Learning the friendly way

Ethereum Naming Service is a branch from the original blockchain network which aims to make the crypto space, particularly within the DeFi and Web3 sectors, more user-friendly and accessible. Similar to how Domain Name Service made the internet more accessible, Ethereum Name Service aims to do the same and become a fundamental component of these sectors.

What is Ethereum Name Service (ENS)?

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a decentralized naming system that simplifies sending and receiving payments in the Ethereum network. It works like a domain name service (DNS) uses IP addresses, but instead for Ethereum crypto addresses, allowing users to register human-readable names that are mapped to their Ethereum addresses. This makes it easier to remember and share addresses, instead of having to remember long strings of characters.

For example, a user could register the domain name "myname.eth" and associate it with their Ethereum wallet address. Once registered, anyone can send payments to "myname.eth" instead of the complicated Ethereum address.

Users can register a name through various ENS domain registrars or directly through the ENS manager. Once registered, the name is added to the Ethereum Name Service Registry, and the user becomes the owner of that name. ENS uses a hierarchical system of domains similar to the DNS system used for the internet. 

Once registered, the user can then set the resolver, which is a smart contract that provides information about the Ethereum wallet address associated with the ENS name.

The resolver can be thought of as a mapping function between the name and the Ethereum wallet address. When someone sends a payment to an ENS name, the resolver is queried to retrieve the associated Ethereum address. Once the Ethereum wallet address is retrieved, the payment can be sent directly to the address.

ENS also allows users to add additional data to their domain names, such as an IPFS hash or a swarm hash, making it possible to associate decentralized content with a domain name. For example, a user could associate an IPFS hash with their domain name, making it possible to access decentralized content using a human-readable name.

Who created Ethereum Name Service?

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) was initially part of the Ethereum Foundation and proposed by Nick Johnson in 2016 as a way to simplify the process of sending and receiving payments in the Ethereum network. Nick Johnson is a software engineer that previously worked at Google and the Ethereum Foundation. 

The ENS system was launched as a separate entity in May 2017 as a decentralized naming service on the Ethereum blockchain. Since its launch, ENS has been widely adopted by the Ethereum community and has become an essential part of the Ethereum ecosystem.

How does Ethereum Name Service work?

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) system is similar to the DNS (Domain Name System) used on the internet. Users can register an ENS domain name under the .eth top-level domain and associate them with their Ethereum addresses by using the platform's smart contracts.

This means that instead of sending payments to complicated and hard-to-remember Ethereum crypto addresses, users can simply send payments to easy-to-remember domain names. For example, instead of sending funds to 0x71C7656EC7ab88b098defB751B7401B5f6d89, users can instead send funds to tap.eth. 

The system uses two smart contracts to make this possible: the registry and the resolver. 

ENS Registry

To use ENS, users must first register a name through a registrar. Registrars are entities that facilitate the registration of domain names under the .eth top-level domain and store all the domains. Once a user has registered a name, it is added to the ENS Registry, and the user becomes the owner of that name.

ENS Resolver

The next step is to set the resolver, which is a smart contract that provides information about the Ethereum address associated with the ENS domain. Resolvers can be set by the user or they can use one of the default resolvers provided by ENS. Once the resolver is set, users can associate their Ethereum crypto address with their ENS name. This is done by adding a record to the resolver that maps the ENS name to the wallet address.

ENS allows users to add additional data to their ENS domains, such as an IPFS hash or a swarm hash. ENS also supports subdomains, which are domains that are associated with a parent domain name. This makes it possible to create a hierarchical naming system that is similar to the DNS system used on the internet.

What is the ENS token?

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) did not have its own token until recently. In 2021, the ENS team announced the launch of a new governance token called ENS, which is separate from the old ERC-20 token with the same name. 

The new ENS token is used for governance and voting purposes and is not used to pay for the registration or renewal of ENS domain names. Instead, users need to pay in ETH to register their “.eth” domains, with an idea of the costs reflected below (subject to change due to market fluctuations, please review the ENS website for accurate costs):

$5 in ETH per year, for a five+ character .eth ENS domain;

$160 in ETH per year, for a four-character .eth ENS domain;

$640 in ETH per year, for a three-character .eth ENS domain.

