Let’s begin with the story of a man who turned his crypto gains into a Bentley.

12 Bitcoin Success Stories

1. Javed Khan, Trader – Bought a Bentley

Javed Khan got into Bitcoin coincidentally. Around the year 2018, when the price was somewhere around $3,000, he was basically using the Bitcoin for money transfer as it was easier than going through the traditional bank. But when he would leave some Bitcoin in his wallet for a while, he could notice an increase in value. He recognized the opportunity.

He began buying more Bitcoin during periods of silence, when there were no headlines and no hype. “When nobody’s talking about Bitcoin, that’s the time to buy,” he advised. Khan made sure never to invest more than he could afford to lose.

In 2020, he cashed out a portion of his profits and bought a Bentley. “I sent a video from the showroom to my mum, and she cried, she was so proud.”

2. Mr Smith, Anonymous Software Engineer – Quit his job and left on a round-the-world trip

Mr Smith, a software engineer who graduated in 2008, began his career at a major tech company in Silicon Valley. In 2010, he invested $3,000 into Bitcoin when it was priced at just 15 cents per coin, acquiring nearly 20,000 BTC.

“I always viewed it as a long-term investment,” he shared. Three years later, when Bitcoin started making headlines again, he sold 2,000 coins at $350 each. A few days later, he sold another 2,000 at $800 per coin. By then, he had already earned $2.3 million.

He resigned and went on an extravagant world tour. At present, Smith fulfills desires of extravagance by flying first class, dining in restaurants of 5-star rating, and visiting elite cities such as Singapore, New York, Monaco, and Zurich. Singh is rated by Forbes in terms of worth anywhere between $100 million and $1 billion.

“He can talk about Bitcoin forever,” says his girlfriend. “Once he starts, he won’t stop.”

3. Daniel Crocker, Business Owner – Bought my house

In 2012, Daniel Crocker was an apprentice in an IT firm. During lunch breaks, teammates and he would mull over potential money-making ideas, and bitcoin was discussed one day. Intrigued, Daniel decided to invest a bit.

He held onto his investment for eight years as its value steadily increased. Eventually, he sold a portion of it to cover half the down payment for his house. “I know people who went all in, but I’m happy with what I’ve gained already,” he said.

4. Jeremy Gardner – Dedicated his life to crypto assets and blockchain technology

Gardner discovered Bitcoin in 2013; its ability to move money across borders with ease and on a peer-to-peer basis thrilled him. The more interested he grew, the more he started immersing himself in the realm of crypto and blockchains.

Gardner helped set up the Blockchain Education Network, a nonprofit geared toward increasing awareness and education about blockchain. He was also involved in the genesis of Augur, a decentralized prediction platform. He then moved to San Francisco to share a home into which six crypto millionaires had already moved: the so-called “Crypto-Castle.”

“We’ve heard time and again that Bitcoin is dead. Yet it keeps proving the critics wrong. For those of us who believed early on and were ridiculed, there’s a real sense of validation,” Gardner shared.

5. Heather Delaney, Business Professional – It’s part of her pension plan

Heather Delaney began her Bitcoin journey with just £5, gradually increasing her investment over time. Unlike others chasing quick gains, she treats Bitcoin as a component of her long-term retirement strategy.

Now part of a growing number of individuals using cryptocurrency as a pension tool, Heather has already seen her investment grow by over 500%. She isn’t fazed by short-term market swings, as her eyes are set on the long game.

“I know plenty of people who’ve made bold moves with their crypto, but for me, it’s simply a part of my retirement plan,” she explains.

6. Kane Ellis, Aussie Entrepreneur – cashed out 2–4 Bitcoins for a McDonald’s meal in 2011.

Kane Ellis, a tech enthusiast from South Australia, launched his first tech consulting firm, Nerd Herd, at just 18. He later founded the CarSwap app. But his most impactful financial move came earlier, in 2010, when he started mining Bitcoin at just $1.60 per coin.

Like many early adopters, Kane made a minor misstep: he spent 2–4 Bitcoins on a McDonald’s meal, now worth a small fortune. Fortunately, that was only a sliver of his holdings.

A few years down the road, Kane treated himself again, this time, trading a small portion of his crypto for a sleek yellow Maserati worth $200,000.

7. Terry Proud, Retiree

In 2017, when Bitcoin hovered around $3,000, Australian retiree Terry Proud made a bold move, he sold a portion of his superannuation and invested in crypto through his Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF).

His leap into digital assets turned out to be highly rewarding. “I can’t wipe the smile off my face,” he told Nine News, highlighting the joy many retirees are now finding in their crypto-invested pensions.

8. Su Zhu, Cryptocurrency Trader

Su Zhu, along with his high school friend Kyle Davies, started Three Arrows Capital in 2012 from their apartment kitchen. Leveraging their experience from Credit Suisse, they quickly found their footing in the crypto market.

Though they initially had to borrow funds in a desperate bid to stay afloat, they swiftly repaid their debts and built one of the largest crypto trading funds globally. They also founded DeFiance Capital, focusing on decentralized finance startups poised to disrupt traditional banking.

Their success even earned them a spot on Fortune magazine’s cover illustration. Today, their firm boasts a multibillion-dollar portfolio, families of their own, and a fleet of Lamborghinis parked outside their office.

9. James Saye, Technology Consultant – Bitcoin paid for a holiday in Iceland.

James Saye hesitated before diving into Bitcoin in 2017 but finally invested around £500. His cautious bet paid off when the value surged by 500%, allowing him to cash out £2,500.

He used the windfall to fund a memorable trip to Iceland. “It’s a beautiful place—but definitely not cheap,” he laughed, grateful for the extra spending money.

Luckily, he reinvested after the 2018 price dip, keeping his crypto journey alive.

10. Kristoffer Koch, Student

In 2009, the Norwegian student Kristoffer Koch was in the process of preparing his master’s thesis in encryption technologies when he stumbled upon the whitepaper written by Satoshi Nakamoto. In the midst of his academic considerations recognizing Bitcoin’s significance, Koch decided to purchase 5,000 bitcoins for $26.60, which was not a big amount back then.

His girlfriend was skeptical, wondering why he’d spend “real money” on what she considered “fake money.” But everything changed in 2013 when Bitcoin made headlines again. Kristoffer checked the market, did the math, and realized he was nearly a millionaire. He sold 1,000 bitcoins and purchased an apartment.

If he held on to the remaining 4,000 coins, his net worth would be well into the hundreds of millions. These days, his partner says, “I guess he should be allowed to buy whatever he wants.”

11. Kingsley Advani, Software Engineer

Kingsley Advani wasn’t just interested in cryptocurrency—he went all in. In 2017, as Bitcoin began one of its most explosive bull runs, Kingsley emptied his bank account and sold everything he owned, including his laptop, to invest $34,000 into Bitcoin.

That bold move paid off. Within months, he became a millionaire.

Today, he splits his time between San Francisco, London, and New York, advising blockchain startups. “This feels like a rebellion against traditional finance,” he said, reflecting on his dramatic leap of faith.

12. Erik Finman, High School Dropout and Entrepreneur

Erik Finman was only 12 when he made his first Bitcoin investment. Using $1,000 gifted by his grandmother, he bought Bitcoin at just $10 per coin in 2011 after hearing about it from a protester at the Jefferson Memorial.

He quickly became absorbed in trading Bitcoin, spending the next few years juggling school and crypto. But Erik never fit in at school. “No one understood what I was trying to achieve. One teacher even told me to drop out and work at McDonald’s.”

So, at 15, he struck a deal with his parents: if he made a million dollars by 18, he wouldn’t have to return to school or attend college.

Soon after, he sold $100,000 worth of Bitcoin and launched Botangle, an education startup designed to connect students with tutors via video chat. Two years later, he sold it for 300 bitcoins.

When Bitcoin reached $2,700, he officially became a millionaire, at 17, winning the bet with his parents. Instead of enrolling in college, he traveled the world, visiting cities like Dubai, Prague, Sydney, and Stockholm.

Now in his 20s, Erik’s net worth sits in the 8-figure range. He’s a major investor in a Silicon Valley crypto startup and played a role in advocating for the Crypto-Currency Act of 2020. His first luxury purchase? An Audi R8.

The post 12 Bitcoin Success Stories: Meet Bitcoin Millionaires appeared first on Blockchain.

ISO 20022 stands for the standardization and interoperability in the crypto economy to facilitate communication among various financial stakeholders. Hence, let us see how this standard is influencing the world of cryptocurrencies and which cryptocurrency forms have been accepted into it.

Discovering the Significance of ISO 20022 for Cryptocurrencies

ISO 20022 is a single global financial messaging standard that aims to simplify data exchange between financial systems and institutions such as SWIFT. ISO 20022 seeks to consolidate the numerous different messaging formats with a global standard protocol. Financial institutions across the globe can, through ISO 20022, simplify operations, minimize messaging complexity, and enhance data correctness.

When examining what it is for a digital currency to be ISO 20022-compliant, it is worthwhile to appreciate that the standard refers to the way financial information is structured and conveyed. Cryptocurrencies that embrace this standard place themselves for easier inclusion in traditional financial systems. The compatibility fortifies the bridge between traditional banking and decentralized finance.

Standardization with ISO 20022 also has the potential to lower fraud and error rates in financial communication, further building security and trust in the crypto environment. It can also contribute to quicker, more streamlined transactions and lower costs, major benefits adding to increased adoption of cryptocurrency.

Understanding ISO 20022 Compliance in Cryptocurrencies

So, before we jump to the list of all ISO 20022 compliant cryptocurrencies, let us see what compliance means in this regard. It should be understood that the token per se is non-compliant; it is the technology or platform upon which the token rests that is compliant with ISO 20022 messaging standards. For instance, the Ripple payment gateway may interface with SWIFT using ISO 20022 standards.

ISO 20022 acts as a sort of interface for the simplified transfer of financial data from one network to another, thereby offering interoperability within the cryptocurrency domain. More and more blockchain projects are now employing the messaging standards: so more and more cryptocurrencies adhering to ISO 20022 will, therefore, be realized. These kinds of initiatives act as a very important step forward in bringing together the worlds of digital and real finance so that digital assets become available globally and accepted everywhere.

Investigating a List of the Most Well-Known ISO 20022 Compliant Cryptocurrencies

Enabling cryptocurrency systems to conform to the ISO 20022 standard in effect sets the stage for acceptance and inclusion of these technologies into conventional financial systems. The standard enhances trust and fosters an environment capable of exchange, facilitating digital currencies in becoming a concrete element of mainstream finance. Below are some of the cryptocurrencies that comply with ISO 20022, reflecting the future benefits of compliance within digital finance.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano (ADA) is a strong blockchain network that has a research-based development strategy. It provides a secured and environmentally sustainable environment for financial use cases. ADA, Cardano’s native token, is another leading cryptocurrency adopting ISO 20022 for easier integration with legacy financial systems.

In furtherance of complete interoperability between legacy financial systems and their advanced blockchain functionalities, the Cardano blockchain utilizes the ISO 20022 standard. This integration allows banks to effortlessly embed Cardano technology, with much of the onboarding of traditional financial institutions henceforth becoming an easy process.

Major benefits of Cardano under ISO 20022 are offering support for intricate smart contracts and a novel consensus algorithm. Its burgeoning DeFi ecosystem and broadening dApp platform set it up for greater institutional adoption.

Stellar (XLM)

Stellar (XLM) is another well-known project implementing ISO 20022, aiming to provide low-cost and quick cross-border payments. Its vision is to bring together individuals, banks, and payment systems to make international transactions efficient through its native coin, XLM.

Adoption of ISO 20022 enables Stellar to interface with established financial institutions and legacy systems. XLM’s most attractive aspect is Stellar’s emphasis on financial inclusion and access.

With attributes such as its consensus protocol and integrated decentralized exchange, Stellar is best positioned to cater to financial institutions in need of lower-cost and faster payment options while enhancing global financial access.

IOTA (MIOTA)

IOTA (MIOTA) has taken a distinct position by focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT) framework. It utilizes a directed acyclic graph (DAG) architecture called the Tangle, enabling secure and scalable transactions, perfect for machine-to-machine communication.

With ISO 20022 compatibility, IOTA is able to securely and in a standardized format transfer information between IoT devices. This imparts it with greater compatibility with major IoT frameworks so that it eliminates current silos and potentiates much innovation.

Among its main irregularities, we find IOTA’s feeless microtransactions, its quantum-resistant cryptography, and its lightweight architecture-that is, the one suitable for IoT integration under the ISO 20022 standard.

Quant (QNT)

Quant (QNT) is one of the top names in blockchain interoperability. It makes use of the Overledger protocol to interconnect various blockchains and enable smooth data exchange between networks.

By implementing ISO 20022, Quant becomes more compatible with legacy financial systems and thus easier to integrate decentralized and centralized infrastructures. It allows secure communication among different networks while encouraging decentralized control.

Quant’s strong suit is in its interoperability protocol and capability to host enterprise-scale applications, and so it’s a good fit for financial institutions that want to adopt blockchain technology through standardized communications.

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple (XRP) is one of the most recognized digital currencies, known for changing the way cross-border payments are made. As the Ripple network’s native currency, XRP makes quick and inexpensive transactions between worldwide financial institutions possible.

The emphasis of Ripple on converging with legacy systems places XRP in a solid position for ISO 20022. The consensus algorithm of the network enables speedy transaction processing up to 1,500 transactions per second, and its collaborations with top banks and financial institutions place it firmly in position for leadership in future digital finance.

Adoption of ISO 20022 allows XRP to act as a bridge between fiat currencies, promoting liquidity and settling faster on a worldwide level.

Algorand (ALGO)

Algorand (ALGO) is a flexible and highly performant blockchain envisaged for embracing use cases, both financial and non-financial. Its consensus algorithm is very fast and efficient, while its platform supports dApps and smart contracts.

Since Algorand incorporated ISO 20022, it has been able to align close with traditional financial infrastructures, getting more institutional adoption. Such harmonization does not only build trust but also invites innovation developers and entities seeking a trusted blockchain platform.

With compatibility to ISO 20022, Algorand makes itself an even more attractive solution for organizations to close the gap between mainstream finance and blockchain innovation.

Final Thoughts

The increasing number of ISO 20022-compliant cryptocurrencies demonstrates the revolutionary potential of following standardized financial messaging. ISO 20022 was created to standardize and simplify communication between global financial institutions, and now it’s being used to bridge the divide between digital assets and legacy banking.

Such projects as Stellar are built with ISO 20022 integration in mind, whereas projects like Ripple and Quant are actually driving interoperability and cooperation with traditional systems. As this standard’s adoption increases throughout the crypto community, it will create new opportunities for inter-system integration, greater trust, and greater global acceptance.

The post List of ISO 20022 Compliant Crypto appeared first on Blockchain.

Shocked by the recent surge in popularity of cryptocurrency mining, Stanford PhDs founded Pi Network with a vision to make digital currency accessible to everyone with a smartphone so they could mine crypto without shelling out for costly hardware or using lots of energy. They wish to build the world’s most inclusive peer-to-peer network.

Although the network has drawn an enormous amount of users worldwide, whether it is legitimate and will be valuable in the future continues to be intensely argued among crypto enthusiasts.

What is Pi Network?

Pi Network is essentially a blockchain project that allows users to mine Pi coins directly from their smartphones. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which require energy-intensive computations, Pi can be mined simply by tapping a button once every 24 hours in the app. No battery drain, no advanced hardware, and no technical expertise required.

The native token, Pi, remains non-transferable outside the ecosystem until the network’s open mainnet goes live. As of 2025, Pi Network is still in the enclosed mainnet phase, meaning Pi coins can only be used within approved Pi apps or transferred among KYC-verified users. Pi has not yet been listed on major public exchanges, which continues to raise concerns about its actual market value.

The anticipated open mainnet is expected to bring full utility to Pi coins by allowing external trading and interaction with the broader blockchain ecosystem. Until then, users can earn, store, and use Pi within the confines of the network’s sandboxed environment.

Fun Fact: Pi Network launched on March 14 (3/14), also celebrated as Pi Day, a nod to the mathematical constant π.

How Pi Network Works

Mining Pi may seem easy on the surface, but getting started involves a social layer. To join, new users need an invitation code from an existing member. This referral-based growth model not only controls access but also incentivizes users to recruit others.

Once inside, users earn Pi by simply tapping a “Lightning” button in the app every 24 hours. The referral system enhances mining speed, the more active referrals in your network, the more Pi you can mine.

This model closely mirrors multilevel marketing in its structure, though the team claims it’s built primarily for community growth rather than profit.

Pi Network Roles

Members of Pi Network can take on various roles to increase their mining rate:

• Pioneer: The default role; users earn Pi by checking in daily and tapping the mining button.
• Contributor: Unlocks higher mining rates by adding 3–5 trusted users to a Security Circle.
• Ambassador: Earns a 25% boost per active referral, encouraging network expansion.
• Node: Runs Pi Node desktop software to help decentralize and validate the network. This role is still under testing but is crucial for the transition to open mainnet.

Users can take on multiple roles, and earlier adopters generally earn at a higher base rate compared to those who joined later.

Current Status in 2025

As of now, Pi Network is still not listed on major exchanges, and users cannot cash out their Pi coins unless through internal barter platforms or informal peer trades. While the development team frequently assures that open mainnet is on the horizon, delays and lack of transparency have fueled ongoing skepticism.

Despite concerns, Pi Network has rolled out a growing ecosystem of apps where Pi can be used for services, gaming, and digital goods. Whether Pi evolves into a usable currency or fades as another crypto experiment remains to be seen — but it continues to command the attention of millions.

Pi Network Consensus Algorithm

Pi Network uses a consensus model inspired by the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP). This algorithm is energy-efficient and allows network participants to reach agreement through trusted nodes, rather than relying on power-intensive proof-of-work mechanisms like Bitcoin.

So, how can someone “mine” cryptocurrency by simply tapping a button daily?

In Pi Network, the term “mining” refers to earning token vouchers through user engagement and participation rather than performing computational tasks. Unlike traditional mining, which involves solving complex mathematical problems, Pi Network rewards users with PI coin vouchers for proving daily activity and human verification.

As of January 2025, no actual cryptographic mining occurs. Instead, users are helping to build a trust graph by forming Security Circles, which will later support transaction validation when the open mainnet is officially launched.

Storing and Moving Pi Coins

Since the open mainnet launched in late February 2025, Pi tokens are now officially transferable and tradable, assuming users have completed KYC verification.

Users can now:

• Transfer Pi to other verified users
• Use Pi in the app’s growing ecosystem
• Engage in trades on select decentralized exchanges (DEXs) where Pi has begun appearing

That said, Pi’s listing on major centralized exchanges is still pending. In the meantime, earlier Pi IOU tokens have declined in relevance and value, and some platforms have suspended their trading.

Did you know? Pi mining on mobile remains extremely light on resources—using minimal battery and data, unlike traditional mining systems.

Should You Trust the Pi Network?

Pi Network has now transitioned from its enclosed mainnet to an open mainnet phase, which is a critical milestone. Users can send and receive Pi, use it within the ecosystem, and prepare for broader exchange integrations.

However, it’s too early to declare Pi a fully realized cryptocurrency success story. Key factors to watch in the coming months include:

• Official exchange listings
• Market price stability
• Community engagement in PiApps and ecosystem growth
• Independent code and economic audits

So, is Pi Network a scam? As of today, no conclusive evidence suggests it is, but it remains a speculative project with high potential and equally high uncertainty. How well the team executes its next steps will determine whether Pi becomes a legitimate part of the crypto landscape or fades out as a well-orchestrated experiment.

The post What is Pi Network? Is it a Scam? appeared first on Blockchain.

How Does Bitcoin Works

Bitcoin applies a decentralized network, enabling the sending and receiving of payments without an intermediary such as central banks. Rather, the miners authenticate transactions by solving algorithms, accomplishing security and validity.

Every transaction is added to a distributed ledger called the blockchain, where each collection of transactions exists within a “block.” These blocks are then secured forever, and transparency and trust are established on the network. Bitcoin can be possessed via cryptography to lock it up, such that users are able to store private keys securely to authorize transactions. Although Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus is energy-requiring, efforts continue to be made in order to incentivize eco-friendly mining methods.

How Much More Bitcoin (BTC) Is There Still to Mine?

