Learning the friendly way

Onyxcoin (XCN), previously known as Chain (CHN), marks a major leap in blockchain infrastructure technology. Since its rebranding in March 2022, the protocol has gained traction as a leading enterprise blockchain platform. In a nutshell: it provides cloud-based solutions that enable companies to create and deploy financial services through private blockchain networks. Let’s explore this.

What is XCN?

XCN is the cryptocurrency powering the Onyx Protocol, offering both utility and governance, while the Onyx Protocol is designed to tackle key challenges in financial settlements. 

The Onyx Protocol is a versatile blockchain infrastructure designed to connect independent networks under shared standards, ensuring smooth interoperability. By separating asset control from ledger synchronisation, it delivers both security and flexibility to users.

Participants can issue assets using customisable "issuance programs," managed by "control programs" that enable the creation of advanced smart contracts. Network security is upheld by a federation of "block signers" to prevent forks, while a single "block generator" ensures efficient block creation.

Governance is managed through the Onyx DAO on Ethereum, with Onyxcoin (XCN) acting as the ecosystem's utility and governance token. XCN powers premium services, funds network upgrades, and enables token holders to influence the protocol’s direction.

Founded in 2014 with support from leading venture capital firms and partnerships with institutions like Nasdaq and Citigroup, the platform has evolved into an independent, reliable and advanced blockchain solution.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based blockchain infrastructure for enterprises
• Customisable tools for asset creation
• Smart contracts powered by control programs
• Integrated DAO governance for user participation
• Premium and standard service tiers

Technical and fundamental analysis

Market fundamentals

XCN’s tokenomics include a maximum supply of 48.47 billion tokens, with around 65% currently in circulation. Strategic allocations include 15 billion tokens for the foundation and 10 billion for the DAO, with monthly releases of 200,000,000 XCN per month, to maintain a controlled market supply.

Technical framework

The protocol’s architecture enables:

• Multiple independent blockchain networks operating simultaneously
• Secure asset control based on the principle of least authority
• Block validation by designated signers
• Efficient block creation via a single block generator

Trading volumes, price volatility, and sentiment indices for XCN

Trading volume

The current trading volumes of XCN provide key insights into market activity and investor interest. Steady or increasing volumes typically indicate sustained engagement, while sharp fluctuations could signify speculative trading or reaction to news events. For XCN, trading activity has shown variability, with spikes aligning with announcements or broader market trends.

Price volatility

Price volatility is another critical metric for understanding XCN's performance. While moderate volatility can attract traders seeking profit opportunities, excessive swings may deter risk-averse investors. Recently, XCN has experienced a mix of stability and rapid price shifts, largely influenced by macroeconomic factors and evolving sentiment within the cryptocurrency market.

Sentiment indices

Sentiment indices, derived from social media trends, news coverage, and community forums, offer a snapshot of market perception. Positive sentiment has often correlated with upgrades to the Onyx Protocol or advancements in the ecosystem, while negative sentiment has emerged during periods of uncertainty or market-wide downturns.

Together, these factors—trading volumes, price volatility, and sentiment—illustrate the complex dynamics shaping XCN’s market presence and potential for return on investment. For investors and traders, monitoring these indicators can provide valuable insights into potential opportunities and risks, though they should be evaluated alongside broader market conditions and fundamental analyses.

Short-term price predictions (1-3 years)

In the following sections, we’ll take a look at both short-term and long-term price predictions, considering both bullish and bearish market scenarios. For reference, at the time of writing XCN was trading at $0.01236 (see later price here).  

