Peter Curk, CEO of crypto asset management firm ICONOMI, on why it’s time for crypto platforms to grow up
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Despite being around for more than 15 years now, cryptocurrency is still treated as something new. It’s not part of the establishment, despite the fact that it’s rapidly heading that way, and still carries a whiff of rebellion. So, when people talk of crypto investors, the image remains of the young, highly computer-literate, glued to their screens as they mine for tokens and dream of their next big win, no thought of risk in their heads. The capital tells a very different story.
In 2026, the most important crypto users are not the commitment-free youths, but rather the over-35s. The 35-54 age group dominates assets under management (AUM), quietly funding the ecosystem, while being quietly underserved. While younger users hold the most accounts, explore interfaces, and track prices, they lack the disposable income to move into investment. If crypto lay in their hands, the system would rapidly crumble through want of deposits. So, why is it that the active investors, the quiet, patient, systematic, and loyal, are still being next to ignored?
Why the 35-54s Dominate Crypto Investment
If you really think about it, there’s little mystery as to why the 35-54s are playing such an important role in crypto. First, they have capital. By their late 30s and 40s, most people have reached their peak earning years. Their careers are established, their lives are more stable, and their mortgages are becoming more manageable. While most wouldn’t openly state that they have surplus capital, most have a bit ‘put by’ and are looking for ways to help it grow.
Secondly, they have the requisite understanding. This is the generation that grew up alongside technology. Many were early crypto adopters. Others were simply observers, but they understand what happened in the build up to crypto – the dot-com boom and bust, the 2008 financial crisis, and the rise of FinTech. They know the risk of inflation and the need for a hedge when you’re trying to protect your capital. And for many of them, crypto is that hedge, and they treat is seriously.
Thirdly, they have the time to watch their investment grow. They don’t need immediate wins, as nice as that would be. They’re willing to wait for their strategies to come to fruition, even if they’re years in the making. And that’s what makes them so incredibly important to the crypto industry. So, why do crypto companies continue to neglect them?
How the Industry Still Neglects its Biggest Users
Crypto platforms remain almost entirely youth orientated. The interfaces, the gamified rewards, the meme-driven notifications; these are not the tools for calm decision-making, but rather constant and frenetic engagement. The language is built around jargon, slang, and irony, which can’t help but feel childish, like a teen playing up to impress someone a little older. There’s too much bravado and not enough substance, meaning that crypto platforms are entirely missing the mark, chasing customers without money and ignoring the serious investors who have the capital to keep the sector moving.
And this is felt nowhere more than in the lack of service. Structured support, human accountability, and clear escalation pathways are almost entirely lacking from the crypto space. When something goes wrong, users are pushed toward bots, forums, or self-help articles.
While new investors with waiting capital and no experience have no resources available to guide them into crypto investment, so turn to traditional finance instead. Where structure, transparency, and trust were embedded long ago.
Why it’s Time for Crypto Platforms to Grow Up
If crypto truly wants to become part of the financial establishment, rather than endlessly railing against it, it must mature alongside its users. That doesn’t mean abandoning innovation or decentralisation, but rather recognising that credibility relies upon so much than those two factors. It’s about design choices, language, and service.
For crypto companies, this means investing in simplicity, clarity, and usability. Creating a system that values communication, supports investors, builds confidence, and prioritises portfolio health. Where accountability is clear, and platform users can truly understand how risk is managed, and what they can do when something goes wrong.
And this is essential – not for the investors, because when it comes down to it, they are free to take their capital elsewhere. It’s essential because these are the users who are feeding the crypto industry. The 35-54s aren’t a niche to be pandered to if you’re struggling with the rest of the market; they are the stable core of sustainable financial investment that the crypto infrastructure needs. They are doing now what the 20-year-olds the industry is obsessing over will only be able to do in 15-20 years’ time. And with their money, they are bringing legitimacy to industry. But they can – and will – only keep doing that if the crypto space begins to serve them properly.
There’s no question over whether the crypto industry will grow up. It has to. The need for regulatory compliance will eventually see to that. What remains to be seen is whether it will grow up quickly enough to benefit from the continued investment from the people who are currently trying to carry it forward.
Can Taner, Chief Product Officer at Bitpace, analyses the most important shifts in the crypto and payments landscape
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The crypto industry has entered a phase of unbundling. Instead of one-size-fits-all platforms that try to do everything, businesses are looking to specialised providers that solve real-world problems with focus and precision. This shift defines how leading firms now build products: client-first, agile, and compliance-ready by design.
Solving Real Problems with Real Products
The key to building effective crypto payment solutions is understanding what businesses actually need. Payments should help companies operate faster, more efficiently, and at lower cost. Rather than chasing every trend, the focus should be on creating tools that remove friction and add measurable value.
That’s why many providers now offer modular solutions designed to work seamlessly across industries:
Payment gateway – enabling merchants to accept crypto securely, with instant conversion to fiat if needed, reducing volatility risk.
Global settlements – allowing businesses to move funds cross-border quickly and cost-effectively, bypassing traditional bottlenecks.
API integration –giving partners the tools to embed crypto payment functions directly into their platforms, delivering a frictionless experience for end-users.
OTC services –providing access to large-scale crypto trades, executed with discretion, high liquidity, and competitive pricing.
Each product is tailored to solve a specific pain point. Instead of bundling everything into a rigid system, we focus on flexible modules that businesses can adopt individually or together.
Agility and Expertise in Product Development
For providers, being specialised also means being agile. Every client problem requires a different approach, and in-house expertise allows them to respond quickly without compromising quality. From compliance to sales to product development, teams must collaborate to find creative solutions that meet the highest regulatory and technical standards.
This agility is only possible if they invest in deep domain knowledge. Product and engineering teams that understand the nuances of payments, crypto, and regulation can adapt quickly to market changes while keeping compliance at the core of every decision.
How to Launch New Products Effectively
Launching a new product in crypto, or any fast-evolving sector, demands structure and discipline. The most successful teams follow a process that balances creativity with rigour.
Start with ideation. Listen closely to client feedback, analyse emerging trends, and identify where the market still falls short. Great products don’t begin with technology, but with a clear problem to solve.
Do the research. Test assumptions early, model potential use cases, and validate compliance requirements before writing a single line of code. A strong evidence base prevents costly pivots later.
Plan collaboratively. Bring product, legal, compliance, sales, and technology teams together from the outset. Aligning goals across functions ensures that innovation doesn’t come at the expense of security or scalability.
