On September 21, the blockchain education-focused Do Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) and decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap together launched an instructional portal.
The release states that Uniswap University plans to employ courses, simulations, and fast guides to develop a systematic learning route for introducing consumers to its V3 exchange. Through the platform, users may learn about a variety of subjects, from “What is a DEX?” to more complex subjects like “Strategy Backtesting Tools,” while simulations that let users experiment with advanced position management tools and add/remove liquidity provide them immediate hands-on experience.
Uniswap instructs users on the principles of being a liquidity provider on V3 in one advanced course. Creators penned:
“In this chapter, we will explore several potential strategies that you, as a liquidity provider, can think about, such as holding (HODL) stable coins, maintaining 50% of two different tokens, possessing 100% of one token, providing wide range liquidity, providing narrow range liquidity, and supplying liquidity in volatile token pools, each of which has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.”
The Business Source License for Uniswap expired earlier this year, enabling programmers to fork the Uniswap V3 protocol and roll out their own DEXs. Uniswap V3 quickly overtook Bitcoin (BTC) in terms of fee generating after its introduction in May 2021. Coins and tokens worth over $451 million were exchanged on the Uniswap V3 Ethereum (ETH) mainnet alone.
Liquidity pools, staking, and DeFi lending make up the $3.2 billion total value locked (TVL) for the V3 protocol. DeFiLlama estimates that the combined income from the Uniswap V1, V2, and V3 protocols is $327 million annually. At the height of the bull market in 2021, the DEX’s highest TVL was $10 billion.
Some fervent admirers of the August 2023-launched cryptocurrency network Friend.tech praise it as the first significant success in the social cryptocurrency sector. The company allegedly generated over $25 million and added over 100,000 users in the first two weeks after introduction. Its early extinction was reported after that, which was then followed by a remarkable rise in popularity.
Blockchain technology is used by social token-driven platforms to enable users, including individuals, brands, and companies, to build and monetize online communities. Supporters see social tokens as a likely major factor in Web3 growth and a critical means of attracting newcomers to the cryptocurrency space. Social tokens enable influencers, producers, and others to monetise a fan base in return for exclusive deals and content. They do this by fusing elements of conventional cryptocurrencies with patronage networks.
Friend.tech’s beta launch is only getting started, but curious people are already looking around for invite codes. But what is this new platform for social cryptography and how does it function?
Users can buy and sell “keys” (previously known as “shares”) that are linked to Twitter (now X) accounts, which grant access to private in-app chatrooms and exclusive content from that X user. Friend.tech bills itself as “the marketplace for your friends.”
On the app, each user has a chat group similar to those on platforms like Telegram. The catch is that in order to access other users’ private chats, users must acquire keys. If they choose to leave the conversation, they can subsequently opt to sell those keys.
This makes Friend.tech comparable to a social media site, or perhaps more precisely, a subset of X. Popular Twitter users have had prior success (and occasionally legal issues) selling coins that they either created themselves or were compensated to promote. These people occasionally used links to unique material to promote the sale of these tokens.
Like many other recent social media platforms, it requires users to have an invite code in order to join. This has helped to contribute to a highly competitive landscape in which eager would-be adopters search for codes, aiding in the promotion of the platform in the process. Friend.tech takes this pre-existing aspect of Twitter and fleshes it out with a set of standardized crypto platform features, including airdropped rewards, fee sharing, and more. Once within the program, a new user bridges ether from Arbitrum to the basic wallet address and joins their Google and X accounts. They are now prepared to start trading keys and taking part in private conversations.
A browser-based application called Friend.tech was created on the Base network, an Ethereum scaling network made available by cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase.
Quick Growth
The social token platform Friend.tech is not the first to garner a lot of interest. comparable efforts were made in the latter half of 2022 by a platform named Roll, which sought to give users access to the on-chain capacity needed to support subscriber tiers comparable to those offered by the well-known Web2 site Patreon.
But Friend.tech’s expansion has outpaced that of other social token platforms. Two weeks after its debut, Friend.tech reportedly made $1 million in fees, or 5% of each transaction’s value, in a single 24-hour period. After deducting petrol prices and other expenses, that amounts to a profit in ether of more than $700,000.
And in a similar amount of time, Friend.tech has already paid some of its top earners a sizeable sum. Particularly among the top passive earners, influencers in esports have climbed quickly through the rankings, making tens of thousands of dollars apiece in a matter of days. Each time a user’s private chat keys are purchased or sold, they get fees.
