Experts Predictions for Crypto in 2022

Considering the big picture, Bitcoin has had a great year. The cryptocurrency went up by 70% since the beginning of 2021, bringing the crypto market to around $2 trillion in value. This year, the first crypto company that went public, Coinbase, debuted back in April. Also, during 2021 we’ve seen more active participation from Wall Street banks such as Goldman Sachs. Also, how can we forget the approval of the first exchange-traded fund in the US linked to Bitcoin? 

Although, the intense fluctuations of price and the strict regulatory scrutiny have slowed down BTC’s prospects lately. Regarding this, experts have been warning crypto users that the situation could be leading downhill. 

With the new year looking like another fluctuating period for crypto, a group of experts has already made predictions for crypto in 2022. Cryptodigest brings you a look at the most relevant predictions of analysts.

Experts Predictions for Crypto: The Crypto Crash

Some analysts assure that BTC is due for a steep decline in the months to come. Bitcoin rose to a record price of almost $69,000 back in November; currently, it’s sitting right below $50,000. That’s nearly 30% down from its highest point in just a matter of weeks. 

According to the wisdom that rules Wall Street, a decline of 20% or more is what defines bear markets. Although, it’s worth mentioning that this means nothing because of Bitcoin famous volatility.

Finance professor, Carol Alexander, said it’s expected for Bitcoin to go as low as $10,000 in the next year. If that happens, the profits earned in the last year and a half would be virtually whipped out. She strongly advises investors to consider coming out of Bitcoin soon because its price will probably plummet in 2022.

Alexander’s predictions for crypto are not based on mere speculation; we should keep in mind that if well it’s famous for its volatility, it also has specific patterns that we shouldn’t overlook. For example, after a significant price rise, Bitcoin tended to nosedive in the past. In 2018, the coin went down to $3,000 after getting close to $20,000 only a few months before.

On the other hand, cryptocurrency backers differ from Alexander’s opinion. As more institutional investors join the volatile market, crypto supporters insist that things are more stable now. A usual investment case for BTC, in particular, is that it serves as a hedge versus the inflation rising as a consequence of the government stimulus. Todd Lowenstein, a strategist from the Union Bank, says that the Federal Reserve has a big chance to pull the plug on Bitcoin.

The Exchange-Traded Fund

The most significant development that investors are eagerly anticipating in 2022 is the approval of the first ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) in the US. Earlier this year, the SEC gave the green light to launch the Bitcoin Strategy ETF of ProShares. The product keeps track of futures contracts of Bitcoin instead of providing investors direct contact to the crypto.

In finance, futures are derivatives that require the investor to sell or buy certain assets for a price already agreed and at a later date. Experts agree that ProShares’ ETF might be risky for inexperienced traders that track futures and not Bitcoin. The futures of Bitcoin that launched has been categorized as not retail-friendly because of the high costs of rolling over contracts that end up being around 5-10%.

Grayscale Investments, which holds the most prominent Bitcoin fund, has requested to convert it into a spot ETF. Like Grayscale, there are many other Bitcoin ETF applications on the waiting list.

Hope in the Predictions for Crypto in 2022?

2021 was rough on crypto regulations, starting with China banning all crypto-related activities. Then, the authorities in the US cracked down on some aspects of the market. Experts suspect that new regulations will be one of the main issues in 2022 for the industry.

Vijay Ayyar, head of Luno exchange, stated that next year would influence the regulatory side of the crypto market. Since there’s a lot of interest from many governments (the US as one of the main), expectations have never been higher to bring regulation into the crypto industry. Ayyar also said he expects to clarify the legal gray zone for other cryptos besides Bitcoin.

Ripple is in a battle with the US authorities over XRP. The SEC says that it is a non-registered security and that the company sold the tokens illegally. On the other side, Ripple alleges that XRP is not a security.

Experts also mentioned stablecoins as one of the main focuses for regulation authorities next year. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that back up their price with assets like the USD. For example, Tether is the primary concern since there’s a lot of speculation about if it has enough assets backing it up or not.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, more scrutiny is to come around the crypto space. People still remember the housing and mortgage bubble too well, so it’s natural to be cautious about assets that people still don’t understand completely. 