Build with resilience in mind. Security, interoperability, and performance should be built into the product from day one, not retrofitted at the end.
Test thoroughly. Create safe environments to simulate real-world conditions and identify weaknesses before launch. Testing isn’t just a single step, but an ongoing cycle.
Launch deliberately. Roll out in phases, gather user feedback, and support early adopters closely. A careful launch builds trust and sets the stage for sustainable growth.
Each of these stages is designed to reduce risk, accelerate learning, and maximise long-term value, principles that define successful product development in today’s crypto landscape.
How Specialisation Wins
Launching products in crypto is about precision and collaboration. The great unbundling of crypto is rewarding those who specialise, focusing on solutions that solve real business challenges. Specialised providers win because they put the client first. That focus on expertise and flexibility is what defines success in the new era of crypto payments.
FinTech Strategy hears from the experts at DeepL, PagerDuty, Bitpace and Pleo who assess the impact of AI, crypto, stablecoins, tokenised payments and more on financial services in 2026
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Looking back at 2025, it was a pivotal year for financial services. The past 12 months have been marked by growing regulatory pressure, publicised outages, and a renewed focus on decentralised finance. In January, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) officially came into force across the EU, imposing new obligations on banks, insurers, investment firms and their technology providers to better manage ICT risks, report incidents and ensure continuity of operations.
That regulatory shift has come at a time when real-world failures are under intense scrutiny. A report from the Treasury Committee, prompted by a wave of IT glitches, revealed that nine of the UK’s largest banks and building societies suffered at least 803 hours of unplanned outages between January 2023 and February 2025, equivalent to more than 33 days of downtime. Alongside revision of traditional finance strategy, pro-crypto policy emerging from the US with the new administration has also buoyed investor confidence in newer assets like stablecoins, with the global market slated to hit $500 to $750 billion in coming years.
These events have reinforced a hard truth across the sector: digital infrastructure is no longer just a supporting pillar, it is mission-critical. Against this backdrop, many firms are now rethinking how they build, monitor and respond to technology risk. In this transformational moment, the voices below outline why 2026 may well become the year financial services firms turn lessons into lasting change, providing predictions about FS in 2026.
Eduardo Crespo, VP EMEA, PagerDuty:
“By 2026, financial services firms have turned hard-won lessons from the Treasury’s 2025 outage reports into action. Years of costly downtime and lost trust pushed the industry to rebuild around resilience. Always-on access is non-negotiable. Customers leave if they can’t transact in real time, and regulators are watching. In response, banks are overhauling legacy stacks and embedding AI at the core of incident management.
“AI isn’t a pilot project anymore, it’s become part of frontline defence. Systems now detect and diagnose disruption before it happens, enabling predictive maintenance and softening the blow of unplanned events. In 2026, resilience is a competitive edge.”
Anil Oncu, CEO, Bitpace:
“By 2026, digital assets will no longer be considered emerging. They will be fully embedded in mainstream finance. The shift is accelerating, driven by clearer regulation and stronger institutional participation across the US, UK and Europe. Pro-crypto policy is now the backbone of a global effort to build stablecoin-powered commerce at scale.
“In the UK, the Bank of England’s decision to allow stablecoin reserves to be held in short-term government debt is a significant signal of confidence. In the US, the GENIUS Act provides long-overdue oversight for dollar-backed tokens and replaces years of ambiguity with a clear path to legitimacy and widespread adoption.
“As global stablecoin supply moves beyond $300 billion, these digital dollars will support a rapidly increasing share of cross-border transactions. They reduce fees, eliminate settlement friction, and outperform traditional rails in both speed and transparency. At the same time, regulators are finally moving in the right direction. Stablecoins are moving from a speculative tool into a trusted infrastructure layer for modern payments.
“By 2026, digital assets will no longer sit alongside traditional finance. They will power its next phase of development. Stablecoins, crypto ETFs, and tokenised payments will be used directly within the financial stack and will be part of everyday business and consumer activity worldwide. This is not hype. It is execution, and the market is already moving.”
Ed Crook, VP Strategy & Operations, DeepL:
“2026 will be make-or-break for many financial services providers. In a competitive market, the edge goes to providers who adopt useful AI to cut through inefficient workflows. In this sector, where every interaction is highly regulated and reputational risk is acute, businesses need the right tools for the job. This includes data protection, account security, compliance, IT ops and customer service – keeping fundamental lines of communication open and effective. These are all areas where AI is already solving critical problems.
“AI is fast becoming the connective tissue of international finance, and this trend will continue in 2026, particularly in customer engagement and operational support. Our FS research found that over a third (37%) of client interactions in UK finance already involve AI. Over half (52%) use AI for multilingual translation, the top use case, directly addressing linguistic fragmentation. Moving into the new year, Language AI will be a key practical tool for financial services firms. But these companies first need to iron out their strategy around AI integration. Staff will inevitably look for workarounds if the tools provided don’t meet their needs. This is why companies need to get ahead by providing secure, fit-for-purpose solutions. By building a collaborative approach between IT and frontline teams, and avoiding pitfalls around shadow AI, financial service firms can maintain a unified, strategy approach to AI deployment, protecting against cybersecurity threats, while still realising the full benefits of trusted AI.”
Jeppe Rindom, CEO and Co-Founder, Pleo:
“Automation and “agentification” will redefine the fintech landscape. Most of what’s considered operational today will be handled by intelligent systems, from finance ops to customer support. That playing field will level and expectations will rise.
“To stand out, companies will need to inject identity – the one thing only humans can create. That could be through exceptional product design and user experience, considered use of human touchpoints where emotion and trust matter most, or the depth in which problems are solved for customers, not just how fast they can be solved.
“As the average becomes automated, greatness will come from creativity, clarity and crafting products and experiences that still feel unmistakably human.”
The Next 12 Months
The start of 2026 marks a massive turning point for financial services. After a year defined by renewed pressure on service uptime and improvement, around outages, regulatory pressure and rapid technological acceleration, the industry is now moving from reaction to reinvention.
In the coming year, we’ll see that firms embedding resilience, embracing intelligent automation and identifying new trends in service provision will lead the pack. The future of finance will hinge on trust, modernisation and operational strength, backed by technology.
After a turbulent few years, the crypto sector looks on the cusp of another period of boom. Yet, according to Anthony Yeung, Chief Commercial Officer at CoinCover, the success of this next phase will hinge on embedding responsibility and accountability at its core.
