluating an ICO. You can understand a lot about a project and its developers by properly studying and analyzing their code.

Learn From VC-investors

Many venture capital investors make their living on investments, which gives them the right to be the pickiest contributors. They are very careful about examining everything about the project with just one very particular thing in mind: how much profit will this investment result in? Aside from everything involved, there is behavioral science involved here: a consensus in the VC world is that it’s never good for a startup to receive too much money very quickly, as they will be compelled to spend the funds just because they’re available.

Everyone has the right to launch an ICO due to its ease and lack of regulation in most countries. This means that as long as you can get the tech set up, you are totally free to try and get your currency funded by people who are interested in your plan because they dim it feasible. Since there is no proper regulation, it simply means there is nothing stopping anyone from doing all the work to make you believe they have a great idea and then end up absconding with the money without actually implementing the plan.

Before investing your money, you should ensure that you do proper research and take your homework seriously because ICOs are barely regulated. Therefore, you need to be way more careful than you would be when investing in an IPO. Read the white paper properly,  research the team members, and make sure they have a history in cryptocurrency.

Blockchain technology

Blockchain Technology: What Is it and How Does It Work?

What is Blockchain Technology?

Transactional records are stored in Blockchain technology which is known as the term “blocks”, of the public in multiple databases, which are known as “chains”. They are connected in a network through peer-to-peer nodes. “Digital ledger” is what this storage is typically referred to.

Each transaction is authorized by a digital signature from the owner, which safeguards and authenticates the transaction from tampering. So the information that the “digital ledger” contains is very secure.

Simply put, the digital ledger is just like a Google Spreadsheet that is shared with several computers in a network, where the transactional records are based on purchases that happened. The interesting fact is that everyone can see this data, but no one can’t corrupt it.

Blockchain Technology: Explained

Let’s suppose that you are transferring money to your friends and family from your bank account to theirs. You would have to log in to online banking and then transfer the amount you wish to the other person, all this by using their account number. When the transaction is finished, your bank updates the transaction records. It seems fairly simple, right? But there are potential issues that most people neglect.

These transactions could be tampered with. A lot of people who know the truth are wary of using these transactions. That’s why there have been more and more third-party payment apps. But this is the main reason why blockchain was created.

It’s true that Blockchain, technologically, is a digital ledger that is receiving a lot of attention recently. But what are the other reasons why it has become so popular?  Let’s try to understand the whole concept.

Keeping a record of data transactions is very important for the business. Most of the time, this information is passed through third-party brokers like lawyers increasing time, the cost for the businesses. or brokers, or it is handled in-house. But fortunately for everyone, Blockchain avoids this long process and helps to make the transactions very quickly, saving money and time.

Most people assume Bitcoin and Blockchain can be used interchangeably, but that is not the case in reality. Blockchain is a technology that supports different applications that are related to industries like supply chain, manufacturing, finance, and more. Bitcoin uses Blockchain technology in order to be more secure.

With many advantages, Blockchain is an emerging technology, in an increasingly digital world:

Highly Secure: To conduct fraud-free transactions, it uses digital signatures, making it impossible to change the data and corrupt it.

Decentralized System: You would need the approval of regulatory authorities like banks or the government for transactions, but with Blockchain, transactions are done with the consensus that is mutual between users. This results in safer, smoother, and faster transactions.:

How does Blockchain Technology Work?

Recently, it is possible that you might have noticed that Blockchain technology is being integrated by a lot of businesses. But we need to understand, how does this technology work? Is this a simple addition or a significant change? The advancements of Blockchain have the potential to be revolutionary in the future, but as for now, they are very young. Let’s begging to explain this technology:

Three leading technologies are combined for forming Blockchain

1. Cryptographic Key

2. Peer-to-peer Network with leading technologies.

Cryptography keys – consists of two keys. One of them being the Public Key and the other Private Key. These keys make sure that the transactions are successful between all the parties included. Every individual possesses these two keys. They help to secure digital identity references which is the most important aspect of Blockchain technology. Digital Signature is what is what this identity is referred to.