Of the total 21 million bitcoins that there will ever be, about 19 million are mined. This leaves about 2 million more bitcoins to be mined. As supply of available coins dwindles, mining reward is reduced from time to time during so-called “halving events,” which cuts back on the process and raises the energy demand.

As a result of these halvings, it will take considerably more years to mine out the last bitcoins. The last bitcoin is estimated to be mined sometime during the year 2140, which shows how mining will gradually slow down as the total supply reaches its limit.

How Are New Bitcoins Created?

New bitcoins are created by the mining process, where powerful computers are used by the miners to solve complex cryptography problems. While miners authenticate transactions, they also construct new blocks within the blockchain. As a reward for their services, miners are rewarded with new bitcoins. It is called proof-of-work and is the basis of Bitcoin’s decentralized security.

At its early stages, it was achievable to mine with regular computers. But with higher difficulty, contemporary mining today can only be achieved with specialized hardware and high power consumption. Thus, most of the miners are now resorting to clean energy sources such as hydroelectric and solar power to minimize their footprint on the environment.

Efforts to make mining more sustainable persist. With better technology and growing momentum toward green energy, Bitcoin mining becomes even more efficient and eco-friendly. Such advances also help in making the security of the network and resistance to any possible attack even stronger.

How Long Does It Take to Mine New Bitcoins (BTC)?

It will take approximately 10 minutes to dig one block on the Bitcoin network. This is intentionally maintained as an average to regulate the pace at which new bitcoins are released. The network will make adjustments automatically to the mining difficulty approximately every two weeks based on the overall computational power, or hash rate, so that block time is constant—whether additional miners join the network or not.

As part of the Bitcoin protocol, halving events occur occasionally, reducing the reward for miners. This slows down the distribution of new bitcoins in the economy. Miners are currently receiving 3.125 BTC per block, and this amount will continue decreasing with each halving.

Will Bitcoins Ever Amount to 21 Million?

No, Bitcoin’s total supply is 21 million, hardcoded into its protocol by creator Satoshi Nakamoto. The fixed supply was done in order to introduce digital scarcity, similar to precious metals like gold which are scarce.

While the theoretical maximum is 21 million, the functional circulating supply is likely a bit lower due to lost wallets or mislaid private keys. However, the absolute maximum number of bitcoins that will ever exist isn’t changed.

Since the reward for mining is cut in half every four years or so, it will take until about 2140 to mine the last bitcoin. Afterward, there will be no new bitcoins created.

What Will Happen When the Final Bitcoin Is Mined?

When the last bitcoin has been mined, for instance, in 2140, there will be no new coins added into the system. However, the Bitcoin system will keep running. The miners will move from a block reward to making money entirely based on transaction fees.

These charges will be used as a reward for validating transactions and securing the network. The protocol’s design makes it such that in the absence of new coin creation, the system is sustainable and secure.

What is a Bitcoin Halving Event?

A Bitcoin halving is roughly every four years, reducing the reward to miners by half. The mechanism is built into Bitcoin in an effort to decelerate the rate at which new bitcoins are emitted and forge predictable scarcity.

For instance, when Bitcoin initially existed, one was rewarded 50 BTC for every block. That amount has already halved several times to 25 BTC, to 12.5 BTC, and now to 3.125 BTC. After the next halving, that level will fall to 1.5625 BTC.

Reducing events are significant because they hold back the supply of new bitcoins entering circulation. This shortage has a tendency to be a major determinant of increasing demand, and this can influence Bitcoin’s market value over the long term.

New Bitcoin Prices and Transaction Fees: How Do They Change with a Total Supply Increase?

Bitcoin’s hard limit of 21 million coins plays a significant part in both its price as well as the workings of fees for transactions. As supply approaches reaching this limit, the restricted pool of available bitcoins increases the scarcity, which in turn increases demand—and hence price automatically. While fiat money can be printed indefinitely, Bitcoin’s supply model of being finite makes it more desirable as a form of money to hold.

Because mining rewards go down over time as a consequence of regular halving events, fewer new bitcoins are added to circulation. Because less money is being mined, miners get smaller block rewards, so the fees on transactions become even more substantial in periods of increased network utilization and market instability.

Bitcoin’s Value

Bitcoin is underpinned in large extent by its rarity, decentralized state, and security. The less number of bitcoins that are generated, the more demand is generated, making it more attractive as an investment for the long-term. Bitcoin is also attractive to investors because it is not controlled by central banks, has minimal regulatory risk, and is supported by cryptographic principles, and hence is a solid digital asset.

Mining Fees

As the network approaches its supply limit, transaction fees will become increasingly essential revenue streams for miners. They will compensate miners for verifying transactions and defending the network when block rewards are negligible.

During peak network saturation, when there are additional transactions waiting to be processed, users will pay higher fees for faster confirmation. During downtime, fees drop. In the long term, such market-based fees will be the primary reward to encourage miners to stay active and the blockchain secure.

The Final Word

As Bitcoin gets closer to its 21-million cap, the network will continue to change. While the block reward decreases, fees will take center stage to compensate miners and protect the network.

Despite the energy-needy reputation of mining, the sector is rapidly changing with the incorporation of renewable and efficient energy technologies. Not only does this increase sustainability, but it also improves the long-term viability of Bitcoin.

Lastly, the root properties of scarcity, decentralization, and network security will drive the future of Bitcoin, solidifying its position as a leading digital asset on the world’s market.

The post How Many Bitcoins Are Left? BTC Supply and Mining Explained appeared first on Blockchain.

Since they went live, more than 200,000 Ordinal NFTs have been made by a rapidly growing community of developers, collectors, and hobbyists excited by the idea of NFTs natively native to Bitcoin. But what are they, and how do they really function?

What Are Ordinal Inscriptions?

Ordinal NFTs, or inscriptions, are produced by stamping data—like pictures, videos, or text—right onto specific satoshis (the lowest-denomination unit of Bitcoin) in the Bitcoin base layer. While previous Bitcoin NFTs on secondary layers used to work, Ordinal NFTs have no use of secondary layers whatsoever.

This is facilitated by ordinal theory, which gives each satoshi a serial number, essentially a distinct identity. This method does not involve any protocol changes to Bitcoin or depend on extra layers. It is completely backward compatible and renders Ordinal NFTs native to the network.

A satoshi (or “sat”) is 1/100,000,000 of a Bitcoin, the smallest unit of denomination.

The History of Ordinal NFTs

While the conceptual foundations of Ordinal NFTs were borrowed from ordinal theory, their concrete development was only made possible due to two fundamental protocol upgrades to the Bitcoin protocol: Segregated Witness (SegWit) in 2017 and Taproot in 2021.

Although these protocol upgrades weren’t specifically designed to enable NFTs, they inadvertently allowed the possibility for NFTs to exist natively on Bitcoin by making on-chain data storage more flexible.

Segregated Witness (SegWit)

Launched in 2017, SegWit was a soft fork Bitcoin protocol upgrade. It separated Bitcoin transactions into two components by relocating the signature (or “witness”) data to an independent area towards the end of the transaction. This format allowed Bitcoin to:

• Bypass strict blocksize constraints
• Allow optional arbitrary data inclusion
• Solve for transaction malleability problems

This update provided for a discount on block weight when storing witness data, allowing more data to be added to transactions without going over blocksize limits. Although SegWit was not designed to enable NFTs, it laid the groundwork for their existence by increasing the amount of space available for arbitrary data in each block.

Taproot

Taproot, which was enabled in November 2021, was a major protocol update that aimed to increase privacy, scalability, and smart contract functionality within Bitcoin. Among its numerous enhancements, Taproot streamlined handling and storage of witness data and eased restrictions on arbitrary data inclusion in a transaction.

These improvements made it possible for NFT information to be placed within Bitcoin transactions in the form of Taproot script-path spend scripts, building the technical underpinnings of what later came to be called the “ord” standard.

Taproot made it possible for a single Bitcoin transaction to now hold data loads of as much as Bitcoin’s 4MB block size, radically opening up on-chain media possibilities, including high-definition images, video, and even complete applications.

How Do Bitcoin NFTs Work?

To fully grasp how ordinal NFTs function, there needs to be a differentiation between two very close terms: ordinals and inscriptions, which are often interchanged with one another but capture different facets of the concept.

Ordinals refer to the numbering of satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin) in a specific order to provide each one a unique identity, essentially building the “non-fungible” component.

Inscriptions are the real NFT content, e.g., an image, a video, or text contained within a particular satoshi, rendering it a full NFT.

This design can be likened to the classic NFTs on other blockchains, which typically are composed of two primary components: a tokenID and its respective metadata.

TokenID

Fungible tokens are replaceable. Like one dollar bill is identical to another, you can’t differentiate one Ethereum token from another. TokenIDs make NFTs special—they give each token a unique identifier that makes it transform from a fungible asset into a non-fungible asset.

Note: Two NFTs technically can be the same tokenID if they’re created from two different smart contracts. The contract itself is then what separates them.

Ordinal Theory as TokenID

Bitcoin is fungible by default, there’s no mechanism built into it to differentiate between two satoshis. That’s where ordinal theory comes in.

The breakthrough technology of ordinal NFTs is the framework used to give every single satoshi a special serial number depending on the order of its creation through mining. The very first satoshi that was ever made, the one that existed in 2008, is ordinal #0. Satoshis are then assigned numbers sequentially, and upon passing, their order is preserved in a first-in, first-out transaction framework.

Notably, ordinal theory is not natively a component of the Bitcoin protocol. The Bitcoin network does not technically recognize these figures. Rather, the ordinal system is maintained through a social agreement among developers and users who’ve created tools with it, lending satoshis a distinct existence without changing the fundamental fungibility of Bitcoin.

Metadata

On the majority of blockchains that aren’t Bitcoin, metadata is extra information associated with a token – artwork, in-game items, PFPs, or digital collectibles. This metadata establishes what the NFT is and usually gets stored off-chain or inside a smart contract.

Inscriptions as Metadata

In ordinal NFTs, there is no standalone metadata field as with Ethereum or Solana. Instead, the data is inscribed directly into a Bitcoin transaction’s witness data. This is what it means to be born of the “inscription” term, a term that names the action of inscribing arbitrary data onto a given satoshi.

In order to create an inscription, a user initiates a transaction to a wallet that supports Taproot, and they define which satoshi will be the one to bear the data and include the data within the transaction itself. Care needs to be taken so that the satoshi being inscribed is not used by mistake as the transaction fee. Fortunately, software has been developed to facilitate this with automation and make it available for non-technical users.

How Are Bitcoin Ordinals Different from NFTs?

The key difference between Bitcoin ordinals and regular NFTs is their flexibility and interpretive nature.

Since Bitcoin itself does not officially acknowledge ordinal theory, these NFTs are non-fungible only in practice, not by protocol. This implies that whether an ordinal satoshi is saved as a distinct digital collectible or not is entirely up to its owner.

If a user doesn’t care or recognize the ordinal inscription, they can use the satoshi just like any other Bitcoin – pay with it, use it as a network fee, or transfer it. The inscription is still there, but its meaning is lost if not preserved. This is in contrast to Ethereum NFTs, which are actually distinct from Ethereum tokens and are specially identified and treated by the Ethereum protocol.

Fundamentally, ordinal NFTs are only non-fungible to those who opt to see them as non-fungible, a communal level of meaning over Bitcoin’s fungibility.

The Ordinal NFT Debate

The introduction of ordinal NFTs has generated a heated debate among the Bitcoin community, questioning the purpose of Bitcoin as intended and the future direction of Bitcoin.

On the other hand, some critics contend that Bitcoin should be kept concentrated on secure, peer-to-peer monetary transactions. They see the increasing popularity of ordinal inscriptions, often driven by memes and digital collectibles, as an unwarranted strain on the network. From this view, ordinal NFTs are wasting valuable blockspace and helping drive up transaction fees, diverting from Bitcoin’s original purpose as a decentralized monetary system.

Conversely, proponents view ordinal NFTs as a cultural advancement of Bitcoin. They welcome the possibility of employing Bitcoin’s immutable and decentralized ledger for something other than money, perceiving ordinal inscriptions as an opportunity to fill the network with art, history, and digital permanence.

Because ordinal NFTs are currently supported by the existing Bitcoin ruleset, turning them off would need to be a protocol-level adjustment, a difficult and uncommon occurrence. In the end, whether ordinals become a long-term fixture in Bitcoin’s universe will ultimately be up to how the wider community wants to define and frame the future of the network.

The post What Are Ordinals? Bitcoin NFTs Explained appeared first on Blockchain.

Table of Contents:

1. What Is Day Trading?
2. How Much Can a Crypto Day Trader Make?
3. Can Day Trading Make a Living?
4. How To Start Day Trading Cryptocurrency
4.1 Set a Specific Time Frame
4.2 Execute Technical Analysis
4.3 Execute Risk Management
5. Is Crypto Day Trading Worth It?
6. What are the most effective technical indicators for cryptocurrency day trading?
7. What Do You Need To Watch Out For When Day Trading Crypto?
8. How Does Market Sentiment Affect Day Trading Crypto?
9. What Are Other Cryptocurrency Trading Strategies?
10. Is Day Trading Crypto Legal?
11. The Bottom Line

What Is Day Trading?

Day trading is the art of purchasing and selling investments during a day in hopes of benefiting from temporary changes in prices. In the mad rush of cryptocurrency life, it means doing so quickly and correctly.

What sets crypto day trading apart from other types of day trading is that it’s constant. Where other markets close at night, the crypto market is open 24/7. This gives traders unlimited opportunity but also increases the risk of burnout or overtrading. Even goods such as crypto credit cards reward habitual purchases with crypto and keep traders in constant activity within the market.

Fundamentally, crypto day trading relies on the safety and openness of blockchain technology. The projects are designed with technical analysis, sentiment, and current news. It’s not for everybody, but it works nicely for people who excel in environments of great pressure.

How Much Can a Crypto Day Trader Make?

Profit changes greatly depending on a trader’s experience, skills, and existing market conditions. Some of them make hundreds, and even thousands of dollars every day in profit, while others can make very large losses.

Most essential reasons for being profitable are:

• Volatility: Highly traded cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum have enormous price swings.
• Risk Tolerance: Good traders understand their limitations and stick to them.
• Scalping Frequency: Frequent, small trades can add up if you’re focused and disciplined.

Can Day Trading Make a Living?

It’s possible to make a living from crypto day trading, but it’s far from guaranteed. Many successful traders spend years honing their skills before reaching consistent profitability.

If you’re just starting out, it’s important to treat day trading as a learning process. Mastering technical analysis, practicing risk management, and using the right tools are essential for long-term success.

How To Start Day Trading Cryptocurrency

Starting your crypto day trading journey requires thoughtful planning and strategy. Here’s how to begin:

Set a Specific Time Frame

Choose a time scale for trading that best suits your needs and availability. Standard ranges include 15-minute, 1-hour, and 4-hour charts. The shorter scales can catch quick movement, whereas longer scales show bigger trends.

Execute Technical Analysis

Technical analysis is necessary to understand price trends and patterns. Master the art of reading candlestick charts and utilize indicators such as moving averages or Bollinger Bands to more intelligently make trades.

Execute Risk Management

Protect your capital with sound risk management:

• Apply stop-loss orders to contain losses
• Set take-profit levels to secure gains
• Don’t put more than 1–2% of your capital at risk on a single trade

Set your risk comfort and adhere to those limits. Crypto volatility can go either way.

Is Crypto Day Trading Worth It?

Crypto day trading can pay, though it’s not without its pitfalls. It’s worth it or not depending on your goals, risk level, and learning desire.

Benefits:

• Potential for High Gains: Day trades have the potential for quick gains
• Flexibility: Trade at will, from anywhere

Downsides:

• Time-Consuming: Requires focus and attention all day long
• Volatile: Without discipline, fluctuations in the market can lead to huge losses

Day trading cryptocurrency can be profitable if you are educated, strategic, and committed.

What are the most effective technical indicators for cryptocurrency day trading?

Effective traders use technical indicators to make their decisions. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

RSI is a measure of how quickly prices move and shows whether an asset is overbought or oversold. Divergences between price and RSI show possible trend reversals.

Moving Averages (MA)

Moving averages show trends in price over time.

• Simple Moving Average (SMA) provides a general trend for a specified period
• Exponential Moving Average (EMA) reacts faster to new prices

Crossover signals, when short-term and long-term MAs cross, can signal changes in momentum.

MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)

MACD signals changes in momentum. It is bearish when the MACD line crosses below the Signal Line and bullish when it crosses above. Its histogram also charts the trend’s strength.

Volume

Volume measures the amount of trading going on. High volume during price action confirms the trend’s strength. It’s especially helpful in validating breakouts and eliminating false signals.

To get the most out of these indicators, employ a combination of a few indicators that align with your trading horizon. For instance, RSI works wonderfully for short trades, while moving averages are better for longer trades.

What Do You Need To Watch Out For When Day Trading Crypto?

Choosing the right cryptocurrency is essential for successful day trading. Focus on assets with high liquidity, good price movement, and positive market sentiment.

• High Volatility : Bitcoin and Ethereum are renowned for being volatile, making them ideal for short-term profit.
• High Liquidity : Highly traded assets allow for smoother, faster transactions. Liquidity discourages slippage, enabling you to buy and sell with minimal price disruption.
• Market Cap : Large-cap tokens are more stable and less volatile in terms of wild price movements. For beginners, these are a better starting point.
• Market Sentiment : News, social media, and economic conditions have a significant influence on the behavior of traders. Understanding how to determine sentiment will enable you to forecast market movement.
• Resistance Levels : Determination of areas of support and resistance enables you to make intelligent decisions regarding when to enter or close positions, optimizing returns while minimizing risk.

How Does Market Sentiment Affect Day Trading Crypto?

Market sentiment is what investors in aggregate think about a cryptocurrency and usually dictates its short-term price movements. A trending tweet or unexpected news can result in dramatic price fluctuations within minutes.

Harnessing Social Media Trends

Platforms like Twitter and Reddit are a source of sentiment indicators. Monitoring trending hashtags or using sentiment analysis tools can give you an idea of the attitude of the market.

Reactions to News and Events

Positive developments, such as major collaborations or technological upgrades, tend to push prices higher. Negative concerns such as regulatory tension or security breaches can create extreme plunges. Staying up to date allows you to make your move.

Sentiment Analysis Tools

Sentiment analysis software measures such things as engagement, sentiment, and volume of internet discourse. Coupled with on-chain analytics, these monitor coin activity and wallet interaction, these tools offer an understanding of where the market might be going.

While technical analysis shows the “what” in market behavior, sentiment analysis provides insight into the “why.” Using both together enhances your ability to make timely, informed trades.

What Are Other Cryptocurrency Trading Strategies?

To enhance your overall performance, diversifying your strategy using other successful trading methods comes in handy:

Arbitrage

This involves buying an asset at a lower price in one market and selling it at a higher price in another. Even though the margins are narrow, arbitrage is fast and risk-free if done perfectly.

Scalping

Scalping achieves small gains by executing rapid trades in small time periods, say 1 or 5 minutes. It requires speed, precision, and excellent liquidity.

Range Trading

During stable market conditions, support and resistance levels are utilized to earn by buying at support and selling at resistance. The strategy is most effective when price movement occurs within a predictable range.

HODL (Buy and Hold)

It’s a long-term approach that involves owning assets regardless of short-term market movements. It’s perfect for projects with solid fundamentals and long-term appreciation potential.

Futures Trading

Futures allow you to place a bet on price movement without actually owning the asset. Though they offer leverage and high yields, they’re dangerous.

Is Day Trading Crypto Legal?

Day trading cryptocurrency is legal in most countries, but it varies by location.

• Compliance: Several governments require reporting crypto traders’ capital gains. There is a need to know your tax obligations.
• Regulations: Use exchanges that comply with local regulations, such as Coinbase or Binance, which have compliance systems.
• Restrictions: Some countries have banned crypto trading altogether (China), while others have specific restrictions.

Always consult your local trading and tax regulations. Use compliant exchanges and document all trades for reporting.

The Bottom Line

Crypto day trading is exhilarating opportunity, but it’s not for the faint of heart. With the right tools, methods, and sound knowledge of market dynamics, you can join this high-speed world with confidence.

Day Trading Crypto success is a matter of preparation, self-control, and constant learning. If you stay informed and manage your risk level in accord, you’ll be in a better position to profit from volatility.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Day Trading Crypto appeared first on Blockchain.