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A few years ago, the crypto sector found itself grappling with a profound image crisis. A series of high-profile scandals, widespread misconceptions about its place within the broader financial system, and a glaring absence of regulatory oversight led many to dismiss the space as a haven for tech-savvy opportunists peddling dubious tokens in a never-ending cycle of ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes.
Fast forward to 2025, and while some of that baggage lingers, public understanding of crypto and its underlying value has matured considerably. Endorsements from major governments, coupled with rising levels of institutional investment, have helped to temper concerns about crypto’s legitimacy and long-term role in the financial ecosystem. Nevertheless, questions around trust and transparency continue to cast a shadow over its progress.
A Collective Effort
It’s clear that crypto remains a hotbed of innovation, much of it focused on attracting more individuals and businesses into the ecosystem. However, alongside the development of cutting-edge solutions, the sector must also dedicate time and effort to rebuilding and strengthening its public image. As we enter this next phase of growth, reinforcing trust and public confidence is just as vital as technological progress.
At CoinCover, we believe that tackling this trust deficit could be the key to unlocking the next billion users of cryptocurrency. Driving such a shift will require more than just our efforts. As an industry, crypto must urgently find more effective ways to tell its story showcasing not only its value but also its security. A collective, coordinated effort from stakeholders across the ecosystem is essential to reshape public perception and build lasting confidence.
The Path to the Next Billion Crypto Users
That sentiment is unlikely to raise eyebrows. From my experience, there’s broad agreement that crypto must do more to manage how it’s perceived by those outside the space. Yet, when it comes to charting a path forward, consensus becomes far more elusive. Chief among the contentious issues is the role of external regulation; a topic that continues to divide opinion across the sector and spark lively debate.
Unlike just a few years ago, when regulation in the crypto space was minimal, businesses today face a growing list of compliance demands. Moreover, expectations are mounting that regulatory oversight will only become more stringent in the months and years ahead. For many within the sector, this external scrutiny sits uneasily alongside the original ethos and mission of cryptocurrencies.
Evolution, Not Revolution
Many crypto OGs acknowledge that the space was born out of a desire for decentralisation, autonomy, and freedom from traditional financial systems. Yet, as with many movements, that founding mission has evolved over time. Today, crypto no longer exists as a siloed alternative but is increasingly integrated into the broader financial ecosystem that supports the modern global economy.
While for some the merits of this evolution remain up for debate, its reality is undeniable. For those of us committed to broadening access to the benefits of cryptocurrency, this moment presents more opportunity than challenge. In terms of user access, the crypto space has reached heights few could have expected. The ideology that shaped the sector’s early days need not be discarded, but elements of it must evolve to reflect the times we live in.
Responsible Regulation
At present, regulation represents the key tension point between these two opposing worldviews. For some, external oversight undermines the very essence of crypto. For others, the wave of incoming compliance offers much-needed validation, a chance for the sector to shed its chequered reputation and re-emerge as a more trusted, credible, and accessible solution for the next billion global users.
As a long-time crypto enthusiast, I appreciate the merits of both sides of the debate. At the same time, I’m realistic enough to acknowledge that the genie is well and truly out of the bottle. There’s no turning back the clock on regulation – and perhaps nor should there be. While few within the sector would advocate for overly stringent measures, there is a clear and pressing need for measures to be introduced and upheld that incentivise good behaviour across the board.
Unlocking the Next Wave of Users
Embracing responsible compliance, and viewing its introduction as an opportunity rather than a threat would mark a positive step forward for the sector. Additionally, it would help initiate the much-needed process of reshaping crypto’s public image: one that reflects a commitment to accountability, long-term growth, and sustainable progress. It could prove crucial as the sector looks to unlock the next billion global users.
At CoinCover, we’re committed to helping shape the conversation around this issue. In the months ahead, we aim to engage openly with all sides of the debate; from regulators to crypto companies. By fostering dialogue across the ecosystem, we believe we can play a constructive role in helping the sector reach a more balanced, sustainable equilibrium — one that serves the interests of all stakeholders, and most importantly, its users.
Osama Bari, Chief Technology Officer at D24 Fintech on the need for cybersecurity advancement to support the rise of crypto adoption
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Cryptocurrency adoption has accelerated dramatically, rising in popularity in recent years. Yet the sector remains a prime target for cyberattacks. As digital assets grow in value and popularity, the stakes for both exchanges and users have never been higher. High-profile incidents, such as the CoinDCX breach in July, which saw hackers steal $44 million without touching user wallets, Phemex losing $69 million in a crypto heist, and WazirX losing $230 million, demonstrate the sophisticated tactics cybercriminals now employ.
Similarly, the Bybit hack exposed vulnerabilities in multi-signature authorisation and user interface (UI) spoofing. This highlights how even experienced professionals can be caught off guard.
These events underscore the urgent need for exchanges and financial institutions to prioritise security. They must implement robust protocols, and adopt comprehensive risk-management strategies. There are several core areas where crypto platforms can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Protocols
It is vital for exchanges to implement multi-party approval systems for all transactions. By using threshold-based authorisation, combined with real-time monitoring of deposits and withdrawals, platforms can identify unusual activity and flag it for manual verification. Each withdrawal should undergo a transaction audit score assessment before processing. Such measures are critical for preventing attacks that exploit UI vulnerabilities or other operational oversights. This ensures that no single point of failure can compromise user assets.
Another essential safeguard is two-factor authentication (2FA). While a long-established security measure, its importance in protecting accounts and verifying users cannot be overstated. By requiring a second form of identification, exchanges can ensure only authorised personnel access accounts and manage balances. In practice, this simple but effective layer of protection increases the difficulty for hackers. It demonstrates an exchange’s commitment to protecting its customers’ funds. All financial providers should offer 2FA as a baseline security measure.
Custodians also play a vital role in mitigating risks. For many exchanges, especially those handling large volumes of assets, partnering with a trusted custodian provides additional security and oversight. Custodians safeguard digital assets on behalf of clients, reducing exposure to theft, loss, or mismanagement. In the aftermath of this year’s prominent hacks, the value of external support becomes clear. Custodians enable exchanges to focus on customer experience and platform innovation while ensuring that user funds remain secure.