Participants in the Friend.tech ecosystem have an extra motivation since users who are labeled as “creators” (as opposed to “followers”) see crucial prices rise as their networks get bigger. The makers gain from this since they receive greater incentives in the form of payments. But if they decide to sell their keys, presuming they have increased in value since they were initially bought, it also helps their followers. The idea of a bonding curve is used to calculate the cost of keys.
Possible issues
Others in the crypto world could be wary of Friend.tech for a variety of reasons. One, there is a strong possibility for manipulation of different types, as with any relatively new crypto network. Users need to be cautious while considering offers that look unreal.
The fact that Friend.tech underwent a rebranding and redesign just a few months before the beta launch is another facet of the service that could cause some prospective customers to hesitate. The site was previously known as Stealcam, a “steal to reveal” system that allowed users to sell selfies and other photographs.
Sustainability is more of an issue for Friend.tech’s anonymous founders. In reality, a co-founder by the name of Racer told Decrypt that the platform’s first launch was only meant to be used for load testing, hence the fact that it became popular as a result was unexpected. Over the past two weeks, there has been a frenzied scramble to attempt to grow the platform’s infrastructure and solve problems as they arise.
Others have compared the rapidly expanding platform to a Ponzi scheme, pointing out that if you invest in one user’s keys and other investors do as well, the value of those keys increases. There is a belief that by directly and solely correlating the worth of keys to the number of investors in those keys, the system would eventually collapse, causing a rush to sell keys. Others have argued that the platform might not succeed since there isn’t a strong incentive for people to utilize it long-term.
In a pilot, working with the shipping giant Maersk and a canal authority, Citi employed smart contracts to fulfill the same function as bank guarantees and letters of credit.
The largest U.S. bank Citigroup (C) announced on Monday that it has begun offering institutional clients a tokenization service utilizing blockchain technology and smart contracts for cash management and trade finance.
According to the bank, the smart contracts have the same function as letters of credit and bank guarantees.
In a pilot, the bank collaborated with a canal authority and the shipping giant Maersk in an effort to speed up the procedures, which are often drawn out and laborious due to the paperwork and manual procedures required.
“Institutional clients have a need for ‘always-on,’ programmable financial services, and Citi Token Services will provide cross-border payments, liquidity, and automated trade finance solutions on a 24/7 basis,” the bank stated.
Eclipse, the Ethereum layer-2 network project, is gearing up for its mainnet launch, and it’s turning to Solana’s tech stack for execution. The project aims to go live before the year comes to a close, leveraging the strengths of both Ethereum and Solana.
A Modular Approach to Blockchain Stack
Traditional blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, handle execution, settlement, consensus, and data availability within a single layer. In contrast, modular blockchains, such as Eclipse, break down these tasks into specific layers. Neel Somani, the founder of Eclipse, asserts that all layer-2 solutions should be viewed as “modular blockchains,” emphasizing the separation of execution from settlement.
Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) Powers Execution
Eclipse’s mainnet will employ Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) for execution, the crucial layer that governs transaction code and rules. Unlike Ethereum’s sequential transaction execution, Solana’s parallel execution environment allows for processing more transactions at a lower cost. Additionally, the “local fee markets” feature ensures that high activity in one application doesn’t impact fees for others.
Risc Zero: Enhancing Proving for Eclipse
The proving layer for Eclipse will be powered by Risc Zero, contributing to the modular design of the blockchain. This layer is essential for verifying the correctness and authenticity of transactions within the network.
Settlement on Ethereum with an Eye on EIP-4844
Settlement, a pivotal aspect of the blockchain, will take place on Ethereum, leveraging its robust security properties. Eclipse acknowledges the importance of Ethereum’s ongoing upgrades, with a keen eye on the potential migration to Ethereum’s Data Availability (DA) layer in the future. The team closely monitors Ethereum’s EIP-4844 upgrade, recognizing the need for scalability in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Data Availability from Celestia: A Trust-Minimized Approach
Celestia provides the data availability (DA) layer for Eclipse, utilizing Data Availability Sampling (DAS) instead of a Data Availability Committee (DAC). This approach minimizes trust assumptions, a distinctive feature compared to many rollup solutions prevalent in the blockchain space.
In conclusion, Eclipse’s adoption of Solana’s tech stack, coupled with a modular design philosophy, positions it as a promising player in the evolving landscape of layer-2 solutions. The combination of Solana’s efficient execution and Ethereum’s robust settlement, along with innovative approaches to proving and data availability, sets the stage for a dynamic mainnet launch. As the project continues to evolve, the team remains vigilant about industry developments, particularly Ethereum’s upgrades, ensuring scalability and adaptability in the ever-changing blockchain ecosystem.