Bullish scenario

Analysis suggests that several positive catalysts could drive XCN's growth in the near term:

• - Enterprise adoption

• Predicted range: $0.005 - $0.01
• Key driver: Increased business partnerships and platform integration
• Potential catalyst: Growth in private blockchain network adoption

• - Technological development

• Predicted range: $0.006 - $0.012
• Focus areas: Transaction speed improvements and fee optimisation
• Impact: Enhanced platform capabilities could attract more users

• - Institutional investment

• Predicted range: $0.007 - $0.015
• Driver: Growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency
• Catalyst: Potential market expansion and improved regulatory clarity

Bearish scenario

On the flip side, here are the bearish predictions: 

• - Regulatory concerns

• Predicted range: $0.001 - $0.0015
• Risk factor: Increased government oversight
• Impact: Possible operational limitations

• - Competitive pressures

• Predicted range: $0.0012 - $0.0017
• Challenge: Market saturation from similar projects
• Risk: Potential loss of market share

Long-term price predictions (3-5 years)

Bullish outlook

Long-term positive scenarios suggest significant growth potential:

• - Enterprise integration

• Predicted range: $0.02 - $0.05
• Driver: Widespread adoption of Onyx Protocol's technology
• Catalyst: Integration into mainstream financial systems

• - Technology evolution

• Predicted range: $0.03 - $0.06
• Focus: Platform maturity and ecosystem development
• Impact: Enhanced competitive advantage through innovation

• - Market growth

• Predicted range: $0.04 - $0.08
• Driver: Overall cryptocurrency market expansion
• Catalyst: Increased mainstream acceptance and use

Bearish outlook

However, long-term challenges could present significant headwinds:

• Market sentiment

• Predicted range: $0.0005 - $0.001
• Risk factor: Extended crypto market downturn
• Impact: Reduced investor confidence 
• - Competition

• Predicted range: $0.0008 - $0.0015
• Challenge: Emergence of superior technological solutions
• Risk: Diminished market relevance

These predictions account for various market scenarios and factors, keeping in mind the natural volatility of crypto markets. The ranges provided highlight potential outcomes depending on market trends and the progress of the project. Please note that this content is speculative and not financial advice - it should not be construed as such.

Conclusion

Onyxcoin (XCN) presents a range of possible price trajectories, from potential growth through enterprise adoption and technological advancement to more conservative estimates reflecting market challenges. While bullish predictions suggest possible growth to $0.08 by 2030, bearish scenarios indicate potential downside risks. 

As with any investment in digital assets, thorough research is essential. Readers should carefully evaluate their risk tolerance and consult financial advisors before making investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly in the volatile crypto sector. Keep an eye on the XCN page within the Tap app to keep updated on price movements.

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No matter how much you know about crypto, the chances of you having heard about Dogecoin are high. Alongside its dramatic ascent to becoming one of the most buzzed-about cryptocurrencies, DOGE certainly stands out in a crowded market. 

What began as a lighthearted joke has evolved into a global phenomenon, powered by a devoted community and celebrity endorsements, including the self-proclaimed Dogefather himself, Elon Musk. 

With its iconic Shiba Inu mascot, the meme-inspired coin has carved out a distinct niche in the crypto world, paving the way for a flood of other memecoins that have followed in its pawprints.

Lately, the big question has been: Is Dogecoin going up? Will it continue its climb, or is a price dip on the horizon? To find out, let’s explore the key factors shaping Dogecoin’s future.

Let’s first take a look at crypto market trends 

We know that the key to navigating the cryptocurrency market is to keep informed about the latest trends. However, when it comes to understanding the forces driving digital assets like Dogecoin, you really need to have your finger on the pulse. 

Right now, the Dogecoin buzz is undeniable. From recent political affiliations to both retail and institutional investors diving into the market, the market’s overall capitalization has been pushed to new heights.

One standout trend is the growing adoption of blockchain technology by mainstream companies. As more businesses begin accepting cryptocurrencies as a legitimate form of payment, the list of merchants embracing digital currencies continues to expand, a big win for crypto enthusiasts.

Another major factor at play is the turbulence in traditional financial markets. Uncertainty has led many investors to seek alternatives, and cryptocurrencies are quickly becoming a favourite for portfolio diversification. This influx of new money has only added to the optimistic vibe surrounding digital assets.

Then there’s the rise of decentralised finance (DeFi). Platforms offering innovative tools like liquidity pools and yield farming have opened the door to earning passive income in the crypto space. These advancements are drawing in fresh users, further boosting the demand for coins like Dogecoin.

