Markethive's HVC Token Poised for Crypto Market Triumph

As the crypto industry gears up for the next bull run, Markethive isn't just sitting on the sidelines – it's rolling up its sleeves and diving into the action, poised to shine on the high-performance stage of the Solana blockchain. At the heart of this venture is Markethive's native cryptocurrency, Hivecoin (HVC), a key player ready to unlock the industry's full potential. Solana's reputation for speed and scalability provides the perfect playground for Markethive's ambitious goals.

Cryptocurrency and blockchain have shaken the business world, creating a new era of possibilities. And Markethive? Well, it's not trailing behind; in fact, it's leading the charge. This unique platform, grounded in blockchain technology, caters to entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners, offering them a suite of tools and services to navigate this brave new world.

Now, to make things even more exciting, Markethive has introduced the HVC into the mix. This token isn't just any token; it's intricately woven into the fabric of Markethive's ecosystem. And guess what? It's riding the Solana blockchain wave. Why does that matter? Buckle up because we're about to dive into the juicy details of why this move is a game-changer.

Ready to uncover the magic behind Markethive's strategic choice? Let's jump into the discussion and explore the manifold benefits of having the HVC token on the Solana blockchain. Shall we?

Source: Medium. Solana Labs

Why Markethive chose Solana as the blockchain for the HVC Token

As a decentralized platform aimed at creating a new social and economic paradigm, Markethive needed a blockchain that could seamlessly integrate with its design and vision while meeting specific requirements to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness. After a detailed analysis of various blockchain platforms in the market, the Markethive administrators led by CEO Thomas Prendergast settled on Solana, a high-performance, open-source blockchain designed to support global-scale decentralized applications (dApps).

Solana is a unique blockchain built on eight key technologies, popularly referred to as its "8 pillars of innovation." These pillars include Proof of History, Tower BFT, Turbine, Gulf Stream, Solana Runtime, Archivers, Cloudbreak, and Sealevel, which all work together to ensure the blockchain network's scalability, speed, and security.

How does Solana meet Markethive's requirements for a blockchain platform? Markethive requires fast and efficient transactions, low transaction fees, and a secure and scalable network capable of handling large volumes of data and users. Solana's high throughput of thousands of transactions per second, low transaction costs, and ability to manage multiple dApps make it the perfect fit for the Markethive ecosystem.

Several blockchain platforms offer benefits that have endeared them to various projects and developers. However, most of these platforms suffer from scalability and high transaction costs whenever there is a high volume of transactions on the network. Solana eliminates these challenges by utilizing a robust infrastructure capable of simultaneously handling multiple dApps on the network.

Solana boasts of innovative technology designed to enhance its performance and efficiency. Its Proof of History (PoH) allows for secure and efficient recording of transactions, while its support for smart contracts enables developers to create advanced and customized decentralized applications. Additionally, Solana has a vibrant community and developer network offering resources, tools, and collaborative opportunities for developers. In all, Solana's unique features and advantages make it a standout blockchain platform, offering a robust infrastructure for Markethive's HVC token development. The potential of HVC and the innovative Solana network will transform the Markethive community and create new possibilities for decentralized ecosystems.

Source: Markethive.com

How the HVC Token can Impact the Future of Markethive

The impact of HVC on the future of Markethive is poised to be transformative and far-reaching. This utility token, nestled within the Markethive ecosystem, holds the key to reshaping the dynamics of user interaction within the platform. It goes beyond being a mere transactional tool; the HVC serves as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in how users engage with Markethive.

One of the primary ways HVC will influence Markethive is by granting users access to premium services. This adds an element of exclusivity and enhanced features for token holders, creating a tiered experience within the platform. Armed with HVC, users can unlock a range of specialized services, contributing to a more tailored and personalized Markethive experience.

The HVC introduces a novel way to recognize and reward user participation. By actively engaging with the Markethive community, users can earn HVC, fostering a sense of appreciation and acknowledgment for their contributions. This incentive structure creates a positive feedback loop, where users are not only motivated to participate but also become integral contributors to the growth and vitality of the Markethive ecosystem.

Incentivizing user participation through HVC has the potential to breathe life into the Markethive community. A vibrant and engaged ecosystem emerges when users are rewarded for their contributions. This dynamic environment, fueled by the circulation of HVC, establishes a virtuous cycle of growth. Users are not just passive participants; they become active stakeholders in the platform's success, leading to a more robust and interconnected community.

