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Private label cards are branded payment solutions that enable businesses to offer customized rewards, incentives, and financing options to their customers and employees. These cards serve as powerful tools for driving customer loyalty, improving cash flow management, and gaining valuable spending insights. In this article, we'll guide you through the concept of private label cards, their key benefits for businesses, and delve into how they work. 

What are private label cards?

Private label cards are branded payment cards issued by businesses to their customers or employees, allowing them to make purchases or access funds within a specific ecosystem or network. Unlike traditional debit or credit cards issued by a bank, private label cards are a product tailored to the branding and specific needs of the issuing company.

These cards differ from traditional cards in several ways. Firstly, they are not tied to a specific financial institution but rather to the company's brand and loyalty program. Secondly, they often offer unique rewards and incentives tailored to the business's products or services. Additionally, private label cards provide businesses with valuable customer data and insights, enabling targeted marketing efforts and personalized experiences.

Private label cards and fintechs

In recent years, fintech platforms have revolutionized the issuance and management of private label cards. These technology-driven companies act as program managers, handling the end-to-end process of card issuance, transaction processing, and compliance adherence. 

By partnering with fintech platforms like Tap, businesses can efficiently launch and manage their private label card programs, leveraging advanced technologies, scalability, and industry expertise without the need for extensive in-house resources.

How private label cards benefit businesses

Private label cards empower businesses to strengthen customer relationships, optimize financial operations, and gain a competitive edge through tailored rewards, data-driven insights, and robust security measures. Let’s explore some of these concepts below:

Drive business

Private label cards offer businesses a range of benefits that can drive customer loyalty, enhance brand recognition, and streamline operations. By offering customizable rewards and loyalty programs tailored to their products or services, businesses can incentivize customers to make repeat purchases while simultaneously collecting data on customer preferences, fostering long-term relationships and brand advocacy.

Cash flow management

Private label cards provide businesses with a valuable tool for cash flow management. By encouraging customers to use their branded cards, companies can receive payments more quickly, improving their working capital and financial flexibility.

Collect data and analytics

One of the key advantages of private label cards is the wealth of data and analytics they provide. Businesses can gain insights into customer spending patterns, preferences, and behaviours, enabling data-driven decision-making and targeted marketing strategies.

Security benefits

Additionally, private label card programs prioritize security and fraud prevention measures. Fintech platforms offering these solutions employ advanced technologies and protocols to safeguard customer information and transactions, providing businesses and their customers with peace of mind.

The differences between private label and co-branded cards

Private label cards are issued by a single retailer or business, bearing their branding and tailored rewards program. Co-branded cards, however, involve a partnership between a merchant and a major card network (Visa, Mastercard), carrying dual branding.

In general, private label cards offer more customization and control for the merchant but may have limited acceptance outside their network. They can also drive stronger loyalty but require more resources to manage.

Co-branded cards, on the other hand, have wider acceptance but less flexibility in terms of rewards/benefits. As they leverage an existing card network's infrastructure, they offer less differentiation.

The choice depends on the merchant's goals; private label are beneficial for deeper customization and loyalty while co-branded cards off wider acceptance and shared resources with a card network partner.

How private label cards work

Private label cards are issued through a collaborative process involving businesses and fintech platforms. Businesses define the card program's features, branding, and reward structure, while fintech platforms handle the technical and operational aspects. As program managers, fintech companies then oversee card issuance, transaction processing, and data management, leveraging their expertise and scalable technologies.

The importance of compliance and adherence to regulatory requirements cannot be underestimated or overlooked when looking at the issuance of private label cards. Fintech platforms need to ensure that card programs comply with industry standards, data privacy laws, and anti-fraud measures, providing businesses with a secure and reliable payment solution. 

Regular audits and risk assessments are conducted to maintain compliance and mitigate potential risks. Businesses must always do their research before engaging in private label card issuance with a fintech platform. 

Examples of use cases

Private label cards can offer a range of use cases across various industries. See several examples below: 

Retail and e-commerce

In the retail and e-commerce sectors, they serve as powerful loyalty tools, incentivizing customers with tailored rewards and exclusive offers. Businesses can leverage these cards to drive repeat purchases and foster brand loyalty. An example would be the Amazon Store Card. 

Corporate expense management

Corporate organizations utilize private label cards for streamlined expense management, enabling employees to make authorized purchases while providing detailed spending data for analysis and budgeting purposes. 

