However, to access these protocols and the DeFi platforms that power them, you’ll need a safe and reliable DeFi wallet. This is a specialized tool that connects you to smart contracts. That might sound complicated, but we’ll make sure it’s easy to digest. You’ll get the answer to “What is a defi wallet?” and learn how they manage your crypto assets.

What is a DeFi Wallet?

A DeFi wallet is a self-custody wallet, whether software or hardware, that stores your private keys and acts as a Web3 provider in compatible applications. This differs from a custodial wallet or exchange wallet, since a DeFi wallet app gives you complete control over your keys, so you are the only person who can authorize or deny transactions connected to that wallet.

Most of these wallets operate as a simple browser extension (one of the most popular being Metamask), mobile apps like Coinbase Wallet, and hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor.

When you visit a DeFi platform or interact with decentralized applications within the DeFi ecosystem, like a lending protocol, decentralized exchange, or yield farm, your wallet will prompt you to review and sign (authorize) transactions directly on-chain. This direct, instant connection to smart contracts allows you to move assets around quickly, providing liquidity and earning rewards without being dependent on centralized intermediaries.

How Does a DeFi Wallet Work?

A DeFi wallet app works more or less the same way as any other crypto wallet. It manages a pair of cryptographic “keys”, your public key, which is your wallet address, and your private key, which is your signature authority.

When you initiate or interact with a DeFi app that acts like swapping, the wallet creates a transaction payload and then prompts you to sign it with your key. This is typically just a single click or a tap, making it incredibly easy, but also introducing some risks.

This signature is the blockchain proof that you own the transaction and that it’s authorized, without having to disclose your private keys. The wallet then broadcasts authorized transactions to the network, where nodes then validate it and execute the corresponding smart contract.

Once the transaction is verified, the wallet then updates your balances and position. Beneath this process is a massive array of Web3 libraries and providers that help bridge your wallet to DeFi applications.

Source: WonderFi

What is a DeFi Wallet Used for?

• Swapping Tokens on DEXs: Instantly trade between cryptocurrencies on platforms like Uniswap, SushiSwap, or PancakeSwap without KYC or order books.
• Providing Liquidity: Deposit token pairs into liquidity pools to earn fees and governance tokens, powering automated market makers (known as AMMs).
• Yield Farming & Staking: Lock assets in protocols or stake native tokens to secure networks and earn passive income or interest.
• Lending & Borrowing: Collateralize crypto to borrow other assets at competitive rates or lend your holdings to earn yield.
• Governance Participation: Vote on protocol proposals directly from your wallet using governance tokens, influencing upgrades and treasury allocations.
• NFT Interaction: Mint, buy, sell, and manage non‑fungible tokens across marketplaces, all while retaining full custody of your assets.

Types of DeFi Wallets

Software wallets

Software wallets store your private keys locally on a connected device, giving you instant access to DeFi protocols.

• Browser extensions like MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet inject a Web3 provider into your browser, allowing you to visit dApps and approve transactions with a click.
• Mobile apps such as Trust Wallet and Crypto.com DeFi Wallet extend this convenience to your phone, often integrating WalletConnect for seamless cross‑app interactions.

Source: Metamask.io

Hardware wallets

Hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Trezor Model One store private keys in a tamper‑resistant, offline device, offering the highest level of protection against hacks and malware.

When you need to execute a DeFi transaction, you connect the hardware wallet to a Web3 interface and sign transactions directly on the device, ensuring your keys never leave the secure element.

Although hardware wallets introduce an extra step compared to software solutions, they excel at safeguarding large balances and long‑term holdings.

DeFi Wallets vs CeFi Wallet: Key Differences

Benefits of DeFi Wallet 

DeFi wallets give you full control over your private keys, which completely removes any counterparty risks and creates true self-custody. They allow permissionless access to every financial service imaginable 24/7 so that anyone, anywhere, can buy, sell, or swap tokens without the hassles of KYC or the privacy implications of intermediaries.

The composability of DeFi means you can seamlessly combine features—swapping, lending, and governance—in a single wallet interface. This puts some of the most complex and effective financial strategies directly in your hands as a consumer.

Risks of DeFi Wallet 

DeFi wallets might be capable of unlocking powerful financial tools, but they also introduce some pretty substantial risks for the unprepared.

Smart contract vulnerabilities can lead to exploits, which can instantly drain funds from your wallet during interaction. Phishing attacks and malicious dApps can trick you into signing transactions that automatically transfer assets to attackers, never to be recovered.

If you store your private keys or seed phrases incorrectly or insecurely, like in digital files or cloud storage, they can be stolen by determined attackers. Transaction errors, like you might see when sending funds to the wrong address or even the wrong network, can lead to irreversible loss.

Being aware of these risks is critical for anyone getting into, or thinking of getting into, the DeFi space.

Key Factors to Choose the Best DeFi Wallet

1. Security

• Local encryption of private keys
• Recovery phrase option
• Biometric or PIN locks on mobile apps
• Hardware‑wallet compatibility for cold storage

2. Compatibility and Interoperability

• Support for your preferred blockchains
• Integration with DeFi protocols
• WalletConnect or similar functionality for cross‑app connectivity

3. User-Friendliness

• Intuitive interface with clear prompts
• Easy navigation between swaps, staking, and lending
• Transaction previews showing gas costs and slippage

4. Features

• Built‑in token swaps and staking dashboards
• Portfolio tracking and analytics
• NFT management and governance voting

5. Reputation and Team

• Established development team with transparent audits
• Active community support
• Smooth, regular update process without crashing or rollbacks
• Strong track record of security and reliability

6. Privacy

• No mandatory KYC or personal data collection
• Non‑custodial design preserves anonymity
• Clear privacy policy regarding usage metrics

7. Community feedback

• The engaged community that supports the wallet in general
• Positive user reviews on forums and social media
• Reports of smooth performance and minimal bugs
• Responsive support channels for troubleshooting

How to Secure Your DeFi Wallet?

The best ways to keep your DeFi wallet secure are common security best practices, so staying educated and vigilant will go a long way toward that goal.

Start by safeguarding your seed phrase by writing it somewhere safe from flood and fire. Be sure that you keep any large sums of crypto offline, in cold storage, on an airgapped device.

Be sure you have 2FA enabled and that you verify all URLs, links, and dApp requests. Keep your wallet apps and devices updated and patched, and periodically review your token approvals and revoke old permissions.

Top DeFi Wallets

1. Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase Wallet is a mobile‑first, non‑custodial wallet that supports multiple chains. Its key features include in‑app DEX swaps, NFT galleries, and direct integration with the Coinbase exchange.

Pros

• Easy setup
• Strong brand trust
• Built‑in Fiat on‑ramp

Cons

• Collects some user data
• Fewer advanced DeFi analytics

2. MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask has both browser extension and mobile app for Ethereum and EVM chains. It offers deep DeFi integration, custom networks, and hardware‑wallet support.

Pros

• Ubiquitous Web3 standard
• Extensive plugin ecosystem

Cons

• Limited to EVM‑compatible chains
• Phishing risk if not careful

3. Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano S Plus is a hardware wallet with Secure Element chip. It pairs with Ledger Live and MetaMask for cold‑storage DeFi transactions.

Pros

• Industry‑leading security
• Bluetooth for mobile use

Cons

• Upfront device cost
• Requires an external interface for dApps

4. Trezor Model One

Open‑source hardware wallet that connects via USB. Compatible with MetaMask and other Web3 apps for DeFi access.

Pros

• Transparent firmware
• Durable build

Cons

• No Secure Element chip
• Smaller screen

5. Crypto.com DeFi wallet

Integrated with the Crypto.com ecosystem for easy on‑ramp, the Crypto.com DeFi wallet is a non‑custodial mobile wallet with DeFi swap, staking, and aggregator features.

Pros

• Competitive DeFi rates
• In‑wallet yield aggregator

Cons

• Tied to Crypto.com branding
• Occasional UI complexity

Conclusion

A DeFi wallet is an essential tool for interacting with Web3 applications and accessing the DeFi space via smart contracts. Now that you understand what a wallet is and how it works on-chain, you’re ready to safely swap, stake, lend, and earn interest on the wider DeFi ecosystem.

Be sure to put security first, store seed phrases offline, use hardware wallets for large balances, and stay on guard against phishing attacks. That said, with the right wallet equipped, you’re ready to navigate a permissionless world of smart contracts at lightning speed.

FAQs

Is a DeFi wallet safe?

A DeFi wallet is secure if you follow typical security best practices. Store your seed phrase offline, use hardware wallets for large amounts in cold storage, enable any available 2FA, whitelist approved addresses, and only connect to trusted dApps.

How do I get my money from a DeFi wallet?

To cash out your DeFi wallet, you’ll need to send assets from the wallet to a centralized exchange of your choice or fiat on-ramp. From there, sell for your desired fiat currency and withdraw to your bank account or card.

Can I use multiple DeFi wallets simultaneously?

Yes, nothing is preventing you from managing multiple wallets for different purposes, one for daily transactions and one for staking, for example. Simply import multiple seeds or connect several browser extensions.

How do I recover my DeFi wallet if I lose my phone or device?

The primary way to recover a DeFi wallet after getting a new phone or computer is by using a seed phrase. This is usually a 12- or 24-word phrase of random words, and it restores both your public and private keys, so keep it backed up securely. 

The post What Is a DeFi Wallet and How does it Work? A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on NFT Evening.

Since then, ICOs have supported billion-dollar ventures alongside monumental flops, all on the main stage of crypto finance. They’ve helped raise money for everything from metaverse games to decentralized platforms like exchanges, while offering early contributors a stake in either future utility or governance.

If you’re curious about joining an ICO or launching your own, it’s crucial to understand how these token sales work, the risks they carry, and how they stack up against traditional fundraising. In this straightforward but detailed guide, we’ll take the mystery out of ICOs, look at previous ICO campaign events, and look at a checklist for evaluating opportunities on their own merits.

What Is an Initial Coin Offering (ICO)?

An initial coin offering, or ICO, is a method of crowdfunding a blockchain project. An ICO helps raise capital by selling tokens instead of issuing equity like a conventional startup. The dev team mints a set supply of crypto assets, typically from the utility or governance allotment, on a smart-contract platform such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Solana.

Early buyers can exchange established cryptocurrencies like ETH, BNB, and USDC for the new asset at a special new token price. These purchases fund development while acquiring an asset that may appreciate if the project ends up succeeding.

ICOs will usually happen before the project is fully built, so contributors can bet on future points of utility, like access to decentralized storage, discounted trading fees, governance votes, staking rewards, and more. This fundraising model has more or less become the standard since projects like Filecoin and Bancor raised millions in the blink of an eye.

Although regulatory scrutiny has since tightened, especially in the United States, where many tokens risk classification as unregistered securities, ICOs remain popular in jurisdictions that embrace innovation.

The key features of ICOs include increasing the total global reach of the project (since essentially anyone with internet access can participate), rapid settlement via existing smart contract networks, and funding transparency searchable on public blockchains.

That said, with minimal gatekeeping comes the increased risk of scams, overpromised roadmaps, and poorly audited code. Successful ICOs balance bold vision with verifiable progress, detailed tokenomics, and clear legal disclosures.

How Does an ICO Work?

In the simplest sense, an ICO follows a very simple sequence of events. First, the team publishes their white paper, deploys a smart-contract sale contract, and collects crypto in exchange for newly minted tokens.

Behind that quick process rundown, however, is a complex array of moving parts like legal vetting, ongoing marketing campaigns, community discussions and engagement, and large-scale liquidity planning. These are generally the components that will ultimately determine the fate of the project.

White Paper Release

The white paper is the beating heart of any ICO and serves multiple audiences at once: prospective investors, regulators, auditors, and future community members. An ideal document begins with an executive summary that explains the real-world problem and why blockchain is the optimal solution, written in language clear enough for non-technical readers. It then dives into a technical architecture section, laying out consensus mechanisms, data structures, and interoperability layers. Diagrams, sequence charts, and gas-usage benchmarks help developers verify feasibility.

Next comes tokenomics. Here, the dev team must specify total supply, initial circulating supply, vesting cliffs, inflation schedules, and burn mechanics. Transparent formulas show that the team has stress-tested incentives against edge cases like whale dominance or governance gridlock. Projects also outline fund allocation: what percentage of raised capital goes to R&D, marketing, audits, liquidity, or legal reserves, often accompanied by Gantt-style timelines and quarterly milestones.

A credible white paper includes a risk disclosure section, candidly addressing smart-contract exploits, regulatory shifts, and market volatility. Teams bolster trust by publishing code repositories and commissioning third-party security audits, linking hash-verified PDF reports directly in the document. Legal analysis is increasingly standard; reputable projects append memoranda explaining why the token is a utility token under Swiss FINMA or Singapore MAS guidelines, or how U.S. purchasers are geo-fenced to avoid securities violations.

Lastly, leading white papers will lay out a go-to-market strategy that details partnership pipelines, exchange listing plans, and community incentive programs. Clear KPIs like monthly active wallets or TVL targets help investors more easily track execution, post-ICO.

What it really comes down to is that a white paper isn’t just a marketing or publicity asset. A thorough white paper is a technical blueprint, financial prospectus, and legal affidavit rolled into one, providing the transparency necessary for informed participation.

ICOs vs. Traditional Fundraising Methods

Traditional fundraising routes, like angel rounds, venture capital, and IPOs, all require extensive due diligence, board approvals, and often months of negotiation. They also impose geographic and accreditation barriers, restricting access to institutional money and accredited investors.

ICOs flip that script by automating issuance and settlement through smart contracts, enabling projects to raise millions in days from a global contributor base. Fees are lower, and founders retain more equity because they issue tokens rather than shares.

On the flip side, ICO investors receive no ownership stake and limited legal protections, so if the project fails or founders disappear, recourse is minimal. Regulatory certainty is stronger for IPOs, where underwriters and the SEC enforce disclosure standards, while ICOs operate in a patchwork of global jurisdictions, increasing legal risk for both issuers and participants.

Who Can Launch an ICO?

Theoretically, any individual, startup, or DAO with a compelling or interesting enough idea and the technical expertise for execution can launch an ICO. Practically, the team needs smart-contract developers to write the token contract, legal counsel to navigate securities laws, marketing specialists to cultivate the community, and auditors to vet code.

This means paying attention to jurisdiction, since it matters the most for getting a token off the ground with an ICO. Switzerland, Singapore, and the Cayman Islands offer clearer token guidelines, whereas the United States and China impose stricter rules.

An ICO launch also requires a solid treasury capacity for treasury management. There needs to be multisig wallet setup, creation of vesting contracts, and deciding on liquidity strategies for post-sale trading.

Pros and Cons of ICOs

ICOs help to democratize a project’s fundraising by allowing entrepreneurs to tap a global pool of crypto-savvy backers. However, that same openness can end up exposing participants to higher levels of risk. Being clear about expectations on both sides of the fence can help backers decide whether to launch an ICO, and can help investors size their investment and portfolio positions appropriately.

Pros of ICOs

• Global, frictionless capital: Anyone with an internet connection and a crypto wallet can join, expanding the funding base far beyond Silicon Valley or Wall Street.
• Speed to market: Smart-contract sales close in days or weeks, giving teams immediate resources to build without lengthy VC negotiations.
• Early community engagement: Token holders become evangelists, testing products, providing liquidity, and driving network effects from day one.
• Founder equity preservation: Instead of selling company shares, founders issue utility tokens, retaining corporate ownership while still raising substantial capital.
• Programmable incentives: On-chain vesting, staking rewards, and burn mechanics can align long-term user behavior automatically, reducing reliance on legal contracts.

Cons of ICOs

• Regulatory uncertainty: In major markets such as the United States, tokens risk classification as unregistered securities, exposing issuers and buyers to enforcement actions.
• High scam frequency: Minimal gatekeeping attracts fraudulent teams that copy code, spoof audits, and disappear post-raise, leaving investors with worthless tokens.
• Information asymmetry: White papers are not standardized; missing financials and unaudited claims make due diligence difficult for retail participants.
• Extreme volatility: Tokens can list at 10× presale price and crash 90 % within days, driven by thin liquidity and short-term speculation.
• Reputational risk: Failed milestones or hacks quickly erode trust, depressing secondary-market value and hindering future partnerships or regulatory approvals.

Examples of Initial Coin Offerings

1. Ether (2014)

Source: Coincodex

Raised about $18 million in BTC by selling Ether at roughly $0.31. The ICO funded the launch of a programmable smart-contract platform that now underpins most DeFi and NFT activity. Early participants saw exponential returns when ETH later traded above $4,000.

2. Filecoin (2017)

Source: Coincodex

Secured $257 million via SAFT (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens), promising decentralized storage. Despite launch delays, Filecoin shipped mainnet in 2020, and FIL reached a $10 billion market cap peak.

3. Binance Coin (2017)

Source: Coincodex

Binance raised $15 million, using BNB to offer trading-fee discounts and later to pay gas on BNB Smart Chain. BNB became a blue-chip utility token, climbing from $0.11 in the sale to over $600 during the 2021 bull run.

4. Tezos (2017)

Source: Coincodex

Tezos initially collected $232 million, but internal governance disputes delayed the mainnet launch for roughly a year. The result was Tezos DAO ultimately deciding to implement on-chain self-amendment, allowing XTZ to remain an active staking asset. Tezos also acts as an illustration of how larger governance challenges can be solved with transparency and community.

5. EOS (2018)

Source: Coincodex

EOS ran a rolling ICO that raised more than $4 billion. While EOS itself delivered high throughput, long-term adoption failed largely due to criticism over centralized governance and SEC fines.

How to Launch an ICO: Step-by-Step

If you’ve been itching to start a new cryptocurrency project, launching a public or private ICO is going to require a few steps. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to think about and accomplish in order to launch an ICO.

1. First is the concept validation. You need to start with a clear value proposition, where you can identify a genuine market gap and determine why a token is foundational to your solution. Do a competitor analysis, build out a rough prototype, and get feedback from experts in the space to be sure there’s enough demand for the solution before committing to legal and marketing spend.
2. Now comes the jurisdictional decision and legal structuring. Engage experienced counsel to map regulatory risk. Choose a crypto-friendly headquarters where you can incorporate an entity to handle the token issuance. Draft your legal opinions surrounding token utility, KYC/AML policies, and any investor accreditation requirements.
3. Here’s where you really get into the guts of how things are going to work. For your tokenomics, you need to design supply, distribution, and incentive mechanics that align long-term user growth with your overall treasury sustainability. Write and intensely test ERC-20 or other chain-specific contracts, and use them to integrate time-locked vesting, multisig admin controls, and upgradeability safeguards. Be sure you commission at least one independent audit and publish those findings to cultivate confidence with investors.
4. With all the details mapped out, it’s time to create your white paper and official website. Here’s where you’ll have your roadmaps, team bios, audit links, and legal disclosures all available to the public, and where you’ll declare your official social channels. You should create a content calendar so you can maintain transparent communication.
5. Next comes your private and pre-sale rounds. Here, you’re conducting a sale limited to strategic partners, VCs, angel investors, etc., usually with longer vesting to keep skin in the game. Well-structured pre-sales raise crucial capital for marketing, while also showing the demand potential.
6. Public sale mechanics are going to matter, so think about whether you’ll be selling with fixed-price, Dutch auction, or dynamic cap. Integrate KYC gates if required, set contribution caps to mitigate whale accumulation, and configure smart-contract limits to pause the sale when hard-cap or time limits are met. Provide real-time dashboards for investors to track funds raised during the ICO.
7. Always set aside a portion of funds and tokens for initial DEX liquidity pools or negotiate centralized-exchange listings. Announce listing timelines in advance to prevent misinformation and coordinate with market-making partners to stabilize early trading.

Key Differences Between ICO vs IPO

• Regulation: IPOs undergo a stringent review by bodies like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), requiring audited financial statements and a detailed prospectus. ICOs survive in a patchwork of global jurisdictions and often rely on legal opinions rather than formal approval, leaving participants with fewer protections.
• Availability: ICOs are generally open worldwide to anyone with internet and crypto funds, while IPO shares are usually offered to accredited or institutional investors during book-building, with retail access only after listing.
• Time & Cost: IPOs can take 6–18 months and millions in underwriting, legal, and road-show expenses. On the other hand, ICOs can fully launch within weeks with lower costs.
• Transparency: ICO teams provide white papers and audits, but rarely face standardized accounting rules, making diligence variable and rather subjective. IPO firms, however, publish extensive audited financials, risk factors, and executive compensation.

FAQs

What is the meaning of ICO?

ICO stands for Initial Coin Offering. Initial coin offerings are crowdfunding campaigns where a blockchain project issues newly minted tokens to raise capital before its product is fully built. Contributors pay in established cryptocurrencies, and in return, they are given governance or utility tokens tied to the project’s future ecosystem.

How Can I invest in an ICO?

First, vet the project’s white paper, audits, and team credentials. Confirm legal eligibility, since many ICOs geo-block U.S. residents. Create a compatible wallet, complete any KYC, and fund it with the accepted currency. On the sale day, connect your wallet to the project’s smart-contract interface or launchpad, specify the contribution amount, and approve the transaction. Always use a fresh browser tab to avoid phishing sites.

Why is ICO not allowed in the US?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission often classifies token sales as unregistered securities offerings under the Howey Test. Issuers would need to register or qualify for an exemption, which is a process that tends to be time-consuming and cost-prohibitive. To limit legal exposure, ICOs will typically exclude US customers and restrict American IPs from accessing the system.

What is an ICO crime?

ICO-related crimes include market manipulation, insider dumping of unlocked tokens, selling tokens that constitute unregistered securities, and fraud. Fraud covers a lot, including raising funds with no intention of building the promised product. Penalties range from investor lawsuits to SEC enforcement actions, criminal wire-fraud charges, asset freezes, and prison sentences for founders.

The post Initial Coin Offering (ICO): What It Is, How It Works, and Examples appeared first on NFT Evening.

With exciting price surges and rapid increases for most of this year, Nexpace’s NXPC has solidified its position as a notable cryptocurrency worth any investor’s attention. Are you looking to understand what Nexpace and the NXPC token are? This guide will explore the MapleStory Universe, Nexpace, and the digital asset.

What is NEXPACE?

Nexpace is a Web3 gaming platform created by Abu Dhabi-based Nexon’s blockchain subsidiary. It aims to expand the MapleStory Universe ecosystem. As part of Nexon, a global pioneering gaming company, Nexpace focuses on integrating blockchain technology with the traditional MMORPG gaming industry, especially MapleStory, the 21-year-old game franchise with over 190 million users globally and at least 50 million monthly active players.

Fueled by $100M from Nexon in Q1 2024, Nexpace aims to take the driver’s seat and propel the next evolution of blockchain gaming. The platform intends to redefine the entire IP gaming ecosystem, including how it is managed, and make it a community-driven affair by empowering players and community contributors using decentralized mechanisms. The Nexpace leadership team is made up of experienced blockchain and gaming experts, including Sunyoung Hwang (CEO), Dominic Jang (CBO), and Keith Kim (Head of Strategy).

Nexpace created an online buzz with its May 15, 2025, listing on Binance. This event has increased the liquidity of NXPC, the platform’s native token. In addition, it opened airdrop opportunities for users via Binance Alpha Points, thereby creating short-term demand for the token. NXPC has also been listed on other exchanges, including KuCoin, Bithumb, and Bybit.

What is MapleStory Universe?

MapleStory Universe is the backbone of the entire Nexpace ecosystem and is designed to propel the MapleStory brand into the Web3 space. The project aims to leverage the blockchain and Web3 gaming ecosystems and combine them with the renowned game IP. Created on the Henesys L1 network and built on the Avalanche Subnet, MapleStory Universe facilitates low gas fees and high transaction speeds of over 500 TPS while remaining compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

The key components of the MapleStory ecosystem include:

• MapleStory Universe Web: The official platform that provides access to Synergy Apps, community, and Web3 wallet, allowing users to participate in all the platform’s events.
• MSU Explorer: A dashboard that displays real-time data on network activity, token transactions, and wallet statistics to help them stay updated on ecosystem activities.
• MSU builder: A developers’ toolkit giving access to MapleStory Universe on-chain and off-chain data and supporting app development.
• Synergy apps: A collection of apps developed by community contributors to leverage MapleStory IP and create content, utilities, and new games besides enhancing the player experience.
• MapleStory N: A PC MMORPG that integrates the Nexpace protocol, creating a seamless gaming experience combined with blockchain technology.

MapleStory N             

MapleStory N is the name of a brand-new game from Nexpace created on a gasless blockchain infrastructure, AvaCloud. The game retains some aspects of old 2D games users can recognize, like monster-hunting and side-scrolling, but introduces new features of the on-chain economy that facilitate item ownership and trading via NFTs. The game represents the first big launch of the broader MapleStory Universe, where player-driven trading finds a fresh take on online interaction.

MapleStory N was released on May 15, 2025, and became immediately available for PC with plans for future expansion. According to the development team, there are plans to expand the game in ways that benefit other apps, games, and user-generated content. Among the key differences with the classic 2D game are the blockchain-powered systems such as:

• Gasless Transactions: All transactions are designed to happen without fees, eliminating the usual barrier tied to blockchain games.
• Secure Blockchain Infrastructure: AvaCloud enables real-time, tamper-proof records of in-game item trades and ownership.
• Item Rarity and Distribution: MapleStory N deviates from the traditional MMORPGs by limiting the periodic distribution of new gear instead, where bosses and mobs drop items endlessly, thus enhancing the value of the rare items.

The NXPC Token

NXPC is the native token within the Nexpace space. It is the core utility token of the MapleStory Universe ecosystem, serving the primary functions:

• NFT Item Creation: Creators and users can use the NXPC token to buy rights to create NFTs from the Nexpace Item pool.  
• Synergy App Development: Nexpace developers use NXPC tokens to fund the development of games, applications, and any other utilities found within the MapleStory IP.  
• Governance Issues: Users holding NXPC tokens can participate in governance issues, such as voting, to adjust operational parameters within the Nexpace protocol.
• Rewards and Payments: NXPC is used as currency to reward community contributors like app developers and content creators.

NXPC Supply and Tokenomics

• Circulating supply: 169,040,000 NXPC
• Total supply: 1,000,000,000 NXPC
• Max supply: 1,000,000,000 NXPC
• Market cap: $521.22M
• Fully diluted market cap: $3.08B   

Token Allocation 

The NXPC allocation model is designed to model Bitcoin’s halving model with a total supply capped at 1 billion tokens. The designers allocated the most significant portion, 80%, to Contributor Rewards as Early Participation Incentives and IP Licensing received 16.317% and 2%, respectively. The remaining portion went to the Development Team, Market Liquidity Provision, Advisory Allocation, and Gas Fee Sponsorship, as shown below:  

• Contributor Rewards: 80% (800,000,000 NXPC)
• Early Participation Incentives: 16.317% (163,170,000 NXPC)
• IP Licensing (IP MG): 2% (20,000,000 NXPC)
• Development Team: 0.696% (6,960,000 NXPC)
• Liquidity Provision: 0.437% (4,370,000 NXPC)
• Advisor: 0.4% (4,000,000 NXPC)
• Gas Sponsorship: 0.15% (1,500,000 NXPC)

According to the development team, the allocation method was designed to incentivize the role of community contributors and early adopters and support the growth of the MapleStory Universe ecosystem. The team also integrated the “NXPC Fission” and “Item Fusion” mechanisms to help manage the circulating supply of NFTs based on ecosystem demand.

Source: NXPC Whitepaper

NXPC Listing on Binance

The NXPC token was listed on Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange in trade volume, at 07:30 (UTC) on May 15, 2025. According to the official statement, the exchange would also distribute NXPC tokens to eligible users via its HODLer Airdrops program. The Binance HODLer Airdrops is a special tool the exchange uses to reward users for HODLing BNB in specific Binance products like Simple Earn or On-Chain Yields by offering them free tokens.

Upon listing, the NXPC token circulating supply will be 169,040,000 tokens, representing 16.9% of the entire token supply. Investors can trade NXPC against numerous crypto assets, including Tether (USDT), USDC (USDC), BNB (BNB), First Digital USD (FDUSD), and Turkish Lira (TRY).

Binance revealed that NXPC would stop being showcased on Binance Alpha once the spot trading begins, adding that NXPC has also secured a futures listing on the exchange. As a result, Binance Futures will also launch the NXPC/USDT Perpetual Contract on May 15, which will offer up to 50x leverage, enabling users to trade with borrowed funds.

For more information, check out the full NXPC on HODLer Airdrops Details. 

How to Buy NXPC Token

Once you’ve learned what Nexpace is, your next obvious step would be to consider buying some NXPC tokens. Depending on your location or preference, you could choose between centralized exchanges (CEXs), decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms. While there are different methods to buy using your crypto wallet, traditional payment methods, or P2P trading, we show you the most straightforward way to buy NXPC below.

Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to buying NXPC:

• Step 1: Create an Account: Select a user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange offering robust security. Then, create an account by visiting the website and registering with your email address. You will be required to complete KYC verification.
• Step 2: Deposit Funds: Fund your account with crypto from an external wallet.
• Step 3: Find NXPC Trading Pair: Once your account has been funded, navigate to the website’s trading section and look for the appropriate NXPC pair based on the cryptocurrency you’re holding in your wallet.
• Step 3: Place Your Order: You can choose between placing a market order, which means buying immediately at the current market price, and placing a limit order, which means setting a desired price and waiting until the token reaches that price.  
• Step 4: Manage Your NXPC: Once you confirm your transaction details are correct, click “Buy,” your NXPC tokens will be available in your selected exchange wallet. You can choose to leave them on the exchange if you plan to trade or withdraw them to an external wallet for security.

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The Future of NEXPACE  

Nexpace, MapleStory Universe, and the NXPC token are a groundbreaking blend of an established gaming legacy transiting into the best of blockchain and Web3 innovation. The project effectively addresses two core challenges in the blockchain gaming space: preserving the long-term value of in-game assets and extending their utility across broader digital ecosystems.

Through NFT interoperability, NXPC’s innovative mechanism ensures MapleStory N items to maintain their significant value while functioning beyond the constraints of the traditional gaming environment. Owning NXPC comes with distinct benefits, including its integration with the established MapleStory Universe IP, backed by a 250 million-strong player base, and sophisticated tokenomics, which include community contribution rewards.

As blockchain and Web3 continue reshaping the gaming industry and the concept of digital ownership, NXPC has positioned itself by taking the front seat of the emerging transformation. NXPC marks the next evolution in blockchain gaming, going beyond the role of a typical gaming token. It offers an opportunity for investors and blockchain enthusiasts to be part of the potential future of how gaming IPs integrate Web3 technology.

The post What Is NEXPACE (NXPC)? Transforming Web3 Gaming with MapleStory appeared first on NFT Evening.

We’re going to dig into exactly what a halving event is, when Bitcoin halving occurred in the past, and even when the next upcoming Bitcoin halving may happen. Along the way, we’ll look at how halving events impact the Bitcoin market price and behavior, and how that all helps shape ongoing trends. Buckle up, there’s a lot to cover.

What Is Bitcoin Halving?

Bitcoin halving is a function hardcoded into the Bitcoin network that occurs every 210,000 blocks, or roughly every four years. The difficulty mechanism is created to scale difficulty in response to hash rate, with the goal being a steady time between blocks mined. This leads to a controlled, deflationary supply, capped at 21 million Bitcoins.

Source: Coinwarz.com

Halving events are central to the design and ethos of Bitcoin, and they help to create scarcity. As Bitcoin becomes more popular and widely adopted and hash rates go up, block rewards go down, fewer Bitcoins are produced, and scarcity is created in the crypto market.

The role of miners in the Bitcoin network

Miners are the backbone and beating heart of the Bitcoin network. Not only do they work to validate transactions, earn transaction fees, and keep the network secure, but they also actively crunch the numbers needed to solve the equations that create the blocks during the mining process.

If a single miner finds the block, they get the full reward of new coins deposited into their wallet, however, most mining operations are pools that split the reward based on the last N shares of the solution that the various miners returned.

When rewards are reduced, it can lead to fewer miners, but it can also spark innovation in mining technology in the long run.

The significance of block rewards in the Bitcoin ecosystem

Block rewards are the main incentive for devoting computing power to mining. The algorithm used by Bitcoin to secure the network takes immense computational power, particularly with the constant upward trend of hash rate and the wider adoption of Bitcoin.

Source: Blockchain.com

Is Bitcoin Halving Good?

Inflation

Bitcoin halving plays a key role in controlling inflation within the Bitcoin ecosystem. By reducing the issuance of new bitcoins, halving limits supply expansion and helps preserve value over time. This built-in scarcity mechanism mimics the effects of a deflationary currency, which can bolster investor confidence.

Demand

As the new Bitcoin supply shrinks after a halving event, demand can rise significantly, driving prices higher. Increased scarcity, combined with growing global adoption and institutional interest, tends to create a positive feedback loop. Market participants often anticipate higher future values, which further amplifies demand.

Investing

From an investment perspective, Bitcoin halving is seen as a bullish signal. Historical data shows that halving events have preceded significant price rallies. Investors view the reduced supply as a catalyst for long-term appreciation, prompting many to buy and hold.

That said, short-term volatility is still quite common, with the price of Bitcoin moving several thousand dollars in either direction during the average day.

Mining

Miners face both opportunities and challenges during halving events. While reduced rewards can squeeze profit margins, improvements in mining efficiency and technological advancements can offset these effects.

Halving pressures miners to innovate, reduce costs, and upgrade equipment. In the long run, a tighter supply of new bitcoins can lead to a more competitive, resilient mining ecosystem that drives overall network security.

Consumers

Consumers reap perhaps the biggest benefits from Bitcoin halving through increased stability in the cycle following the event. Even though volatility spikes after a halving, it tends to be short-lived.

Previous Bitcoin Halving Events

First halving: November 28, 2012

• Block height: 210,000
• Block reward reduction: 50 BTC to 25 BTC
• Market reaction: Sparked growing interest, setting the stage for Bitcoin’s mainstream visibility

Second halving: July 9, 2016

• Block height: 420,000
• Block reward reduction: 25 BTC to 12.5 BTC
• Market reaction: Price appreciated steadily over the subsequent months, reinforcing the bullish narrative

Third halving: May 11, 2020

• Block height: 630,000
• Block reward reduction: 12.5 BTC to 6.25 BTC
• Market reaction: Occurred against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, but Bitcoin’s price rose significantly in the following year.

Fourth halving: April 20, 2024

• Block height: 840,000
• Block reward reduction: 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC
• Market reaction: Sparked renewed discussions about Bitcoin’s scarcity and future price potential

When Is the Next Bitcoin Halving?

Fifth halving and beyond

• Projected date: March 28, 2028
• Block height: 1,050,000
• Block reward reduction: 3.125 BTC to 1.5625 BTC
• Expected outcomes: Continued deflationary pressure on Bitcoin’s supply, potential upward price trends if demand holds
• Longer-term perspective: Each subsequent halving pushes Bitcoin closer to its maximum supply of 21 million coins, fueling debates on mining viability and network security

In total, there will be 33 halving events in the Bitcoin network’s lifecycle. The 33rd halving event will technically not be a “halving” event in the truest sense since the 32nd reduced the block reward to a single satoshi. Since a satoshi is the smallest possible unit of Bitcoin, the Bitcoin mining reward will become zero.

Impact of the Bitcoin Halving On the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem

Halving events influence much more than Bitcoin’s supply schedule. They can shift market psychology, reshape mining profitability, and even spark new waves of retail and institutional interest.

Price trends around historical halving events

Historically, Bitcoin halving dates have always preceded extended bullish cycles. Though sudden surges in the price of Bitcoin are not uncommon, they have become less frequent with Bitcoin’s price approaching $100k again.

Supply and demand dynamics

With each halving, the flow of newly minted bitcoins is reduced, reinforcing the deflationary nature of Bitcoin. If demand remains steady or rises, the restricted supply can lead to higher valuations. This phenomenon helps Bitcoin stand out from fiat currencies, which often face inflationary pressures and lose significant value over time.

Effects on Bitcoin miners and profitability

Miners rely on block rewards for revenue, so halving cuts can strain operations. To remain profitable, they may upgrade hardware or consolidate mining pools. This highly competitive environment fosters greater efficiency and has prompted a massive push toward cheaper, greener energy sources.

Conclusion

Bitcoin halvings are integral to the core design of the network and the deflationary nature of the coin itself. While the immediate price impact can vary wildly, all previous halvings led to subsequent bullish cycles. Miners will continue to adapt by creating new mining equipment that increases their efficiency, and investors will continue to debate whether or not it’s time to enter or exit the market.

One thing is for sure, though. With the fourth halving now behind us and the fifth on the horizon, each one refines Bitcoin’s evolving role as the leading digital store of value.

FAQs

What happens when Bitcoin is halving?

The block reward is cut in half, making it less profitable for miners and reducing the rate at which new Bitcoins enter the market.

Should I buy Bitcoin before or after halving?

While this isn’t investment advice, historical data demonstrates significant price hikes after halving events, so if that holds true, buying before the next Bitcoin halving would be smart.

Is Bitcoin halving good for the price?