All these trends point to a dynamic future for Dogecoin and the broader crypto market, and while no one can predict the future or know with certainty what might happen, the best option is to remain informed. 

Dogecoin price history

Dogecoin’s price journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. What began as a lighthearted meme coin in 2013 has evolved into a digital asset with one of the top 10 biggest market caps today.

One of the standout moments in Dogecoin’s history came in early 2021, when the coin skyrocketed to unprecedented highs, reaching its ATH of $0.73. This surge was fueled by social media buzz, celebrity shoutouts (looking at you, Elon Musk), and a wave of retail excitement. Of course, what goes up often comes down, and the market correction that followed brought prices back to Earth.

This year, Dogecoin’s resilience has been on full display, climbing 412% and gaining 380% in value in 2024 alone (at the time of writing). These numbers have sparked speculation among some analysts that Dogecoin could revisit its glory days, with predictions it might even hit the $1 mark - something the community has been talking about (and drooling over) for years.

For context, currently, its market cap hovers around $63.14 billion, with an impressive $10.56 billion traded in the last 24 hours. 

Key factors shaping Dogecoin’s price

When it comes to Dogecoin’s price, several key factors are driving its ups and downs. These elements impact everything from demand and investor sentiment to broader market conditions, and they can all play a role in determining whether Dogecoin is headed for a rise or a fall.

Market demand: Simply put, the more people interested in Dogecoin, the higher its price tends to go. When demand spikes (whether from retail investors, traders, or just the crypto-curious) Dogecoin’s value often follows suit.

Investor sentiment: The mood of the market can have a huge impact on Dogecoin’s price. Positive news, such as major endorsements or developments, can send prices soaring, while negative headlines can lead to a sharp dip. It’s all about the vibe of the crowd.

Regulatory developments: Laws and regulations in the crypto world matter, too. Any major shifts in rules or restrictions could affect how Dogecoin is used or accepted, ultimately influencing its value.

Right now, all these factors are at play, and understanding how they interact can offer some useful insight into where Dogecoin’s price might be headed next.

Speculation and predictions: what’s next for Dogecoin?

Dogecoin continues to dominate the crypto conversation, sparking plenty of speculation and chart predictions about where its price might go next. Analysts, enthusiasts, and skeptics alike have weighed in, offering a range of possibilities for the future of this meme-inspired coin.

Some predict that Dogecoin’s rising popularity and ongoing celebrity endorsements could keep pushing its price higher while others caution that the hype may not last forever, suggesting a price correction could be in the cards.

Of course, the crypto market is famously unpredictable, and nailing down exact price movements is no small feat. While some forecasts are based on technical analysis and market trends, it’s always wise to approach predictions with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Ultimately, these speculations can stir up market sentiment and even influence investor behavior. For traders, it’s another piece of the puzzle, but as always thorough research and a balanced perspective are key before making any moves in the crypto world.

The star power behind Dogecoin

When celebrities and influencers throw their weight behind something, their fans tend to follow suit - and Dogecoin has been no exception. Over the years, a lineup of high-profile supporters has helped catapult the meme-inspired cryptocurrency into the mainstream spotlight.

The big names backing Dogecoin

• Elon Musk: The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, known as the "Dogefather," has been Dogecoin’s most famous advocate. From playful tweets to cryptic memes, Musk’s posts have repeatedly sent DOGE prices soaring.
• Mark Cuban: The US billionaire entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner is another prominent Dogecoin enthusiast. Not only has Cuban spoken positively about DOGE, but the Mavericks also accept it as payment for merchandise and tickets.
• Snoop Dogg: The legendary rapper joined the Dogecoin hype, even updating his social media profiles to feature the coin’s iconic Shiba Inu mascot, further fueling its popularity.
• Gene Simmons: The KISS bassist and self-proclaimed "Dogecoin evangelist" has tweeted about his investments in DOGE, adding a rock ‘n’ roll edge to the coin’s fandom.
• Mia Khalifa: The social media personality has also voiced her support for Dogecoin, contributing to its appeal among younger investors and online communities.