These cards also facilitate employee incentive and recognition programs, rewarding high-performers with customized benefits and privileges. An example of this would be a company card issued to employees to use for company expenses. 

Specific purposes

Additionally, private label cards can be issued as prepaid cards for specific purposes, such as payroll disbursements, gift cards, or restricted-use cards for controlled spending. This versatility allows businesses to tailor card programs to their unique needs, ensuring efficient fund management and targeted usage. 

An example of this could be a corporate-branded preloaded gift card for promotional purposes allowing holders to buy something in-store using the card.

How to create a private label card for your business

With Tap, you can seamlessly integrate private label card programs into your operations. Tap streamlines the entire card issuance and management process, allowing companies to leverage off their advanced technologies and industry expertise. 

By partnering with Tap, you gain access to a scalable and flexible solution, enabling you to launch and adapt card programs efficiently, tailored to your company’s specific needs. Tap's platform offers robust features, real-time analytics, and end-to-end support, empowering every businesses to deliver tailored payment experiences while ensuring compliance and security.

With Tap, you have the power to not only launch and adapt your card programs efficiently but also to customise the fees charged to your users. Our approach is entirely flexible,  allowing you to set charges that align with your clientele's needs. Our platform offers unparalleled freedom, allowing you to tailor your card programs precisely to your company's needs and goals.

Conclusion

In summary, private label cards empower businesses with a versatile payment solution that promotes customer loyalty, optimizes operations, and delivers valuable data insights. Whether for retail, corporate, or specific use cases, private label cards offer a competitive edge through tailored rewards, data-driven strategies, and enhanced customer experiences - paving the way for business growth.

Please contact xxx for further information on setting up your private label card.

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One of the largest and oldest dapps in the DeFi (decentralized finance) space, Compound Finance has built a reliable reputation among traders looking for lending and borrowing services. Compound operates using its native ERC-20 COMP tokens which provide community governance as well as other services.

What is the Compound protocol (COMP)?

Built on the Ethereum blockchain, the Compound protocol provides liquid money markets offering services such as lending and borrowing. Supporting a number of crypto assets, the Compound protocol allows users to deposit crypto into lending pools providing capital for borrowers on the network and allowing them to earn interest in return.

After depositing funds into the lending pool, lenders are issued "cTokens" (cETH, cDAI, cBAT) which represent the deposit made. These tokens can then be traded or transferred within the platform, or redeemed for the original cryptocurrency deposited. This process is conducted by smart contracts and operates entirely automatically with interest rates algorithmically assigned based on the activity in its liquidity pools. 

The Compound protocol also uses the ERC-20 native COMP token which is distributed to traders that utilize the Compound market, i.e. borrowing, withdrawing or repaying the asset. COMP tokens are distributed each time an Ethereum block is mined proportional to the interest collected from each asset. The COMP cryptocurrency grants COMP token holders governance and voting rights.

Following notable investments from the likes of consulting firm Bain Capital Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and Polychain, the platform has grown and established a strong reputation within the decentralized finance space and the greater crypto world.

The history of Compound and who created it

Compound was founded in 2017 by Robert Leshner and Geoffrey Hayes, who both previously held high-profile jobs at PostMates, an online food delivery service. Leshner holds the CEO position while Hayes remains the CTO at Compound Labs, Inc, the software development firm behind the Compound protocol. Compound Labs is an open-source software development firm creating cutting-edge tools, products, and services for the innovative DeFi ecosystem.

In 2018, the platform raised $8.2 million from notable venture capital firms Bain Capital Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz. A year later, Compound raised an additional $25 million from many of the same investors along with new ones including Paradigm Capital.

How does Compound work?

The Compound protocol leverages the power of Ethereum smart contracts and cryptocurrency incentives to benefit lenders and borrowers. Lend and borrow services make up the two main use cases for the platform, as outlined below.

Interest rates on Compound are dynamically managed based on the supply and demand of particular crypto assets within the coin pools. The higher the liquidity, the lower the interest rate. Prices are determined by using the Open Price Feed based on Chainlink's oracles which collect the data from numerous exchanges.

In order to use the Compound DeFi protocol to engage in lending or borrowing services, you will need to connect one of the supported crypto wallets. Currently, the app supports MetaMask, Ledger, WalletConnect, and Tally Ho. The interface has been designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, perfect for traders new to the space as well as seasoned DeFi participants.

