Learning the friendly way

Owning cryptocurrency is one thing. Using it in everyday life is another. While digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have grown in popularity as investments and payment alternatives, spending them directly at a coffee shop, grocery store, or restaurant is not always straightforward. The vast majority of businesses still only accept fiat money, not crypto.

Crypto cards exist to solve this problem. They act as a bridge between blockchain-based assets and traditional payment systems, which allows you to spend cryptocurrency through familiar card networks like Visa and MasterCard. So, get ready! We’ll show you what crypto cards are, how they work behind the scenes, how crypto debit and credit cards differ, and even how your business can take advantage of them!

What Is a Crypto Card?

A crypto card is a payment card that lets you spend cryptocurrency in everyday transactions, even though merchants receive fiat currency such as the United States dollar or euro. From the end user’s perspective, the experience closely resembles using a traditional debit card or credit card.

Crypto cards are typically issued by a cryptocurrency exchange, fintech company, or financial services provider in partnership with an issuing bank and a payment processor. Most operate on established card networks like Visa or MasterCard, which gives them broad acceptance across retail, e-commerce, and travel services.

These cards are connected to a cryptocurrency wallet or account balance. When you make a purchase, your digital assets are automatically converted into fiat money at the current exchange rate. Crypto cards can be physical or virtual, used via a mobile app or digital wallet, and often include features such as transaction tracking, balance visibility, and loyalty incentives.

How Crypto Cards Work: The Mechanics

Although crypto cards feel familiar at checkout, several processes happen in the background to make each financial transaction possible.

Step 1: Loading Cryptocurrency

Before you can spend, you need to fund your card. This usually involves transferring cryptocurrency from an external wallet, a cryptocurrency exchange like Binance or Gemini, or an internal platform wallet. Some providers allow direct wallet linking, while others require you to move assets into a custodial account first.

Depending on the service provider, you may need to convert your crypto into a supported asset or stablecoin before spending. This step ensures compatibility with the card’s computing platform and settlement process.

Step 2: Making a Purchase

You use a crypto card just like any debit or credit card. It works online, in retail stores, at automated teller machines, and anywhere card payments are accepted. The merchant does not need to support blockchain technology or digital assets.

From the merchant’s point of view, this is a standard card payment. They never interact with cryptocurrency directly, which improves accessibility and reduces friction across the payment ecosystem.

Step 3: Automatic Crypto-to-Fiat Conversion

This is the core innovation. When you make a purchase, the card provider converts your cryptocurrency into fiat money in real time or near real time. The conversion uses the current market price, adjusted for spreads or fees.

Your crypto balance is reduced by the equivalent amount, while the merchant receives fiat currency through the traditional payment network. Exchange rates, volatility, and conversion fees can all influence the final cost.

Step 4: Transaction Settlement

The transaction is processed through established banking infrastructure and settled in one to three business days. You can view the transaction details in your mobile app, including price, currency used, fees, and timestamps.

This hybrid structure combines blockchain-based assets with legacy banking systems, allowing crypto to function within existing financial markets.

Crypto Debit Cards vs. Crypto Credit Cards

Crypto cards generally fall into two categories, each serving different preferences and risk profiles.

Crypto Debit Cards

Crypto debit cards operate on a prepaid model. You can only spend what you already hold in your account or wallet.

Pros

• No borrowing or debt
• Easier approval with minimal credit requirements
• Strong spending control
• Often suitable for stablecoin users

Cons

• Limited to available balance
• Conversion fees may apply
• Fewer premium rewards

It’s best for: Newbie users, budget-conscious consumers, and those avoiding credit risk.

Crypto Credit Cards

Crypto credit cards allow you to borrow up to a line of credit and repay later. Some use traditional credit underwriting, while others are backed by crypto collateral.

Pros

• Rewards paid in cryptocurrency
• Grace periods for repayment
• Preserves crypto holdings longer
• May help build or maintain credit score

Cons

• Interest charges if balances aren’t paid
• Annual fees common
• Higher complexity and risk

It’s best for: Experienced users seeking rewards, flexibility, and stronger purchasing power.

Key Benefits of Crypto Cards

One of the most compelling benefits of crypto cards is that they let you spend your digital assets in everyday life without worrying about merchant acceptance. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying for travel, or subscribing to online services, the payment experience mirrors traditional cards. It’s seamless and familiar.

Beyond accessibility, crypto cards offer genuine convenience and speed. Transactions happen quickly, without the need for manual selling or bank transfers. Everything from spending to tracking happens in one interface, improving both usability and financial control. This streamlined experience eliminates the friction that typically comes with converting crypto to fiat.

Many providers also offer loyalty programs that reward spending with cryptocurrency instead of points. Over time, this can actually increase your digital asset portfolio through routine consumption. Also, because crypto cards run on established networks like Visa and Mastercard, they’re widely accepted across borders. This makes them especially useful for travel, foreign exchange convenience, and international purchasing. You get the global reach of traditional payment systems combined with the flexibility of digital assets.

Security and control are also built into most crypto card platforms. Features like two-factor authentication, transaction alerts, card freezing, and detailed spending analytics support both trust and data integrity, giving you peace of mind while you spend.

Important Considerations Before Using a Crypto Card

Before jumping in, it’s worth understanding the costs involved. Crypto cards can include transaction fees, conversion spreads, ATM fees, and foreign exchange markups. Comparing fees across providers is essential to avoid surprises.

