You've likely come across the term "ERC-20" in your crypto endeavours, with plenty of these token standards currently ranked in the top 10 (even top 100) cryptocurrencies. But what does ERC-20 actually mean, and what is a token standard? In this piece, we're uncovering everything you need to know about these popular crypto terms.

To start things off, ERC stands for Ethereum request for comment.

What is a token standard?

Let's start at the beginning. When Ethereum was created to provide developers with a platform on which to build decentralized apps (Dapps), the team incorporated several token standards. 

These token standards allow new projects to create, issue and deploy various functioning tokens on the blockchain. Each token standard is a smart contract that holds a set of particular "rules" that must be followed in order to be created.

In recent years a number of blockchain platforms that provide Dapp creation functionality have created their own token standards, however, for the sake of this article we are only looking at Ethereum.

The most popular token standards on Ethereum are the ERC-20, ERC-721, ERC-777, and ERC-1155 tokens. Each holds its own functionality and would be utilized depending on what the Dapp intends to use it for, i.e. will it be a transferable asset or be used to hold ownership rights. 

What is an ERC-20 token?

By far the most popular token standard utilized on the Ethereum network, the ERC-20 token is a fungible token that can be bought, sold and traded in the blockchain ecosystem. To date over 350,000 ERC-20 tokens have been created. 

Similar to the functioning of other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin, ERC-20 tokens also hold value and are able to be bought and sold, however, they operate solely on the Ethereum blockchain. This means that all ERC-20 transactions conducted are executed on the Ethereum blockchain network.

The rules associated with this particular token ensure that it can function optimally on the Ethereum blockchain, and must be submitted to the community leadership for approval prior to its launch. While some rules are mandatory and others optional, the required ERC-20 rules are as follows:

• total supply: defines the total supply of the token
• balance of: indicates how many tokens are in a wallet address
• transfer To, Transfer From: must be able to be transferred from one user to another
• allowance: ensures that wallets have a sufficient amount before making a transaction
• approve: checks total supply against transactions

The optional elements are centred around the token's name, its ticker symbol and how many decimal places it would have %u200BFor instance, Ethereum's token name is Ether, its ticker symbol is ETH and it is divisible by up to 18 decimal places.

Examples of ERC-20 tokens are Augur (REP), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Maker (MKR), USD Coin (USDC) and OmiseGO (OMG).

Can you mine ERC-20 tokens?

ERC-20 tokens, unlike Ethereum and its native coins (ether), cannot be mined. That is, new tokens are 'minted' when a planned initial token offering (ICO) or security token offering (STO) event takes place. Usually, these events involve users sending ether to a smart contract address and in return receiving the newly minted ERC-20 token.

An ERC-20 token is technically a smart contract so it's possible for the developer team behind an ERC-20 token to issue new tokens at will. However, this isn't recommended because users would be less likely to trust these tokens if they could be minted at will. There must be a measure of scarcity in order for tokens to be valuable.

The pros & cons of ERC-20 tokens:

Some of the main benefits of ERC-20 tokens include: 

Fungible

Fungible ERC20 tokens are interchangeable, just like cash. Although the coins are technically distinct, they function in exactly the same way. You can trade one for another and they will be functionally equivalent, just like cash or gold.

Fungible tokens are fantastic, and there's a lot of value in the technical aspect. On a technical level, it's worth noting that fungible tokens don't add extra value to goods. They're typically beneficial in a variety of commercial scenarios.

Broad adoption

The popularity of ERC-20 tokens is quite apparent in the cryptocurrency industry. The number of exchanges, wallets, and smart contracts that already support newly-launched tokens has made it easy for new projects to integrate with them. There is plenty of developer support and documentation to go around.

Flexibility

The first thing to note about ERC-20 tokens is that they are highly flexible and may be used in a variety of circumstances and applications. This is due to the fact that these tokens are very customizable. They can be used in a lot of different scenarios such as Loyalty points programs, in-game currencies, or digital collectibles such as NFT's.

