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January 11, 2021
New restriction
Bitcoin recorded its all-time high a few weeks back. It is gaining more investors day by day. It is in demand right now. From corporates to big investors want to cash on this opportunity. While Bitcoin is reaching new heights, shocking news came. Some banks in the UK decided to impose new restrictions on Bitcoin holders. This is applicable to all cryptocurrencies. This is first reported by The Sunday Times. Now, the banks will not accept any kind of transactions from Bitcoin exchanges. The banks will
not allow Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. The banks will not accept any deposit from a crypto wallet into their bank accounts. The investors in the UK will not be able to buy cryptocurrency using their credit cards. Few big banks are also included in this list banning cryptocurrencies. One of the big banks is HSBC.
Its impact
HSBC is one of the largest banks in the UK. So, there is a high chance of impacting a large number of crypto holders. As per the new restriction, many investors in the UK will have to suffer. The investors will face a lot of problems, those holding with cryptocurrency. In addition to the above, there are a few more restrictions also. The users are not allowed to use their debit or credit cards for the purchase of any cryptocurrency. This will have a larger impact on the banking system in the UK. This is also a major setback for cryptocurrencies. It is bad news for the crypto world and its believers. Ran Neuner is a trader as well as the host of “Crypto Trader” at CNBC. He said that due to this restriction, many banks will run out of business. This restriction will have a negative impact on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. This may stop the surging value of Bitcoin for some time.
Strict measures against cryptocurrencies
From the beginning, the UK didn’t extend its support towards Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The UK is one of the hostile countries for the crypto industry. It is majorly for the retail investors holding cryptocurrency. The trading in BTC-based financial derivatives and cryptocurrency got banned in the UK. It happened in October 2020. This is as per the decision by their regulatory body, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
FCA’s take on this
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) claimed that it is protecting the investors’ money. As per FCA, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are assets that are not worthy of trust. It also considers that cryptocurrencies are prone to financial crime. Someone might be using it for illegal purposes. Accordingly to the US Treasury, cryptocurrencies are assets. But its usage could be for illegal and illicit activities. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) came up with a new regulation. This new regulation is against Bitcoin’s so-called “unhosted wallets”. This new rule by FinCEN received opposition from the complete crypto world. All these restrictions will create major complications for crypto holders. These restrictions could impact the new advancements happening in the crypto industry currently. However, regulatory bodies are trying to save the financial world.
January 9, 2021
The crypto world is growing day by day. More and more people are joining the crypto world every day. The value of cryptocurrency is reaching new heights. Big corporates to multi-millionaire investors are putting their money in it. Cryptocurrency is the next big thing. Many new investors are willing to get higher returns from it.
The interest in cryptocurrency is increasing. More people are showing their belief in digital currency. So, people are trying to cash on this opportunity. For buying and trading in cryptocurrency, one needs to choose a cryptocurrency exchange. A cryptocurrency exchange is an important platform for all cryptocurrency holders. Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is a vital step. Below is the list showing important aspects while selecting a cryptocurrency exchange.
Security
Security is the most important concern when it comes to cryptocurrency. Also, security is the primary aspect while selecting a cryptocurrency exchange. So, one has to do a lot of research before selecting an exchange. It is essential to choose a legitimate and secure platform for this purpose. Recently, there are a lot of scams that are coming into the picture. So, an authentic and safe cryptocurrency exchange is the only option.
Purchasing method
The method of purchasing and transacting differs among multiple platforms. Different exchanges have different ways of accepting deposits. Some accept bank transfers and some accept PayPal. If one is new to this crypto world, one has to choose the exchange accepting fiat currency. Moreover, the transaction time also differs between different platforms.
Supported tokens
Most of the cryptocurrency exchange support Bitcoin and Ethereum. There is a long list of digital currency present in the market. Binance supports a long list of altcoins. Coinbase supports only four cryptocurrencies. So, this is also a vital factor while making a choice.
Trading platform / P2P exchange / Broker
There are three types of cryptocurrency exchange. The trading platform is very common. Here the users place their orders for buying or selling cryptocurrency. P2P exchange is a more open type of exchange. Here the buyers and sellers interact directly and trade among themselves. Cryptocurrency brokers are different from the above. Here the brokers fix the price and the buyer can purchase as per his choices.
Fee structure
The fee structure and the transaction fees also vary among platforms. This is also a critical aspect. Some exchanges offer discounts. While some exchanges charge for trading, but the purchasing of tokens are free. So, exchanges have a variety of offers. Therefore, you should choose based on your requirements.
User interface and user experience
Another important aspect is the user interface and its functionalities. The interface should be user-friendly. From new to seasoned users, the user interface plays an important. It is essential for the user to understand the functionalities and use them at his convenience. Moreover, different people like different interfaces. Mostly, the exchanges with the best user experience see maximum growth.
So, the above-mentioned points are important while selecting a cryptocurrency exchange. All exchanges are different and they have different offerings for the users. So, it is important to understand your own priorities before selecting an exchange. It is good for one to choose an exchange that suits his criteria best.