The higher prices are due to the supply of three- and four-character .eth names being smaller. 

The total supply of the new ENS token is 100 million, and they were distributed through a community airdrop in 2021.

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What is the ENS DAO?

The ENS DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a community-governed organization that oversees the development and management of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) ecosystem. It is responsible for making decisions about the future direction of the ENS system, including upgrades, changes to policies, and new feature development. The organisation is governed by the ENS token holders, who have the right to vote on proposals and decisions related to the ENS ecosystem.

The organization is an important part of the ENS ecosystem, as it ensures that the system is developed and managed in a decentralized and community-driven manner. It allows stakeholders to have a voice in the decision-making process and ensures that the system remains responsive to the needs of the community.

What is the ENS Foundation?

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the development and growth of the ENS ecosystem. It oversees the development of the ENS system, promotes its adoption, and provides support to users and developers.

The ENS Foundation is involved in a wide range of activities related to the ENS ecosystem, including organizing community events, providing guidance, and funding the ongoing development of the ENS system. It plays a critical role in supporting the growth and development of the ecosystem alongside the ENS DAO, which is responsible for making decisions about the future direction of the ENS system.

How can I buy ENS tokens?

Tap's mobile app enables users to easily acquire, trade and securely store Ethereum Name Service (ENS) in an integrated wallet. Users can buy and sell the ENS token using a variety of supported crypto or fiat currencies. The app also provides a reliable space to store ENS tokens and other digital assets. By downloading the Tap mobile app, users can unlock the potential of a range of cryptocurrencies and fiat wallets.

Sure, crypto markets reacting negatively to macroeconomic policy shifts is nothing new, but these “worse than expected” Liberation Day tariff announcements have been particularly brutal. 

Looking at the numbers, the sweeping tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump have resulted in mass liquidations. Almost a week later, $8.27 trillion has been wiped from global stock markets and $233 billion from crypto markets, bringing the overall crypto market cap down 8.5%.

But how exactly do tariffs influence crypto? The immediate reaction was a sharp downturn, with big names like Bitcoin falling below $82,000, and later $74,700, and Ethereum dropping to lows of $1,400. 

In the long term, could these economic policies position crypto as a safe haven? Let’s explore the interplay between trade policy, traditional finance, and crypto prices.

Firstly, what are tariffs, and how do they affect the markets?

In a nutshell, tariffs, or taxes on imported goods, create ripple effects across various financial markets. Historically, they have had an impact on:

• Foreign exchange (FX) markets: The USD typically strengthens when tariffs are imposed, as more global investors seek stability, and in response, a stronger USD often puts downward pressure on Bitcoin and altcoins.
• Equities: Stocks, particularly in sectors reliant on global trade, tend to decline as tariffs increase business costs and disrupt supply chains.
• Inflation & interest rates: Tariffs can contribute to higher consumer prices, influencing Federal Reserve policy and liquidity conditions, which in turn affect investment in risk assets like crypto.

The interconnected nature of these macroeconomic factors proves once again that digital assets are not insulated from traditional market turbulence. Let’s explore the damages.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement

So, what happened? On 3 April, Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on U.S. imports, with 60 countries, including Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, facing tariffs of up to 50%. Companies in the EU will see 20% tariffs, all taking effect a week later. 

Previously announced 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and foreign-made cars remain in place.

How the crypto market responded

Never missing a beat, the crypto market reacted swiftly to the tariff announcements:

• Bitcoin has dropped ~10% since February. On 3 April, the price fell from $87,106 to $82,526 in a matter of hours, falling to lows of $74,700 days later. 
• Ethereum followed a similar trajectory, dipping to lows of $1,430.
• Altcoins were hit harder, with SOL dropping nearly 25% to $97.52 - its first dip below $100 since February 2024.
• Crypto-related equities tanked, with Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) down 15%, and mining firms like MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms losing 11%.
• Correlation with equities strengthened, as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also experienced sharp declines.

According to technical analysis, the overall market cap formed a bear flag pattern, signaling potential price declines (this pattern appears after a sharp drop, followed by a temporary upward channel). If the price breaks below this channel, a further decline is likely.