Lending/supplying

The process of lending on the Compound platform is called supplying. Lenders are able to earn interest on their cryptocurrency by depositing cryptocurrencies into the Compound platform. Borrowers are also required to deposit digital assets into the protocol, which can earn interest but cannot be withdrawn for the duration of the borrowing period.

The platform currently supports roughly 20 crypto assets, from Basic Attention Token (BAT) to Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), with Ethereum (ETH) and a number of stablecoins (DAI, USDC, and USDT) being the most actively used.

Once users lend assets to the platform, they are issued with ERC-20-based cTokens corresponding to the cryptocurrency deposited (i.e. cETH, cDAI, etc.). These tokens confirm the liquidity providers' deposits and offer a number of other incentives.

Borrowing

After depositing a particular cryptocurrency into the decentralized finance protocol, users are assigned a "borrowing capacity". This is a limit set in USD based on the rate of the crypto asset which is determined by the Open Price Feed. When depositing multiple cryptocurrencies, the borrowing capacity will factor this in.

Users can also borrow cryptocurrencies supported by the protocol based on a coin's collateral ratio. For instance, if DAI has a collateral ratio of 70%, users can borrow DAI up to 70% of the total amount deposited. Typically, collateral ratios are between 60% and 85%.

Similar to the lending process, when borrowing cryptocurrency borrowers are issued cTokens. So when borrowing DAI for instance, borrowers will be issued cDAI tokens, with the interest payable based on these tokens as well.

Withdrawing

After paying back the borrowed debt, users can redeem their deposited funds. Without having to deal with other traders, the protocol seamlessly utilizes a dynamically maintained set of liquidity pools. The platform also does not charge any withdrawal penalties or hold users to minimum investment times.

When users redeem their funds, the cTokens issued are added to the accumulated interest and converted back to the originally deposited cryptocurrency. These funds can then be withdrawn into the connected wallet.

Account Health

The Compound platform uses a system called "account health" to establish whether accounts are in risk of liquidation. This system measures the sum of the deposited funds against the total amount borrowed. If a user's account health falls dangerously low, the account could be liquidated, and some of the collateral forfeited.

This process is managed in a decentralized way where platform users act as liquidators and monitor for risky accounts. Should they liquidate an account they earn a portion of the liquidated funds.

What is the COMP token?

The COMP token is the Compound platform's native token which mainly serves as a governance token, with a built-in incentive for users holding the token. Holders of COMP tokens are able to vote on all important decisions pertaining to the protocol, including interest rates. Much like the cTokens, COMP tokens are based on Ethereum’s ERC-20 token standard. 

Compound tokens have a total supply of 10,000,000 tokens, of which over 70% of Compound coins are in circulation (at the time of writing).

How can I buy COMP tokens?

With Tap's mobile app, users can easily acquire COMP tokens and store them in the integrated wallet with confidence, either to hold long-term, sell, trade or use on other DeFi platforms. Not only does Tap provide an effortless way of trading digital assets, but also a safe space to keep your investments secure over long periods of time.

In order to access the mobile app users will need to download the app and create an account. After a quick verification process, users have access to a wide range of vetted cryptocurrencies as well as fiat wallets where funds can be safely stored or used in the real world. Whether you're looking to buy Compound or sell Compound coins, Tap provides a seamless solution to your crypto needs.

Addressing the speed and cost concerns associated with the Ethereum platform and decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges, Loopring delivers a new layer to the DeFi space. Describing itself as “an open-source, audited, and non-custodial exchange protocol,” Loopring is bringing something new and innovative to the space.

Below we answer the burning questions surrounding the DeFi project, such as what is Loopring, how the Loopring protocol works, and what the LRC token is responsible for.

What is Loopring (LRC)?

Loopring is many things. Under the far-stretching umbrella, there is the company, Loopring Project Ltd, the decentralized exchange, Loopring Exchange, the Loopring Protocol, the Loopring Relayer (the backend that powers the protocol), the Loopring Wallet, and the token, LRC.

The layer two protocol is an open DeFi protocol that allows other exchanges to build on top of it. The protocol supports a number of crypto assets and implements zero-knowledge rollups (zkRollups) to address the slow speeds and high costs associated with decentralized exchanges on Ethereum. With zkRollups, Loopring seeks to enable faster settlements for traders by allowing key computations to be completed on other blockchains.

By reducing the number of transactions submitted to the Ethereum network, Loopring exchanges can increase the speed with near-instantaneous settlements and reduce costs for traders.