A peer-to-peer network is merged with the digital signature, a huge number of people who act as authorities, use digital signatures to reach an agreement among other issues on transactions. When the deal is finalized, by a mathematical verification it gets verified, which does result in a successful and safer transaction between two network-connected parties.

The Process of Transaction

The way it confirms and authorizes the transactions is one of blockchain technology’s best features. For instance, if two people wish to perform a transaction with a public key and private key, respectively, the first individual party should attach the transaction information to the public key of the second individual. This information is gathered into a block.

This block does contain a timestamp, a digital signature, and other relevant and important information. It should be noted that the block does not include any of the identities of the parts included. Block is later transmitted across all of the network nodes, and when the right person uses his private key, the transaction gets completed. For the transaction, a digital wallet is needed.

A Bitcoin wallet is a software program in which Bitcoins are stored. Bitcoin wallets facilitate the sending and receiving of Bitcoins and give ownership of the Bitcoin balance to the user. Besides that, wallet, Ethereum Wallet is also very popular.

How Blockchain works:

Hash Encryptions: This technology uses hash encryptions in order to secure the data, using mainly the SHA256 algorithm to secure the information. The receiver’s address, the transaction, the address of the sender, and his/her private key details are all transmitted via the SHA256 algorithm. This encrypted information is called hash inception and is transmitted all over the world, and after the verification, it is added to Blockchain. This algorithm makes it impossible to hack the information.

Mining: The process of adding transactional detail to present digital/public ledger, in Blockchain Technology is called “mining”. Even though it is associated most with Bitcoin, it is used to refer to other Blockchain technologies as well. What mining does is generates the hash of a block transaction, which is very tough to forge, ensuring the safety of the whole Blockchain, and it does all that without needing a central system.

Conclusion

Blockchain Technologies can be set up to operate in different ways, by using different mechanisms for the transactions, which is seen only by individuals who are authorized to, and everyone else is denied. The most well-known example of this technology is Bitcoin. It just shows how huge this technology has become. Blockchain founders are always researching other applications in order to expand the level of technology and influence of Blockchain. It seems that blockchain will rule the future world of the digital world.

bitcoin

Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrencies: Ripple and Bitcoin

Lots of people have run down bitcoin, and many have claimed that cryptocurrency has had its day, but bitcoin is still here, and so are many types of cryptocurrency. Perhaps Ripple hasn’t set the world on fire, but then maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. Perhaps cryptocurrencies like Ripple are supposed to start at the very bottom and then work their way up over decades. Bitcoin had to struggle from the bottom, and it is now the most respected and most valuable cryptocurrency in the world. Here are the pros and cons of bitcoin and Ripple.

Bitcoin Pros

There are plenty of upsides to bitcoin, and it is especially pleasing to see that bitcoin is still riding high when so many online gurus claimed that it would be made extinct by Ethereum.

BTC is Popular and Understood

The thing about bitcoin is that it is now very popular and people understand how it works. This is contrary to most other Cryptocurrencies where people need to be taught what they are, what they do, and why they are special.

Bitcoin is Trusted

The whole notion of cryptocurrency may still be daunting to some people, but the name bitcoin is the most trusted in the entire cryptocurrency market. Even other well-known Cryptocurrencies are not as well-liked or trusted.

BTC is Fairly Stable

We have all see the big rises and big dips, but bitcoin has staying power and seems to have a natural price and value growth. It may well end up becoming a widely accepted currency in the future.

Bitcoin Cons

Five years ago, one could have said there were many downsides to bitcoin, but these days with the acceptance of cryptocurrency as a form of payment and money transfer, there are only really two downsides to bitcoin.

Quantum Computing Would End all Cryptocurrency

If a technology company were to invent quantum computing, then bitcoin mining could be done at very fast speeds, which would make bitcoin and all cryptocurrency useless. However, Quantum computing is a long way off yet, especially when you consider that we have only just discovered the 3D chip.