Source: Emmaculate, published on TradingView, April 3, 2025

Why Bitcoin might bounce back

A note from the bears. Despite the initial sell-off, Bitcoin could see a rebound for several reasons:

• Bitcoin as "digital gold": During economic uncertainty, BTC has historically been viewed as a hedge against inflation and fiat devaluation.
• Institutional movements: Exchange outflows suggest that institutions are holding rather than panic-selling, reducing BTC liquidity and potentially driving prices higher in the future.
• Monetary policy shifts: If the Federal Reserve pivots toward rate cuts or quantitative easing (QE), Bitcoin could benefit from increased liquidity.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has argued that such macro conditions could push BTC toward $150,000 in the next cycle.

Do tariffs + the U.S. Dollar = a crypto opportunity?

The impact of tariffs on the U.S. dollar has direct implications for crypto:

• Reduced exports and lower bond demand could weaken the USD over time.
• A weaker dollar typically boosts Bitcoin, as investors look for alternative stores of value.
• Grayscale suggests that Bitcoin could benefit from a fragmented monetary landscape, particularly as central banks diversify reserves away from USD.

Tariffs, regulation & crypto’s role in the financial system

Trump’s policies could indirectly accelerate crypto adoption by:

• Increasing the use of crypto for trade settlements due to currency uncertainties.
• Encouraging alternative reserve assets beyond the U.S. dollar.
• Aligning with a potentially pro-crypto regulatory stance under a second Trump administration.

What should crypto investors do now?

Crypto investors should watch a few key things closely:

• When and how the new tariffs are rolled out, and if any changes are made along the way
• How other countries respond, especially with their own tariffs
• Changes in crypto regulations, as governments adjust to the new economic climate
• How money moves between traditional markets and crypto, which can impact prices and sentiment

• Consider long-term portfolio strategies, as crypto’s role in a shifting financial landscape could strengthen.

Conclusion: Tariffs may hurt now, but crypto could emerge stronger

While recent tariffs triggered a downturn across both traditional and crypto markets, it’s worth noting that this was driven more by uncertainty than fundamentals. As has previously been the case, crypto’s response is often tied to macro trends, with Liberation Day tariffs being no exception. 

The bottom line is that market dynamics are changing. As liquidity patterns shift and capital moves differently, crypto’s role within broader portfolios continues to evolve. While this can have both a positive and negative impact on portfolios, continuing to stay informed is the wisest step one could take. 

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If you've been exploring the world of cryptocurrency beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, you've probably heard of Sushi. No, not the Japanese dish – we're talking about a powerful player in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space that's been making waves since its dramatic entrance in 2020.

Sushi, or SushiSwap as the platform is called, burst onto the crypto scene with what many called a "vampire attack" on Uniswap, another popular decentralised exchange (DEX). This bold move involved attracting over a billion dollars of liquidity from its competitor in just a few days.

Today, SushiSwap stands as one of the leading decentralised exchanges in the crypto ecosystem, offering a suite of financial services that go well beyond simple token swapping. With its native SUSHI token, the platform has created an ecosystem that allows users to trade, earn, lend, borrow, and more – all without traditional financial intermediaries.

What makes Sushi truly stand out is how it's putting financial power back into the hands of regular users. By democratising access to sophisticated financial tools that were once only available to privileged institutions, Sushi is helping to create a more open, accessible financial system for everyone.

What is Sushi (SUSHI)?

At its core, Sushi is a DEX and DeFi protocol that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly with each other without any middlemen. Unlike centralised exchanges, there's no company controlling your funds or verifying your identity – it's just you, smart contracts, and the blockchain.

Think of SushiSwap as an online marketplace where instead of a company facilitating trades, everything runs on code. It's like if eBay operated without eBay the company – just buyers and sellers interacting through an automated system.

