Learning the friendly way

When it comes to investing in crypto, many people think about either mining cryptocurrencies or buying them outright on a crypto exchange. But what about those who want more control over their digital wallet? For the everyday crypto-investors, there's a viable cost-free alternative to earning more crypto: staking also known as "coins staking." Crypto staking allows you to generate more cryptocurrencies using your crypto holdings.

There are many new terms entering the financial world, but staking may be one of them that you should know. What exactly is it? Crypto staking is a relatively new concept that has the potential to revolutionize how we invest in cryptocurrency.

While it may appear complex at first, learning about the benefits of crypto-staking can help you make more educated decisions when investing in cryptocurrency.

In this article, you'll learn the ins and outs of staking. We've broken it down so that even if your experience level with cryptocurrencies is at beginner or below, you'll be able to start staking yourself. Let's get started!

What Is Staking?

Staking crypto is the process of locking crypto assets in a wallet to earn rewards. Doing so allows users to contribute to verifying transactions and building consensus on blockchain networks.

The procedures for validating cryptocurrency are known as "proof-of-stake" or "proof-of-work" depending on the sort of the cryptocurrency you're dealing with and the technologies that support it. Each of these methods aids blockchain networks in achieving consensus, or confirmation that all transaction data agrees.

It also requires participants to make that consensus possible. Staking is the act of investors who keep their cryptocurrency in their crypto wallet and actively participate in network consensus-making processes. Stakers, in essence, are approving, verifying and confirming transactions on the blockchain.

In crypto staking, coin holders can lock up their coins (staking) for some time period from hours to years in exchange for stakes back from the platform or network.

Staking crypto can be passive income generating - crypto holders who stake their coins will receive rewards for helping validate transactions on blockchain networks, often through an interest system similar to that of traditional fiat currency.

How does crypto staking work?

For the investor, crypto staking is a passive process. When a Staker stakes its assets (that is, leaves them in their crypto wallet), the network may utilize those assets to create new blocks on the blockchain.

The block's information is "written" into it, and the investor's assets are used to validate it. Because coins already contain "baked-in" data from the blockchain, they may be utilized as validators. The Staker is then rewarded financially for allowing his or her tokens to be used as validators by the network.

The pros and cons of Staking.

Because staking crypto is a passive investment, there are virtually close to no disadvantages. However, it's important to consider the block rewards earned by staking coins you own, as well as cryptocurrency's volatility in general—if the value of the coin drops, so does the value of your staking interest earned.

Is crypto staking profitable?

The advantage of staking is that anyone can make returns from it, with various yearly returns rates, staking is an easy way to generate passive income.

Staking is a type of passive income similar to stock dividends. It only requires you to keep the proper assets in the right location for a specific length of time. Compound interest will enhance the earnings potential over time as long as a user stakes their coins.

The value of the coin being staked must also be considered. Assuming this value stays constant or rises, staking may be profitable. However, if the price of the coin falls, profits could rapidly diminish. If you don't want to risk a downward trend in volatility.

Closing thoughts

Staking is a method for earning rewards using your cryptocurrency assets or coins. It's comparable to generating interest on cash savings or receiving dividends on stock possessions.

Stakers allow their cryptocurrency/cash to be used in the blockchain validation process and are compensated by the network for its use. Staking may provide a new way for crypto investors or currency holders to generate returns.

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.

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!

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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Decoding the disconnect: America's cautious approach to crypto
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Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have soared to a staggering $2.1 trillion in value, but why does skepticism still linger among so many Americans? 

Despite increasing adoption, digital currencies remain shrouded in doubt, revealing a significant trust gap that continues to challenge the industry. As cryptocurrencies become more woven into everyday financial transactions, closing this trust deficit is essential for ensuring sustained growth and mainstream acceptance.

In this article, we'll dive into the key reasons behind this persistent mistrust, uncover the expanding real-world uses of digital assets, and explore how education and technological advancements can help bridge the confidence gap. Keep in mind, the data presented draws from multiple studies, so some figures and age groupings may vary slightly.