Table of Contents:

1. Discovering the Top 10 Meme Coins that Will Explode
1.1 Dogecoin
1.2 Shiba Inu
1.3 Dogwifhat
1.4 Gigachad
1.5 Floki Inu
1.6 Pepe
1.7 Bonk
1.8 Peanut the Squirrel
1.9 Popcat
1.10 Cats in a Dogs World (MEW)
2. Final Thoughts

Discovering the Top 10 Meme Coins that Will Explode

Meme coins are a special type of crypto asset that marries internet memes with blockchain. At first, they were written off as jokes, but meme coins have grown into full-fledged projects with very active communities. In fact, several of these coins are now being governed by community votes, overlaying a degree of decentralized governance. The price of meme coins tends to be based on popular culture events that are currently trending or celebrity and influencer endorsements. If you’re willing to take speculative investment and you like engaging in new crypto communities, consider adding the below-listed meme coins to your investment portfolio.

1. Dogecoin

Dogecoin is also the most widely known meme coin to enter the crypto market. Introduced in 2013, it was created from the viral Shiba Inu meme. For someone seeking answers to, “Which meme coin should I invest in today?” Dogecoin is usually the initial response because of its history and usage.

As opposed to Bitcoin, Dogecoin does not have a finite supply cap. It employs the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus model, where miners engage in the solution of challenging puzzles to secure transactions. Dogecoin received immense attention in 2021 after endorsements from Elon Musk, which saw major price swings. Its primary application areas are in microtransactions, tipping, and philanthropic efforts. With small transaction fees and an engaged base of users, Dogecoin is still an attractive choice for meme coin investors.

2. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu is another well-known meme coin to look out for in 2025. As Dogecoin’s direct competitor, SHIB was founded in 2020 on the Ethereum blockchain. In contrast to Dogecoin, it uses the Proof of Stake (PoS) system, where token ownership is used to validate transactions.

Shiba Inu has an anonymous founder, similar to Bitcoin. The vision of the project is to develop a decentralized community based on its ecosystem with SHIB holders also controlling project governance. Although the token has seen extreme price fluctuations, its main attraction is speculative trading.

3. Dogwifhat

Dogwifhat is a newer Shiba Inu-themed meme coin that has gained popularity very fast in the cryptocurrency world. The WIF token was inspired by a viral photo of a pink knitted hat-wearing Shiba Inu, the look which has taken the internet by storm.

WIF has come far, surpassing popular Pepe Coin to place third in the list of market-capitalization top meme coins. It owes most of its rise to a solid following and large exchanges listing it. Dogwifhat is also favored in being developed on Solana, a blockchain network known for superior performance and scaling. Experts associate its rise with that of Solana as much due to their popularity as whale investment interest.

4. Gigachad

Gigachad illustrates the creative potential of meme culture as it enters the realm of crypto. As opposed to the usual dog- or cat-based tokens, the GIGA meme coin draws inspiration from the popular ‘Gigachad’ meme with a hulking male character representing ultimate masculinity.

GIGA uses this cultural symbolism to appeal to a wider audience and has solidified its position with high-profile partnerships. Most importantly, it has collaborated with a UFC fighter and a high-end fitness brand, as well as being listed on top crypto exchanges—firmly establishing itself in the meme coin space.

5. Floki Inu

Another meme coin that has been attracting serious attention among the top 2025 picks is Floki Inu. It has a close connection to Elon Musk and Dogecoin, as the cryptocurrency is named after Musk’s personal dog. While it started off as a meme, Floki Inu soon became a fully-fledged Web3 project.

FLOKI has now become a utility token across domains like NFTs, DeFi, and the metaverse. It is a multi-chain token and functions on both Ethereum and BNB Chain to provide cross-chain interoperability. Its metaverse initiative, Valhalla, has gained increased traction and might be a prime driver of its long-term performance.

6. Pepe

Pepe Coin is an absolute add-to-any-top-meme-currency-to-watch list. As much as it’s a relatively newer entry, it has exploded in growth post-launch. Rooted in the famous “Pepe the Frog” meme, PEPE has experienced substantial price fluctuations despite the naturally volatile nature.

Released more for fun than practicality, Pepe Coin was created without inherent value, yet it has found great connection with online communities. Boasting 420 trillion circulating supply and over 400% growth shortly after its release, PEPE is a high-risk, high-reward meme coin.

7. Bonk

Bonk is one of the emergent stars within meme coins and is set to cause waves within 2025. With a reputation for strong social media and lively community engagement, Bonk has established a niche through participatory storytelling and internet culture-centered branding.

Its success is heavily facilitated by the support of the community, which has assisted in increasing both its popularity and market capitalization. As long as community participation continues, Bonk has the potential to expand even more in the meme coin sector.

8. Peanut the Squirrel

Unlike the majority of meme coins that have their roots in funny or light-hearted beginnings, Peanut the Squirrel has a sad history. The PNUT coin was created in memory of a pet squirrel that had to be put down, and the community rallied together in a display of unity.

Even though it has an emotional background, PNUT has experienced remarkable performance—posting an 800% increase in its first week and a market cap of more than $420 million. Interestingly, the project has also gained the support of Elon Musk, giving it an added credibility boost.

9. Popcat

Popcat introduces a cat spin on meme coin territory, challenging the reign of dog-themed tokens. Based on the Solana blockchain, Popcat utilizes the network’s speed and low fees to appeal to fans of both cats and memes.

Though it started slow in its growth, Popcat took off after changing to a community-governed model. Its decentralization set off a rally of almost 5000% in price. With robust community support, Popcat is one of the brightest meme coins out there today.

10. Cats in a Dogs World (MEW)

Coming in at number 10 is Cats in a Dogs World, or MEW. This initiative seeks to shake up the meme coin sector by launching a cat-themed alternative with solidly thought-out tokenomics and an innovative idea.

MEW incinerates 90% of its liquidity pool while sharing the rest of the 10% via community airdrops, promoting organic growth and participation. The project is also developing a 3D animated series in association with LOCUS Animation, which could increase its popularity and exposure in the crypto community.

Final Thoughts

The rise of these top 10 meme coins reflects the growing diversity and creativity in the crypto ecosystem. Unlike utility tokens or platform-based assets, meme coins thrive on social trends, pop culture references, and community hype.

While others are strictly speculative, some are on their way to becoming respectable Web3 projects. For investors with a riskier appetite, meme coins provide a distinctive chance to be a part of rapidly developing, community-focused space. Discover how to invest in them thoroughly and uncover an entirely new universe within the crypto space.

The post List of Top 10 Meme Coins to Buy appeared first on Blockchain.

Table of Contents:

1. What Is Crypto Arbitrage?
2. What Are the Main Types of Crypto Arbitrage?
2.1 Cross-Exchange Arbitrage
2.2 Triangular Arbitrage
2.3 Decentralized Arbitrage
2.4 Flash Loan Arbitrage
3. How To Profit From Crypto Arbitrage
3.1 Liquidity
4. What Are the Risks of Crypto Arbitrage?
4.1 Volatility
4.2 Slippage
4.3 Exchange Withdrawal Delays
4.4 Regulatory Risks
5. What To Know About Automated Tools for Crypto Arbitrage
5.1 Bots
5.2 Arbitrage Calculators
5.3 Alert Systems
6. What Are Some Best Practices for Crypto Arbitrage Traders?
7. The Bottom Line

What Is Crypto Arbitrage?

Crypto arbitrage is a type of transaction where the difference in the prices of cryptocurrencies on different exchanges is exploited. Since there is no unified rate for the cryptocurrency market, every exchange is an independent operating unit, creating scope for various asset prices.

For instance, Bitcoin may be valued at $50,000 on one and $50,200 on another. One would purchase Bitcoin from the former and sell it immediately on the latter for a margin of $200.

These price changes happen for different reasons, the most common among which are differences in liquidity between exchanges. More liquid exchanges will show price movement faster than less liquid platforms. Regional demand and other fiat currencies are also causes of price changes. The decentralization of the crypto market tends to generate arbitrage spontaneously.

What Are the Main Types of Crypto Arbitrage?

Crypto arbitrage strategies may come in literally hundreds of various forms, each with a specific approach towards making money from price discrepancies among markets. The most well-known are cross-exchange arbitrage, triangular arbitrage, decentralized arbitrage, and flash loan arbitrage.

Cross-Exchange Arbitrage

It is the most basic and common type of arbitrage. It involves buying a cryptocurrency at a lower price on one exchange and then selling it at a higher price on another.

Speed is also important here, as market inefficiencies will probably be eliminated in a matter of a short time. Transfers between exchanges must also be taken into consideration by traders as this may put them out of the arbitrage window before they would be able to execute the trade.

Triangular Arbitrage

Triangular arbitrage is price discrepancies among three pairs of alternate trading within the same exchange.

For example, the trader would take note of differences in prices for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). Traders make subsequent trades roll back from these vehicles to the underlying cryptocurrency in order to take advantage of the disparity to make money. Volatility of exchange rates on any one of the three vehicles creates or eliminates such opportunities for arbitrage.

Decentralized Arbitrage

This method depends on arbitrage between centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). DEXs use automated market makers (AMMs) whose prices are determined by the mechanisms of the liquidity pool, which are automatically determined to produce price discrepancies relative to centralized exchanges using order book mechanics.

By buying an asset at one of the lower prices and selling it at the other higher price, traders can take advantage of these changes. Decentralized finance (DeFi) is particularly relevant to this strategy as it expands.

Flash Loan Arbitrage

Flash loan arbitrage is a high-level arbitrage strategy facilitated by DeFi platforms. It allows traders to borrow large sums of cryptocurrency uncollateralized, provided the loan is paid back in the same blockchain transaction.

In this, borrowed capital is utilized to take advantage of price disparities between pools of liquidity or exchanges, and the loan is paid back prior to the closure of a transaction. Smart contracts have significant dependency on flash loan arbitrage, which exposes one to DeFi mechanics as well as coding in blockchain.

How To Profit From Crypto Arbitrage

Profiting from crypto arbitrage hinges on several key factors, including timing, speed, liquidity, and transaction costs. Among these, speed is paramount. Unlike traditional financial markets, cryptocurrency trading occurs around the clock, with prices changing constantly. Traders must act swiftly to capitalize on fleeting price discrepancies.

In order to have an edge, the majority employ automated trading robots that are able to scan numerous exchanges simultaneously and make trades in seconds. Such robots are useful when employing techniques such as cross-exchange and triangular arbitrage, in which a second matters.

Another fundamental component is transaction cost management. All trades incur charges – trading, withdrawal, and blockchain network fees—and these can erode profit. Traders need sufficient spread between buying and selling prices to cover these expenses. Lower trading fees for possessors of a native token are one of the exchanges offered, offering another expense-cutting opportunity, similar to rewards earned through the utilization of crypto credit cards.

Liquidity

Liquidity is also an important consideration when executing arbitrage strategies. Liquid markets enable traders to execute large-size trades without considerably influencing the price of the asset.

Conversely, low liquidity can lead to slippage when the executed price is inferior to the rate expected. It destroys potential profit. Traders should therefore desist from it by opting for platforms that support high volumes of trading and normal liquidity, filling the trades at or near the preferred price.

What Are the Risks of Crypto Arbitrage?

Though crypto arbitrage is lucrative, it is not riskless. Understanding these risks is essential to long-term success.

Volatility

The cryptocurrency market is famously volatile. Prices can fluctuate wildly in a matter of seconds. Even brief delays in making trades can turn a potential profit into a loss. For example, the price of a token can shift while it’s being transferred between exchanges, erasing any profit margin.

Slippage

Slippage refers to the difference between the price that was expected and the real executed price of a trade. It occurs during periods of high volatility or on poorly liquid exchanges, and can considerably reduce, if not eliminate, arbitrage profits.

Exchange Withdrawal Delays

Processing delays for withdrawals from exchanges may also hinder arbitrage transactions. Processing withdrawals on some platforms is time-consuming, and heavy traffic on the blockchain network further delays transactions. For example, excessive Ethereum gas costs during heavy traffic can consume substantial profit.

Regulatory Risks

Crossing borders also has regulatory concerns. Regulations for transferring digital assets vary by nation, and traders can face fines, surcharges, or get banned if they don’t comply with local policy. Understanding the legal framework of your trade is vital in an effort to make things simple.

What To Know About Automated Tools for Crypto Arbitrage

Due to the pace of the crypto market, arbitrage traders are no longer able to manage without automation.

Bots

Trading robots are computer programs that constantly monitor prices across trading platforms and automatically trade when they spot an arbitrage opportunity. Bots can be programmed to implement particular strategies and run 24/7 without the need for regular human monitoring.

Arbitrage Calculators

These utilities help traders determine if a price difference is worth taking. By factoring in fees such as trading, transfer, and withdrawal fees, calculators provide an accurate estimate of potential profit before a trade is executed.

Alert Systems

Customized alerts notify traders of significant price differences between exchanges. Traders can set thresholds to be notified only when an opportunity is worth the given profit thresholds, allowing for timely and informed decision-making.

What Are Some Best Practices for Crypto Arbitrage Traders?

Beginners must begin with small trades so as to reduce risk while learning about arbitrage. Exchanges have to be chosen properly as well. Some exchanges offer quicker transactions, lower fees, or better liquidity.

Continuous optimization of trading strategies relative to market trend, fee, and liquidity levels will provide better results. Spread of trades among exchanges and cryptos and placing stop-loss orders are also critical to minimizing risk.

Lastly, staying up to date with crypto news and trends can allow the trader to see changes coming and adapt their strategy in real time.

The Bottom Line

Crypto arbitrage is a strategy that exploits price disparities between the decentralized and highly fragmented crypto market to make profit with comparatively low risk. Whether in cross-exchange trades, triangular schemes, or complex schemes like flash loans, arbitrage offers a unique way of making money out of market inefficiencies.

Of course, success is dependent on timely execution, accurate cost estimation, and efficient risk control. With the appropriate combination of tools, insight, and self-discipline, crypto arbitrage is a powerful way to make money in the dynamic world of digital assets.

The post What Is Crypto Arbitrage & How Can You Profit? appeared first on Blockchain.

Oracles are significant in this environment in that they connect blockchains to offchain data and facilitate interoperability among various blockchain networks. Without oracles, blockchains would be siloed, with the potential applications severely restricted.

Table of Contents:

1. What Is an Oracle Network?
2. Solving the Oracle Problem
3. Decentralized Oracles
4. Types of Blockchain Oracles
4.1 Input Oracles
4.2 Output Oracles
4.3 Cross-Chain Oracles
4.4 Compute-Enabled Oracles
4.5 Oracle Reputation and Performance History
5. Blockchain Oracle Use Cases
5.1 Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
5.2 Dynamic NFTs and Gaming
5.3 Insurance
5.4 Enterprise Solutions
5.5 Sustainability and Environmental Impact
6. Final Thoughts

What Is an Oracle Network?

Oracles allow for a bridge between the decentralized Web3 environment and outside data sources, legacy systems, and computing resources. Decentralized Oracle Networks (DONs) facilitate the implementation of hybrid smart contracts, which use onchain and offchain elements to fuel sophisticated decentralized applications (dApps) which react to real-world occurrences and communicate with incumbent systems.

Suppose, for instance, there is a wager between Alice and Bob on the result of a sporting contest. Alice places a $20 bet on Team A, and Bob places a $20 bet on Team B, with the combined $40 being escrowed by a smart contract. To properly pay out the winnings, though, the smart contract must know whether or not the match was won. That is where an oracle enters the picture—it fetches the ending score of the game from some offchain source and reliably delivers it onchain, to enable proper execution of the smart contract.

Solving the Oracle Problem

The blockchain oracle issue is a name given to a fundamental restriction of smart contracts: they are unable to access data offchain directly. Anything that is outside of a blockchain is offchain, and anything kept inside the blockchain is onchain. Because blockchains are deliberately isolated, they have robust consensus protocols, defend against double-spending, and minimize network risks. But if smart contracts must communicate with data in the outside world, an oracle must provide a bridge between onchain and offchain realms.

The oracle problem needs to be solved, as the majority of smart contract applications, especially in DeFi, rely on real-world information. Oracles broaden the capabilities of blockchain-based contracts while maintaining blockchain security features. Oracles serve various industries, such as:

• Finance: Retrieving asset prices for DeFi use cases
• Insurance: Providing weather information for automated claims
• Gaming: Offering randomness for equitable outcomes
• Supply Chain: Merging IoT sensor information
• Government Services: Enabling ID authentication

As oracle-supplied data is directly used for executing smart contracts, it is important that such data feeds be accurate and secure. If an oracle supplies incorrect or tampered data, smart contracts can fail, resulting in huge losses.

Decentralized Oracles

Using a centralized oracle to provide data poses one point of failure, contradicting the decentralized approach of blockchain applications. If the centralized oracle becomes offline, the smart contract can:

• Fail to process because necessary data is unavailable
• Process transactions based on outdated or incorrect data
• Be exploited via manipulated or imprecise inputs

The “garbage in, garbage out” issue arises when the flawed data results in wrong contract implementation, and as blockchain transactions cannot be altered, mistakes cannot be reversed, potentially resulting in permanent loss of user funds.

To completely overcome the oracle problem, blockchain apps need to use decentralized oracles that avoid:

• Data tampering
• False data
• Downtime and service interruptions

A Decentralized Oracle Network (DON) provides trustworthy data by bringing together a cluster of individual oracle nodes and correlating information from various data sources. This design enables end-to-end decentralization, minimizing the threats of single-point failures considerably.

DONs also enable hybrid smart contracts, blending onchain execution with offchain processing of data. This enhances decentralized applications’ capabilities to engage with the real world and conventional IT infrastructure.

Types of Blockchain Oracles

Blockchain Oracles are found in a range of types as a result of the multitude of offchain resources to which they respond. Hybrid smart contracts rely upon a variety of types of external data, compute power, and delivery systems that necessitate differing amounts of security and authentication. In most cases, oracles include some variation of data sourcing, verification, calculation, and dissemination in order to facilitate trustable smart contract operation.

Input Oracles

Input oracles are the most common variety, retrieving real-world information from offchain data sources and bringing it onto a blockchain for consumption by smart contracts. They  supply critical information like financial market information for decentralized finance, weather information for insurance policies, and randomness generation for gaming. By connecting real-world information to smart contracts, input oracles allow decentralized applications to respond dynamically to real-world events.

Output Oracles

Output oracles do the reverse of input oracles by enabling smart contracts to connect with offchain systems and elicit certain activities. These could be sending orders to banking networks to make payments, requesting cloud storage providers to save blockchain data, or sending instructions to IoT devices to unlock a car door following an onchain rental payment. Output oracles allow smart contracts to smoothly interface with legacy systems, providing real-world operations automatically based on blockchain events.

Cross-Chain Oracles

Cross-chain oracles provide interoperability by allowing data and assets to transfer across blockchains. They are utilized to read and write data across chains so applications can benefit from blockchain technology without being limited to a single network. They are typically employed to initiate smart contract executions on a single blockchain according to information on another, as well as to bridge digital assets so they may be used outside of their native networks. Cross-chain oracles enhance the functionality of multi-chain applications and decentralized finance ecosystems by enabling seamless interaction between various blockchain protocols.

Compute-Enabled Oracles

Compute-enabled oracles offer offchain computation that improves the functionality of smart contracts. These oracles process computationally intensive calculations and data processing operations that are infeasible to run directly onchain because of technical, legal, or economic limitations. They come in handy for applications which involve high-performance data processing, decision-making informed by artificial intelligence, privacy-preserving computations, as well as adherence to legal frameworks that bar some forms of processing from taking place on the blockchain. Compute-enabled oracles enable decentralized applications to preserve security and trust while utilizing offchain computing power.

Oracle Reputation and Performance History

As there is such a wide variety of oracle services, reputation is an important factor in determining oracle service providers. Blockchain oracle reputation systems allow users and developers to review historical performance and screen providers by reliability measures. Oracles sign and broadcast their data to a public blockchain, making their record trackable. Reputation frameworks review aspects like historical data feed accuracy, service downtime frequency, and performance across various blockchain networks. Such openness enables developers to select reliable oracles, minimizing the threats posed by unreliable or falsified information.

