Learning the friendly way

Since stablecoins emerged in the crypto sphere, many have questioned their legitimacy. While cryptocurrencies are perhaps more frequently used as a tool for value storage rather than a means of transaction, coins (or any financial products) that cannot appreciate in value certainly raise several questions. So why have stablecoins become so popular among businesses and individuals alike? Below we're taking a look at their use cases and reporting on whether they're the safe haven of crypto. 

What are stablecoins?

Before we continue, let's clarify what stablecoins are. These types of cryptocurrencies are "stable assets" that have their value pegged to a fiat currency or commodity. This might include the US dollar, Euros, the price of gold or even other cryptocurrencies. So while Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are subject to bouts of volatility, stablecoins remain consistent with the price of the money they are pegged to.

Stablecoins are not to be confused with CBDCs (central bank digital currencies) which are operated by a government-controlled organisation, usually a country's national bank. Stablecoins are controlled by a company and utilise blockchain technology to facilitate transactions, store the relevant data and maintain security.

Stablecoins' economic policy ensures that they maintain their value through the use of smart contracts, algorithms and reserves. For each Tether in circulation, for example, one US dollar needs to be held in a reserve account. These types of cryptocurrency tokens provide a reliable and non-volatile means of making payments with the companies issuing them regulating the circulating supply.

What value do Stablecoins provide?

While many might not initially see that value in a fiat-pegged cryptocurrency, stablecoins are actually hugely useful in a largely volatile market. Let the current top 5 biggest cryptocurrencies based on market cap in the industry be an indication, with two of the five being stablecoins. 

As stablecoins utilise blockchain technology, the coins naturally inherit all the characteristics of seamless and fast digital transactions (as well as transparency when it comes to transactions). Much like traditional digital assets, stablecoins can be transferred across borders instantly, a much faster and cheaper alternative to using fiat currencies and without the chance of price swings. Users, whether consumers or businesses are able to buy, store and sell stablecoins as they would any other cryptocurrency on the market.

For example, should you wish to pay a business in another country for services rendered or any other expense, it would prove to be much faster and cheaper to use a stablecoin than to send your local currency via traditional banking services. Stablecoins offer a much more streamlined means of completing the job.

Stablecoins also provide an entry into exchanges that don't work with fiat currencies, providing a reliable means of trading on those platforms. Stablecoins have also come to be known as "risk-off" assets, giving newer traders a chance to "test" the markets without the volatility. 

This innovation in the blockchain space has opened many new markets to the use of cryptocurrencies, certainly more mainstream markets across a wide range of countries. As information regarding how they work spreads, more businesses have opened their mind to using them in everyday working life. Stablecoins have also become a popular option with users trading on DeFi (decentralised finance) platforms, providing a secure and efficient means of using the products.

Are stablecoins the safe haven of crypto?

In essence, yes. Since the advent of stablecoins (marked by the launch of Tether) in 2014, there has been a number of new stablecoins to emerge, resulting in more confidence in crypto markets. This has equated to more movement and trade volume, and a lower risk management sector.

So while one isn't going to make huge returns (if any) on stablecoins, they bring value to the market due to their stability and transaction ability. 

As stablecoins are used by traders to hedge against falling markets, they provide a safe haven for their digital funds until the markets return to normal levels. Businesses around the world use stablecoins as they provide a faster and cheaper means of settling bills, allowing them to harness the power of blockchain technology without the worry of prices rising or falling in a short space of time. 

Tap into stability

Tap can support your market entry endeavors by providing a platform to include a variety of assets in your portfolio. Whether you're considering accumulating stablecoins during market shifts or looking to engage in various transactions, Tap offers a streamlined experience. You can easily acquire, sell, trade, store, and manage widely utilized stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), all from a single secure platform.

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Porter’s 5 forces is a model that helps to identify the weaknesses and strengths of an industry, empowering the potential investor with insights. In fact, the model is used by more than just investors, companies and analysts also make use of its structure, allowing them to analyze the competitive forces in an environment and build an appropriate business strategy.

