Learning the friendly way

In these times of instant gratification, lightning-fast transactions are like avo toast for our wallets: essential and totally worth it. Ain’t nobody got time for slow transactions. Quick transactions keep us in the flow, allowing us to book those Taylor Swift concert tickets before they’re sold out (too soon?) or send money to our broke friend in a flash. 

Plus, they save us from awkward moments, like when the barista gives us the stink-eye for holding up the line while we fumble trying to work out which card has the bucks on it. So, let's embrace the speed and keep the good vibes rolling, one speedy transaction at a time! 

Now that we’ve perfected the art of instant transactions between Tap users and lightning-fast crypto-to-fiat payments, we understand the downside is that we’ve freed up a lot of time for you. In light of going the extra mile for our community, here are 15 things you can do with all your free time now. 

1. Try to find something to watch on Netflix

Classic time-guzzler, don’t actually find something. Then you’ve gone too far. 

2. Replay that awkward moment when you said the wrong thing at a partner’s family dinner.

We’ve all been there. We’ve all done it. Unravel your therapy and live it again. 

3. Watch Bella Poach's lip-syncing "M to the B" by Millie B six times

Maybe then you can understand why it's the most-watched TikTok this year. If you find the answer please let us know.

4. Explain the current crypto climate to your cat. 

Sir Meows knows a lot of things. Good luck trying to explain the FTX drama. 

5. Actually floss your teeth.

Don’t just say you’re gonna do it, like you tell your dentist at every visit. Do it. You have the time now. 

6. Water your plants and shower them with compliments. 

In a study by the Royal Horticultural Society, researchers discovered that talking to your plants really can help them grow. Water also helps (no study needed).

7. Take 5 long and deep breaths and find your inner zen.

Clear out the mind clutter and namaste yourself into a calm state. You deserve this moment of serenity, especially after trying to find something to watch on Netflix.

8. Reply to your mother in law

For extra brownie points add a compliment about her famous homemade dish. In the land of family politics, brownie points are the true currency of affection.

9. See if your dream shoes are still on special

Just to see… 

10. Price check all the ingredients for a dish you’ll probably never actually make.

Well, you might finally take the leap if you knew what it would cost. 

11. Try to solve a Rubik's Cube in under a minute.

It's a battle between your determination and the colorful cube of frustration. Or just embrace the chaos and mix it up again. 

12. Watch a Vine compilation on YouTube and attempt not to laugh.

Spoiler: it's nearly impossible. 

13. Attempt a youtube dance routine in the privacy of your own home.

No one can judge you if no one can see. You’ll probably be amazing. 

14. Put together a gameplan for that DIY project that’s been haunting your Pinterest board.

Envision your masterpiece coming to life. We’re not saying actually do it. Just consider what you’ll need to do. 

15. Research that great idea you had at 2 am this morning.

Hey, it could make you the next Bill Gates (or at least on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list). Dive into the depths of the internet. 

Well, you get the point. Embrace the free time with Tap’s genius technology. 

Did you know that there are five different ways we express our love through money? Below we break down the original five love languages and then explain how these can be integrated into a financial setting. Knowledge is power, after all.

The original five love languages

The original five love languages were first introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman in his book "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts" offering insight into how we convey our love and how we hope to receive it. The five love languages are:

Words of affirmation

Expressing love and appreciation through verbal or written compliments, praise, and kind words.

Quality time

Showing love by giving undivided attention and spending meaningful quality time together.

Receiving gifts

Demonstrating love through thoughtful and meaningful gifts, usually involves around both giving and receiving gifts.

Acts of service

Expressing love by performing acts of kindness and service for the other person.

Physical touch

Showing affection and love through physical touch, such as hugs, kisses, and holding hands.

These love languages help individuals understand how they prefer to give and receive love. The book also states that recognizing and speaking each other's love languages can strengthen relationships.

What are the financial love languages?

Taking the original pillars, we’ve created five money love languages to give you an idea of how you financially show up in relationships (family, love or otherwise). Whether you share a flat with your brother, a business with a friend, or a joint account with a partner, everyone will be able to relate to these financial love languages. Afterall, managing money in a positive light is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship.

The five financial love languages

There’s value in being attuned to your own patterns, and to those of the ones you love. By recognising your partner's money love language you might get a better objective of how to create more harmony in the relationship by understanding what drives them to spend money. Without further adieu, let’s get into the five money love languages.

Open communication

While there are few topics less pleasant to talk about than money, having open and honest communication when it comes to the benjamins is not only valuable but essential. Having the skill, or having honed the skill should we say, to speak about financial matters with a loved one is an accolade, and for some, the most natural money love language. These chats will likely make you feel empowered and more connected to those around you, making it easier to be on the same page.