Blockchain Oracle Use Cases

Developers of smart contracts utilize oracles to design more sophisticated decentralized applications in various domains. Some of the most common use cases, popularly known and applied, are listed below.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Oracles are a core component of decentralized finance as they deliver real-time financial information. DeFi applications depend on oracles to receive price feeds, evaluate collateralization for lending platforms, and calculate liquidity pool adjustments for automated market makers. DeFi protocols cannot function correctly without proper oracle data since financial transactions are based on current market prices and risk evaluations.

Dynamic NFTs and Gaming

Oracles facilitate dynamic NFTs and blockchain gaming applications by enabling smart contracts to react to off-chain data. NFTs may alter their properties according to real-world scenarios, like time of day or weather. Furthermore, verifiable randomness offered by compute-enabled oracles is also critical for unbiased distribution of NFT characteristics, randomized rewards in games, and fair tournament pairings. With the inclusion of oracles, blockchain games can provide unpredictable, interactive, and verifiable gameplay experiences.

Insurance

Oracles make insurance claims automated by authenticating real-world events. Input oracles fetch information from sensors, web APIs, and satellite imagery to authenticate insurable events like flight delays, natural catastrophes, or car accidents. Output oracles make claim settlement automated by making payments using blockchain or conventional financial networks. By avoiding manual processing and increasing transparency, oracles make insurance operations efficient and simplify the handling of claims.

Enterprise Solutions

Businesses apply cross-chain oracles to implement blockchain technology across current IT systems. With backend systems interfacing with blockchain networks, companies are able to automate supply chain tracking, make transactions based on smart contracts, and securely transfer information between onchain and offchain systems. Oracles enable companies to implement blockchain solutions in a timely manner without the need to make fundamental changes to their workflows.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Hybrid smart contracts backed by oracles help in environmental sustainability by making incentive structures data driven. Oracles provide environmental information from sensors and satellite pictures to validate the effect of green programs like reforestation, carbon offsetting, and mindful consumption patterns. Smart contracts then pay rewards in light of verified information, preventing fraud and providing transparency in sustainability initiatives. Using oracles, blockchain applications can initiate substantial environmental influence through automated and enforceable incentive schemes.

Final Thoughts

Oracles are essential to expanding the potential of blockchain networks by allowing them to engage with real-world data, offchain systems, and other blockchains. With the inclusion of secure and decentralized oracles, blockchain applications can go beyond mere tokenization to enable real-world industries, ranging from finance and gaming to insurance and sustainability. As the Internet revolutionized the way information is shared, oracle-enabled hybrid smart contracts are revolutionizing the way value and agreements are handled in decentralized ecosystems.

The post What is a Blockchain Oracle? appeared first on Blockchain.

But blockchains are not naturally capable of communicating with each other. This absence of interoperability constrains the complete potential of a multi-chain environment, which makes cross chain messaging protocols inevitable. These protocols allow smart contracts to share information between blockchains, building an integrated Web3 ecosystem.

As blockchain environments expand, cross chain interoperability products are becoming ever more vital. These products enable tokens and data to travel safely between networks, allowing easy communication between segregated blockchains.

Cross chain bridges form a central element of this platform for interoperability, enabling tokens and assets to be transferred from one blockchain to another.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Are Cross Chain Bridges Essential in Web3?
2. How Do Cross Chain Bridges Function?
3. Types of Cross Chain Bridges
4. The Challenges of Cross Chain Bridging
4.1 Security Risks
4.2 Fragmented Data and Obscured Transaction Paths
4.3 Lack of Atomicity in Cross Chain Operations
4.4 Scalability Issues

Cross chain bridges: what are they, what type are there, what are their design challenges, and how are the Cross Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) developers working now to solve those problems?

Why Are Cross Chain Bridges Essential in Web3?

Blockchains exist in solitude, unable to natively observe or talk to activity on other chains. Each blockchain is governed by its own rules, including varying protocol designs, native tokens, programming languages, governance models, and community cultures. This fragmentation prevents cross chain communication, restricting economic activity in Web3. Without interoperability, blockchains are siloed economies, unable to move assets or information.

An easy analogy to get a grasp on cross chain bridges is to liken blockchains to continents divided by huge oceans.

• Continent A is rich in natural resources.
• Continent B is rich in agricultural land.
• Continent C is rich in manufacturing with high-skilled workers.

If these continents were not connected, each would suffer—Continent A would have no food, Continent B would not have the technology to optimize production, and Continent C would have no vital resources for production. But through the creation of trade routes, shipping lanes, and infrastructure, these continents would be able to trade resources, optimize efficiency, and prosper as a whole.

Similarly, cross chain bridges connect different blockchain networks such that every chain is able to focus on its point of strength while utilizing the aggregated strength of the larger network.

How Do Cross Chain Bridges Function?

A cross chain bridge is a decentralized application (dApp) that facilitates asset transfer across different blockchains. Through cross chain liquidity, these bridges enhance token utility as well as use of assets beyond a single blockchain.

Cross chain bridges generally work through smart contracts that:

• Lock or incinerate tokens on the original blockchain.
• Unlock or create equivalent tokens on the target blockchain.

Most cross chain bridges leverage a cross chain messaging protocol for secure and uninterrupted token transfers. Most bridges function as application-specific services between two blockchains.

In addition to straightforward token swaps, some cross chain bridges provide:

• Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) that function across multiple chains.
• Cross chain money markets for lending and borrowing between networks.
• Generalized interoperability for sharing data and calling smart contracts between blockchains.

Types of Cross Chain Bridges

There are three main mechanisms through which cross chain bridges function:

• Lock and Mint – A user locks tokens in a smart contract in the source chain, and a corresponding amount of wrapped tokens is minted in the destination chain as an IOU. Upon reverse transfer, the wrapped tokens are burned, and the original tokens are unlocked on the source chain.
• Burn and Mint – Source chain tokens are burned, and the same native tokens are released (minted) on the destination chain.
• Lock and Unlock – Tokens on the source chain are locked, and an equal value of native tokens is unlocked from a liquidity pool on the destination chain. Such bridges tend to pull liquidity on both sides through economic incentives such as revenue sharing.

In addition to mere asset swaps, cross chain bridges can handle arbitrary data messaging, which is used to carry any form of data across chains. This paves the way for programmable token bridges to perform extra action—like exchange, lending, staking, or token deposits—automatically on the destination chain in a single transaction.

Another classification of cross chain bridges is based on their trust model in confirming transactions between blockchains. The less a cross chain solution relies on trust, the greater the computational overhead, the reduced flexibility, and the less generalizable the solution is. These trade-offs are required to enable use cases that need strong security guarantees.

The Challenges of Cross Chain Bridging

Cross chain bridges, that enable cross-communication and asset transfers between other blockchain networks, are faced with some significant challenges. Overcoming these challenges is vital for cross chain safety and efficiency.​

Security Risks

Cross chain bridges are generally an easy victim for design and implementation vulnerability-based attacks. Such attacks were seen at the instance of the Ronin Bridge hack in March 2022 when five out of nine private keys were compromised, evidencing the scale of such attacks.

To defend against such attacks, proper private key management processes have to be in place, i.e., hardware security modules (HSMs), encryption, and multi-signature schemes. Apart from this, conducting a thorough and periodic security audit of smart contracts can also assist in identifying and solving potential vulnerabilities before they are subjected to exploitation.

Fragmented Data and Obscured Transaction Paths

Decentralizing blockchains causes fragmented data in various networks, making cross chain transaction tracking and monitoring complicated. Fragmenting may make the history of transactions unclear, and it is hard to identify criminal activities or comply with regulations while ensuring privacy is not lost.

The necessity of implementing standardized procedures for sharing data across chains and advancing interoperability can mitigate such issues. Adoption of end-to-end monitoring solutions that promote transparency on cross chain operations is also necessary in maintaining transparency and security.

Lack of Atomicity in Cross Chain Operations

Making cross chain operations atomic, i.e., either complete in full or not at all, is the primary challenge. Without atomicity, the risk of partial executions is realized where one part of the transaction executes, and another fails such that the possible losses or inconsistencies are incurred.

For example, a trader could buy an asset on one blockchain and not be able to sell it on another due to the delay or errors in the bridging process.

Having procedures that allow atomic swaps and employing smart contracts that can handle cross chain transactions can make the transactions more stable.

Scalability Issues

While cross chain bridges are intended to enhance scalability through the distribution of transaction loads on multiple blockchains. They themselves suffer from performance bottlenecks. The bottlenecks may be because of limitations in the bridge’s capacity to handle a high number of transactions or due to inefficiency in the base blockchain networks.

Optimization of bridging architecture for performance and support for blockchains offering greater throughput can be beneficial steps to manage scalability problems.

By actively addressing these challenges with robust security, standardized protocols, and optimized architectures. The reliability and efficiency of cross chain bridges can be significantly improved, and more trust and usage can be established in the blockchain space.

The post What is a Cross Chain Bridge? appeared first on Blockchain.

Blockchain Studioz has compiled 25 ways to make money, whether from home, online, or while out and about. Each opportunity includes details such as the skills required, age limitations, and how quickly you can expect to be paid. While many people seek fast cash, don’t overlook slower income streams, as they can be more profitable in the long run.

• How to make money online
• How to generate income from home
• How to make money offline

Table of Contents:

1. How to Make Money Online
2. How to Make Money from Home
3. How to Make Money Offline
4. Steer Clear of Money-Making Scams

How to Make Money Online

1. Take on Freelance Projects Online

You can make money providing freelance work on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. The platforms offer work in areas including writing, coding, graphic design, marketing, data entry, and virtual support.

If you’re bilingual, look to translation jobs at places like Gengo or Blend Express, or offer your services via your site. No matter how much know-how you bring to the table, it is essential to price-check market rates in your arena in order to remain competitive.

A 2024 report from Freelancer.com revealed that demand for computer security jobs grew by 27.1% in the second quarter of the year. Writing jobs also remain in demand, as companies need professionals who can edit AI-generated content and optimize content for SEO. Some freelance writers charge over $100 per hour for their services.

•    Time Required: Securing your first client may take time.
•    Setup: 24–48 hours.
•    Ease of Getting Started: Easy if you have the necessary skills.
•    Age Requirement: Usually 16 to 18+.
•    Payment Speed: Varies by platform.

Important Information

i. Upwork reviews profiles within 48 hours but landing your first job may take longer.

ii. Payment terms vary by platform:

        ◉ Upwork: Payments for hourly contracts follow a weekly billing cycle, with funds available 10 days later. Fixed-price contracts require a five-day wait after milestone completion.

        ◉ Fiverr: Payments are available 14 days after job completion (or sooner for top-rated sellers).

Requirements

◉ Upwork and Fiverr require users to be 18+ to offer services.

◉ Fiverr allows users aged 13+ to work with a guardian’s account.

◉ Freelancer.com has a 16+ age requirement.

2. Test Websites and Apps

A simple way to make money from home is by reviewing websites and apps through platforms like UserTesting.com. Companies pay for feedback on how user-friendly their platforms are.

To qualify, you’ll need to complete a sample test before being accepted. Payments vary based on the type of test.

   ◉ Time Required: Approval may take a few days.

   ◉ Setup: Less than an hour.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Simple if you possess the needed technology.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Usually within 14 days.

Important Information

◉ Practice test is necessary when applying.

◉ You will start getting testing offers once approved.

◉ Payments are done through PayPal, and the rates vary based on test duration.

Requirements

◉ Must be at least 18 years of age.

◉ A computer or cell phone, access to the internet, and a microphone.

◉ Fluency in English, German, or French (other languages can be added for certain tests).

3. Use AI Tools for Income

As the power of artificial intelligence grows, it is a good time to venture into earning opportunities based on AI. As estimated by PwC, the AI industry will add $3.7 trillion to the North American economy by 2030.

A few money-making opportunities related to AI are:

1. Utilizing AI tools to develop digital goods or augment freelance work.
2. Utilizing AI in marketing, advertising, and business automation.
3. Providing AI tool training to others.

   ◉ Time Needed: Depending on demand.

   ◉ Setup: 24–48 hours if through freelance platforms.

   ◉ Ease of Starting: Easier if you have prior AI experience.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 16+ on Freelancer.com, 18+ on Upwork.

   ◉ Speed of Payment: Depends on client agreements and platform policies.

Important Information

◉ Acquiring AI tools requires time, so begin with free resources.

◉ Payment terms are subject to platform and client contracts.

Requirements

◉ A computer, internet, and microphone.

4. Make Money by Taking Online Surveys

Survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie pay users for their opinions. While these platforms won’t make you rich, they offer a way to earn extra income or gift cards.

   ◉ Time Required: Gradual process.

   ◉ Setup: A few minutes.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Very easy.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 13 to 18+, depending on the platform.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Varies by platform.

Important Information

◉ Surveys are great for beginners, as sign-ups are quick.

◉ Some platforms require minimum earnings before cashing out.

◉ Payments may be in cash (via PayPal) or gift cards.

Requirements

◉ Must meet the minimum age requirement (varies by platform).

◉ Some surveys may have specific eligibility criteria.

5. Monetize Your Blog with Affiliate Marketing

If you run a blog with steady traffic, you can make money through affiliate marketing. Affiliate networks pay commissions when readers click links and make purchases.

Popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, CJ, ShareASale, and FlexOffers. Some bloggers make substantial income from affiliate marketing alone.

   ◉ Time Required: Building an audience takes time.

   ◉ Setup: Easy with blog templates.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Moderate, creating content consistently is key.

   ◉ Age Requirement:

   ◉ Payment Speed: Typically one to two months.

Important Information

◉ Requires an active blog or social media presence.

◉ Approval from an affiliate network is necessary.

◉ Payments have minimum thresholds and may take 30–60 days to process.

Requirements

◉ A blog, website, or social media account with regular traffic.

6. Sell Handmade Products on Etsy

If you make handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, or embroidery, you can sell them on Etsy, a well-known marketplace for artisans.

In 2023, Etsy had more than 96 million active shoppers, with total sales over $13 billion.

   ◉ Time Required: Finding customers may take time.

   ◉ Setup: Can be complicated.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Difficult initially.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 13+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Can be daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

Important Information

◉ It is easy to set up an Etsy shop, but it takes work to prepare product listings and get customers.

◉ Payments are first deposited into your Etsy Payments account before going into your bank account.

Requirements

◉ 13-17 year old sellers are required to comply with Etsy’s policies for minors.

◉ You need to own the rights to the products you sell.

7. Self-Publish an E-Book

Book writing is a hard task, but book publishing online has never been simpler. You can publish independently using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and sell your book on the Kindle store as a content provider that consistently delivers. You can receive up to 70% royalties from each sale and publish for free.

To get started, complete your manuscript, write a clear description, upload the file, and set your price. Once listed, your book will be available for purchase.

   ◉ Time Required: Writing takes time; publishing is quick.

   ◉ Setup: Fast once your book is finished.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Just begin writing.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+ (Minors can use a guardian’s account).

   ◉ Payment Speed: Monthly, but a $100 earnings threshold applies for wire or check payments.

Important Information

◉ While self-publishing is simple, standing out in a crowded marketplace is challenging.

◉ Choose between two royalty options:

◉ 70% royalties require pricing between $2.99 and $9.99.

◉ 35% royalties allow for more pricing flexibility.

Requirements

◉ A Kindle Direct Publishing account is needed.

◉ Proper formatting is crucial. Most Microsoft Word documents convert easily, though other formats are supported.

8. Earn Ad Revenue from a Blog or YouTube Channel

You can make money from advertising if your blog or YouTube channel is successful. By signing up for the YouTube Partner Program, YouTubers can use ads to monetise their videos. You need at least 1,000 subscribers for standard commercials, and at least 500 subscribers for additional forms of monetization, such channel memberships.

For bloggers, Google AdSense allows you to display ads on your site, generating revenue based on visitor engagement.

   ◉ Time Required: Several weeks to get started.

   ◉ Setup: Fairly simple.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Depends on your content creation skills.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Can take time to reach the minimum payout; then payments are monthly.

Important Information

◉ Signing up for Google AdSense is easy, but YouTube requires Partner Program approval for monetization.

◉ AdSense can be used on blogs with fewer restrictions than YouTube.

◉ Ad revenue takes time to build up—allow at least two months for earnings to accumulate.

◉ A $100 minimum is required before you can withdraw earnings.

◉ Payments are processed between the 21st and 26th of the following month after reaching the threshold.

Requirements

◉ A website active for at least six months for AdSense.

◉ For YouTube, a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and required watch hours.

9. Be an Instagram Influencer

Brands are cooperating closely with Instagram influencers, individuals who have committed, active followings. If you prefer creating content, you can approach businesses yourself or do it with brands via marketing platforms like Aspire or Open Influence. The same is possible on TikTok for influencers.

   ◉ Time Required: Demands long-term commitment.

   ◉ Setup: Quick and easy.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Challenging, you have to establish a following.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 13+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Varies depending on brand collaborations.

Important Information

◉ Creating an Instagram account is quick, but building an audience takes time—sometimes years or months.

◉ After you have a strong audience, you will need to discover sponsorship opportunities. You can either:

◉ Become a member of affiliate networks that bring influencers and brands together.

◉ Contact brands directly with collaboration offers.

◉ Payment depends on the agreement but is normally made after a campaign has been completed.

Requirements

◉ Active, engaged audience on an Instagram account.

◉ Adherence to any affiliate marketing network policies.

10. Monetize Your Twitch Channel

If you are into gaming, you can earn a living from Twitch streaming. Subscriptions, ads, and viewer donations (“Bits”) are sources of income for Twitch streamers. You have to become an Affiliate or Partner to begin earning money.

   ◉ Time Required: Long-term effort.

   ◉ Setup: Quick and easy.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Simple to begin but takes time to grow an audience.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 13+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Monthly

Important Information

◉ It’s easy to start a Twitch channel, but it takes weeks or months to build an audience.

◉ Streamers who earn at least $50 (or $100 for wire transfers) are eligible to receive payment from Twitch on the fifteenth of each month.

Requirements

◉ Achieve viewership and streaming milestones to qualify as a Twitch Affiliate or Partner.

◉ Affiliates and Partners can earn from ads, subscriptions, and game sales.

11. Sell Your Photography

As a good photographer, you can make money with your photos through websites such as 500px, Fine Art America, SmugMug, and PhotoShelter. They allow you to sell your photos as prints, T-shirts, phone cases, and so on. Some of the websites offer add-ons such as personal websites, password-protected galleries, and cloud storage, even though they require a subscription fee.

   ◉ Time Needed: Success is based on how rapidly consumers find and enjoy your work.

   ◉ Setup: Several hours.

   ◉ Ease of Use: If you already have a body of images, you’re there.

   ◉ Age Requirement: Platform dependent.

   ◉ Speed of Payment: Varies by platform used.

Important Information

• Setting up a profile on platforms such as SmugMug, PhotoShelter, or Fine Art America only requires several hours if you have a portfolio of unique images.
• Payment terms differ by site:

             ◉ Fine Art America: Payments are made after a 30-day return period, mailed on the 15th of the month.

             ◉ PhotoShelter: Payments are made immediately at sale to your desired payment option (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).

             ◉ SmugMug: When your balance becomes $5, you can ask for a payout the next month.

Requirements

◉ Every platform has its own rules, but generally, you must own the rights to the photos you post and sell.

How to Make Money from Home

Some side hustles require nothing more than a computer, creativity, and a bit of determination. Others may involve stepping out for just a short walk—perhaps with a furry companion. If you’re looking for flexible work-from-home options, here are some great ideas:

12. Become a Dog Walker with Rover or Wag

If you adore dogs, you can enjoy the experience of dog walking as a means of generating income. Applications such as Wag and Rover facilitate on-demand walking of dogs for you to book jobs that work around your timetables. If you host pets in your home, consider providing overnight pet boarding as well. Check and understand the conditions of the platform before registering.

   ◉ Time Needed: It will take time to build a list of clients.

   ◉ Setup: Approvals can be a few weeks.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: If you are an animal lover, it’s perfect.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Usually within two days to one week.

Important Information

◉ Rover profile approvals are about 5 to 10 business days.

◉ Wag’s application takes a background check and a pet care quiz, which can be done in two weeks.

Requirements

◉ You need to reside in an area where Rover or Wag has operations.

◉ If you want to pet-sit at home, your home should accommodate pets.

◉ Background check is done prior to approval.