The relationship between SushiSwap and SUSHI is important to understand:

• SushiSwap is the platform – the actual decentralised exchange and suite of DeFi services
• SUSHI is the native token that powers the ecosystem – like owning a piece of the project

The Sushi ecosystem has evolved significantly since its launch, now offering a full menu of DeFi services:

• Token swapping (the basic exchange function)
• Liquidity providing (where users can earn fees)
• Yield farming (earning rewards by supporting the platform)
• Lending and borrowing
• Token launches
• NFT marketplace
• Cross-chain functionality (operating across multiple blockchains)

When compared to other DEXs like Uniswap and PancakeSwap, Sushi stands out for its community-first approach and wide range of features. While Uniswap pioneered the automated market maker model that Sushi uses, Sushi expanded on this foundation by adding more ways for users to participate and earn rewards. 

And while PancakeSwap operates primarily on the Binance Smart Chain, Sushi has expanded to multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, and more.

The history of Sushi

Sushi's history reads like a crypto soap opera – complete with controversy, drama, and unexpected twists. Grab the popcorn.

It all began in August 2020 when an anonymous developer going by the name "Chef Nomi" created SushiSwap as a fork (essentially a copy with modifications) of Uniswap's code. But Chef Nomi didn't just launch a competitor; they executed what became known as a "vampire attack" – a strategy to drain liquidity from Uniswap by offering better incentives.

Users who provided liquidity to Uniswap could stake their LP (liquidity provider) tokens on SushiSwap to earn SUSHI rewards. Then, in a coordinated event called "The Migration," over $1 billion in crypto assets moved from Uniswap to SushiSwap virtually overnight. The crypto community was stunned by the aggressive yet innovative approach.

But the drama was just beginning. Shortly after the successful migration, Chef Nomi suddenly converted a large amount of SUSHI tokens (worth about $14 million at the time) into Ethereum and withdrew it. The community viewed this as an "exit scam," and the price of SUSHI plummeted.

In a surprising turn of events, Sam Bankman-Fried, then-CEO of FTX (a major crypto exchange at the time), stepped in to take control of the project. Days later, Chef Nomi returned all the funds and apologised to the community.

Control of the project was then transferred to a multi-signature wallet controlled by several trusted community members, transitioning SushiSwap to true community governance. Since then, the protocol has seen steady development and expansion, including:

• Launch of Kashi lending platform (March 2021)
• Introduction of BentoBox, a yield-generating vault (Q1 2021)
• Expansion to multiple blockchains beyond Ethereum
• Release of Miso launchpad for new tokens
• Development of Shoyu, an NFT marketplace

Despite its tumultuous beginnings, Sushi managed to establish itself as a serious contender in the DeFi space through continuous innovation and a strong community focus.

How does SushiSwap work?

SushiSwap operates on a model called an automated market maker (AMM), which is fundamentally different from traditional exchanges. Here's how it works in simple terms:

Instead of matching buyers with sellers (the way stock exchanges work), SushiSwap uses liquidity pools – essentially big pots of cryptocurrencies that users can trade against. Imagine a vending machine that's always ready to exchange one token for another, rather than waiting to find someone who wants the opposite side of your trade.

These pools are created and maintained by liquidity providers – regular users who deposit pairs of tokens (like ETH and USDT) into the pools. In return for providing this liquidity, they earn fees from trades that happen in their pool.

When you want to swap tokens on SushiSwap, here's what happens:

1. You select the tokens you want to exchange (for example, ETH for USDT)
2. Smart contracts calculate the exchange rate based on the ratio of tokens in the relevant liquidity pool
3. The more of one token you want, the more expensive it gets (this is called "slippage")
4. A small fee (0.3% of the trade) is taken and distributed to liquidity providers
5. The tokens are exchanged directly in your wallet

The beauty of this system is that it's all handled by smart contracts – self-executing code on the blockchain. There's no company processing your trade or holding your funds; it's all automated and trustless.

Of this 0.3% fee, 0.25% goes directly to liquidity providers in the pool, while the remaining 0.05% is converted to SUSHI tokens and distributed to SUSHI stakers. This creates a sustainable revenue model where active users earn from the platform's success.

Key features of the Sushi ecosystem

Sushi has evolved from a simple token exchange into a comprehensive DeFi ecosystem. Let's explore the main ingredients in Sushi's expanding menu:

SushiSwap DEX: The heart of the ecosystem is the decentralised exchange where users can swap virtually any ERC-20 token (and tokens on other supported blockchains). With competitive rates and deep liquidity across many trading pairs, it's the foundation of the Sushi experience.