A further innovation gaining traction is liveness verification, which confirms user identity through biometric measures such as facial recognition or fingerprints. With roughly 40% of banks having implemented this measure to counter fraud – up from 26% five years ago – crypto platforms have an opportunity to follow suit. Liveness checks provide an additional barrier to attackers who might otherwise exploit compromised passwords, keys, or devices. The uniqueness of biometric identifiers ensures that users’ accounts are better protected against increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
Centralised cryptocurrency exchanges (CEXs) continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of attacks. Security must be embedded into operational design. The recent incidents highlight the effectiveness of CEXs’ ability to freeze or recover stolen assets quickly. By collaborating with other platforms and utilising centralised oversight, these exchanges can mitigate the impact of breaches. As crypto continues to gain mainstream traction, balancing decentralisation with strong security infrastructure is essential to maintaining investor trust and market stability.
A Holistic Approach to Crypto Security
Beyond these specific measures, exchanges must also adopt holistic cybersecurity strategies. Key steps include thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities. Rigorous protection of private keys through encryption and secure storage. Robust wallet security with multi-factor authentication. And secure transaction protocols including encryption and transaction signing. Regular updates to software and firmware, coupled with continuous network monitoring using intrusion detection systems and threat intelligence feeds, further strengthen a platform’s defence.
Data encryption and access control are critical to prevent unauthorised access. Furthermore, periodic security audits and assessments ensure protocols remain effective as threats evolve. Smart contract and token security, secure coding practices, and rigorous testing must also be prioritised to safeguard DeFi applications and other blockchain-based services. Importantly, exchanges should implement backup and recovery protocols to safeguard against potential data loss. And maintain clear incident response plans to mitigate the impact of any breach.
Educating users remains an underappreciated but crucial aspect of crypto security. Platforms should guide strong password practices, phishing awareness, software updates, and overall security hygiene. Well-informed users are an integral layer of defence, reducing the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks or credential theft.
Finally, regulatory compliance is indispensable. Exchanges operating within clear legal frameworks and adhering to anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and data protection regulations significantly reduce risk exposure. Partnering with reputable security vendors and maintaining open lines of communication with regulators can enhance both operational security and market credibility.
Learning from Previous Incidents
The CoinDCX incident serves as a cautionary tale. By exploiting vulnerabilities without ever accessing individual wallets, attackers demonstrated high-value, sophisticated hacks can occur even in the absence of traditional breaches. This reinforces the point that centralised oversight, real-time monitoring, and rapid response protocols are crucial in mitigating damage and protecting customer assets. Exchanges that fail to implement these measures risk not only financial loss but also erosion of trust, which is arguably a more severe long-term consequence.
As cryptocurrencies increasingly integrate into institutional portfolios and mainstream finance, robust security is no longer optional; it is fundamental. Investors, funds, and enterprise clients require assurance that digital assets are safeguarded. And that exchanges and custodians adhere to industry-leading security standards. Platforms that prioritise security will not only protect their customers but also foster broader adoption and confidence in the market.
The Path Forward
The evolution of crypto security is a continuous process. While decentralised networks inherently resist certain forms of attack due to their distributed structure, the human, operational, and software layers of the ecosystem remain vulnerable. The combination of multi-party approval systems, 2FA, custodian partnerships, biometric verification, continuous monitoring, and regulatory compliance provides a robust framework for mitigating these risks.
The message is clear: security must be embedded into the DNA of every crypto platform. Only through a proactive, multi-layered approach can the industry protect its users, maintain trust, and continue to grow sustainably. As high-profile breaches like CoinDCX, WazirX, Phemex, and Bybit demonstrate, the cost of complacency is far too great. By prioritising security today, exchanges not only defend against current threats but also lay the foundation for the future of a resilient, trustworthy crypto ecosystem.
About D24 Fintech
D24 Fintech focuses on developing innovative technological solutions for the evolving digital and fintech landscape.
By leveraging innovation and emerging technologies, D24 Fintech engineers integrated solutions designed to enhance transactional security, streamline digital payments, and improve operational efficiency. With a global perspective and a customer-first approach, D24 Fintech aims to redefine industry standards and drive innovation into fintech ecosystems.
D24 Fintech’s digital solutions include developing advanced technological platforms and management tools, and more.
As cryptocurrency continues its march toward mainstream adoption in 2025, selecting a reliable, high-performing exchange has never been more critical….
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As cryptocurrency continues its march toward mainstream adoption in 2025, selecting a reliable, high-performing exchange has never been more critical. With factors like security, liquidity, user experience, and range of offerings playing a pivotal role, here are the top five crypto exchanges currently leading the industry.
1. Binance
Overview: Still the largest exchange globally by trading volume, Binance offers a comprehensive platform that serves both retail and institutional traders.
Key Features:
Over 600 cryptocurrencies supported.
Advanced trading tools including spot, margin, and futures trading.
Binance Earn, Launchpad, and Staking features for passive income.
Highly competitive fees, starting at 0.1%.
Security & Regulation: Binance has faced regulatory scrutiny in various countries but continues to work toward greater transparency and compliance. It holds licenses in several jurisdictions and maintains a robust SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users) for emergencies.
2. Coinbase
Overview: Widely regarded as the go-to platform for beginners, Coinbase maintains its stronghold in North America with a user-friendly interface and strong regulatory standing.
Key Features:
Offers 150+ digital assets.
Integrated with Coinbase Wallet for decentralised applications.
Recurring buys, portfolio tracking, and robust mobile apps.
Listed on NASDAQ, ensuring public transparency.
Security & Regulation: Coinbase is regulated by U.S. authorities and is one of the few exchanges with full AML/KYC compliance. It employs best-in-class security practices, including cold storage for over 98% of customer funds.
3. Kraken
Overview: Kraken is a favorite among institutional and advanced traders thanks to its robust features and reputation for security.
Key Features:
Supports over 200 cryptocurrencies.
Offers spot, futures, and margin trading.
Kraken Pro for enhanced charting and order types.
Kraken Staking with competitive yields.
Security & Regulation: One of the oldest operating exchanges (since 2011), Kraken has never suffered a major hack. It is regulated in the U.S. and holds a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) charter in Wyoming.
4. Bybit
Overview: Bybit has risen quickly by offering cutting-edge features tailored to derivatives traders, along with a fast and intuitive UI.
Key Features:
Specializes in crypto derivatives, with high leverage options.
Also supports spot trading, launchpad tokens, and NFT markets.
Popular for its trading competitions and rewards system.
Security & Regulation: Bybit prioritises fund security with cold wallets and real-time risk audits. It has begun increasing compliance in jurisdictions where regulation is tightening.
5. OKX
Overview: OKX has emerged as a comprehensive crypto ecosystem, offering far more than just a trading platform.