Some of the main cons of ERC-20 tokens include:

Mainstream

The popularity of ERC-20 tokens is also their greatest weakness. There are so many projects using the same standard that it's difficult to stand out from the crowd without differentiating your token in some way. Moreover, since they're essentially all the same on a technical level.

Fraud and Scams

It takes minimal effort to create a simple ERC-20 token, meaning that anyone could do it for good or bad purposes. As such you want to be careful with what you're investing in when considering blockchains projects because there are some Pyramid schemes masquerading as legitimate projects out there and trying to get unsuspecting investors involved in their scams. As a result, when looking at blockchain projects, you need to be cautious with what you invest in.

Other ERC Token Standards

While there is a large range of ERC tokens available, below we've outlined the most popular ones (excluding the ERC-20 one as it is listed above). 

ERC-721 

This token standard is for a non-fungible token (NFT) which gained huge popularity in the last year across the gaming and digital art worlds. These tokens represent ownership of something, and cannot be used interchangeably. 

ERC-777 

An evolution of the ERC-20 token, the ERC-777 provides more usability, particularly pertaining to its ability to mint or burn tokens. It also holds improved transaction privacy and an emergency recovery function. 

ERC-1155

This token standard allows for the creation of both utility tokens and non-fungible tokens. Making trading more efficient, the token standard allows for bundling of transactions which in turn saves costs. 

Learn more about cryptocurrencies and blockchain

You can learn more about crypto basics from our specially created Learn centre, which covers everything a trader ought to know about cryptocurrencies and the blockchain industry. 

Assets are the building blocks of wealth: whether it's the cash in your wallet, the house you live in, or the investments in your portfolio, assets play a crucial role in financial stability and growth. But what exactly makes something an asset, and why should you care about understanding them?

In this in-depth guide, we'll break down what assets are, explore the different types that exist, and explain why tracking your assets is essential for building wealth and making informed financial decisions. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of how assets fit into your financial landscape and how you can leverage them for future prosperity.

Asset definition

Simple definition

An asset is anything of value that you own that can provide future economic benefits. Think of it as something that puts money in your pocket, either now or down the road.

For example:

• Your home is an asset that provides housing and may appreciate in value
• Your car helps you get to work (though it typically depreciates over time)
• Cash in your bank account can be used immediately or invested
• Stocks or bonds potentially grow your wealth through dividends and appreciation

In everyday terms, an asset is simply something valuable you own that can be converted to cash or provides some economic benefit over time.

Financial/accounting definition

In more technical terms, accountants define an asset as "a resource controlled by an entity as a result of past events, from which future economic benefits are expected to flow."

This definition, based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), highlights three key components:

1. Control or ownership of a resource
2. Result of a past transaction or event
3. Expected future economic benefit

The accounting definition focuses more on the precise financial impact and reporting requirements, while the everyday definition captures the intuitive understanding that assets are valuable possessions.

Why assets matter

Understanding your assets is fundamental to managing your financial life effectively. Here's why they matter:

For individuals:

• Assets determine your net worth (assets minus liabilities)
• They provide financial security during emergencies
• They can generate passive income
• They often form the basis for loan approvals
• They're central to retirement and estate planning

For businesses:

• Assets form the foundation of a company's balance sheet
• They indicate the company's financial stability and growth potential
• They can be leveraged to secure financing
• They generate revenue and support operations
• They factor into company valuations for investors or potential buyers

The common thread is that assets represent economic potential - they're resources that can be deployed to create value, either immediately or in the future.

Different types of assets 

Assets aren't all created equal. They come in different forms and serve different purposes in your financial ecosystem. Before diving deeper, let's understand why these classifications matter:

Tax implications

Different asset types may be taxed differently

Risk assessment: 

Various assets carry different levels of risk

Financial planning: 

Understanding asset types helps with diversification

Accounting requirements: 

Businesses must categorise assets correctly for reporting

Liquidity planning: 

Knowing which assets can be quickly converted to cash

Now, let's explore the main ways assets are classified.