While this is happening, regulations have also started scrutinizing the decentralized finance sector. It seems that the wheel has been set in motion, but the real question here is, whose interests are governments protecting? That’s a question worth asking. For sure, 2022 will bring more on crypto news and we at Cryptodigest are excited about keeping you informed about it.

Polygon After Ethereum 2.0

Let’s start from the beginning; what is Polygon, and why is it so relevant for Ethereum? Polygon, known before as Matic Network, is a framework for scaling and interoperability designed to build blockchains compatible with Ethereum. The network has a token on its own, known as MATIC, which is utilized for staking, governance, and gas fees.

At the beginning of 2021, Ethereum made changes and rebranded the Matic Network, which was known as Polygon from that moment on. Now, the framework deals with some of the limitations that Ethereum has. Lack of high speed, delayed transactions, lack of community governance, and lousy throughput, to name a few. Unlike its predecessor, Polygon is designed to be a platform for launching interoperable blockchain technology.

With the new changes Ethereum is implementing, many experts are wondering about the future of Polygon after Ethereum 2.0. In this article, we’ll explain how Polygon is aiding Ethereum and what to expect after the launch of Ethereum 2.0.

How Does It Work?

Polygon works on a four-layer principle: Polygon’s layer, Ethereum layer, security layer, and execution layer. In fact, two of those layers are of mandatory nature – the Polygon layer and the execution layer. The first one is the layer of the network, the blockchain networks on Polygon. The second mandatory layer is the execution one, which executes smart contracts.

The Ethereum layer represents a group of smart contracts executed on Ethereum. Those contracts take care of tasks like staking, transaction finality, and the communication between Polygon chains and Ethereum. 

The security layer works simultaneously as Ethereum, and it grants “validators as a service” status. That role enables chains to get benefits from an extra security layer. It’s important to mention that both Ethereum and the security layer are not mandatory.

Chains set on Polygon can communicate with the main chain of Ethereum thanks to Polygon’s capabilities. Therefore, this will open a variety of possibilities for decentralized apps and the exchange of value among different platforms.

What Will Happen to Polygon After Ethereum 2.0?

As the Ethereum team announced, Ethereum 2.0 will fix the congestion problem that Ethereum currently faces. As the new launch will to deal with current issues Polygon was helping with, does it mean that Polygon will disappear? Not likely. Polygon has helped to ease the pressure of demand and lower fees. It is easy to conclude that Polygon still has big plans after Ethereum 2.0.

On December 9, 2021, at the ZK Day event, they announced the purchase of the Mir protocol. This platform utilizes “zero-knowledge proofs” for designing and building decentralized apps away from Ethereum’s network. Finally, they mentioned the transaction, according to Polygon, will be worth around $400 million in MATIC tokens.

The zero-knowledge proofs are based on the privacy principle. They are a way of verifying things without giving away any private information. It’s like having $100 in your wallet and having the ability to prove this without opening it. Mir uses that concept to run transactions so that developers can build privacy-compliant apps.

What will be the role of Polygon after Ethereum 2.0?

Polygon is planning to introduce a recursive proof system to be faster than anything else, and it’s practical to verify on Ethereum. What is most important about this is that it can translate to Ethereum 2.0. Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum, declared that the network would use it in conjunction with other solutions for scalability. 

Conclusion

As the network stated before, there’s no apparent cause for concern. The future of Polygon after Ethereum 2.0 seems to be set as the platform plans to keep it close for much longer now. Although, crypto space keeps rapidly growing, evolving, innovating, the launch of Ethereum 2.0 is for sure one of the most anticipated events. Expectations are very high since experts believe it will set the bar to a new high while respecting users’ privacy. One thing is for sure. We can expect much more exciting news from crypto space in the future years. We’ll be eagerly waiting for the next new thing.

Plasma Finance: The Next Big Thing in DeFi

In the last couple of years, the DeFi sector has grown significantly, paving the way for innovative protocols such as Plasma Finance. With a worth that surpasses the $270 billion mark, the DeFi projects have consolidated their position in the crypto space. Now, with Plasma Finance in the game, the projections for the industry are skyrocketing rapidly.