The Loopring Exchange aims to offer a hybrid platform combining the best features of centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges, addressing issues like structural limitations and transparency. The platform combines centralized order matching with decentralized blockchain order settlement, using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) for enhanced privacy, reduced costs, and high speeds.

LRC tokens were first made available to the public in August 2017 as part of an ICO. In December 2019, the Loopring protocol, built on the Ethereum blockchain, was officially launched. 

Who created Loopring?

Loopring was established by Daniel Wang, a software engineer based in Shanghai. Wang has an impressive resume of prior experience working at prominent companies like Google, medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific, and Chinese e-commerce giant, JD.com. While Wang has continued to serve as the CEO of Loopring Foundation.

In 2017, Loopring conducted an initial coin offering (ICO), successfully raising 120,000 ether valued at $45 million. However, due to the tightening regulatory environment surrounding ICOs in China, the company decided to return 80% of the funds raised from the public sale.

Despite this setback, the Loopring team allocated the remaining proceeds toward the development of their platform.

How does Loopring work?

When you perform a transaction directly on Ethereum (a layer one blockchain) the cost of the transaction depends on the amount of data it contains. Larger transactions, which have more data, require more computing power to process and therefore end up being more expensive. Layer two solutions, on the other hand, tackle this issue by executing transactions outside of layer one, resulting in lower costs and less congestion.

As a layer two solution, Loopring does this by utilizing a newer type of cryptography called zero-knowledge rollups, also known as zkRollups. In the term "zkRollups," the "zk" refers to "zero knowledge." Zero knowledge proof is a cryptographic technique that enables one party to prove the truth of a statement to another party without disclosing any information about that statement.

Rollups, on the other hand, batch transactions together and execute them outside of layer one. So after the transaction data is processed, it is posted back to layer one to reach a consensus. This batching process is what enables transactions on layer two to be more affordable.

The Loopring team responsible for the Loopring protocol is the same team that developed the Loopring Exchange, which was the first zkRollup-based exchange accessible to the public on the Ethereum network. This successful launch demonstrated the protocol's effectiveness and the underlying technology.

Loopring sets itself apart from other trading technologies in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space by utilizing an order book-based approach. While decentralized, trading on a Loopring-powered decentralized exchange (DEX) is more similar to trading on centralized exchanges, which primarily rely on order books, but without the security or custodial concerns. This is in contrast to most decentralized exchanges that heavily rely on user-generated liquidity through automated market maker (AMM) technology.

To illustrate its effectiveness, Loopring can handle up to 2,025 trades per second, which is approximately ten times faster than Ethereum can achieve on its own. On top of that it can also lower transaction fees and the overall transaction cost due to its effective use of layer two technology.

What is the LRC token?

The Loopring cryptocurrency, LRC, plays a crucial role in the operations of the protocol.

To operate a decentralized exchange on Loopring, a minimum of 250,000 LRC needs to be locked up. This allows the exchange operator to utilize on-chain data proofs. Alternatively, an operator can stake 1 million LRC to run an exchange without this feature.

LRC serves as an incentive for the proper utilization of the Loopring network. Exchange operators who deposit LRC may face confiscation of their deposits by the protocol if they operate exchanges poorly. These confiscated funds are then distributed to users who choose to lock up LRC.

Additionally, any user can stake LRC to earn a share of the trading fees paid to the protocol. Approximately 70% of the fees are distributed to users who stake LRC. Another 20% is allocated to the Loopring Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), which allows a pool of funds to be used according to the discretion of Loopring users in the future.

Lastly, 10% of the fees are burned, meaning the total supply of LRC decreases over time, leading to potential upward pressure on its price. The maximum supply of LRC tokens is set at 1.375 billion.

How can I buy LRC tokens?

For those interested in accessing the Loopring (LRC) market, users have the option to buy or sell Loopring LRC tokens through the Tap app.

The user-friendly app allows LRC holders to buy and sell tokens using various fiat currencies or cryptocurrencies, and once purchased, the LRC tokens can be securely stored in unique wallets.

Users have the flexibility to hold their LRC tokens for any duration, trade them for other cryptocurrencies, convert them to fiat currencies, or send them to individuals across the globe. With the Tap app, you can conveniently meet your crypto-related requirements with a seamless and hassle-free experience.

