Learning the friendly way

Tap experienced a significant growth in our user base during Q1 2023. While this was a cause for celebration, it also attracted the unwanted attention of fraudsters. Lured by our platform's quick onboarding and seamless fiat and crypto transactions, these fraudsters exploited remote access tools like Teamviewer and Anydesk to abuse vulnerable individuals . In response, we felt compelled to implement a robust and necessary Anti-Scam Protection Feature.

This feature, while stringent and non-negotiable, is not designed to control our users' app preferences. Instead, it is a forceful, yet crucial measure to ensure their safety and protect the integrity of our platform.

Regulatory Responsibility: As a regulated financial entity, we're duty-bound to shield our users from potential threats and foster safe digital practices. Our Anti-Scam Protection Feature stands as testament to this commitment. It doesn't merely warn users about potentially risky apps; it mandates their removal to ensure the secure use of our services.

Proactive Measures: Scams utilizing remote access tools can be highly sophisticated and often slip past even the most vigilant defenses. Our feature is a stringent proactive measure, akin to a car's seatbelt, designed to preemptively avert such situations.

User Autonomy: At Tap, we deeply value our users' autonomy and their ability to manage their digital safety. However, we also acknowledge that scammers' tactics can be complex and deceptive. The Anti-Scam Protection Feature is our firm stand against such threats, ensuring all users can safely navigate the digital banking landscape.

At Tap, we go beyond secure transactions. Our vision is to create a 'super app' that caters to everyone's needs. We prioritize the protection and well-being of all our customers, including our beloved pops and nans. Understanding the older generation's vulnerability to scams, we are committed to making digital banking accessible and safe for people of all ages. This feature is a significant step towards that vision.

Now, it's crucial to understand an often-overlooked concept outside the payments industry – the "fraud threshold." This measure ensures that financial platforms don't profit from fraudulent transactions. While a high fraud rate may inflate revenues temporarily, it risks losing critical payment services like GBP - Faster Payments and Euro SEPA transfers over time.

Weighing the pros and cons of our Anti-Scam Protection Feature provides a clearer perspective:

CONS:

• Potential displeasure amongst users of apps like Teamviewer, Anydesk, and others.
• Possible loss of a few users.
  

PROS:

• Protection of user life savings.
• Deterrence of scammers.
• Preservation of crucial payment relationships.
• Ensuring availability of payment rails for all our users.
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The Anti-Scam Protection Feature is an assertive measure, and we understand it may cause some inconvenience. But it's an essential step in our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and accessible digital banking environment for everyone.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about bull markets and how to identify market trends. From first-time investors to seasoned traders looking to sharpen their strategies, this guide will help you navigate the exciting and often turbulent world of crypto with confidence.

What is a crypto bull market?

A bull market is a period when prices in the market keep going up, and people feel confident about investing. It’s the opposite of a bear market, where prices consistently fall, and investors tend to pull back or sell. These two cycles often follow each other, with a bull market reflecting optimism and growth and a bear market showing caution and decline. Both are normal parts of any financial market's ups and downs.

During a crypto bull market, you'll likely notice:

• Prices rising across most cryptocurrencies
• Higher trading volumes and increased market activity
• A widespread sense of optimism and FOMO (fear of missing out)
• Mainstream media coverage that's increasingly positive
• More new investors entering the market

Should you buy crypto in a bull market?

A bull market, when prices are rising and activity is booming, typically catches people’s attention. As these periods often bring more visibility to crypto, there becomes a growing interest from individuals and businesses alike. 

While there can be opportunities for gains, bull markets are also unpredictable, with prices fluctuating rapidly. Taking time to learn about trends and understand market conditions can be helpful before making decisions.

So, should you buy in a bull market? It’s a question of strategy, research, and a touch of thoughtful decision-making.

Addressing the risks of buying crypto in a bull market

Investing in a bull market comes with its fair share of excitement - and risks. Let’s unpack a few key points to keep in mind.

Inflated prices

When the market is buzzing, crypto prices can skyrocket, sometimes beyond their real value. It’s easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm, but buying at these inflated prices increases the risk of a sharp correction later.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Seeing friends or social media posts boasting about their crypto wins can spark a serious case of FOMO. This can lead to impulsive decisions, often when prices are at their peak. Staying calm and sticking to a plan helps you avoid jumping in at the wrong time.

Volatility

Even in a bull market, crypto prices can swing wildly. One day your investment is up, and the next it might drop significantly. Timing the market is tough, so it’s worth considering how much risk you’re comfortable with.

