Learning the friendly way

While we’re super excited to move into our new era of financial inclusion, it seems a few are getting caught up in the nostalgia of the old Tap. We get it, Tap Global still sounds iconic, but as we embark on our new chapter, we’ve dropped the Global and are rolling as just Tap. Rest assured, while we embrace this new identity, we remain dedicated to the core values and exceptional services that have made Tap a trusted name in the industry.

As we forge ahead into the future, combining innovation with a touch of familiarity that we know you'll love, we invite you to join us. We’ve noticed, however, that some people are still using the old lingo in their Google searches, so in the spirit of leaving no man or woman behind, here are our answers to your burning questions. 

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Is Tap legit?

Yes, Tap is a legitimate company in the fintech industry. It is a well-known and reputable organization that provides services for buying, selling, spending, and storing crypto and fiat currencies. 

Through our user-friendly mobile app and commitment to enhancing security measures, we provide an all-rounded financial service that is not only licensed and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission but also audited by PKF. 

Check out our website, app, and if you want to understand just “how legit” we are.  

Is Tap safe?

If there’s one thing to be sure of it’s that we take security measures very, very seriously. 

We employ industry-leading security practices and technologies to protect user data and transactions and have designed our mobile app with a particular focus on security, utilizing encryption and other security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.

However, it is important to note that no system is completely immune to risks and for that, we have implemented safeguards too. We not only encourage users to exercise caution and follow best practices such as setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating their devices and software, but we also have insurance policies in place should any of our multi-layered security barriers become compromised.

Is Tap available in USA?

Is Tap available in the US?

We appreciate your interest in Tap. Currently, our app's availability varies globally due to a myriad of factors that go into each market entry. While we strive to cater to as wide a user base as possible, it's important to us that we adhere to all regulatory and compliance measures, ensuring a secure and dependable platform for all our users.

As for your query regarding the United States, we don't have a definitive answer at the moment. Our focus is on delivering the best possible experience for our current users while exploring potential avenues for growth.

We always encourage our users to stay updated with our platform for any announcements.

While waiting for our launch in the land of the free, we are offering users an opportunity to join the Tap waiting list program and earn up to $100 in referral rewards for each friend you invite.

Is Tap a bank?

Technically referred to as a Fintech, Tap is a financial technology company that provides services related to crypto and fiat currencies. Through the licensed and regulated platform, users are able to buy, sell, spend, and store a wide range of crypto and fiat currencies.

Your Tap account also comes with a complimentary Tap prepaid Mastercard which allows you to spend any of your stored currencies at merchants and ATMs around the world. 

In short, Tap is a Fintech and does not offer traditional banking services like loans. 

Is Tap a good investment?

As a reputable fintech platform, we will never provide financial advice or make specific investment recommendations. The decision to consider Tap or any other investment opportunity should be based on your own thorough research, careful consideration of your financial goals and risk tolerance, and consultation with a qualified financial advisor if accessible. 

What we can offer is a guideline to use when evaluating an investment. It is essential to assess various factors, including the company's track record, market conditions, its leadership, and the potential risks and rewards associated with the investment. It is also important to consider that investments in cryptocurrencies can be volatile and subject to market fluctuations.

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Bonus question: will Tap be called "faucet" in the USA?

While not exactly a Google search, a fair question from Dave in the comments section: will Tap be called "faucet" in the USA? Despite the American version of the same device being referred to as a faucet, that answer is a definite no. Tap will remain true to its roots and still be called Tap when launching in the USA. 😉

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We want to inform you that XTP trading will be temporarily paused starting today on the Tap app. We’ll be temporarily pausing XTP trading on the Tap app. This short pause will give us the time we need to complete the integration of ProBit, an exchange that continues to support XTP trading.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the Bitfinex delisting. XTP was removed alongside several other major tokens, and the short notice left limited time to implement an alternative solution. We moved quickly, and the integration with ProBit an exchange that supports XTP is already in progress.

Here’s what you need to know:

• XTP trading will be paused for a few days
• We’re integrating ProBit into our trading engine
• Once that’s done, XTP trading will resume as usual in the app
• We’re also in active talks with several other exchanges to expand access to XTP

We know how important XTP is to many of you, and it’s at the heart of the Tap ecosystem. Thank you for your patience and continued trust. We’ll keep you updated and let you know the moment trading goes live again.

The Tap Team

Dear Tap Community,

We want to share an important update regarding the XTP token and Bitfinex. As part of a broader internal review, Bitfinex has decided to delist several tokens, including XTP along with other notable projects like The Graph (GRT), Notcoin (NOT), and seven others as part of their platform review. This appears to be a broader shift in Bitfinex's listing strategy rather than something specific to XTP.

What’s Next for XTP

The good news? XTP remains at the heart of everything we do! 💙 Our token continues to power all the awesome features you love - our tier structure, rewards, and the entire Tap ecosystem. This change doesn't affect our exciting roadmap or our vision for the future.

Here’s what we’re doing to keep things moving forward:

ProBit Integration in Progress:
Our dev team is already working on integrating ProBit (where XTP currently trades) into our Trading Engine. This will create a seamless trading experience right within our platform!

New Exchange Adventures:
We're in exciting talks with several exchanges to give XTP even more trading homes! While we need to keep the details under wraps for now (those NDAs, am I right?), know that we're pushing hard to create more options for our community.

Community First:
Remember to withdraw your tokens from Bitfinex before July 15, 2025, if you haven't already. We're here to help if you need guidance on this!

