Key Points

1. tokens
2. coins
3. wallets
4. payment systems
5. governance
6. Facebook created Calibra, a regulated subsidiary, to ensure separation between social and financial data and to build and operate services on its behalf on top of the Libra network.”

References

Key Concepts

Crypto Token Taxonomy - 2022

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/karlmohan_bitcoin-digital-cryptocurrency-activity-6885776510133895168-YAvH

what cryptocurrency is, how to buy it and how to protect yourself - nerdwallet

 cryptocurrency is, how to buy it and how to protect yourself - nerdwallet

Cryptocurrencies can be exchanged for goods and services, though they often are used as investment vehicles. Cryptocurrency is also a key part of the operation of some decentralized financial networks, where digital tokens are an important tool for carrying out transactions.

how to buy crypto

Wallets

wallets are directly connected to the internet, such as a phone app, a desktop software program or an online provider (hence “hot” storage). The good news is that all of these services are free. The bad news is that all of these contain some security risk because they are connected to the internet and potentially susceptible to online theft.

Desktop wallets

are apps that run on your computer and store all your cryptocurrency on your desktop computer. The advantage of a desktop wallet is you have complete control of your funds, so no issues with a third party that can freeze or lose your funds. But security is your responsibility, too, so you’ll need to secure and back up your wallet, and make sure your computer is safe from malware.

Mobile wallets

Popular mobile wallets include Bitcoin Wallet, GreenAddress and Mycelium; Atomic Wallet, BitPay and Exodus also have mobile versions of crypto wallets.

Web wallets

Web wallets offer browser-based wallets that can be used either on desktop or mobile but don’t provide the full control that traditional desktop or mobile wallets offer. Exchanges such as Coinbase

Cold storage wallets

Difference between Exchanges and Decentralized Exchanges ( DEX )

Other Blockchains: Polkadot, Cosmos, Graph, Uniswap#DEX-HowDecentralizedExchangesWork

Coinbase exchange

https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/investing/brokers/coinbase

Gemini exchange

https://www.gemini.com/exchange

https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/investing/brokers/gemini

21 crypto-to-crypto trading pairs are available through Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform.

Withdrawal fees are low

withdrawal fees. With most brokerages, withdrawing crypto from the platform incurs at least a network fee (the cost of running a transaction on the underlying blockchain), but with Gemini, you can make up to 10 withdrawals per crypto per month for free. However, it’s important to note that beyond these 10 withdrawals, the fees are high. For example, your 11th bitcoin withdrawal in a single month would cost 0.001 BTC — about $57 as of Oct. 14, 2021.

Unlike Coinbase, Gemini doesn’t charge transaction fees for deposits from U.S. bank accounts or wire transfers (although your bank might).

Wallet protections

The exchange offers Gemini Wallet for users who don’t already have a cryptocurrency wallet. Digital assets are insured against losses that result from a security breach or hack, a fraudulent transfer or employee theft.

Tips on buying crypto

• Who owns the company? An identifiable and well-known owner is a positive sign.

• Are there other major investors who are investing in it? It’s a good sign if other well-known investors want a piece of the currency.

• Will you own a stake in the company or just currency or tokens? This distinction is important. Owning a stake means you get to participate in its earnings (you’re an owner), while buying tokens simply means you're entitled to use them, like chips in a casino.

• Is the currency already developed, or is the company looking to raise money to develop it? The further along the product, the less risky it is.

having cryptocurrency exposes you to the risk of theft, as hackers try to penetrate the computer networks that maintain your assets.

currency.com  regulated crypto currency broker in US, EU

blockchain architect ...

bitcoin? no
hyperledger yes
ethereum w solidity, besu, firefly ok

Currency.com is a cutting-edge platform that helps you purchase cryptos online safely, instantly, and hassle-free.
US and EU regulated w fincen, EU MICA

popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and many more.

https://currency.com/crypto

terms > scope

you will be able to: (i) enter into transactions with Currency Com through the Company’s mobile application or website(s) (the “Platform”) (i) to trade supported cryptocurrencies in exchange for U.S. dollars (“Cryptocurrency Transactions”); (ii) store cryptocurrency in one or more cryptocurrency hosted wallets (“Hosted Wallets”); (iii) store fiat currency in a fiat currency Hosted Wallet for the purpose of cryptocurrency trading; and (iv) track your Cryptocurrency Transactions and Hosted Wallet balance(s) through the Platform, (collectively, the “Services”).