Bitcoin is Expensive

Although the cost of bitcoin is an issue, it is not really a problem. You can buy a portion of a bitcoin and use it to transfer money and buy things. Nevertheless, as an investor looking to make a profit, the cost is a problem for small investors.

Ripple Pros

The price of ripple has seen massive surges and massive drops, yet there is still a fair amount of trading going on, so do not rule out Ripple just yet.

XPR is Affordable

The cost of Ripple is tiny, especially when compared and other Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and Ethereum.

It Solves the Cross-Border Problem

Just like bitcoin, you can use Ripple to quickly transfer money overseas and back again, and it will not cost you a fortune to do so.

Very Fast Settlements

The pre-mined nature of XRP goes a long way to helping ensure that transactions are settled quickly. They can run at 1000 settled transactions per second, which is a brilliant speed.

Ripple Cons

XRP has its downsides too. The mainstream appeal of Ripple is a big selling point, but will these downsides convince you to invest in another coin?

It is More of an Investor’s Coin

This is the sort of coin you may invest in if you want to make money in the short and long term, which may eventually be its downfall because investments come and go.

Its Rival SWIFT is the World’s Largest RPS Network

The problem with investment coins is that their real-world use is often limited. Where SWIFT and OMG are used daily for currency moving transactions by payment processors, XRP is less utilized in the real world.

The Founders Own Too Much of the Coin

Ripple is pre-mined, which is why and how the owners are able to own over one-third of the entire stock of Ripple. This runs contrary to a decentralized theme, especially since the owners could sell off their share at any time and irreparably destroy the value of the coin.

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James Miller is a career expert from Medellin. He is passionate about career success stories, surfing, and photography. Also, James writes to his own blog SimplicityResume about career success and about job industry insights.

Cryptocurrency

2020 Global Challenges for Cryptocurrency

Blockchain, Bitcoin, and Cryptocurrency are some of the terms that you must have heard at some point in your life. Especially in the past decade or so, cryptocurrency became the talk of the global economic forums. As many authorities began to question the future of monetary assets, money, and similar resources, cryptocurrency was among the more controversial topics.

In 2019, right before Blockchain could have seen a public acceptance phase, the revolution came to an abrupt halt. According to the Gartner Group, it was called ‘Blockchain fatigue.’ Other experts also jumped on the bandwagon that the fire of Blockchain technology and virtual currency, in general, has fizzled out. People thought maybe it was a phase after all that overstayed its welcome.

Pragmatically, the perspective is incorrect. According to recent statistics, the crypto market has an estimated total market capitalization of over $155 billion as of 15th March 2020. Considering these numbers and based on many financial institutions, powers might tend to disapprove of cryptocurrency, but they are in favor of Blockchain technology. The disruptive nature of decentralized currencies such as Bitcoin and others has led to a corresponding halt to its progress.

Let’s find out what more challenges do cryptocurrency has to face as the year 2020 goes by.

Challenges Hindering Cryptocurrency Growth and Acceptance Worldwide

The following are the challenges hindering cryptocurrency growth and acceptance on a global scale.

1.  Boom Phase for Blockchain

There is no doubt about the fact that where cryptocurrency is facing the challenge of surviving and being accepted by the masses, Blockchain technology has already surpassed it. The masses have widely accepted it, and big names of global trade specialists are now moving towards Blockchain.

The likes of Trade Lens by IBM and Maersk’s joint Blockchain investment in the shipping industry have welcomed the first-ever initiative taken. Many such mind-blowing initiatives are underway that involve Blockchain apart from the cryptocurrency domain. The challenge for crypto-enthusiasts here is that once the Blockchain technology takes off without crypto, it will be the end to it.

2.  Bad Imagery

Cryptocurrency, even after having gone through a boom phase, still has a PR problem. The terms associated are enough to conjure up images of cringe advertisements, low-quality campaigns, bad actors, get rich quick schemes, and criminals alike. For many people, cryptocurrency spells out new technology for age-old scams and frauds, which they don’t want any.