Taxes are another critical consideration. In many jurisdictions, including the United States, converting crypto to fiat is a taxable event. This means each transaction may trigger capital gains reporting, requiring careful record keeping throughout the year. If you’re a frequent spender, this is something to keep in mind.

Volatility risk is also something to keep in mind. Cryptocurrency prices fluctuate constantly, and the value of your assets may change between the time a transaction is authorized and when it settles. Using stablecoins can help reduce this risk, offering more predictable purchasing power without the wild swings.

Finally, not all crypto cards are available in every country. Regulatory environments, banking partnerships, and compliance rules vary significantly by geography, so it's important to confirm that your chosen provider operates in your region before signing up.

How to Get a Crypto Card

Step 1: Choose a Provider

Evaluate supported cryptocurrencies, card type, fees, rewards, geographic availability, and reputation. Avoid choosing based on advertising alone.

Step 2: Create an Account and Complete KYC

Most providers require identity verification under Know Your Customer regulations. This may include uploading an ID and confirming personal information.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

Deposit cryptocurrency from a wallet or exchange. Some platforms allow direct purchases using a bank account or debit card.

Step 4: Order Your Card

You may receive a virtual card instantly, with a physical card shipped later. Card issuance fees may apply.

Step 5: Activate and Set Preferences

Activate the card, configure spending limits, enable security features, and begin using it for purchases.

Where Can You Use Crypto Cards?

Crypto cards work anywhere Visa or MasterCard is accepted. This includes online retailers, physical stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and many ATMs. Some restrictions may apply for certain merchant categories or cash-equivalent transactions.

Launch Your Own Branded Crypto Card with Tap

If you want to take your business to the next level, offering a branded crypto card can transform your users’ experience. Tap’s Cards-as-a-Service program enables you to launch a fully customized crypto card program without building banking infrastructure from scratch. You can issue both physical and virtual cards suited to your needs.

Traditional card issuing can take years and require substantial investment. Tap shortens this timeline, enabling you to launch a branded crypto card program in as little as 12 weeks. Cards are fully customizable to reflect your brand identity, and the platform scales effortlessly whether you’re issuing hundreds or millions of cards.

Ready to bridge the gap between crypto and everyday spending? Get in touch with Tap's team today and discover what a tailored crypto card program can do for your business.

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Wanting to stake ETH but don't have the full 32 ETH required? Enter Rocket Pool – the game-changing protocol that's making Ethereum staking accessible to everyone.

Founded in 2016 and launched on mainnet in October 2021, Rocket Pool breaks down the barriers to Ethereum staking by allowing anyone to participate with as little as 0.01 ETH. Or, if you want to run a node, you'll need 8 ETH (plus some RPL as collateral) instead of the standard 32 ETH.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the protocol, including its two key tokens:

• RPL: The governance token that also serves as insurance for the protocol
• rETH: A liquid token that represents your staked ETH and automatically grows in value as rewards accumulate

By democratising access to staking, Rocket Pool stays true to Ethereum's vision of decentralisation while making it possible for anyone to earn rewards from securing the network, with no massive ETH holdings required!

How Rocket Pool works

Rocket Pool's design has three main components that work together to facilitate decentralised ETH staking: smart contracts, smart node network and minipools. 

The Smart Contracts Backbone

At the foundation of Rocket Pool lies a sophisticated set of smart contracts that govern all protocol operations. These contracts manage:

• Deposit pools where regular users stake their ETH
• The creation and management of minipools (validator nodes)
• The minting and burning of rETH tokens
• The staking and distribution of RPL rewards
• Protocol governance mechanisms

The smart contracts ensure that all operations happen in a trustless manner, removing the need for intermediaries and preserving the decentralised ethos of Ethereum. They incorporate various security measures, including extensive testing and multiple independent audits to safeguard user funds.

Key smart contracts include the Deposit Pool, Minipool Factory, and Token contracts. When users deposit ETH, the smart contracts either match them with node operators to create validators or mint rETH representing their stake and accumulated rewards.

Smart Node Network and Minipools explained

Rocket Pool's network consists of independent node operators running the Rocket Pool Smart Node software. This software interacts with the protocol's smart contracts and manages validator duties on the Ethereum network.

Node operators in Rocket Pool contribute 8 ETH (rather than the full 32 ETH required for solo staking), which is matched with 24 ETH from the protocol's deposit pool to form a standard 32 ETH validator. This validator unit is called a "minipool."

The process works as follows:

1. A node operator installs and configures the Smart Node software
2. They deposit 8 ETH and a minimum of 10% worth of ETH in RPL tokens as collateral
3. The protocol matches this with 24 ETH from regular stakers
4. A minipool (validator) is created and begins participating in Ethereum consensus
5. When the validator earns rewards, they are split proportionally between the node operator and the deposit pool

This system creates a symbiotic relationship between those who want to stake without running infrastructure (regular stakers) and those willing to operate nodes but don't have the full 32 ETH requirement (node operators).

The minipool design is particularly innovative because it allows for fractional validator ownership while maintaining security through RPL collateral requirements. If a node operator behaves maliciously or negligently, their RPL collateral can be slashed, protecting regular stakers from potential losses.

Understanding RPL and rETH

As mentioned earlier, Rocket Pool's ecosystem revolves around two main tokens, each serving specific functions within the protocol. 