In the past, halving events have all preceded substantial bull runs, though they also ramp up volatility.

Will Bitcoin go up or down after halving?

Nothing is guaranteed, though most people agree that, given historical precedent, the price of Bitcoin will rise after a halving event.

The post Bitcoin Halving: What It Is and Why It’s Important for Investors? appeared first on NFT Evening.

While both serve a similar purpose, they have significant differences in backing, regulatory compliance, and overall market metrics that can all substantially impact your personal investing or trading strategy. In this post, we’ll be getting into the nitty-gritty of USDT and USDC so that you can get a clearer picture of which one suits your portfolio best.

What is a Fiat-Backed Stablecoin?

Fiat-backed stablecoins are crypto assets that represent the same value as traditional fiat currencies, in this case, the world-favorite US dollar. Each token theoretically holds the same value as one US dollar held in reserve assets by the issuer.

Stablecoins are designed to maintain price stability, unlike many conventional digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are plagued with high volatility. For many investors, such features can make them a reliable ‘safe haven’ for investors who don’t want to park extra cash in more volatile crypto assets. Their stable value also makes them perfect for everyday transactions, cross-border payments, or just parking funds digitally.

Major stablecoins like USDT and USDC rely on conventional, regulated financial institutions or third-party custodians to store the collateral backing the asset. This collateral can include cash or other fiat currency, short-term treasury bills, or various other assets.

By making sure that each token minted has corresponding reserves, the stablecoin market stays tightly pegged to the US dollar. This strategy is known as the ‘tokenized dollar’ approach, and it adds convenience in the trading, holding, or transferring of stablecoins across various blockchain networks without encumbering users in the conventional friction of banking services.

What is USDC (USD Coin)?

Source: USDC.com

USD Coin is a stablecoin created by the Centre Consortium, which is a collaboration between crypto giant Coinbase and Circle. USDC is designed to stay locked at 1:1 with the US dollar, and each token is backed by cash and short-term Treasury instruments.

Each month, Circle issues third-party assurances that outline its reserves and reinforce its fully transparent collateralization. USDC is comparatively new but gained critical traction quickly, thanks in no small part to powerful partnerships, widespread adoption across multiple blockchains, including Solana, Ethereum, and Avalanche, and a foundational role in DeFi.

USDC volume and market cap

Data from CoinMarketCap shows that USDC’s market cap stands at around $60.10 billion, ranking it among the largest stablecoins. Its daily trading volume hovers near $11.25 billion, reflecting robust demand from traders and institutions across centralized and decentralized exchanges.

USDC stability

USDC aims to reduce de-pegging risks by publishing frequent attestations through respected accounting firms. The partnership with well-known financial institutions also bolsters investor confidence. While market volatility can temporarily influence USDC’s price, it typically remains close to one dollar, thanks in large part to transparent reserve management.

What is USDT (Tether)?

Source: Tether.to

USDT is the most widely used stablecoin and leads all other fiat-pegged assets in the crypto space. It was created in 2014 and was one of the first tokens to popularize the concept of a digital asset pegged to the US dollar. Each token is algorithmically locked to one dollar in liquid reserve assets, though the reserve structure and disclosures have faced scrutiny over the years.

USDT volume and market cap

USDT’s market capitalization is approximately $143.99 billion, making it the largest stablecoin by a considerable margin. Its 24-hour trading volume frequently surpasses $60 billion, reflecting high liquidity that is crucial for traders and institutions looking to move in and out of volatile crypto positions. Due to this massive volume, USDT is the most popular quote currency on numerous exchanges, particularly for popular trading pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT.

USDT stability

Tether’s resilience in maintaining its dollar peg for nearly a decade is notable, but it has faced persistent questions over the exact composition and transparency of its reserves. The company has committed to improved reporting, but critics and detractors still push for greater insight into collateral assets.

USDC vs USDT: Key Differences

Launch Date

USDT debuted in 2014 as the first stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, giving it a longer track record and a gracious head start in building global liquidity. USDC just appeared in 2018 through a collaboration between Circle and Coinbase to create a regulated pedigree in the stablecoin crypto ecosystem.

Winner: USDT for greater longevity.

Market Cap

With a market capitalization of more than $60B, USDC’s market cap is substantial and is demonstrative of rapid, consistent growth, particularly in the DeFi space. However, the massive $144B USDT market capitalization dwarfs any close stablecoin issuers.

Winner: USDT for sheer size.

Trading Pairs

USDT is often the default stablecoin option for Bitcoin and Ether trading, making it the base currency for countless traders around the world. USDC is widely listed on major exchanges and DeFi platforms but remains second to Tether in terms of the number of global trading pairs.

Winner: USDT for broader global reach.

Reserve Assets

USDC explicitly collateralized its tokens with cash and short-term US Treasury instruments, while it also publishes monthly atterstations confirming all reserves. In contrast, USDT also claims full collateral, but details on its holdings can be less transparent, occasionally stirring debate.

Winner: USDC for clearer reporting and regular third-party checks.

Regulatory Compliance

When it comes to regulatory compliance, both stablecoins come from well-regulated financial institutions, but USDC presents itself as a more rigorously regulated offering, leaning on Circle’s and Coinbase’s corporate compliance efforts. Even though USDT persists as the market leader, it has done so through more than one controversy related to reserve disclosures.

Winner: USDC for consistent adherence to regulatory norms.

Safety and Transparency

USDC produces regular attestations and publicly shares how reserves are held, instilling confidence among institutions and retail users. USDT, while functionally stable, offers fewer details about its backing, prompting calls for more thorough audits. Only time will tell if the USDT consensus moves toward more transparent and open operation.

Winner: USDC for comprehensive external verifications.

Price

Both stablecoins maintain a tight peg to one US dollar. Market turbulence occasionally nudges each a fraction of a cent off its mark, yet both quickly revert. This is due to the algorithmic valuation of each, with tokens being minted or burned to maintain their peg, depending on the needs of the market. When the value drops, tokens are burned to increase scarcity, and when they surpass $1, additional tokens are minted in calculated dilution.

Winner: Tie since both typically sustain their peg to $0.001.

Transaction Volume

USDC’s daily trading volume is not insignificant and reaches roughly $11 billion. That said, the volume of USDT surpasses USDC several times over, with an average daily volume of more than $60 billion.

Winner: USDT based on unmatched liquidity.

Redemptions

Holders of both USDC and USDT enjoy smooth and nearly instant redemption processes, converting tokens to fiat through most major exchanges. The 1:1 redemptions of Tether can be less transparent due to the nature of USDT audits and reporting.

Winner: USDC because of smoother experiences reported by many users.

Growth

USDC has shown steady adoption in regulated contexts, particularly within DeFi and institutional channels. USDT, though, continues its reign as the largest stablecoin, benefiting from first-mover advantage and wider exchange support.

Winner: USDT for scale, USDC for institutional-friendly expansion.

De-pegging Incidents

Neither stablecoin has had prolonged peg losses, though each has undergone brief dips or deviations during high-stress volatility or liquidity events.

Winner: Tie since neither deviates from one dollar for long.

Where can I buy USDC and USDT?

You can purchase USDC tokens or USDT stablecoins on all the major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Kraken, Coinbase, Binance, and so on. Centralized exchanges will have support for quick purchases via credit or debit cards or bank transfers, letting you trade almost instantly for assets like BTC or ETH.

DEXs like SushiSwap or Uniswap also list USDT and USDC, so you can swap them directly for hundreds of other crypto assets without intermediaries. All you need to do is make sure your platform of choice is reputable and that you understand the trading fees.

Source: Coinbase.com

Where to Sell USDC and USDT?

You can sell USDC and USDT in more or less the same way as buying them. On centralized exchanges, you can place a sell order for any USDT or USDC to fiat trading pair listed, like USDT/USD. Another option is to swap them for other assets to stay within the cryptocurrency market.

How are Stablecoins Taxed?

Stablecoin taxation will depend heavily on how your specific country or state treats digital assets. If you sell or swap them for a profit, most tax authorities, including the IRS, will view that as a taxable event.

Since stablecoins are designed to keep their value set at a dollar, some larger conversions or trades can generate capital gains or losses. Always consult a tax professional or reference government guidelines to ensure compliance.

USDC vs USDT: Which Is Better for You?

USDC and USDT are the two leading stablecoins, and each one can maintain an ultra-close peg to the US dollar. While Tether’s considerable market cap and trading volume make it a mainstay across global exchanges, USD Coin’s emphasis on transparency and regulatory adherence draws in institutional investment.

Think about the unique combination of liquidity and regulatory compliance that fits your needs, and you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision for your portfolio.

FAQ

Which is better, USDT or USDC?

You’ll need to put this in the context of your investment or trading priorities. USDC offers clearer audits, though the USDC market capitalization is lower.

Is USDC safer than USDT?

USDC’s reserve transparency and monthly attestations often give it a perception of higher trustworthiness, but neither has ever lost its peg for long.

Can I Transfer USDC and USDT to My Bank Account?

Most exchanges will let you convert your stablecoins to fiat currency, which can typically be withdrawn directly, though processing times can vary from one exchange to another.

What are the downsides of USDC?

While tokens are stable, USDC complies readily with more regulations, which could lead to increased oversight.

Can I change USDC to USDT?

Yes. On any platform where the two are listed, you should be able to swap between the two quickly and easily.

Is USDT equal to USDC?

Both USDT and USDC were created to keep a stable peg to the dollar, so the USDC price will always be more or less equal to the USDT price. That said, they have considerable differences in reserve assets composition and disclosure, market capitalization, and general governance. 

The post USDC vs USDT Comparison: Which Stablecoin is Better? appeared first on NFT Evening.

While some of those who made millions were talented artists and entrepreneurs with a huge social media following, the truth is that anyone can mint an NFT and make money. Since understanding the NFT space is essential and goes a few spaces beyond simply learning the meaning of terms, this guide will take you through the process of minting an NFT and everything else you need to know before you can start. 

Let’s dive into the fundamentals of how to create NFT and show you some valuable insights!

What Does It Mean To “Mint” an NFT?

To mint NFT refers to creating a unique digital asset on a blockchain and turning it into a unique verifiable crypto-collectible. The file includes anything from artwork, music, and video to virtual properties. This makes it possible to record their data permanently on a blockchain and to make it possible for anyone to own the digitized items.

By minting an NFT, you effectively tokenize the digital asset in a format that allows you to trade its ownership rights for digital content that is otherwise reproducible. Before the introduction of non-fungible-token technology, no one could effectively claim sole ownership over any digital file that people could easily copy and share as many times as they could.

Why Mint an NFT?     

So why do people bother learning how to create NFT? The reason is simple: The digital file you mint becomes a part of the blockchain, meaning no one can alter or duplicate it. If you’re a creator, this is critical because it becomes a deed of ownership and authenticity and allows you to sell or trade the non-fungible token on any NFT marketplace. 

Once you’re through with the process of NFT minting and you have your non-fungible token on a decentralized blockchain such as Ethereum, the digital file becomes a “one-of-a-kind” file that can be traced back to you as the original owner, creator, or minter as it represents ownership. You can sell it or trade it like a unique commodity. Any ownership change will also be recorded on-chain after the transaction is executed. 

Minting for creators

Minting is mainly done by artists or creators interested in transforming their work into digital assets. While trying to sell digital art may have existed before, introducing NFTs enables NFT creators to gain recognition as original creators. Other benefits include:

• Monetization and Revenue Streams: Minting transforms your art, music, or code into a verifiable token that you can sell directly to buyers or collectors and bypass agents. Thus, you keep a larger percentage of the money, including recurring revenue from royalties on future sales.
• Ownership and Authenticity: Minting establishes a permanent digital record on the blockchain, preventing counterfeiting or duplication. It provides a verifiable deed of ownership, making your NFT collection valuable and collective.
• Community Engagement and Recognition: Minting enables creators to build a community around their art pieces and connect them with fans and connectors, besides creating opportunities for fostering loyalty.
• Financial Benefits: NFTs can bring a substantial return on investment. 
• Access to a Global Market: Creators can trade NFTs in different marketplaces and reach a wider global audience than the traditional market or sales channels.

Minting for collectors

Apart from creators, investors and collectors can also mint NFTs from a collection. After paying the price, the token goes straight into their wallets. For collectors, NFT minting NFT has several benefits, including:

• Uniqueness and Scarcity: When you mint NFT, your digital asset becomes unique, and no one can copy or replicate it, so you establish scarcity.
• Proof of Ownership: Your NFT is your digital deed of ownership recorded permanently on the blockchain from where you can transfer ownership.
• Authenticity: Blockchain records are verifiable proofs of ownership guaranteeing an NFT’s authenticity.
• Tradability: Once minted, you can sell or trade your token on an NFT marketplace like any other collectible.
• Monetization and Value: As a collector, you can see the value of your NFTs appreciating over time.  

How to Create and Mint Your First NFT        

When learning to create NFT, remember essential things. First, you must create high-quality artwork that’s appealing and unique. You may want to use art software or professional apps, but you can have artwork with the best overall aesthetics.

Your next consideration is the file format and resolutions to guarantee the highest-resolution images that can attract potential buyers, be easily downloadable, or be displayed on different platforms. Also, be careful about intellectual property to avoid legal tussles.     

Having considered the most critical factors, it’s now time to look at the step by step guide on starting minting NFT:

Step 1: Set up a Crypto Wallet

Before you can mint NFT, you need a crypto wallet to store your funds and connect your chosen blockchain network and the NFT marketplace account. A hot wallet is ideal because you’ll be connecting to the internet. You also need a non-custodial wallet such as MetaMask wallet to ensure you control your funds as you keep your private key. Since there are so many NFT wallets you can choose from, the most important things to consider when selecting the appropriate one include:

• Fast and easy to set up and sign up
• Non-custodial to have complete control over your NFTs
• Dapp connectivity so you can quickly connect your wallet to an NFT marketplace
• Multi-blockchain support
• Excellent customer support

After considering the critical factors and finding a crypto wallet with NFT support, it’s time to set up and secure your wallet.

Step 2: Create NFT Collection            

• After you have successfully setting up, connect your wallet, you will click on “Create.”
• Then click on the “Mint an NFT” button.
• After this, select “Create a new collection” before minting a new NFT. 
• Once you’re directed to the page where you can create the collection for your digital token, upload the image of your logo and add your contract name.
• Select the blockchain you want to use and click the “Continue” button.

Depending on your selected blockchain, an NFT marketplace such as OpenSea or Rarible will display the estimated cost for deploying the smart contract.  The gas fees will vary depending on the network’s activity level when listing before requesting payment from your digital wallet.

Next, go to your crypto wallet App, pay the gas fees, and click to complete the deployment of your contract on the Ethereum blockchain. Ensure you have sufficient ETH in your wallet to cover the NFT smart contract deployment cost.

Step 3: Upload and Mint NFT  

The last step is to mint NFT, which involves uploading your digital artwork to your preferred NFT marketplace. You must set the NFT’s metadata, including its title, description, attributes, and cryptocurrency, for which you wish to get paid. Once you’ve paid the minting fees, your artwork becomes a one-of-a-kind token on the blockchain that you can sell or trade.

After learning what minting NFT is, you have successfully made your first one, and it’s time to begin managing your non-fungible token collection. Your next important task is connecting with other NFT enthusiasts and building a social media community. Most NFT creators and fans engage on Discord or X (formerly Twitter), where they share tips and ideas on the market. If you’re entirely new to the world of NFTs, you need to watch other NFT projects, paying attention to what they do so you can borrow some of their concepts to inspire your project.

Where to Mint Your NFT    

An NFT marketplace is a digital platform where you can buy, sell, or trade your non-fungible token conveniently. There are currently over 80 such platforms. Considering the large number, selecting the best platform can be challenging. Among the most popular ones are OpenSea, Rarible, Mintable, Crypto.com, Axie Marketplace, SuperRare, Nifty Gateway, Binance NFTs, and NBA Top Shot.

Note that there are different varieties of platforms within the NFT space for creators and collectors to manage their tokens. The most common types of marketplaces are:

• General NFT Marketplaces: These are online platforms offering an extensive selection of non-fungible tokens, from digital assets to entertainment, virtual real estate, and domain names. OpenSea and Rarible are the best examples in this category.
• Art-based NFT Marketplaces: Platforms in this category allow art creators to display their works while offering collectors a chance to sample and buy. Foundation and SuperRare are the leading examples in this category.
• Entertainment NFT Marketplaces: These platforms specialize in music, videos, and other entertainment-related NFTs, offering access to exclusive content from artists. Artists here can fully own their content and earn royalties for a lifetime.
• Sports NFT Marketplaces: These marketplaces offer physical or virtual sports-related items for sale, including video clips, memorabilia, and exclusive virtual tickets and other utility NFTs. NBA Top Shots is a leading example.
• Decentralized NFT Marketplaces: Another example of NFT platforms include decentralized or community-driven NFT marketplaces that cover a wide range of digital assets you can buy and sell. Popular examples in this variety include Mintable, Rarible, and OpenSea.
• Gaming NFT Marketplaces: Last but not least are Gaming NFT marketplaces specializing in video games and in-game items such as virtual land, skins, and characters that players can own, sell, and trade to monetize gaming assets. Decentraland and Axies Marketplace fall under this category.

The following are examples of the best NFT platforms you can mint your NFT from:                    

OpenSea‍                     

OpenSea is the pioneer and largest platform where users can buy, sell, and trade their minted digital tokens, such as NFTs and other collectibles. The platform was launched in 2017 and is popular among users for supporting different kinds of NFTs, including art, memberships, trading cards, virtual worlds, music, and photography. OpenSea supports over 80 million digital tokens across different categories and blockchains.

Pros of OpenSea

• Easy to use and navigate, making it ideal for beginners
• Offers high liquidity, meaning you can easily buy and sell NFTs
• It has an extensive collection of NFTs covering over 700 projects and still growing
• Low fees

Cons of OpenSea

• Customer service is very supportive
• The marketplace is overcrowded
• Relatively high gas fees         

Rarible‍          

Rarible is a popular open-source NFT platform that was established in 2020 and has supported the buying and selling of NFTs and collectibles since then. The platform is a non-custodial marketplace that allows creators and collectors to have complete control over their digital tokens and collectibles. Rarible currently supports over 400,000 NFTs and is still growing.

Pros of Rarible

• Lazy minting feature that allows users to create NFTs before paying gas fees in advance
• Artists and creators are entitled to up to 50% royalties for their art
• $RARI native token that enables holders to participate in governance issues

Cons of Rarible

• Limited blockchain options as it only supports Ethereum-based NFTs
• Users must pay an initial listing fee and other applicable fees                    

How to Sell Your Minted NFT Successfully    

While it’s good to transform your artwork into an NFT, the truth is that you could also make some money in the process if you’re creative. You can increase your chances of successfully selling your minted NFT by learning to popularize your brand and enhancing potential client engagement. Here are essential tips to remember:  

• Conduct Background Research: You can sell your NFTs and make money, but you must have sufficient information before trading. After knowing what minting NFT is, learn how the market operates and conduct background research on how and why it swings or the kind of digital tokens that can fetch good money and where you can sell NTFs profitably.
• Buy Digital Currencies: Ensure you have bought some cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, which are popular in the NFT space. Most NFT marketplaces will require you to pay some upfront fees in crypto before they will allow you to mint NFTs.
• Compare Marketplaces: Since there are many NFT marketplaces where you can mint and sell NFTs, every one of them has different features and requirements. A few teach you how to mint an NFT, while others assume you’re an expert who can start immediately. If you’re beginning, consider a platform that can educate you on how to sell your NFT art.

The following is a step-by-step procedure for selling NFTs:

• Step 1: List Your NFT: Visit the selling section of your selected NFT marketplace and list your token for immediate sale or auction. Set the selling price, usage rights, and royalties to attract potential buyers.
• Step 2: Promote Your Listing: Use social media forums and online NFT communities to showcase your NFT listing and reach a wider range of potential buyers. Engage with potential buyers and offer information on your art, as well as use your connections to enhance visibility.
• Step 3: Manage Transactions: Once a potential buyer bids on your NFT, use the platform’s interface to handle the transaction. Verify the sale and switch ownership to the buyer, ensuring all the agreed-upon terms and conditions are fulfilled. 
• Step 4: Receive Payment: After selling, you will receive the payment in your crypto wallet. Remember, you must pay transaction fees, service fee and other associated levies before reinvesting or spreading out your profits in the NFT marketplace. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Minting NFTs      

Here is a list of mistakes you must avoid when minting NFTs: 

• Paying High Gas Fees: Research different blockchains and use gas fee estimation tools to avoid paying exorbitant gas fees or batch minting for large projects.
• Forgetting Royalties: Royalties are payments you can receive even after you have sold your NFTs; make sure your smart contract automatically royalties your NFT is sold. 
• Wrong Blockchain or Marketplace: Research alternatives for marketplaces or blockchains to ensure they align with your target audience.
• Lack of Copyrights and Misleading Descriptions: Consult a legal expert to ensure your contract carefully protects your rights while providing accurate descriptions about the origin of your artwork.
• Scams and Fraud: Carefully research NFT projects and marketplaces and understand their terms and conditions to avoid potential fraudsters and avoid becoming a victim.
• Minting one NFT on Multiple Platforms: Since most platforms will delete an NFT minted on other platforms, carefully select one platform to mint and list NFTs to avoid duplication.

Conclusion

NFTs have become a new way for individuals and artists to make an income, and as the world increasingly becomes digital, non-fungible tokens are rising to the mainstream. As a potential investor in the NFT space, you want to learn everything you can about minting NFTs to increase your chances of making it.

While at it, take the time to do your research to identify the best NFT marketplaces, crypto wallets, and blockchains that support NFT creation. By learning the basics on understanding NFTs before you get started, you will have fun, enjoy the rewards that could come your way, and avoid scams and fraudsters who could otherwise steal the rewards of your hard work.

FAQs                           

How much does minting an NFT cost?

The cost of minting an NFT can vary greatly, from a few dollars to hundreds. The amount you spend will depend on factors like the blockchain you choose, specific features you utilize, and network congestion, among others. NFT platforms also offer “gasless minting” or “lazy minting” options that significantly reduce costs.        

Can I mint an NFT for free?

Yes, you can mint NFT free of charge, but that will depend on the blockchain and marketplace you choose. Blockchains like Polygon have free minting options, while marketplaces like Rarible and OpenSea offer lazy minting features that allow a creator to pay gas fees later or have the buyer pay them when buying the NFT.

How long does NFT minting take? 

Under normal circumstances, NFT minting could take between 5 and 30 minutes or even several hours in some situations. The timing can vary based on factors like the blockchain network congestion or the complexity of the smart contract. However, a creator can speed up the process on some platforms by paying a slightly higher priority minting fee.

Can I Mint NFTs on Different Blockchains?   

Once you have learned how to mint an NFT, tt is possible to mint NFTs on different networks. However, note that some networks are more popular for NFT minting than others. While Ethereum remains the most popular blockchain for NFT minting, alternatives like Solana, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain offer similar services.  

Is minting an NFT the same as buying?

Not really. The process of minting NFT refers to creating a new NFT. Buying, on the other hand, is purchasing an existing NFT on a secondary NFT marketplace.

What Gives an NFT Value?

The value of an NFT depends on the kind of asset it represents. For example, the value of NFTs representing tangible items will correspond to their value in the market. Nonetheless, the value will be entirely speculative when you have an asset that doesn’t have a price tag, such as a piece of digital content.

Are NFTs a good investment?

Like most crypto-based products, NFTs are highly speculative but potentially lucrative. However, there are risks associated with the investment, especially if it is made without thorough evaluation by the creators, communities, and long-term utility.

The post How to Mint an NFT: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on NFT Evening.

Understanding exactly how spot trading works and why it’s an important strategy is critical to making better, more informed investment decisions. By learning how to focus on market volatility in real time, spot trading can help fulfill the typical traders’ aim to buy low and sell high without worrying about dealing with lengthy settlement times or potential margin calls.

What Is Spot Trading In Crypto?

In crypto, spot trading is a method of trading digital assets where orders are executed and filled immediately at the current market price. This means you are granted immediate delivery and ownership. It’s a very direct approach to asset ownership that works for traders who want straightforward exposure to price movements without the additional complexity of derivatives or margin trading.

Source: Pixabay.com

How Does Spot Trading Work?

Spot trading depends on real-time transactions, so trades happen more or less instantly at prevailing market prices. When you submit an order, you are buying or selling coins for the most immediate settlement possible.

Spot trading is generally done with either market orders or limit orders. Market orders will buy or sell specific quantities of coins at current market prices, while limit orders set a price and only execute at that price or better.

What Is a Spot Market?

A spot market is a platform where financial instruments related to crypto are bought and sold at their current prices for immediate delivery. On these spot exchanges, market participants have direct control over their transactions, locking in trades based on current supply and demand conditions. This setup fosters a clear price discovery mechanism, allowing traders to see real-time bids and offers.

Spot Trading in Other Markets

Spot trading is popular with crypto, but that’s not the only space you’ll find it. You’ll find spot trading in forex, precious metals, commodities like steel and oil, and more.

While each spot market may have unique trading hours, liquidity levels, or regulatory frameworks, the core principle remains the same: a clear, real-time transaction occurs when you buy or sell. This universality makes spot trading accessible and straightforward across multiple asset classes.

Best Spot Trading Strategies

Buy and Hold

This long-term strategy involves acquiring crypto at a lower price and holding it for an extended period. It’s particularly popular with investors who believe in the technology’s long-term promise.

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Rather than making a single lump-sum purchase, DCA spreads out investments over regular intervals to mitigate the effects of short-term price fluctuations.

Trend Following

Traders analyze market patterns using indicators like moving averages or MACD. When a clear upward or downward trend emerges, they align trades to ride the momentum until signs of a reversal appear.

Spot Trading Vs. Futures Trading Vs. Margin Trading

Advantages of Spot Trading

• Immediate Ownership: You buy crypto assets outright, avoiding the complexities of leveraged positions or contract expirations. This allows you to store coins in your wallet, reducing counterparty risk.
• Lower Complexity: Spot markets are straightforward compared to derivatives trading, making them a popular choice for new entrants who want to focus on direct price movements.
• No Margin Calls: Because you only invest the capital you have, you don’t risk liquidation or margin-related losses associated with leveraged trades.
• Transparent Pricing: Transactions occur at current market prices, offering clarity and reducing guesswork about future settlements or hidden fees.
• Ideal for Long-Term Holding: Many spot traders adopt a buy-and-hold strategy, especially for assets they believe will appreciate over time.

Disadvantages of Spot Trading

• Tied-Up Capital: You must pay the full amount upfront, which limits buying power and potential returns compared to leveraged trading.
• Slower Growth: Gains depend entirely on price appreciation; you don’t have the advantage of amplified returns that margin or futures might provide.
• Volatility Risks: Swift price swings can quickly erode principal, especially for smaller altcoins with low liquidity.
• Limited Hedging Options: Without derivatives, you can’t short assets as easily or protect holdings from sudden market downturns.

How To Start Spot Trading In Crypto?

1. The first step to spot-trading crypto is to choose an exchange that supports the crypto you want to buy or sell.
2. You’ll need to create an account on your platform of choice and complete any KYC requirements.
3. Once you’ve been verified, it’s time to fund your account. Transfer fiat currency using any of the methods supported by the exchange.
4. Place a market order to buy or sell crypto at the current market price or create a limit order to specify a price at which to buy or sell a quantity of assets.
5. After your buy or sell order has been placed and filled, you should consider moving your assets to a hardware or software wallet you have full private key control of.

Alternatives to Spot Trading In Crypto

If spot trading doesn’t sound right for you and you’d like a few alternatives, there are plenty, as long as you’re able to cope with the added complexity and risk. The most popular alternatives are margin trading, options trading, and futures trading.

Futures trading strategies involve entering into a contract to buy or sell assets on a specific date in the future. This lets you hedge against current positions or speculate on price movements over time, frequently with leverage. The risk here is that market fluctuations could force liquidation if trades move against you.

Margin trading is a general strategy that lets you borrow funds to open a leveraged position, potentially multiplying gains as well as losses. Traders on margin trading platforms must maintain a specific balance to avoid liquidation, which makes risk management a core component.

Options trading is where you buy the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified asset at a specified price on a predetermined date. This is often used for hedging strategies or to profit from predicted market movements without actually holding the asset. Successful options trading demands an understanding of premiums, strike prices, and a complex set of metrics known as “the Greeks”.

Conclusion

Crypto spot trading is a cornerstone element of the broader crypto market, helping to provide a clear, uncluttered path to digital asset ownership. With a strict focus on immediate transactions at current market prices, you can more easily avoid the complexities native to contract-based trading strategies.

While spot trading doesn’t have the leverage options of futures or margin markets, it also comes with fewer inherent risks, particularly concerning liquidation. Now that you understand how spot trading works with crypto, you can combine this new knowledge with personal risk management to make more effective investment decisions.

FAQs

What is an example of spot trading?

An example of crypto spot trading is buying Bitcoin with a market order through any common platform or exchange. The order is filled at the time it is placed at the currently available price.

Can you make money by spot trading?

Yes. You can profit from buying digital assets and selling them for a higher price when market values increase, but there will always be risks.

Is crypto spot trading safe?

It’s considerably safer than leveraged trading strategies, but substantial market risks are still involved. Volatility is one major concern since substantial crypto price fluctuations are common.

Which crypto exchange is best for spot trading?

The best crypto exchanges for spot trading are platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, and more.

Is spot trading good for beginners?

Spot trading is much easier to understand than futures trading and less risky than margin trading, so it’s a great starting point for crypto beginners.

The post What Is Spot Trading in Crypto and How Does It Work? appeared first on NFT Evening.

One player has emerged to claim a niche because it helps users capture real value as they offer liquidity, especially within the Solana network. Often called the Aave of Solana by DeFi diehards, Kamino Finance has established itself as the go-to yield automation tool offering automated liquidity strategies, pegged as a yield optimizer and auto-compounder offering concentrated liquidity to the Solana Network.

But what is Kamino Finance, and what role does it play in the ever-dynamic Solana ecosystem? This guide explains its key features and outlines the prime strategies you can use to optimize your profit potential in yield farming.            

What is Kamino Finance?      

Kamino Finance is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform based on the Solana ecosystem designed to automate and optimize concentrated liquidity management. The platform simplifies the complex process by combining liquidity provision, decentralized lending, and leverage to create an easy-to-use DeFi product suite for all users.

As a result, DeFi users get to enjoy the best of both worlds since they can earn compounded yields without struggling to deal with puzzling barriers to entry. The project was initially designed to demystify liquidity provision and simplify auto-compounding on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) using the renowned Concentrated Liquidity Market Maker (CLMM) models. It has since metamorphosed into the lending and leveraged product niches.

DeFi enthusiasts consider Kamino the best Solana DEX and recognize it as the next-gen platform for retail and institutional users.

What is Concentrated Liquidity?

Liquidity is the lifeblood of any financial system, and DeFi is not an exception. The more liquidity, the more stable the ecosystem, which makes Liquidity providers (LPs) an important cog of the system. Concentrated liquidity is a feature for trading in automated market makers (AMMs). It enables liquidity providers to provide their assets to liquidity pools within specific price ranges instead of allocating them throughout the entire spectrum of potential prices.  

In the conventional AMM, liquidity providers distribute their assets uniformly across the entire price curve, making them available for random prices from zero to any price that could happen.  While the traditional method looks practical and effective, it has several disadvantages because trading activities could happen within a slim price range. As a result, a larger amount of liquidity remains unutilized, meaning liquidity providers won’t receive their dues.

Concentrated liquidity positions change the entire picture by allowing LPs to decide on the specific price ranges in which they would be comfortable providing liquidity. Rather than provide liquidity randomly, concentrated liquidity empowers providers by enabling them to choose the price curve at which they can allow swaps to occur. Once they build automated liquidity strategies, a larger portion of their deposited liquidity can be used. The benefits include:

• Higher Capital Efficiency: Concentrated liquidity improves capital efficiency, as LPs can focus their assets within a specified price range, leading to higher returns.
• Increased Fee Earnings: LPs can concentrate their liquidity where greater trading happens, meaning they can earn more fees.

The Role of Kamino Finance in Solana DeFi  

The Kamino Finance ecosystem plays an integral role within the Solana DeFi ecosystem by introducing a concentrated liquidity layer that enhances users’ experience in decentralized lending from the increased liquidity depth. By providing one-click liquidity strategies, Kamino Solana becomes a one-stop-shop for DeFi users interested in optimizing liquidity and their potential return on investment. The Kamino Solana products contain four key primitives, as follows:

Automated Liquidity Vaults

Kamino’s Automated Liquidity Vaults is one of the core primitives of the Solana network that issues yield-bearing LP tokens to depositors. Known as ‘kTokens,’ and used as collateral in Kamino Lend, they become the foundation of Kamino’s DeFi strategies, including delta-neutral liquidity provision, leveraged liquidity provision, and other DeFi applications where users earn yield from LP positions.

K-Lend

Kamino Lend (K-Lend) is the core lending infrastructure that operates on a peer-to-peer basis. It enables users to borrow and lend assets with high leverage using the Elevation Mode mechanism, which groups highly correlated digital assets and optimizes a Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) of up to 95%. The K-Lend protocol is a decentralized matchmaker that unifies lenders, borrowers, and liquidity providers that support LP token collateral and automatic liquidation management.                  

Multiply Vaults

Multiply Vaults are designed to facilitate leveraged positioning to enhance user exposure to selected yield-bearing digital assets. Users are facilitated to open leveraged positions where they can access specific assets. Moreover, users can gain up to 5x leverage besides leverage K-Lend and borrow assets they can reinvest by creating an automatic loop.

Long/Short Vaults

Long/Short Vaults within the Kamino Solana ecosystem are a feature that enables users to make leveraged bets on an asset’s price without owning it directly. Users can speculate on whether the cost of an asset like Solana (SOL) will go down (short) or up (long). The result could be amplifying profits when things go as expected or multiplying losses when you get it wrong.

Key Features of Kamino Finance

One of the prominent features of Kamino Finance is the platform’s suite of easy-to-use products, transparent analytics, and all-inclusive data details on its performance. Among the key features include:  

• Capital Efficiency: Kamino optimizes capital efficiency by letting liquidity providers select their price ranges. The process guarantees LPs their liquidity will be utilized strategically to meet market demands and the highest rates.
• Low Slippage: Since slippage automatically increases during times of high volatility or market liquidity, introducing concentrated liquidity layers helps reduce slippage for traders and enables users to mitigate risk by offering their services at competitive rates.
• Dynamic Range Positioning: LPs can strategically adjust their positions within a price range depending on prevailing market circumstances. With dynamic market positioning, they can provide liquidity in flexible terms to keep up with volatility levels and trading patterns.
• Incentive Mechanisms: Kamino Finance users are incentivized using different mechanisms, such as yield farming or governance participation, to attract them to become and remain liquidity providers.
• Decentralized Governance: Holders of the KMNO token are allowed to participate in the platform’s decision-making process, ensuring that Kamino grows in tandem with the community’s interests.

The KMNO Token

KMNO is the Kamino Finance ecosystem’s native utility and governance token. It plays an integral role in powering the protocol’s DeFi program, which includes liquidity provision, lending, and leveraging. The platform also uses the KMNO token to incentivize participation in its various activities and reward liquidity providers.

Users holding KMNO can earn passive income by staking their tokens or participating in governance decisions that influence the platform’s future. Moreover, the token can be used to access special features and benefits and boost liquidity within the Kamino ecosystem. KMNO continues to play a significant role within the platform’s DeFi suite, thereby promoting its growth and sustainability.   

KMNO Tokenomics    

The token serves different roles within the Kamino ecosystem. Below is a breakdown of KMNO tokenomics:

• Total supply: 10,000,000,000
• Estimated initial circulating supply: 1,000,000,000
• Market cap (as of August 24, 2024): $51,151,602

The team behind Kamino Finance initially distributed 750,000,000 KMNO tokens to the community, representing 75% of its initial circulating supply. The strategy highlights the team’s plan to bootstrap the project’s ecosystem by motivating community members to participate fully in its activities.

The tokens are distributed as follows:

• Community and grants: 35%
• Core contributors: 20%
• Key stakeholders and advisors: 35%
• Genesis community allocation: 7.5%
• Liquidity and Treasury: 10%

How to buy KMNO?

If you plan to buy KMNO tokens, consider some essential factors, like the exchange you’ll buy from and the transaction method. The following is a step-by-step guide for buying KMNO tokens.

• Step 1: Choose an Exchange: Choose a crypto exchange in your country that supports Kamino like Binance, carefully considering factors like security, transaction fees, and user reviews.
• Step 2: Create an Account: Register an account on the platform’s website or mobile app. You’ll need to input personal information for verification.
• Step 3: Fund Your Account: Use the supported method to transfer some funds to your new exchange account.
• Step 4: Navigate to the Kamino Market: Locate Kamino (KMNO) in the crypto exchange’s marketplace.
• Step 5: Choose a Transaction Amount: Enter the amount of KMNO tokens you intend to buy.
• Step 6: Confirm Your Purchase: Review all the details and when satisfied, confirm by clicking “Buy KMNO.”
• Step 7: Complete Transaction: The exchange will process and transfer your tokens to your exchange wallet.
• Step 8: Transfer to a Hardware Wallet: Unless you want to trade your KMNO tokens, it’s advisable to transfer your assets to a hardware wallet, where they will be secure.