funds movements have fees - deposit, withdraw, buy, sell, wire, xfer

https://www.youtube.com/c/CurrencyCom/videos

https://currency.com/crypto/fees
high trans fees - deposits, withdrawals, bank xfers
don't see monthly acct fees or interest paid on balances

account tiers and limits ( 3 levels ) - max 10k / day

beginning crypto list
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hq0o7p2CTfcnoO_J37yLvgz0JhRqhfa

leveraged buy on currency.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNfL4BgnnYU&list=PL2hq0o7p2CTeoOJKX720GnQej_VpnAE_B&index=4

ethereum price analysis list
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hq0o7p2CTfuxdUvtZpLakwXjqOo4wbO

currency.com tech platform list
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hq0o7p2CTeoOJKX720GnQej_VpnAE_B

compare currency.com value
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_WRTgufe5w&list=PL2hq0o7p2CTeoOJKX720GnQej_VpnAE_B&index=1

questions >>

features >> VCC, VCE ? , integration w other services & providers?

are orders, trades, settlements tracked at currency.com in aiddition to exchanges?
external services consumed?
any b2b, apis produced?
do they use blockchain now?, automation now? AI pricer now?

exchanges connected ?
apis, sdks used to trade?
wallets and custody services ?
how is reat-time pricing, quotes done?
what is the model for fees, revenue?

technologies used?

what security incidents that had customer impact?
compliance w ?
fedramp 5 ?
nist 140.x ? encryption
kyc, aml, sanctions reporting to fincen ( yes )
SGS - smart governance services for potential fraud structured transactions?

Compliant with the U.S. law
We follow the rules and regulations. We’ve built our global reputation as a reliable and trustworthy service provider and are bringing this to the United States.

Currency Com US LLC (NMLS: 2073665) is registered with the United States Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a Money Services Business (MSB: 31000200984051) at 101 Hudson St., 21st Fl., Jersey City, NJ 07302. Currency Com US LLC is a subsidiary of Currency Com Limited (Gibraltar) which is licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission as a DLT Provider, with the license number 25032.

For any questions, please contact customer support at 888-578-4155 or crypto@currency.com

Currency.com provides services for Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Crypto Strategies

crypto strategy

catch market on a buy stop after eth turns up
buy a basket of 4 to 5
invest xxx total to start ..

trending crypto ...

qty
ada cardano 1.34 target 5.00 1600
sol solano 136 target 500 125
avax avalanche 84 target 300 230
ftm fantom 2.85 target 9 800

Blockchain, Bitcoin, Crypto, Smart Contract concepts slideshare

https://www.slideshare.net/DevdattaAjgaonkar/introduction-to-blockchain-194331423

Crypto Forecasts

crypto-predictions-2022-coindesk-21 Predictions for Crypto and Beyond in 2022.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19aks-F5vKozBS0FYYUUZbAYyGfu55Gd3/view?usp=sharing

Token Economy Principles - Tapscott

https://steemit.com/steemit/@antifragile/the-7-design-principles-of-a-blockchain-economy

1. networked integrity
   1. Because the blockchain is spread out over thousands of computers, it is "networked", and the participants in a blockchain economy are incentivized to maintain "integrity", as every interaction is indelibly recorded.
   2. It's all about aligning incentives. If everyone knows your history, and you're aware that your actions won't be forgotten, you have strong incentive to behave appropriately.
2. distributed power
   1. no organization has majority control ( in theory ).
   2. The bottom line: power is distributed by design. But if you really think that someone couldn't figure out how to leverage some type of exploitive power in the real (non-virtual) world to get outsized power, I'd call you pretty naive.
3. value as incentive
   1. All stakeholders have aligned incentives. You can both (1) work for your own selfish interests, but that will (2) benefit the whole. ( in theory - in practice, alignment is improved ).
      
   2. the importance of a decentralized monetary system that rewards the collective when participants act in their own best interests.
   3. the decentralized nature of creating value as an incentive is important.
4. security
   1. with decentralized data there isn't a single point of failure ( in fact, there are many )
   2. all transactions are protected with pki security
   3. if a pki key is comprised, what's the impact?  depends on what transactions were signed by that key and if they are accessible
5. privacy
   1. potentially, users can control their data and access to it
   2. the network rules determine how data access is managed
   3. the network rules determine how data privacy is implemented
   4. Bitcoin allows anonymous users but most networks require identified users and permissioned access
6. rights preserved
   1. smart contracts can enforce the rules of the network
   2. smart contracts are validated and approved by members before they are put into use
   3. potentially, those rights could be enforced equally for all network members
7. inclusion
   1. in theory, anyone can participate in a Bitcoin network
   2. in reality, you need resources, funds etc
   3. in reality, most networks will be permissioned with membership requirements

