Tech

Stablecoins are a defense technology

Published

11 months ago

31 May, 2024

Stablecoins are a defense technology.

This idea had been floating around in my head since 2018. At the time, I was in Washington meeting with regulators about Libra (Meta’s or, at the time, Facebook’s stablecoin project). One of my personal motivations behind Libra was national defense.

The basic idea is that the future of money will be more digital than physical. And stablecoins – in this case, cryptocurrency pegged to a stable currency like the USD – are the best tool we have for digitizing the dollar. If we don’t digitize the dollar, we risk losing its position at the center of the financial world. If that happens, we will lose a fundamental pillar of American stability and leadership that most people right now take for granted. And if the US government doesn’t recognize it soon, someone else will. (If they haven’t already, 👋🏻🇨🇳). Hence the defense angle.

If you’re a stablecoin founder and haven’t thought of yourself as a defense technology company, think again. And if you are a regulator who has been sleeping on stablecoins and the role they will play in dollar hegemony, wake up.

This is the time to act. THE The market capitalization of stablecoins is close to $150 billionAND adoption continues to increase.

If we want to create stable infrastructure – for finance and also for democracy (bear with me) – then we need to move quickly.

And with that…

Because stablecoins are a defense technology

Let’s start with a quick history lesson.

The dollar has been the world’s main reserve currency since the Second World War. This was decided at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, which was also the crucible for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The great European financial centers were on fire, and the United States had its moment to step up and cement the dollar at the center of the post-war world economy.

Bretton Woods formalized things by creating an exchange rate system in which other countries could measure the value of their currency relative to the dollar, which at the time was pegged to the value of gold.

Of course, the dollar is no longer pegged to the value of gold. But it still represents the strength, stability and geopolitical weight of the United States. So we continue to navigate using the power of that idea.

Being the world’s reserve currency is not a right. It’s a privilege. It has some financial advantages, such as never having to go through an exchange process for trade, or being able to borrow money at lower interest rates (and, in a different light, it makes it easier for us to impose sanctions on other countries ). ).

But real power is security. If the dollar were to collapse, it would have enormous repercussions on the entire world economy. Much of the world’s monetary system is held together by the fact that the United States is stable. This means we are less likely to experience targeted attacks, financial wars, hostile takeovers… or worse.

This is a fact that we also recognize in our publications national security strategy. International financial institutions are a “force multiplier for our values and interests”.

And it is a fact that China is eager for change.

Recently, the CCP released a report on “American hegemony and its dangers” with an entire section focused on dollar dominance. A quote from that section: “America’s economic and financial hegemony has become a geopolitical weapon.”

From our American perspective, the USD is not so much a weapon as a shield. However, China’s use of this language is significant. There are many countries out there that would like to use this world reserve currency status as a weapon.

It has always confused me that there are still US regulators who don’t see safe and secure stablecoin projects like our (benign) Trojan horses for the continued dominance of the US dollar. If you want to proliferate your currency across many stable assets, across many secure exchanges, what better option do you have than a stablecoin? It’s also free marketing for USD: an immediate way to give access to those dollars to millions of people around the world who want them through a decentralized network.

If we don’t find a way to protect that trademark, someone else will try to use (or abuse) it.

The good news

Despite ourselves, there is no shortage of good news.

99% of stablecoin projects they are pegged to the US dollar today.

Paradoxically, the fact that we have not moved quickly, or even at all, to digitize the dollar from the top down may be the best-case scenario. It allowed us to grow the ecosystem organically.

In the past, US hegemony has been a push dynamic. But digital hegemony has been more of a pull than a push. It is proven that people want stablecoins and entrepreneurs have created solutions. It was actually beautiful to watch.

A diverse stablecoin ecosystem is exactly what we want to see. Not just for consumers, but for national security. Many projects pegged to the US dollar make the dollar much more difficult to overcome.

But we need regulators to do one thing: clarify the rules of the game, which may be an extremely low intervention. For example…USD mark.