The Road Ahead 🛣️

Even in challenging markets, we see incredible opportunities for growth! Here's what's cooking:

• More XTP Utility: We're whipping up new ways for XTP to shine in our ecosystem
• Cool New Features: Q2 is going to bring some exciting platform upgrades
• Let's Talk More: We'll be sharing updates more frequently so you're always in the loop

We're so grateful for this amazing community! 🙏 Together, we've weathered challenges before, and we'll come out stronger this time too. The crypto landscape is always evolving, and we're evolving with it.

We’re deeply invested in the future of XTP - and we’re just getting started. 👏

The Tap Team

Hey Tap community
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If you’ve been wondering why things have seemed a little quiet lately, it’s because we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, and today, We are excited to finally share the full story and what’s coming next.

Laying the groundwork for the next wave of features

Over the past five years, Tap’s fast-paced, lean approach helped us grow quickly. But growth brought challenges.
Our infrastructure, built for a much smaller platform, was starting to hold us back, especially during big launches or promotions. It wasn’t scaling the way you, our community, deserved.

Rather than continue patching and stretching it, we made the bold decision to rebuild Tap’s core systems from the ground up, upgrading to a modern, flexible architecture built for real growth.

 It wasn’t easy. It meant months of intense work, rewriting large parts of our platform. That’s why new features slowed down, because we were laying a much stronger foundation for the future.

Now, we're Ready to start the rollout

After months of development and testing, we’re kicking off Phase 1 of the migration to our new infrastructure.

📅 Maintenance Window

• Starts: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 21:30 UTC
• Ends: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 07:30 UTC
• Impact: Tap services will be temporarily unavailable for about 10 hours

This maintenance allows us to move our internal Tap team to the new system, a critical step before we start migrating you, our users.
We've scheduled it overnight to minimise disruption, and our team will be working around the clock to ensure everything runs smoothly.

What happens after this?

Once internal testing is complete, we'll begin carefully moving users over in phases:

• Phase 2: Migrate select groups of users, monitor closely, fine-tune.
• Phase 3: Roll out to all users, officially retiring the old system.

Each phase brings us closer to a faster, more reliable Tap, one that’s ready to scale with our growing community and deliver new features faster than ever.

The future starts now

This upgrade unlocks a future where downtime, failed sign-ups, and app slowdowns are things of the past. Thank you for sticking with us through this transition.

Your patience means everything. We can't wait to show you what’s coming next. The quiet period is ending, and Tap’s next chapter is just beginning.

Stay tuned,
The Tap Team.

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You've likely heard the term being thrown around in the cryptosphere. In this piece, we're breaking down what a fiat wallet is, why one might choose to use it, and how to create one should you wish to.

What Is a Fiat Wallet?

A fiat wallet is a digital account where you can store, send, and receive traditional (fiat) currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. Think of it as an online version of a bank account, but often integrated within a crypto or fintech platform.

Many crypto exchanges offer fiat wallets alongside crypto wallets, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets more efficiently. Instead of waiting for bank transfers to clear, users can use their fiat wallet to make instant deposits or purchases.

Fiat wallets are also popular in fintech apps and are typically operated under an e-money license. Some platforms may even offer perks like interest or rewards for holding fiat funds in the wallet.

What Is Fiat Currency?

Before we go further, it's important to understand what "fiat" means. A fiat currency is a government-issued currency—like the US dollar, Euro, or British pound—not backed by a physical commodity like gold but by the trust in the government that issues it.

These currencies are regulated by central banks and are legal tender in their respective regions.

How Does a Fiat Wallet Work?

Much like a crypto wallet, a fiat wallet stores currency digitally. The key difference? It holds regular government-issued currency, not crypto assets.

Users often keep fiat in these wallets on exchanges or fintech platforms to allow quick transactions, avoid delays, or earn passive rewards. For instance, you can instantly buy Bitcoin using funds from your fiat wallet—no need to wait for your bank to process a transfer.

It’s worth noting that fiat wallets are not connected to a blockchain. They operate entirely outside the crypto ecosystem, serving as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

Why Use a Fiat Wallet?

The short answer: speed and flexibility.

Here are some common reasons users opt for a fiat wallet:

• To buy or sell cryptocurrencies instantly, especially during periods of volatility
• To avoid delays from traditional bank transfers
• To keep cash on hand for seizing market opportunities

Imagine spotting a huge dip in a crypto asset overnight. If you rely on a standard bank transfer, it could take 2–3 days before your funds are available—by then, the opportunity may be gone. With a fiat wallet, you could act immediately.

For traders and investors, having funds ready to go can make a big difference. In crypto, speed often equals profit.

Is Your Money Safe in a Fiat Wallet?

The safety of your funds depends on the platform hosting your fiat wallet. A well-regulated provider with strong security practices should offer robust protection—just like a traditional bank.

Most platforms apply:

• Data encryption
• Multi-factor authentication
• Biometric verification or one-time passwords (OTP)

Fiat wallets and crypto wallets typically share the same level of platform-based security, so always choose a provider that meets compliance standards and prioritizes user safety.

Store Your Fiat Currencies in Fiat Wallets on Tap

With Tap, you can securely store your fiat currencies in a regulated environment.

Here’s how to deposit into your fiat wallet:

1. Open the Tap app
2. Go to your Cash Wallet
3. Select your desired fiat currency
4. Choose between bank transfer or debit card
5. Complete the transaction

Once the bank clears the funds, your wallet will be credited and ready to use. You can hold the funds as long as you like, or send them back to your bank at any time with just a few taps.

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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 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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