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Livepeer is a decentralised video streaming network that aims to make video content more accessible and affordable for everyone. Launched in 2017, it was the first fully decentralised live video streaming network protocol, offering an alternative to traditional centralised streaming services like YouTube and Twitch.

The platform works by connecting video creators who need their content processed with computer operators who provide the computing power. This peer-to-peer approach can reduce streaming costs by up to 50-90% compared to traditional cloud providers while maintaining high quality and reliability.

TLDR

Decentralised video infrastructure: Livepeer is a decentralised network for limitless video computing, enabling AI processing and transcoding jobs to power the future of video.

Cost-effective streaming: Designed to make streaming more reliable while reducing costs, Livepeer acts as a decentralised marketplace for developers building applications that integrate live video and transcoding providers.

Ethereum-based protocol: Built on Ethereum, it aims to provide a blockchain-based alternative to centralised streaming services, giving developers freedom to innovate and creators independence from big platforms.

Native token (LPT): The Livepeer Token (LPT) is the protocol token of the Livepeer network, used for staking and network governance rather than direct payments.

What is Livepeer (LPT)?

Livepeer creates a global network where anyone can contribute computing power to help process video content. When someone wants to stream a video, instead of using expensive centralised servers, the content gets distributed across this network of independent computers.

The magic happens through video transcoding: the process of converting video files into different formats and quality levels so they can be watched on different devices and internet speeds. Traditional streaming services handle this with massive, expensive data centres. Livepeer does it through thousands of smaller computers around the world.

This approach benefits everyone involved. Content creators get cheaper streaming costs, computer operators earn money for contributing their resources, and viewers get the same high-quality experience they expect from streaming platforms.

The network is particularly valuable for developers building video applications, as they can tap into Livepeer's infrastructure without setting up their own expensive video processing systems.

Who created Livepeer?

Livepeer was founded in 2017 by Doug Petkanics and Eric Tang, both entrepreneurial software engineers who had been long-time collaborators before starting the project.

Doug Petkanics serves as CEO and brings over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur and software developer. Before Livepeer, he was a co-founder and VP of Engineering at Wildcard and attended the University of Pennsylvania.

Eric Tang, who serves as CTO, co-founded Livepeer to utilise blockchain technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency in video streaming. The platform has grown significantly under their leadership, now featuring more than 70,000 GPUs that encode videos for large platforms.

The founding team recognised that video streaming was becoming increasingly expensive and centralised, with a few big companies controlling most of the infrastructure. They set out to democratise video streaming by creating a decentralised alternative that could compete on both cost and performance.

How does Livepeer work?

Video transcoding network

The core of Livepeer is its video transcoding network. When someone uploads a video, it needs to be converted into multiple formats and quality levels (like 1080p, 720p, 480p) so it can be watched on different devices and internet connections.

Instead of using one large data centre, Livepeer distributes this work across thousands of computers worldwide. These computers, called "orchestrators," compete to provide the best service at the lowest cost.

Staking and network security

Computer operators who want to join the network must stake LPT tokens as a form of security deposit. This ensures they'll do good work; if they provide poor service or try to cheat, they can lose their staked tokens.

Users can also "delegate" their LPT tokens to trusted orchestrators, earning a share of the rewards while helping secure the network without running their own hardware.

Economic incentives

The network creates a marketplace where video processing jobs go to the orchestrators offering the best combination of price, quality, and reliability. This competition naturally drives down costs while maintaining high standards.

Payments for video processing are typically made in ETH or other cryptocurrencies, while LPT tokens are used for staking and governance rather than direct transactions.

What Is LPT?

LPT is a staking token in the Livepeer Network that helps reduce costs for video broadcasters. Unlike many crypto tokens, LPT isn't primarily used for payments, it also provides:

• Network security: Orchestrators must stake LPT tokens to participate in the network, ensuring they provide reliable service.
• Governance rights: LPT holders can vote on important network decisions and protocol upgrades.
• Delegation rewards: Token holders can delegate their LPT to orchestrators and earn a portion of the fees those orchestrators collect.
• Work token: LPT represents the right to perform work on the network and earn fees from video processing jobs.

The token follows an inflationary model where new LPT is created to reward network participants, but this inflation is balanced by the value created through network usage and growth.

How can I buy and sell LPT?

If you're interested in exploring LPT, you can do so easily through the Tap app. The app supports buying, selling, trading, and storing LPT tokens, allowing verified users to manage LPT alongside other digital assets.