Trademark of the USD

Back to Washington in 2018. I remember being in a meeting with Treasury and asking them if “USD” was a registered trademark. “Why?” they asked me like I was crazy.

If you think about it, there is no official definition of a true digital US dollar, at least from the government’s perspective. This means that virtually anyone can create a digital “US dollar” – in other words, anyone could counterfeit a US dollar in 15 minutes. We could launch NFX-USD today.

On a larger scale, this hypothetically means that China has no obligation to even call an RMB-backed stablecoin what it is. They could literally use the US dollar brand and tie it to their currency under the hood. Nobody is watching.

Instead of letting the US government build their own digital currency (which they have considered doing), they just need to clarify the rules of the game.

The commercial branding of the USD begins with the true government-backed definition of the US digital dollar. It concludes with a set of requirements that further enable the good guys by providing regulatory clarity to entrepreneurs. And at the same time it protects consumers from bad actors.

Some suggestions for such requirements:

Fully guaranteed reserves
Verifiable finances
Founders of KYC-d

This effectively allows the government to entrust capitalism to build, grow and sustain the dollar in the digital space.

It’s simple and beautiful, if we make the rules clear.

Appeal to the Founders

I would be a lot more sleep deprived right now if it weren’t for one thing. Every day I meet more and more stablecoin founders. You are motivated, talented, intelligent. You are scrappy and experienced and see this problem for what it is.

We have a network of stablecoin founders across the United States who can step in to solve this problem for us, if we provide them with the resources and support they need. Cryptocurrency obsessives like to focus on individual coin market caps, but come on guys: this is a team sport.

Technically and organizationally, stablecoins will allow the dollar to proliferate digitally. We have decentralized teams of founders, not to mention the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, coming our way. It’s a truly elegant solution, fueled by the American Dream, if we give these networks what they need to thrive.

This is what I hope all stablecoin founders understand, if you don’t already know. Your work is a matter of national defense and even a matter of democracy.

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Tech

Harvard Alumni, Tech Moguls, and Best-Selling Authors Drive Nearly $600 Million in Pre-Order Sales

Published

9 months ago

31 July, 2024

Digital Finance News Staff

Harvard Alumni, Tech Moguls, and Best-Selling Authors Drive Nearly $600 Million in Pre-Order Sales

BlockDAG Network’s history is one of innovation, perseverance, and a vision to push the boundaries of blockchain technology. With Harvard alumni, tech moguls, and best-selling authors at the helm, BlockDAG is rewriting the rules of the cryptocurrency game.

CEO Antony Turner, inspired by the successes and shortcomings of Bitcoin and Ethereum, says, “BlockDAG leverages existing technology to push the boundaries of speed, security, and decentralization.” This powerhouse team has led a staggering 1,600% price increase in 20 pre-sale rounds, raising over $63.9 million. The secret? Unparalleled expertise and a bold vision for the future of blockchain.

Let’s dive into BlockDAG’s success story and find out what the future holds for this cryptocurrency.

The Origin: Why BlockDAG Was Created

In a recent interview, BlockDAG CEO Antony Turner perfectly summed up why the market needs BlockDAG’s ongoing revolution. He said:

“The creation of BlockDAG was inspired by Bitcoin and Ethereum, their successes and their shortcomings.

If you look at almost any new technology, it is very rare that the first movers remain at the forefront forever. Later incumbents have a huge advantage in entering a market where the need has been established and the technology is no longer cutting edge.

BlockDAG has done just that: our innovation is incorporating existing technology to provide a better solution, allowing us to push the boundaries of speed, security, and decentralization.”

The Present: How Far Has BlockDAG Come?

BlockDAG’s presale is setting new benchmarks in the cryptocurrency investment landscape. With a stunning 1600% price increase over 20 presale lots, it has already raised over $63.9 million in capital, having sold over 12.43 billion BDAG coins.

This impressive performance underscores the overwhelming confidence of investors in BlockDAG’s vision and leadership. The presale attracted over 20,000 individual investors, with the BlockDAG community growing exponentially by the hour.