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How to Get Started with Kamino Finance     

After understanding the core features of Kamino Finance, it’s time to get started. First, you need to acquire and connect a Solana blockchain compatible wallet to access the Kamino platform and explore its services.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Obtain and Connect a Solana Wallet:

• Choose a Solana compatible wallet: Examples include Phantom, Trust Wallet, and many others
• Download and set up: Download and set up by following prompts given by your chosen wallet provider
• Connect to Kamino: Once set up is complete, connect it to the platform

Step 2: Depositing Assets: Once your wallet is connected, deposit supported tokens or coins into your Kamino account. This will give you collateral to borrow or provide liquidity. Now you can choose a product or service from the list of options in the header navigation bar:

• Lending and Borrowing: You can borrow or lend crypto assets
• Liquidity Provision: Provide liquidity to AMM vaults
• Leverage Multiply: Leverage your tokens for staking yield

Step 3: Create a vault: Select the type of vault you desire, deposit the required assets, and configure the parameters like price range or leverage

Step 4: Manage your position: After creating a vault, monitor its performance, adjust the metrics as required, or withdraw the assets when needed. The platform has built-in tools to help users manage positions effectively.

Earn Kamino Points for Potential Airdrop

Kamino Finance has so far conducted three airdrop seasons beginning with its Genesis Airdrop. While we wait for the next Kamino airdrop, you need to prepare if you’re interested in getting some goodies and ensure you’re eligible.

As usual, the premise involves earning points by actively participating in the community and using its products. These points can be converted to KMNO tokens the moment the airdrop goes live. According to the project, the main motivation for its points program is to ensure the platform reaches as many people as possible, attract new users, and reward them for their loyalty.

As we wait for the next Kamino airdrop to be announced, you can earn points in the following ways:

• Provide liquidity to eligible pools: The greater the contribution, the higher the potential reward.
• Stay engaged: Remain engaged in the platform’s trading activities since points are based on trading volumes.
• Participate in yield farming: Earn extra points by staking your tokens.

Conclusion: The Future of Kamino     

Kamino Finance seems to be the best Solana DEX currently, offering a comprehensive suite of DeFi activities ranging from liquidity provision to lending and leverage. The platform’s unique approach to managing liquidity and focus on user experience makes it a popular platform with a promising future within the Solana DeFi ecosystem.

By dealing with issues affecting CLMMs and introducing a wide range of features, Kamino Finance has differentiated itself from competitors within the Solana DeFi ecosystem. Kamino is an attractive option for anyone interested in maximizing their crypto asset potential.

FAQs                                       

How safe is Kamino Finance?

According to the company’s website, security is a top priority. The platform uses smart contracts audited regularly by leading blockchain security firms like Trail of Bits and Kudelski Security.                              

What is Kamino in crypto?

Kamino refers to Kamino Finance (KMNO), a DeFi protocol on the Solana blockchain. The platform aims to simplify and optimize liquidity provision, lending, and borrowing cryptocurrencies. It also offers advanced tools for managing and earning yields on crypto assets.             

Who are the investors in Kamino Finance?   

According to Tracxn, Kamino is a London-based seed company founded in 2022. It raised $6.1M over 1 round, and eight investors participated in its latest round. Kamino has 8 institutional investors, namely Global Founders Capital, Propel Venture Partners, and Clocktower Technology Ventures.

The post What Is Kamino Finance? A Guide to Solana’s Concentrated Liquidity appeared first on NFT Evening.

Maple Finance is shaking up the cryptocurrency sector, especially global lending, with innovative products designed for institutional borrowers. If you’re an institutional borrower looking to access funds more efficiently or a lender interested in getting guaranteed yields for your efforts, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we shall answer the question of Maple Finance, how it works, and all other details surrounding it.

What is Maple Finance? 

Maple Finance is a digital asset lending platform within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector connecting institutions with structured opportunities such as yield-bearing by facilitating capital flow via secured, on-chain loan products. By offering a two-pronged approach targeting permissionless and know-your-customer (KYC) fronts, the platform supports DeFi native users and institutional players looking for loans or yield-generating opportunities from crypto lending pools.

When business people and other investors seek alternative solutions to the challenge of borrowing enough funds to fund their growth, it can be frustrating to feel locked out because of the slow, costly, and sometimes restrictive regulations in the existing marketplace. Maple DeFi has introduced an alternative to help institutions manage their cash flow efficiently and seize investment opportunities by offering an efficient and more flexible alternative than the traditional capital market.

Maple operates a digital lending protocol that goes beyond where other DeFi protocols reach by offering undercollateralized loans to institutions. Select cryptocurrencies fully back loans provided through the Maple and Syrup lending pools after undergoing rigorous assessment, while the permissioned nature of the yield sources guarantees quality and security. Unlike its competitors, Maple is open to anyone interested in becoming a yield earner or liquidity provider participating in lending crypto to prime corporate borrowers.

Who Created Maple? 

Sid Powell, a career institutional banker, is the CEO and co-founder of Maple Finance with Joe Flanagan. Powell’s background in institutional banking initially saw him treat cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology with skepticism and disdain until he became a bank client. After learning about Web3, both Powell and Flanagan were convinced that the traditional finance lacks efficiency and needs an emerging technology as a solution.

To address this, they created Maple Finance, a DeFi protocol designed to introduce debt capital markets 100% on chain via smart contracts, eliminating the time and cost constraints and leveraging blockchain for immutability. Today, Maple is a team run by over 25 experts with staff from leading crypto firms like BlockFi, Kraken, Bank of America, Gemini, and MakerDAO, just a few blue-chip organizations.

How Does Maple Finance Work?

The Maple protocol runs on the Solana and Ethereum blockchains, and like all other DeFi projects, it thrives on the participation of cryptocurrency lovers. Nonetheless, it differs slightly from other DeFi protocols as it primarily targets corporate borrowers and institutional lenders. The primary players within the Maple ecosystem are lenders, institutional, borrowers, pool delegates, and stakers, with each group playing a distinctive role, as explained below.

• Institutional Borrowers: The group mainly consists of market makers, hedge funds, and some cryptocurrency exchanges that take advantage of the platform’s aggregated resources whose financial activities are recorded on the blockchain. Once they procure loans, the borrowers vetted by the platform pay an establishment fee that facilitates pool delegates and Maple’s DAO, which manages the treasury funds.
• Pool delegates: This team, selected by the Maple Finance team to facilitate the platform’s capital efficiency, vets borrowers and assesses their ability to service their loans. They manage lending pools by gathering information that directly influences the terms and conditions of every loan, with funds arriving from selected liquidity policies.
• Lenders: Lenders deposit funds into designated liquidity pools and have the opportunity to earn a fixed yield for providing the funds, which are administered by the pool delegates. In addition to the interest rate lenders receive, lenders receive other incentives, including MPL crypto incentives.
• Stakers: Stakers provide “loss capital” by staking Balancer Pool Tokens (BPT) to cover any eventual losses in the event of a default. Since they take on risks on the loans, the platform rewards their efforts by distributing a portion of the loan yield in addition to MPL token staking rewards.  

How to Use Maple?

If you are interested in becoming a lender, consider Maple DeFi, where lenders receive a stable yield from carefully selected institutional borrowers. All you need to do is join a liquidity pool, deposit your funds, and earn interest depending on the liquidity asset. Pool delegates determine the yield’s value and the loan’s conditions. As a lender, you can also benefit by earning MPL by participating in liquidity mining.

You could also choose to provide pool cover by providing a financial buffer to mitigate risks associated with loans. Pool cover takes care of the losses in the event a borrower defaults, but the positive aspect is that those offering pool cover earn income through MPL rewards.

Staking MPL is another innovative way to receive passive income, such as depositing your idle MPL tokens directly into the platform. Maple says on its website that it plans to employ 50% of its revenue in an MPL buyback plan, which will be distributed to stakers as a reward for supporting the protocol. If you wish to become a pool delegate, you could also be selected based on your reputation for competence, and you can earn by receiving a portion network fees accrued from borrowers or getting a portion of the establishment fee.

What is SYRUP?

SYRUP is a permissionless yield token powered by Maple Finance and specifically designed for the DeFi community. Users who deposit funds on the protocol gain access to yield sourced from the platform’s over-collateralized loans given to large crypto-focused institutions. Since SYRUP ascribes mainly to DeFi, lenders don’t undergo any know-your-customer (KYC) protocols before they can deposit funds and start earning yields.

Besides earning yield by depositing funds, SYRUP users can also earn Drips, a primary procedure for distributing ownership of the Maple DeFi ecosystem. Users can increase the amount of Drips they earn by participating in several actions, such as using one of their wallet integration partners to deposit funds into SYRUP or using DeFi to leverage SyrupUSDC.

The SYRUP token governs the entire Maple ecosystem, which includes both Maple and Syrup. SYRUP was designed to replace the older MPL token, and holders converted their tokens from MPL to SYRUP.

SYRUP Utility

The use of Maple has the potential to expand as the crypto market continually goes mainstream and the project itself develops further. Interested actors can use Maple and SYRUP to achieve some of the following goals:

• Arbitrage Trading: SYRUP is a popular cryptocurrency in the market, and its price is always fluctuating. You can earn extra SYRUP when you buy low and sell high on a cryptocurrency exchange. Look for cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitget and others that provide numerous SYRUP trading pairs to fully benefit from arbitrage trading.
• Stake SYRUP and Earn: Users can generate extra income by staking or lending SYRUP. Numerous exchanges offer these opportunities to help SYRUP holders earn an income using their idle digital assets.
• Send or pay SYRUP: If you feel a little philanthropic and want to gift your friend, donate to a charity, or participate in a fundraiser, SYRUP is an alternative way to achieve your dream. You can send SYRUP tokens to your benefactors through their wallet addresses.                

SYRUP Tokenomics

SYRUP now serves as the native token of the Maple protocol and replaces the MPL token. Upon migration, the proposal was to convert 1 PML to 100 SYRUP, which ensured no dilution for existing MPL holders. The total supply of SYRUP is projected to reach 1.228 billion by September 2026, reflecting a planned 5% annual inflation.

The platform issued approximately 1.15 billion SYRUP during the migration, which included creating at least 1 billion SYRUP tokens during the MPL-to-SYRUP migration. The plan included a well-structured inflation calendar for the allocation of about 100 million tokens scheduled for October 2024. The issuance of SYRP tokens was broken down as follows:

• New SYRUP supply: 1,000,000,000 tokens
• 10% inflation schedule: 100,000,000 tokens
• From inflation to October 2024: 54,930,000 tokens
• Expected supply by September 2026: 1,228,740,800 tokens

SYRUP Listing on Binance

After being longlisted on cryptocurrency exchange Binance’s Alpha list, Maple Finance’s SYRUP was finally listed on May 6, 2025, and started trading at 15:00 (UTC). The relatively successful DeFi platform with a large user base has the potential to generate significant volumes both for the exchange and the protocol itself, in addition to the broad exposure. As it opened for trading, the following pairs, SYRUP/USDT and SYRUP/USDC were available, with many more to be added eventually.

For more info, check out the listing details of Maple Finance (SYRUP) on Binance.

How to Buy Maple Finance (SYRUP)  

If you’re interested in buying Maple Finance (SYRUP), the procedure is simple, but there could be slight differences depending on your location and the exchange you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide to buying Maple (SYRUP):  

• Step 1: Create an account: Download an app from your preferred exchange and proceed with the signup process, which could include needing a valid government-issued ID and proof of address. The process should take a few minutes.
• Step 2: Add a payment method: Click on the payment method box and select your preferred method, whether it’s a bank account or debit/credit card.
• Step 3: Select Buy & Sell: Proceed to the Buy section and click the “Buy “tab.
• Step 4: Select Maple Finance: Search for Maple Finance from the list of assets, and when you locate it, tap to open it.
• Step 5:  Enter the amount you wish to buy. Using the number pad, input the amount of money you want to spend, and the system will convert it into the amount of SYRUP you will receive.
• Step 6: Finalize Purchase: Tap the “Preview Buy” button when you’re ready. Review the details, and once you’re satisfied, click “Buy now” to confirm your purchase.

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What is MPL?             

MPL is the Maple Finance ecosystem’s native token. The ERC-20 token inherited the profit distribution standards of the ERC-2222 token standard. MPL plays an integral role in the platform’s operations and MPL token holders can participate in activities like staking and offering loans and the governance process.

MPL Tokenomics

The MPL tokens have a fine amounting to 10,000,000 tokens, of which some 500,000 were involved in a Balancer liquidity Bootstrapping tool that lasted 72 hours. The distribution schedule for MPL tokens is as follows:

• Maple Treasury 14% – 1,400,000 tokens
• Seed Investors 26% – 2,600,000 tokens  
• Public Auction 5% – 500,000 tokens
• Liquidity Mining 30% – 3,000,000 tokens
• Team and Advisors 25% – 2,500,000 tokens
• Total 100% – 10,000,000 tokens  

Conclusion: The Future of Maple      

Maple saw a problem in the world of finance and stepped in to solve it with the general desire of leveraging over-collateralization, where the firm believes it can help economic actors who feel left out by traditional systems.

Over time, the institution’s TVL has climbed steadily to over $800 million. The growth highlights an increasing demand for DeFi products and high yields, especially among accredited institutional investors from the institutional capital marketplace.

The recent launch of SyrupUSDC, democratizing access to institutional yields for retail investors, has also expanded its user base. If all pieces fall into place and institutional adoption grows, there’s every chance that Maple products will be used across the board by users in the financial sector, from the credit card industry to real estate, lending markets etc.

FAQs   

Is Maple DeFi?

Maple is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform specifically designed to serve institutional-grade borrowers onchain. The protocol facilitates undercollateralized lending, especially to traditional investors and crypto-focused businesses, by introducing a transparent, scalable option to regular credit facilities.

Is Maple Finance on Ethereum?

Maple is built on the Ethereum and Solana blockchain and offers under-collateralized loans, a rare feature within the DeFi space.

Is Maple Finance safe?          

Maple Finance is a relatively safe and secure platform for institutional lending within the DeFi space. While there could be general risks associated with the cryptocurrency industry, Maple has instituted numerous security protocols, such as KYC for borrowers and lenders and strict due diligence conducted by the platform’s Pool Delegate. The measures have so far succeeded in eliminating fraud, ensuring Maple maintains its reputation as a secure platform.

What is Maple Finance token utility? 

The Maple Finance token (MPL) can be used for different functions within the Maple ecosystem. While it is mainly used as the platform’s governance token, which allows holders to vote on proposals and take part in making protocol decisions, users can earn some passive income by staking MPL, where they earn a share of the platform’s network fees. Additionally, the token can be used to create and participate in the platform’s lending pools.

Who is the founder of Maple Finance?         

Maple Finance was launched in 2021. The founders are Sidney Powell and Joe Flanagan. Powell currently serves as the CEO. Powell has a rich background in debt capital markets and institutional banking.        

Is Maple a good investment?

Maple has enabled loans of over a billion USD and is still growing, meaning there are positive signs of its continued growth. While it’s hard to give a straight answer, the latest developments, including listing in Binance, should be a vote of confidence in the platform, and, as such, it’s something every keen investor can keep an eye on at the very least.

The post What is Maple Finance? The Next DeFi Lending Protocol appeared first on NFT Evening.

The good news is that we can cut the chase for you! Did you know that Binance recently announced enlisting the 69th project on its Launchpool platform, Space and Time (SXT)? So, what is this blockchain for ZK proven data, and what does it have in store for you, a crypto investor?

This guide will explore the intricacies surrounding the Space and Time Web3 digital asset to help you understand how to acquire the SXT Token and how you can participate in the opportunity.                       

What is Space and Time (SXT)?

Space and Time is a decentralized digital asset platform designed to deliver trustless decentralized data processing to enterprises, SQL for smart contracts, and LLMs. The SXT token uses a sub second ZK coprocessor to scale zero-knowledge proofs on decentralized data warehouses to deliver its mandate of distributing data to different nodes instead of a central location.

The Space and Time project integrates indexed blockchain data from major chains with Offchain datasets to enable developers to create data-driven applications. The platform uses Proof of SQL, a sub second ZK coprocessor that offers enterprise grade security privacy for tamperproof computations at scale. This confirms that query results are not manipulated and can be trusted, especially by leading financial institutions, enterprises, and pre built Web3 APIs. The project uses the proof of time and space consensus mechanism (PoST) to validate transactions.

With the project for blockchain for ZK proven data, users can experience a new level of smart contract operations that integrate on-chain and off-chain data. This will offer the digital world a dynamic economy in which superior verified blockchain data is used on-chain applications offering fresh possibilities.

Key Features of Space and Time

Space and Time deals with several failures of existing Web3 infrastructure through the following features:  

• Trustless Data Processing: Using the Proof of SQL protocol, Space and Time can guarantee the integrity of underlying data and the steps to compute answers to ensure they happen accurately and provide cryptographic proof.
• A bridge between On-chain and Off-chain Data: The platform uses smart contracts to access different blockchains and any traditional service database data warehouse for query results.
• Familiar Developer Experience: Using standard SQL by developers makes it easy for them to create data-driven applications without trying to reinvent the wheel by learning new programming languages.
• Scalable Performance: Time and Space introduces low-latency proof generation, ideal for indexing service database data for institutional-level applications. It delivers query results made against million-row tables in less than 3 seconds. 

How Does Space and Time Work? Its Network Architecture

Space and Time is designed as a dual-layer network comprising a Validator Layer and a Data Warehouse. The two layers work together to create a trustless blockchain data secured platform that facilitates safe and easy interactivity against on-chain and sensitive private offchain data.

Validator

The Validator layer facilitates communication between the network’s databases and computer clusters within the database warehouse. Database node operators control the network clusters in a permissionless mode besides controlling their connectivity, availability, and usability within the database’s cluster. In addition to verifying the tasks performed by each cluster, the Validator controls the flow of ZK proven data and queries between users and data warehouse clusters. The roles of the Validator within the ecosystem include:      

• Routing: The Validator links data driven questions and transactions with the decentralized warehouse network by automatically directing the natural language prompts using data to the appropriate warehouse instance.
• Streaming: It can use the ZK coprocessor and deliver query streams of user data into the network to easily merge with stored data.
• Consensus: It helps maintain data integrity by applying Byzantine fault tolerance at entry and exit points, safeguarding data from errors or malicious activity.
• Query Proofing: Performs query proofing to guarantee tamperproof SQL queries by calculating user inquiry results to generate cryptographic proofs and ZK proven answer next block as integrity proof.
• Table Anchoring: It facilitates a cyclical self-audit process called table anchoring that guarantees proof of storage by updating a Merkle tree every Time fresh data is added to the platform.

Data Warehouse        

The data warehouse, on the other hand, operates as the central cog of the platform, running on a decentralized hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) engine. The warehouse enables trustless, scalable, and efficient performance for all participating data sets. It is made up of different network clusters operating in a trustless manner. The clusters communicate with different warehouse and API servers when prompted by the Validator via the commanding endpoints to deliver query results onchain by performing the following functions:

• Data Saving: They obtain and save data by scaling data warehouse and API servers to infinite ledgers and major chains like Ethereum ZKsync Bitcoin Polygon and others.
• Data Transportation: They move data from one cluster to another.
• Data Storage: They store saved data securely in the warehouse.
• Data Transformation: They clean and aggregate data from multiple sources including others like Ethereum zksync Bitcoin and make them compatible with each other.
• Data Serving: They make the data functional and accessible to the network by creating data warehouse and API.         

Proof of SQL

Space and Time is a decentralized platform that uses the popular SQL data query language to facilitate the building of a user-friendly experience between the client sending the query (Verifier) and the database service (Prover). The primary feature in this case is the concept of commitment that the Verifier guarantees to ensure data integrity by giving the data it sends back a digital fingerprint representing the data in the table.

• Data Ingestion: Once a user submits data for inclusion in the database, it must pass through the Verifier, which generates a commitment with sufficient information to protect it against any form of tampering. Once the commitment is established, the Verifier submits that data for storage and retains the commitment for future reference.
• Query Request: Any time a client or a service requests a query, the Verifier sends the request to the Prover, who analyzes the query, calculates the result, generates proof, and sends the result to the Verifier that maintains the commitment. Finally, the Verifier verifies the results against the request.   

Blockchain Indexing

The platform is designed to scout data from any major blockchain indexing service database and decode it by indexing service database data and writing it to relational databases using the following process:

• Generate data from the blockchain: Space and Time uses RPC calls to query blockchain nodes for real-time and historical data.
• Extract data from blockchains: The platform extracts relevant data from any blockchain indexing service database networks and avails it for queries.
• Come to consensus: The network uses the BFT consensus to process service database data warehouse to validate data before loading it to eliminate the need for additional third-party validation.
• Ingest data into the warehouse: After a consensus is reached, the platform inserts processed data into the warehouse, from where it can be queried. 

SXT Tokenomics

Space and Time announced the tokenomics and smart contract details for its native asset, the SXT token. According to the company, the total token supply and maximum supply are capped at 5 billion tokens, with an initial circulating supply of 1.4 billion tokens, 28% of the entire token supply.

An additional 125 million SXT tokens are allocated to the SXT Launchpool or 2.5% of the maximum token supply. Moreover, another 25 million tokens will be assigned to marketing activities later when spot trading gets listed, while an additional 50 million SXT tokens will go to marketing services six months after the spot trading listing has taken place. According to the company, the SXT token will be issued on Ethereum’s Mainnet and Binance Smart Chain. The Space and Time crypto token (SXT) is being via Binance Launchpool under the following specifications:

• Total Token Supply: 5,000,000,000 SXT
• Max Token Supply: 5,000,000,000 SXT
• Launchpool Token Rewards (2.5%): 125,000,000 SXT
• Initial Circulating after listing (28%): 1,400,000,000 SXT
• Marketing allocations: 25,000,000 SXT initially + 50,000,000 SXT tokens after six months

Use Cases of Space and Time (SXT)

The Space and Time network architecture is designed to enable smart contracts through the sub-second ZK Coprocessor to query onchain and Offchain data using a zero-knowledge coprocessor. This will work for a variety of use cases, such as the following:

DeFi Enhancements

Developers can build a Web3 credit score system by merging real-world user credit scores with onchain transactions for DeFi platforms. The platform has the potential to facilitate accurate risk assessment within the DeFi lending ecosystem by enabling DeFi platforms to make data-driven decisions, leading to less liquidation.

Moreover, smart contracts can interrogate SXT when processing real-time data to help adjust interest rates and make DeFi platforms more responsive to real-time market conditions. Additionally, SXT will enable smart contracts to access data from multiple blockchains, enhancing cross-chain interoperability.

Web3 Infrastructure

SXT can guarantee data integrity and traceability by providing a secure and verifiable database. By allowing the running of verifiable computations on data, the platform ensures that the results are accurate and verifiable. The verified data can be used to train large language models (LLMs) on provable datasets and ensure that the models are neutral and unbiased.

Gaming and NFTs

Developers can use SXT to build fair and transparent gaming economies, using its verifiable and secure data infrastructure to store and manage gaming data. This can be done by analyzing on-chain and offchain data transactions generated using in-game analytics or community to enable developers to gain more information on in-game activities.

SXT Token

The Space and Time Web3 token (SXT) is an Ethereum-based utility token that serves various functions within the Space and Time data warehouse ecosystem. Among the prominent features of the SXT token are securing the network via staking, facilitating protocol-level payments, incentivizing data providers, and enabling governance participation. The key features of the SXT Token include:   

• Network Security and Validation: Validators will use SXT to secure the network and guarantee its integrity. They can stake SXT and earn network fees for their contribution.
• Data Provider Incentives: Space and Time network will use the SXT token to reward users who publish high-quality data, incentivizing the creation and sharing of high-grade datasets.
• Protocol-Level Payments: As the native token of the Time and Space ecosystem, the SXT token will be used to pay for inserting data, querying data, and performing any verifiable computation.  
• Governance: Users holding STX tokens can participate in the network’s governance and vote for protocol, upgrades, ecosystem expansion, or feature development.
• Utility for the Stox Ecosystem: STX is also the native currency within the Stox prediction market ecosystem. Users can stake STX by predicting events and earn rewards if their predictions are accurate.

Space and Time (SXT) on Binance Launchpool

Space and Time is the 69th project on the Binance Launchpool platform. The launch allows Binance users to participate in the SXT Launchpool and earn SXT tokens by staking existing crypto assets.  Users can lock their BNB, USDC, and FDUSD to receive SXT airdrops over 2 days, with farming slated to begin from 2025-05-06 00:00 (UTC) while trading is set to start at 2025-05-08 13:00 (UTC) by creating a distribution model that allows interested users to acquire tokens without buying them which looks like a win-win situation for the project and the crypto holders.  

For more information, check out Space and Time (SXT) Listing Details on Binance.

How to Participate in the SXT Launchpool on Binance

Step 1: Update Your Binance App: You need to update your Binance App to version 2.89.0 or higher to access the latest Launchpool features and ensure a smooth yield farming experience.

Step 2: Prepare Your Eligible Assets: The reward process of the SXT Launchpool currently supports three digital assets for farming, namely:

• BNB (85%) – 106,250,000 SXT
• FDUSD (5%) – 6,250,000 SXT
• USDC (10% – 12,500,000 SXT

Step 3: Log in to the STX Launchpool Page: If you’re using the Binance app, navigate to the “Earn” section or go to the “More” drop-down if you’re using the website. Go to the menu options, select “Launchpool,” and find the Space and Time (SXT) project card.

Step 4: Lock Your Assets: Choose the pool you want to participate in between BNB, FDUSD, or USDC, and enter the number of digital assets you wish to lock in the pool. Click “Lock” to confirm your participation. Users can participate in different pools simultaneously, but they can only lock each token in one pool at a time.

Step 5: Monitor and Claim Rewards: Farming starts on May 6, 2025, at 00:00 (UTC), and earned rewards accumulate hourly. You can claim your rewards anytime by clicking the “Claim” button.

Step 6: Prepare for Trading: Once the farming period ends on May 7, 2025, at 23:59 (UTC), the SXT token will be listed for trading, which opens on Binance on May 8, 2025, at 13:00 (UTC). Initially, trading involves SXT/USDT, SXT/USDC, SXT/BNB, SXT/FDUSD, and SXT/TRY trading pairs.

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Final Verdict: Is Space and Time a Good Investment?

The choice by Space and Time network to debut at the Binance Launchpool and its imminent listing on cryptocurrency exchange Binance highlights an important milestone for the project. The move gives the project a chance to experience massive exposure and distribution while giving Binance users the privilege of earning SXT tokens while participating in crypto staking.

Since the farming period is relatively short, users who act fast to stake their assets can earn extra tokens. Whether you’re going to farm or you’ll be waiting for the initial listing, the launch of the Space and Time Web3 token presents an exciting opportunity for every Web3 enthusiast.

Blending the best of a Web3 decentralized data warehouse and the best of on-chain and off-chain data, the launch is bound to transform the way developers and users employ decentralized apps to handle data, offering an exciting opportunity for any investor who believes in the power of Web3 technologies and their related digital tokens.

FAQs

What is the SXT chain?

The SXT Chain is a blockchain network owned by Space and Time for ZK-proven data. The platform operates as a decentralized database that collects data from on-chain and off-chain sources. The platform is designed to secure data using its ZK coprocessor to make it tamperproof.                                                        

What is Proof of Space and Time in crypto?  

Proof of Space and Time (PoST) is a consensus mechanism in cryptocurrencies that verifies whether network participants have stored a specified amount of data and maintained it onchain for a specific period. The consensus is via “farming,” a process that enables participants to generate a proof of space (plotting) before they can respond to network challenges.

Why invest in Space and Time (SXT)?

Since SXT is a decentralized digital currency that no government or financial institution controls, it becomes a perfect alternative to fiat currency. While investing and trading SXT tokens involves a level of risk, they offer an exciting opportunity for anyone not afraid of charting untested ground for potential profits.

The post What is Space and Time (SXT)? The Web3 Decentralized Data Warehouse appeared first on NFT Evening.

This guide will explain how Bitcoin ATMs work, how to use them to buy and sell Bitcoin, their fees, and whether using one is a good crypto investment strategy.

What Is a Bitcoin ATM (BTM)?

A Bitcoin ATM, also known as a Bitcoin Teller Machine (BTM), is a physical electronic kiosk that allows you to conduct crypto-based transactions, especially using Bitcoin. Unlike traditional ATMs that connect to your bank account, a Bitcoin automated teller machine is directly connected to online cryptocurrency exchanges through blockchain technology. There are two categories of these BTM physical kiosks, namely:

• One-way (Unidirectional) ATMs – users can only buy Bitcoin.
• Two-way (Bi-directional) ATMs: Users can buy or sell Bitcoin.

Source: Bitcoinist

To use them efficiently, you need to understand their functionality:

• They’re primarily located in public spaces like airports, convenience stores, or shopping malls.
• You must have a cryptocurrency wallet to receive the BTC you buy.
• Some BTMs allow users to sell Bitcoin for fiat currency.
• Transactions are executed in a matter of minutes.
• Transaction fees can vary significantly based on the amounts.

Benefits of Bitcoin ATMs

One of the main benefits of BTMs is that they allow users to bypass traditional banking systems and use cash or debit bank cards to execute seamless cryptocurrency transactions, such as depositing cash or buying Bitcoin and other digital assets.  If you’re asking yourself are Bitcoin ATMs anonymous, the answer is they offer a level of anonymity since you don’t have to provide personal information every time you transact. Other benefits include:    

• Fast transactions compared to traditional cryptocurrency exchanges
• They’re accessible even to unbanked people.
• Users can transact in fiat currency if they prefer that.
• The Bitcoin teller machine displays real-time exchange rates for transparency.

Risks and Limitations of Bitcoin ATMs

With all the benefits associated with Bitcoin ATMs, there are a few downsides you need to be aware of. One of the most significant challenges is the fact that most of the ATMs don’t support every type of cryptocurrency, thereby limiting the options you may have. Other limitations include:

• Relatively high transaction fees.
• ATMs are only available in a few countries and urban areas and are almost nonexistent in rural areas.
• Some BTMs don’t support other cryptocurrencies.
• Technical issues could arise and affect transaction execution.
• Daily withdrawal limits could restrict the size of transactions.

A brief history of Bitcoin ATMs

The first Bitcoin teller machine was mounted in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada, on October 29, 2013, and soon after that, Bitcoin ATMs spread throughout North America and Europe. The BTM demonstrated to the world that it was possible to easily and conveniently convert BTC to cash and back again and opened the way to making cryptocurrencies public.

While the initial adopters were mostly tech-savvy individuals and crypto enthusiasts, the machines are now a part of ordinary people’s everyday financial lives. There has recently been a global expansion of Bitcoin ATM installations, with machines now available in over 70 countries. Most BTMs are available in the USA, followed by Canada and Europe. By the time of writing, there were at least 38,000 Bitcoin ATMs globally, according to Statista.             

How Do Bitcoin ATMs Work?

If you’re trying to figure out how to use a Bitcoin ATM, you may be surprised by its straightforward operations despite using advanced technologies to facilitate transactions. Once you insert physical cash, the machine will convert it into BTC and send it to your digital wallet. You can compare the BTM to a vending crypto machine acting as a bridge between Bitcoin and cash.

How to use Bitcoin ATM        

Using a Bitcoin automated teller machine is a straightforward experience as long as you follow the simple prompts given by the machine. The most crucial factor is to ensure you have a crypto wallet installed on your mobile device, as this is where your purchased Bitcoin will be sent. The following are the steps to follow:

• Digital Wallet: Ensure you have a crypto wallet to store your Bitcoin once you complete the transaction at the ATM.
• QR Code: Scan the QR Code from your Bitcoin wallet app to connect it to the financial transaction.
• Transaction: Insert cash into the BTM and choose the amount of BTC you want to buy or sell. If you intend to sell Bitcoin, enter the amount you’re selling (Ensure you locate a two-way Bitcoin ATM to be able to sell crypto for traditional currency.) 
• Blockchain: The ATM processes the transaction on the blockchain.
• Receive Bitcoin/Cash: The crypto you bought is sent to your digital wallet, or you receive traditional currency if you sell Bitcoin. You could receive an email confirmation for the transaction.

Bitcoin ATM Regulatory Requirements

As the proliferation of Bitcoin ATMs continues worldwide, it’s good to note that there are different regulations for using them depending on the jurisdiction. Governments everywhere want to guarantee users’ safety and have established rules promoting Bitcoin adoption and consumer safety. While it may be challenging to develop strict cybersecurity measures, most countries have established anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) laws regarding their installation and use.  

Before using a Bitcoin teller machine, you need to understand the relevant regulations, so you use only those operators that promote safety in addition to innovation. Moreover, different countries and states may have different rules for operating Bitcoin ATMs. Learn the applicable regulations so you can adhere to them before you use them. You are better off using the cryptocurrency legality map to know where you will likely find an ATM.

Bitcoin ATM Fees

Compared to traditional ATMs or even buying or selling cryptocurrencies online, Bitcoin ATMs could be relatively expensive. The typical transaction fees are between 4% and 25% per transaction, depending on the number of machines involved. Some BTMs may charge an extra fee, known as network or variable miner fees, to process your transaction on the blockchain. If you’re trying to buy a large amount of crypto, compare the fees with a cryptocurrency exchange and see if you could save some.

How to Find a Bitcoin ATM by Locations 

Once you’ve learned how Bitcoin ATMs work, your next task could be finding a Bitcoin teller machine near you. The best resource in this regard is a website like Coin ATM Radar, which enables you to locate a nearby Bitcoin ATM based on your location. The website provides most details, including the cryptocurrencies supported and the transaction types you can execute.

Source: Coin ATM Radar

Here is the simple steps to find a Bitcoin ATM near you:

• Visit Website: Login to Coin ATM Radar and enter your city or address.
• Filter your search: You can filter your search results by digital asset type, such as Bitcoin, USDT, etc., whether you’re buying or selling, and the preferred ATM provider.
• Locate the ATM: Review the provided map to find a BTM nearest to your location.

Bitcoin ATM Scams

Criminals are increasingly using Bitcoin ATMs to trick unsuspecting individuals into using BTMs to transfer funds to them by pretending to be running genuine investments. Cybercriminals especially target senior citizens via emails, phone calls, or social media to convince users to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs. The criminals mostly instruct victims to scan a wallet’s QR code or enter their wallet address, directing them to the attacker’s account.

Examples of Bitcoin ATM scams include:   

• Impersonation: Attackers pretend to be law enforcement officers, government officials, or utility company staff and demand payment in cryptocurrency.  
• Bogus Investment Opportunities: Scammers lure unsuspecting users with nonexistent investment opportunities promising high returns, asking victims to deposit funds through Bitcoin ATMs.

How to Avoid Bitcoin ATM Scams

• Be cautious with unsolicited offers: Never trust any offer from a stranger promising investment opportunities and quick riches.
• Verify legitimacy: Don’t proceed with any transaction you doubt; never send money to wallet addresses and QR codes from unfamiliar sources.
• Avoid urgency: Never allow anyone to pressure you with false claims of limited-time offers.
• Report suspicious activity: Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Using a Bitcoin teller machine is a user-friendly way to execute crypto-based transactions. By understanding how Bitcoin ATMs work, you can easily, confidently, and conveniently buy, sell, and send BTC. Note that you could learn how to use Bitcoin ATMs with more advanced features as time progresses. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced crypto user, using the resources in this guide will help you make the best automated Bitcoin teller machine.  

FAQs   

Can I get cash from a Bitcoin ATM?

Bitcoin ATMs provide a modernized way of interacting with cryptocurrencies so that they are accessible in the most practical way. Since they function just like regular ATMs but are designed for crypto transactions, you can convert your Bitcoin holdings and withdraw them in cash in just a few minutes.

How much does a Bitcoin ATM charge for $500?

Bitcoin ATMs charge between 5% and 25% per transaction and a network of between $1 and $3.  If you do a transaction of $500, it could cost you between $40 and $100 depending on factors like location, time, and the Bitcoin ATM operators.

How much does a Bitcoin ATM charge per $1000?     

According to Bitcoin Vault, a Bitcoin transaction of $1,000 will cost you roughly $80 to $200 in fees. However, ATMs may charge lower fees, potentially as low as 4% to 20%.                       

Can I send $10,000 through a Bitcoin ATM?    

Yes, sending $10,000 or even higher via a BTM is possible, but in most cases, you’ll need to provide identity verification for any large transactions. Depending on the ATM provider, this could be a government-issued ID or any other personal information that specific ATM providers may require.

Are Bitcoin ATMs safe?

Bitcoin BTMs are safe to use because they employ encryption and other forms of identity verification to facilitate transactions. However, care must be taken because of the prevalence of fraudsters who trick users with deceptive tricks, such as investment scams and romance scams.

The post Bitcoin ATMs: How Do They Work and How to Use Them? appeared first on NFT Evening.