A Look at the Current State of Crypto Trust

To truly understand cryptocurrency adoption and the accompanying trust issues, it’s essential to examine the latest statistics and demographic data. This section breaks down public sentiment toward crypto and provides a snapshot of its user base.

General Public Sentiment

Percentage of Americans Who Own Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency adoption has seen slow but steady growth over the years. According to surveys conducted by Pew Research Center in 2021 and 2023, 17% of Americans have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency, up slightly from 16% in 2021. 

While estimates vary, Security.org places this figure higher, estimating that roughly 40% of the U.S. population - around 93 million adults - own some form of cryptocurrency.

Both studies agree that younger generations are driving much of this growth, with 30% of Americans aged 18-29 reporting they have experience with crypto.

Trust Levels in Cryptocurrency

Despite rising adoption rates, trust in cryptocurrency remains a significant hurdle. Pew Research Center found that 75% of Americans have little or no confidence that cryptocurrency exchanges can safeguard their funds. Similarly, a recent report by Morning Consult shows that 7 in 10 consumers familiar with crypto express low or no trust in it. 

This contrasts the 31% who have some or high trust, or the 24% in the Pew study who are “somewhat” to “extremely” confident in cryptocurrencies.

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Demographics of Crypto Adopters

1. Age Groups

Cryptocurrency adoption trends reveal a distinct generational divide. According to the 2023 Morning Consult survey, Gen Z adults (ages 18-25) lead in crypto ownership at 36%, closely followed by Millennials at 30%. 

These younger groups are also more inclined toward future investments, with 39% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials planning to invest in crypto in the coming years. Over half of both generations view cryptocurrency and blockchain as the future, while a notable percentage (27% of Gen Z and 21% of Millennials) considered opening an account with a crypto exchange in the past year.

When compared to other asset classes, data from Bankrate’s 2021 survey reveals that younger Millennials (ages 25-31) favor real estate and stock market investments, while Baby Boomers have the least interest in cryptocurrency. Older Millennials (32-40) lean toward cash investments, with cryptocurrency’s appeal steadily declining with age.

Interestingly, the report also highlights gender differences, showing that 80% of women familiar with crypto express low confidence, compared to 71% of men, indicating a broader trust gap among female users.

2. Income Levels

Contrary to common assumptions, cryptocurrency adoption is not confined to high-income individuals. The same Pew Research Center survey revealed that crypto ownership is relatively evenly spread across income brackets:

• 13% of those earning less than $56,600 annually own crypto.
• 19% of those earning between $56,600 and $169,800 own crypto.
• 22% of those earning over $169,800 own crypto.

This data suggests that while higher earners may be more inclined to own cryptocurrency, the appeal of digital assets spans various income levels.

3. Educational Background

Education also plays a role in crypto adoption. A 2022 report by Triple-A found that the majority of crypto owners are “highly educated”:

• 24% of crypto owners have graduated from middle or high school.
• 10% have some vocational or college education.
• 39% are college graduates.
• 27% hold postgraduate degrees.

This shows that while those with some college education or a degree are more likely to own crypto, it is not exclusively a pursuit of the highly educated.

This demographic data paints a picture of cryptocurrency adopters as predominantly younger, spread across a range of income levels, and with diverse educational backgrounds. However, the trust gap between crypto and traditional financial systems remains a significant barrier to wider acceptance of digital assets.

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Key Trust Barriers

To bridge the gap between cryptocurrency adoption and trust, it’s crucial to understand the major concerns fueling skepticism. This section explores these concerns and contrasts them with similar risks in traditional financial systems.

The Primary Concerns of Skeptics

Volatility

One of the most significant barriers to cryptocurrency adoption is its notorious volatility, particularly for investors seeking stable, long-term assets. Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, symbolizes this risk.

In 2022, Bitcoin’s volatility was stark. Its 30-day volatility reached 64.02% in June, driven by broader economic uncertainty and market downturns, compared to the S&P 500’s much lower volatility of 4.71% during the same period. 