Below we outline how the Porter’s five forces model works, where it came from, and how you can use it to your advantage. 

What is the Porter's Five Forces model?

Porter’s Five Forces focuses on identifying and analyzing five competitive forces within an industry that can be used to establish what the industry’s strengths and weaknesses are. The five forces analysis can be applied to any segment of the economy and can determine a company’s business strategy, level of competition, or long-term industry profitability. 

The Five Forces are:

• Competitive forces in the industry
• Potential of new entrants into the industry
• Power of suppliers
• Power of customers
• The threat of substitute products

This model is designed to help analysts and managers comprehend the competitive landscape that a particular company faces and how the company is positioned within it.

Where did Porter’s Five Forces model come from? 

The five forces analysis model was created by and named after Michael E. Porter, an established Harvard Business School professor. The model was introduced in Porter’s book, Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors.

Developed in 1979, the five forces analysis model was created to provide industry outsiders with insight and knowledge into the positioning and competitive strength of an organization. The business analysis model has become an important tool in the financial sector and is still widely used today, over 40 years later.

Breaking down Porter’s Five Forces

Below is a breakdown of the Five Forces analysis model which is universal across almost every market and industry in the world. The model looks at the company’s positioning within the market to determine how much power it holds. 

1. The competition in the industry

The first of Porter's Five Forces analysis model focuses on the number of competitors a company has and its ability to undercut them. The more existing competitors and competitive rivalry a company has, along with the number of similar products and services they offer, the less power the company holds. 

When the company has a high level of competitive rivalry, suppliers and buyers will gravitate toward the lower prices, while when competition is low, companies have more control over the prices they charge and the terms of their deals.

More power equates to a competitive advantage which typically equates to more sales and profits. Hence, why industry competition and competitive forces shape strategy.

2. The potential of new entrants into an industry

Of course, new entrants into the market also pose a threat to a company’s power. This can be measured by looking at the amount of time and cost it would take to be a potential competitor. The more resources needed, the more established the company’s position. 

The stronger the barriers to entry, the better for companies already positioned in the market. 

3. The power of suppliers

This point in Porter's five forces analysis model looks at the power the suppliers hold in terms of driving up the costs of resources. This can be determined by looking at the number of suppliers available, how unique their products are, and the cost of a company switching to another supplier. 

The fewer the number of suppliers, the more a company depends on them in turn driving up the supplier’s power. The supplier then has more control over their input costs which can result in lower profits for the company. 

4. The power of customers

The power of customers looks at how much control the consumer has to drive a company’s prices down. This looks at the number of customers a company has, the impact of each customer, and the cost of finding new customers or markets to sell to. 

The smaller the customer base, the more power they have to negotiate lower prices. While a larger customer base with many smaller clients is able to charge higher prices and in turn increase profitability. 

5. The threat of substitutes

The final of Porter’s Five Forces analysis model is the threat of substitutes and looks at the threat that substitutes goods and services can pose to a company. The more unique and more difficult a product or service is to substitute, the better the company’s positioning. As consumers will have little else to turn to, the company automatically accumulates more power. 

These Five Forces analysis can assist a company in building a strategy that ensures well-utilized resources and boosted profits, however, this strategy will need to be consistently visited to ensure that any changes in the external environment are factored in. 

What are the downsides of Porter’s Five Forces?

The most pressing downside of the Five Forces model is that it was designed to look at an individual company, as opposed to the wider industry. Additionally, this proves difficult when the company falls into two or more industries, making the framework less impactful. 

The final downside is that the model is designed to measure all five aspects equally against each other which isn’t always the case. Some factors might be more prevalent in one industry but less relevant in another. 

Porter's Five Forces Model vs SWOT analysis

Another tool used in the business sector is SWOT analysis, which looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of existing companies. When comparing the two the most prominent differentiation is that Porter’s Five Forces model tends to examine the external environment and competitive strategy of a company while SWOT looks at the internal aspects of an organization. 