Instead, what is called “XRP staking” is typically a platform-based program where users lock XRP, and the platform uses it for lending, liquidity pools, or other financial activities, sharing profits as rewards.

This guide will cover what XRP staking is, whether XRP supports traditional staking, how to earn passive income with your XRP tokens, and the best practices to earn high rewards on XRP.

What Is XRP Staking?

XRP staking refers to locking up XRP tokens to earn rewards or interest. XRP staking is not native to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as it uses the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA), which relies on a network of trusted validators rather than staking or mining.

As a result, what is often marketed as “XRP staking” typically involves lending XRP to centralized platforms, such as cryptocurrency exchanges or DeFi services, or participating in liquidity pools. These platforms use the deposited XRP for activities like lending to borrowers or providing liquidity, and you receive interest or rewards in return. So, XRP staking, in this context, is a way to generate passive income without contributing directly to the XRPL’s operations.

Can You Stake XRP?

No, XRP cannot be staked in the traditional sense due to the XRPL’s consensus mechanism, which does not support PoS. However, users can use alternative methods to earn rewards on their XRP holdings.

The popular centralized exchanges like Binance, Nexo, or Kraken offer programs often labeled as “XRP staking,” but these are essentially interest-bearing accounts or lending services. You have to deposit XRP, and then the platform lends it to borrowers or uses it for liquidity, and shares earn profits with you as rewards. Some DeFi platforms also allow XRP holders to contribute to liquidity pools or yield farming, which can generate returns.

Does XRP Support Traditional Staking?

No, XRP does not support traditional staking because the XRP Ledger does not operate on a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. 

“Traditional staking involves locking tokens to validate transactions and secure a blockchain, as seen in networks like Ethereum or Solana.”

The XRPL, however, uses the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA). Here, a set of trusted validators is selected from a Unique Node List (UNL), which confirms transactions without requiring staking or mining. This design mainly prioritizes speed, efficiency, and low transaction costs, and hence eliminates the need for token staking to maintain network security.

XRP Staking vs. XRP Lending: What’s the Difference?

Traditional crypto staking involves locking up cryptocurrency to support a network’s operations, such as validating transactions, and earning rewards in return. But there is no traditional XRP staking method. 

XRP lending involves providing your XRP to borrowers through various platforms. In return, you earn interest payments. This method allows you to generate passive income from your XRP holdings.

Here is a quick comparison between XRP staking and XRP lending:

Benefits of Lending XRP

Here are some key benefits of lending XRP:

• Passive Income Generation: Lending XRP on platforms like Nexo, Binance, or EarnPark offers interest rates typically ranging from 5% to 12% APY. This provides a steady income stream without active trading.
• Flexible Terms: Many platforms offer flexible lending options, allowing users to withdraw XRP at any time with lower interest rates.
• Low Entry Barriers: Lending XRP requires minimal technical knowledge compared to trading or DeFi yield farming.
• Diversification of Investment: Lending XRP diversifies an investor’s portfolio by generating returns independent of market price movements. Even in bearish markets, interest payments provide consistent income.
• Support for Financial Services: By lending XRP, users enable platforms to facilitate trading, margin loans, or liquidity provision, indirectly supporting the crypto ecosystem.
• Global Accessibility: XRP lending is available on centralized exchanges and DeFi platforms worldwide, allowing users from various regions to participate.

Challenges of Lending XRP

Of course, lending XRP offers benefits, but it also involves significant challenges that users must consider. Below are some key risks or challenges:

• Platform Risk: Centralized platforms like Binance or Nexo face risks of insolvency, hacks, or mismanagement. Historical incidents, such as exchange bankruptcies, highlight the potential for loss of lent XRP if the platform fails.
• Borrower Default Risk: If borrowers fail to repay loans, platforms may struggle to pay interest or return principal. While some platforms use collateral, falling collateral values during market downturns can lead to losses.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrency lending faces varying regulations globally. Changes in laws, such as restrictions on crypto lending in certain jurisdictions, could limit access or impose penalties.
• Counterparty Risk in DeFi: Decentralized lending platforms, while non-custodial, rely on smart contracts that may contain vulnerabilities. Bugs or exploits could lead to loss of lent XRP, and users must trust the protocol’s security.

Where to stake XRP? Best Exchange to stake XRP

You can stake XRP on popular crypto staking platforms, such as Binance, Kraken, and Bybit. These platforms offer different options and interest rates.

1. Binance XRP Staking

Binance lets you stake XRP using its Simple Earn feature. It offers a 0.64% APY with a flexible term, and your principal stays safe. You can also use Dual Investment, which offers higher returns between 3.7% to 128.74%, but it comes with higher risk. In Dual Investment, your earnings depend on market price changes, so you may not always get XRP back. It suits advanced users who understand price risks.

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2. Kraken XRP Staking

Kraken offers a competitive interest rate of 1% APY for staking XRP. It’s a simple and safe option. Kraken is known for strong security and user-friendly design. It’s a good choice if you want steady, low-risk earnings. You can unstake anytime without a long lock-up period.

3. Bybit XRP Staking

Bybit offers 0.70% APY on XRP staking. It is also flexible, so you can withdraw at any time. The platform is easy to use and has no complex rules. Bybit is ideal if you want a simple and low-risk staking experience. It’s good for short-term holders.

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How to Stake XRP (Ripple)?

To stake XRP (Ripple), you need to follow a few simple steps. Here, we will be showing you how to stake XRP on the Binance exchange. You can use any exchange of your choice, the steps are mostly the same. 

Step 1: Create an Account and Complete KYC

First, you need to register for an account on a crypto exchange that has XRP staking available. Some of the most reliable platforms or popular XRP staking platforms are Binance, Kraken, and Bybit. Visit the website of the exchange you prefer. Begin the sign-up process by providing your email address and coming up with a password. 

Once you’ve signed up for your account, you need to undergo the KYC process. KYC stands for “Know Your Customer,” and it is necessary to confirm your identity. You will have to upload a valid identification, like a passport or driver’s license. Some exchanges will also request a selfie or proof of residence. This is necessary for security purposes and adhering to legal regulations. When your identity has been confirmed, your account will be active.

Step 2: Deposit XRP or Buy XRP

Next, you will need to deposit XRP into your account. If you currently have XRP in some other Ripple wallet, then you can simply transfer it into the exchange. 

Visit your exchange wallet and go to “Deposit”. Take note of the address and use that in your other wallet to deposit the XRP. Double-check the address to be sure when sending.

In case you do not have any XRP, you can just purchase it within the exchange directly. Navigate to the trading platform, select a trading pair such as XRP/USDT, and purchase it. After your XRP has been deposited in your wallet, you are prepared for the final step.

Step 3: Stake XRP Tokens

Finally, you can stake your XRP to collect rewards. Navigate to the earning or staking section of the platform. For Binance, you can employ the “Simple Earn” tool. It is flexible staking with a limited APY, but it keeps your principal safe. 

Select XRP from the list of assets and pick the staking plan. Approve the amount you wish to stake and go through the process. Your XRP will be locked or reserved under the staking service on the platform. As a reward, you will get daily rewards directly into your wallet.

Alternative Ways to Earn Rewards Without Staking XRP

Since the XRP Ledger (XRPL) does not support traditional staking due to its Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA), you can obviously explore alternative methods to earn rewards on your XRP holdings.

1. Staking Other Cryptocurrencies

Staking other cryptocurrencies means locking up tokens in proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains to help secure the network and earn rewards. Unlike XRP, which does not support staking, coins like Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano let you stake tokens to validate transactions. 

You can exchange your XRP for these assets on the best crypto exchanges like Binance, Bybit, MEXC, Coinbase, then stake them on services such as Binance, Kraken, Lido, or wallets like MetaMask. For instance, Ethereum staking through Lido offers around 3–4% annual returns. Rewards come in the staked cryptocurrency, and lock-up periods vary. This option works well if you’re open to diversifying beyond XRP to earn steady income while supporting blockchain networks.

2. Liquidity Provisions: Provide XRP for Trading Rewards

Liquidity provision involves depositing your XRP into liquidity pools to support trading and earn rewards. On DEXs, you can pair your XRP tokens with another asset, like USDT, in a pool and earn a share of trading fees—usually 0.1–0.3% per trade. 

Centralized platforms like Binance also have liquidity programs where your XRP supports trading pairs, with rewards paid in XRP or other tokens. This method suits you if you’re comfortable with DeFi and want higher returns by actively participating in markets.

3. Wrapped XRP (wXRP) 

Wrapped XRP (wXRP) is a version of XRP made for use on other blockchains, like Ethereum, where regular XRP cannot operate. 

You can mainly create wXRP by locking your XRP in a custodial contract, which issues an equal amount of wXRP (1:1 value You can stake wXRP on platforms like Flare to earn rewards, such as Flare’s native token (FLR), with annual returns of about 2–5%. 

You can also use wXRP in DeFi protocols for lending or liquidity pools to earn more. Remember, converting XRP to wXRP involves bridging services like Wanchain, which charge fees and carry risks from the custodian.

4. XRP Lending

XRP lending means giving your XRP to platforms that lend it to borrowers, who pay interest that you partly receive. As discussed above, centralized platforms like Nexo, Binance, and EarnPark offer XRP lending with annual returns of 5–12%.

You have to deposit your XRP, which is lent to traders or institutions, with options for flexible withdrawals or fixed terms, like 30 days. Decentralized platforms like Aave also support XRP lending via smart contracts, though options are fewer. Also, lending is generally simple, but it needs little technical know-how.

5. Yield Farming with XRP

Yield farming involves using your XRP in DeFi protocols to earn high returns through strategies like liquidity provision, lending, or staking in reward pools. For example, an XRP/USDT pool might pay trading fees plus extra tokens. Yield farming requires active effort, like reinvesting rewards or switching pools to boost returns.

Best Practices for Earning Interest With XRP

1. Select Top Staking Platforms: You must choose established platforms that have a sound reputation for reliability and security. Centralized platforms, such as Nexo or Binance, are secure, with millions of users. For decentralized finance (DeFi), protocols like PancakeSwap or Aave should be used, having been audited for the security of smart contracts. 
2. Understand Risks Involved: Before investing your XRP, spend some time understanding risks such as platform insolvency, borrower default, or market volatility. For instance, centralized platforms are susceptible to hacks, whereas DeFi pools are exposed to impermanent loss. Study the platform’s insurance policies or collateral mechanisms. Understanding these risks assists you in determining how much XRP to invest and whether to avail yourself of flexible or fixed plans.
3. Start Small and Diversify: If you’re new to earning interest with XRP, begin with a small amount to test the platform and process. Spread your XRP across multiple platforms or methods, like lending and yield farming, to reduce the impact of any single platform’s failure or market downturn.
4. Compare Reward Rates and Terms: The interest rates and lock-up times differ on various platforms, so compare them keenly. Binance may be offering 1% APY for non-locked lending, while EarnPark offers up to 5% for fixed lending. Look out for withdrawal fees or minimum deposits. 
5. Stay Informed About Regulations: Cryptocurrency regulations vary by country and can affect your ability to earn interest. For example, some regions have restricted crypto lending. Monitor local laws and platform compliance to avoid unexpected restrictions.
6. Secure Your Accounts and Assets: Keep your XRP safe by turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) and storing DeFi activities in secure hardware wallets. Never share your private keys or login credentials. For DeFi, only engage with smart contracts that have been verified to avoid scams. Also, if possible, withdraw your earned interest to a personal wallet regularly to minimize exposure to platform risks, keeping your funds secure.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, XRP staking is a simple way to earn passive income by holding your XRP on trusted platforms. While XRP does not use proof of stake, some exchanges like Binance, Kraken, and Bybit offer flexible staking options with small but steady rewards. 

Earning rewards with XRP offers various opportunities, even though traditional staking is not possible due to the XRP Ledger’s unique design. Methods like lending, liquidity provision, yield farming, and using wrapped XRP allow you to generate passive income, each with distinct benefits like steady returns or high yields.

FAQs

Where is the best place to stake Ripple?

Binanceis one of the best places to stake XRP. It offers flexible staking through Simple Earn with 0.64% APY. It also has a Dual Investment option that gives higher returns (3.7%–128.74%) with more risk.

Binance gives you more ways to earn based on your risk level. You can choose low-risk, flexible staking or try high-return options. The platform is easy to use and trusted by many. If you want steady earnings with safety, Simple Earn is best. If you understand risks, Dual Investment can give higher rewards.

Can you stake XRP on Ledger?

No, you cannot directly stake XRP on a Ledger wallet. Ledger Live does not support XRP staking. Ledger is a hardware wallet, mainly used for storing XRP securely offline. It supports staking for other coins like Ethereum or Tezos, but not XRP. You can hold XRP safely in Ledger, but to earn staking rewards, you must send it to an exchange that offers XRP staking like Binance, Kraken, or Bybit.

Is XRP proof of stake or proof of work?

XRP uses neither proof of stake nor proof of work. It uses a consensus protocol called the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA). In XRP’s system, validators agree on transactions through consensus rather than mining or staking. This method is faster, uses less energy, and allows quick transaction times.

Can Ripple XRP reach $50? If yes, by around what time?

It is possible, but very unlikely in the near future. XRP would need a market cap of over $2.9 trillion to reach $50. This market cap is even higher than the BTC market cap.

This price target depends on major global adoption of XRP, large institutional use, and full regulatory clarity. Current growth trends do not support such a price soon. Some long-term investors believe it could happen in 10–20 years, but this is purely speculative. No expert or official source can predict an exact time for XRP to reach $50. It’s better to focus on realistic short-term goals.

How to earn passive income from XRP?

You can earn passive income from XRP by staking it on exchanges like Binance, Bybit, or Kraken. These platforms offer flexible or fixed options for XRP staking. You deposit XRP and earn a small percentage (around 0.64% to 1% APY). You can also use other methods like liquidity mining, farming, and lending. 

The post XRP Staking Guide: How to Earn XRP Rewards in 2025 appeared first on NFT Evening.

With the combination of Sui’s parallel execution with an optimized matching engine, DeepBook is poised to bring exchange-grade pricing to the deep liquidity pools of DeFi protocols. Let’s look deeper at what DeepBook is, how it works within the sui ecosystem, how DEEP fits into the picture, and what benefits it can bring to your portfolio.

What is DeepBook on Sui?

DeepBook is an on-chain order-matching protocol. DeepBook serves as a native liquidity layer on the high-performance Sui blockchain. Unlike decentralized exchanges and automated-market-maker DEXs, the DeepBook protocol uses a more traditional central limit order book (CLOB), which helps create tighter spreads and more familiar trading mechanics.

Orders are stored as objects on Sui, which means they benefit from the blockchain’s parallel execution model, which has low latency and is often sub-second to finality.

Because DeepBook is embedded at the network level, wallets, aggregators, and DeFi protocols can plug directly into its order books, sharing deep liquidity instead of fragmenting it across siloed pools.

This architecture positions DeepBook as a foundational service, much like Uniswap on Ethereum, giving Sui developers a ready-made exchange engine without rebuilding core matching logic.

Benefits of DeepBook

• Deep, shared liquidity: All dApps on Sui can source the same order book, concentrating volume rather than splitting it across multiple DEXs.
• Better price execution: A CLOB model enables limit orders, sophisticated market-making, and minimal slippage, favored by professional traders.
• High throughput, low fees: Sui’s object-based design processes orders in parallel, resulting in microsecond matches and negligible gas costs.
• Composability for builders: Developers can integrate DeepBook via simple APIs, layering lending, leveraged trading, or derivatives on top of its liquidity.
• Transparent on-chain data: Every order, cancel, and fill is recorded on Sui’s ledger, offering auditability and reducing information asymmetry compared with off-chain books.

How does DeepBook work?

DeepBook is an on-chain central limit order book that lives natively on Sui. Instead of the constant-product curve used by automated market makers, it matches discrete bids and asks just like a traditional exchange, so traders get price-time priority and deterministic execution. 

Two mechanisms keep liquidity deep and spreads tight. The first is that everyone starts at a standard fee, but if a taker stakes the minimum DEEP tokens in a pool and then trades past a volume threshold within the epoch, their marginal fee is automatically halved. Active flow, therefore, migrates to DeepBook because costs fall the more you trade.

Next, makers who stake DEEP then earn proportionate token rebates that rise when a pool’s aggregate liquidity is thin and phase out as liquidity improves. This counter-cyclical curve encourages liquidity during quiet periods and avoids overpaying when books are already healthy.

Both of these perks rely on stake-based participation, and without the minimum DEEP deposit, a wallet pays full taker fees and receives no maker rewards, aligning incentives between serious liquidity providers and the protocol. At epoch’s end, any fees not recycled as maker incentives are permanently burned, so wash-trading becomes uneconomical and the token stays deflationary.

Stakers govern the fee bands and staking thresholds for each pool with concave voting rights that give smaller holders meaningful weight while preventing whales from extracting monopoly rents. In practice, this unique blend of fee discounts, adaptive rebates, stake-gated access, fee burns, and pool-level governance orchestrates a self-balancing marketplace where professional market makers, DeFi protocols, and high-frequency traders can all access wholesale liquidity without centralization.

DeepBook Ecosystem

Aftermath Finance all-in-one hub, KriyaDEX’s AMM-plus-limit orders, Cetus concentrated-liquidity DEX, FlowX trading portal, Hop aggregator, Turbos Finance hyper-efficient DEX, and 7K Aggregator route optimizer all plug directly into the shared order book.

DeepBook Token (DEEP)

Utility

DEEP token is the native token for the DeepBook protocol and fuels the economic layer. Maker incentives earn DEEP rebates for liquidity providers, while takers get discounted trading fees.

Token Distribution and Release Schedule

The fixed supply is 10 billion DEEP, which allocates 61.6% to the community airdrop, 10% for the initial airdrop, 7.5% to early contributors, 10% to Mysten Labs, and 10.9% to liquidity-backing partners. Emissions taper over four years, with monthly vesting for contributors and quarterly unlocks that are bound to on-chain volume milestones.

Source: Cryptorank

How to Buy DEEP?

DEEP is tradable on DeepBook itself via the DEEP/USDC pair and on aggregated Sui DEX routers. Bridge USDC to Sui, connect a compatible wallet, and place a limit or market order on any DeepBook front end. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Conclusion

DeepBook brings exchange-grade order-book trading to Sui without sacrificing decentralization. By embedding a fast CLOB at the network layer, it delivers deep liquidity, minimal slippage, and transparent price discovery.

For traders, DeepBook means low transaction fees and tight order spreads. For builders, it means a near-instant plug-and-play liquidity backbone for managing trading activities. In short, DeepBook has a solid position to be the heart of Sui’s DeFi ecosystem.

FAQs

Where can I buy DEEP?

You can purchase DEEP directly on DeepBook’s DEEP/USDC order book or through Sui DEX aggregators that route orders to the same liquidity layer.

What role does DeepBook play in the Sui Network?

DeepBook acts as Sui’s native liquidity engine, offering a shared central limit order book that any wallet, DEX, or dApp can tap for spot trading and price discovery.

Is DeepBook a DEX?

While there are DEXs that operate using the DeepBook protocol, they are separate. DeepBook is the back-end, and anyone can create a front-end to deliver the UX they envision, including features like flash loans.

How to buy DEEP on Sui?

To buy DEEP on Sui, you’ll first need to bridge USDC to a Sui wallet. Then connect that to a DeepBook interface like Turbos or Navitrade, and create a buy order for the DEEP pairing of your choice.

What is the price prediction for DeepBook Sui?

Price depends on adoption, volume growth, staking demand, and countless other variables. That said, if DeepBook remains the primary layer for Sui DeFi liquidity providers.

How much is a DeepBook token worth?

As of April 28, 2025, CoinMarketCap data shows DEEP trading around $0.22.

The post What is DeepBook Protocol (DEEP)? The Order Book on Sui appeared first on NFT Evening.

But what is Grass, and how exactly different is it from other digital assets? This article is a beginner’s guide on the essentials of GRASS, its potential benefits, and how you can join the bandwagon by trying this innovative cryptocurrency. Welcome on board!                               

What is Grass?

GRASS, also known as Grass coin, is a relatively new cryptocurrency built on the Solana network designed to bridge sustainability within the digital economy. Launched on October 28, 2024, Grass aims to achieve this by sharing idle internet bandwidth through data collection and artificial intelligence (AI) development. The developers aim to harness the power of blockchain technology to introduce eco-friendly practices and make it the first choice for environmentally friendly investors.

Grass is designed to transform idle bandwidth into a resource that scraps public web data and structures it into data sets that can be used for AI training. Using this dynamic approach, individuals will be allowed to contribute to the emerging artificial intelligence ecosystem while earning rewards for their contributions. 

GRASS thrives on environmental sustainability or green initiatives, unlike regular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others whose major selling points are decentralization and transaction security. A percentage of daily transactions made on the grass network are earmarked for funding sustainable projects like forest conservation and clean energy research. This new approach has created a buzz within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with many investors seeking to join the now viral trending cryptocurrency project.  

Benefits of Grass        

The GRASS token introduces several benefits, especially surrounding its ability to enable users to monetize their idle internet bandwidth while participating in the nascent crypto ecosystem. By supporting AI training data development, GRASS promotes environmental protection by contributing towards green initiatives. Among the tangible benefits of Grass includes:

• Monetization of Unused Bandwidth: Token holders can share their unused internet resources and earn GRASS tokens, becoming part of the emerging digital economy. This feature introduces a new income stream for individuals seeking passive income.   
• Decentralized AI Development and Data Access: GRASS facilitates the development of practical AI applications by aligning user incentives that allow early adopters to reap the rewards of participating in the network’s growth and earning while helping maintain market stability.
• Environmental Responsibility: GRASS has distinguished itself from other crypto networks by dedicating a portion of its profits towards funding environmental initiatives and helping build a future sustainable financial model.  
• Community-Driven Ecosystem: GRASS boasts an active community-driven ecosystem where users play an integral role in the network’s growth and development. The project thrives on transparency and user ownership, further deepening the sense of community engagement. 
• Sustainable Futuristic Outlook: The project is built on the fast and efficient Solana Layer 2 (L2) network, which guarantees fast transactions and greater user privacy. Moreover, the fixed supply of one billion GRASS tokens assures the network’s long-term sustainability.
• Potential for Growth: While the Grass crypto project is still new, it has shown potential for growth as interest in sustainable investments increases. A new breed of investors is looking for projects that can display balancing profit with purpose, a demand the GRASS meets effectively.

Check out our in-depth analysis about Grass potential listing on Binance.

How does Grass Work?

Source: Blog Grass

Like all other cryptocurrency projects, GRASS runs on a decentralized blockchain where a permanent record of every transaction is recorded on an immutable public ledger, ensuring security and transparency. Nonetheless, the grass network differs from others due to its inbuilt eco-friendly character.

Investors can earn an extra GRASS token whenever they participate in an environmental sustainability program initiated by the platform, such as supporting renewable energy programs or planting trees.

Also, compared to other high-energy crypto projects like Bitcoin, GRASS runs a relatively low-energy mining project that aligns with its environmental mission. Moreover, the project has a native digital wallet designed specifically for storing GRASS tokens and granting access to its eco-rewards system.

How it Works:

• Users willing to share their idle bandwidth connect their device and become a Grass Node.
• Verified AI developers within the Grass network use the bandwidth to access and process data for its AI project.
• A validator verifies the transaction and guarantees the integrity of the data ledger.
• The system’s ZK processor covers the data transaction to ensure it is secure and private.
• The platform rewards users and validators with GRASS tokens.

Key Security Features of Grass Network 

The Grass network doesn’t take user security and privacy for granted. It employs various advanced security features, including:

• Zero User Data Collection Policy: Instead of collecting personal data, the network only collects public web data without accessing private browsing history or sensitive user information.
• Fraud Prevention: Grass constantly warns users about potential phishing attempts, including fake Grass airdrop links that have recently appeared on social media.
• Independent Security Audits:  Working with external state-of-the-art cybersecurity providers, the firm audits its network regularly to detect and eliminate potential vulnerabilities.           

The Ecosystem of GRASS       

GRASS runs via a network of lightweight nodes operating on users’ devices. These nodes utilize their unused internet bandwidth to collect and transmit public web data to create structured data sets for AI training.

The network achieves this by leveraging idle internet to collect raw data through Socrates, an in-house AI development tool developed by Wynd Labs, which converts the data into readable format. In this case, GRASS acts like an AI data repository that furnishes data to connected AI platforms seeking training for their specific models.

Source: Grass Foundation

The first step involves GRASS Nodes, acting as an internet gateway, relaying designated traffic from the client and directed by validators. The nodes earn rewards based on how they perform depending on their reputation score besides the amount of data they will have relayed successfully.     

The GRASS ecosystem has validators who verify web transactions and generate Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs to guarantee data integrity. Grass currently uses a centralized validator system, but according to its website, it plans to transition to using a decentralized committee of validators in the future to enhance security and decentralization. Validators are also responsible for collecting and batching session data proofs and submitting them to the network, where an immutable record of all processed data within the blockchain is created.

The system manages data flow through routers that connect Grass Nodes to Validators, ensuring that traffic is encrypted and measured. The routers are rewarded based on the amount of bandwidth they validate and maintaining a high network uptime to remain active. Integrating routers, validators, and nodes enables the Grass networks to collect, verify, and process large amounts of data, an integral component of training AI models. The following are the essential components you need to remember:

• GRASS Tokens: GRASS is the native token of the Grass ecosystem that facilitates transactions, rewards network users, and powers the network’s functionalities.
• Grass Nodes: They are the backbone of the network, comprising devices or gadgets that users sharing their internet bandwidth operate.
• Validators: Users who verify transactions while maintaining network consensus to guarantee data integrity.  
• Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Processor: A technology that promotes privacy and security by securing data transactions while keeping sensitive user information under wraps.  

GRASS Tokenomics

The GRASS network aims to foster community engagement by incentivizing contributors to facilitate the project’s sustainable growth within the crypto space. The ecosystem has a total fixed supply of 1,000,000,000 GRASS tokens, with a well-planned distribution strategy aiming at different stakeholders.

The project’s tokenomics model has carefully balanced incentives among stakeholders to ensure the project thrives through innovation and collaboration. The project’s tokens are carefully locked for specific periods to strike a balance between promoting stability and empowering users and contributors. The collaborative approach aims to secure the project’s immediate future besides laying a strong foundation for its viability within the crypto space.   

Source: Grass Foundation

GRASS Token Utility

The Grass token (GRASS) is designed as the primary utility within the Grass network ecosystem, mainly as a reward system for users sharing their bandwidth besides incentivizing participation. In addition to the rewards, the token facilitates governance and contributes to the network’s development. The functions of the token include:  

• Bandwidth Sharing Incentivization: Users are rewarded using GRASS after sharing unused bandwidth for participating in building a decentralized internet infrastructure.
• Enabling Governance: GRASS holders can participate in the project’s governance and vote on decisions and proposals.  
• Staking Rewards: Users can stake GRASS and earn passive income.
• Transaction and Payment: GRASS is meant to make payments and transactions within the network.

Grass Token Supply & Allocation      

Source: Grass Foundation

• Community: 30% (300,000,000 GRASS) of the GRASS ecosystem is allocated to the community, which is the cornerstone of the project’s long-term vision. This is designed to empower users to engage meaningfully.
• Future Incentives: A 17% (170,000,000 GRASS) allocation is dedicated to implementing a retroactive program that will reward early contributors and creators for providing valuable tools and content.
• Airdrop One: The first Grass airdrop was granted 10% (100,000,000 GRASS), the largest airdrop allocation ever since it’s essential in establishing a user-centric model for the internet. The goal is to distribute tokens widely and enable more users to participate in the platform’s early growth.
• Router Rewards: 3% (30,000,000 GRASS) of the token amount is allocated to incentivize routers whose business is to promote efficient bandwidth traffic and reduced latency.
• Foundation and Ecosystem Growth: The GRASS project allocated 22.8% (228,000,000 GRASS) to the foundation, which will manage and support all initiatives directed by the project’s decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) governance.
• Early Investors: A 25.2% (252,000,000 GRASS) allocation is meant for early supporters. It features a 1-year cliff and another with a 1-year vesting period to stabilize the market and discourage immediate sell-offs.
• Contributors: The final 22% (220,000,000 GRASS) allocation is for core contributors. It has a 1-year cliff followed by a 3-year vesting schedule, guaranteeing a long-term commitment to the project’s success.

How to buy GRASS

Are you considering an investment in GRASS? The process is simple, as shown below:

• Step 1: Choose a Compatible Crypto Exchange: GRASS is a new crypto token, so not many exchanges or crypto wallets support it. You may want to consider a platform like Guarda, Bitget, HTX, Gate.io, Bybit, or any other that has already listed the coins. The alternative is to consider a decentralized platform that you can trust.  
• Step 2: Fund Your Account Once: The next step is to set up a crypto wallet and fund your account. Depending on the exchange, you can accomplish this by using your bank card or linking your account. It’s always prudent to compare crypto prices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
• Step 3: Create a GRASS Account: Once you have funded your account, you need to search for GRASS on the exchange, review its current crypto prices, and create a GRASS crypto wallet.

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Grass Price History    

According to historical price data by CoinMarketCap, the price of GRASS was $1.57, with a 24-hour trading volume of $35,707,777. However, the price has been quite volatile for most of the month, having reached an all-time high of $3.43 at one point. Currently, the token ranks at position #135, with a live market cap of $406,130,256 USD and a circulating supply of 243,905,091 GRASS tokens. The Grass all-time high ever recorded was $3.89, while the all-time low was $0.655. At the current trading price, the token is sailing at 57.56% below its best price and 152.22% above its lowest price ever.

Grass Points Valuation

When writing, the grass coin was trading at around $1.65 per token, meaning that an investor with at least 1,000,000 GRASS points would be worth $10,000. However, note that the token’s price fluctuates and changes without notice. According to a recent post on Binance, GRASS points were sold for an average price of $0.004 per GRASS, especially on the Whales Market. Airdrop allocations, points, and tokens are traded in this renowned decentralized OTC exchange.  

How to Earn Grass Points for Potential Airdrop

The initial Grass airdrop registered remarkable success after becoming the most widely distributed airdrop ever on the Solana network after attracting over 2.8 million subscribers from over 190 countries. The project allocated over 100 million GRASS tokens for distribution.

Following the success of the first stage, the project has launched a second-stage Grass airdrop with new features and greater rewards. During this phase, at least 17% of the GRASS supply is allocated for future incentives, including 50% more rewards than in the initial stage.

The following is a step-by-step guide on participating in Stage 2:

• Registration: Visit the Grass.io and register using your email address and password to create an account; Click on the “Connect” button.
• Installation: Download the extension browser to install the necessary components. Alternatively, you can install a Desktop Node but if you’re using a mobile gadget, it’s advisable to use Mises or Kiwi browsers.
• Complete Authentication: Verify your email address and connect you wallet.

How to Maximize Your Grass Rewards

You can maximize your earning potential during Stage 2 by:

• Run Multiple Components: Consider using the Desktop Node and browser extension to ensure your connection remains active.
• Referral Program: You can refer friends and earn 2500 points for every successful referral. As points accumulate, you can also receive 20% of referred users’ points by sharing your referral code widely.
• Engagement Strategies: Increase your chances of earning more rewards by actively participating in the Grass community activities, maintaining a regular network connection, and remaining updated with company announcements.  

Conclusion      

The future of the Grass network and other green crypto projects looks bright at a time when there are increasing demands for sustainable digital asset developments. As more and more people join environmental awareness movements, the appeal for eco-friendly cryptocurrencies such as this one for sharing unused bandwidth is expected to grow. The stage seems set for GRASS to become a market leader in this niche by successfully blockchain technology and environmental stewardship.

The adoption rate may increase as ongoing crypto news leads to greater public awareness of the project’s environmental impact. However, for this to happen, GRASS must remain committed to its eco-friendly initiatives and seek to expand its network to potentially enlarge its user base and become the go-to crypto for investors with environmental sustainability in mind. However, always conduct your own research before making a crypto investment.              

FAQs               

Who is behind Grass?

The Grass network is the brainchild of Wynd Labs, a blockchain development company that secured $3.5 million during the project’s seed funding. Polychain Capital and Tribe Capital were lead investors.

How much is a GRASS token worth?

At the time of writing, the GRASS token is worth about $1.65, has a market capitalization of around $428.80 million, and has a 24-hour trading volume of $44.93 million.                 

Is GRASS a good coin?       

GRASS is currently displaying bullish sentiment, meaning there’s some potential for short-term gains if the upward momentum remains constant.

Is Grass Network safe?          

The Grass network is generally safe because it is designed with security and privacy in mind. No one can access users’ activity or personal data.

How do you earn money using Grass?      

You earn money with Grass by sharing your unused bandwidth. All you need to do is download the Grass app or install the extension, connect either of them to your internet, and start earning bonus points, which you could convert into GRASS tokens. The project also runs a multi-level referral program that enables you to earn a percentage of the points any of your referrals earn.

The post What Is Grass Network (GRASS)? A Complete Guide  appeared first on NFT Evening.

This article explores the key strategies for navigating a bull market, including understanding market cycles, leveraging technical indicators, and managing risk effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out, learning these techniques can help you maximize gains and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving crypto market.

Keep in mind that none of this information is investment advice. We’re merely looking at popular investment strategy types to consider when crypto bull markets happen.

What is a Bull Market?

A bull market, or bull run, in the crypto world refers to a prolonged period of rising prices and high investor confidence. During these phases, digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and various altcoins experience significant gains, often driven by increased adoption, positive news, and robust trading volumes.

Bull markets tend to be fueled by optimism, where investors expect continual upward movement, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle. This period is marked by a surge in buying activity, which drives prices higher and attracts more participants, creating a positive feedback loop.

With that in mind, bull markets are always finite and often see eventual corrections or reversals as market dynamics change.

Factors Influencing Crypto Bull Runs

• Investor confidence, optimism, and hype drive rapid buying.
• Tech innovations like breakthroughs in blockchain tech and DeFi spur confidence.
• Favorable news on industry regulations typically boosts investor confidence.
• Macro-scale external factors like low interest rates and generally higher economic growth typically support higher valuations.
• Media coverage can sway public opinion substantially, with positive articles and social content amplifying momentum.

How do crypto bull markets start and end? 

Crypto bull markets typically begin when positive market sentiment is sparked by breakthroughs, strong adoption, or favorable regulatory news. They often end when investor exuberance wanes, external economic pressures mount, or technical indicators signal overbought conditions, leading to market corrections.

How long do crypto bull runs last? 

The duration of one crypto bull market to another can differ wildly. Some are over in months, some last for years, and some are over in just weeks. Each one will depend on variables like investor behavior, market dynamics, and countless external economic factors.

Top Narrative to Watch in Bull Market

One of the most compelling narratives in any crypto bull market is the rise of blockchain projects that disrupt traditional finance and foster decentralized innovation.

In this cycle, key trends include the growth of DeFi platforms, increased institutional participation, and the integration of AI and machine learning for improved trading strategies. Investors are increasingly drawn to projects that blend cutting-edge technology with robust risk management, as these ventures offer both growth potential and stability.

What is a Bear Market?

A bear market in the crypto space refers to a prolonged period where prices steadily decline, leading to a widespread sense of pessimism among investors. During these phases, market sentiment shifts dramatically, and trading volumes often decrease as confidence wanes. Investors begin to liquidate their positions, fueling further downward pressure on prices.

Bear markets can be triggered by a range of factors, including adverse regulatory news, macroeconomic downturns, or overextended bull runs that lead to profit-taking and market corrections. In a bear market, the overall value of crypto assets drops significantly, and volatility tends to increase as panic selling takes hold.

While these periods are challenging, they can also present opportunities for long-term investors to acquire assets at lower prices. Understanding the signs and underlying causes of bear markets can help traders and investors navigate the downturn and position themselves for recovery when market sentiment eventually shifts.

Reasons Why Crypto Bull Markets Turn into Bear Markets

• Profit-Taking: Investors often sell assets to lock in gains, reducing buying pressure.
• Market Saturation: Excessive optimism leads to overvaluation, triggering corrections.
• Regulatory Changes: Negative or unexpected regulatory news can undermine investor confidence.
• Macroeconomic Shifts: Economic downturns or rising interest rates may divert capital from crypto markets.
• Technological or Security Issues: Major hacks or system failures can erode trust in digital assets.
• Liquidity Shortages: Reduced liquidity during market corrections can intensify price declines, hastening the conversion of bull to bear markets.

Bull Market vs Bear Market: Key Differences

Crypto Bull Market Strategies 

1. Using technical indicators to spot a bull run

Traders rely on technical indicators such as moving averages, RSI, and MACD to identify bullish trends. By analyzing these metrics, investors can detect momentum shifts, assess overbought or oversold conditions, and time their entry points for maximum profit potential during a bull run.

2. Take profits regularly with sell limit orders

Implementing sell limit orders at predetermined price levels enables investors to secure gains as prices rise. This strategy helps avoid the pitfalls of emotional decision-making and market volatility, ensuring that profits are systematically locked in, even if a sudden market reversal occurs during a bull run.