Why mention this? Like it or not, celebrity endorsements have done more than make headlines: they’ve put Dogecoin in the spotlight, boosting its visibility, credibility, and price. From tweets to memes, this star-powered hype has helped to draw plenty of attention to Dogecoin (whether people purchase or invest in the coin is another story). We can't say for sure if this influence is fleeting or lasting, but there’s no denying the impact of celebrity culture on its rise.

The bottom line

After reviewing Dogecoin’s market trends, price history, influencing factors, and its celebrity-driven popularity, it’s evident this meme-inspired cryptocurrency continues to capture attention, much like its big brother, Bitcoin.

Understanding these elements, along with the broader market dynamics, can provide valuable context for anyone following Dogecoin’s journey. As its potential growth continues to remain a topic of interest for many, keeping informed is key to navigating the ever-changing crypto landscape.

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As the head of design at Tap, I'm thrilled to pull back the curtain and share the inspiration and creative journey behind our latest card design. This isn't just any card - it's a statement piece that embodies the ambitious, bold lifestyle of our customers.

The Napkin Where It All Began‍

Like many brilliant ideas, this card design was first sketched out on a humble diner napkin one night at the office. I'll never forget it - there we were, sipping a late-night coffee and suddenly struck by the notion of combining modern high-contrast colours in an unexpectedly cool way. Just a rudimentary doodle at first, but the seeds of inspiration were planted.

From there, the concept evolved into an obsession. Our small team of designers got utterly consumed, pushing the limits with edgy colour experiments and painstaking material studies. We'd be hunched over our workstations deep into the night, pursuing that elusive blend of premium aesthetics and sleek functionality. Fuelled by imagination (and probably too much caffeine), we knew this card design had to be more than just beautiful- it needed to perfectly capture our customers' sense of style and ambition.‍

The Eternal Cool of Black‍

When we began sketching ideas, one colour immediately emerged as a must-have: black. There's just something undeniably cool about black. It exudes confidence, sophistication, and an edge that can't be matched. We envisioned our card cutting a striking presence whenever it emerged from a wallet or handbag to effortlessly handle a transaction.

Black is also the perfect blank canvas that allows the secondary colour to really pop. And for that accent shade, we wanted something vibrant, energetic and daring - qualities our customers embrace every day as go-getters and trailblazers.‍

The Energy of Orange Awakens‍

Enter the brilliant idea of orange. This hue is associated with creativity, success, and an adventurous spirit. Just as important, that bright orange complements the black's depth in an unmistakably modern way. Together, these two colours create a bold, unified statement that demands to be noticed.‍

Bringing the Vision to Life‍

With the colour palette locked in, our designers got to work on the physical card itself. We went through dozens of iterations and material tests to achieve just the right texture - a soft-touch matte finish with subtle crosshatching that makes it satisfying to slide across a surface.

The type facing was an equally considered process to strike that elusive balance between simplicity and distinctiveness. We opted for a clean, straightforward font that's extremely legible but with slightly elongated letters that exude a spirit of forward movement.‍

A Long-Awaited Arrival‍

After weeks of intense collaboration and refinement, the day finally arrived for us to inspect the first physical prototypes. I'll never forget the moment I held that initial batch in my hands. While the renderings and digital mockups offered a hint of the final vision, there was no substituting the visceral experience of running your fingers across the soft-touch black matte finish with precise orange accents.

You could tell instantly this was a card designed with incredible thoughtfulness and an unwavering commitment to crafting something special. From the orange pips along the edge that emanate energy to the embossed numbers with that sublime crosshatching you can feel - every detail resonated a passion for purposeful, meticulous design work.‍

Chasing Perfection‍

Then finally, after weeks of progressive iterations, sample reviews, and more than a few disagreements (designers are a fervently opinionated bunch!), we landed on that iconic scheme: The unmatched smoothness of a soft-touch black matte body, highlighted by piercing streaks of brilliant orange - both afterbursting colours that demand attention but remain timelessly cool.