The hype trap

Bull markets often ride on waves of hype, but not all of it is backed by real-world use or long-term potential. When the buzz dies down, prices can fall just as fast as they rose. Do your research to focus on projects with solid fundamentals.

Strategies for buying crypto in a bull market

Some people handle market uncertainty by spreading out their purchases instead of buying everything at once. Diversifying investments and being mindful of personal financial limits are also ways to manage risks. 

Hardly a new thought, but staying informed about the market and avoiding impulsive choices are important in a fast-moving environment.

Should you sell crypto in a bull market?

While buying during a bull market can be tempting, knowing when and how to sell is equally important. 

When prices go up, some people review their investments and decide what works best for them. They might sell some assets gradually or come up with a plan to manage their holdings. 

Understanding that markets can change quickly helps with making thoughtful choices.

Addressing the risks of selling crypto in a bull market 

Selling crypto in a bull market might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not without its challenges. Let’s dig into some potential pitfalls.

Selling too soon

One of the biggest risks is selling too early and missing out on additional gains. Bull markets often build momentum, and acting on impulse might mean you miss out on even bigger profits down the line.

Emotional decisions

It’s easy to feel pressured when you see others cashing in or when the fear of a market dip starts creeping in. This can lead to rushed decisions based on emotion rather than strategy.

Timing the market

Timing your sell can feel like aiming for a moving target. Prices in a bull market are volatile - what’s a peak today could climb even higher tomorrow, or it could drop unexpectedly.

Overthinking the strategy

Trying to perfectly time the top can lead to analysis paralysis or overly complicated plans. Over-optimising can distract you from your original investment goals and result in missed opportunities.

The key is balance. Consider your long-term goals and make decisions that align with them. Staying grounded and avoiding emotional or overly complex strategies can help you navigate the rollercoaster of a bull market with more confidence.

Strategies for selling crypto in a bull market

During a bull market, it can help to adjust plans based on market changes and personal goals. Some people periodically check if their investments are still balanced or look for ways to keep some assets for the long term. Following trends and staying flexible can help navigate these exciting but unpredictable times.

Conclusion

Navigating the cryptocurrency market, whether in a bull or bear phase, requires a disciplined approach. While bull markets offer potential returns, they also come with risks like overpaying, emotional decision-making, and hype. 

As with any financial endeavour, assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline before buying crypto. Consult with financial advisors familiar with both traditional and digital markets, and only invest what you can afford to lose. 

Remember: successful buying and selling requires research, a balanced perspective, and patience to navigate market cycles. By understanding these dynamics, you can make more informed decisions and potentially benefit from crypto’s long-term growth.

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Want to try to outsmart the market and take your crypto trading to the next level? AI is rewriting the rules of the game, and while still in its early stages, it is already helping traders unlock sharper insights, predict trends, and make faster, smarter moves. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the right tools can be a game-changer. Here are six powerful AI-driven solutions designed to give your trading strategy the ultimate edge.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. While these plugins are powerful, always double-check their information. AI isn't perfect, and in crypto, it's better to verify twice than lose money once.

1. ChatGPT plugins for crypto research

If you're already familiar with ChatGPT, you'll be excited to learn about its specialised crypto plugins. You’ll need the Plus version ($20/month) to access these plugins and open up a whole new world of crypto analysis. Here are the most useful ones:

DeFiLlama plugin

This plugin is like having a personal DeFi research assistant. Here's how to use it:

• Go to the ChatGPT sidebar
• Click on 'Explore GPTs'
• Search for DeFiLlama and start chat
• DeFiLlama will then appear in the top left list of GPTs available

You can then ask questions like:

• "Show me the highest yielding pools on Optimism"
• "What are the top protocols by TVL?"
• "Compare yield rates across different chains"

Smarter Contracts plugin

Perfect for avoiding crypto scams, this plugin acts as a security guard for your investments. Access it by the same means as above. It can:

• Scan new tokens before you invest
• Check smart contracts for red flags
• Analyse newly launched projects you find on DEXscreener

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Crypto X plugin

This one's your blockchain data specialist. It provides reliable crypto market insights by pulling data from sources like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, and CryptoCompare.

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2. ChatWeb3 - your personal crypto guide

Whether you're just getting started or a seasoned trader, ChatWeb3 has your back with personalised guidance powered by GPT and Langchain. The best part? It adapts to your experience level. Simply pick your starting point — New to Web3, DeFi Trader, Web3 Developer, or NFT Degen — and get insights and explanations tailored just for you.