Key Features:
Over 300 cryptocurrencies and DeFi integration.
Powerful tools for copy trading, bot trading, and options.
Active ecosystem for NFTs, DApps, and Web3 tools via OKX Wallet.
Security & Regulation: OKX publishes monthly proof-of-reserves and maintains robust risk controls. It’s actively pursuing compliance in key regions including Hong Kong and the EU.
Conclusion
While the crypto landscape remains dynamic and subject to regulatory evolution, these five exchanges have proven resilient, innovative, and trustworthy. Whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned trader, choosing the right exchange depends on your specific needs. Be they security, advanced tools, or ease of use. Always consider using multiple platforms to diversify risk and maximise opportunities.
Peter Curk, CEO of ICONOMI, a leading platform in digital asset management explores the EU’s MiCA regulation and what it means for holders of crypto assets in the UK
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Launched between June 2023 and December 2024, the European Union’s (EU) Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation was the first of its kind. It introduced a need for compliance into a space that had previously been beyond the remit of any governmental oversight. It was an exercise that could only be contentious. So, it’s hardly surprising that it’s been met by scrutiny and criticism. But while MiCA is a cause for concern to many within the EU, for the UK it could potentially be beneficial.
Why the EU is struggling with MiCA
The MiCA regulation has drawn significant criticism from both industry insiders and analysts, with concerns broadly converging around five main issues. Chief among them is the glaring omission of stablecoins from MiCA’s scope. Given that the digital currency is seen as one of the riskiest crypto assets due to its systemic volatility, as well as its potential to destabilise not only the crypto markets but the broader financial system, this exclusion has raised multiple eyebrows. So, the EU’s decision to regulate the rest of the crypto space while leaving stablecoins unregulated is widely regarded as both bizarre and problematic. It also undermines the perceived effectiveness of MiCA. This makes its more stringent provisions seem almost futile, while stablecoins are left unfettered.
On the other hand, in the areas MiCA does cover, there are growing fears that the regulation could stifle the innovation that has been central to the crypto sector’s rapid progression. Breakthrough technologies, such as blockchain, tokenised assets, and decentralised finance, have all emerged from the crypto space. But now, with compliance costs climbing, smaller companies and startups – the traditional drivers of innovation – are being pushed out of the EU’s crypto market. This risks stagnating growth across the industry.
Compounding the issue is MiCA’s apparent lack of futureproofing. Despite its rigid framework, it appears to hold no contingencies for future technological developments or emerging threats. This could potentially leave loopholes for fraudulent activity and other bad actors.
Additionally, there remain concerns regarding the cost of compliance. With this likely to be passed on to consumers, it holds the potential to raise barriers to entry while driving investors toward more affordable, less regulated markets – potentially including the UK.
Lastly, the delayed release of MiCA’s regulatory technical standards (RTS) – which were not made available until more than 18 months after the legislation began to come into play – created prolonged uncertainty during implementation. Uncertainty that could have been avoided. It may also have helped resolve other concerns if addressed earlier.
Collectively, these issues have cast a shadow over what could have been a positive move for the crypto space, bringing authenticity, accountability, and stability. The question is, how could MiCA’s failure to do all this help the UK’s crypto space?
MiCA’s impact on the UK
If the UK is clever, there are two ways in which it could use the problems with MiCA to its own advantage.
Better Regulation
With the EU was the first territory to roll out crypto regulation, it won’t be a lone player for long. The UK is currently in the process of preparing its own version of MiCA. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is suggesting 2026 implementation. MiCA can provide the learning experience that the EU lacked. It doesn’t just offer a potential framework – it shows why the traditional financial regulatory framework, adopted by MiCA, is unsuited to the crypto space. It provides clear, working examples of what not to do. But it also provides points of success that the UK can build upon – because despite the detractors, there are many good things about MiCA. The FCA can use all of this information to build a better regulatory infrastructure that limits the potential for fraud and dishonest behaviours, while helping to foster future growth and innovation – something that the crypto space has long been crying out for.
If the UK does well with this, it could set the global standard for crypto regulation, raising its status in an area where it has previously been lacking.
Market growth
Before we get to regulation, however, there is also the potential for the UK market to benefit from the EU’s troubles. Right now, the EU’s crypto investors and startups are unhappy and looking for alternative places to put their money. The UK could be one of those places.
The UK has has only really ever dabbled in crypto. After more than 15 years, there are only around 40 registered crypto businesses in the UK, compared to more than 2,000 in the EU, and 4,852 in America. This could be the time for the UK to grow. The US is currently in a state of political and financial turmoil, making many investors wary. By contrast, the UK is a friendly near-neighbour, with a near-universal language. It won’t take much to tempt European investors and startups across – something that could be sustainable, if the FCA makes the right regulatory decisions.
ICONOMI – Growing the UK Crypto Market
ICONOMI is in the process of doing this. We’re officially licensed in the UK and preparing to enter the EU market under a MiCA license. This means, we’ll shortly have the ability to passport our license in other EU member states. This means the ability to attract customers from other territories across the EU. If other UK crypto businesses follow suit, there is significant potential to generate growth for the UK crypto market. For the short and longer term.
Cryptocurrency was never intended to go mainstream. When Satoshi Nakamoto launched Bitcoin, they had a vision of a currency that could operate outside of traditional financial institutions and regulation. Meanwhile, providing transparency and trust through technology. But the space evolved beyond expectation, creating more than 25,000 other cryptocurrencies in the process. They are worth literally billions of pounds, and millions of people have a stake in the market. If the crypto market crashes, it could significantly impact the wider economic ecosystem globally. So, no one is arguing against the fact that the crypto space needs regulation. Only that it needs to be regulated properly. And the UK could be the country to do that.
Peter Curk is the CEO of ICONOMI, a leading platform in digital asset management. With a background in finance and blockchain, Peter is passionate about making crypto investing accessible and easy for everyone. Under his leadership, ICONOMI has grown into a trusted name in the industry, offering innovative solutions for individuals and institutions alike.
Ripple, the leading provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions, has announced it is acquiring Hidden Road for $1.25…
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Ripple, the leading provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions, has announced it is acquiring Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. This represents one of the largest deals in the digital assets space. Additionally, with the acquisition, Ripple becomes the first crypto company to own and operate a global, multi-asset prime broker. Hidden Road is one of the fastest-growing prime brokers around the world. It offers institutions a one-stop-shop of advanced services. These include clearing, prime brokerage, and financing across foreign exchange (FX), digital assets, derivatives, swaps, and fixed income.