Kashi: This lending and margin trading platform allows users to borrow assets against their crypto collateral. What makes Kashi unique is its isolated risk markets – meaning a problem in one lending market won't affect others, making it potentially safer than some competitors.

BentoBox: Think of this as a smart crypto savings account. BentoBox is a token vault that generates yield on deposited assets while they're waiting to be used in other Sushi products. It's like your money earning interest while sitting in your wallet, ready to use.

Onsen: This liquidity mining program incentivises users to provide liquidity for specific token pairs by offering additional SUSHI rewards. It's named after Japanese hot springs – places where people gather and relax, much like how Onsen gathers liquidity for the platform.

Miso: A launchpad for new tokens, Miso helps projects conduct token sales with various auction types. It's like Kickstarter for new crypto projects, helping them raise funds and distribute tokens fairly.

Shoyu: Sushi's NFT marketplace allows for the creation, buying, and selling of digital collectables. While newer than some competitors, it aims to offer lower fees and better integration with the rest of the Sushi ecosystem.

Cross-chain deployment: Unlike many DeFi protocols that only exist on Ethereum, Sushi has expanded to numerous blockchains including Polygon, Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain, Fantom, and more. This multi-chain approach helps users avoid Ethereum's sometimes high transaction fees while still accessing Sushi's services.

This diverse ecosystem makes Sushi a one-stop shop for many DeFi activities, allowing users to move seamlessly between trading, earning, lending, and more.

SUSHI tokenomics

The SUSHI token is the special sauce that brings the whole Sushi ecosystem together. Let's break down how it works:

Total supply: SUSHI has no maximum supply cap. New tokens are minted at a rate of 100 SUSHI per Ethereum block (roughly every 12 seconds), though this emission rate has been adjusted through governance votes over time.

Token utility: The SUSHI token serves several important functions:

• Governance: SUSHI holders can vote on proposals to change the protocol
• Fee sharing: When staked, SUSHI entitles holders to a portion of all trading fees
• Liquidity mining rewards: Users can earn SUSHI by providing liquidity
• Platform access: Some features may require SUSHI holdings or staking

Governance rights: Holding SUSHI means having a say in the future of the platform. Token holders can propose and vote on changes ranging from technical upgrades to treasury management and new feature development.

xSUSHI mechanism: When users stake their SUSHI tokens, they receive xSUSHI in return. This represents their share of the staking pool, which constantly grows as trading fees are added to it. When users unstake, they get their original SUSHI plus their portion of accumulated fees – making it a passive income opportunity.

Staking rewards: The current APY (Annual Percentage Yield) for staking SUSHI varies depending on platform volume and the number of stakers, but it has historically offered attractive returns compared to traditional finance.

Market performance: As with many cryptocurrencies, SUSHI has experienced significant price volatility since its launch. After reaching all-time highs during the 2021 bull market, the token has settled into a more stable trading range. 

The tokenomics of SUSHI are designed to align the interests of users, liquidity providers, and token holders – when the platform succeeds, SUSHI holders benefit through increased value and fee sharing.

How to buy and sell SUSHI

Looking to get your hands on some SUSHI tokens? Here's how you can do it through the Tap app:

How to buy SUSHI on the Tap App:

1. Download the Tap app from your device's app store
2. Create an account and complete the required verification
3. Fund your account using a supported payment method (bank transfer, card, etc.)
4. Navigate to the crypto section and search for SUSHI
5. Enter the amount you want to buy
6. Review the transaction details and confirm your purchase
7. Your SUSHI tokens will appear in your Tap wallet

How to sell SUSHI on the Tap App:

1. Navigate to your SUSHI wallet in the app
2. Select the Sell option
3. Enter the amount you want to sell, and what currency you would like in return (crypto or fiat)
4. Review and confirm the transaction details 
5. Your desired currency will appear in the relevant Tap wallet

Conclusion

Sushi has come a long way from its controversial beginnings to establish itself as a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. What started as a fork of Uniswap has evolved into a comprehensive financial platform that offers trading, earning, lending, and more – all without traditional financial intermediaries.

By addressing one of the biggest pain points in DeFi – high Ethereum gas fees – through multi-chain deployment, Sushi makes decentralised finance more accessible to everyday users.