In spite of the increased interest in DeFi, it’s still only a niche sector, but Plasma Finance is now addressing the issue. The platform’s goal is to offer a streamlined and simplified experience for the user. The network utilizes DeFi protocols while offering analytics tools and some added features. By combining all that, the network gets the best of both worlds, DeFi, and traditional finance.

What Is Plasma Finance?

There are many inconveniences people face with all the intermediate steps for getting into DeFi. This is where Plasma Finance saw an opportunity. As a result of these limitations, we can conclude that there’s only so much growth that DeFi can have. There are a lot of users wanting to experiment with lending and yield farming, for example, but currently, it’s too complicated for newcomers. 

Plasma Finance offers a solution that would lower the barriers to getting into DeFi. The protocol supplies an interface to store, invest and manage DeFi crypto. 

What Does Plasma Finance Do?

Its most significant feature is to support payment cards issued by Mastercard and Visa, as well as bank accounts. One of the goals for the network is to offer top rates from major exchanges, and at the moment, it supports multiple crypto assets. 

It is possible for Plasma Finance to support those payment methods because of its partnerships. The collaborations are what makes the global support possible. The protocol’s most important partners are PlasmaPay, Ramp, and Simplex.

New Users

Ilia Maksimenka, current CEO and founder, thinks that DeFi protocols should compete with traditional institutions. Maksimenka believes that exchanges, banks, and conventional financial institutions are the main competitors since people use them daily.

The key to their success is the ease of using, which DeFi doesn’t possess, and that’s the first issue they’re trying to solve. Research made by the team in charge demonstrates that users benefit from familiarity. They can find it among the established interface models, such as the ones used by traditional services. 

Most users expect to have an experience similar to using an iPhone, but instead, new users find it hard to understand DeFi. That unfamiliarity translates into uncertainty and fear of losing money for the user. 

Advantages of Plasma Finance

The project’s primary goal is to help new users with the onboarding process by simplifying it, making the transition easier. The team worked on a step-by-step approach that starts with the process of downloading a wallet and linking a source of funding to get further access. 

Once the user completes those two simple steps, they’re granted access to the entire experience in one platform. By simplifying the access process, Plasma Finance is helping users from around the world to save time. Instead of researching hundreds of protocols and platforms, users can have it all in one place.

As another crucial point, the protocol provides fiat on-ramps for purchasing crypto in most countries around the globe. It includes a portfolio management tool, swap platforms, and decentralized exchange, among other features. Coupled with this, the team constantly performs audits on projects and labels them accordingly.

Conclusion

It’s safe to say that it will be impossible to ignore the DeFi industry in the following years, specifically by the traditional finance system. Its more efficient and thoughtful processes will make it an outstanding sector, not to mention the difference in rates compared to conventional finance. 

One thing is for sure; if everything keeps going as it has, the most significant protocols might become more prominent. That is the goal for Plasma Finance, to be the “retailer” users go to look at the offers out there. Think about it as a Spotify for the DeFi space and use it accordingly.

How to Create a Stable Income by Staking Crypto

Staking Explained

There are proof of stake networks such as Polkadot and Ethereum that are rewarding users for staking crypto. Unlike Bitcoin, secured by mining, more recent crypto utilizes a different mechanism of consensus. That other mechanism, known as PoS (proof of stake), uses crypto assets to validate transactions. It means that users commit their crypto to the network to aid the blockchain. In return, the users get rewards, usually in the form of the same crypto they have staked.

In simple terms, a blockchain is a database of transactions that don’t rely on a central authority for maintaining them. Some blockchains, such as Bitcoin, use mining for securely validating the transactions. The problem with mining is that it implies high electricity consumption and expensive hardware. Therefore, this option is not within reach of most people. 

Networks like Cardano, Polkadot, and Ethereum 2.0 changed all of that to avoid complications. Staking is the newly implemented mechanism based on committed funds. This new mechanism gets rid of the mining hustle. Proof of stake chooses validators based on the amount of crypto held in a node. Other users can delegate the assets, or the validator can stake them. 

About the Validators

Staking can be financially enticing; just like miners, validators also get rewards in cryptocurrency. The reward is earned when they stake the asset, and whoever delegates crypto to the validator also receives a portion. The portion of the reward is based on how much they’ve staked minus the validator’s share. This can be particularly attractive for investors who hold assets instead of day trading them, regardless of how small they may be. 