The value of HVC is intricately tied to their utility and demand within the Markethive ecosystem. As more users actively participate in the platform, utilizing HVC for various transactions and interactions, the demand for the token naturally increases. This surge in demand has the potential to drive a significant appreciation in the token's value, presenting users with additional incentives to both use and hold onto their HVC.

Looking ahead, Markethive envisions expanding the utility of HVC within its platform. This could involve exploring new use cases and integration opportunities, potentially collaborating with other blockchain-based platforms. The goal is to broaden users' earning and spending avenues, making HVC tokens a versatile asset within the evolving digital landscape.

In essence, the future impact of HVC Token extends beyond being a mere transactional tool. It is a linchpin in Markethive's vision to cultivate a supportive, incentivized, and decentralized network where every user has a stake in the platform's success. The journey ahead holds the promise of a flourishing ecosystem where HVC tokens play a central role in shaping the collaborative and dynamic landscape of Markethive.

The Problem with Centralization in Crypto Projects

In recent times, there's been a noticeable trend in the crypto industry where projects prioritize quick returns and, in doing so, tend to centralize control. This focus on rapid investor rewards can lead to compromises on decentralization. Many coins and tokens have fallen prey to aggressive pump-and-dump cycles, and unfortunately, a significant portion of them fail to endure beyond a single crypto cycle.

The impact of centralization in crypto projects is profound. It not only impedes the industry's growth but also creates an environment susceptible to fraud, scams, data harvesting, and even political bias. This is a serious concern as it erodes the foundational principles of cryptocurrency – trust, transparency, and decentralization.

Decentralization emerges as a compelling solution to these issues. By decentralizing social market networks, crypto projects can break free from the control problems associated with centralized power structures. This move fosters an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and community-driven initiatives.

Markethive stands out as a pioneer in this space by developing a decentralized platform incorporating a self-policing reputation system and Human Intelligence (HI). Unlike projects influenced by prominent venture capitalists, Markethive is solely community-funded. This means that the community is using the platform and actively building it. It is a platform of the people, by the people, and for the people, ensuring that the benefits of its success are shared across all levels of the community.

Supporting decentralization liberates crypto projects from the pitfalls of centralized control. It promotes a democratic and meritocratic environment where the community plays a pivotal role in decision-making. This approach is not only aligned with the fundamental principles of blockchain technology but also ensures the sustainability and longevity of the project.

Source: Markethive.com

Markethive’s Unique Approach to Decentralization

Markethive's embrace of decentralization empowers its entrepreneurial community to share content freely without fearing censorship or control from top-level management. This approach creates an environment where creativity can flourish, generating positive and beneficial content. By eliminating the constraints imposed by centralized authority, Markethive fosters an atmosphere conducive to innovation.

The absence of top-down control allows for the creation of more authentic and engaging content. With contributors free to express their ideas and perspectives, Markethive becomes a vibrant platform where a diverse range of voices can be heard. This authenticity resonates with the audience, attracting a larger and more engaged community.

Decentralizing funding is a key pillar of Markethive's approach. By relying on community funding rather than traditional venture capital, Markethive ensures that the community are not just users of the platform but active contributors to its success. This model aligns with the principles of decentralization, distributing decision-making power and financial support across the community.

Markethive incorporates self-policing systems to maintain a healthy and ethical community environment. This reduces the need for external oversight and places the responsibility of maintaining the platform's integrity in the hands of the community itself. By doing so, Markethive creates a system where users collectively contribute to the platform's well-being.

Markethive's commitment to decentralization extends beyond its individual model. It actively participates in the broader movement towards Web 3.0, a paradigm shift aiming to move away from the centralization of services on the Internet. This aligns with the evolving landscape of technology and user expectations, positioning Markethive at the forefront of progressive developments in the digital space.

As Markethive positions itself for the next crypto bull run, its native cryptocurrency, Hivecoin (HVC), plays a vital role in facilitating the full potential of the crypto space. Markethive's dedication to preventing scams and data harvesting ensures a secure environment for users to participate in the crypto revolution without fear of exploitation.

Users can actively contribute to Markethive's decentralization revolution by becoming an 'Entrepreneur One.' This membership not only supports the community-driven model but also allows users to reap the rewards of revenue returns through Markethive's Innovative ILP. It creates a symbiotic relationship where the success of the platform translates into benefits for its contributors.