As with any cryptocurrency project, Sushi faces challenges and competition, but its innovative features, passionate community, and continuous development make it a project worth watching in the years to come.

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As we step into 2025, it's time to reflect on an incredible year of growth and milestones at Tap. What a ride 2024 has been! When we look back at everything we've achieved together at Tap this year, it's hard not to feel a surge of pride and excitement. Let's dive into the highlights that made this year truly special.

Revamped payment with a new card design

This year, we introduced our new card and design. Your feedback sparks our creativity and innovation, many of you joked about needing to make a gang sign with your fingers to hide card numbers when sharing photos. Taking that humor to heart, we've redesigned our card so all sensitive information is now on the back, keeping it out of sight.

This means you can proudly showcase your Tap card in pictures without any awkward gestures. Our user-centric design not only enhances your privacy but also makes sharing your Tap experience easier and more stylish than ever. Thank you for inspiring us to create a more seamless and secure way to use and share your Tap Premium benefits.

Did someone say Cashback? 

For those of you wanting more from your Tap experience, we've been listening to what you need, which led us to introduce new premium plans. They're not about bells and whistles – just practical great rewards and rebates that add real value for those who need them. Same goes for our new Cashback feature. Not only are you earning rewards on your spending, but it also gives XTP a more meaningful purpose in your everyday transactions.

Our new Cashback feature has been a game-changer, offering users not only rewards on their Tap card transactions but also increased utility for our native token, XTP. This feature underscores our commitment to delivering tangible benefits and fostering a rewarding financial ecosystem.

Expanding horizons: launching in the USA

2024 was a landmark year as we launched Tap in the USA, marking our entry into one of the world's largest and most dynamic markets. A particularly humbling milestone, it's been a learning experience, and we're grateful for the patience and enthusiasm of our new American users as we continue to refine our services.

New practical features and tools you've been asking for:

To further empower our users, we rolled out a suite of new features, including:

• A smart search bar that helps you find exactly what you need, when you need it.
• A card spending dashboard that enables you to track your card and spending limits. 
• A comprehensive markets section for tracking your favorite tokens in real-time.
• And yes, that discrete hide balance option for when you need to keep things private.

These features are designed to provide our users with greater transparency, control, and convenience in managing their finances.

Expanding cryptocurrency and fiat options

In response to the growing demand for diverse financial options, we added three new cryptocurrencies and four new fiat currencies to the app. This expansion allows our users to transact with greater flexibility and access a wider range of financial instruments. Because why should anyone have to compromise on their financial choices?

Navigating regulatory landscapes: UK and Bulgaria

Even with all this growth, we haven't lost sight of what matters most – doing things right. On the regulatory front, this year tested our resilience and commitment to our users, particularly in the UK. When new FCA regulations required us to suspend XTP token locking for UK Premium accounts last October, we didn't just accept it as a permanent setback.

Instead, our team spent the year methodically working through complex legal requirements to craft a compliant, user-friendly solution. The result? We successfully relaunched XTP token locking for our UK Premium users – a testament to our dedication to finding ways forward even through regulatory challenges.

This commitment to compliance also led us to secure our VASP license in Bulgaria, further strengthening our regulatory foundation across different jurisdictions. While these behind-the-scenes achievements might not be the most exciting news, they're crucial steps in building a service that's trustworthy.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

As we step into 2025, we're just getting warmed up. Everything we've accomplished this year sets the stage for even bigger moves ahead. We've got some exciting plans taking shape, but more importantly, we have a clear vision of how to make Tap work better for you every day. And the best part? We're building this future with you, our incredible Tap community.

Thank you for being part of this journey – for your trust, your patience, and your candid feedback. Together, we're not just building another fintech platform; we're crafting the future of finance, one thoughtful step at a time.

Here's to the next chapter of our journey together – it's going to be epic!

Currency volatility is a challenge that businesses operating across borders can’t afford to ignore. Exchange rate fluctuations can erode profits, increase costs, and create financial uncertainty, making it difficult for companies to plan effectively.

For businesses that deal with international transactions, traditional solutions like foreign exchange (forex) hedging can be expensive and complicated. Thankfully now, there's a smarter, more efficient alternative—stablecoins.