13. Sell Unused Gift Cards

If you have unused or partially used gift cards, you can sell them through websites such as CardCash or GiftCash for up to 92% of their value. Or, you can exchange your gift card for one that you will actually use.

   ◉ Time Required: Minutes if your gift card is for a well-known store.

   ◉ Setup: Easy.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: The more gift cards, the better.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Two to fourteen days.

Important Information

◉ CardCash and GiftCash provide instant prices for your gift card balance.

◉ You can trade in gift cards for cash at kiosks or select retail stores for an immediate payout.

◉ Selling online is slower, but you might get a higher payment.

Requirements

◉ Certain sites have a minimum balance requirement that must be on the gift card to resell it.

◉ Expiration date gift cards may not be resellable.

14. Rent Out Your Spare Room on Airbnb

Having a second income by renting out your house or guest room through Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms may be an intelligent means of generating income. Note, though, that you will also have to factor in service charges, cleaning and upkeep expenses, and replacing household items. Check your rental contract, municipal laws, and homeowners association (HOA) regulations prior to renting your unit.

   ◉ Time Needed: Success varies with demand and location.

   ◉ Setup: It takes a few hours to create a listing.

   ◉ Ease of Launch: If you have a place to lease, it is easy.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+.

   ◉ Speed of Payment: Usually within 24 hours of guest arrival.

Important Information

◉ Your Airbnb listing can go live in hours, so you can begin accepting bookings the same day.

   ◉ Payouts are usually processed 24 hours after check-in, but timing varies based on the payment option selected.

Requirements

   ◉ You will need to follow local regulations and property rules for short-term rentals.

   ◉ If you’re renting, talk to your landlord or condo association before listing your space.

How to Make Money Offline

While at-home and online work is convenient, some of the most lucrative side hustles involve venturing out. These offline income streams might be more labor-intensive, but the pay can be substantial. Many still have an online aspect to reach customers, but the actual work is done in person.

15. Sell Gently Used Clothing

You can make money fast by selling your gently used clothes if your closet is too full. To get cash faster, you can sell them to stores around you; to get more visibility, you can post them on sites such as ThredUp and Poshmark. If selling online, photograph them in good lighting and look at similar postings to price yourself fairly.

   ◉ Time Required: Varies by platform.

   ◉ Setup: Simple, you can drop off clothes at a local store or mail them to an online consignment service.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Easy, the hardest part is decluttering your closet.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 13+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Varies by sales method.

Important Information

Different selling methods offer varying payout speeds:

   ◉ Fastest: Local consignment stores like Plato’s Closet pay immediately upon accepting your items.

   ◉ Moderate: Online consignment stores pay after your items sell or when they receive and inspect them, which can be up to a month.

Requirements

   ◉ Apparel, footwear, and accessories must be gently used and stain-free, with no pilling or shrinkage.

   ◉ Some sites inspect products for missing buttons, fading, or damage prior to listing them for resale.

16. Trade In Used Phones and Electronics for Cash

You can sell your unwanted devices for cash or trade them in if they’re sitting idle. List your gear for sale on websites like Swappa, Gazelle, and Facebook Marketplace, and can exchange equipment for gift cards through Amazon’s trade-in feature. Use ecoATM kiosks to get instant cash.

   ◉ Time Required: Depends on the selling platform.

   ◉ Setup: Quick and easy.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Simple, especially if your device is in good condition.

   ◉ Age Requirement: Typically 18+ (varies by platform).

   ◉ Payment Speed: Varies by sales method.

Important Information

Different platforms have varied payment timelines:

   ◉ Direct selling (Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp): Create a listing, upload photos, verify the device, and wait for a buyer. Payments process immediately after the sale.

   ◉ Resellers (Gazelle, Amazon Trade-In): Get an instant quote, ship your device, and receive payment after the condition is verified.

   ◉ ecoATM kiosks: Offer instant cash payouts for qualifying devices.

Requirements

   ◉ Devices should be in working condition with no outstanding payment plans.

   ◉ Some platforms require you to verify that the device is not stolen.

17. Start a Babysitting Gig

A part-time job, babysitting can fit individuals with experience in childcare, retirees, and students. Others find employment through word of mouth, but placing a profile on sites such as Care.com or Sittercity will enable you to find more opportunities. Being certified in first aid or CPR will make you more marketable and credible.

   ◉ Time Required: Online profile setup is quick, but building referrals may take time.

   ◉ Setup: A few minutes.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Finding clients is the main challenge.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+ for online listings (younger sitters can find jobs through personal referrals).

   ◉ Payment Speed: Usually immediate, paid directly by the parents.

Important Information

   ◉ Creating a profile on Care.com or Sittercity takes just a few minutes.

   ◉ Payment is typically received upon completing the job.

Requirements

   ◉ Must be at least 18 years old to sign up on Care.com or Sittercity.

   ◉ Some families may request background checks before hiring.

18. Rent Out Your Car

If you have a car that you don’t use very often, you can rent it out through Turo and Getaround, which enable users to lease cars by the day or by the hour. You get to keep most of the rental fees after the site takes a portion for insurance and running costs.

   ◉ Time Required: Demand depends on your location.

   ◉ Setup: Takes around 30 minutes to list your car.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Simple if your vehicle meets platform requirements.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 21+ with a valid driver’s license for Turo (Getaround does not list an age requirement).

   ◉ Payment Speed: Varies by platform.

Important Information

   ◉ Turo payouts begin within three hours of a completed rental, but your bank may take additional days to process deposits.

   ◉ Getaround earnings accumulate daily or monthly, with payments issued via direct deposit.

Requirements

   ◉ If your car is leased, check your agreement to confirm you are allowed to rent it out.

   ◉ Your vehicle must meet age, mileage, and safety standards.

   ◉ Some platforms restrict multi-platform listings (e.g., you may not be able to list your car on both Turo and Getaround).

19. Sign Up for TaskRabbit

If you enjoy assembling furniture, running errands, or assisting with moving and repairs, TaskRabbit connects you with people needing help with these tasks. You can also find virtual jobs like data entry and research projects.

   ◉ Time Required: Depends on local demand.

   ◉ Setup: A couple of hours for profile creation and approval.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Easy, though some research is needed.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 18+.

   ◉ Payment Speed: A few days after completing a task.

Important Information

◉ Registering on TaskRabbit takes a few hours, but your profile must be approved before you can accept tasks. This may take several days.

◉ TaskRabbit requires a $25 registration fee, so research demand in your area before signing up.

◉ Payment is made via direct deposit and may take a few days to process.

Requirements

◉ Must be at least 18 years old.

◉ A background check is required for approval.

20. Become a Private Tutor

If you are skilled in math, science, language, or test preparation, you can monetize your skills as a profitable side business by offering tutoring services. You can offer online or on-site tutoring. You can charge according to your level of experience and demand for the subject. Begin searching for tutoring ads on Craigslist, registering with Tutor.com or Care.com, or distributing flyers throughout schools and community centers around your location.

   ◉ Time Required: Varies by subject and student demand. Some platforms require a minimum commitment per week (e.g., Tutor.com requires at least 5 hours).

   ◉ Setup: Somewhat involved.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Finding students may take time.

   ◉ Age Requirement: No set limit.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Depends on the platform’s policies.

Important Information

The time it takes to start tutoring depends on the demand in your area. It may take time to secure your first student.

◉ If you’re new to tutoring, allow time to prepare lesson plans so your students receive high-quality instruction.

◉ Payment schedules depend on whether you work through a platform or privately.

Requirements

◉ In-depth knowledge of a subject area that students need help with (e.g., math, languages, test prep).

◉ Some platforms require tutors to be enrolled in or have completed a four-year college degree.

21. Drive for Uber or Lyft

If you own a four-door car that meets vehicle requirements, you can make money by driving passengers through services like Uber and Lyft. Keep in mind that your earnings must cover gas, maintenance, and service fees. Drivers must also undergo a background check and driving history review before they can start.

   ◉ Time Required: Dependent on local demand.

   ◉ Setup: A few weeks.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Simple if you meet the vehicle and driving experience requirements.

   ◉ Age Requirement: 21–25+, depending on your location.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Fast, typically instantly or within a few days.

Important Information

◉ The application process, background check, and vehicle inspection may take time.

◉ Uber and Lyft offer instant payments via debit card or bank transfers.

Requirements

◉ A four-door vehicle that meets age, safety, and condition standards.

◉ A valid driver’s license with at least one year of experience (or three years if under 25).

◉ Notify your car insurance provider before starting.

22. Deliver for Amazon, Uber Eats, or Other Services

With the rise of food and package delivery, services like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and Amazon Flex provide flexible income opportunities. Most of these platforms pay per delivery, and customers may also tip. In some cities, deliveries can be made via bike or scooter instead of a car.

◉ Time Required: Varies by local demand.

◉ Setup: About one week.

◉ Ease of Getting Started: Easy if you have reliable transportation.

◉ Age Requirement: 18+ (varies by service).

◉ Payment Speed: Varies by company.

Important Information

◉ Background checks can take a few days.

◉ Payment schedules depend on the platform, with most services paying weekly or faster.

Requirements

◉ A vehicle, scooter, or bike, depending on the service.

◉ A smartphone to accept and track deliveries.

◉ Compliance with minimum age requirements (varies by platform).

23. Work as a House Sitter

Homeowners often seek house sitters to look after their property while they’re away. This may include feeding pets, watering plants, and taking out the trash. You can find opportunities by networking with friends or signing up on HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with sitters.

   ◉ Time Required: Varies by local demand.

   ◉ Setup: A few minutes (or longer if building referrals).

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Depends on the need in your area.

   ◉ Age Requirement: Varies by platform.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Usually paid at the end of the assignment.

Important Information

◉ HouseSitter.com profiles can be set up in minutes, but finding a gig may take time.

◉ Homeowners typically pay directly once the job is completed.

Requirements

◉ Some platforms enforce an age requirement.

24. Become a Mystery Shopper

Some businesses employ mystery shoppers to evaluate their service quality and products. You can register with websites such as IntelliShop, BestMark, and Sinclair Customer Metrics to conduct in-store and web evaluations. Be cautious of scams, and research any platform before signing up.

   ◉ Time Required: Varies by company.

   ◉ Setup: Quick application process, but approval may take time.

   ◉ Ease of Getting Started: Easy if you meet the transportation and tech requirements.

   ◉ Age Requirement: Varies by platform.

   ◉ Payment Speed: Depends on the company’s payment schedule.

Important Information

◉ Application reviews can take several days or weeks, depending on demand.

◉ Some companies pay monthly, while others pay per assignment.

Requirements

◉ Most mystery shopping platforms require shoppers to be at least 18.

◉ Some assignments require internet access for reporting results.

25. Make Money with a Drone

Providing aerial photography and film services is one means of earning a profit from your drone. Construction companies, real estate agents, and event planners commonly hire drone pilots to shoot aerial footage. More advanced drone mapping skills can further increase your earning potential.

◉ Time Required: Varies by demand.

◉ Setup: Requires time to pass a certification exam and find clients.

◉ Ease of Getting Started: Easy if you already own a drone.

◉ Age Requirement: 16+.

◉ Payment Speed: Varies by client agreements.

Important Information

◉ Plan for at least a month to study and pass the required aeronautical knowledge test.

◉ Finding clients may take time.

◉ Payment depends on contract terms with clients.

Requirements

◉ A good-quality camera-drone.

◉ To be legal, you must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, which requires passing a test.

◉ The aeronautical knowledge test is $175.

Steer Clear of Money-Making Scams

Online and offline, there are many of legitimate ways to make money, but there are also plenty of frauds. Opportunities that promise payment for fees, certifications, or your private financial information should be avoided.

If you are uncertain whether an opportunity is genuine, do the following actions:

◉ To see other people’s experiences, check internet forums and reviews, such as Reddit.

◉ Look up the business’s rating and complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The post 25 Ways to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home appeared first on Blockchain.

Table of Contents:

1. KYT, AML & CFT Compliance
2. Decentralized Crowdfunding
3. Asset Management
4. Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
5. Decentralized Identity
6. Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)
7. Insurance
8. Decentralized Stablecoins
9. Risk Analysis & Prevention
10. Yield Farming
11. Margin Trading
12. Decentralized Prediction Markets
13. To Conclude

KYT, AML & CFT Compliance

Providing security, integrity, and regulatory adherence, Know Your Transaction (KYT), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) are some of the key use cases of DeFi.

KYT is all about monitoring and analyzing cryptocurrency transactions to identify anomalous patterns, whereas AML regulations inhibit unlawful financial activity through the verification of user identities and real-time monitoring of transactions. DeFi applications utilize address clustering methods, decentralized identity technologies, and sanctions filtering to implement such measures effectively.

CFT compliance, however, refers to the detection and prevention of terrorist financing risk through the gathering of enhanced due diligence on risky users. Part of DeFi platforms works alongside regulatory agencies to share intelligence with the aim of countering the funding of terror. Through this integration of such compliance frameworks, DeFi platforms can build higher regulatory trust levels and provide a safer financial atmosphere.

Decentralized Crowdfunding

Decentralized crowdfunding enables projects to fundraise without the need for conventional intermediaries. This is done through smart contracts which are self-executing contracts that are written directly into the blockchain.

Transparency is one of the main advantages of decentralized crowdfunding. Because all transactions are stored on the blockchain, backers of a project can easily track fund allocation and project status.

Another benefit is security because the transactions over a blockchain network are encrypted and not vulnerable to hackers. Delegated crowdfunding is also more efficient as there can be a swift transaction processing process with fewer charges compared to a traditional fund-raising website.

Asset Management

DeFi provides a safer and more transparent way of asset management compared to legacy financial platforms. Blockchain-based DeFi products provide real-time asset tracking, guaranteeing accountability and proper fund allocation.

One of the prominent uses of DeFi in asset management is the development of decentralized investment funds. Such funds work through smart contracts, without any central control. This increases transparency and accountability since users can see directly how their investments are handled and distributed.

Using blockchain technology, DeFi offers a new method of asset management with more efficiency, security, and accessibility.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) facilitate the trading of cryptocurrencies without the services of centralized middlemen. They facilitate transactions through peer-to-peer (P2P) trade or automated market makers (AMMs), which encourage an open and efficient trading ecosystem.

Transparency is yet another top benefit of DEXs, the fact that all transactions are accounted for on the blockchain, with an opportunity to verify if the transactions have settled in good faith.

Security is yet another valuable benefit, in that all the transactions are now under the domain of cryptography and tamper-proof.

Efficiency is yet another benefit offered by DEXs in terms of quicker and more cost-effective handling of transactions when compared to regular exchanges.

Decentralized Identity

Decentralized identity (DeID) platforms give power to users by making them the pillar of their own information and digital identity. Through blockchain-based technologies, such systems authenticate and secure identification data, bypassing the effects of data breaches and identity theft.

Such systems, e.g., uPort and Civic, offer self-sovereign identity management to the users so that they can utilize DeFi services without involving any intermediaries. This is especially useful where conventional identification systems cannot be relied upon, offering access to finance along with upholding the privacy of the users.

Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)

DeFi is very much engaged in the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), which operate on the basis of smart contracts on the blockchain. DAOs differ from conventional organizations in that they exist irrespective of the application of centralized power, with a central focus on transparency and accountability.

For example, a DAO can be utilized to control a decentralized investment fund, with investments and money being automatically set by smart contracts and safely deposited in a decentralized wallet. The system minimizes risks of fund mismanagement and embezzlement and is a more democratic and participatory system of administration.

Insurance

DeFi insurance utilizes blockchain-based smart contracts to provide a trustless and open insurance platform. Intermediaries-free DeFi insurance is cheaper and more efficient, and claims are settled automatically without bureaucracy.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of DeFi insurance is that it’s available to anyone who has access to the internet, from anywhere and with any amount of wealth. With security at its center, openness in its architecture, and automation by its processes. DeFi insurance can be a game-changing product that provides more secure and more flexible financial protection to individuals and businesses. With the advancements being made with DeFi, insurance is poised to become a key component of decentralized finance.

Decentralized Stablecoins

Stablecoins are an essential part of DeFi, whose price stability and volatility reduction enable traditional financial applications in cryptocurrency markets. Decentralized stablecoins, like DAI, are algorithmically pegged to a stable asset or a basket of assets, typically via over-collateralization.

For example, DAI is supported by the MakerDAO protocol, where people collateralize their crypto holdings to issue DAI tokens. The mechanism maintains the stablecoin’s value relative to the US Dollar, providing a stable means of exchange and store of value in DeFi.

Risk Analysis & Prevention

Risk mitigation and assessment are vital in maintaining the stability and security of DeFi platforms. Due to their susceptibility to potential risks—e.g., smart contract bugs, liquidity deficiencies, market volatility, and adversarial actors—DeFi projects place a high value on stringent risk analysis.

For bolstering security, DeFi applications evaluate parameters such as collateral value, creditworthiness, and asset values. They additionally adopt proactive approaches to risk aversion, smart contract audits being one of the measures, in addition to stress testing and proper security protocols. Through risk aversion, DeFi seeks to establish a safe, trust-less financial system, protecting user holdings and instilling confidence among regulators, investors, and the rest of the global financial community.

Yield Farming

Yield farming is a common DeFi tactic in which users stake or lend their funds on different DeFi platforms to receive rewards, usually in the form of extra tokens. One of the major features of yield farming is liquidity mining, in which participants supply liquidity to decentralized exchanges for governance tokens or other rewards.

For example, a user may deposit tokens into a liquidity pool, allowing them to trade cryptocurrency. They get a fraction of the transaction fees earned by the pool as reward, thereby getting a passive income stream. A DeFi development firm can help create highly efficient yield farming platforms to enhance productivity and security.

Margin Trading

DeFi margin trading enables one to borrow against his holdings by collateralizing them in a smart contract with the ability to borrow money against a leveraged ratio. If one puts up $100 as collateral and borrows $100 at leverage 2x, for instance, then he has $200 to trade. This method amplifies gain as well as loss potential, and thus it is high-risk, high-reward trading.

Among the main benefits of DeFi margin trading is that customers are always in control of their funds as money stays in their own wallets. All lending and borrowing activities are automated via smart contracts, while liquidation mechanisms in most DeFi protocols avoid loss for lenders via automated collateral liquidation whenever the value goes below a predetermined level.

Decentralized Prediction Markets

Decentralized prediction markets provide a venue whereby users are able to place a bet on the outcome of upcoming events. Markets operate through smart contracts, ensuring that payments automatically occur based on the actual occurrence of the event.

One of the main advantages of decentralized prediction markets is that they are transparent bets are all on the blockchain, allowing users to view their bets and ensure settlements are made fairly. Another advantage is security, with blockchain-based cryptography systems making cheating virtually impossible. Decentralized prediction markets also offer greater efficiency, with bets being placed faster and more cheaply than on traditional platforms.

To Conclude

The vibrant evolution of DeFi is revolutionizing financial services through the launch of fresh use cases that increase accessibility, efficiency, and decentralization. From lending and borrowing to asset management, DeFi offers consumers greater economic freedom and inclusivity. New use cases such as decentralized exchanges, yield farming, and prediction markets continue to open up fresh sources of investment, driving the future of finance toward greater transparency and decentralization.

The post Top 12 Use Cases of DeFi appeared first on Blockchain.

Web3 wallets change the way ownership and monetization of one’s assets, identity, and content happens as we enter the next iteration of the internet. Web3 wallets are so much more than a spot to store cash, as they unlock doorways to decentralized programs, bankless financial services, NFT collections, on-chain identities, and shared communities with ease. They operate on a much broader set of functionalities than conventional digital wallets.

Just like physical wallets that store cash, Web3 wallets store digital access to assets. They also facilitate easier interaction with decentralized applications (dApps) and cryptocurrencies without the need for an intermediary.

While cryptocurrencies themselves are not stored in the wallets, they store key information required to access digital funds.

A Web3 wallet has three main components:

• Public Key: A sending and receiving address.
• Private Key: A secret key needed to sign transactions and unlock funds.
• Seed Phrase: A master key that produces several private keys, allowing access to all the keys and addresses in a wallet.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Web3 Wallets
2. Hot Wallets
3. Cold Wallets
4. CEX (Centralized exchanges) vs. DEX (Decentralized exchanges)
5. Top Cryptocurrency Wallet Picks
6. Final Thoughts

There are different types of Web3 wallets, each of which is best for a particular use case. The correct choice depends on how you plan to handle your data and digital assets.