Acts of service: money edition

While the original acts of service encompass doing things that make the lives of those you love a little easier, in this context acts of service relate to money-related tasks such as taxes or budgeting. Having someone do your taxes as an act of love might be a bit ambitious, so let’s look at alternatives. It could be organising the holiday budget or creating an action plan to get your friend out of debt, or simply fixing something for you in order to save you money.

Love in savings

While it doesn’t sound like the sexiest option, planning for the future and having financial security is an invaluable act of love. Whether through investments, retirement plans, or even an emergency fund, what doesn’t say “I love you” if not “let’s make a financial decision to grow old together.” Some people's love language is expressing affection through providing, so why not let them put their planning skills and diligence to the test and shower you with their love? It might even help you reach your financial goals that much faster.

Experiencing something together

This person’s money love language is expressing their fondness through experiences and quality time, spending money on taking a trip, going on an exciting date night, or simply a new adventure. Through investing in time and experiences, you are quite simply saying I value spending time with you more than I value monetary gains.

The art of gifting

The last money love language we have for you today centers around gift-giving. Are you someone who likes to shower friends with presents, or love to spoil your significant other with something wonderful? Then this one’s for you. While this shouldn’t ever involve draining your bank account, pouring your love (and money) into an appropriate gift is a great way to show affection. Remember, it’s often the thought that counts rather than the price tag.

Which is your money love language?

Which of these do you most resonate with? Sometimes by identifying these intrinsic needs, we are able to better understand not only ourselves but our expectations of others. Whatever your financial love language might be, be sure to pour the greatest amount of love into your own finances and steadily work toward reaching your financial goals. 

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In the ever-evolving world of finance, delivering seamless payment experiences is paramount for businesses aiming to stand out. Here enters the game-changer: white-label payment solutions. These innovative services empower businesses to present their unique branded payment methods, all backed by the cutting-edge technology and infrastructure of established third-party providers.

These customisable payment solutions are becoming increasingly relevant, as the global digital payment market continues to soar. According to data collected by Markets and Markets, the global digital payments market size was valued at $111.2 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $193.7 billion by 2028.

What's driving this remarkable growth? Businesses are recognising the immense value that white-label payment solutions can bring to the table. 

What are white-label payment solutions?

Anyone in business will confirm that prioritising strong customer connections is essential. White-label payment solutions provide a special chance to not just boost brand identity but also to nurture customer loyalty.

The centrepiece of these problem-solving solutions is the branded payment card. By incorporating a company's logo, colours, and design, these cards become a constant visual reminder of the brand, reinforcing recognition and familiarity with every use.

Beyond aesthetics, these branded cards also serve as powerful engagement tools. By coupling payment capabilities with customer-centric perks like discounts, rewards, and personalised offers, businesses can incentivise frequent usage and higher spending. The cards transform into valuable marketing platforms, enabling direct communication and tailored promotions that boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Ultimately, customised payment solutions empower businesses to strengthen their brand presence, differentiate themselves in the market, and forge deeper, more meaningful relationships with their customers.

The power of white-label payment solutions

By leveraging these tailored services, companies can tap into several benefits as outlined below:

Enhance brand identity

White-label payments enable businesses to seamlessly integrate their brand's unique visual elements, messaging, and personality into the payment process - a crucial touchpoint that shapes customer perception. Additionally, it can further establish the brand’s credibility and expertise within its industry.

Improve customer loyalty

A cohesive, branded payment experience fosters a stronger connection between the business and its customers, enhancing loyalty and retention.

Leverage advanced functionality

White-label solutions offer a wide array of cutting-edge payment features and capabilities, allowing businesses to cater to evolving customer preferences and stay ahead of the competition.

Streamline payment processes

By outsourcing the technical complexities of payment processing, businesses can focus on their core operations while delivering a streamlined, hassle-free payment experience.

Industries that leverage white-label payment solutions

While white-label products can be applied across a multitude of industries, certain business categories have particularly excelled at leveraging this strategic approach:

Retail giants

Large retailers like Whole Foods and Walmart have effectively developed their own branded products, manufactured by third-party providers. This allows them to cater to the unique needs and preferences of their customer base in real-time.

Electronics manufacturers

The appeal of white-labelling extends beyond retail. Top-tier mobile and computer manufacturers often utilise white-label products to expand their portfolios, positioning more affordable, branded offerings alongside premium lines.