3. Etherscan code reader - understanding smart contracts

Don’t let complex smart contract code scare you off. Etherscan’s Code Reader breaks down technical blockchain code into simple, easy-to-understand language. Just connect your OpenAI API key, and you can start analysing the source code of any smart contract. It’s a game-changer for doing solid research before diving into new projects.

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4. Scorehood - AI signals in your pocket

Want AI-powered trading signals on the go? Scorehood's mobile app combines technical, sentiment, and fundamental analysis to generate easy-to-understand trading recommendations. The app breaks down each cryptocurrency's potential using four key components: momentum, technical analysis, volume/volatility, and sentiment analysis. Plus, it provides helpful indicators like Fibonacci levels and RSI readings right at your fingertips.

Final thoughts

While these AI tools can significantly enhance your trading strategy, remember they're meant to supplement - not replace - your own research and judgment. As AI technology continues evolving, we can expect these tools to become even more sophisticated and accurate in their analysis and predictions.

Start with a free trial where available, and gradually incorporate these tools into your trading routine to find the combination that works best for your strategy. Happy trading!

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Cryptocurrencies changed the financial world, but stablecoins took things a step further. By offering a stable value tied to fiat currencies, they added a new dimension to the digital asset ecosystem. What started as experimental projects has now grown into a vital part of the financial system, handling hundreds of billions of dollars in less than a decade.

Illustrating this point, the two biggest stablecoins hold market caps of $124 billion and $42 billion each. Let’s explore how they got there. 

The first wave (2014)

The stablecoin story began in July 2014 with BitUSD, launched on the BitShares blockchain by future industry leaders Dan Larimer and Charles Hoskinson. As the first crypto-collateralised stablecoin, BitUSD attempted to maintain dollar parity through cryptocurrency backing. 

However, its reliance on BitShares as collateral proved problematic, as the volatile nature of its backing asset eventually led to its unpegging from the dollar in 2018.

That same year saw the launch of NuBits, which attempted to improve BitUSD's model by using Bitcoin as collateral. Despite using the more established Bitcoin network, NuBits faced similar challenges. The volatility of its Bitcoin reserves, combined with insufficient capitalisation and lack of diversification, ultimately led to its failure, with the token now trading at a fraction of its intended value.

While these coins are not around today, they built the foundations for the stablecoins that followed.

The rise of fiat-backed solutions

Tether (USDT), launched a few months later in 2014, took a fundamentally different approach that would prove transformative for the industry. Instead of using cryptocurrency as collateral, Tether introduced a simple but effective model: backing each digital token with an equivalent amount of real US dollars held in reserve. 

This straightforward approach has led to remarkable success, with Tether's market capitalisation growing to over $124 billion and becoming the dominant stablecoin in crypto markets.

Innovation in collateralisation

In 2017, MakerDAO introduced Dai, bringing sophisticated innovation to the crypto-collateralised model. As a decentralised stablecoin on the Ethereum blockchain, soft-pegged to the US dollar, it represents a key evolution in stablecoin design, moving from fiat-backed models to multi-asset collateralisation. 

Dai’s stability is maintained through a hybrid algorithm and a dynamic supply control mechanism called Collateralized Debt Positions (CDPs). This multi-collateral approach, combined with diversified reserves including USD Coin (42%), Wrapped Bitcoin, and fiat-backed assets, ensures Dai’s reliability, making it one of the most stable stablecoins, managing to maintain its dollar peg even during significant market volatility.

Experimenting with algorithms

The most recent chapter in stablecoin evolution came with TerraUSD (UST) and its dramatic collapse in May 2022. Despite backing from substantial Bitcoin reserves (over 70,000 BTC) and sophisticated price stabilisation algorithms, UST demonstrated the limitations of algorithmic stability mechanisms. Its failure reinforced the fundamental principle that stable assets require stable backing.

Key lessons and industry impact

The development of stablecoins has yielded several crucial insights for digital currency innovation:

1. The importance of stable collateral for maintaining price stability
2. The value of diversification in reserve assets
3. The superiority of simple, transparent backing mechanisms over complex algorithmic solutions
4. The critical role of sufficient capitalisation in maintaining stability

Today, stablecoins process billions in daily transactions and serve as crucial infrastructure for cryptocurrency markets. And this success has attracted attention from traditional financial institutions and regulators, potentially influencing the development of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

The rapid evolution of stablecoins from experimental projects to essential financial tools demonstrates the potential for innovation in digital finance. As the technology matures, stablecoins are increasingly positioned to play a central role in the future of global financial services, bridging traditional finance with the emerging digital economy.