One of the main advantages of staking is that even though complex math supports it, it requires very little tech knowledge. All of the mentioned elements combined make it a more accessible option for most people. Therefore, it’s expected that its growth will be even faster as more people who try it spread the word.

Ways of Staking Crypto 

In general terms, there are two options for staking crypto. The first, as mentioned before, as a validator running a node on your own. If you decide to plunge into this option, you should know that it requires a bit of effort. A stable and secure infrastructure is a must, as well as having experience. Also, the minimum of coins needed to stake is usually too high. For example, to be an Ethereum 2.0 validator, it’s required to have at least 32 ETH.

Because of those reasons, among others, staking is more commonly done by delegation. You choose to delegate your crypto to a validator that already has the required setup. This way, the validator is the one doing the work of keeping the node running for you. In return, the validators will take commission from the staking rewards. 

It should be noted that by delegating your coins, you’re not handing over their guardianship to the validator. Your assets remain in your custody all the time, and usually, the rewards are reinvested automatically. 

The Exchanges

The majority of exchanges handling crypto run validators; this enables their users to stake with them. To do so, they have to use the user interface of the exchange. Among the major ones are Binance, Coinbase, Bitfinex, KuCoin, Kraken, OKEx, and Okcoin. Typically the staking process on exchanges is very similar. What differs one from the other is the available crypto for staking, the locking period, and their fees. 

Despite all of this, not all big exchanges enable users to do staking. Some like Gemini and Robinhood don’t have it as an option right now but have stated that they may offer it in the future. 

Other Things to Consider

Also, it would be best to consider that to comply with regulations, some exchanges might not allow you to stake. This option may not be available for you if you live in particular jurisdictions such as Hawaii or New York. As usual, we encourage you to read more about the subject, especially if you’re considering investing in it. 

Remember that even if it takes longer to take action, it’s always better to make a fully informed decision. A decision taken in the heat of the moment without enough information can potentially lead to considerable losses.

Expand the Dish Network & Receive Helium Tokens

Crypto enthusiasts, get excited! Now it’s possible to start earning Helium token rewards if you plan on helping the expansion of Dish Network. The cryptocurrency startup, Helium, which provides wireless networks, is joining forces with the Dish company. Now, Dish customers have the option to deploy a 5G node to share a connection and earn token rewards. 

The Helium startup made it official that a wireless network run by users is now linked to token rewards. Nowadays, their Internet of Things network possesses over a quarter of a million active nodes. Their next step is to try to do the same with a 5G connection, in collaboration with FreedomFi as the provider of infrastructure. All the focus is set on the TV and mobile service provider Dish Network, who just joined the project. 

On October 26th, Dish Network announced the contract with Helium, making it official to the rest of the world. The deal enables Dish users to share 5G by managing a node of Helium in exchange for HNT tokens as a reward.

What Does it Mean for Crypto Space?

COO of Helium, Frank Mong, declared that Dish Network understands the vast possibilities that blockchain technology can have paired with the wireless industry. The partnership is definite proof that the Helium model of incentivization with tokens can be a potent tool. 

By rewarding users with HNT tokens more people will be drawn to participate in the expansion. The goal of Helium 5G is to have a wider reach while the user also benefits from the tokens and the apps it offers.

LongFi and Helium

The first LongFi network of Helium was planned only to power Internet of Things devices like trackers and sensors. Currently, it has over 250,000 nodes operated by users, as mentioned before. Helium stated that 500,000 more are ordered, which translates to a more relevant scale coming soon. 

However, the network was not planned to handle other kinds of devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. On the other hand, the 5G network built with FreedomFi will be able to do it. The tokens that users get as a reward can naturally be exchanged for any other crypto of choice.

What’s the Next Step?

Mong declared that the first batch of 5G wireless nodes for the network of Helium would soon be shipped by FreedomFi. The expansion plan establishes that by the end of 2022, around 40,000 of Helium’s network nodes will be already deployed. However, some experts think that that scenario is optimistic, others that it will be more. In the end, it all depends on the demand. This project is not the only one working on 5G nodes. Other producers of hardware are also working on it. It’s expected that more plans like this will be announced shortly.