What is RPL used for?

RPL (Rocket Pool Protocol Token) is the native utility and governance token of the Rocket Pool protocol, designed to align the interests of node operators with the long-term success of the protocol. Unlike rETH, which represents staked ETH, this ERC-20 token serves several specific functions:

1. Node operator collateral: Node operators must stake a minimum of 10% of their ETH value in RPL tokens as security against wrongdoing. This collateral can be slashed if the node operator behaves maliciously, protecting the protocol and its users.
2. Insurance mechanism: The RPL staked by node operators creates a protocol-wide insurance fund that helps secure user deposits and maintain trust in the system.
3. Additional rewards: Node operators can stake up to 150% of their ETH value in RPL to receive proportional RPL rewards, incentivising greater security deposits and alignment with protocol success.
4. Governance: RPL token holders have voting rights on protocol upgrades, parameter changes, and other governance decisions through the Rocket Pool DAO.

What is rETH and how does it work?

rETH is Rocket Pool's liquid staking token that represents staked ETH plus accumulated rewards. These automatically increase in value relative to ETH through a changing exchange rate rather than requiring separate reward claims.

How to stake ETH with Rocket Pool (step-by-step)

Staking ETH with Rocket Pool as a regular user (not a node operator) is straightforward and accessible to anyone with an Ethereum wallet. Here's a guide to getting started:

Option 1: Using the Rocket Pool dApp

1. Connect your wallet: Visit the Rocket Pool website and navigate to the staking interface. Connect your Ethereum wallet (MetaMask, WalletConnect, etc.).
2. Determine your stake amount: Decide how much ETH you want to stake (minimum 0.01 ETH).
3. Approve the transaction: After reviewing the details, confirm the transaction in your wallet. This will swap your ETH for rETH at the current exchange rate.
4. Receive rETH: Once the transaction is confirmed, you'll receive rETH in your wallet, representing your staked ETH plus future rewards.

Option 2: Using decentralised exchanges

1. Access a DEX: Open a decentralised exchange that supports rETH/ETH pairs (Uniswap, SushiSwap, Balancer, etc.).
2. Execute the swap: Trade your ETH for rETH through the exchange interface.
3. Store your rETH: Keep your rETH in your wallet or utilise it in compatible DeFi protocols.

Monitoring your stake

Once you hold rETH, your rewards accumulate automatically through the increasing exchange rate between rETH and ETH. To monitor your rewards:

1. Check the current rETH/ETH exchange rate on the Rocket Pool website or through blockchain explorers.
2. Calculate the difference between the current value of your rETH holdings and your initial investment.

Remember that you don't need to claim rewards separately - they're built into the increasing value of your rETH tokens. When you eventually want to unstake, you can simply swap your rETH back to ETH through the Rocket Pool interface or a decentralised exchange.

How to become a Rocket Pool node operator

For those with technical expertise and a desire to become more actively involved in Ethereum's consensus mechanism, becoming a Rocket Pool node operator offers an opportunity to run validators with reduced capital requirements while earning additional rewards.

Prerequisites:

• 8 ETH for each minipool (validator) you wish to create
• At least 10% of your ETH value in RPL tokens as collateral (for maximum rewards, up to 150%)
• A computer or server that meets the minimum requirements:
  
  • 4+ CPU cores
  • 8+ GB RAM
  • 100+ GB SSD storage
  • Stable internet connection
• Basic command line knowledge
• Understanding of Ethereum staking principles

Step-by-step process:

1. Set up your hardware and operating system: Either use a dedicated machine or a cloud service provider. Most node operators use Linux-based systems.
2. Install Ethereum clients: Set up an execution client (Geth, Nethermind, etc.) and a consensus client (Prysm, Lighthouse, etc.).
3. Install Rocket Pool Smart Node software: Follow the detailed instructions on the Rocket Pool documentation site to install the node software.
4. Configure your node: Set up network settings, client preferences, and MEV-boost options if desired.
5. Deposit ETH and RPL: Use the node software to deposit your 8 ETH and the required RPL collateral.
6. Create your minipool: Once your deposits are confirmed, create a minipool which will be matched with 24 ETH from the deposit pool.
7. Monitor and maintain your node: Keep your system updated, monitor performance, and participate in protocol governance if desired.

The future of Rocket Pool

As Ethereum continues to evolve, Rocket Pool is positioning itself for sustained growth and adaptation. In coming years, several key developments and trends will likely shape its trajectory.

Protocol upgrades:

The Rocket Pool development team has outlined an ambitious roadmap with several major upgrades:

• Saturn upgrade series: A comprehensive set of improvements focusing on scalability, capital efficiency, and user experience. The Saturn upgrade is a multi-phase initiative, with Saturn 0 completed and further phases underway.
• Distributed Validator Technology (DVT): Implementation of validator key distribution across multiple operators, enhancing security and reducing single points of failure.
• Greater MEV optimisation: Advanced strategies for maximising Maximal Extractable Value for stakers while maintaining ethical standards.
• Cross-chain expansion: Potential expansion to other proof-of-stake networks or layer-2 solutions that require validation services.