3. HODL but earn interest

Long-term holders can continue to HODL their assets while earning interest through staking or yield farming. This approach combines the benefits of holding crypto during a bull market with additional passive income streams, allowing investors to maximize returns even when market conditions fluctuate.

4. Reduce gains with HIFO accounting

Using the HIFO method, or highest-in-first-out, can help investors reduce taxable gains during a bull market. By selling the most expensive assets first, traders minimize capital gains taxes, preserving more profit and enhancing overall investment returns when market prices eventually decline.

5. Take profits in stablecoins

Converting a portion of your crypto portfolio into stablecoins during a bull run can secure gains and protect against volatility. Stablecoins provide a predictable value, allowing investors to re-enter the market when prices stabilize while maintaining liquidity and minimizing exposure to sudden downturns.

6. Diversify holdings

Diversification is crucial during bull markets. Spreading investments across various assets, including major cryptocurrencies, DeFi tokens, and stablecoins, helps reduce risk and smooth out volatility. A diversified portfolio can better withstand market corrections and capture gains from multiple emerging trends simultaneously.

7. Have an exit strategy

Develop a clear exit strategy that defines profit-taking thresholds and stop-loss levels. Knowing when to exit ensures that you lock in gains and minimize losses. This disciplined approach prevents emotional decisions and enables you to adapt swiftly if market conditions shift, preserving capital for future opportunities.

History of bull and bear markets

2013 Bull Run

Source: TradingView

In 2013, Bitcoin’s price surged from under $100 to over $1,000 in a short period, igniting widespread interest in cryptocurrencies. This early bull run was driven by increasing media attention, technological breakthroughs, and growing global awareness, setting the stage for future rapid growth in the crypto market.

2017 Bull Run

Source: TradingView

The 2017 bull run saw explosive growth across the crypto market, with Bitcoin reaching nearly $20,000 and numerous altcoins skyrocketing. This period was marked by a surge in ICO activity, intense investor enthusiasm, and significant adoption of blockchain technology, though it later led to heightened market volatility.

2020-2021 Bull Run

Source: TradingView

From 2020 to 2021, the crypto market experienced a prolonged bull run fueled by institutional investments, mainstream adoption, and innovative DeFi projects. Bitcoin and major altcoins hit new all-time highs, while investor confidence soared amid supportive economic conditions and rapid technological advancements in the blockchain space.

2021-2022 Bear Market

Source: TradingView

Following the highs in 2021, the crypto market entered a bear phase in 2021–2022. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, profit-taking, and macroeconomic uncertainty led to a sharp decline in prices. This period of correction highlighted the market’s volatility and the inherent risks of rapid bull run cycles.

Conclusion 

The crypto bull market offers exciting opportunities, but it is also a dynamic cycle of peaks and corrections. Through a basic understanding of the fundamentals of bull and bear markets and as many of the factors that impact crypto as possible, you can better navigate market swings and maximize gains. As the market evolves, ongoing research and disciplined strategies will be the keys to thriving in this volatile yet potentially rewarding landscape.

FAQs

Why is it called a bull and bear market?

Bull markets are named for the upward thrust of a bull’s horns, symbolizing rising prices, while bear markets reference a bear’s downward swipe, indicating declining prices.

Is a crypto bull run coming? When is the next crypto bull run?

Predicting a bull run is challenging; market trends, investor sentiment, and external factors all influence timing. Analysts use technical indicators, but exact timing is impossible to predict.

Is crypto in a bull market now?

Market conditions constantly change. While recent trends might indicate bullish sentiment, always refer to up-to-date market analysis and indicators before making investment decisions.

What to do during a crypto bull run?

During a bull run, consider taking profits regularly, diversifying holdings, and using technical indicators to time your trades. Maintain an exit strategy and invest in assets with strong fundamentals to safeguard gains.

The post What is a Bull or Bear Market in Crypto? The Beginner’s Guide appeared first on NFT Evening.

Because of the incredible amount of speculation and potential volatility involved in cryptocurrencies, getting a clear understanding of a crypto coin’s market capitalization can help gauge risk as well as identify growth potential. No matter what coins you’re looking into, market cap can give you priceless insight into their current standing and future prospects.

What is Market Cap in Crypto?

In crypto, a coin’s market cap is the total value of capital invested in that asset, effectively measuring the overall market share and perceived worth in the wider crypto ecosystem. Looking at the market capitalisation can help you quickly compare one coin to another.

Generally speaking, higher market caps mean a more established project with a more stable track record, while lower caps may represent younger, riskier ventures with potentially higher upside.

The crypto market is typically split into categories based on total market cap, including large-cap coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, mid-cap cryptocurrencies like Tether, BNB, and CRO, and smaller market caps still in their early growth and adoption stages.

How is Market Cap Calculated?

It’s easy to calculate crypto market cap for any particular asset. You take the number of coins or tokens in the currently circulating supply and multiply that by the current price. So, if there are one billion tokens, and the current value of each token is $0.20, that crypto would have a market capitalisation of $200 million.

Source: CoinMarketCap.com

Why is the Crypto Market Cap Important?

The crypto market cap plays a significant role in helping investors gauge a project’s scale, maturity, and overall stability. It offers a straightforward reference for comparing different cryptocurrencies, providing insight into relative size and perceived potential.

Generally speaking, the market cap also influences investor sentiment and liquidity. If a coin lacks a sizable market cap, day-to-day price movements can be more volatile, making it difficult to buy or sell large amounts without affecting the market. Conversely, coins with larger market caps typically exhibit more stable pricing due to their robust trading volumes.

What is a liquid market?

A liquid market is one where buyers and sellers exchange assets without delay or price impact. In crypto, liquidity is typically tied to the trading volume. Higher liquidity leads to buying and selling at more predictable pricing, while lower liquidity can mean higher slippage and more frequent market distortions.

Having a liquid market is critical for all major cryptocurrencies. It cultivates confidence, helps stabilize the price, and staves off market manipulation.

Circulating supply vs fully diluted supply

Circulating supply is the term for the number of coins currently available to the public. This statistic includes all coins held in wallets but not coins that have yet to be mined or minted.

However, the fully diluted supply includes all tokens that could enter future circulation, such as those locked in smart contracts, reserved for development, or vesting schedules for team members.

For anyone getting involved in the crypto space, this is crucial information, particularly with coins and tokens that don’t have caps and could be minted or mined without limit.

Difference Between Small, Mid, & Large-Cap Cryptocurrencies

Since we categorize cryptos by their market cap size, it’s helpful to understand the relative risk and growth prospects. While the specific thresholds might vary from one source to another, the categories usually break down into small-, mid-, and large-cap cryptos.

Small-cap cryptocurrencies

With small-cap cryptocurrencies, you’re probably looking at market caps of a few hundred million or less. They will usually have higher volatility due to limited liquidity. While they might hold the potential for rapid, substantial gains, they also come with significant risk.

Mid-cap cryptocurrencies

Mid-cap cryptos hold a middle ground that combines maturity with the potential to still grow. They’ll usually have a market cap of between a few hundred million and a few billion dollars.

Large-cap cryptocurrencies

Large-cap cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, have well over one hundred billion dollars. These cryptos have seen widespread adoption, strong liquidity, and powerful infrastructure created to support them.

Why Are Large-Cap Cryptocurrencies Considered to Have Lower Risk Profiles?

Generally speaking, large market caps have more established communities, extensive ecosystem support, and unshakable liquidity. While they aren’t immune to big market movements, they are relatively well-insulated from massive corrections.

Market Cap vs. Volume vs. Cash Inflow

Market cap is the overall measure of the value of a particular cryptocurrency. Trading volume tracks the number of coins traded over a specified period, indicating the ongoing liquidity and general investor interest. On the other hand, cash inflow concerns the fiat currency entering the asset.

Even though all three of these metrics give valuable insights, they serve different purposes. High market caps don’t necessarily mean high trading volume or a strong cash inflow.

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies by Market Cap

1. Bitcoin (BTC) – $1.72T
2. Ethereum (ETH) – $243.3B
3. Tether (USDT) – $144B
4. XRP (XRP) – $140B
5. BNB (BNB) – $88.8B
6. Solana (SOL) – $71.5B
7. USDC (USDC) – $60.1B
8. Dogecoin (DOGE) – $29.2B
9. Cardano (ADA) – $27.1B
10. Tron (TRX) – $21.7B

Conclusion

Market cap is a cornerstone metric that helps you gauge the relative size, stability, and growth potential of different cryptocurrencies. It can be a powerful tool for assessing new opportunities, but thorough research and disciplined risk management will always be critical for applying the insights it provides to your investment strategy.

FAQs

What is a good market cap in crypto?

“Good” is a relatively subjective term and will largely depend on your personal investment goals and risk tolerance. Large-cap cryptocurrencies are more stable, but smaller market caps have more growth potential.

What does market cap tell you?

Market cap reveals a cryptocurrency’s total value based on its current price and circulating supply, serving as a quick way to compare one coin to another.

Is a higher market cap better?

Not always. While higher caps usually mean greater stability and adoption, smaller caps might yield bigger returns if the project succeeds. It really comes down to individual risk preferences.

What crypto under $1 will explode?

While predicting the next coin to explode is mostly speculation, there are some solid cryptocurrencies to look at for surges in growth. Look at low-cost, high-utility coins and tokens like Cronos (CRO), Stellar (XLM), VeChain (VET), and Tron (TRX).

What is the current crypto market cap?

According to data from CoinMarketCap, the crypto market cap as of March 26, 2025, is $2.83T.

The post What is Market Cap in Crypto & Why It Matters for Investors? appeared first on NFT Evening.

This post will walk you through the key differences between these two token types, how each explores its utility, and how they are impacting the entire crypto-assets ecosystem.

Types of Tokens

Tokens can generally be divided into two categories: fungible and non-fungible. This division is fundamental to understanding the token economy and its diverse applications.

Fungible tokens are identical, meaning each unit is the same as another; examples include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These tokens are widely used for financial transactions and payments and as utility tokens in countless decentralized applications.

On the other hand, NFTs are unique digital assets with distinct properties that cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. NFTs are typically used to represent ownership of digital art, collectibles, domain names, and other items that require individual identification to verify legitimacy and authenticity.

What are Fungible Tokens?

Fungible tokens are digital assets designed so that each unit holds the same value and is interchangeable with any other unit of the same type. Think of them like traditional currencies: one dollar bill is worth the same as any other dollar, and you can easily swap them without losing value. This uniformity makes fungible tokens ideal for everyday transactions, as well as more sophisticated uses in the crypto ecosystem.

By allowing users to divide and combine them freely, fungible tokens streamline payments, support trading pairs on exchanges, and underpin entire decentralized finance platforms. In DeFi, they are crucial for liquidity pools, yield farming, and lending protocols, where predictable token values enable precise calculations of interest, returns, or staking rewards. Because by their very nature, they integrate seamlessly with smart contracts, these tokens form the foundation for a massive array of decentralized applications and utility tokens across gaming, identity, and beyond.

In essence, fungible tokens serve as the foundation of digital economies, facilitating swift value transfer without the complications that arise from individual asset uniqueness.

What are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)?

NFTs are digital crypto assets that carry a unique signature, making each one different from every other token in circulation. While fungible tokens can be swapped without changing their value, every NFT includes distinct properties and metadata that set it apart. You can think of them like limited-edition collectibles: their worth depends on originality, cultural importance, or personal appeal, rather than a uniform market price or being backed by any particular asset.

This uniqueness makes NFTs perfect for trading cards displaying digital artwork, verifying domain names, or owning in-game items. You can see exactly who owned the token before you and when it changed hands because each transaction is recorded on a public blockchain.

That also means you can earn money if you ever decide to sell your NFT to another collector. You become the direct beneficiary of your creativity or discoveries, bypassing the middlemen who used to stand in the way of fair compensation. If you’re the creator of NFTs, your royalties are hardcoded into the non-fungible assets, and every time they are sold, you get your cut.

NFTs extend beyond visual art. You might stake your claim in a virtual real estate market, buy exclusive gear in your favorite online game, or even create tokens to represent crucial documents on-chain. By giving every asset its story and locked-in authenticity, NFTs redefine what it means to own digital content—and open up possibilities beyond imagination.

Key Differences: Fungible vs Non-Fungible Tokens

Fungibility vs. Non-Fungibility

Fungible Tokens

Fungible tokens are interchangeable, meaning each unit is identical in value and function, much like traditional currency. Every token of the same type has the same worth and equal value, making it ideal for use in transactions, payments, and decentralized finance applications.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

All NFTs are distinct and unique assets that are coded with various unique attributes and metadata that set them apart, meaning no two tokens are exactly alike. NFTs represent digital art, collectibles, and unique virtual assets because their uniqueness creates scarcity and drives value through factors such as rarity, provenance, and desirability.

Use Cases

Fungible Tokens

• Serve as digital currencies for everyday transactions.
• Act as utility tokens within decentralized applications.
• Function in staking, yield farming, and rewards programs.
• Support peer-to-peer payments and global remittance.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

• Represent unique and irrefutable ownership of digital art and collectibles.
• Tokenize virtual real estate and domain names.
• Empower in-game item ownership and trading in gaming ecosystems.
• Verify authenticity and provenance in digital content markets.

Examples of Fungible Tokens

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin, introduced in 2009, is the first decentralized digital currency and remains a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem. It uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism that requires miners to solve complex computations, ensuring security and validating transactions. One of Bitcoin’s defining traits is its capped supply of 21 million coins, which fuels scarcity and long-term value appreciation.

Bitcoin is widely regarded as digital gold, often attracting investors seeking a store of value outside traditional financial systems. Its network effect and global recognition make it a standard against which other cryptocurrencies are compared.

Source: Bitcoin.org

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum was launched in 2015 as a programmable blockchain platform, distinguishing it from Bitcoin by enabling developers to create decentralized applications and smart contracts. This programmability allows for a wide range of use cases, including DeFi, gaming, and digital identity management.

Unlike Bitcoin’s fixed supply, Ethereum has a flexible monetary policy, often adjusting issuance rates. Ether is used to pay for gas fees, which power the execution of smart contracts and transactions.

Ethereum 2.0 and the move to a proof-of-stake consensus were a defining moment in the crypto world and proved to be an incredible step toward reducing energy consumption and improving scalability.

Source: Ethereum.org

USD Coin (USDC)

USD Coin is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, maintained through a reserve system of cash and short-term government securities. While other stablecoins employ algorithmic or crypto-backed approaches, USDC relies on audited reserves to ensure transparency and public trust.

In the realm of DeFi, USDC plays a critical role in liquidity pools and lending protocols, allowing users to seamlessly switch between higher-volatility tokens and a stable store of value.

Examples of NFTs

1. CryptoPunks

CryptoPunks are among the earliest NFT collections, featuring 10,000 unique collectible characters. Each CryptoPunk holds distinct traits, unique value, and historical significance, making them highly coveted digital collectibles.

Source: Cryptopunks.app

2. Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC)

Bored Ape Yacht Club is a popular NFT collection known for its exclusive digital art pieces that also serve as membership tokens. These NFTs grant holders access to special events and community benefits, blending art with social utility.

3. Pudgy Penguins

Pudgy Penguins is a well-known NFT experience celebrated for its charming artwork and vibrant community. Each Pudgy Penguin is a unique digital asset, offering collectible value and a sense of belonging within an active, engaged ecosystem.

Source: Pudgypenguins.com

How to Buy Fungible Tokens

1. First, you’ll need to register with a legitimate, reputable cryptocurrency exchange. Make sure that supports the specific fungible token you want to buy.
2. Complete any KYC and account verification procedures.
3. Now deposit some fiat currency or a supported cryptocurrency into your exchange account.
4. Find the trading section and search for the desired token pair that you’d like to trade, like XRP/USDT or USDC/ETH.
5. Choose between a market order for immediate purchase or a limit order that executes at a price price you specify.
6. Confirm your order details and execute the trade.

How to Buy Non-Fungible Tokens

1. Choose a well-known NFT marketplace such as OpenSea, Rarible, or another platform that lists NFTs.
2. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet, like MetaMask, Rainbow Wallet, or Trust Wallet to the marketplace.
3. Browse available NFT listings, selecting the NFT you want to buy. Here you can also look at the item’s details, including price and ownership history.
4. Place a bid or choose the “Buy Now” option if your chosen platform supports it.
5. Now you’ll need to confirm the transaction and pay any gas fees needed to ensure the protocol runs.
6. Verify that the NFT appears in your connected wallet or account.

Closing Thoughts

Getting a clear grasp of how fungible & non-fungible tokens differ is a foundational requirement for successfully navigating the Web3 environment and the unstoppable token economy.

FAQs

Are NFTs worth anything anymore?

In general, NFT values depend on rarity, demand, and market trends. That said, there are countless NFTs out there being bought, sold, and traded at this exact moment, and many still hold significant cultural and monetary value.

Is Bitcoin fungible or non-fungible?

Bitcoin is fungible; each bitcoin is identical in value and function to every other bitcoin. If someone sends 1 BTC each to two different wallets, there would be no way to tell the two coins apart if they were inspected on a digital level. Two NFTs, even if they looked similar, would still be drastically different upon deeper inspection.

What is a non-fungible token example?

CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Pudgy Penguins are well-known examples of NFTs tied to ownership of unique digital collectibles.

The post Fungible vs Non-Fungible Tokens: Key Differences Explained appeared first on NFT Evening.

This guide will cover what day trading is, the best cryptocurrency day trading strategies, and how to day trade crypto with a step-by-step guide.

What is Crypto Day Trading?

Crypto day trading is when you buy and sell cryptocurrencies within a single day to make a profit. Traders take advantage of small price changes that happen quickly in the crypto market. 

Unlike long-term investing, where you hold assets for months or years, day trading focuses on fast moves. It’s exciting because the crypto market runs 24/7, giving you many chances to trade. You need to watch prices closely, use tools like charts, and act fast. 

Key factors influencing profitability

The key factors influencing profitability for day traders are high market volatility, liquidity, trading fees, risk management skills, technical analysis, and the latest news.

• Market Volatility: Crypto prices change a lot in a short time, which creates chances to profit. High volatility means you can buy low and sell high quickly, but it also risks big losses. Traders should watch price swings to find the right moments to act.
• Liquidity: Liquidity is how easy it is to buy or sell a crypto without changing its price. Coins with high trading volume, like Bitcoin, let you trade fast with little delay. Low liquidity can trap you in a trade, hurting profits.
• Trading Fees: Every trade costs a small fee on exchanges. If you trade a lot, these fees add up and cut into your earnings. Picking platforms with low fees helps you keep more of your profit.
• Risk Management: Smart traders set limits to protect their money, like using stop-loss orders. This stops big losses if the market turns against you. Good risk control keeps you in the game longer and boosts profits over time.
• Technical Analysis: Charts and tools show patterns in price movements. Traders use them to guess where prices will go next and decide when to buy or sell. Learning these skills improves your chances of making money.
• News and Events: Big news, like a new law or a tweet from a famous person, can move crypto prices quickly. Staying updated helps you trade ahead of these shifts. Quick action on news can lead to bigger profits.

How to Start Day Trading Cryptocurrency?

Step 1: Learn About Cryptocurrency and Trading

First, you need to understand the basics of cryptocurrencies and day trading. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum have sudden price fluctuations, and day trading is the process of buying and selling those assets in one day to benefit from those swings. 

Spend some time learning through credible sources—consider books, video lessons, or introductory-friendly platforms like Coinbase Learn or Binance Academy—to cement your knowledge.

Step 2: Choose a Reliable Crypto Exchange

Next, you’ll need a platform for trading, so choose a dependable day trading cryptocurrency exchange. The best crypto platforms for day trading are Binance, Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, Coinbase, or Kraken, which provide useful features and strong security for traders. 

Ensure the exchange offers affordable fees, quick processing, and supports the coins you’re interested in. After deciding, create an account, complete the verification process, and deposit funds to kick things off.

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Step 3: Develop a Trading Strategy and Budget

Now, it is essential to have a definite strategy, so decide how much capital you can risk. Trade only with the money you can lose because the market is uncertain. Set rules for getting in and out of trades, and use tools such as stop-loss orders to prevent maximum losses. This will keep you disciplined and protect your capital.

Step 4: Test Your Skills with a Practice Account

Most platforms give demo accounts that have you trading virtual money. The arrangement allows you to play with no capital risk. Invest weeks developing your plan, noting how prices act, and feeling out the habits of the markets. When ready, you can make the shift into trading live cash.

Step 5: Start Small and Make Use of Tools

Since you begin with real money, it is advisable to begin small in your initial trades. Make use of some tools, such as market charts, alerts, and trading applications to stay up to date. These sources help identify opportunities due to trends or news flashes. As you gain experience, you can move forward gradually to attempt bigger profits.

Things to Look For When Day Trading Crypto

When day trading cryptocurrency, you must keep an eye on certain things in order to make wise decisions. Here are some important things to observe.

• Price Fluctuations and Volatility: The Prices of crypto can rise or fall quickly, so you have to monitor changes closely. Volatility provides opportunities to buy low and sell high in hours. Keep checking charts to identify patterns and take action at the appropriate time.
• Trading Volume: Volume indicates the amount of crypto being sold and purchased. The higher the volume, the easier it is to get in or out of a trade without price slippage. Find the coins with high activity to steer clear of being stuck in a slow market.
• Market News and Events: Gossip such as government regulations or major announcements can destabilize prices. You need to remain informed, and you can use some crypto news sites or X posts for that. Rapid responses to these news flashes can result in profitable trades.
• Technical Indicators: Indicators such as moving averages or RSI (Relative Strength Index) assist in forecasting the direction of price. Master a few indicators and utilize them to gain confidence.
• Exchange Fees and Speed: All trades incur a fee, and these can nibble into your profits if they are high. Choose an exchange that charges low fees and allows quick transactions. This way, you get to keep more cash and trade effectively.
• Liquidity Levels: Liquidity refers to how quickly you can exchange a coin without changing its price. Well-liquid coins, such as Bitcoin, allow you to swing in and out quickly. Look for this when trading to steer clear of issues with small or new coins.

Best Indicators for Day Trading Cryptocurrency

Here is the list of top crypto day trading indicators:

1. Moving Averages: Moving averages smooth out price data to show the direction a cryptocurrency is heading. You can use a simple moving average (SMA), which takes the average price over a set time, like 10 or 50 periods. When a short-term average crosses above a long-term one, it often signals a good time to buy, while the opposite suggests a sell.
2. Relative Strength Index (RSI): The RSI measures if a crypto is overbought or oversold, using a scale from 0 to 100. A reading above 70 means the price might drop soon, hinting at a sell opportunity, while below 30 suggests it could rise, pointing to a buy. 
3. Bollinger Bands: Bollinger Bands consist of a middle line (a moving average) with two outer bands that adjust to price swings. When the bands widen, it shows high volatility, meaning bigger price moves are coming. If the price touches the upper band, it might be overbought, and hitting the lower band could mean oversold.
4. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): The MACD tracks the relationship between two moving averages to reveal momentum. It has a MACD line, a signal line, and a histogram showing their difference. When the MACD line crosses above the signal line, it’s a bullish sign to buy; below it, it’s bearish, suggesting a sell.
5. Volume: Volume shows how much of a cryptocurrency is traded in a certain time. A rising volume with a price increase confirms a strong trend, making it safer to follow. If prices move but volume stays low, the trend might not last, warning you to be cautious.
6. Stochastic Oscillator: The stochastic oscillator compares a crypto’s closing price to its price range over a period, usually 14 days. It ranges from 0 to 100—above 80 means overbought, and below 20 means oversold. When its two lines cross in these zones, it signals potential reversals.

Best Crypto Day Trading Strategies

1. Scalping

Scalping is a strategy where traders make small profits from small price changes throughout the day. In crypto, prices move quickly, so you buy a coin when it’s slightly low and sell it as soon as it goes up a little. This happens many times in a day. 

The goal is not to wait for big price jumps but to collect small gains that add up. You need to watch the market closely and act fast because even a small delay can turn a profit into a loss. It works best with coins that have a high trading volume and small price movements.

2. Momentum Trading

Momentum trading focuses on riding the wave of a strong price trend. When a cryptocurrency starts moving up or down quickly with a lot of volume, you jump in and trade in the same direction. 

For example, if Bitcoin suddenly rises because of good news, you buy it and sell it when the rise slows down. The key is to spot the trend early using charts or news updates. You don’t hold the coin for long—just enough to catch the big move. This strategy needs good timing and a clear exit plan to avoid losses if the trend reverses.

3. Range Trading

Range trading happens when a cryptocurrency’s price stays between a high point and a low point for some time. You buy the coin when it hits the low price (called support) and sell it when it reaches the high price (called resistance). 

4. Breakout Trading

Breakout trading involves catching a big price move when a cryptocurrency breaks out of its usual range. When the price crosses a key level—like a high resistance or low support—it often moves fast in that direction. You buy if it breaks upward or sell if it breaks downward. Also, timing is very critical here, and you must watch for false breakouts where the price quickly turns back.

5. News-Based Trading

Crypto prices react fast to news like government rules, company partnerships, or market updates. You must stay updated on X posts, web articles, or crypto news sites. If a coin gets good news, like a major exchange listing, you buy before the price shoots up. If the news is bad, like a hack, you should sell before it drops. 

6. Arbitrage Trading

Arbitrage trading takes advantage of price differences for the same cryptocurrency on different exchanges. For instance, if Bitcoin costs $80,000 on Binaance but $80,200 on Bybit, you can buy it on Binance and sell it on Bybit for a profit. 

The crypto market has many exchanges, and prices don’t always match perfectly. You need accounts on multiple platforms and fast execution because these gaps close quickly. 

You can also check out our in-depth guide on the best crypto day trading strategies.

How to Choose Cryptocurrencies for Day Trading?

• Look for High Trading Volume: Coins with high volume, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, are great for day trading because they move quickly and have lots of buyers and sellers.
• Focus on Price Volatility: For day trading, you want cryptocurrencies that move enough to give you profit opportunities. Coins like Dogecoin or smaller altcoins or meme coins often have big ups and downs in a day.
• Pick Coins with Strong Liquidity: Coins with strong liquidity, like Ripple or Cardano on top crypto exchanges, let you trade large amounts quickly. Low-liquidity coins can trap you in a trade because there aren’t enough buyers or sellers.
• Analyze Historical Performance: Looking at a coin’s past price action helps you spot patterns. Some cryptocurrencies regularly show big daily moves, making them good for day trading. Use charting tools on platforms like TradingView to see how a coin has behaved over the last week or month. If it has a history of sharp rises or drops, it might work for your strategy.
• Consider Exchange Availability: Not all coins are available on every exchange, and some platforms have better tools or lower fees. Choose cryptocurrencies listed on exchanges you trust and use, like Binance or KuCoin. If a coin is only on a small exchange with slow trades or high costs, it’s not ideal for day trading. 

How Does Market Sentiment Affect Crypto Day Trading?

Market sentiment is the overall mood or feeling that traders and investors have about the cryptocurrency market at any given time. It plays a big role in crypto day trading because it directly influences price movements, often more than technical charts or fundamentals. 

When the mood is positive—say, due to excitement over a new blockchain project or a tweet from a famous person like Elon Musk—traders feel confident and start buying. This pushes prices up fast, creating opportunities for day traders to ride the wave and sell at a profit.

On the flip side, negative sentiment can crash prices just as quickly. Imagine a major exchange gets hacked, and news spreads that millions in crypto have been stolen. Fear takes over, and traders sell off their holdings to avoid losses. This panic selling drops prices sharply, giving day traders a chance to short-sell—borrowing a coin, selling it high, and buying it back cheaper after the drop. 

Sentiment shifts like these happen daily in crypto because the market is new and emotional and reacts to news, rumors, and social media buzz.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, crypto day trading for beginners can be the best way to make money, but it takes skill and planning. Start by learning strategies like scalping, momentum trading, or range trading to catch quick price moves. You should choose coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum with high volume and volatility for the best opportunities. 

Also, you must use trusted exchanges like Binance or Kraken for fast trades and low fees. Keep an eye on market sentiment—news and social media can swing prices fast. However, the market is risky, and losses often happen without good risk management. Practice with small amounts first to build experience.

FAQs

Is crypto day trading profitable?

Yes, crypto day trading can be profitable. You can earn money by buying low and selling high within a single day. But profits are not guaranteed. Prices change fast, and risks are high. You need strong knowledge, a good strategy, and fast decision-making skills. Many traders lose money due to poor planning or emotional trading.

How much can a crypto day trader make?

Earnings vary widely among crypto day traders. Some part-time traders might earn between $10 to $100 daily, while full-time traders could make $50 to $500 per day. However, these figures depend on factors like market conditions, trading strategies, and individual skill levels.

Can you make $100 a day trading crypto?

Yes, earning $100 daily through crypto trading is possible but not guaranteed. Achieving such profits requires substantial capital, effective strategies, and a deep understanding of the market. Utilizing leverage can amplify gains but also increases the risk of significant losses. Given the crypto market’s volatility, consistent daily profits are challenging, and many traders may not reach this target. ​

Which crypto is best for day trading?

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Binance Coin are top choices because they have high volume, liquidity, and volatility, making them ideal for quick trades.

What are the best crypto exchanges for day trading?

Binance, Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, Coinbase Advanced, Kraken, and Crypto.com are some of the best day-trading crypto exchanges due to their low fees, high liquidity, and fast trade execution.

Can you day trade crypto on Robinhood?

Yes, Robinhood allows users to day trade cryptocurrencies. The platform offers commission-free trading for various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE). However, Robinhood lacks advanced trading features and offers fewer coins, which are crucial for day trading.

The post Day Trading Crypto: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on NFT Evening.

This guide explains the step-by-step process for buying and selling altcoins to help you make an informed investment decision in the cryptocurrency market. 

What are Altcoins and Why Do People Buy Them?

The term “altcoins” is the short form for “alternative coins” and refers to any other popular cryptocurrency apart from Bitcoin (BTC). The word implies that altcoins are alternatives to traditional government-issued fiat currencies and Bitcoin, the flagship cryptocurrency.

If you’ve been in the crypto assets space for a while, you already know thousands of altcoins are in the market, with the initial ones being launched as early as 2011.

The first altcoins were designed to address Bitcoin’s perceived shortcomings and improve transaction speeds, energy efficiency, low transaction fees, and other related aspects.

Besides their investment potential, people buy altcoins, often perceived as “improved versions” of cryptocurrencies, because they serve various purposes. The most common factors associated with popular alternative coins include utility and broader use cases.

Where to Buy Altcoins

Whether you’re a beginner trying your first altcoin investment or an experienced trader refining your strategy, choosing where to buy your altcoins is your first crucial step.

The crypto space offers various cryptocurrency exchanges with different features, transaction fees, and security measures. Selecting a fast, secure, reliable, and user-friendly centralized or decentralized cryptocurrency exchange is convenient and determines your overall experience and trading outcomes. Some of the top altcoin trading platforms in the market include Binance, OKX, Bybit and MEXC.

Regardless of which exchange you’re using, always verify trading platforms comply with Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and other forms of regulatory compliance to optimize your trading experience.

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How to Buy Altcoins: Step-by-Step

When it comes to buying and selling altcoins, the process involves only a few more steps than buying Bitcoin. Most experts recommend buying BTC and trading it for your desired altcoin since most can be paired with Bitcoin.

While you could get altcoins directly over the counter (OTC) or from other traders, we highly recommend that beginners use trusted cryptocurrency exchanges to avoid fraud.

The following are steps to take when choose to trade altcoins:

Step 1: Decide what percentage of your crypto portfolio you will dedicate to altcoins

Research shows that most altcoins fail within 1.2 years. When speculating on untested coins, you need to divide your crypto portfolio into risky layers. Consider using a portfolio tracker to monitor your coins.

Step 2: Research and find the best coins

Consider factors such as liquidity and trading volume, purpose, adoption rate and community support to decide on which altcoin to buy. Additionally, check whether the coin has an official working website or is supported by your digital wallet or plan to use it.

Step 3: Deposit funds to buy cryptocurrency

Since you can’t purchase altcoins with fiat currency in most cases, you need to buy digital currencies like Bitcoin to swap with your preferred altcoin at the cryptocurrency exchanges you’ll be using.

Some exchanges accept bank transfers credit card purchases from leading financial institutions, so check on the best cryptocurrency exchanges. 

Step 4: Select the right exchange

Once you’ve bought your Bitcoin, scout the cryptocurrency market for an exchange that offers your altcoin. Choose from the available alternatives using factors like daily volumes, currency pairs, hourly trades, and market cap.

Unless you’re an expert, avoid less popular exchanges and choose more liquid ones. The next step is registering for the exchange before using it. 

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Step 5: Select the currency pair

After you register, transfer some Bitcoin from your hardware wallet to the exchange. Since trading is done in currency pairs, you must exchange your BTC for your altcoin. Since the altcoin market is dynamic, always check how the currency pair you selected has traded over the past few weeks or months for reference. 

Step 6: Trade Bitcoin for your selected altcoin

Once you’re ready to proceed, visit the exchange and place a market order to buy. If you’re using the exchange for the first time, take the time to understand how orders work.

Step 7: Transfer the altcoins into your wallet

Once you finish the process, the altcoins you just bought will be live on the exchange. Complete the process by moving your precious cryptocurrencies off the exchange and into your crypto wallet.

There are two types of wallets to store altcoins: a hot wallet connected to the internet and lives on your mobile phone or computer, or a cold wallet, such as a paper wallet or hardware wallet, that isn’t connected to the internet. Cold wallets are considered more secure.

You just learned how to buy and sell altcoins, and started speculating about the future of money. If your crypto’s value escalates, you can reap a good return on investment.

Key considerations to buy altcoins effectively

When it comes to buying altcoins, the following should be your key concerns when making a decision:

• Purpose and Technology Used: Discover the functionality the altcoin serves to determine its potential in the future.
• Market Performance: Evaluating the market performance by analyzing factors like price history and market capitalization to understand how it could perform.
• Community and Support:  An altcoin with a robust and engaged community indicates a healthful ecosystem; monitor social media sites to determine the altcoin’s standing within the community.
• Adoption Rate: The higher the adoption rate, the more likely it is that the altcoin is reliable and capable of attracting more customers and institutions to utilize it for various functions.

How to Select the Altcoin to Buy

There are different types of altcoins to choose from today’s altcoin market, each addressing a different issue within the cryptocurrency space. As a result, selecting the right one from a multitude of choices can be a difficult task.

You need precise criteria to help you evaluate the relevance of any altcoins and their potential return on investment before you add them to your portfolio. Among the essential factors to consider include the following:  

Project and Objective

Select an altcoin with a clear objective, one designed to solve a specific problem. Understand the solution it offers and how it integrates with the broader blockchain and cryptocurrency space.

Development Team

Research information about the professional background and reputation of the development team members. An experienced team with relevant skills increases confidence in the altcoin’s ability to thrive, or whether it has community support.

Liquidity and Trade Volume

An altcoin with enough liquidity and a high trading volume shows it is highly traded, reducing the risk of manipulation or high market volatility. High liquidity guarantees that you can quickly convert your altcoin investment into fiat money or other digital assets.

Among the most popular altcoins you can buy today include several well-established coins with a large market cap, like Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Avalanche (AVAX).

Source: CoinMarketCap

Nonetheless, note that many of these have experienced tremendous growth and overcrowding. Consider some lesser-known altcoins with better investment opportunities after carefully researching the altcoin market. This can include low liquidity altcoins like Shiba Inu (SHIB), Toncoin (TON), Polkadot (DOT, Chainlink (LINK), Injective (INJ), and Stellar (XLM), among others.

Most Popular Altcoins to Buy

The following are the best altcoins you can buy right now:

• Ethereum (ETH) – A favorite with program developers because of its potential to develop decentralized applications and smart contracts that automatically execute when conditions are met and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
• Litecoin (LTC) – A peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that enables fast, near-zero cost payments to anyone worldwide due to its faster transaction speeds and lower fees, often used for day-to-day expenses.
• Stellar (XLM): Stellar is mostly used to facilitate affordable cross-border payments and serve as a bridge currency between different currencies in cryptocurrency exchanges. 
• Ripple (XRP) – One of the most significant altcoins focusing on facilitating an efficient global payment system, designed to provide low-cost cross-border transactions aiming to improve the traditional SWIFT system. 
• Uniswap (UNI) – A governance token native to the Uniswap platform that enables holders to participate in decision-making. 
• Polkadot (DOT)—The DOT token facilitates payments, crypto staking, network governance, transaction fees, and reward incentives, among other things. 

Where to Store Altcoins

Protecting your digital assets is the most critical aspect of investing in the digital currency market because, compared to government-issued currencies, crypto is more susceptible to hacking attacks. Thus, be careful when choosing which crypto wallet to store your altcoins. For hot wallets, Trust Wallet, MetaMask, and Coinbase Wallet are the top choices of most traders.

However, a careful approach to safe storage demands that you use a hardware wallet, which is a physical device that offers offline altcoin storage. Unlike hot wallets, hardware wallets like Ledger, Trezor, and Exodus are not vulnerable to online attacks since they’re not connected to the internet. 