I'll never forget the thrill of receiving those first physical prototypes and running my fingertips across the finished product. The subtle crosshatching pattern, the premium weights and ridges - it all came vibrantly to life in a way digital mockups could never replicate. This labor of love transcended the realm of "just another card" into something undeniably beautiful yet purposefully compact and functional.‍

Designing a Lifestyle‍

At the end of the day, this card represents so much more than just the material product. It's a symbol of a modern lifestyle - one defined by ambition, taste, and an appreciation for quality. By combining bold colour choices with premium textural elements and sleek typography, we've created a card designed to embody the brilliant mindset of our customers.

Whether making a designer purchase or simply indulging in an everyday transaction, pulling out this card is an event in itself. It's a piece of industrial design meant to inspire confidence and pride in every interaction.‍

An Ode to Tappers‍

So while formidable talent and teamwork were required to bring this product to life, the inspiration arguably came from you - our remarkable users. With this latest creation, we hope to infuse your daily transactions with a sense of pride, beauty, and modernity that inspires you to perpetually chase your daring ambitions.

So while the path to get here involved the passionate work of so many industrial designers, colour experts, and other creative minds, we hope you'll agree the final product was more than worth the effort. This new card is truly where functional utility meets individuality and self-expression.

Welcome to a lifestyle where confidence meets individuality. This one's for you.

We can't wait to see it energising your daily life.

No matter your travel budget, navigating ATM fees is worth your time when travelling around Europe. In this article, we’re giving you a run-through of the common charges you may face, from withdrawal and balance inquiry fees to currency conversion costs, and how to easily navigate them. 

Why do ATMs charge fees?

Wondering why ATMs charge those pesky fees? The truth is, there's a cost involved for the banks behind those convenient cash machines. They have to stock the cash, maintain the equipment, and liaise with your home bank to reconcile the transactions. Those ATM fees you see? That's how banks recoup those operational expenses, with a little profit margin added in for good measure.

Common ATM fees in Europe

When using ATMs in Europe, you'll likely encounter several common fees that can mount up fast. While less common in the UK, in countries like Germany, ATM fees can quickly add up to €4. Let’s take a look at what kinds of fees one might encounter. 

Bear in mind that the amount you'll have to pay at a European ATM depends on two main factors:

• Your home bank's fees: they may charge a withdrawal fee, typically a few euros to several dollars, every time you use an ATM abroad.
• The ATM's own fees: the bank that owns the ATM you're using may also levy its own withdrawal fee, on top of what your home bank charges.

These charges will vary depending on your bank, so be sure to check before leaving. While most banks list their ATM use charges in their terms, with some offering limited free withdrawals, others charge a flat fee per transaction, especially for out-of-network or international ATM use, so be mindful of potential fees when accessing your money abroad.

In addition to withdrawal fees, you may also encounter balance inquiry fees just for checking your account balance, as well as conversion or foreign transaction fees when using a card issued outside of the Eurozone.

Factors affecting ATM fees

The fees you'll encounter at European ATMs can vary quite a bit depending on several key factors. First, the location of the ATM makes a big difference - if it's part of your home bank's network, you'll likely pay lower (or even no) withdrawal fees. But use an out-of-network machine, and those charges can start to add up quickly.

The type of card you're using also plays a role. Debit cards generally incur fewer fees than credit cards when used for ATM withdrawals. And your home bank's specific policies on international ATM use can further impact the costs you face.

Keeping these variables in mind as you access cash abroad will help you sidestep unnecessary fees and make your travel budget stretch further.

Tips for minimising ATM fees in Europe

When navigating the ATM landscape in Europe, there are a few savvy strategies you can employ to steer clear of those ATM fees:

• Seek out a bank account that offers fee-free withdrawals - some digital-only banks provide a certain number of complimentary ATM transactions each month.
• Stick to ATMs owned and operated by banks, rather than independent machines often found in convenience stores, as those are more likely to come with added charges.
• Be strategic with your cash withdrawals - if your account allows for free branch ATM use, plan ahead and make larger, less frequent withdrawals to minimise fees. Conversely, if you have a limited number of free monthly transactions, opt for larger sums to get more mileage from those.
• Finally, minimise cash usage altogether by relying on your debit card for payments wherever possible, reserving cash for small, cash-only establishments like markets.