In conclusion

This business analysis model aids in assessing the competitive landscape within a company's industry. The level of influence a company wields across these factors could potentially shape future profitability.

Porter’s Five Forces forces company’s to look beyond their organization and at the greater industry structure in order to map out future plans and strategies. While this framework still plays a valuable role in the business sector, it should not be the only tool used by a company to determine its strategy. 

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Bitcoin wallets are responsible for not only storing the digital asset but also providing access to the funds and allowing traders to conduct transactions. Whether you're buying Bitcoin for the first time or have been investing in the blockchain-based currency for years, understanding how a Bitcoin wallet works will assist you in developing and improving your trading experience. 

In this guide, we're going to assist you in understanding what a Bitcoin wallet is, how they work, and where you can find the best one in the United Kingdom. Because where you store your money has become part of the Tap services that we offer.

What is a Bitcoin Wallet?

A Bitcoin wallet not only stores your digital asset but also facilitates the sending and receiving of BTC. While traditional wallets simply provide a means to store your money, crypto wallets are a more complex product providing more functionality to the user. The digital wallet connects to the blockchain and enables you to conduct transactions, keeps track of your balance, and acts as a "decentralized bank account". 

There are different types of Bitcoin wallets with some being referred to as hot wallets while others are cold wallets. Hot wallets are simply cryptocurrency wallets that are connected to the internet, while cold wallets are only connected briefly when conducting trades. Wallets connected to the internet are more vulnerable to hacking, hence cold wallets being a more viable option when storing cryptocurrencies long term. 

Cold wallets can come in the form of physical hardware, like a USB device, or merely a piece of paper (known as a paper wallet). Most wallets come free however hardware wallets you will need to purchase. 

How does a Bitcoin wallet work?

As we mentioned earlier, Bitcoin wallets connect to the blockchain of the network. Each wallet is represented by a 26 character alpha-numeric code, known as your public key, which acts as your wallet address allowing anyone to send you Bitcoin and identify you on the blockchain. 

Each wallet also comes with a private key, which is essentially the "pin code" to your wallet. This code gives you access to your wallet, allowing you to access and send crypto, and should not be shared with anyone. If someone were to gain access to your private keys, they would have control over your funds. 

The Bitcoin blockchain uses the public keys to track Bitcoin transactions, with each wallet representing a BTC balance, and the network receiving updated copies of this. So while Bitcoin wallets don't actually "store" the digital currency, they hold a record of the current balance and previous transactions. As BTC is sent and received, the blockchain records and updates the ownership of each cryptocurrency as well as the wallets' balances.

What types of Bitcoin wallets UK are available?

There are several options available for Bitcoin wallets in the UK which we'll take a look at below. Crypto wallets fall into two categories - hot wallets and cold wallets - and will differ for each cryptocurrency. I.e. you cannot store Bitcoin in an Ethereum wallet, as each connects to a different blockchain. Bitcoin must be stored in a Bitcoin wallet and Ethereum in an Ethereum wallet. 

Hot Wallets

Hot wallets are constantly connected to the internet and provide fast access to your Bitcoin portfolio. There are three main types of hot wallets:

• - Desktop wallet, applications on a desktop
• - Mobile wallet, applications on a mobile device
• - Web wallet, applications accessed through a web browser

While these wallets are known to be more vulnerable to hacking, they are the best options for someone looking to day trade. 

Cold Wallets

These types of wallets are considered to be more secure as they are not constantly connected to the internet. There are two main types:

• - Hardware wallet, an external device that uses USB or Bluetooth
• - Paper wallet, where public and private keys are printed onto a piece of paper

When looking to make transactions, you will need to connect the cold wallet to a hot wallet. For instance, hardware wallets will come with hot wallet applications for desktop or mobile that, once connected, can facilitate transactions. Paper wallets also require a hot wallet to conduct the transactions. 

An example of a hardware wallet is a Ledger Nano S, which allows you to open an account and provides both app and device to assist you in securely storing your crypto. Cold wallets are best suited for long term hodling. 