Source:  Markethive.com

Markethive’s Readiness for the Crypto Bull Run

One of the reasons we're excited about the potential for Markethive's Hivecoin (HVC) is that we're ready for the next significant crypto bull run. HVC will be firmly established as a currency with purpose and utility in the free market. But it's more than just HVC's potential for success that makes us bullish about our readiness for the next crypto cycle. 

We've been hard at work creating an impregnable fortress against fraud and scams. As we've seen in recent years, the crypto industry has become a jungle and a cesspool of shady practices. Many crypto projects have been accused of scams and data harvesting, and even worse, have been used to advance political bias and dystopian ends. At Markethive, we've taken cybersecurity seriously from the start. We've implemented multiple servers, disengaged unreliable APIs, and crafted a reputable system that is secure and fair.

We're also fostering a creative and beneficial content breeding ground in which people's minds are prompted toward positive growth and critical thinking. All of these measures demonstrate our commitment to building a community that is not only profitable but secure and ethical. With Markethive, there won't be any hidden agendas or underhanded tactics. We're of and for the people and confident in our ability to deliver on our promises.

Another factor that makes us confident in the crypto bull run is that Markethive will actively participate in facilitating crypto's full potential. Our ecosystem is poised to be a breeding ground for positive change in the industry. As we grow, so too will our impact on the broader world of blockchain and cryptocurrency. We're all excited about the potential for a crypto bull run, and we believe that Markethive is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment. 

Final Thoughts

With its high throughput, low latency, and seamless cross-chain compatibility, Solana provides an ideal platform for the launch of HVC token. The unique features of Solana make it a popular choice among developers and projects in the blockchain space. The HVC token could transform the Markethive community and encourage the growth of decentralized applications in general.

I am sure you are tired of being at the mercy of centralized services that control your data and limit your potential. Well, join the revolution towards decentralization and become part of Markethive's unique entrepreneurial ecosystem. By becoming an Entrepreneur One, you can enjoy all the benefits of Markethive's platform and earn revenue returns through the ILP. Plus, with Markethive's Hivecoin (HVC) poised for the next crypto bull run, you can facilitate the achievement of crypto's full potential.

Gone are the days of being at the mercy of venture capitalists and central authorities. With Markethive's decentralized funding model, you can invest in projects that truly align with your values and vision. So, what are you waiting for? Join the ranks of entrepreneurs who are taking control of their destiny and building a better future for themselves and their communities. Don't just watch from the sidelines; become part of the solution and reap the rewards of true decentralization.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Tim Moseley

Great News for Entrepreneur One Members and a Look into the Future Of Hivecoin 

Markethive is relentlessly pushing boundaries, driven by the pursuit of excellence in creating a cutting-edge platform that leaves traditional social media and marketing tools in the dust. With a focus on streamlining user experience, Markethive is incorporating innovative technologies that enable effortless broadcasting, significantly expanding your reach and influence.

With the recently launched wallet that is your comprehensive accounting and financial hub, Markethive is likened to a bank. Hence, the level of security is second to none. The cottage industry concept within the Markethive ecosystem will provide avenues to secure your financial freedom in a sovereign and meritocratic environment in a ‘market-verse’ unique to Markethive but extending its influence beyond the confines of the platform and into the broader online community and cryptocurrency realm.

We have made such significant progress because of the unwavering support and contributions of the Entrepreneur One community and ILP holders. The team behind the scenes is deeply grateful for the backing of these visionary individuals who share our commitment to advancing liberty for all people.

Markethive’s End Of Year Bonuses For E1 Upgrades

It’s Christmas time, and as promised, the 2023 bonus of one whole ILP to each of the Entrepreneur One (E1) associates who have maintained their subscription for the past 12 months will be credited to your wallet in January 2024.

To express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering support of our esteemed E1 associates who share our vision, Markethive's founders, Thomas and Annette, are thrilled to announce a new promotion set to begin in January 2024. This exclusive offer is a token of our appreciation for your steadfast belief in our mission and your continued dedication to our community.

The incentive for next year is 1000 Hivecoins (HVC), and thanks to Annette, it will include another full ILP! This offering will be delivered at the end of the 12 months in January 2025. The initiative is for Entrepreneur Ones only and any other member who would like to upgrade to an E1 membership of $100 per month. To qualify for the bonus, members must maintain an active subscription for a consecutive 12-month period, and they will receive one whole ILP and 1000 HVC in January 2025.