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On Friday, 7 March 2025, the White House held its first-ever Crypto Summit, marking a major turning point in how the U.S. government views the crypto industry. The event gathered top industry leaders, policymakers, and key players to discuss the future of digital assets in the U.S. 

In this article, we explore what people expected from the summit, what actually happened, and how it’s already shaping the crypto market.

What was anticipated 

Before the summit, the crypto community was cautiously optimistic. The Trump administration had already shown interest in digital assets—especially after President Trump appeared at Bitcoin 2024, which got mixed reactions from the market. 

Many investors and industry leaders were hoping the summit would bring clearer rules, encourage innovation, and fix past regulatory issues. 

Hype grew even more after the announcement of an executive order to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, raising expectations that Bitcoin might soon play a bigger role in the U.S. economy. Spurring a 12% increase across the crypto market, Bitcoin’s price rose above $92,000 in anticipation of the meeting. 

Summit proceedings

The summit featured prominent figures such as Michael Saylor (of Strategy), Brian Armstrong (of Coinbase), and Brad Garlinghouse (of Ripple), reflecting the administration's commitment to engaging with key industry stakeholders. 

One of the most significant highlights of the gathering was President Trump signing an executive order to create a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The plan is to boost the country’s economic strength by holding Bitcoin seized through asset forfeitures. Described as a “virtual Fort Knox” for digital gold, managed by the Treasury.

Data from Arkham Intelligence reveals that the U.S. government presently owns 198,109 Bitcoin worth $17.5 billion based on current market values.

The executive order also requires federal departments to review their cryptocurrency holdings and find ways to acquire more Bitcoin through “budget-neutral” strategies without burdening taxpayers. 

There was also talk about creating a Digital Asset Stockpile, which would include other cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA), to boost the credibility of these digital assets.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve vs Digital Asset Stockpile

The U.S. government’s approach to digital assets involves two distinct initiatives: the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the Digital Asset Stockpile. 

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve aims to hold Bitcoin long-term, using confiscated Bitcoin rather than new government purchases, which has sparked controversy due to Bitcoin's volatility and its decentralised nature, which some argue conflicts with government control. 

Critics also worry that the reserve’s reliance on confiscated assets may lead to politically motivated holdings, rather than a clear strategic plan. 

In contrast, the Digital Asset Stockpile, managed by the Treasury, will hold other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. Unlike the Bitcoin reserve, the stockpile may allow for more flexibility, including potential sales of its assets. 

While the Bitcoin reserve aims to solidify Bitcoin’s place as a strategic asset, the inclusion of other cryptocurrencies in the stockpile raises questions about the government’s broader digital asset strategy. Many aspects still remain unclear.

Market reactions over the outcome

The market's reaction to the summit was mixed. At first, Bitcoin's price surged on optimism. But when it became clear that the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would rely on existing government holdings instead of new purchases, sentiment shifted. The executive order signed on Thursday confirmed that the reserve would only include Bitcoin the government already holds—mostly from asset forfeitures in criminal and civil cases. Many had expected fresh Bitcoin buys for the fund. While that seems unlikely in the short term, the door has been left open.

This led to a significant price correction, with Bitcoin's value dropping to around $85,000 before stabilising at approximately $88,000, marking a decline of over 3% within 24 hours. Within days, the price dropped to below $80,000. 

In addition, Bitcoin ETFs saw significant outflows, with $370 million pulled out as investors reconsidered the impact of the government’s strategy. The wider cryptocurrency market mirrored this volatility, reflecting the complex dynamics between government policy announcements and investor sentiment.

Navigating the future of cryptocurrency regulation

The White House Crypto Summit was a landmark event in how the U.S. government engages with the crypto industry. While the creation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve shows a move toward officially recognising digital assets, the market’s reaction made it clear that investors want clearer, more practical policies. The U.S. is at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of digital finance.

The White House Crypto Summit signalled a shift toward embracing crypto, but the real challenge lies ahead—crafting policies that fuel innovation while keeping markets steady. With the right approach, the U.S. could very well lead the global financial revolution, unlocking the full potential of digital assets and setting the stage for a future where opportunity and stability go hand in hand.

As the meme coin culture flares, Solana memecoins are stealing the spotlight in the 2024 bull cycle, blending internet culture with fast, low-cost blockchain. These quirky tokens have taken the crypto community by storm, with some skyrocketing almost overnight. 