How to Sell Altcoins

The process of selling altcoins resembles the process of buying altcoins:

• Log into your crypto exchange account
• Select the altcoin you intend to sell
• Choose a matching trading pair
• Place a sell order that’s within your preferred parameters
• Wait for a buyer and close the sale after receiving payment.

Conclusion

Altcoins have transformed the crypto landscape and offered exciting opportunities for investors. Whether you choose more established cryptocurrencies or stick to the high-risk, high-reward altcoins, always exercise caution when buying or selling altcoins.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do people choose altcoins?

People in the crypto market interested in diversifying their crypto portfolios choose altcoins because they are less expensive than Bitcoin and have more use cases.

What is the difference between altcoin and token?

The main difference between altcoins and tokens is their structure. Altcoins are independent cryptocurrencies with their own blockchains, while tokens operate on top of blockchains and facilitate the creation of decentralized applications (DApps).

What are examples of altcoins?

The most popular altcoins based on market cap include Ethereum, Ripple, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin and popular meme coins like DOGE.

What is the purpose of altcoins?

Most altcoins operate as cryptocurrencies, with the main purpose of serving as a store of value and handling decentralized peer-to-peer payments.

What is the best site to buy altcoins?

User reviews show that Binance is the go-to exchange for altcoin traders as it offers the widest selection and an unparalleled diversity of altcoins for trading.

What is the best altcoin to buy?

Solana (SOL) would be the best altcoin to buy as it has a high potential for explosion. The altcoin has developed blockchain infrastructure that aligns with the Web3 era.

What is the best wallet for altcoins?

The best altcoin wallets you can use for your altcoins include Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and Exodus Wallet.

What crypto coin will give you 1000x?

While it’s impossible to guarantee a 1000x gain in the crypto market, history shows it can happen. Crypto coins like Solana, Polygon, and Shiba Inu have delivered such profits in previous cycles.

The post How to Buy Altcoins: A Complete Guide for Beginners appeared first on NFT Evening.

XRP was originally called Ripple Labs Inc. and leverages a unique consensus mechanism in its blockchain to validate transactions with blinding speed. This removes the need for centralized intermediaries, cuts transaction fees, and makes settlement in real-time possible. In short, Ripple hopes to revolutionize how money moves through financial networks. Let’s get into the details.

What is Ripple?

Ripple is the name typically given to the company Ripple Labs, the network, RippleNet, and sometimes the network’s native cryptocurrency, XRP. Ripple was founded in San Francisco with the mission of replacing the slow and often costly wire transfers for international transactions with ultra-low-cost and near-instant digital asset transfers. The Ripple network is the bridge that facilitates movement between traditional finance network infrastructures and newer blockchain technology, purpose-built for real-time transaction settlement and liquidity management.

Instead of relying on a proof-of-work model, like Bitcoin, or a proof-of-stake model, like Ethereum, Ripple uses a unique consensus protocol that leverages independent validators for transaction confirmation. This specific consensus mechanism allows a high transaction throughput rate and substantially lower fees than many other networks. This offers big benefits for firms like banks and remittance service providers.

What is XRP?

XRP is the native token of the Ripple network and is designed to serve mainly as a bridge asset. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP was pre-mined, meaning all one hundred billion tokens were created from the outset.

Using XRP on the Ripple network, institutions can transfer different currencies, convert them into XRP, and settle those funds in another currency, all within seconds. On top of that, XRP’s specialized verification process uses independent validations, giving it far more agility than other cryptocurrencies.

How does Ripple Work?

Ripple operates as a payment protocol that enables rapid, low-cost transactions across its network. This design eliminates the need for energy-intensive block creation and allows for high throughput with minimal fees.

Learn more: XRP Deep Dive: A Masssive Player in Today’s Crypto Market

With the elimination of various intermediaries, Ripple significantly reduces friction and value loss in the cross-border payments industry. The Ripple network supports multiple fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies, and many tokens while keeping a very user-friendly experience overall.

Source: Ripple.com

Advantages and Disadvantages of the XRP Cryptocurrency

Advantages of Ripple

• Fast Settlement – Transactions finalize within seconds, making it highly efficient for international transfers.
• Low Transaction Fees – Minimal fees enable cost-effective cross-border payments compared to traditional banking channels.
• Energy Efficient — Ripple’s consensus mechanism requires less computing power than proof-of-work systems, reducing environmental impact.
• Strategic Partnerships: Major financial institutions collaborate with Ripple, adding credibility to the network and its native token.
• Multi-Currency Support: XRP bridges different currencies, enhancing liquidity and simplifying conversions in diverse markets.

Source: XRPL.org

Disadvantages of Ripple

• Centralization Concerns – Some critics argue that Ripple Labs’ ownership of XRP tokens and validation nodes undermines complete decentralization.
• Regulatory Uncertainty – Ongoing legal battles and evolving crypto regulations in different regions may affect XRP’s adoption.
• Escrowed Supply – Large amounts of XRP held in escrow by Ripple Labs create questions about supply dynamics and market influence.

The SEC vs Ripple

One of the biggest perceived risks with XRP has been the ongoing conflict between Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2020, the SEC filed a lawsuit alleging that Ripple Labs violated investor protection laws by selling XRP to investors.

Ripple Labs has consistently denied these claims. The company maintains that XRP functions solely as a digital asset for international value transfers, instead of any security that the SEC regulates. Breaking news at the time of writing, March 19th, 2025: the SEC has announced that it’s dropping its suit against Ripple.

What Makes XRP Unique?

XRP stands out from other cryptocurrencies due to its focus on fast, low-cost, cross-border payments, as well as its unique consensus type. Instead of serving as an alternative store of value or a speculative asset, XRP was created to bridge international currencies and streamline liquidity management for payment networks and banks.

Ripple Labs has also built partnerships with financial institutions to help build credibility and practicality. That said, the large pre-mined supply and the ongoing escrow mechanism have both attracted and concerned investors, depending on their perspectives on decentralization versus institutional backing.

Source: Ripple.com

What Can You Do with Ripple (XRP)?

XRP brings a long list of practical uses from both the crypto-focused and traditional finance spaces. Through rapid, nearly free transactions, XRP can bridge various national fiat currencies to create smooth, international payments.

This is a crucial feature for both individuals sending money from one country to another, as well as banks and institutional investors that want to cut operational expenses while settling their transactions in seconds instead of hours or even days. Small businesses could also benefit from simplified remittances and streamlined daily transactions.

Not only that, but the unique consensus mechanism in place helps cultivate broader adoption by lowering energy consumption and transaction fees. Payment providers can integrate XRP into their networks, which offers their users improved transparency and lower fees.

Some investors use XRP to manage liquidity on an individual scale, using the token to swap from one currency to another or between cryptocurrency assets easily and quickly. Others simply explore XRP as a more immediate and affordable store of value compared to options like Bitcoin, viewing the recent increase in value as just the beginning.

Source: Ripple.com

How to buy XRP

Here’s a quick rundown of how to buy XRP.

1. First, you’ll need to choose a platform that supports XRP. Most of the top cryptocurrency exchanges, like Binance, Kraken, and Coinbase do.
2. Once you’ve picked a platform, create an account there and go through any KYC or account verification that may be needed.
3. After you’re verified, fund your account by depositing fiat currencies or transferring crypto from an outside source.
4. Search XRP trading pairs based on what you’ve used to fund your account. For instance, if you’ve transferred in BTC, you’ll want to find a BTC/XRP pair if you can, to cut down on fees for multiple trades.
5. Once you’ve found your trading pair, create an order to buy XRP. If you want to spend a specific amount, you’ll want a market order; if you want to pay a specific price, create a limit order.
6. Confirm your order and place the trade. Once the order is filled and the trade is complete, you can move your XRP from the platform to a more secure custodial wallet.

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How to store XRP

1. To store XRP, you’ll need to use a wallet with support for the XRP ledger. Some of the options for software wallets include Trust Wallet and Exodus. More secure hardware wallet options like Ledger and Trezor are available as well. If you have a wallet already, skip to the next step.
2. Now that you have a wallet chosen, you need to create a backup of the wallet and store it securely. Always keep your private keys, seed phrases, and other wallet recovery information secured where only you have access.
3. If you’ve bought or traded XRP on an exchange, you will need to enter your wallet address and initiate a withdrawal. If someone is sending you XRP as an individual, there should be appropriate send & receive provisions in your wallet of choice. Remember to always check addresses before confirming, crypto transactions can’t be reversed.
4. Once the transaction has been completed, check your wallet to verify your updated XRP balance.

The Future of XRP

Like many other cryptocurrency assets, the future of XRP is optimistic but still a little shaky. The health of XRP largely hinges on the outcome of regulatory challenges and the question of large-scale adoption by banks and payment providers. If big banks and payment networks integrate Ripple’s technology, XRP could gain even more legitimacy and even higher liquidity.

However, ongoing legal challenges and market volatility make it obvious that there are still risks associated with the asset. No matter what, supporters are excited about XRP’s potential to revolutionize traditional finance networks and the possibilities it holds for the future of crypto.

FAQs

Is XRP a good investment?

Just like most other cryptocurrencies, proponents of XRP see it as a good investment, but the investment potential for each individual will depend on what their goals are and their level of risk tolerance.

Can XRP reach $10?

With the value of XRP hovering around $2.50 as of March 19th, 2025, and the 52-week low being $0.38, it has seen incredible growth in just the past year. $10 may be possible in the next few years for those with optimism.

Is XRP better than Bitcoin?

“Better” is a difficult metric to define, particularly since they each serve wildly different purposes. Bitcoin is typically thought of as digital gold, while XRP is a token that is used to bridge currencies and power the Ripple network.

How much is 1 XRP worth right now?

As of March 19, 2025, XRP is trading at roughly $2.50.

What is the average transaction fee on XRP?

For most transactions on the XRP ledger, the transaction fee is 0.000010 XRP, or 10 “drops”. At current prices, you could send thousands of transactions for a few cents.

Who created XRP?

Initially, XRP was originally by developers Arthur Britto, Jed McCaleb, and David Schwartz. Together they eventually co-founded Ripple Labs to further expand the network.

The post What is XRP (Ripple)? The Complete Beginner’s Guide appeared first on NFT Evening.

This guide will explain what restaking is, how it differs from staking, and its purpose in cryptocurrency. It will also cover liquid restaking tokens, safety concerns, and top protocols besides EigenLayer.

What Is Restaking in Crypto?

Restaking in cryptocurrency means you can use your staked tokens to secure additional blockchain protocols. In proof-of-stake systems like Ethereum, you need to lock tokens to validate transactions and earn rewards. With restaking, you apply these staked assets to support other networks at the same time. Platforms like EigenLayer lead this innovation. Here, you enhance blockchain efficiency without unstaking your original holdings.

How Does Restaking Work?

Restaking functions through two approaches: native and liquid restaking. In native restaking, you operate an Ethereum node and add software to stake your tokens on secondary protocols. This demands technical skills and acceptance of slashing risks, where networks penalize your funds for violations. 

Liquid restaking streamlines the process. You can stake crypto assets with a validator and receive liquid staking tokens (LSTs) representing your stake. You then restake these LSTs on platforms like EigenLayer to secure other services, keeping your assets liquid. 

Smart contracts manage these transactions for safety and speed. You have to choose actively validated services (AVSs), like Oracle networks or sidechains, to support and earn rewards based on your contribution.

Restaking also improves network security and gives you more rewards. It lets other networks use Ethereum’s security and helps you earn more from the same crypto.

Why Is Restaking Important?

Restaking increases trust, security, and returns in the blockchain ecosystem.

• Higher Rewards – You can earn more by restaking without needing new tokens.
• Better Security – It helps secure new blockchain services.
• Capital Efficiency – It uses the same tokens for many purposes.
• Network Growth – It supports more projects without needing new validators.

Types of Restaking

1. Native Restaking

In native restaking, you directly manage your staked assets to support additional networks. You need to run an Ethereum validator node, which requires technical skills to set up and maintain. You have to install specialized software, such as EigenLayer’s, to extend your staked tokens to secure other protocols, like sidechains or data availability layers. This process keeps your original stake on Ethereum intact while earning rewards from secondary networks. 

Some restaking platforms that support this are Solayer, Solv, BounceBit, and Swell. They let you restake your assets across multiple services and earn rewards by helping secure different parts of the blockchain ecosystem.

2. Liquid Restaking

Liquid restaking offers a simpler, more accessible approach. You stake your assets with an Ethereum validator and receive liquid staking tokens (LSTs), which represent your staked tokens. These LSTs remain tradeable, giving you flexibility. You then restake these LSTs on platforms like EigenLayer to secure actively validated services (AVSs).

Some liquid restaking platforms include Ether.fi, Kelp DAO, and Renzo. They allow you to restake LSTs and earn more from the same staked assets.

Top Restaking Protocols

1. EigenLayer

EigenLayer is a leading restaking protocol built on Ethereum, allowing you to restake your staked ETH or liquid staking tokens (LSTs) to secure additional applications called Actively Validated Services (AVSs). 

You can earn extra rewards by extending Ethereum’s cryptoeconomic security to sidechains, oracles, or rollups. You can participate via native restaking, running a validator node, or liquid restaking, using LSTs like stETH.

2. Solayer

Solayer is the first restaking protocol native to Solana. It enables you to restake your SOL tokens to secure various applications and services. Solayer supports both endogenous AVSs (built within Solana) and exogenous AVSs (external services). By restaking, you can earn yields from multiple incentive layers.

3. Babylon

Babylon is a restaking protocol integrating Bitcoin’s security into proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains. You stake BTC to secure PoS networks, rollups, or appchains, earning yields without wrapping or bridging assets. Babylon uses a Cosmos-SDK-based protocol, emphasizing user control and liquidity.

4. Ether.fi

Ether.fi is a liquid restaking protocol on Ethereum, letting you stake ETH and receive eETH, a liquid restaking token. You restake eETH on platforms like EigenLayer or Symbiotic to secure AVSs and earn compounded rewards.

5. Symbiotic

Symbiotic is a permissionless restaking protocol on Ethereum, supporting any ERC-20 token, unlike EigenLayer’s ETH focus. You restake assets like stETH or stablecoins to secure customizable networks, choosing operators and slashing conditions. Its modular design and non-upgradeable contracts enhance decentralization and reduce governance risks.

How to Restake ETH and Other Cryptocurrencies?

Step 1: Pick a staking platform

Start by choosing the best crypto staking platform where you can stake your crypto, like ETH or others. For ETH, EigenLayer or Ether.fi are good options because they give you liquid tokens, like stETH, that you can use for restaking. 

Step 2: Set up a crypto wallet

Next, get a wallet that works with your chosen platform. For ETH, MetaMask is popular because it’s secure and connects easily to most staking and restaking sites. If you’re using other coins, you might need Phantom for Solana or Keplr for Cosmos-based chains. 

Download the wallet, write down your private keys, and store them safely—never share them. Add a small amount of crypto to cover transaction fees, like gas on Ethereum. 

Step 3: Stake your crypto

Now, use the platform to stake your crypto. On Lido, for example, you connect your wallet, choose how much ETH to stake, and confirm the transaction. In return, you get liquid tokens, like stETH, that represent your stake. This step is key because these tokens are what you’ll use for restaking. Make sure you understand any lockup periods or risks before staking.

Step 4: Find a restaking protocol

After staking, look for a restaking protocol to earn extra rewards. For ETH, EigenLayer is a common choice, letting you use stETH to support other networks.

Step 5: Deposit to the restaking platform

Once you’ve chosen a protocol, deposit your liquid tokens to start restaking. In EigenLayer, for instance, you connect your wallet, select your stETH, and approve the deposit through a transaction. Check the terms, like how APYs are paid or if there are withdrawal limits. This step activates your restaking, letting your tokens earn more across multiple networks.

Step 6: Track your stake

Finally, keep an eye on your restaked funds. Most platforms have a dashboard showing your rewards and any risks, like validator problems that could cost you. Log in regularly to see how your stake is doing and if you need to claim rewards manually. 

What Are the Benefits of Restaking?

• Higher Rewards: Restaking lets you earn extra income by using the same staked crypto, like Ethereum, across multiple blockchain networks. For example, you might get 3-4% from Ethereum staking plus 1-5% from restaking on protocols like EigenLayer.
• Saves Capital: Instead of locking up new funds for each network, restaking reuses your existing stake. This frees up money for other investments, which is especially helpful for those with limited funds.
• Strengthens Networks: By restaking, you help secure smaller or newer blockchains, making them harder to attack. Stronger networks grow in value, potentially boosting your staked tokens.
• More Flexibility: Liquid restaking gives you tradeable tokens for your staked assets. Unlike traditional staking, where funds are often locked, you can sell or use these tokens anytime.

Risks of Restaking

• Smart Contract Bugs: Restaking often relies on complex smart contracts. If there’s a coding error, your staked assets could be lost or stolen. For example, hacks in DeFi protocols have led to billions in losses.
• Slashing Penalties: If validators you’re tied to misbehave or go offline, you might lose a portion of your stake. In Ethereum, slashing can cost 1-100% of staked funds, depending on the violation.
• Market Volatility: Restaked assets, especially liquid tokens, can fluctuate in value. A market crash could wipe out your staking rewards or reduce your principal, even if the protocol works perfectly.
• Overexposure Risk: Restaking the same assets across multiple networks increases your reliance on one crypto. If that asset—like Ethereum—drops sharply, your losses multiply across all protocols.
• Protocol Failure: Smaller networks you restake on may fail due to low adoption or technical issues. If they collapse, your rewards or staked funds tied to them could vanish.

Future of Restaking

The future of restaking seems bright as blockchains become more connected, but it’ll depend on making rewards worth the risks and keeping things stable as more people join in. As platforms like EigenLayer grow, restaking could change how decentralized finance works, but its success depends on how well it scales, how many people embrace it, and how risks are handled.

Restaking will make blockchains work better together. You’ll secure different systems – like sidechains, rollups, or data networks – with a single stake, connecting them smoothly. This builds a shared security system, letting Ethereum’s strong foundation help newer projects. You’ll help small startups launch faster since they won’t need to create their own validator groups, sparking more creative apps.

Still, there are hurdles to clear. Bugs in smart contracts or penalties for faulty validators can spook people, so we’ll need tighter security, like better checks or safety nets, to keep trust high. If those problems stick around, some might shy away. The rise of tradeable restaking tokens is exciting because they let you cash out or reinvest without being stuck, and those will probably grow.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Restaking transforms cryptocurrency by letting you use staked tokens to secure multiple blockchain networks, boosting efficiency and rewards. With protocols like EigenLayer, Solayer, Babylon, Ether.fi, and Symbiotic, you can access native or liquid restaking to support diverse applications, from oracles to rollups.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Staking and Restaking?

Staking involves locking in your cryptocurrency, like ETH, to validate transactions on a proof-of-stake blockchain and earn rewards. Restaking builds on this by letting you use those staked tokens to secure additional networks, like sidechains or oracles. 

You don’t unstake your assets; instead, you extend their utility. Staking supports one blockchain, while restaking supports multiple simultaneously.

Is Restaking Crypto Safe?

Restaking crypto carries risks and isn’t 100% safe. You face slashing, where networks penalize your funds for validator errors or downtime. Smart contract bugs or protocol failures can also threaten your assets.

What Are Liquid Restaking Tokens?

Liquid restaking tokens (LRTs) represent your staked assets in restaking protocols. You stake ETH with a validator and get LRTs, like eETH, which stay tradeable. You restake LRTs to secure other networks while keeping liquidity. LRTs let you earn rewards without locking funds.

What Is the Purpose of Restaking?

Restaking aims to maximize your staked assets’ efficiency. You secure multiple blockchain networks with one stake. This boosts your rewards without extra investment. Restaking also strengthens new projects by sharing Ethereum’s security.

What Are Other Restaking Protocols Besides EigenLayer?

Besides EigenLayer, Solayer supports Solana-based restaking for on-chain protocols. Babylon lets you restake Bitcoin to secure proof-of-stake networks. Ether.fi offers liquid restaking with tradeable eETH tokens.

The post What is Restaking in Crypto? The Beginner’s Guide appeared first on NFT Evening.

MetaMask stands out as a popular choice for crypto enthusiasts. It serves as a wallet and a bridge to decentralized apps built on Ethereum’s network. This guide will explain if MetaMask is safe, how it works, and steps to protect your funds effectively.

Is MetaMask safe?

MetaMask is a safe crypto wallet thanks to its strong security features, like private key control, seed phrase encryption, password protection, auto-lock, open-source code, hardware wallet support, transaction confirmation, and regular updates. It gives users full control over their funds, and the wallet itself has never been hacked since its launch. However, you must protect your secret phrase and avoid phishing scams to stay secure.

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a free digital tool that lets you use cryptocurrency and blockchain apps right from your web browser or phone. It’s a wallet for digital money, like Ethereum, and acts as a bridge to decentralized apps (dApps). Here, you can store, send, and receive crypto without needing a bank.

You can add MetaMask as an extension to your browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. There’s also a mobile app for iOS and Android. Your wallet holds your private key, which is a secret code you must keep safe. MetaMask encrypts this key with a password you set, so don’t lose that either.

You can buy Ethereum or other tokens using a credit card or bank transfer through services like Wyre or Transak. You can also swap tokens directly in the app, like trading Ethereum for a meme coin. It connects to dApps, like games, marketplaces, or finance tools. MetaMask runs on Ethereum’s network but also works with other blockchains like BNB Smart Chain or Polygon. You can switch networks in the app to use different systems. It’s completely open-source, and you can easily check its code for bugs or backdoors. You can read our in-depth guide on MetaMask for more info.

How does MetaMask work?

MetaMask works by connecting your browser or phone to the blockchain, letting you manage crypto and use decentralized apps (dApps). When you install MetaMask as a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) or mobile app, it sets up a wallet for you. This wallet generates two key things: a public address and a private key. The private key is a 12-24 word seed phrase, which is important for making transactions, and the public key is required for receiving funds. 

MetaMask signs the transactions with your private key behind the scenes. You don’t type it—it’s automatic and encrypted. The signed data goes to the Ethereum network, miners process it, and your transaction is locked in. It’s all peer-to-peer; no bank is needed. You can tweak settings, too. Add networks like Polygon for lower fees or custom tokens not listed by default.

MetaMask Security Features

Encryption to Shield Private Keys

MetaMask keeps your private keys—the secret codes that let you spend your crypto—safe by encrypting them. When you set up your wallet, you pick a password. This password isn’t just a random lock; it’s used to scramble your private key into a jumbled mess that only your password can unscramble. 

Mainly, MetaMask uses AES-256 encryption, a super-strong method also used by banks and governments. Your private key stays stored locally on your device, like your computer or phone, not on some faraway server. This means no one, not even MetaMask’s team, can peek at it unless they’ve got your password and your device.

Seed Phrases for Wallet Recovery

When you first create a MetaMask wallet, it gives you a 12-word seed phrase, also called a Secret Recovery Phrase. It’s a backup of your entire wallet. Technically, it’s a human-readable version of a 128-bit master key, created using a standard called BIP-39.

This key can rebuild all your private keys and accounts if something goes wrong, like if your phone breaks or you forget your password. You need to write it down (on paper, not your computer) and hide it somewhere safe. Here’s how it works: if you lose access, you install MetaMask again, type in those 12 words in the right order, and your wallet’s back.

Security Alerts by Blockaid

MetaMask teamed up with a company called Blockaid to add security alerts. Before you sign a transaction, it runs a simulation. It checks if the transaction might be shady, like if it’s linked to a known scam or a malicious smart contract (a program on the blockchain). If something’s off, MetaMask pops up a warning.

Blockaid uses real-time data and machine learning to spot threats. It looks at the contract’s code, past behavior, and lists of bad sites kept by the crypto community. It mainly catches stuff like phishing attempts or wallet drainers, scams that trick you into giving away your funds. You can turn this off if you want, but it’s on by default for the browser extension, and mobile users can opt in under “Experimental” settings.

Regular Updates and Patches

Since MetaMask is open-source—meaning anyone can see its code—developers and security folks worldwide report bugs. When a weak spot shows up, the team patches it and pushes an update. MetaMask hasn’t had a major hack since it started in 2016, partly because of this constant upkeep.

Updates come through your browser’s extension store or app store, and you should install them fast. An old version might have a flaw that’s already fixed in the new one.

MetaMask Privacy Features

RPC Configuration

MetaMask connects you to the Ethereum blockchain through an RPC (Remote Procedure Call) provider. By default, it uses Infura, a service owned by MetaMask’s parent company, ConsenSys. This setup works great, but it used to send your wallet address and IP (your internet “location”) to Infura every time you did something, even just checking your balance. People got mad about this, saying it hurt privacy.

Now, you can change that. Since a 2023 update, MetaMask lets you pick your own RPC provider during setup or later in settings. You can use a different service, like Alchemy, or even run your own Ethereum node (a computer that holds the blockchain). This cuts down on data going to Infura. Generally, an RPC is just a bridge—your wallet sends requests (like “send 0.1 ETH”) through it to the blockchain. 

Privacy Settings

MetaMask gives you a bunch of privacy options you can tweak.

• Phishing Detection: MetaMask checks websites against a public list of known scams. If a dApp looks fishy, it warns you. You can also turn this off if not needed.
• Auto-Detect Tokens: This scans your wallet for tokens using curated data sources. Handy, but it pings external services. You can also disable it and add tokens manually.
• NFT Media Display: To show your NFTs’ pictures, MetaMask grabs files from places like IPFS (a decentralized storage system). You can switch this off to avoid those requests.
• Proposed Nicknames: This suggests readable names for contract addresses (like “Uniswap” instead of a random string) using sources like Etherscan.

Browser Integration

MetaMask runs as a browser extension, which is both a strength and a privacy quirk. It hooks into your browser—Chrome, Firefox, whatever—via JavaScript, letting dApps connect to your wallet without extra software. When you visit a dApp, it sends a request through MetaMask, and you approve it. This setup skips middlemen like centralized servers, keeping your transactions peer-to-peer.

But there’s a trade-off. Since it’s in your browser, it can see what sites you visit if you connect your wallet. You can dodge this by only connecting to trusted dApps and clearing permissions in settings.

Benefits of Using MetaMask

• User-friendly interface: MetaMask has an easy-to-use design that works as a browser extension or mobile app. It’s simple enough for beginners to set up and navigate, with clear options to send, receive, or swap tokens. Even if you’re new to crypto, it feels approachable and doesn’t overwhelm you.
• Web3 Explorer: This wallet lets you easily dive into the world of Web3, connecting you to decentralized apps (dApps) like Uniswap or OpenSea.
• Support for Multiple Tokens: MetaMask works with Ethereum and tons of ERC-20 tokens, plus other Ethereum-compatible networks like Polygon or BNB Smart Chain. You can store, send, and manage different tokens all in one place. It’s super flexible for anyone dealing with various cryptocurrencies.
• Self-Custody: With MetaMask, only you can control your private keys. This means you’re in charge of your funds, and no one else can touch them. It’s empowering but comes with the responsibility to keep your 12-word seed phrase safe.
• Balances and History: MetaMask shows your token balances and past transactions clearly. It’s like a mini bank statement for your crypto, helping you track what you own and what you’ve done. This feature keeps everything organized and easy to check.

Risks of using MetaMask

• Phishing Attacks: Scammers often trick users into giving away their seed phrase or private keys through fake emails or websites. MetaMask itself is secure, but if you fall for these traps, your funds can vanish fast. You have to stay sharp and never share your secrets.
• Malicious Websites: Some shady sites can steal your info or drain your wallet when you connect MetaMask to them. These sites might look real, but they’re built to exploit you. Always double-check URLs and only connect to trusted dApps.
• Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: When you use dApps, you interact with smart contracts—codes that run on the blockchain. If these have bugs or are designed to scam you, your tokens could be at risk. You need to research dApps carefully before approving transactions.

What is MetaMask used for?

MetaMask is mainly used to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies, especially those built on the Ethereum blockchain. It acts like a bridge between your browser or phone and the blockchain, letting you interact with dApps like games, trading platforms, or NFT marketplaces without needing complicated software.

Beyond storing crypto, MetaMask helps you keep track of your portfolio. Plus, it has a built-in feature called MetaMask Swaps, which lets you trade one token for another directly in the wallet.

Best Practices to Secure Your MetaMask Wallet

To keep your MetaMask wallet safe, use these best practices:

• Secret Phrase: Never share your 12-word secret recovery phrase—it’s the key to your funds.
• Offline Storage: Write it on paper and store it offline in a safe place, not on your device.
• Check URLs: Always verify website URLs before connecting to avoid fake sites stealing your info.
• Strong Password: Set a strong password and turn on auto-lock to secure your wallet when not in use.
• Hardware Wallet Integration: Pair MetaMask with a cold wallet or hardware wallet, like Ledger, to keep keys offline and safe.
• Update Software: Keep MetaMask updated to the latest version for security fixes and improvements.
• Avoid Phishing: Don’t click suspicious links or emails—scammers pretend to be MetaMask to trick you.
• Double-check transactions: Review every transaction detail before approving to prevent sending funds to the wrong place.

MetaMask Supported Blockchains and Tokens 

MetaMask started as an Ethereum-only hot wallet, so it supports Ethereum (ETH) and all ERC-20 tokens—there are over 500,000 of these, like USDT, ETH, USUAL, or SHIB. It also works with Ethereum-compatible blockchains, meaning networks that use similar technology. You can add these networks manually in the settings. Some popular ones include Polygon (MATIC), BNB Smart Chain (BSC), Avalanche (AVAX), and Arbitrum.

But MetaMask doesn’t support blockchains that aren’t Ethereum-compatible, like Bitcoin (BTC) or Solana (SOL). If you want to use those, you’ll need a different wallet. For Ethereum-based tokens, though, MetaMask is one of the best options out there.

Alternative Wallets to MetaMask

Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is a mobile-focused crypto wallet that is best for its wide support of over 100 blockchains and millions of tokens, far more than MetaMask’s focus on Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible networks. It also has a strong connection to Binance, making it easy to link with the Binance ecosystem, something MetaMask doesn’t emphasize. Its simple design is great for beginners, and it doesn’t charge extra fees for swaps, unlike MetaMask’s small swap fees.

Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase Wallet is a user-friendly option that works well for people already using the Coinbase exchange. It supports multiple blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, giving it broader reach than MetaMask’s Ethereum focus. Coinbase Wallet also makes it easy to buy crypto with a card through its exchange link, while MetaMask depends on third-party services for this.

Phantom

Phantom is a wallet designed mainly for the Solana blockchain, unlike MetaMask, which is built around Ethereum and its compatible networks. It shines with a super smooth and modern interface that feels simpler and faster than MetaMask’s sometimes-cluttered design. But Phantom’s focus on Solana means it’s less versatile than MetaMask for users needing multi-chain support beyond Solana, Ethereum, and Polygon.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, MetaMask is a safe and reliable crypto wallet, thanks to its robust security features like private key control, encryption, and open-source code. It has never faced a system-wide hack since its launch in 2016, proving its trustworthiness for millions of users. But its safety depends on you—keeping your 12-word secret phrase offline and avoiding phishing scams is crucial.

FAQs

Is MetaMask legit?

Yes, MetaMask is a legitimate and widely trusted cryptocurrency wallet. It was created in 2016 by ConsenSys, a well-known blockchain technology company founded by Joseph Lubin, one of Ethereum’s co-founders. Millions of people use it to manage their crypto and interact with decentralized apps safely. MetaMask is open-source, meaning its code is public and checked by experts for security.

Is MetaMask decentralized?

Yes, MetaMask is decentralized because it gives you full control over your private keys and funds. Unlike centralized platforms that hold your assets for you, MetaMask lets you manage everything on your own device. 

How to download MetaMask?

Downloading MetaMask is simple and takes just a few steps. Go to the official website, metamask.io, using a browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Click the “Download” button, then choose the version for your browser or mobile device (iOS or Android). 

For browsers, it installs as an extension—follow the prompts to add it. For mobile, download it from the App Store or Google Play. After installing it, open it, set up a new wallet with a password, and save your 12-word secret phrase.

How to recover a MetaMask wallet?

To recover a MetaMask wallet, you need your 12-word secret recovery phrase. Open the MetaMask app or extension and select “Import Wallet” instead of creating a new one. Enter your secret phrase exactly as you wrote it down—each word must be correct and in order. Then, set a new password to access it. This works on any device, so you can restore your wallet if you lose your phone or computer. 

Can MetaMask be hacked?

MetaMask itself hasn’t been hacked as a platform, and its core software is secure. However, your wallet can be compromised if you’re not careful. Hackers can steal your funds if they get your secret recovery phrase or if you connect to a malicious website. Phishing scams, fake emails, or unsafe downloads are common ways people lose their crypto, not flaws in MetaMask.

Is MetaMask safer than Coinbase?

MetaMask is primarily a wallet, not a traditional exchange, while Coinbase is a centralized exchange platform. MetaMask itself doesn’t facilitate direct trading like Coinbase does; instead, it connects to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lets you control your funds through a self-custody wallet. This means MetaMask is safer in terms of ownership. 

However, Coinbase offers security features like two-factor authentication, insurance for hacks (up to a limit), and regulatory oversight, which MetaMask lacks as a decentralized tool. MetaMask’s safety depends heavily on your ability to protect your seed phrase and avoid phishing, while Coinbase’s centralized nature makes it a bigger target for hacks but also provides recovery options.

The post Is MetaMask Safe and Legit? Security Measures Analysis appeared first on NFT Evening.

Designed with a developer-friendly approach, Eclipse can handle intensive workloads, such as high-volume DeFi transactions or complex dApps, without sacrificing performance or user experience. This blog will dig into Eclipse’s core objectives, how it operates, and the tokens that power its growing ecosystem.

What is Eclipse?

The Eclipse network is a modular blockchain architecture capable of every function, without having to create or test new networks, instead relying on proven crypto assets and networks. The main focus is to provide a platform that can easily adapt and scale to any potential demand of increasingly sophisticated applications.

The design of Eclipse is created to facilitate anything from DeFi to far more complex gaming or enterprise solutions. By dividing various operations into dedicated modules that connect to each other, Eclipse makes it easier for platforms to upgrade or change out components without worrying about compatibility issues.

What Is Eclipse Used for?

With a modular architecture, Eclipse has a network separation that ensures each layer focuses on the specialization it was designed for. The result is a more efficient and flexible solution for developers as well as end users.

Under the hood, Ethereum serves as the settlement layer, anchoring the network’s final state for security. Meanwhile, execution tasks run on a Solana virtual machine, which allows ultra-fast parallel processing of multiple transactions with additional Ethereum gas fees.

Data availability, typically a bottleneck for performance, is offloaded to Celestia, ensuring that blocks are well-distributed and verifiable. To maintain correctness and protect privacy, Eclipse employs RISC Zero’s zero-knowledge proving system, adding an extra cryptographic shield to transaction confirmations.

What is $tETH and Unified Restaking Token (URT)?

Eclipse introduces tokens that facilitate cross-chain activity and strengthen network security. Two key tokens are $tETH and the Unified Restaking Token (URT), each playing a specialized role within the Eclipse ecosystem.

Turbo ETH ($tETH) is a fully synthetic token that is created to represent actual bridged ETH that is being used for gas fees and transactions. When you bridge ETH into the Eclipse network, you get $tETH in return.

The Unified Restaking Tokens, or URTs, are created to represent restaked assets from various protocols across networks, letting you earn even more staking rewards. By holding URTs, users are allowed to participate in multiple, simultaneous staking events.

How Does Eclipse Work?

$tETH is a representation of Ethereum’s native ETH token bridged into the Eclipse environment, allowing users to transact within Eclipse-based dApps without leaving the safety net of Ethereum’s security. This bridged asset ensures seamless cross-chain transactions, reducing friction for users who want to tap into Solana-like speeds or advanced DeFi applications without forfeiting Ethereum’s robust consensus.

Meanwhile, URT focuses on restaking, letting users “lock” or redelegate their tokens to support the network in more than one capacity. By linking staking rewards across different layers—settlement, execution, or data availability—URT encourages a harmonious system where each segment of Eclipse is well-secured.

This multi-layer restaking model can optimize yield for participants and reduce fragmentation, ultimately reinforcing Eclipse’s mission of delivering a unified, efficient, and stable multi-chain ecosystem.

Eclipse Mainnet is the live, production-ready environment that implements Eclipse’s modular Layer 2 architecture. It harmonizes the four fundamental components – settlement, execution, data availability, and proving – to deliver a fully functional network with high throughput and low fees.

By distributing these responsibilities across specialized protocols, Eclipse Mainnet offers a flexible, upgradeable framework that developers can tailor for just about any use case imaginable.

Settlement: Ethereum

Ethereum acts as the final layer for transaction settlement and security. By anchoring the network’s state on Ethereum, Eclipse can leverage the robust, battle-tested consensus of the Ethereum mainnet. Any disputes or confirmations ultimately refer back to Ethereum smart contracts, ensuring trustless finality and minimal counterparty risk for participants.

Execution: Solana Virtual Machine (SVM)

For actual transaction processing, Eclipse employs the Solana Virtual Machine. Known for its parallel processing and high throughput, SVM enables multiple transactions to be executed simultaneously, mitigating congestion and high fees.