Classification of assets 

Tangible vs intangible assets

Tangible assets are physical items you can touch, see, and physically possess. They include:

• Real estate (land, buildings, homes)
• Vehicles (cars, boats, planes)
• Equipment and machinery
• Inventory and goods
• Precious metals and collectibles
• Furniture and fixtures

Intangible assets lack physical substance but still hold value. Examples include:

• Intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights)
• Brand reputation and recognition
• Software and digital products
• Goodwill (in business acquisitions)
• Licenses and permits
• Digital assets (domains, cryptocurrencies)

While tangible assets are generally easier to value and more readily understood, intangible assets often represent significant value in today's digital economy, especially for technology and service companies.

Current vs fixed (or liquid vs. illiquid) assets

Current assets (also called liquid assets) can be converted to cash within a short period, typically one year. 

Think of these as your financial quick-change items: cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, inventory, marketable securities, and prepaid expenses. They're the resources you can tap into relatively quickly when needed.

On the flip side, fixed assets (also called non-current or illiquid assets) are your long-term financial items that provide value over extended periods but aren't as easily converted to cash. 

These include your more substantial investments like land and buildings, equipment and machinery, long-term investments, vehicles and furniture, and leasehold improvements - typically items that form the backbone of long-term financial stability but would take time to liquidate.

Liquidity - the ease and speed with which an asset can be converted to cash without significant loss of value - is a critical consideration when evaluating your asset portfolio. Many financial whizzes choose to have a mix of liquid and illiquid assets, which helps balance immediate cash needs with long-term growth objectives.

Operating vs. Non-Operating Assets

Operating assets directly drive a company's core revenue generation - like production equipment, factory buildings, raw materials, operational technology systems, and product patents. These are the essential tools that keep the business running and producing income day after day.

Non-operating assets, while valuable, don't participate in daily operations, think investment properties, surplus marketable securities, unused land for future expansion, and corporate art collections. This distinction helps businesses separate their essential revenue-generating resources from their supplementary value holders.

Personal vs business assets

Personal assets belong to individuals and typically include:

• Primary residence
• Personal vehicles
• Household items and furnishings
• Jewelry and collectibles
• Personal investment accounts
• Retirement funds

Business assets belong to a company and may include:

• Commercial property
• Business equipment
• Inventory
• Accounts receivable
• Company vehicles
• Intellectual property

This distinction is especially important for small business owners and self-employed individuals who need to separate personal from business assets for tax and liability purposes.

Assets vs liabilities

Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is fundamental to financial literacy. Here's a clear comparison:

Assets

Liabilities

Puts money in your pocket over time

Takes money out of your pocket over time

Generally increases your net worth

Generally decreases your net worth

Examples: investments, income-producing property, cash

Examples: credit card debt, car loans, mortgages

The accounting equation highlights this relationship: Assets = Liabilities + Equity

This means that what you own (assets) equals what you owe (liabilities) plus your true financial worth (equity).

For example, if your home is worth $300,000 (asset) but you have a $200,000 mortgage (liability), your equity in the home is $100,000.

Common examples of assets

To reinforce your understanding of different asset types, here's a list of common assets:

Personal tangible assets:

• Primary residence
• Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, boats)
• Jewelry and watches
• Furniture and appliances
• Collectibles (art, coins, stamps)
• Electronic devices

Personal intangible assets:

• Investment accounts
• Retirement plans 
• Insurance policies with cash value
• Patents or copyrights
• Professional licenses
• Social media accounts with monetary value

Business tangible assets:

• Office buildings and facilities
• Manufacturing equipment
• Inventory
• Company vehicles
• Office furniture and equipment
• Raw materials

Business intangible assets:

• Brand name and recognition
• Patents and trademarks
• Customer lists and relationships
• Proprietary software
• Goodwill from acquisitions
• Franchise agreements

Often-overlooked assets:

• Domain names
• Social media accounts
• Promissory notes (when you're the lender)
• Life insurance cash values
• Royalties from creative works
• Timeshare ownership
• Cryptocurrency holdings

How to determine asset value

Different methods of valuation

Determining what your assets are important, especially when it comes to financial planning, tax purposes, and business decisions. Here are some of the most common valuation ways:

Cost method

The original purchase price is used as the asset's value. For example, if you bought a computer for $1,500, that's its cost value. This method is straightforward but doesn't account for depreciation or market changes.