Finding the best Bitcoin wallet UK

Finding the best Bitcoin wallet in the UK needn't be a tiresome task as we have you covered with the Tap app. While the app is conveniently downloaded to mobile devices, traders can carry their cryptocurrency anywhere, with much greater security than other cryptocurrency apps on phones. 

While we've redesigned the tech behind traditional mobile wallets, we've also made things easier by allowing you to use a password of your choice. With an easy to navigate interface, and all your balances stored on one page, the Tap app is every trader's dream.

Our Tap wallet allows you to store both crypto and fiat currencies and uses a hybrid of both hot and cold wallet technology to ensure that they are always highly secure, and always available. 

Security and convenience are key

If you're searching for a reliable Bitcoin wallet option in the UK, you'll discover it conveniently with the Tap app. Simply download the Tap app, set up an account, complete the KYC verification, and you'll have the opportunity to securely manage your cryptocurrencies with top-notch security features that are available on the market.

Tap partners with Total Processing to allow Visa debit deposits, improving its customer’s experience

Tap, the dynamic fintech platform can now offer its customers the ability to top up their accounts via Visa card deposit thanks to its new partnership with Total Processing, a leading payments specialist.

This strategic partnership offers Tap customers a new and improved way to effortlessly replenish their accounts, further enhancing the platform's reach, accessibility and convenience.

Renowned for its crypto-inclusive financial solutions, Tap provides a user-friendly platform to allow its customers worldwide to easily manage their crypto and fiat assets. The company is thrilled with its latest collaboration with Total Processing, an award-winning payment processing company that focuses on a customer-centric approach to offer a seamless payment solution.

By integrating Total Processing's innovative payment offering, Tap extends this enhanced service to hundreds of thousands of customers, allowing them to directly fund their Tap accounts using Visa cards. Moreover, Tap continues to provide the flexibility of Mastercard and bank transfer deposit options, serving users in over 40 countries.

The decision to partner with Total Processing aligns with Tap's dedication to delivering a superior user experience. In response to some users experiencing issues with Visa card deposits, the fintech platform has seamlessly transitioned to Total Processing as its new trusted payment processor for frictionless Visa card loading. This move underscores Tap's commitment to delivering high-quality financial services to its valued customer base.

This enhancement is effective immediately and extends across all the 40+ countries where Tap operates. The company remains dedicated to delivering professional and world-class financial solutions, ensuring its users have access to a seamless and efficient experience.

Kriya Patel, CEO of Tap, commented, "Tap is highly committed to providing a best-in-class offering for our customers, and Total Processing delivers the perfect partnership to help achieve this goal. Tap looks forward to working closely with Total Processing to further enhance our customer-focused, innovative payment solutions."    

Alex Leigh, Co-founder of Total Processing, added: "We are excited to join forces with Tap in this strategic partnership, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to customer-centric payment solutions. This collaboration empowers Tap's users with seamless Visa card deposit options, reinforcing our dedication to a frictionless payment experiences."

-ENDS-

About Tap
Tap is a pioneering force in the convergence of the cryptocurrency economy and traditional financial systems, striving to establish an equitable, accessible, and transparent financial landscape. Since its inception in 2018, Tap has been guided by the bold vision that individuals worldwide should enjoy effortless and secure management of their fiat and cryptocurrency assets. Presently, Tap offers a reliable and user-friendly platform that harmoniously integrates various financial services into a single, convenient hub.

For more information on Tap, visit: www.withtap.com

About Total processing
Founded in 2015, Total Processing is a leading provider of intelligent payment solutions that enable businesses to streamline their payment workflows, reduce costs and boost revenue. The company offers a range of payment processing services, including recurring payments, 198+ alternative payment methods, an agnostic payment gateway, risk prevention tools and in-depth transaction data, all managed within a unified platform.
With a focus on its customers, it provides adaptable solutions and a user-friendly interface to ensure smooth payment processing for its merchants.