When considering LPT investment, it's important to understand that the token's value is closely tied to the network's adoption and usage. As more developers and content creators use Livepeer's infrastructure, the demand for LPT staking and the overall network value should increase accordingly.

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Stocks are essentially shares in a company that the company sells to shareholders in order to raise money. Shareholders are then entitled to dividends if the company succeeds, and might also receive voting rights when the company makes big decisions (depending on the company).

What are stocks?

Stocks play an important role in the global economy, assisting both companies (in raising capital) and individuals (in potentially earning returns). Traders can buy and sell stocks through stock trades facilitated by various stock exchanges. The stock price is determined by supply and demand, largely influenced by the company's success and media representation.

These "units of ownership" are sold through exchanges, like Nasdaq or the London Stock Exchange, under the guidance of regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. These regulatory bodies set specific regulations on how companies can distribute and manage their stocks.

What are the different types of stocks?

There are two types of stocks, common stocks and preferred stocks, as outlined below.

Common Stock

Shareholders of common stock typically have voting rights, where each shareholder has one vote per share. This might grant them access to attending annual general meetings and being able to vote on corporate issues like electing people to the board, stock splits, or general company strategy.

Preferred Stock

For investors more interested in stability and receiving regular payments rather than voting on corporate issues, preferred stocks are often the security of choice. Preferred stock are shares that provide dividends but without the voting rights. Like bonds, there are a number of features that make them attractive investments. For example, many companies include clauses allowing them to repurchase shares at an agreed-upon price.

Stock vs bond

Although both stocks and bonds signify an investment, they vary in how they operate. With bonds, you're essentially lending money to the government or a company and collecting interest as a return while with stocks you're buying part-ownership of a company. Another key difference is that bondholders usually have more protection than stockholders do.

In contrast to stocks, bonds are not normally traded on an exchange, but rather over the counter (the investor has to deal straight with the issuing company, government, or other entity).

Stocks vs futures and options

Futures and Options contrast stocks in that they are derivatives; their value is reliant on other assets like commodities, shares, currencies, and so on. They are contracts established off the volatility of underlying assets instead of ownership of the asset itself.

Stocks vs cryptocurrencies

While stocks provide a unit of ownership in a company, cryptocurrencies are digital assets that operate on their own network. Cryptocurrencies are decentralised, meaning that no one entity is in charge, while stocks are shares in companies that are heavily centralised and held accountable for their price movements. Both the stock price and the price of cryptocurrencies are determined by supply and demand.

Another key difference is that stocks are regulated while, at present, cryptocurrencies are not.

Where did stock trading originate?

The first recorded instance of stock-like instruments being used was by the Romans as a way to involve their citizens in public works. Businesses contracted by the state would sell an instrument similar to a share to raise money for different ventures. This method was called 'lease holding.'

The 1600s gave rise to the East India Company (EIC), which is considered by many the first joint-stock company in history. The EIC increased its notoriety by trading various commodities in the Indian Ocean region. Today, we see the limited liability company (LLC) as a watered-down version of the joint-stock company.

How does the stock market work?

The 'stock market’ is an umbrella term that refers to the various exchanges where stocks in public companies are bought, sold, and traded.

The stock market is composed of similar yet different investment opportunities that allow investors to buy and sell stocks, these are called "stock exchanges." The best-known exchanges in the United States are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, Better Alternative Trading System (BATS), and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE).

Together, these organisations form what we call the U.S. stock market. Other financial instruments like commodities, bonds, derivatives, and currencies are also traded on the stock market.

An example: the New York Stock Exchange

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the largest equity exchange in the world, and it has a long and rich history. Established in 1792, it was originally known as the "Buttonwood Agreement" between 24 stockbrokers who gathered at 68 Wall Street to sign an agreement that called for the trading of securities in an organised manner.

Since then, the NYSE has become a global leader in financial markets, with more than 2,400 companies listed and nearly $26.2 trillion in market capitalization. The exchange has an average daily trade volume of $123 billion.

Investing in common stock or preferred stock on the NYSE can be done through a broker or online stock trading platform. When trading on the NYSE, investors have access to a wide range of products and services, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds).

Investors can also take advantage of the numerous benefits that come with trading on the NYSE, such as access to real-time information and the ability to buy and sell quickly. The trading platform is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

How to navigate stock market volatility

Stock market volatility, characterised by rapid and unpredictable changes in stock prices, is influenced by economic indicators, geopolitical events, and investor sentiment. To manage this volatility, investors can diversify their portfolios, set clear investment goals, and maintain a long-term perspective.