Transnational corporations

The white-label trend has gained significant traction among major corporations. Pioneered by Tesco in 1998, the strategy of segmenting customers and cultivating tailored brands has been widely emulated. Target, for instance, seamlessly integrates over 10 distinct white-label brands, each catering to specific demographics and generating over $1 billion in annual revenue.

Across diverse industries, from grocery to electronics, businesses have capitalised on the versatility and commercial benefits of white-label solutions. This empowers them to better align their offerings with evolving customer demands and solidify their competitive edge in the marketplace.

Tap’s white-label card offering

As part of Tap’s business solutions, the fintech platform offers an easy card-issuing service for businesses of any size. As we’re fully accredited, we can give partner companies Mastercard-powered private cards quickly and inexpensively compared to integrating directly with financial services.

In 2023, Tap teamed up with Bitfinex, a major crypto exchange, to make a customisable prepaid card for the company to offer to their customers. Bitfinex used Tap's financial system to offer their clients a special payment choice and make extra money.

Tap's big advantage is its ability to issue cards and its own processing system, allowing businesses to make their own branded cards efficiently and effectively. With Tap's programs, companies can smoothly add custom payment options that fit their needs, whether they deal in regular money or cryptocurrencies.

If you’re interested in accessing these services, please get in touch here or through the website.

Athens, 09 April 2024

TAP'S ODYSSEY IN GLOBAL EXPANSION: ATHENS, GREECE OFFICES BEGIN OPERATIONS

Taking a significant step that embodies its global expansion goals and steadfast dedication to transforming the financial services industry, Tap is delighted to reveal the launch of its new offices in the historic city of Athens, Greece.

This move serves as a testament to the company's commitment to integrating the wisdom of ancient financial principles with the ingenuity of modern technology. Nestled in the city that birthed democracy, the new office is not just a physical space but a symbol of Tap's resolve to harmonise ancient financial wisdom with the innovations of today's fintech landscape.

This strategic expansion underscores Tap's commitment to democratise and innovate financial solutions across the globe, intertwining with the cultural and economic tapestry of Athens while still remaining true to the core principles that define Tap.

This expansion seamlessly aligns with Tap's global strategy, dedicated to reaching new markets and offering modern financial services to a diverse array of communities. This venture not only propels Tap's international presence but also actively contributes to Athens' economic progression, nurturing local talent, and enriching the city’s financial landscape.

This initiative represents far more than mere expansion; it marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Tap. As Tap embarks on this exciting new chapter, the company remains committed to its core values of innovation, transparency, and customer-centricity. With its presence in Athens, Tap is poised to make a lasting impact on the financial services landscape, empowering individuals and businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
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About Tap Global

Tap is a leading fintech company dedicated to making money management and cryptocurrency more accessible and user-friendly across the globe. With a focus on security, compliance, and user-friendliness, Tap offers a wide range of digital assets and innovative features to empower cryptocurrency enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.withtap.com.

Get ready for the next great Bitcoin halving: everything you need to know

Before Bitcoin was launched in 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto designed the cryptocurrency to have a maximum supply of 21 million coins. As part of the greater plan, the number of new Bitcoin that enter circulation decreases at regular intervals, thus maintaining the total supply. These intervals are known as halvings, which we’ll get more into below. 

What is the Bitcoin halving?

Roughly every 4 years, or every 210,000 blocks that are mined, the network undergoes a halving where the block reward for miners is reduced by 50%. This reward is earned for verifying transactions and adding a new block to the blockchain. 

The halvings process decreases the rate at which new Bitcoins enter circulation, gradually depleting the remaining supply until the final satoshi is mined, expected to be around 2140. After that, miners will solely rely on transaction fees as an incentive to validate blocks.

The next Bitcoin halving is expected to take place in April 2024, when the mining reward will reduce from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. 

Why does the halving occur?

The Bitcoin halving is pre-programmed into Bitcoin's core code and is not something that can be changed - it's set in stone. Designed to control and slow down the release of new Bitcoins over time results in fewer and fewer Bitcoin being minted after each halving event. 

This limited supply is a key part of what gives Bitcoin its deflationary nature and potential for increasing value. As the supply is capped at 21 million, the dwindling new supply hitting the market reinforces Bitcoin's artificial scarcity.

Previous Bitcoin halvings

Below we look at previous halvings and how these affected the price of Bitcoin. Historically, 12 - 18 months after halvings, Bitcoin has reached a record high. While this is not the rule of thumb, it has certainly been witnessed. 