It may seem like a petty issue, given the magnitude that is a cryptocurrency and the Blockchain industry. However, this issue has hindered crypto for years since its inception and will continue to do so if no knowledgeable individuals came forward in favor of it.

3.  Blockchain vs. Authorities and Officials

US constitution is known worldwide for its protection right given to the democratic entity that the country is. Freedom of speech, access to information, and the right to form an opinion is protected by the officials to be open. However, on the flip side, when it comes to assets and financial resources, our system laws, governments, and authorities are designed to keep it limited amongst the powerful.

It is evident why crypto and Blockchain has taken over a decade to adjust in an economy where it had to tackle issue arising from the core of how our economy and society operates.

a. Lack Of Legislation

Digital currencies are decentralized virtual entities. They are purely digital products, and our authorities are not geared to handle this advanced technology. That is why the lack of legislation regulating these digital currencies and providing any sort of user protection has become a huge challenge.

The essential step that needs to be taken to reduce the risk involves educating and informing people about keeping their personal data safe. There is still a gaping void where insurance and dedicated legislation needs to be placed. But until that happens, awareness to safely exercise crypto is crucial.

b. Legal Obstacles

In addition to lack of legislation, the other big obstacle that stands in the way of cryptocurrency holders like Bitcoin traders and users is the challenge to spend their holdings. The untraceable nature of Bitcoin and its bad imagery as a mode of finance for mega criminal activities like terrorist attacks and the drug trade has made it quite scandalous in some countries.

Cryptocurrency is going through a period of abrupt halt where nothing much seems to be happening around the technology. Therefore, one can’t say for sure that what the future holds unless wide acceptability affects these legal obstacles standing in the way of crypto-trading.

4.  The Technology Is Still Immature

Cryptocurrency faces implementation obstacles beyond the lack of regulation and inactive obligations. The technology is an emerging one and is still immature in a system where other options are widely scalable and accepted over it.

One might think how a technology that has been out there for over a decade now can be new and emerging. The reason is that not much has been done to expand it.

a. Interoperability

Interoperability or the ability of computer system software to exchange and utilize information is a challenge faced by Blockchain. The technology has been divided to make multiple uses of it in different industrial domains, separate form cryptocurrency.

The technology needs to be made interoperable for the internet dedicated to Blockchain and crypto exchange. Until then, as long as people continue to go by illegal and wrong means of mining it, the technology is a threat to the economic system that opens its gates to accept virtual currencies.

b. Usability

This point cannot be emphasized enough how difficult it is to buy and sell crypto. We are way in the year 2020, and it is still as difficult as it was back in the day when Bitcoin was first launched. The mere participation in the crypto world requires a nerve-wracking validation that general people find unappealing.

The security procedures are so complex that they have become hurdles in crypto adoption as a mode of exchange. Most students look for personal statement help UK who have a high interest in cryptocurrency markets but unable to compose a compelling profile.

It is still a significant challenge for the industry to create user-friendly processes for buying, selling, storing, and using cryptocurrency securely without being called out for it.

c. Scalability

The generally acceptable country-wise currency exchange and even the banking transactions in different currencies have been made scalable and adaptable to the different rates. Cryptocurrency has years of effort to go until it finally reaches a scalability level that Dollar, Yen, Pounds, or Rupee have gotten to.

While interoperability may be a huge step forward to achieve that, that itself is a challenge to mitigate first, the system is so slow, and many dominant platforms for smart contractual applications are still under development. The processes face numerous delays and would require many scalable solutions to counter this issue of exchange.

d. Data Rights

Data has reached a level of becoming a digital asset at this point. Digital mafia considers data the real deal and a key to all things penetrable for the immense value it can hold for individuals and organizations. That is why one of the biggest lose loop in cryptocurrency is and will always be data rights and privacy.