Regular portfolio reviews and seeking guidance from financial advisors can also help when it comes to making informed decisions during volatile periods. Investors who stay informed about market trends and use strategic approaches can navigate market fluctuations more effectively, which better positions them for long-term success in stock investing.

The importance of diversification when investing

Diversification is key when investing, and the stock market is no exception. The "don't put all your eggs in one basket" approach offers benefits like risk reduction and the potential for higher returns. Strategies for diversification include investing across different sectors, industries, and asset classes.

By spreading investments, investors can manage risk effectively, ensuring their portfolio isn't overly exposed to any single asset or market sector. This helps cushion against market downturns and enhances the overall stability of the investment portfolio.

Terminology associated with the stock market

• Broker: A broker is someone who buys and sells assets on behalf of another person, charging a commission for their services.
• Stockholders equity: The value of a company's stock can be better understood by this metric, which is the company's assets remaining after all bills are covered (liabilities).
• Stock splits: Conducting a stock split is one way that companies make their stocks more accessible to investors. Although it won't change the market capitalisation or value of shares, it will increase the number available.
• Short selling: If an investor wants to bet on a stock's price going down, they can take a "short" position. To do this, they must borrow the stock from either a broker or a financial institution.
• Blue-chip stocks: Companies that are large and have a lot of capital typically fall into the blue-chip category. They usually trade on famous stock exchanges, like the NYSE or Nasdaq.
• Pink sheet stocks: 'Penny' or 'pink-sheet' stocks are those that trade below the $5 threshold and are typically OTC (over the counter). These can be high risk.
• Buying on margin: Buying on margin is using borrowed money to buy stocks, bonds, or other investments in the hopes of making big returns and paying off the loan.
• Market order: When placing an order for a trade, the investor needs to pick from several types of orders. A market order is executed at whatever the next price is, which can be risky if there's a big gap between what buyers and sellers are offering.
• Limit order: A limit order is an order to buy or sell a security at a specified price, with a maximum amount decided on before executing the trade.
• Stop order: A stop order, also referred to as a stop-loss order, is an order placed with a broker to buy or sell once the stock reaches a predetermined price.

In conclusion

Shares, or stock, are units of fractional ownership in a company that investors buy to gain capital appreciation and tap into a company's earnings if the company's stock pays dividends. Companies, through listing their stock on an exchange, can raise capital to further develop the business.

Stock is traded on an exchange, and the stock prices are determined by supply and demand. 

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Bitcoin has become a household name around the world, for very good reasons. The same way gold became the standard of currency, bitcoin is doing the same. With the rise of gold, we also saw a gold rush, as people flocked to the mines to find every flake of gold they could. Something similar is happening to bitcoin right now as the cryptocurrency mining rush has begun, with the world hiking up their ASIC miners to process as fast as possible.

Especially with talk of Elon Musk considering reinstating Bitcoin payments once the carbon emissions and energy consumption associated with bitcoin mining are decreased. But why the sudden rush? it is not just another bubble, it is about global economic sustainability and excelling cryptocurrencies. 

Where is the Bitcoin mining rush happening?

Although the whole world may be captivated by the potential of cryptocurrency, China has always been a top contender for miners. Despite the repeat FUD spreading around China and its acceptance of digital currency, China bitcoin mining once accounted for more than 70% of mining power. But this summer's sweeping crackdown in China has greatly increased profits for miners outside of the world's second-largest economy, with counties such as the USA, Russia, and Iran making up for lost blocks. These regulations won’t stop Chinese miners from doing what they need, they just may no longer be doing it within the borders of China. 

It was 2 months ago that Beijing made moves to crack down on cryptocurrency. One of the steps was halting the supply of power to bitcoin farms, giving Chinese miners no choice but to pack their bags for more crypto-friendly countries. Chinese researchers express data portraying excess use of electricity consumption, especially in these stressful times. 

What is Chinas’ issue with digital currency mining?

China has had numerous issues with cryptocurrencies over the years, first stating they didn’t want their economic wealth flooding into a global currency. They have potentially solved this problem as they announce their own digital currency created by a group of specialist. China’s digital currency, the digital yuan, is controlled by its central bank which will issue the new currency. Now they may have created a digital form of currency, but it is nowhere near cryptocurrency, aside from some computational comparisons. China plans to strip away the anonymity so beloved within Blockchain, and inside track and control where their digital currency goes. Nonetheless, their first issue has been fixed, so what is their problem now?