Depreciation method

This recognises that many assets lose value over time. For example, a $30,000 car might depreciate by $3,000 each year, so after three years, its depreciated value would be $21,000.

Market value method

This determines what an asset would sell for on the open market today. For example, your home's market value is what a willing buyer would pay for it now, regardless of what you originally paid.

Income method

This values an asset based on the income it generates. For example, a rental property might be valued at 10 times its annual net rental income.

Replacement value

This estimates what it would cost to replace the asset today. For insurance purposes, the replacement value of your home furnishings might be higher than their current market value.

Why valuation matters

Accurate asset valuation is important for several reasons:

• Tax planning: Proper valuation ensures you're not overpaying on taxes and helps with capital gains calculations
• Insurance coverage: Knowing asset values helps ensure adequate insurance protection
• Estate planning: Accurate valuations are crucial for fair distribution of assets among heirs
• Business decisions: For companies, understanding asset values informs decisions about selling, leveraging, or replacing assets
• Financial planning: Knowing your true net worth helps with retirement planning and financial goal-setting

Final thoughts: building awareness of your assets

Understanding what you own and what it's worth is fundamental to building wealth and achieving financial goals. By identifying, categorising, and regularly valuing your assets, you gain clarity about your financial position and can make more informed decisions.

Consider taking these steps:

• Create an inventory of all your assets, both tangible and intangible
• Research current values for major assets like real estate and investments
• Review how your assets balance against your liabilities
• Explore opportunities to acquire assets that appreciate or generate income
• Regularly update your asset inventory as your financial situation changes

Remember, financial success isn't just about how much you earn, it's about how effectively you convert that income into assets that work for you over time. By developing asset awareness and making strategic decisions about what you own, you build a foundation for lasting financial security and wealth.

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You've likely come across the term "token" in your crypto ventures, or heard Bitcoin and Ethereum described as a token, but what does this all mean? In this article, we're breaking down what a token is, and how to distinguish a coin from a token and how it can be used as a tool to store value.

Token Definition

A token, in the cryptocurrency sense of the world, represents a particular asset or utility. It's worth noting in this item that tokens and cryptocurrencies are terms often used interchangeably however they technically differ. Tokens typically fall into one of the following three categories:

Payment tokens

These tokens allow users to purchase goods and services outside of the blockchain, offering an alternative currency. 

Security tokens

Similar to initial public offerings (IPOs) on the stock market, security tokens offer users an ownership stake or entitle the holder to dividends in a blockchain project. 

Utility tokens 

Utility tokens offer users access to a service within a particular ecosystem, similar to loyalty points on a Starbucks card. These points hold value within their own ecosystem but cannot be used outside of that. ‍

Coins vs Tokens

Getting more technical, when exploring coins vs tokens, tokens are categorised as crypto assets that have been built on top of another blockchain while coins are built on their own blockchain. 

Ether, for example, is the native token to the Ethereum blockchain, however, the platform allows developers to create a range of token standards on top of it. Based on this information, all ERC-20 tokens are therefore categorised as tokens as opposed to coins. 

USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT) are therefore tokens as they are built on top of the Ethereum blockchain. While each network is operated by its own leadership, both use Ethereum's blockchain to facilitate all transactions.‍

How Are Tokens Traded?

Much like coins, tokens can be bought, sold and traded on exchanges, or sent directly from one wallet to another. This is facilitated by blockchain technology, in the same way that coins are transferred from one location to another. Unlike coins, which are all fungible in nature, tokens can sometimes be non-fungible, meaning that they are not identical in value and function. 