There's no restriction on the number of Entrepreneur One subscriptions you can own, so you can benefit from multiple memberships. If you have numerous E1 subscriptions, you'll receive the corresponding number of bonuses, such as the ILP and HVC, for each membership you hold. For instance, owning two E1 memberships means you'll receive two whole ILPs and 2000 HVC in January 2025. The more memberships you have, the more rewards you'll achieve.

Alternatively, you can save $200 by upgrading to the E1 with a yearly subscription of $1000, which covers you for 12 months. Note that if you choose the annual option and pay for it a little later in the year, it will be backdated to January, and you will still be eligible for the ILP/Hivecoin 2024 promotion. Please keep in mind that your bonus will be paid to you at the end of the promotion in January 2025. 

Remember, the E1 Upgrade is only available from the company Markethive for a limited time. As we move closer to the official release of Hivecoin, E1 Exchange, and associated implementations within the Markethive system, the Entrepreneur One will only be available to bid and purchase primarily from E1 associates who hold multiple E1 subscriptions, should they choose to sell one via the E1 Exchange (E1X). 

It’s worth noting that 1000 Hivecoin is equivalent to 200,000 Markethive tokens (MHV) currently used within the Markethive ecosystem for micropayments. As Markethive is presently on the Solana blockchain, the Hivecoin is classed as a Token. Once Markethive establishes its own blockchain, which will drive the crypto coin exchange, Hivecoin will be the native token of its blockchain and be regarded as a Coin. 

What Type Of Crypto Is Hivecoin? 

In a previous article, we looked at the different types of cryptocurrencies and their respective categories. Many of the cryptos mentioned were utility tokens, even though they fall under other categories. For example, Binance and Chainlink are utility tokens, but they are classed as exchange and oracle tokens, respectively.   

Markethive's Hivecoin (HVC) is a versatile utility token that extends beyond its primary function to encompass aspects of exchange, payment, smart contracts, and commerce tokens. Its utility is further amplified by its use in various Markethive services, including sponsored articles, press releases, broadcasts, banner advertising, video advertising, and digital advertising on cryptocurrency faucet sites, news sites, the Bounce, and the upcoming Push. Additionally, Hivecoin will play a crucial role in Markethive's gamification strategy, contributing to the overall growth and development of the Markethive ecosystem driven by Hivecoin.

The components mentioned above, along with the Premium Upgrade (PUP), are the tipping point for the Incentivized Loan Program (ILP), as they will be extremely valuable in bringing in revenue for ILP holders. The ILP token is a smart contract, as any member who acquires ILPs through the E1 subscription or purchased the ILP outright is essentially loaning the funds to Markethive for its development. 

The Markethive Credit (MVC) falls into the category of a stablecoin that serves as the backbone of the Markethive ecosystem's staking mechanism. The more MVC you possess in your Markethive wallet, the greater the daily interest you'll accumulate. The interest rates are influenced by other various factors, as depicted in the image below. On the first day of each month, you'll receive your earned interest in Markethive Tokens (MHV), which will be reflected in your coin clip and detailed in your wallet's Accounting section. 

The Markethive Token (MHV) is currently used internally for micropayments. As we make the transition to Hivecoin and listed on the coin exchanges, the MHV will likely be replaced with the Bee Token. It takes 1 million Bees to make one Hivecoin. The Markethive Token is equated at 200 MHV to 1 Hivecoin. 

What Will The Hivecoin Be Worth? 

A realistic way of determining Hivecoin’s worth in the near future is taking into consideration the circulating supply of cryptos with a similar supply to HVC. If you research Coinmarketcap and click on circulating supply, the cryptos with coin supplies in the billions are priced extremely low. Most are less than a cent, with little hope of gaining real value. 

The cryptos with a circulating supply of millions fare much better—many cryptos of around 70 million range from $7 to $50. Markethive is somewhat modeled after Elrond’s MultiversX (EGLD), which has a circulating supply of just over 26 million with a maximum supply of 31.5 million and is currently priced at $61.56 when writing this article. 

The Hivecoin has a capped supply of 48 million. With this low supply and the genuine use cases  Markethive offers, we can expect HVC to go to $10 – $50 within the first year once we are on the exchanges. Going by empirical evidence, the fact we have a strong community and a real need for Hivecoin, we can justify that. 