Scaling with Ethereum:

As Ethereum implements its scaling roadmap, Rocket Pool will adapt to support:

• Danksharding and proto-danksharding implementations
• Increasing validator requirements as Ethereum grows
• Adjustments to staking economics as Ethereum's monetary policy evolves
• Supporting specialised validation roles that might emerge in Ethereum's future

Market position and growth:

While Rocket Pool currently holds a smaller market share than some competitors, its emphasis on decentralisation potentially positions it well for sustainable growth. Here are key aspects worth keeping an eye on:

• Increasing regulatory scrutiny may favour more decentralised staking solutions
• Growing community awareness of centralisation risks could drive users toward Rocket Pool
• The protocol's conservative approach to security and upgrades builds long-term trust

How to buy Rocket Pool (RPL)

If you’re looking to accumulate Rocket Pool (RPL), you can do so securely and easily through the Tap app. Simply download the app, create an account and complete the identity verification process. Once verified, you can buy RPL with a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies (through debit card or bank transfer). Ready to dive into the world of staking, or just go along for the ride? Tap’s ready for you. 

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Civic (CVC) is a blockchain-based identity verification platform focused on providing secure, cost-effective identity management solutions. As digital identity verification becomes increasingly important in today’s world, Civic distinguishes itself with its decentralised approach and user-centric control over personal data. 

Let's explore how this platform is addressing the challenges of digital identity verification, privacy, and security.

TLDR

• Decentralised identity verification: Civic provides secure personal data verification without storing user information centrally, reducing fraud and identity theft risks.
• User-controlled identity: Users maintain ownership of their personal data, selectively sharing only required information with service providers through the Civic app.
• Multi-layered ecosystem: Utilises the Identity Verification Marketplace and Civic Pass for DeFi access control.

What is the Civic network all about?

Founded in 2015 by Vinny Lingham and Jonathan Smith, Civic launched its Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in June 2017, raising $33 million. The platform enables users to verify their identities on the blockchain while maintaining control over their personal information.

It aims to overcome traditional identity verification drawbacks, such as centralised data storage, repetitive KYC processes, and privacy concerns—and it uses blockchain technology to achieve this. The platform’s infrastructure allows for reusable KYC, minimising the need to repeatedly share personal documents with different service providers, all while reducing verification costs.

In June 2017, Civic conducted its token sale, selling $33 million worth of CVC tokens. Since then, the platform has continued to evolve, introducing Civic Pass in 2021, serving as an identity gateway for DeFi apps, NFT platforms, and DAOs requiring compliance. 

At the time of writing, it remains one of the notable blockchain-based identity verification solutions in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

How does the Civic platform work?

Civic's core architecture revolves around three main components that work together to provide comprehensive identity verification services:

• Identity Verification Marketplace - connects identity requesters with trusted validators to verify user information.
• Civic Pass - provides access control for DeFi applications and other services requiring compliance checks.

It’s worth noting that their product Civic Pay was quietly retired in 2020-2021. 

The Identity Verification Marketplace operates on the blockchain, creating a trusted ecosystem where validators (trusted entities that verify identity information) and service providers can interact. When users provide identity information through the Civic app, it's encrypted and stored on their device, not on Civic's servers.

By distributing the verification process across the blockchain and putting users in control of their data, Civic promises to deliver security, privacy, and convenience without compromises. Because users can reuse their verified identity across multiple platforms, this makes it an efficient solution for both individual users and businesses requiring KYC processes.

Civic created CVC to be the utility token across its ecosystem, used for paying for verification services, rewarding validators, and incentivising ecosystem participation.

The advantages of the Civic platform

According to the Civic team, the platform significantly reduces verification costs compared to traditional identity verification methods. It's also capable of completing verifications in minutes rather than days. This makes it a superior solution for businesses looking to streamline their KYC processes while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Beyond that, Civic is designed to address major issues facing identity systems today: data breaches and identity theft. This is done by eliminating centralised databases of personal information, ensuring that even if Civic were compromised, users' personal data would remain secure.

It's also highly inclusive. While many identity verification systems require extensive documentation, Civic works to provide solutions for the unbanked and underbanked populations globally, potentially bringing financial services to billions of people.

In 2021, Civic expanded its offerings with enhanced DeFi protection tools and NFT verification services, ensuring that its identity solutions remain relevant in the evolving blockchain ecosystem. The platform continues to develop new use cases for its technology, particularly in combating bot activity and fraud in decentralised applications.

Civic use cases

The Civic network allows individuals and businesses to verify identity information securely and efficiently, whether for account creation, age verification, or compliance with regulatory requirements.

It is one of the first platforms to combine blockchain technology with identity verification to create a user-centric system that puts individuals in control of their personal data while still meeting the verification needs of businesses.

Due to the platform's focus on privacy and security, businesses can implement strong KYC procedures without creating vulnerable centralised databases of user information. This provides them with compliance solutions that protect both the business and its customers.

How to buy CVC

If you’re looking to incorporate Civic (CVC) into your crypto portfolio, users can effortlessly buy and sell the token on the Tap app (after completing the account registration process). Download the app to get started. 

FAQs

How does Civic protect user data?

Civic employs a decentralised identity architecture where users’ personal data is stored locally on their devices, not on central servers. Data is encrypted and hashed, and Civic leverages zero-knowledge proofs in some cases to validate information without exposing the data. Only attestations (proofs of verification) are stored on the blockchain, not the personal data itself. Users maintain control over what information is shared and with whom.

Can you mine CVC tokens?