Tokens are sent using the wallet address of a recipient's blockchain-compatible wallet. The address is often represented by a barcode in the form of a QR code, or through a lengthy alphanumeric code. All transactions take place from the wallet holding the tokens and are sent directly to the wallet of the recipient without the need for a centralized authority like a bank. Tokens can typically be bought on exchanges, often with Visa or Mastercard, or exchanged between users.

How is an NFT Different from Cryptocurrency?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are all different from each other as they each represent a real-world object, whether a digital piece of artwork or a bottle of fine wine. Bitcoin can be traded for anything around the world, whereas NFTs are unique in nature and while they hold value they cannot be used interchangeably. 

What Are NFTs Used For?

NFTs are used to represent a particular asset, whether it be physical or digital. When minted, these tokens will permanently represent that asset and cannot be changed. For example, one NFT could represent an apartment in London while another could represent a song by Kings of Leon. The possibilities are endless, and the marketplaces are huge.

Users can easily trade NFTs on marketplaces (through a website or mobile app) such as OpenSea or Rarible. Once you own an NFT you are credited with the ownership rights of the asset the NFT represents. Due to the nature of blockchain technology, this is permanently displayed on the network's public ledger for anyone to review. This process ensures that the ownership of an NFT cannot the changed and the information is available for anyone to credit.

Note that several blockchain networks currently support the minting of NFTs, and the holder will need a wallet specific to that blockchain in order to hold the NFT.

Are Tokens Regulated?

When it comes to regulation, countries around the world are currently drawing up legal frameworks to better implement cryptocurrencies into our current financial system. This includes the likes of tokens.

Once cryptocurrencies are regulated by government authorities, they could provide the world with unrealized use cases like being used to manage a prescription at a pharmacy or clinical services or to provide feedback to IT support. While there are plenty of tokens available on the market today, it's likely that this is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of their potential to improve issues faced around the world.

Investing centers around making gains off of your initial capital. When determining the potential gains one could make there are a number of variables one needs to consider, such as how much capital one has put into the investment and what returns are associated with that asset class.

This led to the creation of ROI (return on investment), a measure that allows anyone to calculate the net profit or loss of an investment in percentage form. 

What is return on investment?

All investments, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and small businesses, come with the goal of making more money than you put in. The money you earn over and above your initial investment is called profit. When discussing investment profitability, people often use the term ROI, meaning return on investment. This metric expresses the amount of net profit one can earn/earned as a percentage of what the initial investment was.

ROI can help you assess if buying property or investing in a business is worth it. It's also helped companies determine the value of adding new products, building more facilities, acquiring other businesses, advertising campaigns, etc.

ROI (return on investment) is the percentage of gain or loss on an investment relative to the total cost of the investment.  In other terms, it's a way to compare different investments in order to figure out which ones are worth pursuing. For example, you could calculate ROI to decide whether selling one stock and buying another would be a good idea.

While there is no limit to a return on investment theoretically, in practice, no investment is guaranteed to have any return. If your ROI is negative, it means you not only failed to make a profit but also lost some of your original investment. The worst possible outcome would be -100% ROI, meaning you completely lost your initial investment. An ROI of 0% signifies that you at least recovered the money you put in, but gained nothing beyond that.

While ROI is often used as a marker of profitability, it isn't foolproof. There are several limitations to calculating ROI as your only measure which include the time frame in which you will earn back your investment, inflation rates, how risky a venture is, and additional maintenance costs that may be incurred.

Calculating ROI terminology

Before we dive in, let's first cover some basic terminology.

Net profit or net income

Net profit is the amount of money left over after all operating costs, such as the cost of transaction costs or maintenance costs, and other expenses have been accounted for and subtracted from the total revenue. It is used to measure profitability. Net profit can also be called net income, net earnings, or the bottom line.

Total cost of investment

This figure will look at the amount of money invested in a particular investment.