These monumental milestones have been achieved thanks to the unparalleled skills, experience and expertise of BlockDAG’s management team:

Antony Turner – Chief Executive Officer

Antony Turner, CEO of BlockDAG, has over 20 years of experience in the Fintech, EdTech, Travel and Crypto industries. He has held senior roles at SPIRIT Blockchain Capital and co-founded Axona-Analytics and SwissOne. Antony excels in financial modeling, business management and scaling growth companies, with expertise in trading, software, IoT, blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Director of Communications

Youssef Khaoulaj, CSO of BlockDAG, is a Smart Contract Auditor, Metaverse Expert, and Red Team Hacker. He ensures system security and disaster preparedness, and advises senior management on security issues.

advisory Committee

Steven Clarke-Martin, a technologist and consultant, excels in enterprise technology, startups, and blockchain, with a focus on DAOs and smart contracts. Maurice Herlihy, a Harvard and MIT graduate, is an award-winning computer scientist at Brown University, with experience in distributed computing and consulting roles, most notably at Algorand.

The Future: Becoming the Cryptocurrency with the Highest Market Cap in the World

Given its impressive track record and a team of geniuses working tirelessly behind the scenes, BlockDAG is quickly approaching the $600 million pre-sale milestone. This crypto powerhouse will soon enter the top 30 cryptocurrencies by market cap.

Currently trading at $0.017 per coin, BlockDAG is expected to hit $1 million in the coming months, with the potential to hit $30 per coin by 2030. Early investors have already enjoyed a 1600% ROI by batch 21, fueling a huge amount of excitement around BlockDAG’s presale. The platform is seeing significant whale buying, and demand is so high that batch 21 is almost sold out. The upcoming batch is expected to drive prices even higher.

Invest in BlockDAG Pre-Sale Now:

Pre-sale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Website: https://blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetwork

Discord: Italian: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

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Tech

How Karak’s Latest Tech Integration Could Make Data Breaches Obsolete

Published

9 months ago

31 July, 2024

Digital Finance News Staff

how-karaks-latest-tech-integration-could-make-data-breaches-obsolete

Space and Time uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure secure and tamper-proof data processing for smart contracts and enterprises.
The integration facilitates faster development and deployment of Distributed Secure Services (DSS) on the Karak platform.

Karak, a platform known for its strong security capabilities, is enhancing its Distributed Secure Services (DSS) by integrating Space and Time as a zero-knowledge (ZK) coprocessor. This move is intended to strengthen trustless operations across its network, especially in slashing and rewards mechanisms.

Space and Time is a verifiable processing layer that uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure that computations on decentralized data warehouses are secure and untampered with. This system enables smart contracts, large language models (LLMs), and enterprises to process data without integrity concerns.

The integration with Karak will enable the platform to use Proof of SQL, a new ZK-proof approach developed by Space and Time, to confirm that SQL query results are accurate and have not been tampered with.

One of the key features of this integration is the enhancement of DSS on Karak. DSS are decentralized services that use re-staked assets to secure the various operations they provide, from simple utilities to complex marketplaces. The addition of Space and Time technology enables faster development and deployment of these services, especially by simplifying slashing logic, which is critical to maintaining security and trust in decentralized networks.

Karak Chain

Additionally, Space and Time is developing its own DSS for blockchain data indexing. This service will allow community members to easily participate in the network by running indexing nodes. This is especially beneficial for applications that require high security and decentralization, such as decentralized data indexing.

The integration architecture follows a detailed and secure flow. When a Karak slashing contract needs to verify a SQL query, it calls the Space and Time relayer contract with the required SQL statement. This contract then emits an event with the query details, which is detected by operators in the Space and Time network.

These operators, responsible for indexing and monitoring DSS activities, validate the event and route the work to a verification operator who runs the query and generates the necessary ZK proof.

The result, along with a cryptographic commitment on the queried data, is sent to the relayer contract, which verifies and returns the data to the Karak cutter contract. This end-to-end process ensures that the data used in decision-making, such as determining penalties within the DSS, is accurate and reliable.