So what would 1000 Hivecoin be worth if it was MultiversX? It would be worth $61,560. That's pretty cool, and Markethive is giving that to you for being an Entrepreneur One! Another example is Arweave (AR), with a circulating supply of 65.4 million and a maximum supply of 66 million currently sitting at $11.04, which is $11,040, which is nothing to sneeze at. 

One of the strategies that Markethive will use is to buy back or repurchase some of the HVC tokens using its cash resources from holders at market price. This approach is not novel, as businesses have long utilized self-investment as a means of stabilizing prices (or inflation) in the traditional financial market. 

Hivecoin can profit from the successful and popular buyback approach used in the cryptocurrency market. Binance and Nexo are two examples of successful crypto projects that have employed this strategy to draw investors and deliver tangible advantages. Through a buyback, Hivecoin can offer a compelling and valuable proposition that works well within the system, ultimately resulting in a substantial increase in asset value. This tactic has shown to be effective and profitable, making it a wise decision for Hivecoin's future.

Empower Markethive's Mission

Markethive is not a drop in the ocean but an entire ocean in a drop. Rather than the ‘seeing to believe’ notion we’ve been brainwashed with, we must practice ‘believing to see.’ By embracing the power of belief, we can unlock our potential and create a brighter future. As a shining beacon, Markethive stands among the best, offering a haven for those seeking sovereignty, prosperity, and growth. To further our mission, we invite you to join us in empowering the people and creating a better world for all. Together, we can make a difference.

Upgrading to Entrepreneur One now is extremely advantageous, as you would receive a sizable bonus consisting of 1 ILP and 1000 Hivecoin. By doing so, you'll benefit from the many products and services exclusive to the E1 upgrade and be recognized as a pioneer in the Divinely inspired groundbreaking initiative, the Lord's Vision, aimed at liberating humanity in a world filled with turmoil.

Merry Christmas and blessings to all! 

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, however plausible, the contents of this article may include speculative opinions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with speculation as long as its premises are made clear. Speculation is the customary way to begin the exploration of uncharted territory as it stimulates a search for evidence that will support or refute it.

Tim Moseley

Understanding and Identifying the Different Types of Cryptocurrencies is a Must for Sound Investing

The value of cryptocurrencies is a question that has likely been posed to you before and perhaps that you have also wondered about. The answer varies depending on the specific crypto coin or token being discussed. With over 11,000 cryptocurrencies in existence, each one has its purpose or intended use case that adds to its value. However, it is essential to note that not all cryptocurrencies are currently active or hold value. By disregarding the many "dead" cryptos, we are left with approximately 8,000 active cryptocurrencies.

Most cryptocurrencies can be grouped into various categories, including those that serve as a means of storing value, facilitating smart contracts, providing oracle services, enabling payments, ensuring privacy, acting as exchange tokens, and even serving meme coins. 

Identifying the category a cryptocurrency belongs to when investing in the crypto market is crucial. This is because each category has its advantages and disadvantages, and they tend to experience different patterns of price surges and declines during a bull market. This guide provides an overview of the different types of cryptocurrencies and offers insights on how to leverage this information to optimize your investment strategy and mitigate potential losses.

Image source: Business Today

Store Of Value Cryptos

Cryptocurrencies that fall under the store of value category are intended to maintain or enhance their buying power as time passes. Although there is usually a gradual rise in their price over time, it is important to note that price and purchasing power are two different concepts.

Traditional currencies lose about 2% to 3% of their purchasing power yearly due to governments printing more money to stimulate economic growth. Therefore, if you invested in a stock that increased by 23% last year, the actual purchasing power of that stock remains the same despite the increase in its dollar value.

The government's excessive money printing diminishes its value, which is why cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were created. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, reacted to the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent government money printing. It's the only cryptocurrency that fits the store-of-value category, although some argue that others, like Litecoin, also qualify. Litecoin is also known as silver to Bitcoin’s gold.

Bitcoin differentiates itself from traditional currencies by having a limited supply of 21 million BTC, in contrast to conventional currencies, which are subject to continuous printing and subsequent devaluation. This 21 million BTC is created gradually, thanks to miners who solve intricate equations to facilitate transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain and are rewarded with BTC.

A decentralized payment network has been established by allowing anyone to mine Bitcoin and receive BTC as a reward for processing transactions. This network comprises millions of computers located worldwide. The presence of economic incentives makes Bitcoin the most secure payment network globally. It cannot be shut down by targeting a single location.

