If you’re thinking about incorporating crypto into your business or looking to better understand how digital currencies are infiltrating the business world, you’ll find everything you need to know on the topic below. Looking at the benefits these digital currencies can provide, as well as the downsides, we are effectively dissecting the concept of cryptocurrency in a traditional business model.

Each day we move into a more digital space, be it from the way we communicate to the way we pay for goods, there is no denying that the direction we’re headed in is digitally dominated. The evolution of money is taking a similar stride, from gold coins to banknotes to electronic transfers, and now, digital currencies.

Since the advent of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency, over a decade ago, the world has embraced the new age payment system (even if it was one sector at a time). From early investors and developers to huge corporations, crypto has and continues to, infiltrate the financial sector. The recent Bitcoin futures ETF approval provides a classic example.

Crypto In Business

Since the global pandemic, Bitcoin (and the cryptocurrency industry) has edged itself into both the mainstream media as well as the corporate world. Following global market crashes, Bitcoin rose from the ashes and soared to reach unprecedented highs months later.

Many corporations looked to shift their company reserves from the devaluing US dollar to Bitcoin, instigating a massive wave of institutional involvement. Many big companies, everyone from PayPal to Wholefoods, started accepting (or facilitating the trade of) Bitcoin, and gradually crypto became less of a taboo in the Financial sector.

By the end of 2020, it is estimated that around 2,300 businesses in the United States had started accepting cryptocurrencies, alongside the 17,000 Bitcoin ATMs available across the country. As more businesses create teams to focus on the benefits of implementing cryptocurrency in their business, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of adopting the revolutionary technology.

The Pros Of Crypto In Business

For those not yet familiar with the benefits of crypto, or perhaps what it could do for companies (especially virtual and e-commerce ones), find the advantages that cryptocurrency can bring below:

• Removes The Middleman

The intent behind cryptocurrency creation was to establish a peer-to-peer payment system that circumvents the need for intermediary banks and financial establishments. This direct transactional approach results in diminished fees, quicker processing times, and a reduction in the often protracted paperwork and administrative formalities. Instead of relying on centralized entities, this payment system relies on a distributed network and a transparent, unchangeable ledger for its operational functionality.

• Fast, Secure Settlements‍

The network can facilitate international transactions in under an hour, for a fraction of the cost that fiat transactions cost. Using encrypted means of facilitating transactions, cryptocurrency networks are much more secure than any traditional bank.

• Increased User Engagement And Conversion Rates

The more payment options a company offers, the bigger the net of potential customers and conversion rates. The same is true for a wider range of currencies. By providing more options for customers to choose from, the wider the net of potential profit grows.

• Growth Potential

Change often leads to growth, particularly in saturated, highly competitive markets. Adopting and supporting crypto in business practices puts the company at the forefront of emerging technology, a space many will want to be as the world gets more digital.

• Lower Transaction Fees

Payment networks are notorious for charging high fees when receiving transactions, however, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies typically charge a much lower percentage. Tap has recently opened a channel for companies to conduct crypto business activities, and charges as low as 1.00% fees on transactions for business accounts.  

The Cons Of Crypto In Business

Of course, there is always a downside to everything. Below we look at some of the risks associated with incorporating cryptocurrencies in business.

• Volatility

Cryptocurrencies have become synonymous with volatility, as the markets move to match supply and demand. Each market has been known to go through stages of increased price movement, however, analysts remain certain that while short term volatility is imminent, long term growth is on the cards.

• Consider Your Target Market

Not everyone has jumped on the crypto bandwagon so it is best to assess whether your clientele would be interested in such an option. If your business is catered to a predominantly older demographic then perhaps incorporating crypto as a payment option is not the best move.

• Security Is Your Responsibility

In the past, many people have lost their crypto portfolios due to lost private keys or hacks. With cryptocurrency, the onus lies on the holder to maintain adequate security measures in order to ensure the safety of the funds. Thankfully, Tap’s business section bypasses with cold storage of your cryptocurrencies assets and state of the art security.  

Conclusion

After evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating cryptocurrency into your business, take a moment to determine if this decision aligns with your company's strategic direction. If you're considering integrating this modern payment system into your business operations, consider Tap as your solution to handle your requirements and provide the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of cryptocurrencies in your business.