For more information on Total Processing, visit: www.totalprocessing.com

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With inflation rates soaring across all corners of the globe, the rising cost of living is taking its toll on everyone involved. Before we dive into how you can stay afloat in these uncertain times, let's first cover the basics.

When inflation occurs, the prices of goods and services go up, which in turn decreases the buying power of consumers. This leads to a decline in economic growth as people now have less spending power and high costs to contend with. 

Everything is more costly than it was a year ago—and even a few months ago. The cost of living has been going up dramatically, with costs for basic expenses like household goods and services on the rise. So, how can you stay ahead of the curve?

Below we cover three important steps to take in order to stay ahead of the rising cost of living. Protect your finances and protect your livelihood with these three top tips:

1. Safeguard your finances from inflation

While saving is vital to anyone's financial health, in periods of increasing inflation it's best to diversify and not keep all your savings in a fiat currency. This is due to fiat currencies depreciating in value during inflation, equating to a reduced amount of money in several weeks or months. 

Instead, try to move some of your savings into vetted investments, this allows you to keep your funds safe and grow their value at the same time. This might also lead to capital appreciation and dividends, should you invest in dollar-based investments. 

Explore alternative options that protect your funds from inflation but also allow them to grow. 

2. Increase your income

For a while now, consumer prices have been increasing steadily. It's unfortunate but it doesn't look like things will be getting any cheaper in the near future. You can't keep waiting and hoping for a better situation - you need to take action. 

The best way to do this is by focusing on ways to increase your income. Here are three options below, however, there are plenty more available online. Consider spending some time exploring this avenue. 

Apply for a promotion

Ask for an increase/promotion: If you're currently earning a salary, it's probably time to talk to your employer about boosting your earnings. Make a thorough account of what you've achieved and why you deserve a raise—and present it to the correct person. Look for resources on how to ask for a raise if you don't feel confident to do so right now. 

Learn a new skill

Add a new skill to your resume: With thousands of free tools online, look for a new skill that both interests you and leverages your current skillset. Learning a new skill is not only great for your mind but can also contribute to that promotion you are after or a high-paying job. Find an in-demand skill and get learning. 

Monetize new skill

Turn your skill into an income: Whether it's your new skill or something you're naturally talented in, consider turning your skills into income-generating products. From creating online classes to consulting to publishing online books, turn your skill/s into money. Again, there are plenty of resources online that can assist you in this endeavor. 

Focus on building wealth through avenues already accessible to you, from asking for a raise to creating an online course, these new avenues of income can help you stay afloat in periods of inflation.

3. Be wise with your money

This goes without saying, but no matter how much money you make, you want to stick to your budget and follow your financial plan. Now isn't the time to be spending lavishly. Also ensure that you have the resources in place to fall back on should you experience any unexpected hard times, like losing a job or emergency. healthcare costs 

A great 3-step plan for preparing for, and then overcoming, inflation is to:

• Create a budget to cover basic expenses and lifestyle expenses, and stick to it.
• Pay off debt. Interest rates are going to increase meaning that you will be paying more for your current loan.
• Keep building your emergency fund. This is the first port of call when starting to save. Aim to have six months of living expenses saved up in an accessible account. 

What is the cost of living index?

A cost-of-living index is a price index that measures the relative cost of living over time or in different regions. The index takes into account changes in prices for goods and services, as well as substitution with other items when prices vary.

As an example from the U.S. according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), between March 2021 and March 2022, the cost of living index rose by 8.5% (before seasonal adjustment). This is the highest 12-month increase that has been reported since December 1981.

The bottom line on the cost of living

While inflation doesn't need to cause mass hysteria, it is a time to be more consistent and cautious with your money. Be mindful of what you're spending your money on, be aware that loan repayments will increase, and be prepared for increases in everyday goods and services. By following these three steps above (safeguard, increase, and be wise with your money), you should be able to stay ahead of the curve. 

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Did you know that there are 6 unique money personalities, with each one playing a heavy role in your ability to handle and manage money? In this article we’re taking a look at each one, helping you not only identify which category you fall into but also recognize where you can improve your money management practices.