Data Availability: Celestia

Celestia is tasked with distributing and verifying block data across the network without the overhead of consensus on every transaction. Through Celestia’s specialized data availability layer, nodes can independently confirm that transaction data is published and accessible, improving reliability and preventing data-withholding attacks.

Proving: RISC Zero

To ensure correctness and protect privacy, Eclipse integrates RISC Zero’s zero-knowledge proving technology. RISC Zero allows developers to create zk-proofs that confirm transaction validity, even for complex computations, while shielding any sensitive or confidential data.

Eclipse Ecosystem

Eclipse Mainnet empowers developers across diverse segments by marrying speed, scalability, and security. Several sectors are already tapping Eclipse’s modular approach to build innovative applications while leveraging speed and scalability simultaneously.

Games

Game developers benefit from fast execution and near-instant user interactions. Eclipse’s parallel processing is essential for real-time gaming mechanics, enabling robust multiplayer experiences and complex in-game economies. Popular games include Frost Mammoth, and Worm, a PvP version of the classic “snake” game.

Bridges

Cross-chain bridges like Hyperlane and LayerSwap can leverage Eclipse’s bridging features to transfer assets between Ethereum, Solana, and other networks. This interoperability fosters a more unified crypto ecosystem, reducing siloed liquidity pools and expanding the user base.

Defi

DeFi platforms flourish with lower gas fees and high throughput, allowing for DEXs like SolarDEX, lending pools, prediction markets like Polymarket, and yield-farming protocols to operate efficiently. The combination of Ethereum’s security and Solana’s speed improves user experiences and liquidity depth.

Infra

Infrastructure services, such as oracles or node hosting, can integrate with Eclipse to provide scalable solutions. By distributing workloads across modular layers, these infra providers can ensure reliable data feeds like Etherscan, efficient indexing like Chainlyze.ai, or node services for dApps and end users.

Consumer

Consumer-facing applications benefit from Eclipse’s user-friendly design. Whether it’s a mobile wallet or a social media dApp, developers can build cost-effective, real-time platforms. People can interact with on-chain services at speeds matching or exceeding traditional web apps.

How to Use Eclipse

1. If you’re interested in using Eclipse, the first step is setting up a compatible wallet. Backpack exchange is one of the most popular for use with the Eclipse mainnet.
2. Connect your wallet to Eclipse, either manually or by selecting the Eclipse network if available. Check official documentation for updated RPB endpoints and any chain-specific settings you’ll need.
3. Depending on your goals, you’ll need to acquire the tokens relevant to your needs (tETH for bridging ETH, URT for restaking). Source them from exchanges or official bridges.
4. Now that you’re on the Eclipse network, you can access dApps built on the network, which offer gaming, trading, yield farming, and more.

Eclipse Airdrop

The Eclipse airdrop is ongoing, and users can earn Grass (points) by holding various assets on the Eclipse network. The more Grass you earn before the airdrop, the more skin you have in the game, and the greater the chances of being part of the airdrop. Increase the Grass you generate by using dApps within the Eclipse ecosystem.

First, go to the bridge site and send assets from another network to the Eclipse network. Grass is generated by all of the following assets being stored on the network: ETH, tETH, apxETH, SOL, ezSOL, kySOL, jitoSOL, TIA, stTIA, USDC, and USDT. Then, follow the directions in the Eclipse Discord to register and perform tasks.

FAQs

Has Eclipse released token yet?

The Eclipse token has not been released yet, but the token generation event is expected to launch within the next 4 to 5 weeks, and the dev team will be taking an eligibility snapshot for the airdrop later this week.

How to get Eclipse airdrop?

Sign up, deposit assets, and perform tasks to generate Grass for a better chance of an airdrop. Check out the Eclipse official site or drop in on the Discord for full instructions.

How much is an Eclipse coin worth?

As of April 8, 2025, CoinBrain shows ECP has a value of $0.000000002618, though this is just an estimate as the token has not undergone its TGE yet.

Where can I buy Eclipse?

While listings differ by region, you can generally find Eclipse tokens on major exchanges like OKX and Bybit following its airdop and official release. 

Is Eclipse secure?

Eclipse employs modular layers for execution, settlement, data availability, and proofs, minimizing single points of failure. It relies on proven security from Ethereum and RISC Zero.

What is Eclipse best for?

Eclipse excels at hosting dApps that demand high throughput and low latency while still being secure and affordable. 

The post What is Eclipse? The first SVM Layer 2 on Ethereum appeared first on NFT Evening.

In this post, we’ll look at how this model grants users full control over private keys and custody of funds, minimizing counterparty risk. We’ll also see why DEX platforms can often provide lower fees and increased privacy, which appeals to both casual users and experienced traders.

What is a DEX?

A decentralized exchange, or DEX, is a cryptocurrency marketplace that relies on decentralized technology to execute trades without a middleman. Unlike centralized exchanges like Coinbase, which manage user funds in their wallets, a DEX leaves control of crypto assets in the user’s hands through self-custody. Transactions occur via smart contracts on public blockchains, making them secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant.

DEXs enable users to buy or sell digital assets around the clock, requiring only an internet connection. Fees often include network costs and platform-specific fees that help fund development or reward liquidity providers. DEXs are less prone to large-scale hacking events since there is no central wallet to target. They also reduce regulatory compliance burdens because they do not typically handle fiat directly, though this varies by region and platform design.

While decentralized exchanges offer permissionless access and minimize reliance on a central authority, they can face issues such as lower liquidity and more complex user interfaces. Despite these obstacles, DEXs remain a vital component of the expanding decentralized finance ecosystem, an immutable bulwark of the trustless, peer-to-peer ethos at the heart of crypto.

Top Decentralized Exchanges

Source: The Block

• Uniswap: A pioneering Ethereum-based AMM, enabling frictionless token swaps, deep liquidity, and user-friendly operations.
• Curve: Focused on stablecoins, featuring minimal slippage through specialized liquidity pools for pegged assets.
• PancakeSwap: Leading AMM on BNB Chain, offering yield farming, staking, and broad BEP-20 token support.
• Balancer: Provides customizable multi-token pools, letting users define weights and automate portfolio management strategies.
• Sushi: A community-driven DEX evolved from Uniswap, delivering yield farming, lending, and multi-chain expansions.
• Hyperliquid: A cutting-edge DEX built for ultra-fast trading and deep liquidity, Hyperliquid leverages advanced blockchain protocols to minimize latency and support high-frequency trading.

For more details, check out our best decentralized crypto exchanges review.

How Does a DEX Work?

Decentralized exchanges empower users to trade crypto directly from their wallets without intermediaries. Beyond the traditional order book model, modern DEXs integrate innovative features such as cross-chain bridges, lending protocols, and liquidity pools. 

Bridges facilitate the seamless transfer of digital assets between different blockchains, enabling interoperability and expanding market access. On the other hand, liquidity pools allow users to deposit tokens into shared pools, which are then used to facilitate trades; in return, liquidity providers earn a portion of the transaction fees.

These enhancements create a trustless and transparent ecosystem where transactions are recorded on a public ledger, and users maintain full custody of their funds. Let’s take a deeper look.

Order Book DEXs

Some decentralized platforms mirror traditional order books, matching buy and sell orders. Here, users submit limit orders specifying the desired price. If a corresponding sell (or buy) order is found, the trade happens automatically.

While this resembles centralized exchanges, the difference lies in custody: user funds stay in personal wallets rather than a central platform. Each order and cancellation requires an on-chain transaction, which can cause network congestion or increased trading fees, especially when activity is high.

Order book DEXs often face liquidity challenges if fewer users participate. Because the platform depends on matching buy-sell pairs, it may be harder to complete trades efficiently.

On the other hand, traders retain more control through limit orders and advanced features like stop-loss orders. This approach suits those who want a familiar trading process without relinquishing ownership of their assets.

Bridging

Bridging is the term for transferring assets from one blockchain to another so that tokens that are created on one chain can be traded, staked, or otherwise utilized on other chains. Since DEXs rely on a range of tradable assets, bridging is a critical function that facilitates exchanges on a large scale. It helps unite liquidity sources and unlock new markets and cuts out the need for centralized intermediaries. 

Cross-chain interoperability also makes DEXs much more versatile, by giving customers access to the key features, low fees, and deep liquidity of multiple crypto networks. By offering bridging, an exchange can dramatically expand the selection of assets available to its users, which translates to an edge over platforms where bridging isn’t an option.

Lending

Some DEXs also integrate decentralized finance products, like loans. DeFi lending protocols let you borrow or lend crypto assets directly through smart contracts. This approach eliminates any potential for centralized gatekeepers in the lending process, reducing lending fees and approval times. By staking your holdings, you can earn interest while borrowers secure their loans with on-chain collateral, for a trustless, transparent loan process. 

DeFi lending functionality not only provides crucial liquidity to the platform but also gives users a wider range of options for putting their assets to work for them. The expansion into lending will help cement DEXs as one of the financial hubs of the future, specifically for those with an eye toward decentralized governance. 

Enhanced Featureset DEXs

Many modern DEXs have grown past the conventional order book model and now support cross-chain bridges, enabling seamless asset transfers between different blockchains. This interoperability expands critical market access and lets users participate in diverse ecosystems from a single platform.

Overall, this creates a highly incentivized framework for liquidity provision, while also reducing slippage, enhancing the entire experience. Together, these features help craft a comprehensive DeFi platform that supports traditional trading styles while facilitating access to a massive array of financial services and capital efficiency.

Automated Market Makers (AMMs)

Automated market makers introduced a novel way of providing liquidity by using specialized smart contracts that create liquidity pools. In this model, liquidity providers deposit tokens into these pools and receive a share of trading fees whenever a swap occurs. Prices adjust based on each pool’s token ratio, eliminating the need for traditional order books.

Platforms like Uniswap, SushiSwap, and PancakeSwap gained popularity for their simplicity: users easily connect a wallet, select tokens to swap, and confirm transactions. AMMs excel at ensuring constant availability, though liquidity pool sizes can affect slippage and pricing accuracy. In return for contributing to the pool, liquidity providers earn rewards proportional to their stake in the pool. That said, they also risk impermanent loss if token values diverge significantly.

Despite these drawbacks, AMMs have propelled DeFi by lowering barriers to entry, supporting niche tokens, and expanding user access to on-chain trading.

Source: Shardeum

Pros and Cons of DEXs

Pros 

• Self-custody: Using a decentralized exchange enables users to maintain control over private keys, ensuring full ownership of their crypto assets. Unlike centralized exchanges, which custody user funds, DEXs execute trades while leaving tokens in users’ wallets until the transaction completes.
• Diversity: DEXs offer a vast array of digital assets that might not be listed on more traditional, centralized platforms. This allows for the inclusion of emerging tokens or smaller market cap projects that may not currently meet the listing criteria of a CEX.
• Reduce Hacking risks: Because decentralized exchanges work by distributing funds across user wallets rather than a central authority, large-scale hacks are less likely. No single wallet holds all user funds, mitigating counterparty risk.
• Anonymity: Many DEXs require only an internet connection and a compatible crypto wallet to start trading, with no lengthy identity verification. This allows permissionless access, supporting those seeking greater privacy.
• Trustless Transactions: By using smart contracts on public blockchains, DEX platforms can provide liquidity and execute trades without relying on intermediaries or payment processors. This trustless environment also reduces the need for anti-money laundering oversight, although regional rules may still apply.
• Utility in the developing world: Lower fees, no mandatory KYC, and an easily connectable DEX interface create opportunities for financial inclusion. Users in regions lacking robust banking infrastructure can trade cryptocurrencies directly, bypassing traditional barriers.

Cons 

• Scalability: Network congestion on popular DEXs can lead to high gas fees or delayed transactions, particularly on blockchains struggling with throughput. These limitations hamper user experience and future growth.
• User Interfaces and Experience: Navigating a DEX can feel daunting for newcomers, with complex order forms, liquidity pool mechanisms, or advanced features like limit orders. Home screen layouts and tutorials often lag behind more user-friendly centralized platforms.
• Liquidity: While some DEXs excel at market liquidity, many struggle if too few liquidity providers join the pool. Low liquidity means higher slippage and less favorable trade execution for large orders.
• Smart contract: DEXs rely on code that may contain vulnerabilities. Even though many popular DEXs undergo audits, unforeseen exploits can compromise user funds or disrupt the trading process.
• Riskier coins: Because listing on a DEX typically requires no centralized vetting, fraudulent or extremely volatile tokens can appear, exposing traders to higher risk.
• On and Off-Ramps: Converting fiat to crypto or vice versa often requires centralized exchanges (CEXs). As most DEXs lack direct trade fiat functionality, new users might need a CEX for deposits and withdrawals.

Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) vs. Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

How do DEX Fees Work?

DEX fees differ from CEXs in that they are not typically controlled by a central authority. Instead, costs can include network transaction fees known as gas, plus any platform-specific fees. While there are no standard withdrawal fees imposed by the platform (since user funds remain in user custody), on-chain actions like swapping or moving tokens to another wallet still incur blockchain fees. Fees may fluctuate due to market volatility, network congestion, or different governance decisions in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

The Future of DEXs and DeFi

Decentralized exchanges are poised to play a greater role in shaping the broader DeFi ecosystem. Advancements in blockchain technology could alleviate scaling concerns, allowing DEXs to handle more users and trade cryptocurrencies at minimal costs.

As regulatory frameworks evolve, some DEXs may integrate compliance tools while preserving user autonomy. With institutional interest rising, next-generation DEXs might adopt features like derivatives, futures contracts, or advanced analytics, attracting more sophisticated traders.

On top of that, the development of cross-chain solutions is likely to unify liquidity across multiple networks, creating a more seamless trading process.

Conclusion

By providing instant access to digital assets, preserving control through private keys, and encouraging community-driven liquidity provision, decentralized exchanges offer a glimpse of the potential of permissionless, trust-free, financial transactions. That said, there are still challenges to tackle related to liquidity, user experience, and regulatory compliance, which can be significant, especially for newcomers.

As technology evolves and more users embrace decentralized platforms, DEXs are poised for continuous growth. For those willing to conduct thorough research and manage risk appropriately, these exchanges open doors to innovative ways of engaging with crypto markets.

The post What Is DEX? A Beginner Guide to Decentralized Exchanges appeared first on NFT Evening.

As a programmer, writer, and thought leader, Buterin’s contributions have propelled the crypto space forward, inspiring developers to build software for a decentralized future. This article explores his life, accomplishments, and the lasting impact he has on the crypto industry.

Who is Vitalik Buterin?

Vitalik Buterin is a Russian-Canadian programmer, writer, and entrepreneur who co-founded Ethereum in 2013. Renowned for his contributions to blockchain technology, Buterin championed Ethereum’s smart contract functionality, propelling the network beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. His philosophical foundations revolve around decentralization, community governance, and the belief that blockchains can transform various industries, from finance to social media.

Source: Bloomberg

Before creating Ethereum, Buterin co-founded Bitcoin Magazine, where he explored the potential of cryptographic transaction ledgers. This early involvement in the Bitcoin community shaped his understanding of blockchain’s shortcomings, motivating him to address problems such as limited scripting capacity and network congestion. Recognized by prominent economists and technologists, Buterin has received accolades, including a World Technology Network award, for his forward-thinking vision of the blockchain revolution.

Today, Buterin remains an influential figure in crypto, advocating for advanced scaling solutions like shard chains and sustainable approaches like proof of stake. Through the Ethereum Foundation and various crypto projects, he encourages developers around the world to collaborate on open-source initiatives and harness blockchain’s power for real-world impact.

Vitalik Buterin’s Personal Stats

Full Name: Vitaly Dmitrievich Buterin

Birthplace: Kolomna, Russia

Nationality: Russian-Canadian

Education: Briefly studied computer science at the University of Waterloo

Notable Works: Co-founder of Ethereum, co-founded Bitcoin Magazine

Primary Focus: Decentralization, open-source development, and crypto innovation

History of Vitalik Buterin

Vitalik Buterin was born in Kolomna, Russia, in 1994. He moved to Canada at age six when his family sought better educational opportunities. Demonstrating an exceptional aptitude for math and economics early on, Buterin attended a private high school that nurtured his analytical skills. During his teenage years, he discovered Bitcoin and delved into its underlying technology.

Eager to write about blockchain developments, Buterin co-founded Bitcoin Magazine, becoming a key voice within the crypto community. While studying computer science at the University of Waterloo, he formulated new ideas for a more programmable blockchain platform.

Convinced that Bitcoin’s scripting language was too limited, he wanted a blockchain that could handle complex ideas and decentralized applications. After winning the Thiel Fellowship and receiving a grant for $100,000, he dropped out of college to focus on Ethereum full-time.

The Creation and Development of Ethereum

Source: ethereum.org

By creating an entire, Turing-complete programming language as a native aspect of blockchain technology, Buterin and his team have provided developers with powerful tools to create dApps. Unlike Bitcoin, which prioritized secure, peer-to-peer transactions, Ethereum offered a broader framework capable of supporting thousands of unique crypto projects.

Developed in close collaboration with other co-founders Gavin Wood, Joseph Lubin, and Charles Hoskinson, Ethereum is the product of ideas and innovation from across the entire crypto landscape. The project took shape under the guidance of the Ethereum Foundation, an organization that directs research and resources toward the platform’s ongoing growth.

Over time, Ethereum garnered attention from mainstream enterprises, spawning countless Ethereum-based projects focused on DeFi, NFTs, and more. While the network confronted issues of scaling and network congestion, Buterin and the Ethereum developers continually sought solutions to advanced problems, such as transitioning to proof of stake, to keep the Ethereum network resilient and future-ready.

The Ethereum White Paper and Development

Vitalik published Ethereum’s foundational White paper in late 2013, outlining a decentralized platform with a flexible scripting language. The document sparked immense interest, heralding a shift from narrow transaction-based functionality to a limitless environment for decentralized software.

Early Ethereum developers believed that a universal programming layer could catalyze financial and social innovations. Supported by an enthusiastic community, they built robust development tools, forging what became known as the Ethereum Virtual Machine.

Rapid progress followed, culminating in the Ethereum mainnet launch in 2015. This milestone set the stage for tens of thousands of Dapps, forging a global movement around blockchain technology.

The Conception of Ethereum

Buterin envisioned a blockchain platform that could handle advanced smart contracts and user-generated tokens without constant forking. By drawing together ideas from other ecosystems, he devised a plan for a next-generation blockchain.

Co-founders joined the project, and an early prototype emerged during Ethereum’s “yellow paper” era, where design decisions were hotly debated. This collaborative process shaped Ethereum into a decentralized form of computing, paving the way for decentralized finance, digital collectibles, and a wave of blockchain applications impacting real-world industries.

Historical Ethereum Initial Coin Offering (ICO)

Source: Cryptorank

The Ethereum ICO took place in mid-2014 and is considered one of the earliest successful token sales. Developers needed funding to realize Vitalik Buterin’s vision, so the Ethereum Foundation offered ether (ETH), the chain’s native token, to early supporters in exchange for Bitcoin.

The sale raised around 31,000 BTC, which was worth roughly $18 million at the time, signaling a massive vote of confidence in a decentralized software development platform. This ICO accelerated Ethereum’s initial development, funding the creation of key tools and the Ethereum Virtual Machine.

As a result, it also is largely responsible for popularizing the concept of ICOs, leading to a wave of blockchain projects that used similar crowdfunding models. Despite controversies surrounding later ICOs, Ethereum’s offering remains historic for demonstrating that a global community would collectively invest in a shared blockchain vision.

Ethereum 2.0

Ethereum 2.0 represents a major overhaul to the network, addressing concerns about scalability, security, and sustainability. A cornerstone of Ethereum 2.0 is the transition from proof of work to proof of stake, an evolution designed to reduce the network’s reliance on energy-intensive mining.

The Merge, which took place on September 15th, 2022, combined the proof of stake Beacon Chain with Ethereum’s mainnet. This move signaled Ethereum’s commitment to reducing energy consumption by up to 99 percent, marking a milestone in environmental efficiency. Buterin’s vision for Ethereum 2.0 also includes scaling solutions like sharding, which partitions the blockchain into smaller “shards” to handle more transactions in parallel.

What Makes Ethereum Different From Bitcoin

Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency stands out from Bitcoin primarily due to its programmable blockchain, enabling developers to build decentralized applications that go well beyond simple transactions. Let’s dig into how this makes the Ethereum blockchain radically different.

Smart Contracts and Dapps

Smart contracts are self-executing pieces of code residing on the Ethereum blockchain. They automate agreements without intermediaries, driving dApps across finance, gaming, supply chain, and beyond. Developers can write these contracts in languages like Solidity, unleashing the potential for complex transactions and services within a trustless environment.

This approach contrasts with Bitcoin’s more restricted scripting language, which primarily supports sending and receiving BTC. By allowing anyone to create smart contracts and launch Dapps, Ethereum transformed blockchain technology into a full-fledged software development platform rolled up in a crypto, enabling thousands of use cases that transcend digital currency alone.

DeFi and NFTs

Ethereum played a pioneering role in decentralized finance, powering platforms like Uniswap, MakerDAO, and Aave, which let users lend, borrow, and swap tokens without centralized intermediaries. These DeFi protocols leverage smart contracts to provide transparent, efficient services accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Ethereum also catalyzed the boom in NFTs, representing unique digital items like artwork and collectibles. Markets such as OpenSea rely on Ethereum’s NFT standards (ERC-721) to tokenize and authenticate ownership of digital assets.

By supporting DeFi and NFTs, Ethereum diversified its ecosystem, cementing itself as a versatile blockchain platform that extends well beyond payment systems.

The Impact of Vitalik Buterin on the Crypto Industry

Advocacy for decentralization & Open-Source Development

Buterin supports a transparent development model, encouraging the community to propose improvements and refine protocols collectively. This approach helped the Ethereum community assign roles through consensus, forming a decentralized structure. His focus on open-source ethos drives continuous innovation, ensuring that new features and scalability solutions remain accessible to all.

Thought Leader and Public Speaker

Beyond software development, Buterin often speaks at conferences and publishes thought pieces on network upgrades, social impacts, and global collaboration. Media outlets refer to him as a leading voice in shaping blockchain policy. By dissecting complex ideas into approachable topics, Buterin promotes a widespread understanding of blockchain’s philosophical and technological foundations.

Philanthropy and Social Contributions

Vitalik Buterin has donated substantial crypto assets to organizations like the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and the Sens Research Foundation, contributing to scientific and humanitarian projects. He also champions initiatives in regions with limited financial infrastructure. By using his wealth for philanthropic efforts, he exemplifies how blockchain success can spark positive change.

Vitalik Buterin’s Investments

While best known for his work on Ethereum, Buterin also shows interest in other crypto projects (mostly the memecoins on the Ethereum chain), occasionally providing angel funding or participating in advisory roles. He has been linked to collaborations with teams exploring machine intelligence or innovative blockchain solutions.

Source: Arkham

Donations and philanthropic activities often include gifting cryptocurrencies to various causes, reflecting his broader conviction that digital assets can serve the public good. Beyond crypto, Buterin sometimes invests in open-source endeavors that expand the potential of decentralized platforms.

Although public disclosures are scarce, his portfolio appears to balance core Ethereum-based projects with strategic support for initiatives that align with his moral and technological vision.

Vitalik’s Investment Strategy

• Focuses on projects that enrich the Ethereum ecosystem
• Prioritizes open-source protocols promoting transparency and user empowerment
• Emphasizes research-driven solutions in artificial intelligence, cryptography, and blockchain scalability
• Supports philanthropic avenues seeking to apply blockchain for social good
• Maintains a long-term perspective on both financial returns and ethical impact

Vitalik Buterin’s Net Worth

Determining Vitalik Buterin’s net worth is not straightforward, partly due to crypto market volatility and his various holdings. He has publicly disclosed the Ethereum address, which holds around 40 ETH, currently. However, this address is only part of a broader multichain wallet worth over $1.2m and is likely only a small portion of his assets. Arkham Intelligence recently revealed another address belonging to Vitalik, showing a net worth of $526 million. Furthermore, Vitalik Buterin is known for donating, philanthropy, and liquidating portions of his funds, adding further complexity to exact estimates.

FAQs

How did Vitalik Buterin make money?

He primarily earned wealth through his early involvement in Ethereum. As a co-founder, he received ETH allocations during the project’s founding stages, which increased dramatically in value over time.

What is the IQ of Vitalik?

Vitalik Buterin’s IQ is not publicly known, but his exceptional analytical abilities and recognition by the crypto community demonstrate that he has substantial intellect.

How much Ethereum does Vitalik own?

Vitalik Buterin’s ETH address is 0xab5801a7d398351b8be11c439e05c5b3259aec9b, and Etherscan data shows there’s 39.565267129855593739 ETH. As of February 25th, 2025, this has a value of about $94,640.81 (@ $2,392.02/ETH). It’s worth noting, however, that this wallet is part of a multichain wallet worth more than $1.2m, but it is the only address that Buterin has publicly disclosed.

How rich is Vitalik Buterin?

Wealth estimates range widely, reflecting crypto’s volatility. His net worth likely hovers in the nebulous $100m-$1b range.

How old is Vitalik Buterin?

Vitalik Buterin was born on January 31st, 1994. As of 2025, he’s 31 years old. 

The post Who Is Vitalik Buterin? Meet Ethereum’s Visionary Founder appeared first on NFT Evening.

What is Ethena?

Ethena (ENA) is a decentralized protocol that is designed to provide a safe digital currency solution. It creates a “synthetic dollar” environment, which gives users a stable medium that is similar to the US dollar but fully integrated into the DeFi space.

As part of the Ethena Foundation’s mission, the protocol helps mitigate price volatility and funding rate fluctuations through advanced mechanisms like delta hedging and short futures positions.

Ethena in WLFI Portfolio

Ethena is a flagship project in the WLFI Portfolio, recognized for its strong technical foundation and forward-thinking approach. The investment by WLFI highlights the protocol’s ability to create a stable, reliable digital currency solution that can interface with traditional financial systems while driving decentralized finance integration.

Source: Arkham

How does Ethena work? 

Ethena operates by aggregating high-quality data feeds from multiple off-chain sources and delivering them securely on-chain through a decentralized network of validators. The protocol employs advanced smart contracts to ensure data integrity and rapid transaction settlement.

It creates a synthetic dollar environment through USDe, a stable medium designed to mimic the value of the US dollar while being fully backed by crypto collateral. This synthetic USDe dollar enables users to perform short positions and short futures positions efficiently, supporting both traditional banking products and innovative DeFi protocols.

What is USDe?

USDe is the stablecoin component of the Ethena ecosystem, designed as a synthetic dollar to provide a reliable digital currency solution. USDe maintains a stable value through collateralization and smart contract governance.

How do you use USDe?

Purchasing USDe

Users can purchase USDe on supported exchanges or through integrated gateways. This offers an efficient alternative to traditional banking systems, enabling immediate access to a synthetic dollar for everyday transactions.

Minting and Redeeming USDe

USDe can be minted by locking crypto assets as collateral, creating a synthetic digital asset pegged to the US dollar. Redemption reverses the process, returning collateral to the user.

Staking USDe

By staking USDe, users earn yields while contributing to network security. Staking rewards are distributed in widely accepted crypto assets, providing an attractive option for investors looking to earn passive income in the crypto space.

Benefits of Ethena

• Low volatility ensures predictable trading and payments
• Decentralized oracles and robust smart contracts guard against manipulation
• Seamlessly combines oracle technology with DeFi, enabling versatile applications
• Rewards mechanisms support participation and long-term growth

Risks of Ethena & USDe

• Code bugs or exploits could compromise funds
• Competition and integration hurdles may slow growth
• Changing regulatory frameworks could alter the industry rapidly

The ENA token

Utility

• Governance: ENA enables decentralized decision-making by allowing token holders to propose and vote on strategic changes to the Ethena protocol.
• Staking & Rewards: Users can stake ENA (or even USDe) to earn dynamic APY rewards, reinforcing network security and long-term commitment.
• Transaction Fees: ENA is used as the native currency for paying transaction fees, reducing operational costs and ensuring smooth service delivery across the ecosystem.

Tokenomics

Total Supply: 15 billion ENA tokens

As of March 2025, ENA’s market cap was approximately $1.64 billion, with a circulating supply of 1.425 billion tokens, reflecting its growing adoption in decentralized finance and stable digital asset solutions.

Token Distribution

• Core Contributors: 30% of the total allocation, locked with a 1-year 25% cliff and then released linearly over 3 years.
• Investors: 25% of the tokens, subject to the same vesting schedule as core contributors.
• Ethena Foundation: 15% allocated to support initiatives that widen the reach of USDe and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems.
• Ecosystem Development & Airdrops: 30% reserved for community incentives, including an initial 10% airdrop to reward early users and ongoing funding for cross-chain initiatives and exchange partnerships managed by a DAO-controlled multisig.

Source: Cryptorank

How to buy ENA

1. Create an account on a supported crypto exchange, such as Binance, Coinbase or Gate.io.
2. Complete the verification process required by the exchange.
3. Deposit a supported cryptocurrency or fiat currency.
4. Locate the ENA trading pair and place a buy order.
5. Transfer your purchased ENA tokens to a secure wallet.

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How do you store ENA?

• DEX Wallets: Some decentralized exchanges offer integrated wallet solutions that let you store and manage ENA tokens directly on-chain. This option allows you to interact with DeFi protocols while maintaining full control over your private keys.
• CEX Custody: Centralized exchanges provide wallet storage for convenience, but these wallets hold your tokens for you, which means you relinquish control over private keys.
• Hardware Wallets: For enhanced security, store ENA tokens offline using devices like Ledger or Trezor to protect against hacks.
• Software Wallets: Dedicated wallets such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or multi-chain wallets offer robust interfaces for managing your ENA tokens securely.

Final thoughts 

By providing a stable medium through USDe and a powerful native token in ENA, Ethena offers investors and users a reliable digital currency solution that bridges traditional financial systems and innovative blockchain technology. Its sophisticated integration of delta hedging, short positions, and smart contract-driven security measures positions it as a leader in the crypto space.

FAQs

Is Ethena a stablecoin?

No, Ethena is a protocol that incorporates a synthetic dollar (USDe) stablecoin and a native token in the same ecosystem.

What’s the difference between Terra and Ethena?

Terra focused on algorithmic stablecoins, whereas Ethena uses advanced oracle and collateral mechanisms to maintain stability and support decentralized finance.

Will Ethena collapse like Terra?

Ethena’s robust tokenomics, including delta hedging and proper collateral management, aim to mitigate risks and maintain long-term stability, reducing collapse likelihood.

Does Ena Coin have a future?

With strong utility in governance, staking, and fee payments, ENA is designed for long-term growth within the Ethena ecosystem, appealing to both investors and users.

How much is the ENA coin worth?

At the time of writing, March 7, 2025, 1 ENA is worth roughly $.44 according to data from CoinGecko.

What chain is Ena on?

ENA is implemented as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring compatibility with other crypto assets and integration with DeFi protocols.

The post What is Ethena (ENA)? The Ultimate Guide for Investors appeared first on NFT Evening.

What is GameFi?

GameFi is a portmanteau-DeFi-equivalent of gaming and finance. It’s a new wave of blockchain-based platforms where players enjoy interactive digital games and earn real-world rewards. In these ecosystems, gamers can accumulate digital assets, tokens, or in-game currency through playing, which can later be traded or reinvested. GameFi platforms use decentralized finance elements and NFTs to ensure players have true ownership of their assets. GameFi is revolutionizing the gaming industry by creating opportunities for passive income, investment returns, and a more immersive user experience.

How Does GameFi Work?

Blockchain Technology

GameFi platforms operate on secure, transparent blockchains that record every transaction and asset ownership, ensuring true digital scarcity and trustless interactions.

DeFi

Decentralized finance components let users to lend, borrow, and swap tokens, integrating a dynamic financial layer into gaming. These DeFi mechanisms facilitate yield farming, liquidity pooling, and built-in asset management, creating vibrant in-game economies that empower players to actively manage and grow their digital wealth.

Non-fungible tokens (NFT)

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) represent unique in-game items, characters, or virtual land, giving players provable scarcity and the ability to trade rare assets in secondary markets. NFTs also empower creators to monetize custom artwork and collectible digital items.

Play-to-Earn Games

Play-to-earn (P2E) games reward players with tokens for game achievements, turning entertainment into a potential revenue stream and creating sustainable in-game economies. Some of the best P2E games are Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, Decentraland, and Alien Worlds.

Source: Axieinfinity.com

GameFi Ecosystem

Game studios

Innovative game studios design immersive titles that integrate blockchain features, enabling real asset ownership and tokenized rewards.

Metaverse

While not all metaverse projects thrive, some offer virtual spaces where GameFi elements enhance social and economic interactions in digital worlds.

Gaming Guilds

Guilds bring players together to share strategies, pool resources, and collectively earn rewards, fostering community and cooperative play.

NFT renting platforms

These platforms allow players to lease rare NFTs or in-game items, creating additional revenue streams and dynamic asset utilization.

Gaming marketplace

A dedicated marketplace facilitates the buying, selling, and trading of digital tokens and assets, ensuring liquidity and price discovery. Places such as OpenSea, Mavis Market, or Magic Eden are always popular destinations for on-chain gamers.

Source: Opensea

Game launchpads

Launchpads support new GameFi projects, offering early-stage funding, exposure, and integration into the broader ecosystem.

Why Game Studios Outperform Single Game Projects and Why Metaverse Is Not a Trend in 2025?

Game studios that operate multiple titles often outperform single-game projects due to diversified revenue streams, shared technology platforms, and cross-promotional opportunities. They leverage economies of scale to optimize development and marketing budgets while reducing overall risk.

In contrast, the metaverse, though exciting, has struggled to maintain mainstream appeal; user adoption remains fragmented, and immersive virtual worlds have yet to overcome technological and content limitations.

This year, investors and gamers are leaning on proven, performance-driven studios that deliver consistent innovation and sustainable growth over more highly speculative metaverse ventures.

The Pros and Cons of GameFi

Pros

• Earn While Playing: Players can earn real tokens and digital assets, creating new income streams.
• True Ownership: Blockchain technology ensures that in-game assets are owned by players, not centralized companies.
• Decentralized Economy: Transparent DeFi models enable fair trading and asset liquidity.
• Innovative Experiences: Combines gaming with financial strategies for engaging, interactive play.
• Passive Income Opportunities: Users can earn rewards through staking and yield farming on GameFi platforms.

Cons

• Market Volatility: Token prices can be highly volatile, affecting in-game economies.
• Complexity: The integration of blockchain and finance may be confusing for traditional gamers.
• Liquidity Challenges: Low trading volumes can lead to issues with asset liquidity.
• Security Risks: Smart contract vulnerabilities or hacks remain potential risks.
• Adoption Barriers: High entry costs or steep learning curves might deter new users.

Popular GameFi Platforms

Ronin

Ronin stands out for its high-speed, low-cost transaction capabilities that support a wide range of play-to-earn games and NFT marketplaces. Its robust infrastructure ensures seamless gameplay and fluid asset transfers, making it a preferred platform for developers and competitive gamers alike.

Source: Roninchain.com

Proof of Play

Proof of Play, known for a well-organized game named Pirate Nation, emphasizes rewarding active participation by tying token rewards directly to in-game actions, ensuring that effort and engagement translate into measurable benefits. This model boosts player motivation and creates a transparent reward system that directly correlates game performance with financial returns.

Source: Proof of Play

Open Loot

Open Loot brings a vibrant marketplace to the GameFi space, enabling players to trade in-game items and NFTs with ease while participating in decentralized finance initiatives. Its innovative platform design supports dynamic pricing and secure asset exchanges, fostering an ecosystem where collectors and traders can thrive in a competitive digital environment.

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Conclusion: The Future of GameFi

GameFi represents the next evolution in the gaming industry, blending entertainment with financial incentives. Its innovative use of blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and P2E models creates immersive ecosystems where players can earn, trade, and invest in digital assets.

Although challenges like market volatility and user adoption barriers remain, the potential for sustainable, decentralized economies makes GameFi an exciting frontier. As technology advances and more studios embrace blockchain solutions, the future of GameFi promises not only richer gaming experiences but also new investment opportunities and a redefined digital economy.

FAQs

How does GameFi make money?

GameFi platforms earn revenue through transaction fees, NFT sales, staking rewards, and partnerships. Not only that, but in-game marketplaces and advertising further contribute to the overall revenue model.

How to play GameFi?

Players typically download a GameFi app or access a web-based platform, create an account, and connect a crypto wallet. Once in, they engage in play-to-earn games, complete in-game challenges, and trade digital assets.

What are GameFi tokens?

GameFi tokens are digital assets issued by gaming platforms that serve as in-game currency, rewards, and governance tools. They enable players to buy items, earn income, and participate in platform decisions. These in-game tokens can be converted into Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins or fiat currency.

Is GameFi gambling?

GameFi is not gambling as it combines strategic or skilled gameplay with decentralized finance. Although some blockchain games incorporate elements of chance, rewards are earned through skill, engagement, and participation.

Is GameFi a good investment?