Although Bitcoin was initially intended to function as a form of virtual currency, its economic characteristics and the relatively slow speed of its transactions have resulted in it being more comparable to digital gold than digital cash. Within the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin holds the highest market capitalization, and the price of Bitcoin influences the prices of almost all other cryptocurrencies. 

If Bitcoin's value experiences a sharp decline, it also leads to a decline in the value of other cryptocurrencies. Conversely, if Bitcoin's price remains stable or gradually increases, it increases the value of other cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, if Bitcoin experiences a significant surge in value, it outperforms other cryptocurrencies by a substantial margin. The ongoing fluctuations in Bitcoin's dominance can be observed in real-time through the Bitcoin dominance chart.

The main benefit of store-of-value cryptocurrencies is that they tend to be less risky investments than other cryptocurrencies and have a higher potential to appreciate in value over time. However, the critical factor determining their success is a fair launch, where a community of miners collectively starts mining the cryptocurrency from the beginning. 

Many store-of-value cryptocurrencies have been pre-mined, where the development team and private investors hold a significant portion of the supply, which can lead to centralization and decreased trust in the network. To verify if a store of value cryptocurrency is genuinely decentralized, you can check its supply distribution using a Blockchain Explorer. Bitcoin and Litecoin are examples of store-of-value cryptocurrencies with relatively equitable supply distributions.

One major drawback of cryptocurrencies that serve as stores of value is their lack of extensive features. This is why some individuals compare Bitcoin to a pet rock. These types of cryptos primarily focus on preserving purchasing power and facilitating peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. The limited functionality of store-of-value cryptocurrencies is why many individuals anticipate that Bitcoin will eventually lose its position as the most prominent cryptocurrency in market capitalization. The crypto that surpasses Bitcoin is expected to emerge from the second category.

Smart Contracts Cryptos

Smart contract cryptos, which belong to the second category of cryptocurrencies, are specifically created to be programmable and prioritize functionality over value preservation. The reason this is important is as follows. 

If you are currently viewing this article on either your computer or phone, it means you are utilizing a specific program, whether it be a web browser or a mobile application. The distinguishing feature of the programs you rely on daily is that they are centrally controlled. A major technology company is typically responsible for developing and overseeing these browsers or apps. Additionally, these programs are not particularly secure. There is a risk that an individual could hack or alter the program to gain access to your personal information, finances, identity, and so on.

The influential tech conglomerates and financial institutions are constantly monitoring your digital activities. Whether you're spending, saving, or trading your funds, you must utilize a centralized medium, such as a bank or a brokerage firm. However, cutting-edge smart contract cryptocurrencies present a revolutionary replacement for the digital and financial systems we rely on today. This innovative approach is known as Web3, representing a significant upgrade from the existing Web2 internet.

Image source: globalxetfs.com.au

Smart contracts are self-executing programs that automate specific actions when predefined conditions are met. They can be used to create various cryptocurrency tokens, such as fungible tokens similar to traditional currency or non-fungible tokens that are unique and rare, like a collectible baseball card. What sets smart contracts apart from regular programs is their immutability and decentralization. Once created, smart contracts cannot be modified, and their decentralized nature means they cannot be shut down as they exist on a vast network of computers globally.

A decentralized application (dApp) is formed by merging various smart contracts. These dApps cover a wide range of functions, such as payments, trading, lending, borrowing, and even gambling. Utilizing dApps does not necessitate sharing personal information; all that is required is an internet connection. The most significant advantage of dApps is the absence of intermediaries extracting fees or compromising your data. Transactions within dApps occur directly between individuals, ensuring a level of privacy for your activities. (However, there is one exception to this, which will be elaborated on later.)

Many decentralized applications (dApps) with a significant user base operate on various smart contract-based cryptocurrency platforms, primarily Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain. Also, Solana is very active in this niche. These cryptocurrencies derive value from their utility in facilitating transactions and executing smart contracts rather than solely as a store of value. 

Transaction fees on these networks are paid in the native cryptocurrency of the respective platform, such as ETH for Ethereum, BNB for Binance Smart Chain, and SOL for Solana. To maintain a sufficient supply of cryptocurrency for transaction fees, most smart contract cryptocurrencies do not have a maximum supply. Instead, they implement annual inflation schedules that can range into double digits under certain conditions.