But their rise isn’t just entertaining, it’s also a testament to the growing influence of community-driven projects and the unique ecosystem Solana offers. Love them or laugh at them, Solana memecoins are proving they’re more than just a joke. Here are the top 10 Solana meme coins of 2024, ranked according to market cap.

1. Bonk (BONK)

Bonk burst onto the scene as Solana's answer to Shiba Inu, timing its launch perfectly during a Solana upswing. With clever airdrops to the community and partnerships across DeFi protocols and NFT projects, Bonk quickly became a sensation, resulting in its hungry Shiba Inu mascot now being a firm icon of the ecosystem. 

Bonk didn’t just join the meme coin craze, it helped define it for Solana, with its success going on to spark a wave of Solana-based meme coins.

2. Dogwifhat (WIF)

Dogwifhat won over the crypto world with its quirky charm: a Shiba Inu in a winter hat. Unlike typical meme coins, it grew organically, fueled by genuine community engagement, with listings on major exchanges cementing its status. 

Considered a cultural sensation with endless memes and spinoffs, its success proves that a relatable concept paired with strong community ties can create real impact (a $2.2b type of impact).

3. Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)

Despite the interestingly-chosen name, Fartcoin has shown pretty impressive market performance as well as significant growth. What began as a joke has grown into a community-driven project with real utility, offering governance and staking features alongside quirky charm and resilience during market dips. 

Drawing on serious investors looking for diversification in the meme coin space, Fartcoin proves that even the most unconventional concepts can find success - when paired with innovative features and, of course, solid community support.

4. Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT)

PNUT, inspired by a heartfelt tribute to Peanut (a beloved pet squirrel lost under controversial circumstances) has seen a meteoric rise. In the last few months of the year, the coin surged by 280% after its Binance listing and the buzz surrounding Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential victory. 

Combining this backstory with its clever branding, solid tokenomics and community rewards programs, the project has seen strong performance and managed to maintain investor confidence. 

5. ai16z (AI16Z)

ai16z cleverly combines two of the hottest trends in crypto - artificial intelligence and meme coins. The project's name plays on the famous venture capital firm a16z, adding a layer of crypto-cultural relevance. 

Its success comes from tapping into the AI buzz while keeping its community engaged with regular updates and developments. By blending humour with a touch of tech relevance, the project has carved out a unique spot in the crowded meme coin market.

6. Popcat (POPCAT)

Popcat rose to fame by tapping into the viral internet meme it's named after. With creative marketing and active social media engagement, it quickly built a loyal community. What makes Popcat unique is its growing ecosystem, featuring NFT integrations and gaming elements. 

Regular updates and strong community involvement from the development team have kept the token relevant and valuable, even during market ups and downs.

7. Baby Doge Coin (BABYDOGE)

Baby Doge Coin capitalised on the success of earlier dog-themed cryptocurrencies while adding its own twist: a "puppy" spin-off of the popular Dogecoin with charitable initiatives. With its adorable branding and mission to spread joy, BABYDOGE focuses on community-driven growth and rewards holders with a deflationary token model. 

Known for supporting dog rescue organisations, it combines playful crypto culture with a cause, appealing to investors and animal lovers alike.

8. Cat In A Dogs World (MEW)

MEW brought a fresh perspective to the meme coin space by playing on the eternal cats versus dogs rivalry in a dog-dominated market. 

The project's clever marketing and positioning helped it stand out among the numerous dog-themed tokens, while its success stems from strong community engagement and a well-executed social media strategy. The project has maintained momentum through regular community events and creative marketing campaigns that play on its unique positioning in the market.

9. Goatseus Maximus (GOAT)

​​Goatseus Maximus, the first AI-generated meme coin, blends classical mythology with meme culture to create a unique identity in the space. Its value is influenced by advancements in AI, offering unique speculative opportunities. 

The project has built a strong following through creative storytelling, solid tokenomics, and active community engagement. With consistent updates, well-executed marketing, and a focus on delivering promised features, the development team has maintained investor confidence and strong community trust.

10. BOOK OF MEME (BOME)

Book of Meme combines the cultural power of memes with blockchain technology, creating a unique "digital meme book." It allows users to contribute to and access a growing archive of memes while fostering an interactive, community-driven ecosystem. 

Its success comes from blending meme culture with token utility, creating a sense of historical significance and building a strong, engaged community. Regular content creation and community involvement have helped maintain interest and value in the token.

That’s a wrap

The success of Solana's top meme coins in 2024 marks a shift in the crypto landscape. Projects like BONK and dogwifhat have shown that meme coins are more than just trends. The key to their success lies in strong community engagement, creative branding, and Solana's technical strengths.