In a significant move towards expanding its presence in Europe, Kraken has secured an EU e-money license, setting the stage for offering its services in Spain and Ireland.
Regulatory Triumph in Spain
Kraken’s recent success involves securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the Bank of Spain, a pivotal step in their European strategy.
Curtis Ting, Kraken’s VP for Global Operations, expressed the importance of this milestone, stating, “Today’s announcement marks another important milestone in our European expansion strategy.”
Comprehensive European Presence
This achievement complements Kraken’s existing VASP licenses in Italy and Ireland. The acquired license empowers the exchange to provide digital asset exchange and custodial wallet services to citizens, solidifying its foundation in the European market.
Ting emphasized Kraken’s vision for substantial growth in both Spain and Ireland, with plans for further investments across Europe.
Ireland’s EMI License Opens Doors to Wider Growth
In Ireland, Kraken’s subsidiary has been granted an EU e-money license by the central bank. This license categorizes Kraken as an E-money institution (EMI), providing access to 27 EU countries and Economic Areas.
Financial Services Expansion
The EMI license enhances Kraken’s financial services, allowing for an expanded range of fiat services in collaboration with local banks. This strategic move aligns with Kraken’s commitment to diversify its services, including ventures into the evolving world of web3 and non-fungible tokens.
Ting highlighted the significance of the exchange’s position on EUR pairs, emphasizing round-the-clock client services that add value to European clients.
Firms Flocking to Europe: A Trend
Recent months have witnessed a surge in firms announcing European expansion plans, citing favorable markets, policies, and regulatory landscapes.
Impact of Crypto Legislation
The emergence of landmark crypto legislation, particularly the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), has played a pivotal role. MiCA provides a comprehensive framework for exchanges, stablecoins, and other web3 services, fostering a conducive environment for crypto businesses.
Coinbase and Ripple Join the Wave
Coinbase, following Kraken’s footsteps, recently concluded its registration in Spain as part of a global crypto expansion strategy. Ripple’s co-founder, Chris Larsen, has also applauded the fintech development in the UK, likening it to a hub comparable to Silicon Valley.
In conclusion, Kraken’s strategic moves in Spain and Ireland mark a significant step in its broader European expansion strategy. The crypto industry’s focus on Europe underscores the region’s growing importance as a hub for innovation and regulatory clarity. As firms like Kraken continue to navigate and contribute to this landscape, the crypto space in Europe is poised for continued growth in the years ahead.
MicroStrategy, a software company known for its bullish stance on Bitcoin, has announced that it has purchased an additional 5,445 BTC for $150 million since August. This brings MicroStrategy’s total Bitcoin holdings to over 130,000 BTC.
The purchase comes at a time when the Bitcoin market is in a bear market, with prices down significantly from their all-time highs. However, MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor has repeatedly said that the company believes Bitcoin is a long-term store of value and a hedge against inflation.
MicroStrategy’s latest Bitcoin purchase has been met with mixed reactions from the market. Some analysts have praised the company for its long-term conviction in Bitcoin, while others have criticized the company forinvesting in a volatile asset during a bear market.
It is still too early to say whether MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investment will pay off in the long run. However, the company’s latest purchase is a sign that it remains bullish on Bitcoin, even in the face of short-term volatility.
What does MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investment mean for the market?
Overall, MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investment is a bullish sign for the market. It shows that institutional investors are interested in Bitcoin and that they believe it has the potential to be a long-term store of value.
Stablecoins have emerged as a driving force in the realm of cryptocurrencies, offering stability and reliability in an otherwise volatile landscape. The joint endeavor by Binance and MUTB aims to leverage these attributes to enhance cross-border trade settlement for businesses while providing seamless crypto transactions for retail investors.
The Progmat Coin Platform: A Game-Changer
One of the key components of this initiative is the Progmat Coin platform, which will be utilized by the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation. This platform is set to pioneer the development of stablecoins under Japan’s recently revised and enforced Payments Services Act. The legislation, which came into effect in June, marks a significant milestone by allowing Japanese banks and regulated crypto providers to issue stablecoins.
A Multifaceted Approach to Stablecoin Issuance
Progmat Coin is designed to support stablecoin issuance across multiple networks, including Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Cosmos, and BNB Chain. This multi-network approach is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of the stablecoin concept, catering to various blockchain ecosystems.
The Potential of Japan’s Stablecoin Market
Tatsuya Saito, the Vice President of Product at MUFG, believes that Japan’s stablecoin market has the potential to grow to a staggering 5 trillion yen (approximately $34 billion). This projection equates to around 27% of the estimated current global stablecoin market, which stands at $123.7 billion according to CoinGecko. The Japanese stablecoin market’s immense growth potential showcases the demand for stability and trust in digital currencies.