Karak’s mission is to provide universal security, but it also extends the capabilities of Space and Time to support multiple DSSs with their data indexing needs. As these technologies evolve, they are set to redefine the secure, decentralized computing landscape, making it more accessible and efficient for developers and enterprises alike. This integration represents a significant step towards a more secure and verifiable digital infrastructure in the blockchain space.

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Tech

Cryptocurrency Payments: Should CFOs Consider This Ferrari-Approved Trend?

Published

9 months ago

30 July, 2024

Digital Finance News Staff

Cryptocurrency Payments: Should CFOs Consider This Ferrari-Approved Trend?

Iconic Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari has announced the expansion of its cryptocurrency payment system to its European dealer network.

The move, which follows a successful launch in North America less than a year ago, raises a crucial question for CFOs across industries: Is it time to consider accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment for your business?

Ferrari’s move isn’t an isolated one. It’s part of a broader trend of companies embracing digital assets. As of 2024, we’re seeing a growing number of companies, from tech giants to traditional retailers, accepting cryptocurrencies.

This change is determined by several factors:

Growing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies
Growing demand from tech-savvy and affluent consumers
Potential for faster and cheaper international transactions
Desire to project an innovative brand image

Ferrari’s approach is particularly noteworthy. They have partnered with BitPay, a leading cryptocurrency payment processor, to allow customers to purchase vehicles using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. This satisfies their tech-savvy and affluent customer base, many of whom have large digital asset holdings.

Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

Ferrari’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments illustrates several key opportunities for companies considering this move. First, it opens the door to new customer segments. By accepting cryptocurrency, Ferrari is targeting a younger, tech-savvy demographic—people who have embraced digital assets and see them as a legitimate form of value exchange. This strategy allows the company to connect with a new generation of affluent customers who may prefer to conduct high-value transactions in cryptocurrency.

Second, cryptocurrency adoption increases global reach. International payments, which can be complex and time-consuming with traditional methods, become significantly easier with cryptocurrency transactions. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that operate in multiple countries or deal with international customers, as it potentially reduces friction in cross-border transactions.

Third, accepting cryptocurrency positions a company as innovative and forward-thinking. In today’s fast-paced business environment, being seen as an early adopter of emerging technologies can significantly boost a brand’s image. Ferrari’s move sends a clear message that they are at the forefront of financial innovation, which can appeal to customers who value cutting-edge approaches.

Finally, there is the potential for cost savings. Traditional payment methods, especially for international transactions, often incur substantial fees. Cryptocurrency transactions, on the other hand, can offer lower transaction costs. For high-value purchases, such as luxury cars, these savings could be significant for both the business and the customer.

While the opportunities are enticing, accepting cryptocurrency payments also presents significant challenges that businesses must address. The most notable of these is volatility. Cryptocurrency values can fluctuate dramatically, sometimes within hours, posing potential risk to businesses that accept them as payment. Ferrari addressed this challenge by implementing a system that instantly converts cryptocurrency received into traditional fiat currencies, effectively mitigating the risk of value fluctuations.

Regulatory uncertainty is another major concern. The legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving in many jurisdictions around the world. This lack of clear and consistent regulations can create compliance challenges for companies, especially those operating internationally. Companies must remain vigilant and adaptable as new laws and regulations emerge, which can be a resource-intensive process.

Implementation costs are also a significant obstacle. Integrating cryptocurrency payment systems often requires substantial investment in new technology infrastructure and extensive staff training. This can be especially challenging for small businesses or those with limited IT resources. The costs are not just financial; a significant investment of time is also required to ensure smooth implementation and operation.

Finally, security concerns loom large in the world of cryptocurrency transactions. While blockchain technology offers some security benefits, cryptocurrency transactions still require robust cybersecurity measures to protect against fraud, hacks, and other malicious activity. Businesses must invest in robust security protocols and stay up-to-date on the latest threats and protections, adding another layer of complexity and potential costs to accepting cryptocurrency payments.