Litecoin - lightweight, fast payment system

https://litecoin.org/

Litecoin is a peer-to-peer Internet currency that enables instant, near-zero cost payments to anyone in the world. Litecoin is an open source, global payment network that is fully decentralized without any central authorities. Mathematics secures the network and empowers individuals to control their own finances. Litecoin features faster transaction confirmation times and improved storage efficiency than the leading math-based currency. With substantial industry support, trade volume and liquidity, Litecoin is a proven medium of commerce complementary to Bitcoin.

blockchain 

The Litecoin blockchain is capable of handling higher transaction volume than its counterpart - Bitcoin. Due to more frequent block generation, the network supports more transactions without a need to modify the software in the future.
As a result, merchants get faster confirmation times, while still having ability to wait for more confirmations when selling bigger ticket items.

Mining

Miners are currently awarded with 12.5 new litecoins per block, an amount which gets halved roughly every 4 years (every 840,000 blocks).
The Litecoin network is therefore scheduled to produce 84 million litecoins, which is 4 times as many currency units as Bitcoin.

Polkadot - a coin on a network of blockchains

https://polkadot.network/

Multiple independent chains can be created, connected, secured under Polkadot

Governance is separate for each chain

q> assumes xfers governed by different rules in each participating chain ??

Scale and security across chains

Polkadot provides unprecedented economic scalability by enabling a common set of validators to secure multiple blockchains. Polkadot provides transactional scalability by spreading transactions across multiple parallel blockchains.

Add your own chain

Create a custom blockchain in minutes using the Substrate framework. Connect your chain to Polkadot and get interoperability and security from day one. 

Upgrade issues - requires community consensus

Polkadot has a sophisticated governance system where all stakeholders have a voice. Upgrades to the network are coordinated on-chain and enacted autonomously, ensuring that Polkadot’s development reflects the values of the community and avoids stagnation.

Transfers data, not just tokens

https://polkadot.network/technology/

Polkadot is a network protocol that allows arbitrary data—not just tokens—to be transferred across blockchains.

This means Polkadot is a true multi-chain application environment where things like cross-chain registries and cross-chain computation are possible.

Polkadot can transfer this data across public, open, permissionless blockchains as well as private, permissioned blockchains.

This makes it possible to build applications that get permissioned data from a private blockchain and use it on a public blockchain. For instance, a school's private, permissioned academic records chain could send a proof to a degree-verification smart contract on a public chain.

DOT token

The DOT token serves three distinct purposes:
governance over the network, staking and bonding

Governance

Polkadot token holders have complete control over the protocol. All privileges, which on other platforms are exclusive to miners, will be given to the Relay Chain participants (DOT holders), including managing exceptional events such as protocol upgrades and fixes.

Staking

Game theory incentivizes token holders to behave in honest ways. Good actors are rewarded by this mechanism whilst bad actors will lose their stake in the network. This ensures the network stays secure.

Bonding

New parachains are added by bonding tokens. Outdated or non-useful parachains are removed by removing bonded tokens. This is a form of proof of stake.

Solana ( SOL ) - fast, low-cost, smart contracts

https://www.fool.com/investing/2021/11/28/1-cryptocurrency-id-buy-right-now-and-its-not-shib/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article

Solana-1 Cryptocurrency Id Buy Right Now -- and Its Not Shiba Inu.pdf

• Solana is the fastest-growing crypto ecosystem.
• Its competitive advantages include super-fast transaction speeds and low costs.
• Solana should have tremendous room to run despite soaring more than 9,300% over the last 12 months.

1. The fastest-growing crypto ecosystem

Real-world utility is an important consideration in my view when considering cryptocurrencies. That's a top reason why I like Solana. 

There are currently around 500 projects built on Solana. They include decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, games, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Web3 apps. One project that I find especially intriguing is Star Atlas. It's a massive multiplayer metaverse. Star Atlas CEO Michael Wagner said, "The overall vision for Star Atlas is not possible on any other blockchain."

Granted, Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) has even more projects built on it. But Solana is the fastest-growing crypto ecosystem on the planet. I wouldn't say it's an "Ethereum killer" because I don't think that Ethereum is going away. However, my take is that Solana will continue to gain ground and remain the top competitor to Ethereum.

2. Fastest blockchain now

Solana can handle roughly 50,000 transactions per second.