Hot Wallets

Hot wallets or software wallets are internet-connected and connected to the cryptocurrency network. They are an easy solution to store, send, receive, and even look at tokens, which is why they rank among the most used Web3 wallets.

Their connectivity to the internet makes them vulnerable to hackers compared to cold wallets.

Desktop Wallets

Desktop wallets are directly installed applications on a computer. They run locally, which is one of the most secure hot wallet types.

Web Wallets

Web wallets are hosted on third-party servers, and one can interact using a browser-based interface without requiring software installation on the device. They behave like desktop wallets and utilize blockchain explorers to track transactions.

Mobile Wallets

Implemented as mobile phone applications, mobile wallets provide easy access to digital currencies. They are similar to desktop wallets but tailored for mobile use. Because of the limited space, mobile wallets tend to offer a less complicated user interface.

Cold Wallets

Cold wallets offer a safer option for holding cryptocurrencies because they are offline and thus very immune to attacks of hacking.

Hardware Wallets

Hardware wallets are small electronic devices, typically in the form of USB drives, that use random number generators (RNGs) to generate public and private keys. The wallets store the keys offline, offering a highly secure level of protection against unauthorized access.

Hardware wallets, being offline from the internet, are best suited for long-term investment, especially for holding large amounts of digital assets that are not heavily used.

Paper Wallets

A paper wallet is a printed blockchain address and private key, usually in the form of QR codes. It can be used to send funds by scanning the QR codes.

Paper wallets were popular before but are now deemed obsolete because of their drawbacks. One significant disadvantage is that they can send only a whole balance at one time, unlike partial transfers.

CEX (Centralized exchanges) vs. DEX (Decentralized exchanges)

Centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges are both an unavoidable aspect of the cryptocurrency world. Even while decentralized exchanges (DEXs) have made progress in recent days, centralized exchanges (CEXs) dominate the scene. Recognizing the distinction between the two systems is a part of the proper management of virtual assets.

Standard Crypto Exchanges (CEXs)

In centralized exchanges, wallets are normally hot and custodial, with support for instant transactions via standard username-password authentication. The platforms also offer the ability to withdraw cryptocurrencies via exchange-hosted private keys.

However, using a centralized exchange means entrusting your assets to a third-party entity that controls your private keys. To mitigate risks, reputable exchanges store most funds in cold storage hardware wallets, ensuring security. Some platforms even offer insurance to protect users against potential hacking incidents.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

Decentralized exchanges work with non-custodial wallets, allowing users to have full control of private keys and money. This disintermediates the process and eliminates limitations concerning fees, withdrawals, and transaction caps.

As there is no third-party dependency, users are solely responsible for their wallets and private keys. Loss of a wallet without backup can cause permanent loss of money, so security measures are crucial.

Top Cryptocurrency Wallet Picks

There are a big number of Web3 wallets that one can pick from, and all except for a handful of them are downloadable and installable for free. While the DeFi and Web3 infrastructure continues to be worked on, the most popular wallets have established a good foundation for an open and decentralized web.

1. MetaMask

The most popular Web3 wallet is MetaMask, which has around 21 million active monthly users. It offers a simple interface to work with blockchain networks while permitting backup of the account through a seed phrase. MetaMask allows users to directly buy ERC-20 tokens, offers complete control of private keys (non-custodial), and supports special chains like Binance Smart Chain and Layer 2 solutions like Polygon.

Furthermore, MetaMask supports a vast majority of decentralized applications (dApps), so it is the go-to wallet for Web3 users.

Disadvantages:

• Being a hot wallet, it is also more susceptible to hacking than cold wallets.
• Although MetaMask does not monitor user information, web browsers can collect data about usage of the extension.
• Restricted to Ethereum and ETH-based tokens.

2. Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial wallet designed by Coinbase, the biggest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange. It is not an exchange wallet but instead provides users with the ability to send and control assets themselves. Coinbase Wallet also incorporates security features such as biometric verification and PIN locking.

The wallet is compatible with various digital assets such as Ethereum ERC-20 tokens, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin, DAI, Ripple (XRP), and others. It also supports various ETH Layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum, Avalanche C-Chain, Binance Smart Chain, Optimism, and Polygon.

Disadvantages:

• Adherence to KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines by virtue of Coinbase’s policies.
• As it is a hot wallet, it is still vulnerable to online security threats.

3. Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is a multi-asset mobile wallet with support for a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. It is blockchain-agnostic, as it supports multiple chains. Moreover, Trust Wallet provides staking and earning rewards on assets that are held, yet it is non-custodial.

Unlike other wallets, Trust Wallet charges no fees for wallet use, swaps, or dApp interaction.

Disadvantages:

• There is no desktop or web version.
• There have been complaints about withdrawing funds.
• Being a hot wallet, it is still susceptible to hacking.

4. Zerion

Zerion is a mobile-first Web3 social wallet for DeFi and NFT portfolio management. It has one of the best features of being able to integrate non-Zerion wallets, even hardware wallets such as Ledger, for hassle-free portfolio management.

Zerion further offers a bridging and trading aggregator, so users can obtain the best available prices across big blockchain networks. Moreover, its social aspect facilitates users to track favorite assets, receive NFT drops, and follow wallets.

Developers can leverage Zerion’s Websocket API and DeFi SDK, which integrate DeFi protocols without requiring independent node infrastructure.

Disadvantages:

• Limited customization options for advanced users.

5. ZenGo Wallet

ZenGo is one of the most secure Web3 wallets, with over 1 million users and zero hacks since its launch in 2018. As a multi-party computation (MPC) wallet, it eliminates the need for a seed phrase, reducing vulnerabilities. It also supports multi-chain assets, in-app staking, and NFTs.

ZenGo’s security model leverages encrypted biometrics for easy recovery and features a Web3 firewall (ClearSign) to prevent unauthorized transactions. Additionally, 24/7 live in-app support is available.

Disadvantages:

• Lacks support for some advanced DeFi tools.

6. Argent

Argent is a mobile-first DeFi wallet designed to offer enhanced security and user-friendliness. It allows users to earn interest by lending assets through integrated DeFi protocols and provides a smooth Ethereum-based experience.

Additionally, Argent natively integrates dApps into its mobile app, making lending and borrowing simpler.

Disadvantages:

• No desktop version is available.
• Supports only Ethereum-based applications and tokens.
• Users must pay an initial network fee to create a wallet.

7. Rainbow

Rainbow is another Ethereum-only non-custodial wallet that supports dApps for executing swaps directly within the application. It also allows users to display NFTs within the wallet interface, providing a visually appealing experience.

Rainbow is known for its intuitive UI and is popular among Ethereum users.

Disadvantages:

• Being a hot wallet, it has a higher risk of hacking.
• Requires regular backup of wallet data and seed phrases.

8. Trezor Model T

Trezor is known for pioneering hardware wallets, and the Model T provides an added layer of security with an LED touchscreen display and PIN-based authentication. It supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for transactions and has integrated over 1,600 cryptocurrencies.

Disadvantages:

• The interface is not as beginner-friendly as competitors like Ledger.
• The higher price may be a barrier for some users.

9. Ledger Nano S

Ledger Nano S is a budget cold wallet intended for users who want to save their private keys in a secure offline manner. It hosts more than 1,100 cryptocurrencies and has an easy setup process for better security.

Disadvantages:

• Limited storage capacity for crypto apps.
• Small screen with manual button controls rather than a touchscreen.
• Less mobile-friendly compared to other wallets.

10. Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is among the best-selling hardware wallets, ideally used in conjunction with the Ledger Live phone app. It allows users to verify balances without having to plug in the device, thus offering a more convenient cold wallet option.

The Nano X has Bluetooth connectivity to facilitate confirmations of transactions without needing to plug in the device. It has support for more than 1,800 tokens and is very secure.

Disadvantages:

• Pricier than the majority of hardware wallets.

11. Exodus

Exodus has made a name for itself as a top desktop wallet, and it does this with a built-in exchange. This capability lets users purchase and sell assets within the wallet without having to move funds to another exchange or brokerage. Exodus has a wide variety of cryptocurrencies supported, including specialized tokens, which makes it one of the top desktop wallets around.

Disadvantages:

• Security limitations : Lacks two-factor authentication (2FA), which is a standard industry practice.
• Higher transaction fees : Designed to prioritize speed, which may result in higher costs.

12. Phantom

Phantom is widely recognized as the best Solana wallet in the ecosystem. It allows users to manage crypto, stake, swap tokens, and access NFTs, all while maintaining control of their private keys. Phantom is lightweight, non-custodial, and available on multiple browsers with a beginner-friendly interface. The development of a Phantom Ethereum wallet is also underway, bringing its features to the Ethereum ecosystem.

Users can connect Phantom to Ledger hardware wallets for added security. Unlike other wallets that require Ethereum gas fees, Phantom transactions are processed with Solana’s native token (SOL), significantly reducing costs due to Solana’s high transaction efficiency.

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Solana-based assets (Ethereum support is still in development).
• Being relatively new, it has not yet been tested as extensively as some competitors.

13. Frame

Frame is an Ethereum-focused wallet optimized for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It functions as both a hot wallet and a desktop/web wallet, offering seamless asset transfers across active chains. Unique features include Twitter name verification via the extension and gas fee displays in the menu bar.

Frame prioritizes a minimalist user experience, making it easier for users to send assets efficiently.

Disadvantages:

• Still in beta, meaning users may encounter occasional bugs and errors.
• No mobile wallet version currently available.

With continued improvements, Frame is expected to become more relevant in the Web3 wallet ecosystem.

14. Glow

Glow is designed to be one of the simplest mobile wallets for the Solana blockchain. It allows users to send, receive, and swap assets directly on Solana, with a clear transaction display for transparency. Similar to Rainbow Wallet, Glow also enables users to browse NFTs seamlessly.

A standout feature of Glow is its upcoming Solana Pay integration, which will enable in-person payments at retail locations using Solana’s blockchain technology.

Disadvantages:

• Does not currently have a web or desktop version.
• Relatively new compared to other established wallets, though it shows strong potential for future growth.

15. OKX Wallet

OKX Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that places total control over crypto, NFTs, and digital assets in the user’s hands. It has a capability to manage over 50 blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Aptos, and OKT Chain.

Since its launch, OKX Wallet has gained widespread usage, having:

• Over 100,000 Chrome Extension installations
• 5 million+ Google Play Store downloads
• 14,000+ Apple App Store ratings with a 4.8/5-star average

OKX Wallet allows customers to buy, exchange, earn, and hold digital assets in over a dozen languages, providing an easy solution for foreign users.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which wallet you choose, regular backup of wallet data files and seed phrases is necessary, as losing access to your crypto can have catastrophic consequences. Software wallets are easy to use and will continue to improve with new technology. But for security-minded users, hardware wallets remain the most secure, providing safe, offline storage of digital assets.

The post The 15 Best Web3 Wallets for 2025 appeared first on Blockchain.

Why is Blockchain Important?

Business success lies in information. Hence, rapid and accurate access to data is essential. Blockchain technology enhances information flow by enabling an immutable ledger shared among the participants, accessible instantly and verifiable, yet it is accessible only to the approved members of a network. Using this technology facilitates smooth tracking of orders, payments, accounts, production, etc. All transactions are fully transparent from start to finish since members share a uniform view of data, thereby leading to trust and efficiency as well as new business opportunities.

Table of Contents:

1. Why is Blockchain Important?
2. Key Features of Blockchain
2.1 Distributed Ledger Technology
2.2 Immutable Records
2.3 Smart Contracts
3. How Blockchain Works
3.1 Recording Transactions as Data Blocks
3.2 Connecting Blocks to Create a Secure Chain
3.3 Forming an Immutable Blockchain
4. Advantages of Blockchain
4.1 Reason for Change
4.2 Improved Trust
4.3 Increased Security
4.4 Higher Speed
5. Types of Blockchain Networks
4.1 Public Blockchain Networks
4.2 Private Blockchain Networks
4.3 Permissioned Blockchain Networks
4.4 Consortium Blockchains
6. Blockchain Security

Key Features of Blockchain

Distributed Ledger Technology

Every network participant can see the shared ledger, thus reducing the transaction record from fraudulent or unauthorized changes. Because transactions are recorded only once, blockchains remove redundancy often associated with conventional business networks.

Immutable Records

The entries are permanent once entered into the ledger and cannot be amended or deleted. In case an error is spotted, a new transaction has to be created that corrects it, and all entries are maintained as clear.

Smart Contracts

To facilitate automated and secure transactions, blockchain uses smart contracts—predefined rules stored on the blockchain that execute automatically. These contracts govern agreements such as corporate bond transfers, travel insurance payouts, and various other business processes.

How Blockchain Works

Recording Transactions as Data Blocks

The transaction is recorded as a “block” of data. These transactions capture the movement of assets, whether tangible (such as a product) or intangible (like intellectual property). A data block can store various details like who was involved, what occurred, when and where it happened, and the amount transacted. It even tracks specific conditions, such as the temperature of a perishable shipment.

Connecting Blocks to Create a Secure Chain

As assets change hands or move through a process, each block links securely to the preceding and succeeding blocks, forming a continuous chain of data. This ensures that transactions are recorded in precise chronological order, preventing any modification or insertion of unauthorized blocks.

Forming an Immutable Blockchain

Each new block builds upon previous blocks, effectively fortifying their integrity and further securing the overall blockchain. With such a system, the blockchain becomes tamper-evident and ensures immutability; hence, it eliminates data manipulation risks. Due to this feature, blockchain enables an honest, transparent ledger on which all authenticated members of a network can depend.

Advantages of Blockchain

Reason for Change

Most traditional operations in businesses still experience inefficiency, including records that are taken twice, overdependence on other third parties who validate their actions, susceptibility to fraud and hacking, and a lack of transparency when making sure the transactions are verified. Furthermore, the increased presence of IoT caused transaction volumes to increase, prolonging business process time. Operations can be smoothed out and security guaranteed with the existence of blockchain.

Improved Trust

Blockchain ensures that only authorized network members access and share accurate, real-time data. Confidential records are protected while only those who are allowed access are granted it.

Increased Security

Every transaction entered into the blockchain must be validated by network participants via consensus. After validation, the transactions are set in stone and cannot be deleted or changed-even by the system administrators.

Higher Speed

Blockchains are decentralized; therefore, time-consuming reconciliations of records are no longer required. The use of smart contracts-pre-programmed rules, stored on the blockchain-is automated; thereby, delaying times are eliminated, and operations run faster.

Types of Blockchain Networks

Blockchains can be designed as public, private, permissioned, or consortium-based to suit the applications and level of security desired.

Public Blockchain Networks

Public blockchains, like Bitcoin, are open to everyone who wants to participate. Even though these networks offer transparency and decentralization, there are challenges, such as high computational demands, limited transaction privacy, and possible security vulnerabilities. These factors make public blockchains less suitable for enterprise applications that require strict control and security.

Private Blockchain Networks

Private blockchains are similar to public blockchains in their peer-to-peer structure but differ in that a single organization governs the network. This entity controls participation, consensus protocols, and ledger maintenance, fostering trust among members. Private blockchains can operate behind a corporate firewall or be hosted on-premises, offering enhanced security and control.

Permissioned Blockchain Networks

A permissioned blockchain limits access as it can only be accessed by approved individuals. Even though it can be used in private blockchains, public blockchains can also put in place permissioned access. It will guarantee that only valid participants can conduct legitimate transactions, and it is used by businesses which need controlled entry and security.

Consortium Blockchains

In a consortium blockchain, multiple organizations share the burden of managing the network. There is a pre-defined group of participants who will govern the consensus process and have control over the access to data. This is most suitable for business collaborations where all parties involved need regulated access and shared decision-making, while still retaining transparency and security.

Blockchain Security

Risk Management for Blockchain Networks

An enterprise-grade blockchain solution needs proper security strategy. Cybersecurity frameworks, assurance services, and industry best practices need to be built-in against risks such as cyberattacks, frauds, and data breaches. A comprehensive security approach is necessary to ensure integrity, confidentiality, and resilience for business environment blockchain applications.

The post What is Blockchain? appeared first on Blockchain.

Crypto is relatively new, though it first came to the scene in 2009; the conceptual foundation, however, goes as far back as 1983. A decentralized currency, transactions and ownership are recorded through a secure digital ledger known as blockchain.

While the crypto market is no doubt complex, creating your own cryptocurrency or blockchain application doesn’t necessarily require a Ph.D. Given the right direction and tools, the process is surprisingly straightforward. However, to get professional software development services might help you go through the technical difficulties and determine whether it is appropriate for your business.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Blockchain Technology & Cryptocurrencies?
2. How to Make Your Own Blockchain & Create Cryptocurrency the Easy Way
2.1 Define Your Objectives
2.2 Choose a Consensus Algorithm
2.3 Select Blockchain Platform
2.4 Build Nodes
2.5 Internal Architecture Design
2.6 Create Wallet Address
2.7 Make the APIs available
3. Is It Legal to Create Your Own Cryptocurrency?
4. Use of Cryptocurrency
4.1 Define Your Objectives
4.2 Cross-Border Remittances
4.3 Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
4.4 Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
4.5 Smart Contracts
4.6 Privacy and Security
5. Building a Purpose-Fit Cryptocurrency
6. How to Make a Cryptocurrency: Summing It Up

Why Blockchain Technology & Cryptocurrencies?

This doesn’t seem to be the ideal investment time as market volatility surrounds this sector. Also, people seem to be doubtful of crypto and Web 3.0 due to a huge concern that surrounds blockchain technology and its immense energy consumption. All of these can work as silver linings for investments.

Crypto isn’t as terrible as is thought. Rather, its bad rep stems from an excessive focus on instant money. Relive the memory of the late 1990s dot-com bubble, and the similarities become almost uncanny.

The rush of Internet-based startups created some extraordinary innovative winds and rather a lot of broken promises, such as Amazon and PayPal, which today stand as juggernauts, but countless others did not make it. Cryptocurrency is now crossing its stormy adolescence, clearly differentiating between promising projects and rather opportunistic ventures.

These market corrections are a natural part of the technological evolution. As the crash of dot-com finally made way for lasting innovations, the crypto market is already primed to bounce out stronger, and there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic.

How to Make Your Own Blockchain & Create Cryptocurrency the Easy Way

Creating a cryptocurrency might sound like a daunting challenge, but following the simplified processes available today, it may be broken down into seven manageable steps:

1. Define Your Objectives

Start by clarifying why you want to create cryptocurrency. Whether it’s for raising brand awareness, funding, or building a rewards program, your objective will shape the scale and approach of your project.

2. Choose a Consensus Algorithm

Cryptocurrencies rely on consensus mechanisms to ensure the blockchain remains secure and decentralized. The two most common mechanisms are:

Proof of Work (PoW): Miners compete to solve complex calculations to validate transactions, and the first one to succeed earns rewards. PoW is highly secure but energy-intensive.

Proof of Stake (PoS): Validators stake some of their own cryptocurrency to verify transactions. PoS is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, but careful thought goes into managing stakes and incentives.

Your decision must be appropriate to your project, ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

3. Select Blockchain Platform

You may, of course, build a blockchain, but working from someone else’s back will definitely save you much effort and time. Open-source systems such as Ethereum (PoW) and Cardano or Polkadot (PoS) are a strong foundation on which you can launch your cryptocurrency.

4. Build Nodes

Nodes will make up your blockchain network; they authenticate the transactions while also keeping security tight. These include:

• Public vs. private nodes
• On-premises vs. cloud-based hosting
• Operating systems and hardware needs

5. Internal Architecture Design

This is a step which is challenging to do after going live. Essential items to consider here are:

•   Access control: Who can generate or validate a block?
•   Asset issuance rules: How does new money get issued?
•   Security: How private keys will be handled?
•   Technical limitations: Fix block rewards, block sizes and transaction limits
•   Currency supply: Determine the overall number of coins to be in circulation.

6. Create Wallet Address

Your wallet address gives your users permission to interact on your network where they can sell and buy items. You have two options of creating these for your users- you can either use third-party or generate them directly on your own server.

7. Make the APIs available

This is optional, but providing APIs for your cryptocurrency allows developers to build tools and applications that interact with your network, fostering trust and innovation within your community.

Is It Legal to Create Your Own Cryptocurrency?

The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a bit more nuanced.