January 6, 2021
Ethereum 2.0 and stalked pool
There are great expectations for the new Ethereum 2.0. The expected launch of Ethereum 2.0 will happen very soon. Also, the up-gradation will happen from the existing Ethereum network to the new Ethereum 2.0. The new ETH 2.0 comes with a lot of hope and promise. It will reduce network congestion. It will also come at a lesser cost. But there is a small problem here. Before the ETH 2.0 launch, the users have to lock or stake their ETH tokens in a smart contract. The use or movement of these tokens will not possible till the up-gradation is complete.
Curve Finance launched a new innovation. This technology will be helpful, during the up-gradation from ETH 1 to ETH 2.0. It will be easy for the users to support both the networks during the upgrade. Till now, the amount stalked in Ethereum 2.0 is tokens worth $2 Billion.
The process
The process starts with Lido’s stalking service. It got launched in October. With this service, the users will stake the ETH tokens and will receive stETH tokens. stETH tokens will be an asset of equal value as the ETH tokens. In this way, the users will stake the ETH tokens and as well as use them.
Lido got funding in December. It was able to raise $2 million. In addition, it got funding from venture capital firms. It also got help from Defi investors. Stani Kulechov of Aave lending protocol also funded Lido. Kain Warwick of the derivatives protocol Synthetix also supported Lido.
The problem
stETH tokens are the same in value as ETH tokens. However, all the protocols are not designed in a way to handle the new stETH tokens. So, the stETH holders will not be able to utilize all the finance applications in the same way as Ethereum. Few automated financial protocols will not support stETH tokens. these are issuing loans, swap between digital assets, and gaining interest on deposits.
The possible solution
Curve Finance is famous for its cost-effective swap technology. It helps the users to swap between digital currencies and other assets seamlessly. Recently, Curve Finance announced the launch of a new trading pool. This pool will support the swap between native ETH tokens and stETH tokens. Due to this, the users will be able to swap between the ethereum tokens with the least cost. So, the stETH holders can utilize all the finance applications in Defi. They will also be able to stake the ETH tokens for the upgrade to ETH 2.0 version.
This new Curve pool is an important part of the Ethereum development. All people interested in the development of the Ethereum blockchain will welcome this step. This will provide the users to utilize the tokens in both ways. The users can stake the tokens till the upgrade. Also, in the meantime, they will be using the tokens for all Defi applications. This is definitely a remarkable step in the crypto world. This technology will ensure the users to trust in the development of cryptocurrencies.
December 30, 2020
Raises $2 million
Planning for the future
Quick and calculated steps
Legal perspective
Creating hold on India
December 28, 2020
The case
Tierion
The allegations
The investors
Conclusion
December 24, 2020
Things to consider while choosing a wallet
Deciding on the right wallet
Setting up a hardware wallet
Setting up a mobile wallet
Setting up a desktop wallet
Conclusion
December 23, 2020
The case
Ripple Labs and XRP
The allegations
December 22, 2020
Ledger hardware wallet
A hardware wallet is a virtual wallet for cryptocurrency. This wallet stores the user’s private keys safely in a hardware device. The private key is a piece of important and critical information. After that, its usage is for verification of outgoing transactions. The major goal of these wallets is to provide complete security to its user. It aims that the private key information can’t get stolen from the computer or smartphone. Ledger is a company that manufactures these wallets. The company uses high-end technology to provide a high level of security to its users. In addition, they provide complete ownership and control of these wallets to their users.
Hacking of customer data
Recently, the hacking user’s personal information came into the picture. This information is from the Ledger hardware wallet. More than 1 million customer data got stolen. The data includes email addresses, first and last names. In addition, it also contains the customer’s phone numbers and postal addresses. After hacking, the information got published in RaidForums. RaidForums is a place where the customer’s sensitive information gets sold or shared. In addition, 1 million email addresses got published. 272,000 customer’s sensitive data also got published there.
The damage is much higher than the company expected. It happened on 25th June 2020. The company made a public announcement after it knew about the security breach. The company announced that the data shared was only 9500 customer’s information. However, it turned out that a huge amount of customer information is out in the open. The chances of misusing this data are very high. Hackers and fraudsters are mostly waiting for such opportunities. They have started to blackmail Ledger user’s to get their money. Already frauds and scams have begun to arise. Therefore, ledger users are at great risk as their sensitive information got compromised.
Scams followed
One of the Ledger users posted a message regarding this. He warned others that he is being targeted by fraudsters. They have his email address and phone number. In addition, they blackmailed him asking him to pay $500 for a wallet. Above all, they told that they are aware of his postal address. They also threatened him to show up when he least expects it. This incident is very serious. Also, this could cause serious damage to users. The users might lose their money. This could lead to some grievous consequences.
Next Step
Now, the situation is out of the company’s hands. The damage done can not reverse. The only advice Ledger can give is to check the phishing attacks. However, the fraudsters have the customer’s data and they will try to misuse it very easily.
To check this, Ledger came up with a website. This website provides an overview of phishing attacks that happened to date. This could help users so that they will not fall into the scamsters trap. As per Ledger, it has stopped 171 phishing websites that could use this data. This got implemented on the day of the breach. Only the future can tell how long the company will be able to protect its customer’s information.
December 21, 2020
Musk’s interest in Bitcoin
Saylor’s reply
Conclusion
December 15, 2020