How to calculate ROI: the ROI formula

The ROI formula is a simple equation that looks at the price change of the asset and the net profits (the initial cost of the investment minus its value when you sell it). When calculating ROI you would use this formula:

ROI = (Net Profit / Total Cost of Investment) x 100

To factor trading costs into your ROI figure, you'll use: 

ROI = ((Value of Investment - Cost of Investment – Associated Costs) / Cost of Investment) x 100

As an example, let's say you buy 5 shares of $100 each in Twitter, equating to $500. You sell them a year later for $150 each, equating to $750. Let's say you paid $5 commission on each trade, costing you $25 in trading fees. 

ROI = (($750 - $500 - $25) / $500) x 100 = 45%

This means that you made a 45% return on investment on that particular investment.

How to determine a strong ROI

A "good" return on investment is any number above 0, as this means you made some profit. However, the ideal ROI should be higher than what you could've earned had you chosen another investment (the next best thing). 

To compare this, investors often compare their earnings to what they could've made on the broader stock market or in a high-yield savings account. Using the S&P 500 as a control, over the past four decades it has made gains of around 7% (after inflation). An ROI is generally considered to be a strong one if it beats the stock market in the long term. 

It's always important to note that past performance does not equate to future results. Another pearl of wisdom to remember is that high rewards generally come alongside high risks. If an investment promises very high ROIs, consider this also means that it comes with high risks. 

Therefore, a strong ROI will vary depending on the investment's level of risk, your goals, and how much risk you're willing to take.

Where the ROI formula falls short

The main limitation of using this return on investment ROI formula as a marker of success is that it doesn't show how long it took to earn the money back. When comparing various investments, the time it takes to mature will have a significant impact on the profits you could earn.

For instance, a year loan versus a bond held for five years versus a property held for 10 years will all have varying ROIs once you've established how long it will take to earn the specified ROIs. 

In this scenario, the ROI calculations mentioned above skimp on the full story. It also doesn't account for risk. For instance, the loan repayments could be delayed or the property market might be in a slump, all affecting the potential profits earnable.

With many variables, it becomes harder to predict what the exact ROI calculation on an investment will be, so be sure to factor this in when using the return on investment ROI formula to determine how attractive an investment opportunity or business venture is. 

ROI alternatives

Although the return on investment doesn't consider how long you keep an asset, it's essential to compare the ROI of investments held for comparable lengths of time as a more clear performance measure. If that's not possible, there are a few other options.

Average Annual Return

Also known as annualized return on investment, this adjusts the ROI formula to factor in the timing. Here you would divide the ROI by the number of years you hold the asset.

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)

This option is more complicated but yields more accurate results as it factors in compound interest generated over time. 

Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

This measure factors in the notion that profits earned earlier outway the same profits earned later, taking into account interest that could've been earned and factors like inflation. This equation is quite complicated but there are online calculators one can use. 

Conclusion

A return on investment (ROI) is a formula used to calculate the net profit or loss of an investment in percentage form. The ROI calculation can present valuable information when investing capital or determining profitability ratios. The ROI equation looks at the initial value of one investment and determines the financial return. A negative ROI indicates that the investment returns were lower than the investment cost.

You've likely heard the term being thrown around in the cryptosphere. In this piece, we're breaking down what a fiat wallet is, why one might choose to use it, and how to create one should you wish to.

What Is a Fiat Wallet?

A fiat wallet is a digital account where you can store, send, and receive traditional (fiat) currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. Think of it as an online version of a bank account, but often integrated within a crypto or fintech platform.

Many crypto exchanges offer fiat wallets alongside crypto wallets, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets more efficiently. Instead of waiting for bank transfers to clear, users can use their fiat wallet to make instant deposits or purchases.

Fiat wallets are also popular in fintech apps and are typically operated under an e-money license. Some platforms may even offer perks like interest or rewards for holding fiat funds in the wallet.

What Is Fiat Currency?

Before we go further, it's important to understand what "fiat" means. A fiat currency is a government-issued currency—like the US dollar, Euro, or British pound—not backed by a physical commodity like gold but by the trust in the government that issues it.

These currencies are regulated by central banks and are legal tender in their respective regions.

How Does a Fiat Wallet Work?