No, CVC tokens cannot be mined. The total supply of CVC was created during its token generation event in 2017, and no new tokens were issued. As an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, CVC transactions are secured by Ethereum’s Proof of Stake mechanism, but CVC is not mined or staked for rewards.

What is the CVC price?

As the market is known to change regularly, please check the Tap app to find the most relevant CVC price.

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After its launch in 2020, Yearn Finance (YFI) quickly became one of the fastest-growing decentralized finance projects in the cryptocurrency market, attracting over $800 million in digital assets within its first month. In less than a year, the platform’s total value locked (TVL) surpassed $1 billion, reflecting strong market demand for automated yield strategies. By combining blockchain technology, smart contract automation, and community governance, Yearn Finance offers a compelling alternative to traditional finance for users seeking passive income from digital assets.

What Is the Yearn Finance Platform?

Yearn.finance (YFI) is a decentralized finance platform built on the Ethereum blockchain that aggregates multiple DeFi protocols into a single computing platform for yield optimization. Its core purpose is to help end users maximize returns on their cryptocurrency holdings through automated lending, yield farming, and asset management strategies.

Designed to improve accessibility, Yearn Finance reduces the complexity typically associated with decentralized finance by automating decisions that would otherwise require constant monitoring, manual trading, and technical expertise. This makes it especially appealing to users seeking exposure to DeFi investment strategies without managing every financial transaction themselves.

Yearn Finance consists of four core products:

• Earn: Automatically identifies the highest interest rates available across lending protocols, helping users optimize returns on deposited assets.
• Zap: Bundles multiple financial transactions into a single point-and-click action, reducing gas fees and execution costs.
• APY: A real-time data aggregation tool that compares interest rates, yields, and market conditions across supported protocols.
• Vaults: Automated investment strategies that deploy user capital across DeFi markets to generate yield, similar to actively managed mutual funds.
  

By locking supported cryptocurrencies into smart contracts integrated with platforms like Curve, Balancer, Aave, and Compound, users participate in yield farming while maintaining custody of their assets. The more capital deposited, the greater the share of generated yield and protocol incentives.

Governance and Incentives

Yearn Finance operates as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), where governance decisions are proposed and voted on by YFI token holders. This governance model aligns incentives across the ecosystem, rewarding participants who contribute to protocol sustainability, innovation, and long-term value creation.

Automation plays a central role in Yearn’s business process design, ensuring strategies adapt to changes in supply and demand, interest rates, and market liquidity without requiring constant user intervention.

Who Created Yearn Finance (YFI)?

Yearn Finance was launched in February 2020 by software developer Andre Cronje, a notable figure in decentralized application and blockchain innovation. Unlike many cryptocurrency projects, Yearn launched without venture capital funding, token pre-mines, or insider allocations, reinforcing its open-source and community-driven ethos.

Cronje has also contributed to broader DeFi research and development through his involvement with the Fantom ecosystem and crypto media platforms, helping advance transparency and experimentation within the industry.

How Does Yearn Finance Work?

Yearn Finance functions as a DeFi aggregator, deploying smart contracts on Ethereum-compatible decentralized exchanges and lending platforms. Rather than competing directly with protocols like Aave or Compound, Yearn integrates them into automated strategies that dynamically allocate capital based on risk, yield, and market conditions.

At its core, the platform optimizes capital efficiency by continuously reallocating assets to the highest-yielding opportunities, reducing opportunity cost for users.

Earn

The Earn product searches across multiple lending markets to identify the most competitive interest rates. Users can deposit stablecoins such as USDC, DAI, USDT, TUSD, or sUSD, allowing Yearn’s algorithms to route funds where returns are highest at any given time.

Zap

Zap simplifies complex DeFi interactions by combining multiple trades and liquidity deposits into a single transaction. This reduces transaction fees, improves execution speed, and enhances the end-user experience.

APY

APY provides transparent measurement of expected annual yield based on real-time data, offering users a clearer view of potential returns and risk exposure across different strategies.

Vaults

Vaults are Yearn Finance’s most advanced product, enabling users to participate in actively managed investment strategies expressed in Solidity, Ethereum’s smart contract programming language. These vaults automatically rebalance funds across protocols, optimize gas costs, and reinvest profits, making them a powerful tool for long-term asset growth.

What Is the YFI Token?

Launched in July 2020, YFI is an ERC-20 cryptocurrency that serves as both a governance and incentive token within the Yearn Finance ecosystem. YFI holders can propose, vote on, and implement changes to protocol parameters, fee structures, and new product development.

Originally capped at 30,000 tokens, the supply was later increased to 36,666 YFI following a community governance vote. YFI derives value from its role in protocol governance, revenue sharing, and its influence over a growing decentralized finance infrastructure.

Platform fees (such as 0.5% on Earn and 5% on Vaults) are distributed to YFI holders, aligning token ownership with long-term protocol performance and capital efficiency.

How Can I Buy Yearn Finance (YFI)?

Whether you’re looking to actively engage with Yearn Finance’s decentralized investment strategies or simply gain exposure to the YFI cryptocurrency, Tap offers a secure and regulated entry point. Through the Tap mobile app, users can purchase, store, and manage YFI alongside other digital assets using an integrated cryptocurrency wallet.

Once verified, users can trade YFI, track price movements, and manage their portfolio directly from their mobile device, combining ease of access with institutional-grade security.