Helium’s Future

Although in the crypto space, anything can happen, Helium’s token has shown great promise. Throughout 2021, it went from $1.36, and it’s currently at $43.41 a token. Back in August of the same year, the project announced funding of $111 million. The main goal of such financing is to scale the plans of the decentralized project. The following month, Helium made public knowledge of its partnership with the City of San Jose in California. The association is for a pilot program that will fund internet access for households with low-income. All of that will be raised by nodes of LongFi that volunteers will operate.

Conclusion

It is still unknown what the future holds, especially when we talk about crypto-related news. Although it can seem to be promising in theory, you should also keep in mind that anything can happen. In this fast-changing world, what might seem certain today might change tomorrow. 

Be sure to consider all the factors involved in the crypto world, not only what the protocols make public. It’s always a good idea to make a decision when you’re well informed, and as mentioned before, invest only what you can afford to lose. 

Singapore Plans to Become a Global Crypto Hub

In the world of crypto, sudden shifts are the only thing you can count on. The mass popularization of crypto technology leads to entire countries changing their financial course and leaning towards crypto. The newest addition to the crypto team is Singapore.

The latest news gave us a clear insight into Singapore’s determination to become one of the leading crypto forces out there. Crypto-related businesses around the world keep wrestling with one of the fastest-growing fields in finance.

Compared to countries like China that are clamping down on crypto to sustain fraudulent activity, some countries embrace crypto, making way for new solutions that might give better long-term results. Crypto Digest covers the story of Singapore and its newly found crypto plan.

Singapore’s Crypto Plan

Mr. Ravi Menon, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) managing director, explains that the “clamp-down” approach isn’t the correct way to handle things. Instead of banning crypto, MAS is planning to enforce solid regulations. Subsequently, businesses, companies, and firms that comply with these requirements and face multiple risks regarding crypto can operate freely. 

The broader liberalization in the financial sector brings Singapore’s plans of building a digital infrastructure based on crypto technology. The country sees significant economic possibilities in crypto’s tokenized economy. Eventually, cross-border payments will come at a lower price, and hard physical assets will be traded differently. 

How Other’s Embraced Crypto

Not everyone had the same ideas regarding crypto. As we briefly mentioned, some countries had different, more restricting approaches. We have China cracking down on almost all crypto activities in the past couple of months, while Japan only allowed crypto investment funds recently.

On the other hand, El Salvador legalized Bitcoin as legal tender and embraced crypto in a completely opposite way. The United States has a variety of digital investment options with the ever-expanding asset class. However, regulators are worried about everything related to crypto, from yield-generating products to stablecoins. 

Singapore is taking a somewhat optimistic yet cautious approach. MAS believes that all crypto activity is a profitable future investment, a future that’s not clear at the moment. 

The Plans and Risks

As Ravi Menon explains, not getting into the game early on means instant disqualification. He believes that the country would be left behind if it had taken another route. Having a strong head start is the way to go. Therefore, if the new crypto technology is faced right at the beginning, it will be easier to spot the benefits, along with risks. 

Singapores’ stakes are high, as it has already established itself as one of the leading global wealth hubs. Raising safeguard is the primary action step. Counter risk measures will surely battle illicit flows that are highly possible in the crypto space.

Conclusion

Singapore and its plans to develop crypto technology, understand blockchain and smart contracts are only a preparation for a 3.0 Web version of the world, as Mr. Menon said. It is important to note that Singapore is not alone in its crypto plans. Various locations include Miami, El Salvador, Dubai, Malta, and Switzerland.

Ultimately, Singapore’s plans give us a rather interesting picture regarding the third generation of online services. With multiple countries having various approaches to this new technology, we have yet to see how the crypto future will unfold. One thing is certain, though; we will have a solid case study. If we know that crypto is here to stay, the only thing left to do is watch, learn and implement. 

CoinList 101: Get Started with the Platform that Is Driving Crypto Adoption

CoinList has a goal, and it involves the acceleration of cryptocurrency adoption. With this mission in mind, the platform has created a holistic offering for users, including everything from lending to trading tools. This multi-service platform allows users to trade, buy, lend and stake the most widely spread crypto assets. 