Over the course of the year, Bitcoin’s price swung from a peak of $47,835 to a low of $18,490, marking a substantial 61% decline from its highest point in 2022. Factors such as rising interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and major crypto market disruptions, like the TerraUSD collapse and Celsius’ liquidity crisis, played a pivotal role.

This extreme volatility reinforces the perception of cryptocurrencies as high-risk investments.

However, traditional stock markets, while typically more stable than crypto, can also experience sharp fluctuations, especially in times of economic stress. For instance, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), which measures expected near-term volatility in the U.S. stock market, dropped by 23% to 28.71 on June 30, 2022, far below the 82.69 peak recorded during the early COVID-19 market turbulence in March 2020. This shows that even stock markets, generally seen as safer, can experience moments of intense volatility, particularly during global crises.

Additionally, when compared to the "Magnificent Seven" (a group of top-performing and influential stocks) Bitcoin’s volatility doesn't stand out as unusual. In fact, over the past two years, Bitcoin has shown less volatility than Netflix (NFLX) stock. 

On a 90-day timeframe, NFLX had an average realized volatility of 53%, while Bitcoin’s was slightly lower at 46%. The reality is that among all S&P 500 companies, Bitcoin has demonstrated lower annualized historical volatility than 33 of the 503 constituents. 

In October 2023, Bitcoin was actually less volatile than 92 stocks in the S&P 500, based on 90-day realized historical volatility figures, including some large-cap and mega-cap companies.

Security

Security concerns are another major hurdle in building trust with cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets have been targeted by numerous high-profile hacks and frauds, raising doubts about the safety of digital assets. It comes as no surprise that a study from Morning Consult found that 67% of Americans believe having a secure and trustworthy platform is essential to entering the crypto market.

While security threats in the crypto space are well-documented, traditional banking systems are not immune to fraud either. Federal Trade Commission data reveals that consumer fraud losses in the traditional financial sector hit a record high of $10 billion in 2023, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.

 Although traditional banks have more safeguards in place to protect consumers, they remain vulnerable to attacks, showing that security is a universal challenge across both crypto and traditional finance. 

Prevention remains key, which in this case equates to using only reliable platforms or hardwallets. 

Regulatory Uncertainty

Regulatory ambiguity continues to be a critical barrier for both cryptocurrency investors and businesses. The evolving landscape creates uncertainty about the future of digital assets.

Currently, cryptocurrency is legal in 119 countries and four British Overseas Territories, covering more than half of the world’s nations. Notably, 64.7% of these countries are emerging and developing economies, primarily in Asia and Africa. 

However, only 62 of these 119 countries (52.1%) have comprehensive regulations in place. This represents significant growth from 2018, when only 33 jurisdictions had formal regulations, showing a 53.2% increase, but still falls short in creating a sense of “unified safety”.

In the United States, regulatory views remain fragmented. Various agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), have conflicting perspectives on how to classify and regulate cryptocurrencies. Since 2019, the SEC has filed over 116 crypto-related lawsuits, adding to the regulatory uncertainty faced by the industry.

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The Growing Integration Of Digital Assets In Daily Life

As we progress further into the digital age, cryptocurrencies and digital assets are increasingly becoming part of our everyday financial transactions. This shift is driven by two key developments: the rise of crypto payment options and the growing adoption of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

According to a MatrixPort report, global cryptocurrency adoption has now reached 7.51% of the population, underscoring the expanding influence of digital currencies worldwide. By 2025, this rate is expected to surpass 8%, signaling a potential shift from niche usage to mainstream acceptance.

The list of major retailers embracing cryptocurrency as a payment method continues to grow. Some notable companies now accepting crypto include:

• Microsoft: Accepts Bitcoin for Xbox store credits.
• AT&T: The first major U.S. mobile carrier to accept crypto payments.
• Whole Foods: Accepts Bitcoin via the Spedn app.
• Overstock: One of the first major retailers to accept Bitcoin.
• Starbucks: Allows customers to load their Starbucks cards with Bitcoin through the Bakkt app.