Cryptocurrencies currently exist in a regulatory gray area. Some countries embrace them fully, others accept only certain types, and some outright ban them. The legality of creating your own cryptocurrency largely depends on your intended use and target market. Understanding the specific regulations in your jurisdiction is essential.

In addition to this, other organizations provide with certification or seals of approval for different cryptocurrencies. Thus, these add value to such currencies as in building trust and confidence in the cryptosphere. And if you just follow the required laws and requirements, then, there is a reason to be frightened about entering this world of crypto.

Use of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies have evolved far beyond their original purpose as digital alternatives to traditional money. Today, they serve a variety of practical applications, each offering unique benefits. If you’re considering creating your own cryptocurrency, it’s vital to understand these use cases. Let’s explore some of the most prominent ones:

1. Digital Payments and Peer-to-Peer Transactions

Cryptocurrencies were created to be used in peer-to-peer, secure, decentralized transactions that did not involve an intermediary like banks. The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin. It was developed to provide for fast, inexpensive cross-border digital payments.

• Practical Application: Bitcoin (BTC) is the most widely used cryptocurrency for daily purchases. Some firms, such as Overstock.com and Shopify, accept Bitcoin as a means of payment for numerous products and services.

2. Cross-Border Remittances

Cryptocurrencies are inexpensive to transfer money across borders. The employees working abroad can easily send remittances back home with much lower fees than other conventional remittance services.

• Case Study: Cross-Border Remittance Example

Ripple’s XRP is the most widely used application for cross-border remittance. MoneyGram and Western Union have allied with Ripple to utilize its blockchain for cheaper, faster international money transfer.

3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

DeFi is the fastest-growing sector in the crypto space, offering financial services without the traditional banks. On DeFi platforms, users can lend, borrow, trade, and earn interest on cryptocurrencies in an open and accessible ecosystem.

• Real-World Example: On Compound Finance and Aave, users can earn interest by lending their crypto assets or borrow funds by using their holdings as collateral.

4. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

The ownership of unique digital assets, such as artwork, music files, collectibles, and in-game items, is represented as NFTs. It has become very popular within the spheres of gaming, entertainment, and digital art.

•  Real-World Example: The NFT-based digital artwork sold by artists like Beeple on OpenSea and Rarible earned millions of dollars.

5. Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts where the terms are written into the code itself. They automate processes and remove the need for intermediaries in industries like legal, insurance, and supply chain management.

•  Real-World Example: Ethereum is the leading platform for creating and executing smart contracts. Companies like Chainlink provide oracles to connect smart contracts with real-world data, expanding their capabilities.

6. Privacy and Security

Privacy-based cryptocurrencies will offer extra layers of security and anonymity for transactions, making them secretive to the users.

•  Application Example: Monero (XMR) is a private-oriented cryptocurrency that uses advanced cryptographic techniques to obscure transaction details, ensuring user anonymity.

Building a Purpose-Fit Cryptocurrency

A use case should define your cryptocurrency when designing it. It could be for digital payments, DeFi, NFTs, or smart contracts; in any case, tailoring the cryptocurrency to fit a specific need increases its chance of success. In this way, one is innovating in the space, using existing infrastructure, and making a niche more likely to gain adoption.

However, navigating the legal landscape is critical. Understanding regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance will help you avoid potential legal pitfalls and build trust with your users.

How to Make a Cryptocurrency: Summing It Up

It is an exciting and rewarding experience to enter the cryptocurrency market and create your own coin. But it should be done with adequate preparation. The more advanced the technical knowledge, the better. However, risks, regulatory issues, and development processes are equally important.

An efficient way to overcome the complexities involved in cryptocurrency development is by seeking experienced cryptocurrency developers for the job. These experts would ensure that the project meets the required technical, security, and legal standards before it is set to launch its cryptocurrency.

Hence, the strategic and well-informed use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies is an excellent path to innovative solutions for the future.

The post How to Create Cryptocurrency – 7 Easy Steps appeared first on Blockchain.

What is a Crypto Wallet?

A crypto wallet is an application that keeps the private information necessary to access your digital assets. Loss of this sensitive information often called “private keys” leads to permanent loss of your cryptocurrency. Hence, securing these keys is important.

How to Choose a Crypto Wallet

The most important choice while choosing a crypto wallet is whether one should opt for a hot wallet or a cold wallet. Among the two most significant differences that divide them, connectivity takes the lead. A hot wallet remains connected. On the contrary, a cold wallet works offline.

Other important considerations include the following:

1- The types of digital assets it supports.

2- How easy it is to transfer cryptocurrency into cold storage, where they will remain offline.

3- Whether a wallet supports staking or rewards programmes within an application.
 

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Crypto Wallet?
2. How to Choose a Crypto Wallet
3. Best Hot Wallets
3.1 Zengo
3.2 Crypto.com Onchain
3.3 Guarda
3.4 Exodus
3.5 Trust Wallet
3.6 Coinbase Wallet
3.7 MetaMask
4. How Our Ranked Hot Wallets Compare
4.1 Blockchain Studioz’s Ratings for Hot Wallets:
5. Best Cold Wallets
5.1 Ledger
5.2 Trezor
6. How Our Ranked Cold Wallets Compare
6.1 Learn More About Crypto Wallets

Best Hot Wallets

Generally free, with add-on services for trading or staking at an extra cost. Among the main benefits of the wallet are a relatively easy process in exchanging crypto. However, this comes with online risks from various websites.

Here’s a list of the top recommended hot wallets according to Blockchain Studioz

Zengo

*Supported assets: 100+

*Cold storage support: Yes, through WalletConnect

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

Zengo is a next-generation wallet that eliminates seed phrases and traditional private keys for cryptography operating on multi-party computation, or MPC. The new technology is supposed to be more secure but have easier private key management than the traditional wallets. According to Zengo, it is the first consumer wallet to use MPC technology, something that, until now, was only for institutions. As of January 2025, the company says no Zengo wallets have been hacked.

Disadvantages: Zengo supports only a few widely used cryptocurrencies, which include Solana, XRP, Cardano, Bitcoin Cash, and Polkadot.

Crypto.com Onchain

*Supported assets: Over 1,000

*Cold storage supported: Yes, for Desktop

* Staking/DeFi supported: Yes

Crypto.com Onchain is developed by a company specializing in crypto exchange services and is meant for decentralized finance applications. Users can access DeFi products such as lending and saving directly through the mobile app or browser extension. The desktop app also supports Ledger hardware wallets.

One of the most impressive features of Crypto.com Onchain is that it is fully integrated with the main Crypto.com app, so users can easily transfer assets between the centralized trading platform and their self-custody wallet.

Note: For Bitcoin, the wallet requires a minimum withdrawal of 0.0012 BTC (approximately $110 as of the last update), making smaller transactions less viable.

Guarda

*Assets supported: More than 300

*Cold storage support: Yes

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

Guarda is an all-around and free crypto wallet with access through mobile, desktop, and browser extensions. It supports more than 300 digital assets and includes Ledger hardware wallet integration for taking your crypto off into cold storage. It also includes staking programs, making it a rounded-out option for any of your crypto needs.

Exodus

*Assets supported: Over 250

*Cold storage support: Yes

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

Exodus is an extremely versatile suite that also contains a mobile and desktop application, with the browser extension that enables one to directly purchase, trade, or stake cryptocurrencies right from one’s wallet. Trezor integration is used for convenient cold wallet hot to cold storage movements, and, because it’s free, this service offers a massive library of educational content to assist newcomers into cryptocurrency.

Trust Wallet

*Assets supported: Over 10 million digital assets and 100+ blockchains

*Cold storage support: Yes, via Ledger through browser extension

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

The Trust Wallet is an official wallet for Binance and supports a fair range of assets. With over 10 million digital assets and 100+ blockchains held within, one can buy, sell, or trade directly through the wallet. Though the exchange supports a significant number of currencies, there’s no detailed list of cryptocurrencies supported on this platform and hence calls for caution. This makes it flexible and dependable with a good number of supported blockchains.

Coinbase Wallet

*Assets supported: Thousands

*Cold storage support: Yes

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial product coming from the company behind the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, Coinbase. Users can store cryptocurrencies themselves, with seamless integration with the Coinbase exchange, a good choice for beginners who are new to self-custody.

The wallet provides mobile and browser-based connections to decentralized applications. However, it is behind the competition in some features, such as a desktop app, although the browser extension connects to the Ledger hardware wallet for cold storage.

MetaMask

*Assets supported: Over 650,000, with the option to manually add unsupported ERC-20 tokens

*Cold storage support: Yes

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

MetaMask is a free, open-source wallet mainly used for the Ethereum blockchain. It supports any kind of digital asset that is built on Ethereum, so it’s an application useful to users to interact with “Web3” applications requiring crypto transactions. MetaMask offers mobile and browser wallets; it does not have a desktop app. The MetaMask Portfolio feature will allow access to staking and DeFi applications.

While its flexibility really shines through in Ethereum-based transactions, this might not be the best fit for users that mainly use non-Ethereum cryptocurrencies.

How Our Ranked Hot Wallets Compare

There is a big market offering hundreds and thousands of hot wallets. Some even let users trade non-fungible tokens and are directly connected with exchanges where crypto can be purchased or sold.

Blockchain Studioz’s Ratings for Hot Wallets:

*Zengo – 4.8

*Crypto.com DeFi Wallet – 4.8

*Guarda – 4.6

*Exodus – 4.5

*Trust Wallet – 4.4

*Coinbase Wallet – 4.3

*MetaMask – 4.0

Best Cold Wallets

A cold wallet is a hardware that is not online. They are safe ways of storing crypto information. Though it is expensive as compared to a hot wallet due to the use of hardware, they are much less susceptible to online threats as they are not connected to the internet. Still, if one loses the device, recovery is pretty tough.

When comparing cold wallets, consider factors like price, security features, and compatibility with your hot wallet.

Top Cold Wallet Recommendations from Blockchain Studioz:

Ledger

*Assets supported: Over 5,500

*Online storage support: Yes

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

Ledger is one of the popular brands in crypto storage. Its hardware wallets cost between $79 and $249. The software wallets that it supports are Crypto.com and Guarda. It has a mobile app, desktop app, and browser extension. The additional features are two-factor authentication and a full library of educational resources.

Trezor

*Assets supported: Over 9,000

*Online storage support: Yes

*Staking/DeFi support: Yes

Trezor provides safe offline storage with a touchscreen for on-device input. It does not natively offer staking or NFT management but does support integrations with wallets like Exodus, which does support staking and crypto purchase through its software products. It starts at around $35 in the Model One but has another model with the touchscreen at $179. Trezor Suite Lite is available on Apple devices and Android.

How Our Ranked Cold Wallets Compare

*Ledger – 5.0

*Trezor – 4.0
 

Learn More About Crypto Wallets

What Are Non-Custodial Crypto Wallets?

Non-custodial crypto wallets are favorites among crypto fans because they offer full control of private data. Unlike placing your assets on a cryptocurrency exchange, where the private keys are stored by a third party, the non-custodial wallet is the user’s sole responsibility.

However, this also comes with certain risks:

– They are less forgiving if you lose your password or recovery phrases.

– They depend on the hardware and software properly functioning in the wallet.

– Frequent asset transfers between wallets can become costly due to blockchain network transaction fees.

Many crypto users maintain multiple wallets:

– Long-term storage wallets for safekeeping.

– Active trading wallets for frequent transactions.

If you’re focused on a specific cryptocurrency, consider single-purpose wallets designed for it. For example:

*MetaMask: A flagship wallet for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens.

* Electrum: The go-to wallet for the Bitcoin enthusiast; features are highly tailored to meet the needs of Bitcoin power users.

If you need to track several cryptocurrencies, it may make sense to explore multi-purpose wallets and compare those that best meet your needs.

Is There Any Other Way To Invest In Crypto?

Yes, you can store your crypto on a cryptocurrency exchange, where a third party holds your assets. Some traditional brokerages, such as Fidelity and Robinhood, also let you buy crypto through their platforms.
 

Can I Move Crypto From a Traditional Online Broker to a Crypto Wallet?

This differs by brokerage. It can be done at Robinhood, for example, but cannot be done at others. What options you do have depends on a spreadsheet detailing all major crypto exchanges and their respective apps, showing those supporting transferring to external wallets.

How Do I Buy Crypto?

Once you have a crypto wallet, you can begin buying cryptocurrencies through several means:

*Crypto exchanges: Include Coinbase, Binance, etc.

*Traditional brokers: Robinhood, Fidelity, and so on.

*Money transfer services: Some of them offer crypto buying features.

* Bitcoin ATMs: Physical kiosks that have crypto.

The post 9 Best Crypto Wallets for 2025 appeared first on Blockchain.

The usage of bitcoin has increased dramatically, making blockchain a phenomenon that is transforming the industry. Several large and mid-sized companies are now into studying blockchain as part of their strategy to keep ahead of competition. The blockchain technology market is projected to reach approximately USD 39 billion by 2025. About 56 percent of global investments in blockchain also came from the United States.

Since then, blockchain technology has been moving uphill. Its remarkable breakthroughs in 2020, facing different sectors’ adoptions, are foreseen to continue until 2025 with more industries joining the league of blockchain solution adopters.

Markets nowadays are showing a trend where the enterprise blockchain platforms have widely spread and most of the enterprises are already deploying blockchain-based solutions to enhance their operational efficiency and security. Similarly, the adoption of blockchain among global manufacturers and retailers has surged; more than 30% have already integrated blockchain services to build digital trust and facilitate supply chain operations by 2025.

This, therefore, underlines the demand for blockchain development companies in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market. On the other hand, choosing a perfect blockchain development partner remains a challenge for many enterprises that are new to this technology.

Differentiating factors for a company include a mix of short and long-term strategies. Since not every company may align with your specific requirements, choosing the right partner is essential.

While assessing blockchain development companies in 2025, some of the questions to ask are:

– On which blockchain platforms does the company specialize?

– What is their process for developing blockchains?

– How experienced is the team of blockchain developers?

Table of Contents:

1. How We Choose the Best Blockchain Development Companies
2. Best Blockchain Development Companies
2.1 Blockchain Studioz
2.2 Etelligens
2.3 Appinventors Inc
2.4 Consensys
2.5 Markovate
2.6 Coinfabrik
2.7 Empirica
2.8 Chain
3. How to Choose the Right Blockchain Development Company
3.1 How many blockchain solutions have they delivered?
3.2 What technology stack do they use?
3.3 Where is the team located, and do they work in your timezone?
4. Final Thoughts

To make your job easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best blockchain development companies to watch in 2025. Such companies are well experienced in blockchain application development and provide top-notch consulting services for enterprises and startups.

How We Choose the Best Blockchain Development Companies

We had to carry out critical analysis and conduct painstaking research to determine the leading blockchain development companies. Following are some of the aspects that were considered:

• Years of experience in the industry.
• Client testimonials and feedback.
• Quality of delivered projects.
• Team size and expertise.
• Industries served.
• Flexibility in approach.
• Service costs.
• Customer reviews and media references.
• Number of blockchain products delivered.
• Understanding of business and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of technology stacks.

Now, let’s see some of the most popular blockchain companies that are trending in 2025.

Best Blockchain Development Companies

1. Blockchain Studioz

Having been in the market for over 9 years, Blockchain Studioz positions itself as the number one blockchain development company in creating enterprise apps. Quite a number of blockchains will fall under its expertise, including but not limited to Substrate, Cosmos, Solidity, EVM, and Hyperledger. They will be better off accelerating time-to-market, boosting their return on investment for the clients if they offer end-to-end services from consulting to design and development.

Blockchain Studioz blockchain developers build decentralized corporate apps using Ethereum, Tezos, Hyperledger, Solana, Bitcoin, Tron, Stellar, and EOS. With more than 60 blockchain development projects completed, Blockchain Studioz showed its scalability and dependability for both startups and large corporations.

• Rate: $30 – $80 / hr
• Team Size: 100+
• Founded: 2015
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Expertise: Ethereum, Solana, Tezos, Hyperledger, Bitcoin

2. Etelligens

Etelligens is a fast-growing software company focused on the improvement of a business with the help of blockchain, AI and ML, big data, and the Internet of Things.

They specialize in blockchain application development among others: money transfer systems, distributed document management, enterprise cryptocurrency platforms, and loyalty programs. Its experience covers a wide range of industries, from e-commerce and healthcare to retail, including blockchain developers who deeply know this technology.

With a global presence and a team of full-stack developers, they help businesses cut costs and scale internationally.

• Rate: $20 – $49 / hr
• Team Size: 120 +
• Founded: 2014
• Location: Torrance, CA
• Expertise: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger, Tezos

3. Appinventors Inc

Appinventors Inc is committed to the transformation of industries by using smart contracts and blockchain technology. Having a distributed team in over ten countries, Appinventors offers a wide array of services that range from SAFT investment agreements and capital management to ITO liquidation.

Their experience spans many blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, Hyperledger, EOS, and Bitcoin. Appinventors takes up a holistic approach by providing consulting, strategic planning, and executive blockchain training to deliver profit-oriented solutions for their clients.

• Rate: $25 – $80 / hr
• Team Size: 50+
• Founded: 2015
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Expertise: Stellar, Tezos, Hyperledger, Ethereum

4. Consensys

Consensys is the leading Ethereum blockchain solution provider, focusing on developer tools, enterprise solutions, and applications built on the Ethereum blockchain alone. It provides a solution to almost every major industry that exists in the modern world, from Asset Management, Institutional Capital Markets, Decentralized Finance, Payments, and Global Trade and Commerce.

Their flagship product suite, including Metamask, Codefi, Diligence, Quorum, Truffle, and Infura, essentially substantiates their innovative and leadership position in the blockchain space.

• Rate: $80+ / hr
• Team Size: 100+
• Founded: 2014
• Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
• Notable Clients: AWS, P&G

5. Markovate

Markovate is one of the leading blockchain development companies specializing in blockchain and AI/ML solutions to revamp business performance. The gamut of its expertise includes DApps, DeFi, NFT, Blockchain/Play-to-Earn/Web3/NFT Games, KYC/AML, Smart Contract Development and Audit, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Image Recognition, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, MLOps, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things.

Markovate empowers entrepreneurs in idea validation, MVP creation, product-market fit iteration, and faster scaling. The company delivers high customer satisfaction with clear communication, process transparency, proper project structuring, and proactivity in teams.

• Rate: $25 – $49 / hr
• Team Size: 51-100
• Founded: 2015
• Location: San Francisco, USA
• Expertise: PiEV, Ripple, Wepay

6. Coinfabrik

With several years of experience developing and auditing security applications, Coinfabrik emerged as a blockchain expert since Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies emerged. Their services range from defining the product specifications to UI/UX design and application development; perform quality assurance, deploy the hybrid cloud environment, and give support.

Their blockchain portfolio includes multi-cryptocurrency wallet, anti-fraud by using Sig3 multi-signature, identity verification through smart contracts, namely, TrustStamp and peer-to-peer loans.

• Rate: $100 – $149 / hr
• Team Size: 10-49
• Founded: 2014
• Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Expertise: MONACO, Algorand

7. Empirica

Empirica is a well-acknowledged software development company that has been leaving its footprint in blockchain technology, especially as an integral part of the infrastructures of financial transactions. Their expertise lies in developing distributed blockchain applications, and they have completed a significant number of FinTech projects.

Empirica develops cryptocurrency algorithmic trading platforms, ICO investor portals, smart contract development, and crypto asset management, among other such services. Development of applications related to trade finance, equity post-trade processing, peer-to-peer systems, loans, and automated compliance auditing.

• Rate: $100 – $149 / hr
• Team Size: 10-49
• Founded: 2009
• Location: Wroclaw, Poland
• Expertise: SadaPay, BitBay

8. Chain

Chain is the leading blockchain technology company that has a vision of connecting enterprises, institutions, and governments to blockchains for building. The examples include designing and developing custom blockchain applications, integrating blockchain into an existing infrastructure, and blockchain strategy consultations.

With a professional team of developers and strategists, Chain develops innovative blockchain solutions that built its name in the market as reliable service providers. Their solutions will allow customers to enhance the level of transparency, simplify complex procedures, and thus add value to the business.