2009 - Bitcoin launches

Date: 3 January 2009

Block reward: 50 BTC

2012 - Bitcoin’s first halving

Date: 28 November 2012

Block: 210,000

Block reward: 25 BTC

Price before halving (November 2012): Around $12

Next all-time high after halving: $1,156 (November 2013)

2016 - Bitcoin’s second halving

Date: 9 July 2016

Block: 420,000

Block reward: 12.5 BTC

Price before halving (July 2016): Around $650

Next all-time High after halving: $19,891 (December 2017)

2020 - Bitcoin’s third halving

Date: 11 May 2020

Block: 630,000

Block reward: 6.25 BTC

Price before halving (May 2020): Around $8,800

Next all-time high after halving: $69,000 (November 2021)

Taking a look at the future dates, the next halving is expected to take place in 2024, when the block reward will be reduced to 3.125 BTC. Thereafter, in 2028 (block reward 1.5625 BTC) and 2032 (block reward 0.78125). This will continue until all Bitcoins have been mined, expected to be in 2140. 

Potential impacts of the upcoming halving

The next Bitcoin halving event is expected to have several potential impacts on the cryptocurrency. First and foremost, it will reduce the supply of new Bitcoins entering circulation by 50%, substantially decreasing the inflation rate. This scheduled supply rate reduction enhances Bitcoin's hardcoded scarcity which could lead to increased demand if investors view reduced supply as more desirable. Higher demand coupled with tightened supply could potentially drive up Bitcoin's price.

However, the halving will also cut block rewards for miners by 50%, which could force some smaller mining operations to shut down if their expenses outweigh newly reduced revenues. This may result in mining becoming less decentralised as larger entities with greater economies of scale are able to continue operating profitably. This could lead to further consolidation of the mining hashrate among a smaller number of big players.

Regardless of price movement, the 2024 halving will continue Bitcoin's disinflationary issuance schedule until the final Bitcoin is mined around 2140. This systematically dwindling supply reinforces one of Bitcoin's key value propositions as a deflationary asset with absolute scarcity built in by design.

The bottom line

The Bitcoin halving is a highly significant event worth learning about as it enforces the cryptocurrency's hardcoded disinflationary monetary policy. While past halvings have led to powerful bull markets and substantial price appreciation, as illustrated above, it's important to understand that future price movements remain unpredictable and cannot be relied on. 

Bitcoin's value is influenced by a complex array of factors beyond just supply dynamics, including adoption rates, regulatory developments, and overall market sentiment. Though artificially constrained supply can increase scarcity, demand is ultimately the driving force behind long-term valuations.

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Hey there, Community! ✨

We've got some exciting news to share, and it's all about making your life a little bit easier and a whole lot clearer. We're thrilled to announce our partnership with TapiX – and before you wonder what this is all about, let me break it down into plain English, just for you.

No More Guessing Games 🎲

Ever looked at your transaction history and thought, "Where on earth did I spend that money?" We've all been there, scratching our heads, trying to decipher cryptic names or puzzling out just which coffee shop that was.

Here's where TapiX comes in – and why we're so excited about it. TapiX turns those confusing codes and names into information you can actually understand. We're talking real names of stores, complete with local language and all the details to make it click instantly. Yes, that means no more guessing games!

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words 📷

But why stop at names? When you look at your transactions, you can now see actual logos and images – making it even easier to spot at a glance where you've been shopping. It's like turning your transaction history into a colourful gallery of your spending habits.
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Pinpoint Shopping Locations📍

Ever got a charge from a store and wondered, "When did I go there?”. Now, you won't just see the name; you'll get the exact location. We're talking street address, city, even zip codes – perfect for those "Aha!" moments.
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Extra Details at Your Fingertips 🫰

And there's more. Want to revisit a store but can't remember the name? You can now access additional details like website links, opening hours, and more for the store and companies that support it. It's like having a little assistant tucked away in your transaction history.

Why This Matters to You 👀

We believe managing your money should be as straightforward as shopping. That's why we partnered with TapiX – to transform your transaction list from a boring spreadsheet into a clear, understandable, and even helpful part of your daily life.

Here's what it boils down to: less time puzzling out your past spends and more time enjoying your present. Whether you're a budgeting pro or just trying to keep track of where your money's going, we think you'll love this new feature.

It's All About You 💙
At Tap, everything we do is aimed at giving you a better experience. We listen, we care, and we act on what you need. This partnership? It's all about making your financial life clearer and simpler.

We're here to help you make sense of your spending, save time, and maybe even discover some new favourite spots along the way. And this is just the beginning – we're always looking for ways to improve your experience.

So go ahead, take a look at your updated transaction history, and see the difference for yourself.

Here's to clearer, simpler, and more enjoyable finances.

Warmly,

The Tap Team.

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