About CoinList

CoinList is a crypto platform that provides easy access to crypto assets prior to their listing on other popular exchanges. CointList is a global leader in new cryptocurrency issuance. They helped such projects as Solana, Filecoin, Celo, Mina, and others to connect with thousands of new token holders. CointList participates in the complete crypto lifecycle that begins with token sales and ends with staking. 

CoinList implements vetting, so the collection of crypto assets on this platform is thoroughly curated. At the moment, there are 40 cryptocurrencies one can buy or trade, including several emerging assets that haven’t yet appeared on the wider market. 

It is very easy and fast to sign up for CoinList. All you have to do is go to the page and register. CoinList will email you a verification link, and after you click it, you are in! However, in order to use their services, you will need to go through a verification process. They require your name, physical address, a picture of you, and your ID. After this stage, you are good to go!

Trading on CointList

Prior to purchasing, trading, and selling crypto, you will need to fund your wallet. The moment you are logged in, click on “Wallet” and then click “deposit.” You will be required to connect your bank account or send a wire transfer using the details you have been provided. When you have funded your account, you can start purchasing crypto. It is quite simple, as you can navigate to the “Buy and Sell” page through the left sidebar; all you need to do is select the cryptocurrency from the drop-down menu. Choose how much you want to buy and select “Preview Order.” If the transaction looks good to you, select “Confirm Order” so that the crypto can arrive in your wallet. 

It is also an option to deposit to your wallet from another platform. In addition to purchasing and holding crypto, you can trade it within the platform. In order to do that, you need to visit the “Buy and Sell” page, select assets you want to trade, and enter the amount. 

Staking on CoinList

Some cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin are secured by Proof of Work, namely mining, and newer cryptocurrencies use a different consensus mechanism known as Proof of Stake. In PoS, the mining process is replaced with staked funds, another economic resource. Staking can be a complicated process that requires solid financing. CoinList simplifies the process, making staking more accessible for users.

USDC to Challenge Tether

The company Circle Internet Financial, Inc. has big plans to make USDC challenge Tether, so it earns the title of  the best stablecoin. Jeremy Allaire has stated that he wants USDC to challenge Tether and has big plans to make it happen. The CEO of Circle wrote in a blog post that the company’s mission is to become a federal bank. The projections expect  that USDC, the stablecoin that the site operates, will grow its circulation into potentially hundreds of billions of USD. Currently, stablecoins are having a significant moment because they are pegged to a fiat currency, which makes them more stable, therefore, more trustworthy. 

The Background

New investors all around the world, as well as experienced crypto traders, are embracing stablecoins. They have become a good option since they are considered a better-structured alternative for moving money from one place to another. 

The Plans for USDC to Challenge Tether

Currently, Tether is the one dominating the stablecoin markets. Besides Tether, there are several other options out there, but that only seems to be an opportunity for Allaire. When considering market capitalization, USDC is second to Tether. It’s expected that it will take the lead when the regulators in the United States start scrutinizing the uncommon accounting practices of Tether. So eventually, his plans for USDC to challenge Tether will come down to regulations set in place at the time.

How Stable is this Stablecoin?

The main advantage of stablecoins is that they’re not as volatile as other blockchain currencies. For many companies that mine them, stablecoins offer a fast and easy way of generating revenue. When users pay stablecoins in USD, corporations such as Circle and Tether use that money as a backup for them. For example, Circle stated that USDC operations are expected to generate $40 million this year.

The problem comes when companies decide to place the reserves in commercial paper or bonds. So stablecoins such as USDC end up not being backed up 1 to 1 as companies promise. Such was the case of Circle.

Circle’s Battle 

Circle is planning to go public soon, which means that convincing investors that USDC is safe to invest in is crucial  at this point. The company announced  its intentions to become a federally chartered bank, which could help with the regulation issues they face. However, they are confident that their future is bright.

The U.S. Department of Justice Establishes a Crypto Enforcement Division

What Is the Purpose of the Crypto Enforcement Division?

The main goal of a Crypto Enforcement Division is to reinforce the ability of the Department of Justice to fight crimes related to crypto. On October 6th, the DOJ made the announcement about the new unit. The unit  will only focus on financial crime strictly involving crypto. 