Ethereum's Eth2 upgrade could change the dynamics. It could scale up to 100,000 transactions per second. However, the full upgrade won't happen until sometime next year. 

Does this change my optimism about Solana? Nope. It could become even faster, too. Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has stated publicly that the Solana blockchain is "about four times slower than it should be."

3. Low costs

Another great advantage for Solana is its low costs. Transaction costs are less than $0.01. Even better, the blockchain's scalability will allow those costs to remain low. 

4. More room to grow in value

Solana's blazingly fast processing speeds and super-low costs will continue to attract developers. And I think that it will remain the fastest-growing crypto ecosystem. This should result in Solana generating impressive returns over the long term.

Solana Deep Dive

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/solana/

One of the essential innovations Solana brings to the table is the proof-of-history (PoH) consensus developed by Anatoly Yakovenko. This concept allows for greater scalability of the protocol, which in turn boosts usability.

Solana is known in the cryptocurrency space because of the incredibly short processing times the blockchain offers. Solana’s hybrid protocol allows for significantly decreased validation times for both transaction and smart contract execution. With lightning-fast processing times, Solana has attracted a lot of institutional interest as well.

https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/solana

trilemma: decentralization, security and scalability.

Solana uses a hybrid consensus algorithm that combines proof-of-history (PoH) with proof-of-stake (PoS), enabling the network to carry out up to 50,000 transactions per second.

Through its Pipelining infrastructure, Solana can also validate transactions faster and replicate transaction information across nodes, regardless of their hardware specifications. All the required scalability on the network is provided for by the Cloudbreak protocol, which ensures that data is simultaneously read and written across the network, while Archivers are used to download data from the blockchain into its distributed ledger storage.

Using this diverse set of technologies, the Solana network doesn’t need to rely on sharding or any other type of layer 2 solution to maintain its speed and scalability. This allows developers to build directly on the blockchain, which is thousands of times faster than working on either Ethereum or Bitcoin.

The network itself witnessed unprecedented growth too, onboarding multiple projects onto its platform, including Chainlink, USDC, USDT, Serum, Terra, and several others. Proponents have begun to dub Solana the next “Ethereum Killer,” due to its being faster and more scalable.

Fantom ( FTM ) - fast, runs with Ethereum, Solana, should go up

https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/ftm/

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/fantom/

https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/01/09/this-crypto-will-be-the-solana-of-2022/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article

The blockchain trilemma factor is a major challenge that the FTM network solves for crypto users.

As explained above, the FTM blockchain trilemma refers to the balance between speed, security and decentralization

Moving up on transactions total

• You can buy the coin on another exchange, Gemini DEX ( not COINBASE )
• Ethereum or Solana, Fantom should be just fine because it's compatible with both systems.
• He's already created a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace on Fantom that's a direct competitor to OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace.
• Fantom's crypto is likely to soar even more in 2022. 

• Fantom is a directed acyclic graph (DAG) smart contract platform providing decentralized finance (DeFi) services to developers using its own bespoke consensus algorithm.

• Together with its in-house token FTM, Fantom aims to solve problems associated with smart-contract platforms, specifically transaction speed, which developers say they have reduced to under two seconds.

• Consensus
  The mechanism, Lachesis, promises much higher capacity and two-second transaction finalization, along with improvements to security over traditional proof-of-stake (PoS) algorithm-based platforms.
• mission is to “grant compatibility between all transaction bodies around the world.”
• in-house PoS token, FTM, forms the backbone of transactions, and allows fee collection and staking activities, along with the user rewards the latter represents.
• The current CoinMarketCap ranking is #30, with a live market cap of $5,984,059,252 USD. It has a circulating supply of 2,545,006,273 FTM coins and a max. supply of 3,175,000,000 FTM coins.

• The platform’s compatibility with Ethereum means that users can purchase an ERC-20 standard FTM, which is automatically converted to native FTM once received to their wallet. Another version of FTM is available on Binance Chain using its BEP2 standard. Only the native FTM can be used on the Fantom OPERA mainnet itself.

• The total supply of FTM is 3.175 billion tokens, of which 2,134,638,448 FTM is currently in circulation. The rest will be released subject to a schedule running through 2023.

• Staking forms an important part of tokenomics, with a proportion of the supply reserved specifically for staking rewards to users who hold FTM.
  Fantom Security

• Fantom uses a bespoke variety of proof-of-stake algorithm to provide services and secure its network. Known as Lachesis, it is an example of a so-called asynchronous byzantine fault tolerant (aBFT) consensus mechanism.