Bottom Line

For users exploring decentralized finance beyond Bitcoin, Yearn Finance offers exposure to one of Ethereum’s most established yield-focused projects. Whether the goal is long-term investment or active participation in DeFi strategies, acquiring the YFI cryptocurrency provides direct access to the protocol’s governance and ecosystem.

Where to Get Yearn Finance (YFI)?

Through the Tap app, users can find Yearn Finance (YFI), monitor its price in real time, and manage it alongside other cryptocurrencies.

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Gala Games, the company behind GALA tokens, is a disruptive force in the gaming industry. Harnessing Web3 and blockchain technology, Gala Games aims to redefine the player landscape and break away from the traditional gaming model, granting players unprecedented freedom, control, and rewards.

Poised to challenge mainstream platforms, Gala Games has already established a thriving Web3 gaming ecosystem with its play-to-earn games, in-game assets, and high game quality.

What is Gala Games (GALA)?

Gala Games is a blockchain-based play-to-earn gaming platform that launched in 2019 to tap into the growing adoption of blockchain platforms in the gaming community. Hosting a wide range of game genres, including real-time strategy (RTS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), and role-playing games (RPGs), Gala Games offers players a diverse and unique gaming experience.

Originally operating on the Ethereum blockchain, the Gala Games platform has since expanded to Polygon and BNB Chain and leverages Web3 technology to create a secure, immersive, and accessible gaming environment. One key feature is the ability for players to truly own the items they earn through gameplay, thanks to non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Players are rewarded for their in-game accomplishments with the GALA token and NFTs. GALA is the native token within Gala Games, used for in-game purchases and as a medium of exchange. It also rewards Founder's Node operators and facilitates transactions in the Gala Store. Additionally, GALA enables governance voting, giving players a say in the platform's future developments.

Gala Games provides a unique opportunity for players to engage in play-to-earn gaming, where they can not only enjoy immersive gameplay but also earn tangible rewards. Gala Games allows players to enter a world where blockchain meets Web3 meets gaming, and ownership is emphasized.

In early 2022, Gala Games expanded its Web3 offering beyond gaming to incorporate Gala Music and Gala Film. Later that year, it launched its “games-first” layer-1 blockchain solution called Project GYRI which bridges to the Ethereum blockchain and uses GALA as gas for all transactions. The collected GALA tokens are burned or distributed to Founder’s Node operators. 

Who created Gala Games?

Gala Games was founded in 2019 by Eric Schiermeyer and Michael McCarthy, combining the expertise of gaming industry veterans with a focus on blockchain gaming. 

Eric Schiermeyer, the CEO and co-founder of Zynga, brings his digital gaming background, while Michael McCarthy, the President of Games, contributes over 20 years of gaming industry experience. 

In 2021, the US-based gaming platform partnered with C² Ventures to create a $100 million fund for blockchain gaming development, allocated to game developers and new blockchain-based gaming projects.

GALA tokens are distributed daily according to its annual halving schedule and shared among Founder's Node operators and the Gala Games Conservatorship. Each year the number of tokens distributed each day is cut in half.

How does Gala work?

Gala Games offers a diverse selection of blockchain games prioritizing gameplay over monetary incentives by relying on two key elements: Gala Nodes and the Gala ecosystem. 

The immersive games are created by their in-house studio and award-winning external gaming studios like Ember Entertainment, GAMEDIA, Kung Fu Factory, 22cans, and more. In-game items, such as weapons and skins, can be bought and sold on the Gala Store and OpenSea as NFTs.

Gala Nodes

Instead of a centralized server, Gala Games operates on a distributed network of computers. Participants, known as nodes and owned by users, contribute computational resources to the decentralized gaming network and in turn receive rewards.

There are currently four main types of nodes on the platform:

Game Nodes

Game nodes host gaming servers and are granted special allowances in the games they support, i.e. NFTs.

Founder's Nodes

There are only 50,000 Founders Nodes available and these can be bought using GALA tokens directly through the Gala Games website. These nodes hold governance rights and are able to vote on future developments. 

Player Nodes

Users that allow network listeners to share and play music through NFTs. 

Film Nodes

Similar to Gala Games Player Nodes, Film Nodes host entertainment and film experiences. 

Gala Games Ecosystem

The platform offers a range of engaging blockchain games that have been enjoyed by millions of players. Popular titles include Fortitude, Town Star, and Echoes of Empire. Each game offers unique gameplay and rewards for player achievements as well as distinctive in-game assets.

What is the GALA token?

Built on both the Ethereum blockchain (ERC-20) and BNB Chain (BEP-20), GALA tokens are designed to provide a medium of exchange for all in-game assets and transactions made within the Gala platform. GALA tokens are also used to reward Founder Node operators, as in-game player rewards, and provide governance rights. These tokens can also be used to purchase a license to operate a node. 

Gala Token Distribution

The total supply of the GALA token sits at 50 billion. Each day, half of a pre-specified number of GALA tokens are given to Founder's Node operators, and the other half is given to the Gala Games conservatorship for future growth and funding. Each year, this number of tokens is halved.

For example, from July 2022 to July 2023 the Gala Games network planned to distribute 8,561,643 GALA tokens each day. From July 2023 this number will halve.

When GALA is used to buy NFTs in the Gala Games store, that GALA is burned and an equal amount of GALA is then added to a pool for future distribution within the Gala Games ecosystem.