Expanding Cryptocurrency Offerings in Japan
Amidst growing regulatory pressures in the Western world, Binance made a significant move by offering 34 tokens when it launched its services in the Japanese market in August 2023. This expansion of cryptocurrency offerings demonstrates the exchange’s commitment to serving the Japanese crypto community.
Other Players in the Japanese Stablecoin Arena
Binance and MUFG are not the only players eyeing the Japanese stablecoin market. Orix Bank, another major financial institution in Japan, is reportedly considering plans to issue stablecoins. Their initiative includes testing stablecoins denominated in yen, United States dollars, and other currencies in October, with a prospective launch in 2024. These stablecoins will be backed by fiat deposits, utilizing the Japan Open Chain blockchain developed by Tokyo-based G.U. Technologies and its partners.
Japan’s Proactive Approach to Stablecoins
Japan’s forward-thinking stance on stablecoins extends beyond the private sector. In August, it was reported that Japanese blockchain startup Soramitsu was exploring a stablecoin exchange as part of a cross-border payment system for Asian countries. Additionally, the Japanese government is reportedly planning to permit startups to raise public funds by issuing crypto assets and stablecoins, further cementing Japan’s role as a trailblazer in the world of digital finance.
Conclusion: The Future of Stablecoins in Japan
The collaboration between Binance and the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation represents a significant step forward in the adoption of stablecoins in Japan. With the Progmat Coin platform and the potential for substantial market growth, Japan is poised to become a hub for stablecoin innovation. As these developments unfold, it’s clear that stablecoins are not just a passing trend but a transformative force in the financial ecosystem. Japan is embracing this transformation with open arms, setting the stage for an exciting future in the world of cryptocurrencies.
To spend vouchers in non-fungible token (NFT) form and receive incentives, users of the ride hailing, food delivery, and digital payments app will have access to the Grab Web3 Wallet.
Grab (GRAB) and stablecoin provider Circle want to test a Web3 wallet within the Grab superapp.
The ride hailing, food delivery, and digital payment app users in Singapore will get access to the Grab Web3 Wallet where they may utilize vouchers in non-fungible token (NFT) form and earn prizes and collections, according to the firms. The pilot’s initial phase will take place on September 17 at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Grab is one of Southeast Asia’s most widely used consumer applications with a user base of over 180 million. The USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, which is tied 1:1 to the dollar, is managed by Circle.
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said at Token2049 in Singapore, “I think it’s going to be very easy for us to imagine a world where we can take a billion users and have access to Web3, and therefore have access to transacting stablecoins.” Reporting was assisted by Amitoj Singh.
Korean banks are slowly sinking their toes into the industry, while gaming companies are attempting to profit from the crypto-crazy market.
The overall theme of last week’s Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) event was “Keep building,” which was a full 180 from the considerably flashier presentation of the previous year. Local gaming startups dominated the event, offering game applications for the metaverse, arcade, racing, and betting that were developed on networks like Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos, among others.
There were rumblings about Terra, the Do Kwon-run blockchain with a sizable Korean following, whose coins rose to a market valuation of about $40 billion before catastrophically collapsing. Some said it took the industry some time to shake off Kwon’s arrogance, but it was gradually regaining user trust.
According to Hoon Kim, the chief technical officer of blockchain project Astar, “from the discussions I had with the major ecosystem players, it did have a huge impact that forever changed the Korean [decentralized finance, or DeFi] ecosystem for institutions.” “It made it harder for retail investors to consider domestic projects, and companies started to look at all of their options with a critical lens.”
But given that businesses and institutions are focusing more on real-world applications of various discoveries, I would also argue that this is a net good. Therefore, DeFi or anything that depends on the state of the market carries too much risk for firms, Kim continued.
However, residents continued to have strong feelings towards Terra. Some others said they felt misled and anticipated better behavior from Kwon, a Korean.
Korean banks are thus slowly putting their toes into the sector. On stage on Tuesday, California-based cryptocurrency custodian BitGo said that it has reached a strategic business partnership with Hana Bank, a South Korean commercial bank.
The agreement encompasses tech partnerships, security solutions, and a potential joint venture. According to reports, BitGo would also help Hana Bank in the second half of 2024 build custodial services.
Local developers and salesmen told CoinDesk that increased trading activity on regional exchanges is drawing conventional firms’ attention.
“The industry is facing intense scrutiny as a result of Terra’s failure. However, there is still a lot of trading going on, according to NFTBank’s chief operating officer, Jen Kim. “In actuality, Upbit has recently noticed an upsurge in trade volume. Korea therefore still has the chance to contribute significantly to raising the market.