• By removing leadership among network participants, Fantom avoids low-cost attack risk, while staking adds further user incentives to secure operations using FTM token holdings

Buying Fantom

FTM tokens can be bought from all major exchanges. However, the creators of FTM discourage this practice due to custodial risks and the unavailability of staking rewards for FTM holders who acquire FTM from any place other than the official FTM network.

Fantom Technical Analysis

https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/technical-analysis-fantom-ftm-price-prediction

What is Fantom

https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/what-is-fantom-ftm-features-tokenomics-and-price-prediction

Stellar network - coin

https://www.stellar.org/

Stellar is an open network for storing and moving money

Stellar makes it possible to create, send, and trade digital representations of all forms of money: dollars, pesos, bitcoin, pretty much anything. It’s designed so all the world’s financial systems can work together on a single network.

Stellar tools for custom digital transactions

Stellar's API and SDKs are ready to help you transform the world of finance, and the network’s currency connections could give even a small company the power and reach of an international bank. Here's what you can build with a few lines of code:

global payment apps for existing stable coins

Leverage the many currency-backed tokens already on the Stellar network.

Use Stellar's built-in decentralized exchange for crypto, forex, or securities. Users can swap between tokens using simple functions built into the protocol.

Power payments of any size with Stellar's low, flat fees and fast transactions.

Create Account in Stellar 

const StellarSdk = require("stellar-sdk");
const fetch = require("node-fetch");

// Create a new keypair.
const pair = StellarSdk.Keypair.random();

async function createTestAccount() {
  try {
    console.log(
      "Funding a new account on the test network (takes a few seconds)…"
    );
    const response = await fetch(
      `https://friendbot.stellar.org?addr=${pair.publicKey()}`
    );
    const data = await response.json();

    console.log(`Public Key: ${pair.publicKey()}`);
    console.log(`Secret Key: ${pair.secret()}`);
    return "Success! You have a funded Testnet account :)";
  } catch (e) {
    console.error("Oh no! Something went wrong:", e);
  }
}

createTestAccount();

Send Payment

const StellarSdk = require("stellar-sdk");
const fetch = require("node-fetch");

const server = new StellarSdk.Server("https://horizon-testnet.stellar.org");

async function sendPayment() {
  const senderKeypair = StellarSdk.Keypair.random();
  const destination =
    "GAIH3ULLFQ4DGSECF2AR555KZ4KNDGEKN4AFI4SU2M7B43MGK3QJZNSR";
  const amount = "100";

  console.log(
    `Making a new test account and sending ${amount} lumens to ${trim(
      destination,
    )}`,
  );

  try {
    // Create a new random account
    await fetch(
      `https://friendbot.stellar.org?addr=${senderKeypair.publicKey()}`,
    );
  } catch (e) {
    console.error("Failed to fund demo account! Please try again later.");
    return;
  }
  const [
    {
      max_fee: { mode: fee },
    },
    sender,
  ] = await Promise.all([
    server.feeStats(),
    server.loadAccount(senderKeypair.publicKey()),
  ]);

  const transaction = new StellarSdk.TransactionBuilder(sender, {
    fee,
    networkPassphrase: StellarSdk.Networks.TESTNET,
  })
    .addOperation(
      // This operation sends the destination account XLM
      StellarSdk.Operation.payment({
        destination,
        asset: StellarSdk.Asset.native(),
        amount,
      }),
    )
    .setTimeout(30)
    .build();
  transaction.sign(senderKeypair);

  try {
    // Submit the transaction to the Stellar network.
    const transactionResult = await server.submitTransaction(transaction);
    console.log(transactionResult);

    recoupLumens(senderKeypair.secret());
    return `Success! ${trim(senderKeypair.publicKey())} paid ${trim(
      destination,
    )} ${amount} XLM`;
  } catch (e) {
    console.error("Oh no! Something went wrong.");
    console.error(e.response.data.detail);
    console.error(e.response.data.extras.result_codes);
    console.error(e.response.data.type);
    return e.response.data;
  }
}

sendPayment();

Cardano

https://docs.cardano.org/en/latest/

Cardano is a decentralized third-generation proof-of-stake blockchain platform and home to the ada cryptocurrency. It is the first blockchain platform to evolve out of a scientific philosophy and a research-first driven approach.

The Cardano platform has been designed from the ground up and verified by an industry-leading combination of top engineers and academic experts in the fields of blockchain and cryptography. It has a strong focus on sustainability, scalability, and transparency. It is a fully open source project that aims to deliver an inclusive, fair, and resilient infrastructure for financial and social applications on a global scale. One of its primary goals is to bring reliable, secure financial services to those people who do not currently have access.