How can I buy the GALA token?

Whether you want to tap into the Gala Games ecosystem or simply diversify your portfolio, you can easily buy or sell the GALA token directly through the Tap app. As a fully licensed and regulated fintech platform, Tap offers a secure means to not only buy and sell but also store and spend your GALA token. 

Simply download the app, create an account, and verify your identity (a legal requirement that takes under 5 minutes). Once your account is up and running you can load either crypto or fiat funds and start trading GALA tokens. The platform supports a number of top crypto and fiat currencies, allowing anyone anywhere to tap into the world of streamlined finances. 

Despite radically reshaping the world’s financial landscape, the first ever cryptocurrency has limitations when interacting with newer blockchains. For example, Ethereum. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) solves this limitation by allowing Bitcoin to function on the Ethereum network, enabling access to decentralized finance (DeFi) services.

WBTC is an ERC-20 token that represents Bitcoin 1:1 on the Ethereum blockchain, combining Bitcoin’s value with Ethereum’s smart contract power, and opening new opportunities for BTC holders in decentralized finance (DeFi). Unlike Bitcoin variants aiming to improve its technology, WBTC extends Bitcoin's utility without replacing it.

Join us in this deep dive on how WBTC works, its benefits, risks, and how it connects Bitcoin to the broader DeFi ecosystem.

Unlocking Bitcoin’s Power on Ethereum

Launched in January 2019, approximately 10 years after Bitcoin's initial release, WBTC was created as a collaborative effort between BitGo, Kyber Network, and Ren (formerly Republic Protocol), along with other major players in the DeFi space including MakerDAO, Dharma, and Set Protocol. 

As an ERC-20 token, WBTC adheres to Ethereum's token standard, making it compatible with the entire Ethereum ecosystem, including its smart contracts, decentralized applications, and wallets.

In structure, WBTC bears similarities to stablecoins like USDC or USDT, which are backed by reserve assets. However, while stablecoins aim to maintain a stable value (usually pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar), WBTC's value fluctuates with Bitcoin's market price. 

Each WBTC token is backed by an equivalent amount of Bitcoin (BTC) held in reserve by a custodian, maintaining a strict 1:1 ratio, meaning 1 WBTC is always equivalent to 1 BTC in value.

Wrapped Bitcoin is now under the control of a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) called the WBTC DAO. This organization oversees the protocol, ensuring the integrity of the wrapping process and maintaining transparency in the system. Unlike Bitcoin's fully decentralized nature, WBTC relies on certain trusted entities to maintain the backing of the tokens, which creates an interesting balance between utility and trustworthiness.

WBTC belongs to a broader category of financial instruments known as "wrapped tokens." These are cryptocurrencies that are enclosed or "wrapped" in a digital vault and represented as another token on a different blockchain. While WBTC represents Bitcoin on Ethereum, there are other wrapped tokens in the cryptocurrency space, including Wrapped Ether (WETH) which, somewhat paradoxically, is a wrapped version of Ethereum's native token on its own blockchain that conforms more strictly to the ERC-20 standard.

Why Does Wrapped Bitcoin Exist?

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) was created to bridge the gap between Bitcoin and newer blockchain platforms like Ethereum.

1. Bitcoin's limited smart contract functionality

Bitcoin prioritizes security over programmability, making it unsuitable for complex decentralized apps. In contrast, Ethereum supports smart contracts that power a wide range of automated financial services.

2. Access to DeFi for Bitcoin holders

Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem offers lending, trading, and yield farming, but Bitcoin holders couldn't participate without converting their BTC. WBTC solves this, letting them use Bitcoin's value within Ethereum-based applications.

3. Unlocking Bitcoin's liquidity

Bitcoin's vast market capitalization holds significant untapped liquidity. WBTC brings this capital into Ethereum's DeFi network, benefiting both Bitcoin holders and the broader ecosystem.

4. Faster, more flexible Bitcoin transactions

While Bitcoin transactions can be slow and costly, WBTC uses Ethereum's network for quicker, cheaper trades-ideal for active traders and DeFi users.

In short, WBTC enhances Bitcoin's utility without altering its core protocol, connecting it to the evolving world of decentralized finance.

How Does Wrapped Bitcoin Work? The Nuts and Bolts

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) bridges Bitcoin and Ethereum through a secure, transparent process involving key participants and smart contracts.

1. Wrapping and unwrapping process:

Wrapping (BTC → WBTC): Users send Bitcoin to a custodian, who secures it and mints an equivalent amount of WBTC on Ethereum, sending it to the user's Ethereum wallet.

Unwrapping (WBTC → BTC): Users burn WBTC, prompting the custodian to release the equivalent Bitcoin back to their Bitcoin wallet.

This 1:1 pegging ensures WBTC is fully backed by Bitcoin reserves.

2. Key participants:

Custodians (e.g., BitGo): Hold and safeguard the Bitcoin backing WBTC.

Merchants: Authorized to request minting or burning of WBTC.

Users: Individuals or entities using WBTC in Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem.

WBTC DAO Members: Stakeholders who govern protocol decisions.

3. Transparency and verification:

Proof of reserves: Publicly verifiable Bitcoin addresses back every WBTC in circulation.

On-chain verification: Minting and burning are recorded on both blockchains.

Regular attestations: Independent checks confirm reserve accuracy.