• Rate: Not Specified
• Team Size: Not Specified
• Founded: 2014
• Location: San Francisco, USA
• Expertise: Nasdaq, VISA, CITI

How to Choose the Right Blockchain Development Company

Above are some of the leading blockchain development companies, and these are only a partial list. As blockchain keeps on growing day by day as an emerging technology, other reliable companies can also justify their place in top contenders.

Critical questioning and a detailed review of capabilities are very important to find the right partner for your blockchain project. Following is some key consideration that shall help you make a rightful decision:

1. How many blockchain solutions have they delivered?

The portfolio of a company is a vital factor to consider. Ensure the company has a proven track record of delivering scalable blockchain solutions for startups and enterprises.

Ask them if they have experience in public, permissioned, or both blockchain platforms. A strong portfolio speaks volumes about their proficiency in blockchain technology.

2. What technology stack do they use?

While that’s good and all, understanding the portfolio of the company is not enough; you have to understand what technologies and project management tools they work with.

Ensure they use state-of-the-art development tools and platforms and are proficient in several frontend and backend technologies, along with blockchain. Ask them if they make use of project management enterprise-grade tools like Jira, Confluence, or Pivotal Tracker to track project progress.

3. Where is the team located, and do they work in your timezone?

The size and location of the team can impact the success of your project. Ensure the company has a capable team that can meet deadlines and accommodate your timezone for effective communication.

It’s also beneficial to check the LinkedIn profiles or professional networks of the company’s technical experts to verify their blockchain experience and credentials.

Final Thoughts

The selected blockchain company should be competent enough to interrogate a project itself whether it really needs a blockchain-based solution. Considering all the factors mentioned above, you will easily identify your ideal match.

If you are looking forward to finding one of the best blockchain development companies that has profound knowledge and a successful history in implementing blockchain projects, then approach proficient Blockchain Studioz experts.

The post Top Blockchain Development Companies of 2025 appeared first on Blockchain.

Why Cannot I Remove My Credit Card from iPhone?

If you are unable to remove your credit card information from your Apple ID, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons:

• There’s an unpaid balance or payment due.

• An auto-renew subscription is active.

• You’re part of Family Sharing.

For most users, these issues are the primary reasons preventing the removal of a payment method. The most common issue is active subscriptions on your account. Apple requires you to keep a payment method on file for open subscriptions. To resolve this, either cancel all subscriptions or add a new payment method before deleting the current one.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Cannot I Remove My Credit Card from iPhone?
2. How to Delete a Card from Apple Wallet or Apple Pay
3. How to Delete Your Apple Payment Method on Your Computer

How to Delete a Card from Apple Wallet or Apple Pay

Once you’ve cleared any unpaid balances, turned off auto-renew subscriptions, and exited Family Sharing, you can remove your credit card. Follow these steps:

1- Open the Settings app.

2- Tap your Apple ID.

3- Select Payment & Shipping. You may be prompted to enter your iPhone passcode or use Face ID.

4- Tap Edit.

5- Tap the Delete button next to the payment method.

6- Confirm by tapping Remove.

At this point, you can add a new credit card to use for App Store purchases, in-app transactions, or iCloud services.

How to Delete Your Apple Payment Method on Your Computer

To change or remove the payment information on a computer, use Apple’s website or App Store for Mac. The method basically manages the payment used for purchase on your iPhone, iPad, or iTunes account. Here’s how to remove a payment method on a Mac:

1- Open the App Store on your Mac.

2- Click your name in the bottom-left corner.

3- Select Account Settings.

4- Click Manage Payments.

5- Locate the payment method you wish to remove and click Delete.

You can also update your payment information from this screen by adding a new method or editing an existing one. After updating, purchases through the iTunes Store, App Store, or in-app will charge the new card on file.

By doing so, you will be able to connect your Apple ID with the correct payment method for easy management of subscriptions and purchases.

The post How to Remove a Card from Apple Wallet or Apple Pay appeared first on Blockchain.

DeFi is a revolutionary financial ecosystem built on blockchain that seeks to recreate and evolve traditional financial services while eliminating all centralized authority. Being decentralized and transparent, the networks are accessible and inclusive to all around the globe. Through smart contracts, DeFi platforms execute functions including lending, trading, and staking in an autonomous and secure manner.

Removing the intermediaries, DeFi empowers the users to remain in control of their assets and minimize counterpart risks and achieves a level playing field. The foundation of DeFi comprises three core pillars: openness, accessibility, and financial enclusivity.

As we progress into 2025, DeFi platforms are proving to be irreplaceable. Increased adoption of DeFi solutions speaks towards its greatness, by making financial transactions clear, safe, and efficient. Quickly, this platform is being approached by people from all walks of life and even investors interested in alternative financial sectors.

Table of Contents:

1. What Are the Basic Requirements You Should Look for in a DeFi Platform?
1.1 Security Features
1.2 User Interface and Experience
1.3 Token Offerings
1.4 Cross-Application Interoperability
2. Top 12 DeFi Platforms
2.1 Aave
2.2 Lido Finance
2.3 Uniswap
2.4 Ethereum
2.5 GMX
2.6 Curve Finance
2.7 Stargate Finance
2.4 Binance
2.5 Kraken
2.7 AQRU
2.4 Crypto.com
2.5 YouHodler
3. Conclusion

What Are the Basic Requirements You Should Look for in a DeFi Platform?

With the growing popularity of DeFi, choosing a legitimate one will be very important for a frictionless and safe operation. Here are the main criteria that need to be considered in DeFi selection:

A. Security Features

Security is the backbone of every reliable DeFi. Seek functionalities like end-to-end encryption, multi-signature wallets, and recurring security audits. The best platforms use advanced technology to protect funds and data from vulnerabilities.

B. User Interface and Experience

A well-designed user interface enhances the overall experience, making it effortless for beginners and experienced users alike. The intuitive design, responsive tools, and streamlined workflows ensure that trading, lending, and staking are done efficiently.

C. Token Offerings

A diversified portfolio of tokens is crucial. Top platforms have multiple tokens for trading, lending, or staking, and the list keeps growing based on users’ needs. This ability to adapt shows a commitment to growth and innovation by the platform.

D. Cross-Application Interoperability

Maximization of utility in DeFi platforms requires interoperability. Seamless integration into other DeFi protocols and blockchain networks allow people to tap into a broader ecosystem, producing collaboration and innovation.

Top 12 DeFi Platforms

1. Aave

Aave is still quite the leader within the DeFi space, unique for innovative lending protocols. Using this Ethereum-based lending and borrowing service creates imperceptible interactivity with smart contracts to guarantee trustless, secure transactions. Aave’s “Earn interest on deposits, borrow against collateral” capability makes the Aave platform highly versatile for diverse financial needs.

2. Lido Finance

Lido offers a distinguished platform with a user-friendly interface and strong security measures. It is decentralized lending and trading, a feature that supports a great number of assets and interest rates competitive in their fields. Having dynamic liquidity pools and advanced trading tools allows Lido to be used both by newcomers and professionals in DeFi for an ultimate rewarding experience.

3. Uniswap

Currently, Uniswap is dominating the DeFi trading space in terms of its ‘automated market maker’ protocol that allows permissionless efficient token swaps. Its DEX model eliminates intermediaries, thereby being transparent with minimal fraud risks. With innovative features such as concentrated liquidity in V3 from Uniswap, the lending and borrowing processes are enhanced and, for these reasons, place it firmly as one of the best DeFi platforms.

4. Ethereum

Having been one of the pioneer products in smart contracts, Ethereum remains a stronghold in DeFi. Despite various problems such as scalability issues and fees associated with transactions, Ethereum will be shifting towards Ethereum 2.0 to correct those problems. Ethereum moves on from being proof-of-work towards proof-of-stake, making it a more scalable form with fees lowered and environmental footprints.

5. GMX

GMX has turned out to be one of the most reliable DeFi lending platforms where users lend and borrow cryptocurrencies in a very transparent way with competitive interest rates. Furthermore, it supports seamless decentralized trading through a wide range of tokens with low fees and great liquidity.

Not to mention, it excels at staking, providing a very user-friendly interface for users with quite attractive rewards. These features make GMX stand out as a platform for lending, trading, and earning passive income in the DeFi ecosystem.

6. Curve Finance

Curve Finance has found a space in the DeFi world with stablecoin trading, where traders can find low slippage and minimal fees. Its AMM model ensures that liquidity pools maintain pegs on the stablecoin efficiently.

This makes Curve Finance the platform for stablecoin transactions as it invites liquidity providers and makes the ecosystem robust for the traders and investors.

7. Stargate Finance

Stargate Finance is a yield aggregator service that maximizes yields by routing user assets to the most profitable strategies. In an auto-compounding mechanism, yields are automatically reinvested, so users get optimal returns with minimal effort.

With diversified investment options like liquidity provision, yield farming, and lending, Stargate Finance caters to a wide range of risk profiles. Its intuitive dashboard and strong security measures further enhance the user experience, making it a promising platform.

8. Binance

Although considered to be a centralized exchange, Binance did excellent in the DeFi space with the Binance Smart Chain, or BSC. BSC is a blockchain network supporting dApps and smart contracts; however, it offers faster transaction times compared with Ethereum as well as has lower fees.

Binance’s system also hosts other very popular DeFi projects like PancakeSwap and Venus, whose native token is BNB. BNB holders get a cost saving on transaction fees and the option to stake, making Binance a leading DEFI project.

9. Kraken

Kraken bridges the gap between traditional and decentralized finance by offering access to DeFi protocols through its centralized platform. Users can engage in decentralized lending, exchanges, and other financial services without navigating multiple platforms.

Kraken has an easy user interface and robust security measures, which makes it an attractive option for new as well as professional traders. Being centralized by nature, yet integrating DeFi protocols, Kraken opens the door to further access and convenience of decentralized finance.

10. AQRU

AQRU is, therefore relatively new in the DeFi staking landscape, providing competitive returns along with an effortless staking experience. Its focus on delivering high yields for passive income seekers makes it, therefore a platform to watch, as the DeFi landscape evolves.

It will depend on how well AQRU actually performs and takes a user-friendly approach to attract and retain its users. Through seamless staking options combined with highly competitive returns, it has the possibility to stand out in such a crowded market.

11. Crypto.com

Crypto.com is the staking platform also further pushing into the DeFi space by offering attractive Annual Percentage Yields, APYs. The variety of cryptocurrencies supported on the platform allows users to diversify their holdings and earn competitive returns.

Crypto.com’s staking platform is accessible for all users, experienced as well as new. Its seamless user experience coupled with its feature set makes it one of the stand-out applications in the DeFi space.

12. YouHodler

YouHodler offers high interest rates for crypto deposits and unique features such as crypto-backed loans. That would allow users to lock in fiat or stablecoins through crypto on deposit as collateral to put liquid cash aside without selling the assets.

The exchange also offers margin trading and Turbo Loans for more professional traders. However, there are concerns raised about the lack of transparency and regional restrictions that an individual should take care to research more about the platform before using.

Conclusion

The DeFi landscape is full of innovation and opportunities. Platforms like GMX, Curve Finance, Stargate Finance, and Binance redefine decentralized finance and showcase a diversified range of services that cater to different needs. Newcomers such as AQRU and YouHodler are competitive options in the market.

As the industry grows, so does Blockchain Studioz, a pioneering DeFi development company that is leading by providing truly innovative solutions to redefine the DeFi experience. Whether an investor, a developer, or a curious enthusiast, these platforms and companies are shaping a whole new future for decentralized finance.

The post 12 Best Defi Platforms To Watch Out in 2025 appeared first on Blockchain.

Table of Contents:

1. What Exactly is a Decentralized Crypto Exchange?
2. Why Consider Investing in Decentralized Crypto Exchanges?
3. Interested? Here are the Top 10 Decentralized Crypto Exchanges in 2025
3.1 OKX
3.2 Uniswap
3.3 Curve Finance
3.4 0x
3.5 IDEX
3.6 PancakeSwap
3.7 Huobi (iToken)
3.8 KuCoin (Halo)
3.9 SushiSwap
3.10 ApeSwap
4. Conclusion

What Exactly is a Decentralized Crypto Exchange?

A DEX, or decentralized exchange, essentially operates with no central authority or middleman, allowing users to directly trade via smart contracts on blockchain networks. Most DEXs will never hold any customers’ funds as a primary reason, which increases security as well as transparency. Most DEXs also use liquidity pools and Automated Market Makers (AMMs) instead of an order book, providing an uninterrupted environment in which to sell and buy cryptos.

Why Consider Investing in Decentralized Crypto Exchanges?

Investing in a DEX can offer unique benefits compared to centralized exchanges:

Enhanced Privacy and Security

DEXs allow users to trade directly from their wallets, eliminating the need for KYC procedures and protecting personal data from breaches and identity theft.

Resilience to Censorship

Operating globally without a central authority, DEXs are resistant to censorship, enabling unrestricted trading regardless of geographic location.

Financial Inclusivity

DEXs are accessible worldwide, promoting financial freedom for individuals in underserved regions, who can now access diverse cryptocurrencies and financial services.

Control over Funds

In comparison to centralised exchanges, DEXs allow the control of private keys and funds altogether, thus eliminating risks of theft or loss from an exchange.

Passive Income

Most DEXs offer DeFi protocols. Using such protocols, users can earn passive income by locking into liquidity pools and earning rewards.

Lower Fees

Normally, DEX has fewer intermediaries, making the trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees lower. Hence, more cost-effective with respect to frequent trading.

Fast and Efficient Transactions

The DEX depends on blockchain technology to enable direct trades between wallets, such that execution of the trade can be made possible much faster without central clearing.

Reduced Counterparty Risk

Trades on DEXs occur directly between users’ wallets, significantly lowering counterparty risk associated with traditional exchanges.

Support for Various Tokens

DEXs often support a wide range of tokens, including new and niche assets, enabling users to access unique investment options unavailable on centralized platforms.

Community Governance

Some DEXs allow users to participate in platform governance, ensuring the exchange’s development aligns with the community’s interests through a democratic approach.

Interested? Here are the Top 10 Decentralized Crypto Exchanges in 2025

1. OKX

Topping our list is OKX, well-known for its centralized trading suite, which boasts an average daily volume of $1 billion. Its decentralized counterpart, acting as a DEX aggregator, sources the best prices from over 200 DEXs, ensuring users get the most value. With high-yield aggregation, OKX offers investors access to the highest available APYs in the DeFi market. No sign-up is necessary; users can connect their wallets directly and start trading. One of the main reasons why OKX is impressive is the strong security configuration, friendly interface, seamless wallet integration, and advanced trading tools. This makes it a perfect platform both for newcomers and experienced traders.

2. Uniswap

It is one of the earliest DEXs, and Uniswap is a fully decentralized Ethereum-based token exchange for the trading of ERC20 tokens. The AMM system of Uniswap has in its turn done away with the traditional order books and allows any individual to provide liquidity and earn fees. Uniswap’s simple interface, diverse ERC20 token selection, and lower fees than traditional exchanges make it a preferred choice for traders looking to explore decentralized finance with ease.

 3. Curve Finance

Specializing in stablecoins, Curve Finance is known for low fees and deep liquidity, optimized for stable asset trading. Curve’s algorithm minimizes slippage, ideal for large trades and stablecoin staking, which offers low-risk rewards. Its unique bonding curve mechanism ensures minimal price impact on trades, providing a smooth and efficient trading experience for stablecoin investors.

4. 0x

The 0x protocol is a decentralized peer-to-peer trading platform on the Ethereum blockchain that involves minimal friction for the user; it is an open standard of exchange functionality that supports interoperability among DApps. The protocol’s standout feature is aggregating liquidity across many platforms with a deep, diversified market by bringing together liquidity from many different sources, including other DEXs, to offer the trader low slippage and competitive prices. This flexible architecture of 0x smart contracts allows developers to create customized trading features, thus fostering innovation and enabling unique trading experiences within the ecosystem.

5. IDEX

IDEX offers a unique hybrid model that merges the speed of centralized exchanges with the security of decentralized ones. By separating trade matching from on-chain settlement, IDEX provides real-time trading and blockchain-based settlement, enhancing security and transparency. Users can trade directly from their wallets without the need to deposit funds onto the exchange, giving them complete control. The platform supports various order types—limit, market, and stop-loss—and provides advanced charting tools and real-time data. Leveraging off-chain order books, IDEX ensures fast, efficient trade execution without congesting the underlying blockchain, making it a top choice for seamless trading.

6. PancakeSwap

PancakeSwap is probably one of the most popular DEXs for BSC tokens. But with minimal fees and an interface so accessible to everyone, this place works a bit like Uniswap, using an Automated Market Maker system. It even lets people hold tokens and earn further rewards through “yield farming”. Investors want maximum returns in the DeFi space. The platform allows users to engage in governance with its native token, CAKE, and obtain more staking rewards. With growth in the community and constant innovation, PancakeSwap has guaranteed its place as one of the top DEXs for BSC tokens.

7. Huobi (iToken)

Huobi’s iToken is a top-tier DEX and web 3.0 wallet app that supports cross-chain trading and interoperability across various blockchain networks. With its robust staking rewards program, iToken enables users to stake tokens for attractive yields, appealing to investors interested in stablecoins and passive income. The platform also offers advanced order types, real-time data, and customizable interfaces, all within a user-friendly design. Its comprehensive features make it accessible to both experienced traders and newcomers, offering a seamless, secure trading experience across multiple blockchain standards.

8. KuCoin (Halo)

KuCoin’s decentralized app, Halo, stands out with support for seven blockchain standards and a unique ‘smart wallet tracker’ feature. The tool keeps track of large token movements by “whale” investors, so the user is well-informed on the market trends before making his decisions on investments. In addition to this, the Halo has an easy interface with a wide variety of trading tools such as real-time data, charts, price alerts and efficient trade execution catering to both experienced and new traders.

Besides its trading services, KuCoin’s Halo promotes community participation by offering a social trading service that links and enables users to share their strategies as well as discuss any insights. This collaborative atmosphere enhances traders’ skills and knowledge. With features like tracking influential investors, advanced trading tools, and social trading, KuCoin’s Halo combines the benefits of a Web 3.0 wallet with a decentralized exchange for a seamless trading experience.

9. SushiSwap

Since its launch in 2020, SushiSwap has grown to be one of the biggest decentralized crypto exchanges, currently supporting over 400 tokens and offering various yield-generating services, including liquidity pools and vaults. Its AMM protocol allows the addition of personalized liquidity to trading pairs, getting returns in the form of fees. SushiSwap also offers vaults and automated yield farming strategies whose returns will be optimized given the money is allocated across protocols for maximal gain.

The decentralized autonomous organization is at the core of SushiSwap, mirroring a very strong ethos of community involvement. Token holders are decisive about the platform, and as such, its evolution goes hand in hand with the needs of its users. Considering automated farming strategies and yield services, SushiSwap has managed to occupy top position on the list of popular DEX apps.

10. ApeSwap

ApeSwap is such an upcoming star in the DeFi world, offering various services like cross-chain swaps, staking, farming, and many more popular DeFi tools. It was founded by a community-focused team and is designed to be a secure, user-friendly platform for DeFi enthusiasts.

ApeSwap’s cross-chain swap function allows users to swap between networks such as the Binance Smart Chain and Ethereum. This way, access is increased, but the user doesn’t need to convert their tokens to do so. It has intuitive interfaces, offers a variety of services, and security is kept forefront as well. This is why ApeSwap has become such a great alternative for research explorers looking into DeFi. Since users can stake, farm, or swap, or even engage in governance, ApeSwap will demonstrate an effective and inclusive experience in DeFi.

Conclusion

With a continued expansion in the cryptocurrency market, DEXs offer a boost in privacy, censorship resistance, and passive income opportunities, and that makes these high demand products in markets in which investors and traders would readily buy. Therefore, with a strong background in technology services, Blockchain Studioz makes it easier for creating sophisticated DEX platforms with all tailored aspects and newest-edge software to make all transactions smooth and secure.

Blockchain Studioz provides comprehensive DEX development services, enabling businesses to stay competitive in the evolving DeFi landscape. With expertise in high-security standards and flexible payment models, Blockchain Studioz also offers custom cryptocurrency exchange solutions, empowering businesses to unlock the potential of decentralized finance. Contact us today to navigate the future of decentralized exchanges and leverage the transformative power of crypto trading platforms.

The post Top 10 Decentralized Crypto Exchanges to Consider in 2025 appeared first on Blockchain.