Cardano is developing a smart contract platform which seeks to deliver more advanced features than any protocol previously developed and will serve as a stable and secure platform for the development of enterprise-level dApps. In the near future, Cardano will use a democratic governance system that allows the project to evolve over time, and fund itself in a sustainable way through a visionary treasury system. You can read more about Cardano on the official Cardano website.

Cardano fees

Cardano uses a transaction fee system that covers the processing and long term storage cost of transactions.

The Cardano environment is unique in the way it handles fees, as fees do not go directly to the block producer. Instead, they are pooled and then distributed to all pools that created blocks during an epoch.

There currently are no fees for the memory cost of tracking the accumulated chain state, in particular UTxO.

Economic Attacks from users

Cardano Overview

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/solana/

Vasil will introduce five critical mechanisms to improve Cardano’s scalability and usability — CIP-31, CIP-32, CIP-33, CIP-40 and diffusion pipelining.

CIP-31, aka “reference inputs” will introduce a new kind of input that would allow developers to look at the result of an output without having to spend it. This would optimize transaction throughput and increase concurrency.

The CIP-32 proposal aims to enable inline datums. Rather than attach datum to datum hashes, which is the current state of things, CIP-32 would allow developers to attach datums to outputs. By implementing this update, devs can code scripts that directly point to the input, making room for simpler and quicker communication of datum values between users.

The Cardano Improvement Proposal 33 would allow reference scripts to be attached to outputs. As a result, the reference scripts are used to satisfy the validation requirements in place of the spending transaction. These reference scripts will make the validation process more efficient and reduce the size of transactions.

Meanwhile, CIP-40 features a brand-new type of output to transactions called collateral outputs, aimed at improving the overall scalability of the network.

Diffusing pipelining is Cardano’s consensus layer scaling solution. The improvement proposal will see more DApp deployment by overlaying some of the steps that a block needs to go through as it moves across the chain: this would allow for concurrent transactions.

https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/cardano

Fast forward to 2021, and the Cardano ecosystem has undergone several upgrades. Cardano uses a unique architecture that employs a dual-layer system, which is distinct from most other blockchain platforms. Its settlement layer (CSL) allows ADA token holders to send and receive transactions almost instantly at low fees, while its computational layer (CCL) serves as the foundation of the rest of Cardano's functionality.

The subsequent era, Goguen, brought smart contracts to Cardano, enabling the creation of decentralized applications on the network using its smart contract development language, Plutus. During this time, Cardano also implemented a multi-currency ledger to facilitate the creation of new, natively supported tokens.

The fourth era, Basho, will involve scaling the blockchain network, adding solutions focused on enhancing its performance and stability. It will also introduce interoperable sidechains, which will significantly help Cardano to handle higher throughput levels, along with parallel accounting styles that can  facilitate greater interoperability for Cardano and its applications.

Voltaire is designated as the final era of Cardano. Voltaire will establish an autonomous, decentralized network, transferring the responsibility for Cardano's future to the community. Instead of development and maintenance being undertaken by a centralized entity like the Cardano Foundation, the community will itself be tasked with upholding the network. The community will take its cue from Cardano’s treasury, voting and delegation systems in order to accelerate its evolution into a full-fledged, self-sustaining, decentralized protocol.

Fidelity Crypto Investing Services and Education  **

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/crypto?ccsource=em_Promo_1076604_1_0

https://www.fidelity.com/crypto/trading

Tap into the new crypto frontier with a trusted leader. Introducing Fidelity Crypto^SM, a breakthrough way to trade bitcoin and ethereum in the same app where you trade stocks.

Cryptocurrency is a digital form of currency that's transferred peer-to-peer through the internet. Fidelity is here to help you gain access to assets like bitcoin, the first and largest asset in the growing category, with expertise in security and reliable support. Fidelity Crypto^SM is your key to unlocking the potential of digital assets for your portfolio.

Fidelity Crypto Trading FAQS

https://www.fidelity.com/crypto/help-desk/overview

Fidelity Crypto Trading Getting Started

https://www.fidelity.com/crypto/help-desk/account-opening-funding 

• Which Fidelity accounts can I use to fund my Fidelity Crypto℠ account?

  You must use your linked individual or joint brokerage account to fund your Fidelity Crypto account.

  
  

• Why do I need 2 accounts?