Investing is not as easy as the internet makes it seem, with every profit comes plenty of research behind it. Not to mention all the strategies. Similar to trading, investing can at times be time-consuming and demanding. While investing, whether in the stock market or cryptocurrencies or any other asset classes, is beneficial in so many aspects, it can also come with some trial and error. In this article, we take a look at the time-tested dollar-cost averaging and explain why this is considered to be a low-risk strategy.

What is DCA?

DCA is an abbreviation for dollar-cost averaging. You may be wondering what DCA is? To put it simply, DCA is an investment strategy that sees people investing gradually over time rather than dropping a lump sum of money into assets.

Let's say an investor has a total of $10,000 to invest monthly, lump-sum investing would see them entering all that money into an asset market while DCA would have them investing $500 each week or month. Not only does DCA provide your leeway to pay your bills while still investing, but it also protects you from excess loss. While lump-sum investing does have its perks, it also has the potential for big losses.

By investing only what you are willing to lose, you are at no risk of financially crippling yourself. DCA ensures you do not lose all your money on an investment, whereas one wrong trade in lump sum trading can greatly set you back. DCA is a great way for newbies to test the markets and trust in an investment before moving forward, seasoned traders are also a fan of DCA as it allows them to diversify their funds in a more structured way. 

The point of DCA is to avoid market watching and big losses, DCA is the practice of routinely investing smaller amounts, timed over regular intervals, regardless of price. This typically allows the investor to buy an asset at an average cost of a long period of time.

Why and how to use DCA

The how is easily answered, as already stated prior, it is as simple as allocating a set amount aside each month with the plan to invest. You invest your set amount a month routinely, regardless of the price, growing your total shares. But the real question is why? Why is this strategy so popular and why is it so highly recommended? Let's get into it. 

The benefits right from the get-go are clear, you hold less risk of losing everything at once. As the traders' tale goes, only put in what you are willing to lose. Lump-sum investments do not take this approach with caution, putting it all on the line, or a large portion at least.

DCA means that you are continuously putting in small amounts that do not greatly limit your day-to-day life while still growing the value of your portfolio. DCA is a longer-term investment strategy. It also eliminates some of the risks involved with investing.

With DCA, the markets don't matter, you are buying your assets at whatever price they are at and reaping the profits when the price climbs. But also, by purchasing every week rather than all at once, you have the option and ability to buy in on the volatile markets getting better prices per share than someone who puts it all in at once.

This strategy also helps you manage emotional investing, forcing you to hold onto your investment despite FUD being spread, ensuring you don't sell low or buy high.

The DCA conclusion

While there are many investment strategies out there, this is a favoured strategy by many investors, that is not to say it is the only or best strategy, just one to consider. There are many perks that come with DCA, and that's what we wanted to highlight in this piece for you today. DCA provides a sense of commitment that is hard to find, ensuring you secure your space in the market without any added risks. There will always be risks involved with investing, but the DCA strategy finds some ways to minimise those risks in comparison.

You've likely heard a Bitcoin maximalist tell you that crypto is the future and will eventually replace fiat currencies. While that's unlikely to happen overnight or any time soon, we're exploring the question looking at many factors that will contribute to this tech-forward proposition. 

While investor interest has certainly infiltrated mainstream culture, cryptocurrencies need to overcome several obstacles before they become a viable replacement. The obstacles include practical application, a willingness from merchants to embrace digital currencies, the market's volatility, and usability. Bearing that in mind, there have still been a number of shifts indicating that crypto adoption is certainly on the cards.

El Salvador Legalises Bitcoin

In June 2021, the president of the small Central American country, Nayib Bukele, announced that Bitcoin would officially be accepted as legal tender. The president also announced plans to create a Bitcoin City with the intention of becoming "the financial centre of the world.". 

Rolling out a number of services to support this concept, including a national wallet named Chivo, the endeavour cost a large amount of taxpayers' money, and not all were happy about this. 

On the other hand, Bukele was praised for being a revolutionary in the tech field, and a pioneer in the movement to shift from fiat to crypto. It's worth noting that there were mixed reactions on both sides of the crypto fence, some favouring the movement while others expressed concern over it being too premature. 

New York Mayor Accepts Salary In Crypto

In a move to make New York City the crypto capital of the world, the current mayor, Eric Adams, has stuck to his word and accepted his salary in crypto. As part of his campaign, the politician promised to accept his first three paychecks in cryptocurrency and received his first instalment in a combination of Bitcoin and Ethereum in January. 