Stablecoins offer businesses a way to bypass the unpredictability of currency fluctuations by providing a digital asset pegged to stable currencies like the US dollar. The black and white of it is that they make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable. 

In this article, we’ll explore why stablecoins are an ideal solution for tackling currency volatility in global financial management.

The challenges of currency volatility in global finance

Global businesses are constantly exposed to currency risks, for a range of reasons, including:

• Geopolitical events – Trade wars, conflicts, or political instability can impact currency values.
• Inflation and interest rate changes – Central bank policies can cause sudden shifts in exchange rates.
• Market speculation – Traders and investors can drive rapid price swings.

For businesses, currency volatility can lead to higher transaction costs, as moving money internationally becomes more expensive. It can also result in unpredictable revenue, making it difficult for companies operating in multiple countries to manage pricing. Additionally, if a currency depreciates suddenly, businesses may face financial losses as profits shrink overnight.

Many businesses use forex hedging strategies (such as forward contracts and options) to manage risk, but these methods are often costly, complex, and require expert knowledge. A simpler, more efficient solution is needed—and that’s where stablecoins come in.

Why stablecoins are the perfect hedge for businesses

Stablecoins offer a practical way for businesses to protect themselves against currency volatility. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies (which are often highly volatile), stablecoins are pegged to a fiat currency providing a reliable and steady value.

Key benefits for businesses:

• Price stability – With stablecoins, businesses don’t have to worry about sudden exchange rate swings affecting their revenue or costs. 
• Fast, low-cost transactions – International payments using stablecoins settle in minutes, not days, with significantly lower fees than traditional banking systems.
• No dependence on banks – Unlike wire transfers, stablecoin payments don’t require intermediaries, reducing delays and extra costs.
• Transparent and secure transactions – Built on blockchain technology, stablecoins ensure auditable, tamper-proof payments, adding an extra layer of security.

For businesses engaging in global trade, payroll, treasury management, or e-commerce, stablecoins offer a modern financial tool to streamline operations and avoid currency-related risks.

Choosing the right stablecoin for your business needs

Not all stablecoins are created equal. Businesses need to choose the right one based on factors like trust, regulation, and network efficiency.

Top stablecoins to consider:

💰 USDT (Tether) – The most widely used stablecoin, but with some concerns around transparency.
💰 USDC (USD Coin) – Fully backed by regulated financial institutions, making it a trusted option.
💰 DAI – A decentralized stablecoin, offering stability without relying on a central issuer.

💰 EUROC (Euro Coin) – A fully backed euro-denominated stablecoin issued by Circle, providing a stable digital alternative for euro transactions.

Key considerations:

• Regulatory compliance – Ensure the stablecoin follows financial regulations in your operating regions.
• Blockchain network – Some stablecoins operate on multiple blockchains (Ethereum, Tron, Solana). Choosing the right network affects transaction speed and fees.
• Liquidity and acceptance – Businesses should opt for stablecoins with high liquidity and broad industry adoption.

Choosing the right stablecoin is essential for seamless global transactions while ensuring stability and security.

The future of stablecoins in global finance

Stablecoins are no longer just a niche tool—they are gaining mainstream acceptance among businesses, financial institutions, and regulators.

Growing adoption – Companies like PayPal and Visa are integrating stablecoins into their payment systems.

Institutional backing – Banks and investment firms are exploring stablecoin use for settlements and asset management.

Regulation on the rise – Governments are working on stablecoin frameworks, aiming to balance innovation with security.

Emerging financial products – Stablecoin-based loans, savings accounts, and remittance services are expanding the financial ecosystem.

As stablecoins evolve, their role in global financial management will only grow, making them a key tool for businesses worldwide.

Conclusion

Currency volatility remains a major challenge for businesses operating globally, as traditional hedging strategies are often expensive and inefficient, leaving companies searching for a better way to manage financial risk.

As outlined above, stablecoins offer a simple, effective, and low-cost solution to tackling currency fluctuations. By providing price stability, fast transactions, and reduced banking dependency, stablecoins empower businesses to operate seamlessly across borders.