  In this early version of Fidelity Crypto℠, we aren't offering direct bank-to-crypto-account transfers. You'll need an eligible Fidelity account, like brokerage or cash management, to fund your crypto trading, and a crypto account to make secure trades.

  Fidelity Brokerage Services offers the accounts that fund your crypto trading and the app you use to trade. Fidelity Digital Assets provides your crypto account and secures your trades.

Fidelity Crypto Account Management

https://www.fidelity.com/crypto/help-desk/overview

• Does the IRS receive a copy of the Gain/Loss Summary for my Fidelity Crypto℠ account?

  Fidelity does not provide a copy of your Fidelity Crypto℠ Gain/Loss Summary to the IRS—it is only for your own recordkeeping and tax preparation purposes.

  
  

Fidelity Crypto Risks and Protections

https://www.fidelity.com/crypto/help-desk/risk-protection

• What are the risks of trading in volatile markets?

  Volatile markets can fluctuate significantly in response to company, industry, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Investing in cryptocurrency involves risks, including the loss of principal.

• Potential risks and rewards when trading crypto

  Cryptocurrency is a new a fast-changing category of technology and investments. Cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and investors should only allocate money that they are willing to lose. Trading cryptocurrency can look very similar to stock trading, but there are key differences. Educating yourself on the assets and technology may help you mitigate risk and make more educated investment decisions.

• How do I know that Fidelity is keeping my crypto assets safe? Will you show proof of reserves?

  For security reasons we do not share this information, but can confirm that Fidelity Digital Assets℠ handles customer crypto assets as just that, customer assets. Fidelity Digital Assets℠ maintains exclusive custody of customer digital assets which are not held on any third-party custodian or exchange. As part of normal procedure, Fidelity Digital Assets℠ undergoes daily reconciliations to ensure our books and records match what customer assets we manage. These reconciliations are supervised by multiple teams and parties, along with there being multiple controls in place to ensure completeness and accuracy.

  Fidelity Digital Assets℠ is not permitted to lend or otherwise encumber a customer’s crypto assets without customer consent, meaning customer assets remain completely in custody.

• Does Fidelity Crypto℠ have a 1:1 reserve?

  All crypto assets held by Fidelity Crypto℠ are custodied with Fidelity Digital Assets℠. We keep more than 98% of assets in cold storage on our proprietary custody platform. Fidelity Digital Assets℠ does not lend or otherwise encumber a customer’s crypto assets without customer consent or engage in any proprietary activities with customer crypto assets, which are held in a 1:1 match to our customer's accounts.

• Are my digital assets insured?

  Your Digital Assets are not FDIC-insured or government guaranteed and may lose value.

• Are my cash balances that Fidelity Digital Assets℠ holds at the cash depository eligible for FDIC insurance?

  Yes, any cash balances and other deposits maintained at the cash depository in the same legal ownership capacity will be eligible for FDIC insurance up to the applicable FDIC insurance limits. This will include any deposits that you make directly at the cash depository or that you make through Fidelity Digital Assets℠ or other third parties. The cash depository is Citibank, N.A. FDIC insurance protects against loss in the event of a failure of the cash depository; it does not protect you against loss in the event of a failure of Fidelity Digital Assets℠.

• How is my Fidelity Crypto℠ account protected?

  Holdings in the Fidelity Crypto℠ account are stored securely by Fidelity Digital Assets℠.  Fidelity Digital Assets℠ manages omnibus wallets with client assets segregated at the books and records level. Fidelity Digital Assets℠ maintains both online wallets as well as various offline wallets. The proprietary design of the various offline wallets allows for risk segmentation with varying service level standards, geographic dispersion, and number of associates required to initiate transactions; with the majority of assets held in the most secure “deep cold” storage. Additionally, multiple sets of controls and procedures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to your crypto. Fidelity Digital Assets holds SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 1 audit reports covering the operational and technology controls for our services. The report is issued by a Big Four accounting firm.

• Is Fidelity Digital Assets℠ regulated?

  Yes. Fidelity complies with all applicable laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which it operates. Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC ("Fidelity Digital Assets") is a New York State chartered, limited liability trust company, by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Fidelity Digital Assets is also registered as a Money Service Business (MSB) with FinCen, and operates in numerous states with a money transmitter license (MTL).

• What is the Fidelity Customer Protection Guarantee?

  We value your business and the trust you've placed in Fidelity. Our Customer Protection Guarantee aims to give you even greater peace of mind when doing business with us by reimbursing losses that arise from unauthorized access to your covered accounts. See the full Customer Protection Guarantee for more details.