Prices of the closely similar XRP coins rose in July as a result of a successful court battle involving Ripple Labs, with local market UpBit recording $2.5 billion in volumes over a 24-hour period.
On the application side, publicly traded Korean game developer Neowiz said that its Web3 arm IntellaX intended to develop games on the Avalanche blockchain. One major factor identified was Korea’s thirst for blockchain games and esports, with a sizable fan following for many different gaming cultures and a great deal of consumer curiosity.
‘ETF’ Moments Are Needed in Gaming
Even while blockchain-based gaming was a major subject throughout the conference, some developers argued that the industry could be a little bit overhyped.
According to Kim of Astar, “I wouldn’t say blockchain gaming or NFTs are of enormous interest to users.” Users are seeking out novel experiences more frequently, and as a result, firms are beginning to face less competition in the traditional market.
Many of the most popular blockchain games only have a few hundred to a thousand users, which is a tiny fraction of the number of third-tier conventional games on platforms like Steam. As a result, the industry as a whole is struggling to discover a breakout title.
Kim said, “So, in order for businesses to remain competitive, they are motivated to produce something fresh for a different generation, and it just so happens that blockchain technology is the perfect thing for utilizing the network effect that the younger generations desire.
South Korea Is Still Not a Hub
As a final observation, it should be noted that the event is still very much a Korea Blockchain Week and not a pan-Asia or global gathering like the current Token 2049 conference in Singapore.
Advertising and the trade fair floor were dominated by regional businesses. Given that Korea has a sizable economy and a robust local crypto sector, this is to be expected.
But there is only one market for cryptocurrencies, which is a global industry. In the realm of traditional finance, traders that specialize in investing in developing market financial markets, together with the business of supporting infrastructure, may be seen.
This example doesn’t apply to cryptocurrencies. There isn’t anything comparable to the South-East Asian or African bond or stock markets. Only one cryptocurrency market exists.
Therefore, a localization-centric approach sacrifices liquidity. A cryptocurrency product has a greater likelihood of being abandoned or becoming vapourware the more regionalized it is, with the exception of exchanges that need to focus on licensing and fiat onramps.
Numerous gaming and NFT initiatives attempted to cash in on anything Japanese during the IVS crypto conference held in Kyoto last month, but on-chain data indicates that many of these have now come tumbling down to earth.
The cryptocurrency market is allegedly on the verge of a bull run, according to crypto expert Jason Pizzino.
Pizzino asserted in a recent YouTube video that the market is displaying strength and expansion potential comparable to earlier cycles.
“This is the start of a bull market, just like it happened in the previous cycle and the cycle before that. The beginnings aren’t always as clear.”
He underlined that the early phases of a bull market are over once the market becomes obvious and individual investors begin to invest.
“Once things are clear, that’s the end; that’s when retail is in; that’s when everybody is eager to enter the market because everybody sees the same thing,” the speaker said.
To confirm a bull market, Bitcoin must surpass $28,500
Pizzino asserted that Bitcoin would more convincingly confirm the bull market cycle if it rose beyond the critical $28,500 threshold.
He pointed out that Bitcoin’s (BTC) dip below $25,000 was brief and that it has been above this price for the previous six months.
Pizzino emphasized that in order for the bulls to continue to gather momentum, they still have work to do and must consistently post weekly closes above $26,550.
When we return above the white line at $28,500, he continued, “I can start to toot it.”
“That’s really one of those crucial levels for Bitcoin to begin consolidating above and set in those persistently higher lows before looking to attempt to breach $32,000.”
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is now trading at over $26,600, up about 3% in the last week.
Crypto Traders Await FOMC Decision on Rate Rise
Participants in the cryptocurrency market were excitedly anticipating the United States Federal Reserve’s major macroeconomic announcement for the upcoming week when Pizzino’s study was released.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will set benchmark interest rates on September 20; the markets largely anticipate no change.
The CME FedWatch Tool estimated that when the statistics were published, showing that the consumer price index increased 0.6% in August, its largest monthly jump since 2023, the likelihood of a halt was 97%.
Popular trader Crypto Santa recently stated on X (previously Twitter) that “FOMC and Interest Rate decisions should provoke some volatility, but BTC will likely continue to trade within $25k – $27k in the immediate term…
While $26,000 remained as support, fellow trader Crypto Tony noted two probable situations.
He told X followers, “I am still searching for that fall down to $26,100 and a bounce for a long trigger.
“Either that, or I’ll look too long if we simply regain the $26,600 highs.”