Strategic Considerations for CFOs

If you’re thinking of following in Ferrari’s footsteps, here are the key factors to consider:

Risk Assessment: Carefully evaluate potential risks to your business, including financial, regulatory, and reputational risks.
Market Analysis: Evaluate whether your customer base is significantly interested in using cryptocurrencies for payments.
Technology Infrastructure: Determine the costs and complexities of implementing a cryptographic payment system that integrates with existing financial processes.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that cryptocurrency acceptance is in line with local regulations in all markets you operate in. Ferrari’s gradual rollout demonstrates the importance of this consideration.
Financial Impact: Analyze how accepting cryptocurrency could impact your cash flow, accounting practices, and financial reporting.
Partnership Evaluation: Consider partnering with established crypto payment processors to reduce risk and simplify implementation.
Employee Training: Plan comprehensive training to ensure your team is equipped to handle cryptocurrency transactions and answer customer questions.

While Ferrari’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments is exciting, it’s important to consider this trend carefully.

A CFO’s decision to adopt cryptocurrency as a means of payment should be based on a thorough analysis of your company’s specific needs, risk tolerance, and strategic goals. Cryptocurrency payments may not be right for every business, but for some, they could provide a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Remember that the landscape is rapidly evolving. Stay informed about regulatory changes, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. Whether you decide to accelerate your crypto engines now or wait in the pit, keeping this payment option on your radar is critical to navigating the future of business transactions.

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Bitcoin Tumbles as Crypto Market Selloff Mirrors Tech Stocks’ Plunge

Published

9 months ago

30 July, 2024

Digital Finance News Staff

Bitcoin Tumbles as Crypto Market Sell-Off Mirrors Tech Stock Slide

The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), suffered a significant price decline on Wednesday, falling below $65,000. The decline coincides with a broader market sell-off that has hit technology stocks hard.

Cryptocurrency Liquidations Hit Hard

CoinGlass data reveals a surge in long liquidations in the cryptocurrency market over the past 24 hours. These liquidations, totaling $220.7 million, represent forced selling of positions that had bet on price increases. Bitcoin itself accounted for $14.8 million in long liquidations.

Ethereum leads the decline

Ethereal (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, has seen a steeper decline than Bitcoin, falling nearly 8% to trade around $3,177. This decline mirrors Bitcoin’s price action, suggesting a broader market correction.

Cryptocurrency market crash mirrors tech sector crash

The cryptocurrency market decline appears to be linked to the significant losses seen in the U.S. stock market on Wednesday. Stock market listing The index, heavily weighted toward technology stocks, posted its sharpest decline since October 2022, falling 3.65%.

Analysts cite multiple factors

Several factors may have contributed to the cryptocurrency market crash:

Tech earnings are underwhelming: Earnings reports from tech giants like Alphabet are disappointing (Google(the parent company of), on Tuesday, triggered a sell-off in technology stocks with higher-than-expected capital expenditures that could have repercussions on the cryptocurrency market.
Changing Political Landscape: The potential impact of the upcoming US elections and changes in Washington’s policy stance towards cryptocurrencies could influence investor sentiment.
Ethereal ETF Hopes on the line: While bullish sentiment around a potential U.S. Ethereum ETF initially boosted the market, delays or rejections could dampen enthusiasm.

Analysts’ opinions differ

Despite the short-term losses, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term prospects. Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading firm QCP Capital believes Bitcoin could follow a similar trajectory to its post-ETF launch all-time high, with Ethereum potentially converging with its previous highs on sustained institutional interest.

Rich Dad Poor Dad Author’s Prediction

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-selling Rich Dad Poor Dad, predicts a potential surge in the price of Bitcoin if Donald Trump is re-elected as US president. He predicts a surge to $105,000 per coin by August 2025, fueled by a weaker dollar that is set to boost US exports.

BTC/USD Technical Outlook

Bitcoin price is currently trading below key support levels, including the $65,500 level and the 100 hourly moving average. A break below the $64,000 level could lead to further declines towards the $63,200 support zone. However, a recovery above the $65,500 level could trigger another increase in the coming sessions.

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