Ripple driving crypto industry growth
For the crypto industry to achieve the next phase of growth, it’s critical that core infrastructure is in place for institutional adoption. Prime brokers bring the necessary credibility and professional trading services expected in legacy finance to digital assets. Together, Ripple and Hidden Road are bringing the promise of digital assets to institutional customers at scale. They are bridging traditional finance and decentralised finance (DeFi).
Hidden Road has a strong business, clearing $3T annually across markets with more than 300 top institutional customers. Moreover, with the backing of Ripple’s significant balance sheet, Hidden Road will exponentially expand its capacity to service its pipeline. It will become the largest non-bank prime broker globally.
“We are at an inflection point for the next phase of digital asset adoption. The US market is effectively open for the first time due to the regulatory overhang of the former SEC coming to an end. And the market is maturing to address the needs of traditional finance,” said Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple. “With these tailwinds, we are continuing to pursue opportunities to massively transform the space. We are leveraging our unique position and strengths of XRP to accelerate our business and enhance our current solutions and technology.”
This acquisition also reinforces Ripple USD’s (RLUSD) position as an enterprise-grade USD-backed stablecoin with real utility. Hidden Road leverages it as collateral across its prime brokerage products. This will make RLUSD the first stablecoin to enable efficient cross-margining between the digital asset space and traditional markets.
Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
Hidden Road will, in turn, migrate its post-trade activity across XRPL. This will streamline operations and lower costs, demonstrating XRPL’s potential as the go-to blockchain for institutional decentralised finance (DeFi). Ripple also sees the potential to optimise costs and liquidity in its cross-border payments solution, Ripple Payments. And Ripple will provide critical custody services to Hidden Road’s customers who need bank-grade digital asset custody.
“With new resources, licenses, and added risk capital, this deal will unlock significant growth in Hidden Road’s business. Allowing us to increase capacity to our customer base, expand into new products, and service more markets and asset classes,” said Marc Asch, Founder and CEO of Hidden Road. ”Together with Ripple, we’re bringing the same level of trust and reliability that institutional clients are accustomed to in traditional markets. We are designed and optimised for a digital world.”
Digital Asset development
Thanks to its simple, secure, compliant digital asset infrastructure, Ripple is well-positioned to provide the core services that financial institutions need to tokenise, store, exchange and move digital assets. Furthermore, Ripple has over a decade of experience in the digital asset space and holds 60+ regulatory licenses and registrations in various jurisdictions.
Ripple participated in Hidden Road’s Series B and is a customer of its platform, experiencing firsthand the strength of the team, technology, risk management, and operational controls. The deal is expected to close in the coming months, subject to regulatory approvals.
The digital landscape is changing day by day. Ideas like the metaverse that once seemed a futuristic fantasy are now…
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The digital landscape is changing day by day. Ideas like the metaverse that once seemed a futuristic fantasy are now coming to fruition and embedding themselves into our daily lives. The thinking might be there, but is our technology really ready to go meta? Domains and hosting provider, Fasthosts, spoke to the experts to find out…
How the metaverse works
The metaverse is best defined as a virtual 3D universe which combines many virtual places. It allows users to meet, collaborate, play games and interact in virtual environments. It’s usually viewed and accessed from the outside as a mixture of virtual reality (VR), (think of someone in their front room wearing a headset and frantically waving nunchucks around) and augmented reality (AR), but it’s so much more than this…
These technologies are just the external entry points to the metaverse and provide the visuals which allow users to explore and interact with the environment within the metaverse.
This is the ‘front-end’ if you like, which is also reinforced by artificial intelligence and 3D reconstruction. These additional technologies help to provide realistic objects in environments, computer-controlled actions and also avatars for games and other metaverse projects.
So, what stands in the way of this fantastical 3D universe? Here are the six key challenges:
Technology
The most important piece of technology, on which the metaverse is based, is the blockchain. The blockchain is essentially a chain of blocks that contain specific information. They’re a combination of computers linked to each other instead of a central server which means that the whole network is decentralised. This provides the infrastructure for the development of metaverse projects, storage of data and also allows them the capability to be compatible with Web3. Web3 is an upgraded version of the internet which will allow integration of virtual and augmented reality into people’s everyday lives.
Sounds like a lot, right? And it involves a great deal of tech that is alien to the vast majority of us. So, is technology a barrier to widespread metaverse adoption?
Jonothan Hunt, Senior Creative Technologist at Wunderman Thompson, says the tech just isn’t there. Yet.
“Technology’s readiness for the mass adoption of the metaverse depends on how you define the metaverse, but if we’re talking about the future vision that the big tech players are sharing, then not yet. The infrastructure that powers the internet and our devices isn’t ready for such experiences. The best we have right now in terms of shared/simulated spaces are generally very expensive and powered entirely in the cloud, such as big computers like the Nvidia Omniverse, cloud streaming, or games. These rely heavily on instancing and localised grouping. Consumer hardware, especially XR, is still not ready for casual daily use and still not really democratised.
“The technology for this will look like an evolution of the systems above, meaning more distributed infrastructure, better access and updated hardware. Web3 also presents a challenge in and of itself, and questions remain over to what extent big tech will adopt it going forward.”
Storage
Blockchain is the ‘back-end’, where the magic happens, if you will. It’s this that will be the key to the development and growth of the metaverse. There are a lot of elements that make up the blockchain and reinforce its benefits and uses such as storage capabilities, data security and smart contracts.
Due to its decentralised nature, the blockchain has far more storage capacity than the centralised storage systems we have in place today. With data on the metaverse being stored in exabytes, the blockchain works by making use of unutilised hard disk space across the network, which avoids users within the metaverse running out of storage space worldwide.
In terms that might be a bit more relatable, an exabyte is a billion gigabytes. That’s a huge amount of storage, and that doesn’t just exist in the cloud – it’s got to go somewhere – and physical storage servers mean land is taken up, and energy is used. Hunt says: “How long’s a piece of string? The whole of the metaverse will one day be housed in servers and data centres, but the amount or size needed to house all of this storage will beentirely dependent on just how mass adopted the metaverse becomes. Big corporations in the space are starting to build huge data centres – such as Meta purchasing a $1.1 billion campus in Toledo, Spain to house their new Meta lab and data centre – but the storage space is not the only concern. These energy-guzzlers need to stay cool! And what about people and brands who need reliable web hosting for events, gaming or even just meeting up with pals across the world, all that information – albeit virtual – still needs a place to go.