The US Deputy Attorney General made the statement at the beginning of October at the Aspen Cyber Summit. Lisa Monaco said that the team would reinforce the DOJ’s ability to hinder financial markets that permit the flourishing of cybercriminals.

What Are the Targets?

It was also stated that the Department of Justice would set an initiative in motion to center on civil cyber fraud. On the same day, she announced that they were launching the national team of crypto enforcement. They have already started fighting the misuse of platforms dedicated to crypto, and they have shown excellent results. It was also stated that the Crypto Enforcement Division wouldn’t hesitate to hold  the platforms that help criminals to launder money in any way accountable. Another point they made clear: they’ll go after platforms assisting criminals to hide criminal proceeds. Crypto has become a crowded space, and new threats appear every day. 

Who Will Be Part of the Crypto Enforcement Division?

At the same summit, Monaco also stated that the team would include as many experts on cybersecurity as experts on anti-money laundering. That particular mix of expertise is made to ensure the protection of consumers for online related crime to finances. 

Since crypto exchanges are set to become the banks of the future, there’s a need to make sure that users can trust these platforms when using their services. Companies that receive federal funds will also be pursued if they don’t follow the recommended cybersecurity standards . 

A Case of Success for the DOJ

The US Department of Justice is chasing cybercriminals, particularly those dealing with cryptocurrency. The latest success story is the case of Larry Harmon, a man from Ohio who got convicted. He was running a Bitcoin mixer for years. Harmon was in charge of a tool that helped “blurring” the source of Bitcoin funds. He pleaded guilty to the charges of money laundering through the service he was in charge of. However, law enforcement wasn’t able to trace them.

Conclusion 

We’re currently experiencing new challenges when it comes to the crypto space, especially when we talk about cybersecurity and its regulations. Although there are still many aspects of it to be defined, one thing is for sure; when dealing with crypto, just like when dealing with fiat money, you should always be careful; scams are gradually becoming an everyday reality even in the virtual space.

Facebook Metaverse

The prominent social media pioneer, Facebook, is investing a significant amount of $50 million in creating the Facebook Metaverse. But let’s start at the beginning; what exactly is a Metaverse? “Metaverse” is the word used to describe an online space within the digital environments. A space with social media, virtual reality, and online games. It’s a mix of “meta,” which means “after” or “beyond” and the word “universe”. The Facebook Metaverse developers are trying to get ahead of the critics by making conscious investments and having meaningful partnerships. The budget planned for the next couple of years is $50 million. The budget will be directed towards initiatives related to the project and collaborations. The Facebook Metaverse goal is to create a space for work, social interactions, and games, among other things.

Who’s in Charge of Facebook Metaverse?

CEO of Facebook, declared that the social network pioneer was on the way to transforming into a metaverse firm. Now, the company is actively investing money into that statement. For instance, the team revealed plans to invest 50 million over the following two years to give life to the Facebook Metaverse. 

The concept of the metaverse is already known in the crypto industry. Decentralized projects try to create future worlds and experiences online out of the control and supervision of centralized entities. Facebook is an excellent example of that. In simple terms, the Facebook metaverse will be about shared virtual spaces where users can interact together and coexist. 

What Will Be the Benefits of It?

Developers declared that by opening the door to gaming and social experiences, the metaverse has excellent potential to improve the way we work. Also, they believe that it will create new economic opportunities for users all over the globe. Therefore, it will be somehow similar to the way decentralized autonomous organizations operate. DAOs are built so that their goal is to disrupt the traditional model of companies as we know it.

What Can We Expect From It?

This is a very ambitious and revolutionary project. That’s why the thought does not convince some metaverse developers of Facebook being the one leading its development. There’s a lot of criticism of its record regarding the user’s privacy, and it’s one of the primary sources of misinformation. The company said in previous days that the Facebook metaverse would be built responsibly. They plan to work with expert advisors in the government and industry. For instance, the goal is to work through potential issues and new opportunities in the Facebook metaverse.

Involving communities of civil and human rights has been a must in this project since the very beginning. Most importantly, there’s a need to guarantee that these technologies will be built in a way that is empowering and inclusive.