Investment in GameFi depends on market conditions and individual risk tolerance. While it offers innovative opportunities, potential investors should conduct thorough research and consider volatility before committing funds.

The post What Is GameFi and How Does It Work? appeared first on NFT Evening.

As distributed file storage infrastructure becomes more central to large systems like AI models and blockchain ecosystems, Walrus protocol is positioned to help bridge the gaps of traditional systems. Walrus is created to boost security, cut latency, and minimize overall costs under a single data storage framework. Let’s dive in for a closer look.

What is Walrus Protocol?

Walrus Protocol is a deeply community-driven network that was created to address the challenges associated with the storage of vast amounts of data in a trustless environment. By dividing large binary files into chunks called blobs and storing those blobs across distributed storage nodes, the Walrus network can substantially reduce the risks inherent in traditional centralized storage.

This results in data availability while reducing overall storage costs, whereas in traditional data storage solutions, users must rely on sole providers or sources, which can be a single point of failure. Instead, each piece of data is replicated or encrypted in a way that allows multiple notes to hold distinct parts.

Walrus specifically caters to ultra-modern reliability requirements for scalable data storage, making it perfect for dynamic workloads like AI models and DeFi platforms.

How does Walrus Protocol work?

Walrus protocol creates a decentralized storage network by combining cryptographic techniques like treasure coding and node-based redundancy. Massive files or file collections are split into smaller chunks and then distributed to individual storage nodes. This feature means that even if some notes become unavailable, corrupted, or malicious, the original can still be reconstructed by the system from the remaining valid pieces.

Within Walrus, all storage nodes stake WAL to commit to data integrity and uphold network trust. A user only needs to distribute the data to the node clusters of their choice on the larger network to store it. When data retrieval is needed, Walrus reconstructs the file by assembling enough fragments to recreate the original content.

To streamline interactions even further, Walrus also binds on-chain metadata, like the Sui ecosystem, which helps coordinate tasks like proof-of-storage, node rewards, and user access permissions.

While conventional cloud storage providers rely on central storage, Walrus does not. The network ensures security via collective node verification. This gives network users benefits like low latency, substantial fault tolerance, and permissionless, cost-effective data management.

Key Features and Benefits

• Distributed Storage: Files are split and stored across multiple nodes, eliminating single points of failure and boosting data availability.
• Erasure Coding: Walrus uses cryptographic techniques to reduce overhead and ensure file reconstruction even if certain data shards go missing.
• Cost Efficiency: By distributing storage tasks and leveraging marketplace dynamics, Walrus potentially lowers costs compared to traditional cloud providers.

Use Cases of the Walrus Protocol

Secure Storage for Media Assets

Walrus can store large binary files, including images, videos, or audio recordings across distributed systems, ensuring reduced downtime and mitigating data breaches.

AI Model Hosting

Developers can host AI models on Walrus, benefitting from robust fault tolerance and efficient retrieval. This decentralized environment also helps safeguard sensitive intellectual property within machine learning.

Backup Solutions

Individuals and enterprises can use Walrus for backup and archiving. When system failures occur, the erasure-coded distribution ensures data recovery without reliance on any single server.

Encrypted Document Sharing

Professionals handling legal, financial, or medical records can utilize Walrus to share sensitive documents. WAL’s decentralized storage nodes reduce tampering risks and maintain confidentiality.

The WAL Token

Walrus Protocol’s native token, WAL, underpins the entire network by facilitating resource allocation, helping to cultivate community-driven governance, and incentivizing node performance. Users use the WAL token to pay for data uploads, secure their uploaded files, and access advanced features like privacy tiers or redundancy settings.

WAL total supply: 5,000,000,000 WAL

Token utility and distribution

Ninety percent of WAL’s total supply is gradually released to node operators, developers, and users who engage with the protocol’s features. To help spread network adoption, the remaining 10% is set aside for marketing, community airdrops, and strategic alliances.

Details of token allocation:

• Walrus User Drop: 10%
• Community Reserve: 43%
• Core Contributors: 30%
• Subsidies: 10% 
• Investors: 7% 

Token release schedule

How to Buy WAL Token

1. First, you’ll need an exchange that offer WAL trading pairs like KuCoin, then look at liquidity, fees, and regional accessibility.
2. Now that you have chosen an exchange, you need to create an account. This involves filling out some personal information and usually passing a KYC check.
3. Once you have a verified account, that account needs to be funded. You can generally fund an account with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer, and some platforms will allow you to fund them with a crypto transfer as well.
4. The next step is locating a WAL trading pair that is convenient. Depending on the crypto onramp you use, you’re probably looking for something like WAL/USDC or WAL/USDT.
5. Create an order for that pair, either a market order for a specific quantity or a limit order for a specific price, and submit it. When your order fills, don’t forget to store your tokens somewhere more secure than the exchange. 

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Partners of Walrus

Beyond its integrations with the Sui network, Walrus collaborates with Akord, a secure data-sharing platform that complements Walrus’s focus on privacy and user-friendly encryption. Walrus has also forged a partnership with Decrypt Media, where coverage and educational initiatives help expand Walrus’s global visibility. 

Simultaneously, Linera—a growing solution for interoperable, high-performance blockchains—broadens Walrus’s reach among next-generation ecosystems through their unique partnership. Also, by joining forces with Itheum, a data tokenization protocol, Walrus can further empower developers and enterprises looking to harness secure, privacy-preserving workflows.

The Future of Walrus

By continuously refining its cryptographic backbone, reducing costs, and cultivating a broader array of developer tools, Walrus aims to lead the race toward next-generation decentralized storage. Potential future upgrades could look like more sophisticated erasure coding methods, advanced data categorization, and more customizable redundancy models.

As more industries push to blend privacy preservation with cost-effective storage, Walrus protocol is positioned as a pivotal foundation layer of future infrastructure. With ongoing collaboration and innovation, Walrus aims to unify global notes through a single cohesive framework to bring the data management sector a robust and scalable solution.

FAQ

Is Walrus Protocol a standalone blockchain?

Walrus Protocol focuses on decentralized storage and secure data computations rather than serving as a general-purpose layer‑1 chain. This means it doesn’t have its own chain but instead integrates with existing networks.

How is Walrus different from IPFS or other storage solutions?

Walrus combines cryptographic techniques like erasure coding and encrypted node clusters. This lets it handle large, sensitive datasets with built-in resiliency, surpassing the simple file-sharing approach of some alternatives.

How does Walrus cope with offline storage nodes?

Thanks to file fragmentation and erasure coding, Walrus can still reconstruct data even if multiple nodes fail. This core design feature avoids single points of failure and maintains continuous availability.

Is there a minimum requirement for storing data on Walrus?

There is no specific minimum size requirement for storing data with Walrus, making it more accessible to growing organizations. 

The post What is Walrus Protocol (WAL): Decentralized Storage Solutions appeared first on NFT Evening.

You must understand the differences between the two types of crypto exchanges before you start trading. Both have their pros and cons. In this guide, we will be comparing CEX vs DEX to explore which is better for you.

What are Centralized Exchanges (CEX)?

Centralized Exchanges, commonly called CEXs, are online platforms where individuals can purchase, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. These are managed by a single company or organization that oversees all operations, including your funds, trading activities, and security measures. 

To use a CEX, you create an account, deposit your money or cryptocurrency, and perform trades through their system. It’s similar to a traditional bank or stock market but designed for digital currencies. The company takes care of technical details, like connecting buyers with sellers, and stores your assets in its own wallets until you decide to withdraw. 

The best centralized crypto exchanges are Binance, Coinbase, MEXC, Bybit, Bitget, and Kraken.

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Advantages of CEXs

• Simple to operate: They have straightforward designs, making it easy for new users to start trading.  
• Quick transactions: Trades happen fast, so you don’t wait long to buy or sell.  
• Wide variety of choices: Many cryptocurrencies and trading pairs are available to pick from.  
• Support for users: If something goes wrong, customer service is there to assist you.  
• High trading volume: Lots of people buying and selling, which makes trades smoother and faster.  
• Additional benefits: Some offer extras like staking, lending, or earning interest on your holdings.

Disadvantages of CEXs

• Risk of hacks: They can be attacked by hackers, like the recent $1.4B Bybit hack, putting your funds in danger of being lost.  
• Limited control: You don’t fully manage your cryptocurrency; the exchange keeps it for you.  
• Higher costs: Fees for trading, depositing, or withdrawing can add up and feel expensive.  
• Less privacy: They often require personal details like ID, so your identity isn’t hidden.

What are Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)?

Decentralized Exchanges, or DEXs, let people trade cryptocurrencies directly. There’s no need for a middleman, like a bank. DEXs run on blockchain technology, which keeps transactions secure and transparent. They use smart contracts – self-running programs – to manage trades automatically. 

This ensures fairness and openness. Users keep control of their funds in their digital wallets instead of giving them to the exchange. DEXs have gained popularity for their privacy, security, and freedom from centralized control.

The best centralized crypto exchanges are Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Jupiter, and Raydium.

Advantages of DEXs

• User Control: You control the funds in your wallet. This cuts the risk of loss if the platform fails. You gain full ownership and peace of mind.
• Privacy: DEXs don’t ask for personal details. Your identity remains safe, which is great for those who want to stay anonymous.
• Security: There’s no central point to hack. This means your money is less likely to be stolen. Blockchain technology makes it hard for attackers to interfere.
• No Middleman: Trades happen directly between users. This eliminates fees and delays from third parties. It keeps transactions fast and cost-effective.
• Global Access: Anyone with internet can use a DEX, no matter where they are. It’s open to everyone without restrictions.

Disadvantages of DEXs

• Complexity: DEXs can be tough for beginners. Managing wallets and understanding blockchain adds technical steps. It’s not as easy as using regular crypto exchanges.
• Limited Features: They often lack tools like advanced trading options and customer support. Centralized platforms provide these, which can frustrate experienced traders.
• Lower Speed: Transaction speed relies on the blockchain, which can be slower than centralized systems. Delays may occur during busy times.
• Liquidity Issues: Some DEXs have fewer users. This makes it harder to find a trading partner. It can lead to poor prices or slow trades.

Key Differences Between CEX and DEX

Controlling entity or system

CEXs are governed by a single company or organization, holding full control over operations, including setting rules and managing infrastructure. This central authority enables quick decision-making but poses risks if the company fails, such as hacks or bankruptcy. Examples include Coinbase and Gemini, where the company can freeze accounts or change policies.

DEXs, conversely, use smart contracts on blockchains with no central entity. Governance is often through community votes or predefined code, offering autonomy and censorship resistance, aligning with blockchain’s decentralized ethos. However, resolving disputes can be challenging without a central authority, requiring community consensus or smart contract updates.

Custody of assets

In CEXs, users deposit funds into the exchange’s wallet, giving the exchange custody. This convenience, with high liquidity, was evident in past hacks like Mt. Gox, where 850,000 Bitcoins were lost. Users must trust the exchange’s security measures, such as cold storage.

DEXs let users retain control via their crypto wallets, connecting for trades via smart contracts. This reduces the risk of exchange failure but shifts security to users, with no recovery if private keys are lost.

Liquidity and concentration risk

CEXs offer high liquidity through centralized order books, attracting many traders and ensuring easy large trades without price impact. 

DEXs have lower liquidity because they rely on user pools, or AMMs, to distribute risk. While slippage can occur for big trades, it reduces concentration risk, with no single point of failure for user funds, though smart contracts can be vulnerable.

Range of crypto offerings

CEXs list a wide range of trading pairs, including major and minor coins, with quick listings after due diligence. This diversity appeals to traders seeking varied crypto assets supported by regulatory compliance.

Blockchain-limited DEXs, such as Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens, provide a more limited selection, yet many new coins have already made their debut on CEXes. Some, like cross-chain DEXs, expand, but offerings remain restricted compared to CEXs, focusing on blockchain compatibility.

Supported Fiat currencies

CEXs allow fiat deposits and withdrawals, like USD or EUR, easing entry for new users using bank accounts or cards. DEXs focus on crypto-to-crypto trades, not supporting fiat, requiring users to first acquire crypto, aligning with decentralization.

Usability and accessibility

CEXs are user-friendly, have intuitive interfaces and support, are suitable for beginners, and involve KYC for security. Mobile apps and tools cater to diverse needs, enhancing accessibility.

DEXs require wallets and blockchain knowledge, with gas fees, which improves it for tech-savvy users. Despite their steeper learning curve, DEXs appeal to those who value control, making them less beginner-friendly.

KYC and privacy

CEXs require KYC for AML compliance, reducing privacy by collecting data and enhancing security but exposing users. This aligns with regulations but limits anonymity.

DEXs skip KYC, offering anonymity and aligning with privacy goals but lacking oversight and potentially being used for illicit activities, a concern noted by regulatory bodies.

Security

CEXs are common victims of hacks since they hold substantial sums of users’ funds in centralized wallets. If a CEX is hacked, users can lose their assets. DEXs minimize this threat since users store their funds in individual wallets. Nevertheless, they depend on smart contracts, which can be prone to bugs or exploits.

Trading Fees

CEXs tend to have higher fees since they offer services such as order matching, customer service, and fiat processing. They charge differently depending on the platform. DEXs tend to have lower trading fees, but they charge blockchain transaction fees (gas fees), which are expensive when the network is congested.

Operational Transparency

CEXs are private entities, so they do not necessarily have transparent inner workings. Their users have to hope that they are being fair with funds and trades. 

DEXs are completely transparent, as all trades happen on the blockchain. This feature provides the ability for anyone to audit trades and liquidity at any point.

Transaction Speeds

CEXs execute trades rapidly since they employ centralized servers to match and process orders. DEXs are based on blockchain transactions, which can be slower as a result of network traffic and block confirmation times. This makes CEXs ideal for high-speed trading, with DEXs potentially experiencing latency.

Adoption Rate

CEXs are more mainstream and are used by retail as well as institutional investors. They provide a traditional experience that is familiar to the users. 

DEXs are increasing in usage but are still less mainstream because they are complex in nature and do not support fiat. With DeFi growing, more users migrate toward DEXs for better control and anonymity.

Conclusion

Your requirements will ultimately determine whether you choose a DEX or a CEX. If you desire ease of use, high liquidity, and fiat support, then a CEX is preferable. It is simpler to use and provides quicker transactions. You will, however, have to trust the platform with your money and data.

If you like to have total control of your assets and enjoy privacy, a DEX is a better option. It is more secure and transparent but is technically demanding. Both options have pros and cons. Knowing these differences will enable you to determine which platform is best suited for your trading style and security needs.

FAQs

Which is better, CEX or DEX?

It depends on what you need. CEXs, like Binance, are better if you’re new to crypto. They’re easy to use, have lots of coins, and let you use USD or EUR to buy crypto. 

DEXs, like Uniswap, are good if you want control and privacy. You keep your funds in your cryptocurrency wallet, and no one asks for your ID. But they’re harder to use, are specific to a single blockchain mostly, and need some tech skills. If you like simple and fast, go with CEX. If you care about freedom and safety from big companies, pick DEX.

Is Coinbase a DEX or CEX?

Coinbase is a CEX, or a centralized exchange. It’s run by a company that controls everything – your trades, your funds, and the rules. You sign up, give your ID, and deposit money into their wallet. They make trading easy and fast, with lots of coins and fiat options like USD.

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Is it cheaper to buy on a DEX or CEX?

It’s not always clear-cut. CEXs, like Binance, charge higher fees – usually 0.1% to 1% per trade – because they run the platform and offer customer support services.  

DEXs, like SushiSwap, often have lower fees, sometimes just network costs, like Ethereum gas fees. But you need to pay gas fees, and this can get expensive when the network is busy, sometimes more than CEX fees. If you trade small amounts, DEX might be cheaper when gas is low. For big trades, CEX could save money because of steady fees and better liquidity.

What is a CEX wallet?

A CEX wallet is where your crypto is stored when you use a centralized exchange, like Kraken or Coinbase. When you deposit money or coins, the exchange keeps them in their CEX wallet, not yours. You don’t get a private key – you just see your balance on their platform.

Is Binance a DEX or CEX?

Binance is a CEX (Centralized Exchange). It is managed by a company, requires KYC verification, holds users’ funds in exchange wallets, and offers high liquidity. Binance also has a DEX version called Binance DEX, but the main platform operates as a centralized exchange.

The post CEX Vs DEX: Which Is The Better Crypto Exchange? appeared first on NFT Evening.

Come along as we fully explore what Ondo is, how it operates in a practical sense, and how it can be used. We’ll also look at its role in the WLFI Portfolio, the benefits and risks of the token, and its overall impact on global financial markets.

What is Ondo?

Ondo Finance is a decentralized finance platform designed to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and the crypto space. It’s based on the Ethereum blockchain technology, and has a native token, ONDO.

It offers a unique solution by tokenizing high-quality real-world securities such as government bonds, treasury bills, and other stable collateral. These tokenized assets generate a stable, dollar-denominated yield that appeals to institutional investors and asset managers.

Blending advanced blockchain technology with intensive risk management measures, Ondo is focused on ensuring security, transparency, and efficiency. With an emphasis on cutting reliance on traditional banking systems and frameworks, Ondo is paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient global financial market.

Ondo’s Mission on RWAs

Ondo Finance is committed to unlocking the value of real-world assets (RWAs) by converting traditional financial products into tokenized securities. Its mission is to integrate assets like bank demand deposits, government bonds, and treasury bills into the blockchain ecosystem, creating a stable, synthetic dollar environment. This means that for the first time ever, conventional investments like bonds can now be held and traded onchain, opening up an entirely new landscape for investments in the digital space.

How Does Ondo Work?

Ondo Finance operates by aggregating high-quality collateral from real-world assets and converting them into tokenized securities on a public blockchain. Smart contracts verify the underlying assets and manage the issuance of digital tokens that represent these securities. This tokenization process enables transparent tracking of asset ownership and yields. Moreover, Ondo leverages advanced risk management protocols, ensuring that the collateral backing each token remains robust and secure.

When investors deposit funds, they receive digital tokens that provide predictable, dollar-denominated yield. By integrating decentralized finance with traditional asset management, Ondo delivers an efficient and transparent system that appeals to institutional investors and asset managers. This seamless operation bridges global financial markets with crypto assets, offering a reliable digital currency solution with lower volatility and enhanced investor protections.

How is Ondo Used?

Ondo Finance is used by a diverse range of market participants—from institutional investors and asset managers to crypto enthusiasts seeking stable yields. The platform allows users to deposit collateral in the form of traditional securities, which are then tokenized to generate predictable income streams.

This process creates a synthetic digital currency solution that offers a stable medium, similar to the US dollar, but with the added benefits of blockchain transparency and decentralized governance. Users can trade these tokenized assets, earn yields through staking mechanisms, and reinvest their earnings within the platform.

The seamless integration of traditional financial products and services into decentralized finance enables efficient asset management and real-time tracking of yields. This provides users with a secure and innovative way to access global financial markets.

Ondo in WLF Portfolio, Correlation of Ondo with US Perspectives

Ondo Finance plays a critical role in the WLFI Portfolio, which focuses on high-potential projects that align with global financial trends and stringent investor protections. Its innovative approach to tokenizing real-world assets resonates strongly with US market perspectives, where regulatory compliance and risk management are highly valued.

By offering a stable, dollar-denominated yield through tokenized securities, Ondo addresses key concerns of institutional investors and asset managers. The platform’s seamless integration of traditional finance and decentralized finance makes it attractive for investors seeking both stability and growth in a volatile market.

US investors appreciate Ondo’s transparent methodology, efficient asset management, and adherence to robust compliance standards. This alignment with US market needs, combined with its global accessibility, underscores Ondo’s potential to transform how financial assets are managed, traded, and utilized, making it a standout addition to the WLFI Portfolio.

Pros & Cons of Ondo Finance

Pros

• Provides predictable, dollar-denominated returns by tokenizing high-quality collateral.
• Combines traditional financial risk controls with blockchain transparency for enhanced investor protection.
• Bridges traditional finance and DeFi, enabling access for both institutional and retail investors.
• Utilizes smart contracts for transparent, real-time tracking of tokenized securities.
• Adheres to stringent standards that appeal to conservative, US-based investors.

Cons

• Broader crypto market fluctuations may still impact token values despite underlying stability.
• Merging traditional assets with decentralized technology poses technical and regulatory challenges.
• Resistance from traditional investors may slow the pace of widespread adoption in certain markets.

Use Cases of Ondo in RWAs

• Tokenized Government Bonds: Ondo enables the tokenization of government bonds and treasury bills, offering a stable yield and predictable returns for investors.
• Bank Demand Deposits: By converting bank demand deposits into digital tokens, Ondo creates a reliable, dollar-denominated yield that mirrors traditional banking products.
• Collateral for Lending: Tokenized real-world assets serve as collateral in decentralized finance, providing secure lending and borrowing options with robust risk management.
• Synthetic Asset Strategies: Investors can use tokenized notes secured by high-quality collateral to create synthetic positions, including short positions on traditional assets.

The Ondo Ecosystem

USDY

USDY is Ondo’s proprietary synthetic dollar, designed to ensure stability and predictable yield. It is fully backed by high-quality collateral from tokenized real-world assets. USDY facilitates low-volatility transactions and serves as the backbone for many decentralized financial applications within the Ondo ecosystem, supporting seamless integration between digital and traditional markets.

Flux Finance

Flux Finance is a key component within the Ondo Foundation ecosystem that focuses on managing and optimizing yield from decentralized finance activities. It harnesses advanced analytics and risk management protocols to dynamically adjust positions in tokenized assets, ensuring efficient capital allocation.

The Ondo Bridge

The Ondo Bridge connects traditional financial markets with decentralized platforms by enabling the secure transfer of tokenized assets across public blockchains. It ensures interoperability between different systems, allowing seamless movement of digital assets like USDY. This bridging mechanism expands liquidity options and enhances market accessibility for both institutional and retail investors.

Ondo and Pendle

Ondo has formed strategic integrations with Pendle, a protocol that specializes in tokenized yield trading. This partnership enables the separation of yield and principal components in tokenized real-world assets, offering innovative trading strategies such as future yield derivatives.

The ONDO Token

The ONDO token is the native asset powering the Ondo Finance platform, essential for Ondo DAO governance, transaction fees, and incentive mechanisms. As a utility token, ONDO allows holders to participate in decentralized decision-making, propose protocol upgrades, and secure the network through staking.

By integrating with existing blockchain infrastructure, ONDO ensures transparent pricing and efficient liquidity, offering users a reliable digital asset that supports both everyday transactions and high-level financial operations.

Where and How to Buy ONDO

1. Sign up on the Ondo Financial platform, or an exchange that supports the ONDO token like Coinbase. Be sure you complete any KYC or AML verifications that are needed.
2. Transfer fiat currency or crypto assets into your account. Many exchanges accept major cryptocurrencies as well, which can be deposited and traded easily.
3. Use the exchange’s search function to find ONDO trading pairs, such as ONDO/USDT or ONDO/ETH.
4. Now, create your order. Use a market order to fill your order at whatever price it takes, or use a limit order to wait for a specific cost. Confirm the details and execute your order.
5. Once your order executes and is filled, you will receive your ONDO tokens. Security best practices suggest withdrawing your ONDO tokens to a secure wallet.

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How to Store ONDO

• Hardware Wallets: For maximum protection, store ONDO offline using devices like Ledger or Trezor.
• Software Wallets: Options such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or multi-chain wallets provide convenient storage and management of ONDO tokens.
• Exchange Custody: While not recommended for long-term holding, you can store ONDO on reputable exchanges with strong security measures.

How to Swap ETH for ONDO

1. Create an account on one of the leading exchanges that supports the ETH/ONDO pair (e.g. Kraken, Coinbase).
2. Create an order, either market or limit, for the amount of ONDO tokens you want.
3. Finalize the order and wait for it to be filled.

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ONDO Price History

Ondo’s price trajectory has shown notable volatility. Around late spring 2024, ONDO traded near 0.40 USD, reflecting cautious market sentiment and moderate trading volume. By early winter 2024, the token rallied significantly—surpassing 1.30 USD at its peak—as market optimism around real-world asset tokenization and strong investor interest drove prices higher.

However, ONDO underwent a correction in early 2025, bringing the price closer to 0.90 USD. Trading volume has been robust throughout this period, with volume surpassing 300m tokens.

Overall, Ondo’s price movements highlight its sensitivity to broader crypto market trends, regulatory developments, and the pace of adoption for tokenized real-world assets. These are factors that prospective investors should monitor closely.

FAQs

What does Ondo Finance do?

Ondo Finance tokenizes real-world assets, creating stable, dollar-denominated yields and interest rates bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance through secure, blockchain-based systems.

Is Ondo crypto a good investment?

Whether ONDO is a good investment will depend on your personal investment goals, risk tolerances, and so on. ONDO token and the Ondo finance platform can be used to invest in nearly any type of conventional asset or security that would be available through the US Treasuries, like a government bond fund.

Is Ondo a good crypto coin?

Ondo offers stability and growth potential by bridging traditional and decentralized finance, with prospects tied to increasing adoption and enhanced ecosystem development.

What blockchain is Ondo on?

Ondo operates on the Ethereum network, using blockchain technology like smart contracts and token minting.

Is Ondo Finance a US company?

Ondo Finance is headquartered in NYC, but the company serves customers and investors around the world.

The post What is Ondo Finance? Future of RWAs and DeFi appeared first on NFT Evening.

Designed with fail-safe mechanisms and advanced governance models, it has quickly gained attention in the crypto space for its performance and low-cost structure. In this article, we explore Sonic’s key features, how it works, and what it means for the future of blockchain-based gaming.

What is Sonic?

Sonic is a blockchain network developed to combine high throughput, robust security, and ultra-low transaction costs, making it particularly attractive to game developers.

By integrating advanced virtual machine optimizations—sometimes called “super instructions”—Sonic can handle complex in-game transactions without slowing down or overburdening the system. This feature addresses a critical need for many blockchain projects: balancing scalability with decentralization.

The Sonic ecosystem positions itself as a cutting-edge solution for NFTs, DeFi, and real-time gaming experiences. It boasts a developer-friendly toolkit, complete with ready-made smart contract templates and an intuitive environment for building or migrating decentralized applications.

The governance model encourages community involvement, letting users propose and vote on upgrades or new partnerships. Ultimately, Sonic aims to become the go-to platform for games requiring rapid interaction speeds and cost-effective transactions.

Key features of Sonic

• High Throughput: Up to 10,000 TPS for seamless gaming.
• Low Fees: Minimal costs, appealing to both developers and users.
• Super Instructions: Optimized virtual machine ensures quick execution.
• Fail-Safe Mechanisms: Reduces downtime and network vulnerabilities.
• Community Governance: Users influence key decisions and platform updates.
• Cross-Chain Compatibility: Bridges assets from other networks, broadening access.

How Sonic Works

Sonic’s architecture revolves around a multi-layer consensus mechanism, combining delegated validators and robust cryptography for a trustless environment.

Smart contracts built on the Sonic chain can seamlessly leverage the network’s speed, as each transaction processes nearly instantly. Rather than relying on legacy protocols, Sonic’s chain introduces advanced instructions that reduce computational overhead, making it suitable for continuous in-game events and large NFT marketplaces.

Network security depends on validators who run specialized software that verifies blocks in real time. This design keeps the chain decentralized while preventing congestion and mitigating the risk of malicious activity. On top of that, a unique bridging protocol allows developers to port digital assets from existing blockchains, integrating them into the Sonic ecosystem with minimal friction.

Users benefit from near-instant finality, ensuring that token swaps, in-game item transfers, or DeFi transactions settle promptly without risking reorganization or conflicts on the main chain.

How Fantom Upgraded to Sonic

Originally a high-performance Layer-1 platform, Fantom transitioned core components into Sonic, strengthening its speed and reliability for gaming applications.

By adopting Sonic’s super-instruction engine and bridging functionalities, Fantom streamlined block production and improved cross-chain compatibility. This upgrade allowed existing Fantom dApps to migrate seamlessly while gaining the benefits of Sonic’s performance, ultimately fueling growth across both ecosystems.

Sonic Gateway

Sonic Gateway is the chain’s dedicated bridging solution, enabling seamless transfers of digital assets from existing blockchains to Sonic. This cross-chain portal supports tokens, NFTs, and even entire DeFi applications, all while maintaining near-instant transaction finality. By eliminating cumbersome swap processes, Sonic Gateway streamlines the user experience, letting gamers move in-game currency or items across multiple platforms. Developers benefit from broader liquidity and access to established communities. Sonic Gateway, whether bridging from Ethereum, Fantom, or other EVM chains, provides access to a truly interconnected gaming ecosystem.

Sonic Incentive programs

Fee Monetization (FeeM)

Under Sonic’s fee monetization structure, a portion of transaction fees is redistributed to active validators and stakeholders. This creates a self-sustaining model that balances network maintenance costs with user affordability. By incentivizing validators, the chain ensures robust security and minimal downtime. Developers also have opportunities to integrate revenue-sharing schemes, fostering collaborative growth throughout the Sonic ecosystem.

Innovator Fund

To encourage pioneering projects, the Sonic Innovator Fund provides grants and technical support to early-stage teams building on the Sonic chain. Applicants can seek funding for ideas ranging from novel DeFi protocols to NFT marketplaces and social gaming solutions. Successful proposals receive mentorship from Sonic Labs, helping them optimize performance, navigate governance, and scale to meet rising user demand.

Sonic Airdrop

The Sonic Airdrop rewards early adopters and active community members with free S tokens. Eligibility often depends on metrics like engagement, on-chain activities, or referrals. Once claimed, these airdropped tokens can be staked or traded, further integrating recipients into the ecosystem.

Burn amount of the vested airdrop allocation if claimed early

Airdrops serve as both a marketing catalyst and a community-building exercise, spotlighting the chain’s capabilities. For those interested, real-time updates and claim instructions appear on Sonic’s official communication channels, ensuring transparency and preventing scams or phishing attempts.

$S – Sonic native token

Tokenomics

S functions as the backbone of the Sonic network, facilitating transactions, powering governance, and rewarding validators.

At launch, the total supply of Sonic S tokens is 3.175 billion. The tokenomics are designed to create a sustainable and secure network while incentivizing active participation. Key aspects include a strategic airdrop program, ongoing funding, and a robust block reward system.

An additional 6% of the total supply will be minted six months after launch exclusively for airdrops, featuring a unique mechanism that rewards active participation and gradually reduces the circulating supply through algorithmic token burning. To fund network growth and increase global adoption, Sonic mints an extra 1.5% of tokens annually for six years, with any unused tokens burned to prevent inflation.

Block rewards are being migrated from Fantom Opera to Sonic. For the first four years, no new tokens are minted for block rewards. Instead, an annual distribution of 70 million tokens from the initial supply is allocated to validate blocks. 

This allows for a reward rate of 3.5% for target validators when 50% of S is staked, adjusting proportionally based on the staked percentage. After four years, new tokens will resume minting for block rewards at a rate of 1.75% per year.

Validators earn rewards not only from block issuance but also from transaction fees, which are generated when users pay gas fees on the network. To add another facet to the operation, the Ecosystem Vault—originally on Fantom Opera—will allocate quarterly disbursements to the Sonic Community Council, rewarding contributors who drive ecosystem development. 

Simply put, the way the different layers of Sonic’s tokenomics and general utility are designed helps keep Sonic safe, encourages participation, and keeps the overall deflationary trend going over time.

How to Buy Sonic Token

1. Set Up a Wallet: Install a Sonic-compatible wallet (like Sonic Wallet or one of the multi-chain wallet apps like Metamask or Trust Wallet).
2. Obtain Crypto: Purchase ETH or a supported asset on a centralized exchange such as Binance or Bybit.
3. Bridge Assets: Transfer funds to Sonic via the Sonic Gateway.
4. Access DEX: Visit a decentralized exchange on Sonic’s chain and find the $S trading pair.
5. Confirm Swap: Approve the transaction, and you’ll receive SONIC tokens instantly.

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Sonic Wallets

Sonic Wallets are specialized tools for securely storing and managing S tokens alongside other supported assets. They typically feature user-friendly interfaces, private key protection, and built-in dApp browsing. Many also integrate directly with Sonic Gateway, simplifying asset bridging. Developers can build custom wallet solutions using Sonic’s SDK, tailoring user experiences for gaming or DeFi scenarios. Reliable multi-chain wallets also support Sonic integration.

Conclusion

Sonic stands out in a crowded market by offering a robust combination of fast transaction throughput, low fees, and a welcoming environment for game developers and DeFi enthusiasts.

From the Sonic Gateway that supports cross-chain transfers to incentive programs that reward community engagement, the ecosystem is primed for rapid growth. S, the network’s native token, underpins vital functions from governance to staking, ensuring a collaborative and self-sustaining structure.

We can anticipate an expanding suite of decentralized applications as more developers migrate or build on Sonic. Ultimately, this innovative chain may reshape the gaming and NFT landscape in the months and years ahead.

FAQs

How much is a Sonic coin worth?

As of March 23, 2025, data from CoinMarketCap indicates the price of S is $0.27. Monitor reputable sources or decentralized exchanges on Sonic Network for real-time rates and trading volume data.

When is Sonic launching?

Sonic is already operational, but major updates—like new incentive programs or roadmap milestones—are periodically announced. Monitor the official Sonic Network channels for updates related to the launch.

What is the price prediction of Sonic?

Price predictions are speculative and subject to market shifts. Factors such as adoption rate, investor sentiment, and overall crypto market performance all influence S’s potential valuation.

Where can I buy or sell Sonic tokens?

You can acquire SONIC through supported DEX platforms on the Sonic chain. First, bridge assets via Sonic Gateway. Then, swap for SONIC on a compatible exchange. For centralized listings, watch official announcements or check with your preferred crypto trading platform.

The post What is Sonic Labs? Your Guide to the Gaming Blockchain appeared first on NFT Evening.

What is Chainlink?

Chainlink is a solution that connects decentralized applications (DApps) and blockchains to reliable real-world data, ensuring smart contracts have secure access to external information necessary for proper functionality. As a decentralized oracle network, Chainlink ensures that external data is queried, verified, and authenticated before being sent to smart contracts. This process makes blockchain applications more reliable and secure.

Source: Chainlink Website

The LINK token powers Chainlink’s ecosystem. It is used for transaction fees, payments, and rewards. Additionally, users can stake LINK to help secure the network’s oracles and earn incentives.

Chainlink also enables cross-chain interoperability, allowing data and assets to move between different blockchains. This makes it a vital component of the blockchain ecosystem.

Chainlink Social:

• YouTube
• Discord
• Telegram
• WeChat
• Reddit

How does Chainlink work?

Chainlink operates through four main components that ensure secure and reliable data transmission.

• Oracles act as bridges between blockchains and external data sources. They fetch, verify, and transmit real-world data to smart contracts.
• Nodes are independent operators that supply data to the network. They help developers access essential information for decentralized applications (DApps).
• Data aggregation collects and organizes information from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• LINK token powers the ecosystem. Node operators receive LINK as payment for providing data and maintaining the network.

Key Features of Chainlink

Chainlink goes beyond basic data feeds and interoperability by offering advanced features that enhance blockchain development.

• Verifiable Random Function (VRF): This feature provides secure randomness for decentralized applications, ensuring fair random number generation for blockchain games and crypto casinos.
• Hybrid Smart Contracts: Developers can combine on-chain logic with off-chain data, allowing smart contracts to execute automatically based on real-world events, leading to more complex use cases.
• Proof of Reserve (PoR): Chainlink’s PoR enhances transparency in DeFi by enabling real-time auditing of collateral assets, ensuring sufficient backing for tokens.

Chainlink’s decentralized oracle platform includes key highlights such as:

• Decentralized Data Model: A network of independent oracles delivers accurate data to smart contracts, minimizing risks and ensuring transparency.
• Offchain Reporting (OCR): This technology reduces on-chain costs by processing data off-chain, submitting only a single aggregated transaction on-chain, thus enhancing scalability.
• Wide Integration: Chainlink supports various data types, making it applicable in sectors like DeFi, insurance, and blockchain gaming.
• High Security: Its decentralized architecture protects data from manipulation and attacks.

Overall, Chainlink bridges the gap between blockchain and the real world, unlocking new possibilities for smart contract applications.

History of Chainlink

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle platform that has achieved numerous advancements in technology and partnerships since its creation in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis, with Ari Juels as a co-author of its foundational whitepaper. Here’s an overview of its history, technological milestones, and collaborations:

Technological Advancements

• Chainlink 2.0: Introduced in a 2021 whitepaper, this version expanded the capabilities of smart contracts through Decentralized Oracle Networks (DONs), enabling hybrid smart contracts with enhanced scalability and confidentiality.
• Offchain Reporting (OCR): This technology processes data off-chain and submits aggregated results on-chain, significantly reducing transaction costs and improving scalability.
• Verifiable Random Function (VRF): Provides provably fair randomness for use cases like gaming and NFTs, ensuring transparency and user trust.
• Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP): Facilitates seamless communication between different blockchain networks, enabling cross-chain functionalities.
• Advanced Privacy and Security: Incorporates cryptographic techniques, such as zero-knowledge proofs, to enhance data confidentiality while maintaining blockchain transparency.