If there are sufficient dApp users purchasing the coin to cover the necessary fees, the act of ‘printing coins’ is typically not an issue. This leads me to the main benefit of smart contract cryptocurrencies: their worth is connected to the scale and acceptance of the dApp and token ecosystems established on their blockchains. Despite Ethereum and the Binance smart chain having only a few million users, ETH and BNB had market capitalizations in the hundreds of billions. And SOL is not far behind them. 

The adoption of smart contract cryptocurrencies could significantly increase market caps for associated coins, reaching trillions of dollars by the end of the decade. However, the main drawback of smart contract cryptos is the uncertainty of which one will emerge as the winner. The competition in this category is fierce, with new projects entering the market regularly. Unless you have the means to invest in all of them, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before making any decisions.

Image source: Researchgate

Oracle Cryptos

Oracle cryptocurrencies facilitate the integration of real-world data into smart contract blockchains, enabling decentralized applications to access and utilize external information. In centralized systems, applications rely on APIs provided by external entities to obtain data such as weather or pricing information. Similarly, smart contracts require access to real-world data to execute practical tasks. This is where Oracle cryptocurrencies come in, providing a decentralized means of sourcing and verifying data for blockchain-based applications.

Oracle cryptocurrencies differ from data feeds like APIs by offering decentralized data feeds. Typically, multiple individuals or institutions will tell an oracle crypto the price of a particular item, and the oracle calculates an average of their responses. Similar to smart contract cryptocurrency coins, oracle crypto tokens are required to pay for the fees to cover the costs of obtaining this data.

Despite Chainlink currently holding the top position and being widely used as an Oracle cryptocurrency, around twelve other Oracle cryptos exist, including Band Protocol and API3. The main benefit of Oracle cryptos lies in the increasing number of smart contract cryptocurrency dApps and users. The demand for their tokens is also expected to rise. However, a significant drawback of these oracle cryptos is that most have allocated substantial portions of their pre-mined token supplies to their teams and private investors.

Consequently, if the prices of these cryptocurrencies increase, it creates a strong motivation for teams and private investors to sell, preventing the price from reaching higher levels. Additionally, many smart contract cryptocurrencies rely on multiple oracles to provide data for their decentralized applications, and specific cryptocurrencies, such as Cardano, have chosen to develop their own decentralized data oracles. As a result, this decreases the demand for any individual Oracle cryptocurrency.

Image source: Howmuch.net

Payment Cryptos

Payment cryptocurrencies, which belong to the third classification of virtual currencies, aim to substitute the existing payment systems currently in use. In some instances, these payment cryptos utilize smart contract technology. If you have ever made an international money transfer, you know its exorbitant costs and sluggishness. For business owners, the substantial fees charged by payment processors such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal per transaction are for business owners well known. 

Those who have experienced payment problems are also familiar with the numerous hurdles one must overcome when resolving issues with their bank. Additionally, many of us pay monthly fees simply to maintain a bank account or credit card. Irrespective of the circumstances, whenever money is involved, an intermediary takes a portion, causing delays and introducing complexities to processes that would otherwise be straightforward.

Payment cryptocurrencies enable swift transaction settlements and significantly reduce costs compared to using an antiquated payment network that takes several days to finalize transactions. Furthermore, similar to other cryptocurrencies, you can securely store payment-oriented coins or tokens in your personal wallet, eliminating the need to depend on a bank for fund storage. This also removes concerns regarding unauthorized access to your bank account or restrictions on incoming and outgoing payments.

Cryptocurrencies optimized for payments like Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Telcoin, and Solana have gained popularity due to their sophisticated smart contracts and dApp ecosystems centered around payment systems. These cryptocurrencies boast the highest potential for widespread adoption, targeting the largest and most profitable market globally. 

Dash has already achieved significant usage in Argentina for everyday payments, while Telcoin has made strides in offering affordable remittance services. Solana has been of particular interest in the payments niche as it's becoming clear that its technical capabilities are suitable for these applications. Recently, Visa joined the Solana ecosystem designed to offer high-speed performance, expanding its stablecoin settlement capabilities with the USDC stablecoin and furthering its core business with things like cross-border payments and using crypto for one of its core use cases.

The principal drawback of cryptocurrencies, except for stablecoins, designed for payment purposes, is that it is highly improbable that they will supersede traditional currencies in the near future. This is primarily because the value of these cryptocurrencies is often unstable. Additionally, governments have demonstrated a willingness to intervene and restrict their use for payment purposes.