4. Technical implementation:

WBTC is built as an ERC-20 token, Ethereum’s standard for fungible tokens. All ERC-20 tokens follow the same set of rules, which makes them interchangeable, easy to trade, and instantly compatible with most Ethereum wallets and DeFi apps. 

This makes WBTC easily transferable, compatible with wallets, and usable in DeFi apps like lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, and yield farming protocols. It gives Bitcoin the same programmability and utility as Ethereum-native assets.

Showdown: Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) vs. Bitcoin (BTC)

Although WBTC and BTC share the same value, their use cases differ. Bitcoin is designed for security, immutability, and censorship resistance. WBTC, on the other hand, thrives in Ethereum’s ecosystem where smart contracts enable lending, borrowing, and trading.

For storing wealth long-term, Bitcoin remains the go-to. For generating yield or accessing DeFi, WBTC is the practical choice. Different uses for different needs.

How Wrapped Bitcoin Boosts Your Crypto

1. DeFi accessibility:

WBTC lets users leverage Bitcoin in DeFi platforms for:

Lending & borrowing: Use WBTC as collateral on platforms like Aave or Compound to earn interest or borrow assets.

Yield farming: Provide WBTC liquidity for rewards, often surpassing Bitcoin's passive holding returns.

Liquidity provision: Earn trading fees by adding WBTC to pools on exchanges like Uniswap.

Synthetic assets: Mint assets pegged to traditional markets using WBTC as collateral.

2. Enhanced liquidity:

WBTC boosts capital efficiency across Ethereum by:

Expanding DeFi liquidity: Unlocking Bitcoin's market value to strengthen liquidity pools.

Reducing slippage: Deeper markets enable smoother trades.

Providing stable collateral: Bitcoin-backed assets offer trusted options for DeFi protocols.

3. Transaction advantages:

Compared to Bitcoin, WBTC transactions on Ethereum benefit from:

Faster confirmations: Ethereum's ~12-second block times outpace Bitcoin's 10-minute average.

Predictable fees: Ethereum's fee structure can be more cost-effective in certain conditions.

Smart contract integration: WBTC supports complex transactions Bitcoin's network can't handle.

4. Broader utility:

Beyond DeFi, WBTC enhances user options by:

Accessing smart contracts: Participate in advanced applications without selling Bitcoin.

Composability: Use WBTC across multiple protocols simultaneously.

Simplified management: Store WBTC alongside other Ethereum assets in common wallets.

Gaming & NFTs: Spend WBTC in blockchain games or NFT marketplaces.

While WBTC offers significant opportunities, it comes with trade-offs regarding decentralization and security, as covered in the next section.

Navigating Wrapped Bitcoin: Risks and Challenges

Custodial risks

While WBTC brings Bitcoin into DeFi, it introduces centralization as well. WBTC depends on BitGo as the sole custodian to hold the backing Bitcoin, creating a central point of failure. Users must trust these custodians to safeguard funds, process redemptions, and comply with regulations that could freeze assets or restrict conversions.

BitGo, DAO member and sole custodian. Source.

Smart contract risks

WBTC relies on Ethereum smart contracts, which, despite audits, can still have vulnerabilities or coding flaws. It's also affected by Ethereum network issues like congestion, high gas fees, and risks from interacting with DeFi platforms.

Price and market risks

WBTC tracks Bitcoin's price and shares its volatility. In turbulent markets, it may trade slightly above or below Bitcoin's value. Large conversions can strain liquidity, making big trades harder without impacting price.

Operational challenges

Managing WBTC involves both Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains, which can be complex for newcomers. High Ethereum gas fees and slow WBTC-to-Bitcoin conversions (especially for large transactions) are additional hurdles.

Alternatives with less trust required

Some users prefer fully decentralized options like native Bitcoin, though it lacks smart contract functionality. Other wrapped Bitcoin solutions use different technologies to reduce reliance on custodians.

Wrapping Up WBTC

WBTC represents a shift in the cryptocurrency space, bridging the gap between Bitcoin's unparalleled network security and store-of-value properties with Ethereum's programmability and vibrant DeFi landscape. Since its launch in 2019, WBTC has grown from a novel concept to a cornerstone of cross-chain interoperability, enabling countless new use cases for Bitcoin holders.

For users, WBTC allows exposure to Bitcoin while engaging with decentralized finance (DeFi) on Ethereum and other platforms, enabling participation in both without choosing between them. While for DeFi, Bitcoin's liquidity has fostered growth, stability and asset diversity. WBTC has also paved the way for other wrapped assets, making the crypto ecosystem more interconnected and efficient.

As blockchain technology evolves, solutions like WBTC will address limitations while retaining core utility. Its success shows how cryptocurrency innovation can build upon existing strengths without replacing them.

Other Wrapped Bitcoin alternatives

While WBTC is the most widely used Bitcoin representation on Ethereum, several alternatives have emerged, each with different approaches to the bridge between Bitcoin and other blockchains:

• renBTC
• tBTC
• sBTC (Synthetic BTC)
• HBTC
• pBTC

How Can I Buy Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)?

If you’re looking to bring Bitcoin into the world of Ethereum, Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is the gateway you might be looking for. Through the Tap app, users can easily add WBTC to their portfolios, opening up access to Ethereum’s thriving DeFi ecosystem. Getting started is simple: just download the app, create an account, and start trading WBTC in minutes.

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