Fidelity Blockchain 101

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/crypto/blockchain-101?ccsource=em_Promo_1076604_1_0

Deprecated >> Libra Coin and Wallet system

https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/18/facebook-libra/

Developer Info on Libra

• If you are a researcher or protocol developer, an early preview of the Libra testnet is available under the Apache 2.0 Open Source License, with accompanying documentation. This is just the start of the process, and the testnet is still an early prototype under development, but you can read, build, and provide feedback right away. Since the current focus is on stabilizing the prototype, the project may initially be slower to take community contributions. However, we are committed to building a community-oriented development process and opening the platform to developers — starting with pull requests — as soon as possible.
• If you want to learn about the Libra Association, read more here.
• If your organization is interested in becoming a Founding Member or applying for social impact grants from the Libra Association, read more here.

Test a Libra  transaction

https://developers.libra.org/

1. Clone Libra:

git clone https://github.com/libra/libra.git && cd libra

2. Install Dependencies:

./scripts/dev_setup.sh

3. Run the CLI:

./scripts/cli/start_cli_testnet.sh

4. Run Your First Transaction:
My First Transaction

https://developers.libra.org/docs/my-first-transaction

Will Libra be a hit?

jasonbennick [9:15 PM]
Bottom line is they’re doing this. And it’s going to result in nearly 2 billion digital wallets a good portion of humanity will be transacting through. Opposing them across the true crypto community will be expected. As well as every bank and government worldwide. And it will all be pointless. It’s either integrate, or be on the sideline. That’s pretty much how it’s all going to end up whether the world likes it or not. The last line of that letter says it all.

jim.mason [9:24 PM]
You're right. At some point in 2020, they'll have a wallet and payment system operational. A good portion of Facebook users won't care about uninsured assets, reserve currencies, governance, no interest paid or the high costs of converting in and out of Libra. They'll just use it.
It may become the "people pay" leader quickly replacing the existing people pay systems where fiat isn't an issue

Libra Updates  20/04/16

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeldelcastillo/2020/04/16/libra-compromises-undermine-original-facebook-promise/#5dde40962737

Libra-200416-forbes.com-Libra Compromises Undermine Original Facebook Promise.pdf

"Trust is the fuel that runs the world .. all relationships depend on it"

The original Libra model was low on effective trust among many key parties needed to make the system useful in a broad way.

The revised control model improves the trust level for key parties and, therefore, raises the odds Libra may prove useful as a currency.

The concept of automating compliance policies in the currency makes the overall system more compliant and cost-effective to manage.

Given the single currency pegged coins, new governance, no interest model, the flexible conversion costs will it succeed in the market? We'll see but the odds are better now.

MIT Vault crypto uses POS for performance

https://news.mit.edu/2019/vault-faster-more-efficient-cryptocurrency-0124

Potential Value Opportunities

Potential Challenges

Governance and Regulation

Governance problems with Crypto exchanges for NFTs

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/illicit-nft-activity-surges-trading-234604715.html

SEC files complaint on Ripple for unregistered securities trading - 2020

https://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-will-sec-complaint-affect-banks-relationships-with-ripple

SEC-crypto-regulation-2020-americanbanker-How will SEC complaint affect banks relationships with Ripple.pdf gdrive

The complaint casts a harsh light on how the company raises money through the sale of digital tokens called XRP.

According to the SEC, Ripple executives have sold 14.6 billion units of XRP for more than $1.38 billion to fund the company’s operations and acquire personal wealth without registering their offers and sales of XRP with the SEC. Those actions have broken several securities laws, the complaint says. The SEC seeks to permanently ban Ripple and its leaders from selling unregistered XRP, make defendants "disgorge all ill-gotten gains" from the transactions and impose unspecified civil money penalties.

XRP is a controlled, central market

Ripple gifted owners 

Owners sold XRP on exchanges directly ( without registrations ) are investment contracts

Counter-argument

XRP is not a security investment ( no ownership in company, no specified returns etc )

It's a digital asset bought to increase in value

Does the SEC complaint have merit?

"if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck ... "

A lesson in "leaning out" from regulation

If you "lean out" and you grow quickly, regulators will "lean in" on your organization

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/02/the-rise-and-fall-of-bitcoin-billionaire-arthur-hayes

bitmex-crypto-bank-scandal-2021-vanityfair-The Rise and Fall of Bitcoin Billionaire Arthur Hayes.pdf

Candidate Solutions

Step-by-step guide for Example

sample code block

Recommended Next Steps

Related articles