The solution here is not just government protection of privacy and data for cryptocurrency traders. A dedicated system is required where such identities can capture and control their own data. And where there is a long way to go for an efficient framework, many initiatives have been taken and underway.

e. Security

Blockchain might be immature, but it is so far advanced that it is more secure than a traditional computer system.

However, many financial breaches, data leaks, and huge losses due to the system vulnerabilities have made it challenging for people to be satisfied with their transactions. At one point in time, $250 million were lost in a single transaction through QuadrigaCX exchange due to its deadly centralized business model.

In addition to it being not secure enough, these pieces of news make rounds globally. People have lost faith in cryptocurrency over time.

2.  Difficulties Of Bitcoin Transactions

In 2013, a crypto-enthusiast made a luxury car dealership in Costa Mesa, CA, for a Tesla Model S and paid for it in Bitcoin. Just under 92 bitcoins that were worth over $100,000 at that time, the deal was sealed and legally conceived. Considering this transaction and comparing it with the real-time value of crypto right now, the setback and skepticism surrounding Bitcoin have not done much harm to the growing estimation of it.

However, one cannot move past the real-time losses that have occurred given the Bitcoin transactions over the years. Spending Bitcoin is still a huge deal than hoarding it.

a. Countries Banning Bitcoin

Countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bolivia, and Ecuador have prohibited crypto transactions. The state bank has outlawed it and declared cryptocurrency an illegal form of payment with a heavy fine due to violators. And even where it is legal, there are countless logistical issues.

Even in the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission is having an ongoing debate if it prefers new regulations for the cryptocurrency market. If major countries with relevant economic forums stand against Bitcoin, it will become increasingly difficult for the crypto-type to gain acceptance from the masses as people continue to engage in it illegally.

b. Conversion Issues

Conversion remains a huge hurdle for Bitcoin vendors. As Bitcoin is not a fiat currency and is only limited to monetary value when converted to a cash equivalent, not many vendors go for its conversions for other cryptocurrency types. They are more willing to look for a payment method that delivers in Dollars or any other local currency. So that any exchange made for goods and products is made on consumer rates.

Such an implementation system is difficult even if bigger brands are willing to make it possible. No matter if a business sells cars or academic writing services, there is a lack of appropriate regulations to facilitate this type of exchange.

c. People Losing Money

Though Bitcoin regulatory protocol was not affected and not a single Bitcoin disappeared or got lost, people lost loads of money. The downfall and cases of transactional breakdowns are the major reason why cryptocurrency came to an unannounced halt in the first place.

There is a serious need to regulate and change the trading and mining protocols in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Only then can I expect the general public to safely indulge in Bitcoin mining and trading without feeling it to be illegal or a complete daredevil gambling moves on their part.

d. Volatility Of Prices

The volatility of prices also hangs in the balance of the potential of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general. Even though Bitcoin has gained significant community following over the years, there have been disputes among the community member for deciding the path it should take.

The compact user base has made the currency increasingly volatile. The stability expected concerning a centralized authority system to regulate it will increase once people start to accept it. The doubts about Bitcoin’s usage and the resistance by major countries to integrate the system and legalize it will continue to deteriorate the prices further.

Conclusion – The Stakes Are High

All in all, the results of no action being taken by major industrial giants, businesses, and government authorities have never been so altering ever since all these years of crypto trading and mining as it is now. The year 2020 is going to shape the cryptocurrency industry either for better or for worse.

Crypto networks like Bitcoin, corporations like Facebook, and nations like China implementing digital currency by the end of this year will be taking a step towards stumping Dollar as the record currency. It will, in turn, lead to the US Federal Reserve pushing ahead of the digital counterpart.

There is no denying that the stakes are high, and just like everything else, the future is unpredictable for cryptocurrency too.

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Claudia Jeffrey is currently working as a Junior Finance advisor at Crowd Writer, an excellent platform to get assignment help UK. She is a self-proclaimed crypto-influencer. She has gained significant expertise and knowledge in this regard over the years and likes to share it with an interested audience.