What is a financial personality and how does it affect money management?

A financial personality looks at the big picture of how you handle your money. From how you think about money, the views that guide your actions, and the actions that stem from your beliefs. It's not just about how much money you have; it's also about how effectively you handle the money that comes into your life.

Money management is a learned skill so don't feel disheartened if this doesn't come naturally to you. Sure starting early influences financial habits, but that doesn't mean that these skills can't be learned over time.

These financial personalities are built around a set of traits and characteristics that shape a particular style of money management. They're designed to help us become more aware of our behavior, keep our personalities in check when red flags trigger a knee-jerk reaction and assist us in achieving a healthier financial future.

These personalities coincide with the five main personality traits that are often used when reviewing someone's financial status: conscientiousness,  neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience. Used by researchers, these traits help to shape how one might handle money. 

Each top 6 financial personality reflects traits of the following

The six types of financial personality are based on your personal financial habits and include The Saver, The Spender,  The Investor, The Dreamer,  The Optimist, and The Pessimist. Each financial personality speaks volumes about how one views and acts with money.

1. The Saver

If you're a saver, you've already established yourself as someone who is good at saving money. You have a natural ability to save money and concentrate on long-term objectives. You know exactly how much money you want to save each month, and you stick to your plan even when tempted away from it.

You are practical with your savings as a saver. One of the things you might have done is to make direct debits from your bank account to a savings account or wealth management solution.

2. The Spender

Spenders are impulsive and rash. They're not great at handling money, either. They don't save well, invest, or budget. They're more interested in ways to generate income versus growth. You're likely a spender if you struggle with these financial decisions.

Spenders are focused on short-term pleasures and luxury items. They find it difficult to save since they're so concentrated on pleasuring themselves right now.

3. The Investor

You can take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, even if they appear risky or complex. You keep an eye on the market and stocks to make sure that any investments that aren't performing are removed from your portfolio. They're down for both aggressive or conservative investments.

Investors are enticed by the potential return on investment; they desire high returns without too much risk—so, if they see two alternative investment options with equal potential gains but one with greater risk, they'll pick option B every time.

4. The Dreamer

Dreamers are usually content with what they have and understand how to manifest their desires. The difficult part is not allowing emotions to control spending or budgeting decisions. Instead, dreamers develop a plan and stick to it - no matter the temptation.

If you consider yourself a Dreamer, your financial habits are likely to be the ones that will make you financially successful. Dreamers are usually intuitive and have a clear idea of what will make them happy in relation to their finances. They come up with creative ways to put their plan into action.

5. The Optimist

Optimists are individuals who believe that good things will occur. They tend to have a happy disposition and see the silver lining in every situation. Optimists are more likely to be wealthy financially than other personality types since they save money and make investments, take calculated risks, and generally have a talent for making money.

Surprisingly, optimists tend to have not only better physical health and happiness but also greater financial success! It may sound too good to be true, but there is data to back this claim up. Studies show that optimism and wealth often go hand-in-hand. For example, one study found that people who are optimistic about the future make more money than those with a negative outlook.

6. The Pessimist

The last distinctive financial personality on the list is the pessimists. They are always looking for ways to save money, and they don't just stop at finding opportunities. Financial wellbeing is important and they always anticipate needing to save. If you're a pessimist, then you're probably thinking of ways to cut costs right now. 

Although pessimists might come across as boring, they have great financial stability because they never spend money on unnecessary things and shy away from risks.

Pessimists always think ahead. The Boy Scouts of financial personalities, they're cautious and they plan for the worst-case scenario so that they'll be ready to handle it if it ever happens.

How these financial personalities can help with managing money

Understanding which category (or categories) you fit into will give you a greater understanding of how you might react in a situation demanding your attention. 

With greater self-awareness comes a greater understanding of how one might make decisions pertaining to their finances. If you want to make more informed decisions about your finances, begin by taking the time to learn about your relationship with money.

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