A 2022 Deloitte survey revealed that nearly 75% of retailers plan to accept either cryptocurrency or stablecoin payments within the next two years. This trend highlights the growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets as a legitimate payment method.

Crypto-backed debit cards are further bridging the gap between digital assets and everyday transactions. These cards enable users to spend their cryptocurrency at any merchant that accepts traditional debit cards. 

According to Factual Market Research, the global crypto card market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 31.6% from 2021 to 2030. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of crypto-backed debit cards as a way for consumers to integrate their digital assets into daily spending.

The Rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) represent digital versions of a country’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by the national monetary authority. In 2024, the global progress of CBDCs has seen a significant uptick, with marked advances in both research and adoption. As of this year:

• 11 countries have fully launched CBDCs, including the Bahamas, Nigeria, Jamaica, and China.
• 44 countries are conducting pilot programs, up from 36, reflecting growing interest in testing the functionality and stability of digital currencies.
• 66 nations are at advanced stages of CBDC development, contributing to a global landscape where 134 countries (accounting for 98% of the world’s economy) are engaged in CBDC projects.

In the United States, the Federal Reserve is exploring the feasibility of a CBDC through Project Hamilton, a collaborative research initiative with MIT. This exploration aligns with broader goals to reduce reliance on cash, enhance financial inclusion, and improve control over national monetary systems amid the rise of digital payments and cryptocurrencies.

The introduction of CBDCs could significantly reshape daily financial transactions in several ways:

• Increased financial inclusion: CBDCs could offer digital payment access to the 1.4 billion adults who remain unbanked, according to World Bank estimates.
• Faster and cheaper transactions: CBDCs could streamline both domestic and cross-border payments, reducing costs and settlement times.
• Enhanced monetary policy: Central banks would gain more direct control over money supply and circulation.
• Improved traceability: CBDCs could help combat financial crimes and reduce tax evasion by providing greater transaction transparency.

However, challenges persist, including concerns about privacy, cybersecurity risks, and the potential disruption of existing banking systems.

As digital assets continue to integrate into everyday life, they hold the potential to transform how we think about and use money. Despite these challenges, trends in both private cryptocurrency adoption and CBDC development point to a future where digital assets play a central role in our financial systems.

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Building Trust Through Technology and Education

According to the 2023 Web3 UI/UX Report, nearly 48% of users cite security concerns and asset protection as the primary barriers to crypto adoption. Other challenges include high transaction fees and the steep learning curve needed to fully grasp both the technology and its benefits.

Despite these obstacles, the blockchain sector has made significant strides as it matures, particularly in enhancing security. Hack-related losses in the crypto market dropped from $3.7 billion in 2022 to $1.8 billion in 2023, underscoring the progress in safeguarding digital assets.

The increased adoption of offline hardware wallets and multi-signature wallets, both of which add critical layers of security, reflects this momentum. Advances in smart contract auditing tools and stronger compliance standards are also minimizing risks, creating a safer environment for both users and institutions. 

These improvements highlight the industry’s commitment to establishing a more secure foundation for digital transactions and bolstering confidence in blockchain as a reliable financial technology.

In another positive development, in May 2023, the European Council approved the first comprehensive legal framework for the cryptocurrency industry. This legislation sets a new standard for regulatory transparency and oversight, further reinforcing trust.

Financial Literacy Initiatives

The rise of crypto education in the U.S. is playing a pivotal role in increasing public understanding and encouraging adoption. Programs such as Coinbase Earn aim to simplify the onboarding process for new users, directly addressing the complexity and security concerns that often deter people from engaging with crypto.

According to recent data, 43% of respondents feel that insufficient knowledge is a key reason they avoid the sector, highlighting the ongoing need for crypto-related learning. 

Additionally, Chainalysis' 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index noted a significant increase in crypto interest following the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. earlier in the year. This development enabled investors to trade ETF shares tied to Bitcoin directly on stock exchanges, making it easier to enter the market without needing extensive technical expertise - thus driving a surge in adoption.

These advancements in security and education are gradually fostering greater trust in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. As the sector continues to evolve, these efforts may pave the way for broader adoption and deeper integration of digital assets into daily financial life.