“The current rising cost of electricity worldwide could cause problems for the growth of data centres, and the housing of the metaverse as a whole. However, without knowing the true size of its adoption, it is extremely difficult to truly determine the needed usage. Could we one day see an entire island devoted to data centre storage? Purely for the purposes of holding the metaverse? It seems a little ‘1984’, but who knows?”
Identity
Although the blockchain provides instantaneous verification of transactions with identity through digital wallets, our physical form will be represented by avatars that visually reflect who we are, and how we want to be seen.
The founder of Saxo Bank and the chairman of the Concordium Foundation, Lars Seier Christensen, argues, “I think that if you use an underlying blockchain-based solution where ID is required at the entry point, it is actually very simple and automatically available for relevant purposes. It is also very secure and transparent, in that it would link any transactions or interactions where ID is required to a trackable record on the blockchain.”
Once identity is established, it is true that it could potentially become easier to assess creditworthiness of parties for purchasing and borrowing in the metaverse due to the digital identity and storage of each individual’s data and transactions on the blockchain. However, although it sounds exciting, there must be considerations into how it could impact privacy, and how this amount of data will be recorded on the blockchain.
Security
There are also huge security benefits to this set up. The decentralised blockchain helps to eradicate third-party involvement and data breaches, such as theft and file manipulation, thanks to its powerful data processing and use of validation nodes. Both of these are responsible for verifying and recording transactions on the blockchain. This will be reassuring to many, given the widespread concerns around data privacy and user protection in the metaverse.
To access the blockchain all we will need is an internet connection and a device, such as a laptop or smartphone, this is what makes it so great as it will be so readily available. However, to support the blockchain, we’re relying on a whole different set of technologies. Akash Kayar, CEO of web3-focused software development company Leeway Hertz, had this to say on the readiness of the current technology available: “The metaverse is not yet completely mature in terms of development. Tech experts are researching strategies and
testing the various technologies to develop ideas that provide the world with more feasible and intriguing metaverse projects.
“Projects like Decentraland, Axie Infinity, and Sandbox are popular contemporary live metaverse projects. People behind these projects made perfect use of notable metaverse technologies, from blockchain and cryptos to NFTs.
“As envisioned by top tech futurists, many new technologies will empower the metaverse in the future, which will support the development of a range of prolific use cases that will improve the ability of the metaverse towards offering real-life functionalities. In a nutshell, the metaverse is expected to bring extreme opportunities for enterprises and common users. Hence, it will shape the digital future.”
Currency & Payments
Whilst it’s only considered legal tender in two countries, cryptocurrency is currently a reality and there is a strong likelihood that it will eventually be mass adopted. However, the metaverse is arguably not yet at the same maturity level, meaning cryptocurrency may have to wait before it can finally fully take off.
Golden Bitcoin symbol and finance graph screen. Horizontal composition with copy space. Focused image.
There is no doubt that cryptocurrency and the metaverse will go hand-in-hand as the former will become the tender of the latter with many of the current metaverse platforms each wielding its native currency. For example Decentraland uses $MANA for payments and purchases. However, with the volatility of crypto currencies and the recent collapse of trading platform FTX indicating security lapses, we may not yet be ready for the switch to decentralised payments.
Energy
Some of the world’s largest data centres can each contain many tens of thousands of IT devices which require more than 100 megawatts of power capacity – this is enough to power around 80,000 U.S. households (U.S. DOE 2020) and is equivalent to $1.35bn running cost per data centre with the cost of a megawatt hour averaging $150.
According to Nitin Parekh of Hitachi Energy, the amount of power which takes to process Bitcoin is higher than you might expect: “Bitcoin consumes around 110 Terawatt Hours per year. This is around 0.5% of global electricity generation. This estimate considers combined computational power used to mine bitcoin and process transactions.” With this estimate, we can calculate that the annual energy cost of Bitcoin is around $16.5bn.
However, some bigger corporations are slowly moving towards renewable energy to power their projects in this space, with Google signing close to $2bn worth of wind and solar investments in order to power its data centres in the future and become greener. Amazon has also followed in their footsteps and have become the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy.
They may have plenty of time yet to get their green processes in place, with Mark Zuckerberg recently predicting it will take nearly a decade for the metaverse to be created: “I don’t think it’s really going to be huge until the second half of this decade at the earliest.”
About Fasthosts
Fasthosts has been a leading technology provider since 1999, offering secure UK data centres, 24/7 support and a highly successful reseller channel. Fasthosts provides everything web professionals need to power and manage their online space, including domains, web hosting, business-class email, dedicated servers, and a next-generation cloud platform. For more information, head to www.fasthosts.co.uk
With an ever-increasing demand for digital and online payments, Paypal will increase the utility and usability of cryptocurrencies by making…
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With an ever-increasing demand for digital and online payments, Paypal will increase the utility and usability of cryptocurrencies by making them available as a funding source for purchases, with nearly 26 million merchants accepting the currencies.
The service has been enabled by a partnership with Paxos Trust Company and has seen PayPal secure a first-of-its-kind conditional Bitlicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services.
With over 5,300 different types of cryptocurrencies, PayPal has been selective in its choices, and will only offer support to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. Customers will then be able to instantly convert their cryptocurrency balance to fiat currency.
In addition to this, PayPal will offer educational content which aims to help account holders understand more about cryptocurrency and blockchain, as well as the risks and opportunities associated with investing.
Dan Schulman, President and CEO of PayPal, said: “The shift to digital forms of currencies is inevitable.”
“This shift will bring with it clear advantages in terms of financial inclusion and access; efficiency, speed and resilience of the payments system; and the ability for governments to disburse funds to citizens quickly.”
“Our global reach, digital payments expertise, two-sided network, and rigorous security and compliance controls provide us with the opportunity, and the responsibility, to help facilitate the understanding, redemption and interoperability of these new instruments of exchange.”
Bitcoin’s price rise from 15th October to 22nd October
However, there are concerns from the crypto community, as customers currently cannot move the cryptocurrencies to other accounts either on or off PayPal, and PayPal will not provide customers with the private key. There will also be a transaction fee for any purchase or sale, but these have been waived until 2021.
Upon the news, Bitcoin’s price hit a record high for the calendar year, rising 13% to $12,900 on Thursday. PayPal’s share price had a similar reaction, with shares up 7% to $215.