For companies looking to future-proof their global financial operations, stablecoins are an answer worth considering. Now is the time to explore how they can be integrated into your business strategy: and we’re here to help.

The crypto market stands at an intriguing crossroads as we move into 2025. After some landmark events in 2024, including the approval of major ETFs and significant institutional adoption, the digital asset space is evolving from its speculative origins into a more mature market. With this transformation comes both opportunities and challenges that could reshape the current landscape. Here’s what’s worth keeping your eyes on in 2025.

Note: the cryptocurrency market remains a highly complex arena. The trends and developments discussed here are based on current market observations and should not be considered as investment advice. As always, conduct your own thorough research and risk assessment, and consult a financial advisor if necessary.

1. Bitcoin's post-ETF evolution

The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs has fundamentally altered market dynamics. Historical data shows that similar levels of institutional ownership in traditional assets like gold typically precede periods of reduced volatility and steady value appreciation.

BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, recently stated, “Developments could open the floodgate of institutional allocation and drive significant inflows into Bitcoin investment products, particularly BTC spot ETFs, which are likely to see their assets under management (AUM) swell as BTC becomes further entrenched in traditional investment frameworks.”

Whether more digital asset ETFs are approved or more institutional investors enter the market, analysts will be watching closely.

2. Corporate blockchain integration

Beyond simple investment, major corporations are integrating blockchain technology into their operations. According to a report, more than half (52%) of Fortune 100 companies have pursued crypto, blockchain, or Web3 initiatives since the start of 2020. This highlights a significant trend toward blockchain adoption among major corporations.

This corporate adoption could also create additional demand for both established cryptocurrencies and specialised enterprise tokens. Market analysts will be watching whether this continues on the same trajectory.

3. The rise of tokenised traditional markets

Asset tokenisation transforms physical assets like real estate, art, or commodities into digital tokens on a blockchain, representing ownership or shares and simplifying transactions.

A Chainlink report estimates that the tokenised asset market could reach $10 trillion by 2030. As of September 2024, tokenised assets were valued at about $118.6 billion, with Ethereum holding 58% of the market share. This includes everything from real estate and commodities to stocks and bonds. 

On top of that, the efficiency gains from tokenisation could potentially reduce transaction costs by up to 90% while enabling 24/7 trading of traditionally illiquid assets.

4. Emerging market crypto adoption

Cryptocurrencies are significantly reshaping financial landscapes in developing economies. The Inter-American Development Bank highlights that crypto platforms have driven down remittance transfer costs, from 6.4% to 1.8%, making cross-border payments more affordable. Meanwhile, the World Bank projects that blockchain technologies could help provide financial services to 250 million unbanked individuals by 2026.

In countries like Venezuela, 35% of the population uses cryptocurrencies as an inflation hedge, a trend noted by the Brookings Institution. Additionally, nations like Kenya, Rwanda, and Panama are leading blockchain innovations in sectors like agriculture, land registration, and financial services, signaling a fundamental shift in economic infrastructure.

5. DeFi 2.0: the next generation

Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is evolving beyond its initial applications. Funds Society, along with other firms, predict that total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols will exceed $200 billion by Q4 2025. The focus is shifting from pure lending and trading to more sophisticated applications like tokenised real-world assets, automated portfolio management, and institutional-grade financial products.

This projection aligns with broader industry forecasts. Analysts also anticipate that decentralised exchange (DEX) trading volumes will reach around $4 trillion, capturing about 20% of the market share.

In essence, DeFi is expanding beyond its initial applications, with projections indicating substantial growth in TVL and a shift toward more sophisticated financial products. The integration of traditional financial services and the tokenisation of real-world assets are key trends shaping the future of DeFi.

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Market context

It's important to remember that these developments are occurring against a backdrop of broader economic changes, so anything is possible. As the relationship between traditional markets and cryptocurrencies continues to evolve, digital assets are increasingly being recognised as a distinct asset class, rather than just speculative investments. 

Looking ahead

While the crypto market has historically been characterised by significant volatility, the institutional infrastructure being built suggests a potentially different pattern emerging. The combination of regulatory clarity, institutional involvement, and real-world adoption could create new market dynamics unlike anything seen in previous cycles.

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