By employing these tactics, you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket while exploring Europe.

The Tap Solution

Tap provides users within the European zone with a free prepaid crypto and fiat card that can be used anywhere in the world. Powered by Mastercard, the card links directly to the funds in the holder’s Tap app, allowing them to easily manage their money and constantly be in the know. 

With all options providing free card deposits and free in store purchases, the premium options offer impressive fees when it comes to exchanging and trading funds. When it comes to monthly ATM withdrawals, the Essential account allows free withdrawals up to €500, higher tiers offer up to €1,000, while the Prestige level provides unlimited free withdrawals before incurring charges.

Get more information about the available options when it comes to your Tap card here. 

Conclusion

In summary, being aware of European ATM fees - including withdrawal charges, balance inquiries, and currency conversion costs - is key to managing your travel budget. Research your bank's policies, locate in-network ATMs, and strategise cash withdrawals before your trip. With some smart planning, you can sidestep unnecessary fees and make the most of your time exploring Europe.

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The holiday season, with all its glitter, cheer and tradition, can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of emotions and expenses. Between those persuasive commercials and the relentless social media ads and influencers, it can feel like an added pressure on your finances that you just don’t have the energy to fight off at the end of the year.

But fret not, taming holiday spending isn't as tricky as wrapping a bowling ball, even if your loved ones are living it up in the holiday splurge zone while you're in the "I'm on a budget" Santa hat.

We’re here to help you sleigh the festive season without sending your bank account into winter hibernation. Here are five realistic financial boundaries to implement with friends and family this festive season. 

Create a budget

Who could have predicted this? Well, it's not exactly breaking news, but a well-crafted budget is your trusty reindeer reins. And no, it's not here to rain on your festive parade, it's the voice of reason when things get a little too merry.

Planning a holiday budget may not sound like a barrel of laughs, but trust us, it's the key to unlocking financial serenity this season. Here's your step-by-step guide to make it a tad more enjoyable:

Step one: Snuggle up with your favourite holiday treat and get comfy. Plot out your budget, factoring in gifts, decorations, travel, and entertainment.

Step two: Be brutally honest with yourself about your spending limits and keep expectations in check. Keep it realistic, and don’t ignore your January Voice of Reason.

Step three: Now, manage and follow your budget as if your life depended on it. It's your financial GPS, steering you away from the treacherous cliffs of overspending. Be in the business of staying disciplined, and both your wallet and future self will be singing your praises.

Be picky with your social calendar

Finding the right balance during the holiday season can be a bit tricky, especially if you're the life of the party who never turns down a chance to celebrate. While holiday gatherings are undeniably fun, they can also put a strain on your wallet, what with buying gifts or splurging on new outfits for every Friendsgiving or seasonal bash on your invite list.

So, what's the secret sauce? Simple, really: set a cap on how many events you'll attend, and fill your calendar with wallet-friendly or no-cost activities. 

Think about hosting a cosy Christmas cocktail night at home instead of hitting up pricy holiday pop-up bars, enjoying potluck dinners at friends instead of eating out, or even just swapping holiday-themed books with your pals. These options let you savour the holiday spirit without breaking the bank.

Propose a gift swap instead of playing Santa to all

The fastest way to empty your pockets during the festive season? Showering gifts on everyone you adore. It's undeniably heartwarming, as the holidays are all about giving, but if your mission is to rescue your finances, it's crucial to stick to that budget.

Here's the savvy play: suggest a group gift exchange like Secret Santa or White Elephant, where each person is responsible for a single present. This gem of an idea works wonders, especially if you're accustomed to playing Santa for your entire office or friend gang, at the cost of any good times in January.

Now, we get it. Your love language might be gift-giving and holding back your desire to gift everyone can be challenging. However, it'll save you a ton of money in the long run. Bonus? You might discover that you can give a more heartfelt gift when you're not fretting over multiple purchases or chasing down the perfect presents for everyone. Happier you, happier everyone.