The Future of Digital Asset Adoption

As digital assets continue to evolve and capture mainstream attention, their potential to transform the financial landscape is becoming increasingly evident. From late 2023 through early 2024, global crypto transaction volumes surged, surpassing the peaks of the 2021 bull market (as illustrated below).

Interestingly, much of this growth in adoption was driven by lower-middle income countries, highlighting the global reach of digital assets.

Below, we explore projections for cryptocurrency usage and its potential impact on traditional banking and finance.

Projections for Crypto Usage in the Next 5-10 Years

Several studies and reports offer insights into the expected growth of cryptocurrency over the next decade:

Global Adoption
The global cryptocurrency market revenue is projected to reach approximately $56.7 billion in 2024, with the United States leading the charge, expected to generate around $9.8 billion in revenue. Statista predicts the number of global crypto users will hit 861 million by 2025, marking a significant shift toward mainstream use.

Institutional Adoption
The 2023 Institutional Investor Digital Assets Study found that 65% of the 1,042 institutional investors surveyed plan to buy or invest in digital assets in the future. 

As of 2024, digital currency usage among U.S. organisations is expanding, particularly in sectors such as finance, retail, and technology. Hundreds of financial services and fintech firms are now involved in digital assets, whether in payment processing, investments, or blockchain-based applications. This includes major companies utilising cryptocurrencies as stored value and exploring stablecoin use cases to enhance transaction efficiency.

Notably, major U.S. companies are increasingly engaging with blockchain and digital assets, as regulatory clarity improves and security concerns are addressed.

Retail Adoption
At present, about 85% of major retailers generating over $1 billion in annual online sales accept cryptocurrency payments. In contrast, 23% of mid-sized retailers, with online sales between $250 million and $1 billion, currently accept crypto payments. This growing trend points to an expanding role for digital assets in retail, especially among large-scale businesses.

Potential Impact on Traditional Banking and Finance

The rise of digital asset utilisation is poised to reshape traditional banking systems in multiple areas. For starters, the growth of blockchain technology and digitised financial services is driving the decentralised finance (DeFi) market, which is projected to reach $450 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46%.

In Q3 2024 alone, trading on decentralised exchanges surpassed $100 billion, marking the third consecutive month of growth in trading volume. This trend underscores the increasing interest and activity in the decentralised finance space.

As Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are likely to be adopted by 80% of central banks by 2030, the role of commercial banks in money distribution could diminish significantly. Meanwhile, blockchain technology and stablecoins are expected to revolutionise cross-border B2B payments, with 20% of these transactions powered by blockchain by 2025. Stablecoin payment volumes are projected to hit $620 billion by 2026.

Furthermore, the investment landscape is set to evolve as asset tokenisation scales, potentially reaching a value of $16 trillion, making crypto a standard component in investment portfolios. 

With regulatory clarity expected to improve - more than half of financial institutions anticipate clearer rules within the next three years - crypto integration is likely to become more widespread. These developments emphasise the transformative potential of digital assets across payments, investments, and financial structures globally.

Bridging the trust gap in crypto adoption

The cryptocurrency landscape is experiencing a surge in institutional interest, which could be a pivotal moment for integrating digital assets into traditional finance. Financial giants like BlackRock are at the forefront of this movement, signaling a shift in mainstream perception and adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Historically, the introduction of new investment vehicles around Bitcoin has spurred market growth. As Markus Thielen, founder of 10x Research, highlights, the launch of spot ETFs could bring about a new wave of institutional involvement, potentially driving the next phase of market expansion.

This growing institutional momentum, combined with evolving regulatory frameworks, is reshaping the crypto ecosystem. However, a key question remains: Will these developments be enough to close the trust gap and push cryptocurrencies into mainstream adoption?

As we stand at this crossroads, the future of digital assets hangs in the balance. The coming years will be critical in determining whether cryptocurrencies can overcome persistent skepticism and fully integrate into the global financial system, or if they will remain a niche, yet impactful, financial instrument.
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