Adams has also been vocal about his support for the NYC Coin, a digital currency that would take on similar functions as the Miami Coin released in 2021. Adams confirmed in a statement:

"New York is the centre of the world, and we want it to be the centre of cryptocurrency and other financial innovations. Being on the forefront of such innovation will help us create jobs, improve our economy, and continue to be a magnet for talent from all over the globe."

Rise In CBDCs

Venezuela is another country to adopt a pro-crypto attitude albeit born from less savoury conditions. Following a bout of hyperinflation, many turned to cryptocurrency as an alternative store of value, and as an income source as mining in the area with such low electricity prices was very lucrative. 

This eventually led to the country creating its own digital currency, the Petro, released in 2018. Cryptocurrencies released by the government in this nature are referred to as central bank digital currencies, CBDCs. 

The Bahamas and Nigeria also recently released their pilot central bank digital currencies to test the functionality and national responsiveness of the people. The "Sand Dollar" in The Bahamas is believed to be born from a combination of centralized banks being destroyed by hurricanes and accessibility to money across the various islands. 

Nigeria confirmed that the move was in line with needing a more digital approach to finances as the country has a considerably young population (in 2020, 43% of the population was aged 0 - 14 years).

A number of other countries have also announced plans to "explore" CBDcs, with China also currently rolling out a pilot program in several cities across the country. Decentralized digital currencies play an advantageous role over fiat currencies in countries affected by corruption and with largely remote areas. 

The Future Of Crypto

The future looks bright for the integration of cryptocurrencies into our traditional financial space. While it's unlikely that crypto will entirely replace fiat currencies (anytime soon or ever) it is likely that they can work alongside each other. With the rise in CBDCs around the world and the increase in mainstream crypto integration, the world has certainly taken notice of the vast benefits of using cryptocurrencies and the innovation in the space. 

Tap remains ahead of the curve with its mobile app allowing users to pay for everything using cryptocurrencies from their portfolios. Simply select which cryptocurrency you would like to use and Tap will liquidate it for the local currency of the relevant account and send the required amount of fiat funds without any hassle for you. Simple and efficient, Tap is paving the way for the future. 

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Never underestimate the power of emotions and trading. While this might sound redundant, emotions play a much larger role in decision making than most might like to admit, and crypto trading is no exception. In order to make successful decisions, traders need to avoid the emotional rollercoaster and learn to look at the markets objectively. 

Here we will show you how to master the emotional pitfalls of decision making when it comes to trading, a skill every successful trader has acquired at some point in their journey. Outlined below are several points one can incorporate into their trading practices, whether trading daily or once a month. 

Outline Your Trading Goals

Before you implement any of these strategies into your trading practices, first establish what your trading goals are. Are you looking to make small returns on short term trades, or are you looking to make smart decisions over a long period of time? When it comes to mastering emotional management in trading you will need to ensure that every decision is in the best interests of your ultimate goal.

Black And White

Learn to remove the grey areas when it comes to decision making and view crypto trading in black and white, i.e. trade like a robot. By incorporating a systematic and rule-based approach to trading you can automatically alleviate the grey areas, this might include algorithms and computer-executed trading strategies. 

Red Light, Green Light

Colours play a huge role in our psyche and can often trigger an emotional response. For instance, if you see a big red candle this will likely stir feelings attached to danger, stopping and signs of warning. Don’t fall into the trap of allowing this to trigger you, and the same goes for seeing green candles. Don’t allow these colours to trigger your emotions and make decisions that deviate from your end goal. 

Axiomatic Framework

Solidify a set of rules for your trading practices that provide unquestionable pathways through which you can trade. For example, set up entries, exits, risk limits and stop orders. Also look at establishing rules in advance around when to exit a trade if it moves favourably or unfavourably, and what your risk parameters are. 

If a trade does not entirely meet all the predetermined criteria you established, do not enter a trade. 

Take A Break

If you’re on a bad streak, consider taking a break from trading activities to re-centre. This practice is used by risk managers on trading floors and is referred to as cut-offs. If a trader is experiencing a poor performance streak they will be moved to a demo trading model until they start to perform better, this also might include taking a break completely. 