Embrace the cash or debit approach

Taming the holiday spending frenzy calls for some clever tactics. Swap that tempting credit card for cash or a trusty debit card when you head off on your festive shopping adventures. With this approach, you'll stick to spending only what's safely nestled in your bank account.

It's like Santa himself keeping a watchful eye on your wallet, ensuring you don't venture into the land of overspending. When you physically see those bills leave your hand or the numbers dip in your account, it becomes a tangible reminder to stay within your budget. 

So, this holiday season, let your cash or debit card be your financial guardian and keep the festivities merry without the budget hangover.

Master the art of responsible online shopping

Last but not least, yes, online shopping is still spending. The allure of online deals and discounts can be irresistible, leading to overspending in the blink of an eye. To conquer this digital shopping realm, establish a strict limit on your online purchases and banish impulsive buying tendencies.

But there's more: declutter your inbox by unsubscribing from those tempting promotional emails. It's like building a fortress around your financial willpower. With fewer temptations, you're less likely to get lured into spontaneous shopping sprees.

Final thoughts

Navigating the holiday whirlwind without emptying your pockets is doable. Craft a budget, stick to it, and then lean into the festivities around you. Sticking to these boundaries will not only protect your mental health but also ensure a festive season filled with cheer, not financial stress. Because, after all, aren’t Aunt Linda’s questions about what you’re doing with your life stressful enough?

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Imagine you have euros in your wallet but need to spend dollars at a store. You'd need to exchange your currency first, right? Wrapped crypto works in a similar way, but for blockchain assets.

Wrapped cryptocurrency is a tokenised version of another crypto asset that lives on a different blockchain. Think of it as your original crypto asset wearing an outer layer that lets it work on another blockchain network. For example, Bitcoin can't naturally function on the Ethereum network because they're separate systems with different rules. 

But by "wrapping" Bitcoin, you get a token that represents Bitcoin's value while being compatible with Ethereum's ecosystem.

This seemingly simple innovation has become a cornerstone of decentralised finance (DeFi), allowing assets to move between otherwise isolated blockchain ecosystems and unlocking billions of dollars in cross-chain liquidity.

How wrapped crypto works

The wrapping process involves three key elements: custodians, merchants, and smart contracts.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Deposit: You send your original cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin) to a custodian—an entity or smart contract that holds your assets safely.
2. Minting: Once the custodian confirms receipt of your deposit, they mint an equivalent amount of wrapped tokens (like WBTC) on the target blockchain.
3. Release: These newly created wrapped tokens are then sent to your wallet on the new blockchain, ready to use.

When you want your original tokens back, you simply reverse the process—a procedure called "unwrapping" or "burning":

1. Return: You send your wrapped tokens back to the custodian.
2. Burn: The wrapped tokens are destroyed (burned).
3. Release: The equivalent amount of the original cryptocurrency is returned to your wallet.

This process ensures a 1:1 backing between wrapped tokens and their underlying assets, similar to how stablecoins maintain their value through reserves. For every wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) in circulation, there's one real Bitcoin held in reserve by a custodian.

Benefits of wrapped crypto

Cross-chain compatibility

The most obvious benefit is interoperability. Wrapped tokens allow assets from one blockchain to participate in activities on completely different networks. Bitcoin holders can participate in Ethereum-based DeFi without selling their Bitcoin, while Ethereum users can access the value and liquidity of Bitcoin without leaving their preferred ecosystem.

Expanded DeFi possibilities

Before wrapped tokens, assets like Bitcoin were essentially locked out of the booming DeFi space. Now, billions of dollars worth of previously idle assets can earn yields, serve as collateral for loans, or provide liquidity to trading pools.

Enhanced functionality

When assets like Bitcoin get wrapped as ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum, they gain new capabilities:

• Smart contract interaction: Bitcoin doesn't natively support complex smart contracts, but wrapped Bitcoin on Ethereum can interact with any Ethereum smart contract.
• Faster settlements: Bitcoin transactions typically take about 10 minutes to confirm, while Ethereum transactions complete in seconds or minutes, making wrapped Bitcoin potentially more practical for everyday transactions.