Supposably carbon emissions and energy consumption in the country are rising, due to cryptocurrency, not the masses staying at home. Regardless of if their reasoning and intent are pure, we know carbon emission due to cryptocurrency is a very real and impending issue. This theory has been confirmed by Tesla's Elon Musk halting bitcoin payments until the carbon emission issue is resolved, rightfully so as the guy selling low carbon emission electric cars. 

What is next for Chinese miners?

Bitcoin mining is one of the most lucrative major industries in the world, yet many people don't know that Bitcoin mining generates just as much revenue as gold and silver extraction. The old Gold Rush might be waning, but Bitcoin miners are reaping the rewards of a new gold rush. The current generation shows entrepreneurial spirit unlike many before it, especially as the online era continues to expand.

They see the market and trend associated with cryptocurrency and are ensuring they are involved in as many ways as possible. From trading on an exchange, accepting bitcoin for services, or using their computer to mine crypto. Blockchain technology is proving to be a leader in so many industries, even emission avoidance, so no issue should or will stop people from accepting and collecting it. 

Renewable energy countries 

The solution to China's electricity and energy consumption issues is not to stop cryptocurrency mining altogether, but rather for miners to move to more power conscious countries. This may not be so appealing for China itself, but it is proving to be the best option for miners. Miners may take a lot of energy and computer processing, but they also run very hot.

So miners are looking for a country with a cheaper electricity cost to move to, with the added benefit of them being cold for an additional cooling process. Most countries that use renewable energy find their costs a lot lower than those that do not, this was even seen in China. Miners would run to the mountains of Sichuan, where abundant hydroelectric power made electricity services costs exceptionally cheaper per unit. 

Colder climates like Germany, Sweden, and Scotland are becoming increasingly more desirable countries of residency for crypto miners. Sweden is planning to be the world's first fossil fuel free country by the year 2040. Denmark has broken a wind power record, showing 43% of its electricity consumption being covered by wind; they also plan to be fossil fuel free by 2050.

Germany is a leader in renewable energy, and in the first half of 2018 they proved that, by producing enough renewable electricity to power every household in the country for a year. Scotland is also joining the ranks of the greatest renewable energy countries. Scotland plans to build the worlds’ largest floating wind turbine farm, as wind power can generate 98% of Scotland’s electricity needs.

These are all brilliant, and cold countries can easily fit the needs of any cryptocurrency miner, with cheaper watts and a cooler climate to cut down even more on watts. 

Risk of regulations

While the above-mentioned countries are great candidates for cryptocurrency and bitcoin mining, there are other problems to be wary of. Crypto regulations are just an issue among crypto miners, but also for exchange services. Each country has taken its own approach to enforcing cryptocurrency into its economy, but some may be trickier than others. VISAs are also another thing to take into consideration. Holiday VISAs are easily acquired, but moving your entire mining farm across borders may not be as easy.

Would you need a work VISA? A residency VISA? That is up to each miner to find out. Germany has shown positive sentiment to cryptocurrency, considering it as legal tender, and allowing institutional funds to hold up to 20% in cryptocurrency. Denmark and Scotland have also shown interest in cryptocurrencies, considering tax policies to help their native traders and the economy. Miners may be susceptible to taxation, and VISA regulations, but they do not have to worry about being in a country that wants to get rid of cryptocurrency. This alone, in addition to renewable energy, are benefits to any crypto enthusiast. 

Bettering the blockchain process

Not only does renewable energy mining save the world and miners money, but it also advances blockchain in general. Projects and people are more likely to accept cryptocurrency and Blockchain when it doesn’t have such a high economic and environmental burden. Using a terawatt of renewable energy is far more efficient and cost-effective than using electricity powered by fossil fuels and coal. With the bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining rush continuing to rally up troops, we in the community need to make conscious decisions for both cryptocurrency and our planet.

The process of excelling bitcoin and bitcoin mining starts at finding a computing process that consumes less energy. Whether the miners in China, or around the world, have this intent is not the issue, as long as the rest of the planet pushes them towards more eco-friendly options. It doesn’t start with the miners, they are simply the suppliers, its starts with what we demand, as seen by Mr. Musk. Let us make better choices for Blockchain, earth, and our national economies.