SecuX will demonstrate the Cryptocurrency POS Payment EcoSystem as the revolutionary mutual beneficial solutions at the startups stand of BlockShow…
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SecuX will demonstrate the Cryptocurrency POS Payment EcoSystem as the revolutionary mutual beneficial solutions at the startups stand of BlockShow Asia, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore during Nov. 14-15, 2019.
Hsinchu, Taiwan, October 29— SecuX Technology Inc., a blockchain security company, is going to participate in BlockShow Asia 2019 and exhibit at the startups stand of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Nov. 14-15. SecuX will launch its new cryptocurrency point-of-sale payment ecosystem and demonstrate how a consumer uses SecuX Merchant Payment App to pay at the physical (brick-and-mortar) stores or on the vending machines via QR Code Scan/NFC/Bluetooth from the mobile phone that using the crypto-coins/tokens for an immediate transaction through SecuX Merchant Database Payment Hub (Cloud Server) at the fingertips. At the same time, the clerk can see the transaction is done correctly on SecuX P20 the POS payment terminal. Moreover, the SecuX Merchant Payment Hub is functioning as a CRM and Merchandise Information management system to serve the massive consumers for the potential procurements from the customers.
SecuX invites worldwide partners including Crypto-coin/token issuers, Payment mobile application providers, Payment online system companies and Travel & Tourism groups to the SecuX stand to foresee together the most economic, efficient and cutting-edge payment ecosystem to reduce the operational cost and on the other hand, increase the revenue via this very revolutionary business model.
“We can’t wait to introduce the SecuX crypto POS payment ecosystem at BlockShow Asia in Singapore on Nov 14 and Nov. 15. As we are aware that online payment will definitely prevail the whole world and what we cannot ignore is the cryptocurrency online payment system is the ideal system eventually and SecuX is the bridge to provide all possible modulized business models inside this ecosystem to meet our partners’ requirements and these miscellaneous business services shall be customized by SecuX Team’s dynamic services to build up a regional profitable solution.” said David Hsu, Chief Strategy Officer, SecuX Technology Inc.
Meanwhile SecuX will have a live demo on its hardware wallets V20, W20 and W10 at its stand that visitors may see how to transact Bitcoins or Altcoins on SecuX Crypto Hardware Wallets and use SecuXcess the Chrome OS base web wallet and SecuX Mobile iOS app to have a physical experience about the ease, convenience and the intuitive new UI from SecuX firmware 2.0. The features and advantages of SecuX Wallets are:
1. Big Screen – 2.8”Color Touchscreen LCD 2. Dual Connectivity – Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy + USB 3. Cross-platform – Major Operating Systems Compatibility 4. SecuXcess – Web-based Transaction Platform 5. Account Expandability – Addable up to 500 Accounts 6. ERC-20 Token Support – All ERC-20 970+ Tokens Support 7. Long Battery Life –600mAh Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery 8. Security Chip – Infineon SLE97 CC EAL5+ SE Embedded 9. Support BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XRP, BNB, GRS, DGB and ERC-20 Tokens 10. A Hidden Wallet is available for most secure User’s privacy
As the world continues to become increasingly digital, it was only a matter of time before it spread to the…
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As the world continues to become increasingly
digital, it was only a matter of time before it spread to the very currency in
our wallets. Just over a decade since the advent of Bitcoin, blockchain (the
very foundation of cryptocurrency) has very much cemented itself as an industry
in itself.
Here, we take a look at 5 of the biggest players in the cryptocurrency market, and the blockchain system they use as ranked by Forbes.
Three new Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e and S10 plus mobile phones.
Arguably one of the biggest companies in the world, driven by a vision to “create a better world full of richer digital experiences, through innovative technology and products”.
Naturally, Samsung has turned its attention to blockchain and works with the Nexledger platform. Available for enterprises all over the world, Nexledger enables enterprise companies to track their transactions with greater speed and efficiency at scale.
One use case for Nexledger is a Digital Payment System, utilising blockchain to support various types of payments in an increasingly cashless world.
Visa
Closeup of VISA credit card with smart chip. VISA is one of the three biggest brands.
In early 2019, the payments giant Visa announced the global launch of its Visa B2B Connect network, a platform designed to transform B2B payments for the digital age.
Developed in response to the growing complexity of payments between financial institutions and their corporate clients, Visa B2B Connect uses blockchain technology architecture that allows payments to be made in a simple, flexible and safe way. Visa B2B Connect will look to cover more than 90 markets by the end of 2019.
The platform will facilitate transactions from the bank of origin directly to the beneficiary bank, creating a unique digital identity formed of banking details and account numbers that can be used to facilitate transactions on the network.
Visa B2B Connect’s digital identity feature has been said that it will “transform the way information is exchanged in business-to-business cross-border transactions”.
Oracle
The Oracle World Headquarters located in Redwood City.
Known for its database and cloud software, Oracle also has its own blockchain software in the Oracle Blockchain Platform.
Described as a “comprehensive distributed ledger cloud platform”, Oracle allows its customers to reliably share data and conduct trusted transactions with suppliers, banks and other trade partners.
The Oracle Blockchain Platform is the only enterprise-grade managed blockchain service with 99.95% SLA with enhanced security and through built-in identity management, it allows rapid provisioning and simplified management of blockchain networks to reduce costs and setup time from weeks to minutes.
Maersk
Pile of Shipping Containers of Maersk at Ballyhoo road at night, Unalaska, Alaska.
In the global logistics industry, tracking shipment and cargo is its bread and butter and so blockchain solutions naturally lend themselves to this space.
Through a partnership between Maersk and IBM, TradeLens was born. TradeLens is an open and neutral industry platform, powered by blockchain, to track shipments in real time, improve and encrypt data sharing for over 10 million shipping events every week.
The TradeLens ecosystem is a treasure trove of some of the biggest organisations the world over, with more than 100 companies including carriers, ports, terminal operators, 3PLs and freight forwarders. These contribute to one of the most powerful supply chain blockchain ecosystems in the world.
HTC
HTC One smartphone
In a world of cashless transactions and data sharing, the mobile phone is the obvious vessel for blockchain deployment. Dubbed as the phone that could “change the internet as we know it”, the HTC Exodus was announced in early 2019.
With a secluded area kept separate from the Android operating system, the blockchain-powered phone is the first mobile phone that can only be bought with cryptocurrency.
Users will have access to Zion, HTC’s very own cryptocurrency wallet. Running decentralized applications and programs that operate on the blockchain technology; HTC Exodus will represent a “new era” of secure data storage and transactions.