Liquidity boosts

By making assets usable across multiple blockchains, wrapped tokens significantly increase market liquidity. The same value can now participate in various ecosystems without being split across different platforms.

Common types of wrapped tokens

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)

The most popular wrapped token by market cap, WBTC brings Bitcoin's massive value onto the Ethereum blockchain. Each WBTC is backed by one Bitcoin held in reserve. This has allowed billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin to participate in Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem.

Wrapped Ether (WETH)

Interestingly, even Ethereum's native currency (Ether) has a wrapped version. Why? The original Ethereum token (ETH) predates the ERC-20 standard that most Ethereum tokens follow. WETH makes ETH compatible with dapps that require the standard ERC-20 format.

Other Notable Wrapped Assets

As cross-chain functionality becomes increasingly important, we're seeing more wrapped versions of various assets:

• Wrapped AVAX (WAVAX) on Ethereum
• Wrapped UST (Terra stablecoin) on various chains
• Wrapped tokens of various layer-1 cryptocurrencies

How to use wrapped tokens in DeFi

Lending and borrowing

Platforms like Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO allow users to deposit wrapped assets as collateral to borrow other cryptocurrencies. This means you can leverage your Bitcoin holdings to access stablecoins or other tokens without selling your BTC.

Liquidity provision

Decentralised exchanges like Uniswap and SushiSwap rely on liquidity providers to enable trading. By providing wrapped tokens to these liquidity pools, users can earn trading fees and additional rewards.

For example, the WBTC/ETH pool on Uniswap has consistently been one of the largest liquidity pools, enabling billions in trading volume between Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Yield farming

Many DeFi protocols offer incentives for users who provide liquidity or lend assets. Wrapped tokens allow users to participate in these "yield farming" opportunities across multiple blockchains, potentially maximising returns.

Risks involved

Custodial risks

Most wrapped tokens rely on custodians to hold the original assets, introducing an element of centralisation and trust. If the custodian is compromised or acts maliciously, your wrapped tokens could become worthless.

For instance, WBTC relies on BitGo as its primary custodian. While BitGo maintains high security standards, this represents a potential single point of failure in an otherwise decentralised system.

Smart contract vulnerabilities

Wrapped tokens, like all blockchain assets involving smart contracts, face potential security risks. Bugs or exploits in the smart contracts governing wrapped tokens could lead to fund losses.

Minting and redemption friction

The process of wrapping and unwrapping tokens often involves fees, waiting periods, and minimum amounts. These friction points can make wrapped tokens less practical for smaller transactions or quick trades.

Bridge attacks

Cross-chain bridges, which facilitate the creation of many wrapped tokens, have been frequent targets for hackers. Several high-profile attacks have resulted in millions of dollars in losses.

The future of wrapped tokens

Decentralised wrapping mechanisms

The industry is moving toward more decentralised wrapping processes that reduce reliance on centralised custodians. Projects like tBTC and renBTC are exploring new models where custody is distributed among multiple parties or managed entirely by smart contracts.

Multi-chain integration

As blockchain ecosystems evolve toward greater interoperability, wrapped tokens are likely to play a crucial role in creating seamless experiences across multiple chains. Users may eventually interact with different blockchains without even realising they're using wrapped assets behind the scenes.

Standardisation and regulation

As wrapped tokens become more integrated into mainstream finance, we can expect more standardised practices and potentially increased regulatory attention, particularly around reserve verification and consumer protection.

Bridging the blockchain islands

Wrapped tokens have essentially built bridges between previously isolated blockchain islands, creating a connected DeFi landscape where assets flow freely across networks. They give users remarkable flexibility – allowing them to use Solana's speed while accessing Ethereum's rich application environment.

While these tokens solve major interoperability challenges, it's worth remembering their trade-offs. The centralized custody model goes against blockchain's decentralization principles, and security risks exist.

Though we'll eventually see more sophisticated cross-chain solutions emerge, wrapped tokens currently serve as the vital connectors powering our increasingly interconnected crypto economy.

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