Much like a crypto wallet, a fiat wallet stores currency digitally. The key difference? It holds regular government-issued currency, not crypto assets.

Users often keep fiat in these wallets on exchanges or fintech platforms to allow quick transactions, avoid delays, or earn passive rewards. For instance, you can instantly buy Bitcoin using funds from your fiat wallet—no need to wait for your bank to process a transfer.

It’s worth noting that fiat wallets are not connected to a blockchain. They operate entirely outside the crypto ecosystem, serving as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

Why Use a Fiat Wallet?

The short answer: speed and flexibility.

Here are some common reasons users opt for a fiat wallet:

• To buy or sell cryptocurrencies instantly, especially during periods of volatility
• To avoid delays from traditional bank transfers
• To keep cash on hand for seizing market opportunities

Imagine spotting a huge dip in a crypto asset overnight. If you rely on a standard bank transfer, it could take 2–3 days before your funds are available—by then, the opportunity may be gone. With a fiat wallet, you could act immediately.

For traders and investors, having funds ready to go can make a big difference. In crypto, speed often equals profit.

Is Your Money Safe in a Fiat Wallet?

The safety of your funds depends on the platform hosting your fiat wallet. A well-regulated provider with strong security practices should offer robust protection—just like a traditional bank.

Most platforms apply:

• Data encryption
• Multi-factor authentication
• Biometric verification or one-time passwords (OTP)

Fiat wallets and crypto wallets typically share the same level of platform-based security, so always choose a provider that meets compliance standards and prioritizes user safety.

Store Your Fiat Currencies in Fiat Wallets on Tap

With Tap, you can securely store your fiat currencies in a regulated environment.

Here’s how to deposit into your fiat wallet:

1. Open the Tap app
2. Go to your Cash Wallet
3. Select your desired fiat currency
4. Choose between bank transfer or debit card
5. Complete the transaction

Once the bank clears the funds, your wallet will be credited and ready to use. You can hold the funds as long as you like, or send them back to your bank at any time with just a few taps.

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In market terminology, a bull market is a period of generally rising prices and investor optimism. The term "bull market" comes from the market that rises steadily and consistently like a healthy bull. A bear market is the opposite: It refers to a condition when prices are falling and investors are pessimistic about future market value. Historical market cycles are well defined and provide a good understanding of market trends.

It's all about cycles

The market cycle helps investors to know whether they should invest or hold back their crypto coins. To avoid making wrong market choices, investors should know market cycles so they can decide whether the crypto market is on the rise or not.

The market cycle helps people to know when the market is already booming and ready to take a plunge. This helps traders to decide which crypto coin to buy at its lowest value, hold it until market bull cycle and then sell it to make a very good profit.

The Bull Market:

A Bull market is a long run of increasing prices and investor optimism where buyers outnumber sellers. As the market bull cycle goes on, more investors will see the market as their opportunity to buy low and sell high. The result is a market cycle that is not as steep as it had previously been.

The Bear Market:

A Bear market is the opposite of a Bull market where prices are falling and investors have low expectations for future market values. The market cycles are frequently broken up into bull markets and bear markets. This market cycle happens when market prices fall and investors sell their coins, this causes market prices to drop even more until the trend reverses.

The case of the Dead/flat market

A Dead market is a term used to describe a period of time where there is not much movement in either direction but it is not a market downturn by any means. This market cycle can occur after prolonged market cycles such as bull (rising trend market) and bear (falling trend market).

The market is not a straight line, it goes up and down so even though the market has gone on for a considerable time without any market fluctuation, market volatility will eventually return.

The market can be dead for a long time but it could cause worry within investors so they should know where market cycles stand.

Since market cycles are consistent it is better to be ready for market volatility, this will help you make informed market decisions when market cycles return.

In conclusion: the market cycle is a repeating market trend that describes market fluctuations over time. When market prices increase, it is called a bull market; when prices fall, it's called a bear market. Knowledge of market cycles is an important asset for investors in the crypto market as the knowledge of swings, downturns and upturns can help make better-informed decisions with investing in cryptocurrencies.

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