Self Reflect On Behavioural Shortcomings

Dig deep to find what reactions you make when faced with emotions such as greed or fear. Attempt to learn as much as possible about your behavioural patterns when trading so that once triggered you can learn to recognise these patterns so as not to fall victim to your own emotional responses. 

Balance

Don’t underestimate the power of balance as it plays an imperative role when it comes to clear judgement, reason and logic. When it comes to being a strong athlete, it’s imperative that the athlete needs to be in a good mental space too. The same runs true for being a strong trader, mental (and even physical) strength plays a strong role in overall balance and your ability to function optimally. These positive changes reverberate across all aspects of your life and can certainly have an effect on your trading endeavours.

Master Emotional Management In Trading

Ultimately the most disciplined version of yourself will yield the best results when it comes to trading. Consider improving on all aspects of your life and then implement several strategies listed above and you should be well on your way to an incredibly successful trading path. 
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To learn more about this topic, consider reading “Trading in the Zone” by Mark Douglas and “The Psychology of Trading” by Brett N. Steenbarger.

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

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

What is a Bitcoin Wallet?

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

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

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

How does a Bitcoin wallet work?

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

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

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

What types of Bitcoin wallets UK are available?

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

Hot Wallets

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

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

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

Cold Wallets

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

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

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

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

Finding the best Bitcoin wallet UK

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

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

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

Security and convenience are key

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

När man pratar om att investera i kryptovalutor tänker många antingen på att köpa och hålla krypto – eller på mining. Men visste du att det finns ett annat sätt att tjäna på dina innehav, helt utan att sälja något? Det kallas staking – och det kan ge dig avkastning på dina krypto­tillgångar, helt passivt.

Här förklarar vi allt du behöver veta för att komma igång med staking – även om du är nybörjare. Låt oss dyka in.

Vad är staking?

Staking innebär att du låser dina kryptovalutor i en digital plånbok under en viss tid – och som tack får du belöningar. Du hjälper helt enkelt till att verifiera transaktioner och hålla igång blockkedjan. I gengäld får du betalt, ofta i form av samma kryptovaluta.

Det här bygger på en konsensusmodell som kallas Proof-of-Stake (PoS). I motsats till mining – där datorer tävlar om att lösa matematiska problem – handlar staking om att du bevisar ditt engagemang genom att låsa dina tillgångar.

När du deltar i staking är du alltså med och verifierar transaktioner och stärker säkerheten i nätverket.

Hur fungerar staking?

För dig som användare är staking en passiv process. När du stakar dina tillgångar – det vill säga låser dem i din plånbok – används de av nätverket för att skapa nya block på blockkedjan.

Ditt innehav används som en form av säkerhet, vilket gör att du kan bli vald att verifiera block. När det händer får du en belöning – ungefär som ränta.

Du kan ofta själv välja hur länge du vill låsa dina tillgångar, från några timmar till flera månader eller år. Ju längre du stakar, desto högre blir vanligtvis belöningen.

Fördelar och nackdelar med staking

✅ Fördelar:

• Passiv inkomst – du tjänar medan dina tillgångar ligger still
• Enkelt att komma igång – kräver inga avancerade kunskaper
• Låga eller inga avgifter – många plattformar erbjuder staking direkt i appen
• Hållbart alternativ till mining – energisnålt jämfört med Proof-of-Work

⚠️ Att tänka på:

• Värdevolatilitet – om värdet på valutan faller kan även din belöning minska
• Låst kapital – du kommer inte åt dina stakade tillgångar under perioden
• Olika belöningar – staking-belöningen varierar beroende på vilken valuta och plattform du använder

Är staking lönsamt?

Ja, staking kan vara lönsamt – särskilt för den som redan har kryptotillgångar som stöder staking. Det fungerar ungefär som ränta på ett sparkonto, där du får belöningar baserat på hur mycket och hur länge du stakar.

Om värdet på kryptovalutan ökar under tiden du stakar kan vinsten bli ännu större. Men tänk på att värdet också kan sjunka, vilket kan minska eller till och med äta upp vinsten från staking.

Sammanfattning: vad är staking?

Staking är ett sätt att använda dina kryptotillgångar för att tjäna belöningar och stötta nätverket – ungefär som att få utdelning på aktier eller ränta på ett sparkonto.

Du behöver inte göra något aktivt – bara hålla dina coins på rätt plats under en viss tid. I gengäld får du belöningar från nätverket.