Image source: Investing.com

Privacy Cryptos

Privacy cryptos, also known as privacy coins, constitute the fourth classification of cryptocurrencies. These types of cryptos aim to safeguard users' privacy during transactions and while utilizing decentralized applications (dApps). It is a common misconception that cryptocurrency transactions are inherently private. However, as mentioned earlier, most cryptocurrency blockchains are publicly accessible, enabling anyone to observe transactions as they occur in real-time. Although an individual's identity is not initially linked to their cryptocurrency wallet address, it is still feasible for others to determine which addresses belong to them.

This holds particularly true if you utilized a platform or trading service that demanded your personal details for buying cryptocurrency. Your identity can readily be associated with your digital wallets in transactions. It is plausible that you are perfectly fine with this and believe that all transactions should be completely open and confirmable by anyone. However, companies and affluent individuals hold a contrasting viewpoint. The very last thing they desire is for others to see the extent of wealth stored in their cryptocurrency wallets.

Furthermore, as an individual utilizing cryptocurrency dApps, it is highly likely that you desire a high level of privacy for your data. Privacy cryptocurrencies aim to tackle these concerns and come in various forms and options. For instance, Secret Network enables the development of dApps that prioritize privacy.

Specific cryptocurrencies, like Monaro and Zcash, prioritize confidential transactions and employ top-notch privacy mechanisms that are supposedly impervious to government surveillance. Another privacy-focused cryptocurrency, Haven Protocol, takes it a step further by enabling the generation of virtual fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals, thereby creating a virtually untraceable offshore bank account.

Privacy cryptocurrencies have a significant edge due to their robust design and durable structure. Most have had a fair and transparent launch without any pre-mining or favoritism towards private investors. Using Monero's XMR coin as an illustration, it shares similar store of value properties with BTC and can be transacted as quickly and as cheaply as most payment cryptocurrencies.

Monero also employs a unique mining algorithm known as RandomX, which prevents specialized computers from mining XMR. This feature enhances Monero's decentralization by allowing anyone to participate in mining XMR.

One of the main drawbacks of privacy cryptocurrencies is that regulators often single them out due to their association with illegal activities, or at least that is the primary reason given. Consequently, privacy coins are frequently removed from cryptocurrency exchanges, making them difficult to obtain and hindering their potential for price appreciation.

Decentralized exchanges like THORChain provide a means to trade privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, such as Monero and Haven, without relying on a centralized platform. Notably, some privacy-centric cryptocurrencies have been developed with regulatory compliance in mind, allowing users to demonstrate their wallet balance and transaction history to regulatory authorities upon request, thanks to sophisticated cryptographic techniques.

Image source: Binance Square

Exchange Tokens

Cryptocurrencies, known as exchange tokens, fall into the fifth category. These tokens are owned and controlled by the cryptocurrency exchanges they are associated with. Exchange tokens can be seen as a mix of a membership subscription and company shares. Similar to a subscription, they offer various benefits, such as discounts on trading fees and exclusive access to early coin and token sales. However, like company stock, the value of exchange tokens is influenced by the popularity of the exchange they are connected to.

The reason for this is that nearly all exchanges buy back and burn a portion of their circulating exchange tokens using a fraction of the trading fees they collect. Buying back raises the price, while the burn reduces the overall supply, resulting in a cryptocurrency token that appreciates in worth as time passes. Additionally, certain exchanges like Binance have developed smart contract cryptocurrency networks that necessitate using their exchange tokens, creating an additional source of demand for these tokens.

The main benefit of exchange tokens is their strong potential for price appreciation. On the other hand, exchange tokens have a slower growth rate than other cryptocurrencies, nor are they guaranteed. As the influence of cryptocurrency exchanges continues to grow, regulators are gradually beginning to resist. It has been observed that a single unfavorable announcement regarding an exchange can result in a significant decline in its token value.

Meme Coins

Another type of cryptocurrency is meme coins. These digital currencies often lack a clear purpose or practical application, and their main appeal is based on hype and the promise of financial gain. In reality, if someone tried to sell you on the idea of becoming a millionaire by investing a few hundred dollars, you'd likely recognize it as a dubious proposition.

Interestingly, this apparent impossibility inexplicably becomes achievable when the identical concept is expressed for cryptocurrency. This could be attributed to the fact that novice cryptocurrency investors may not comprehend the connection between a meme coin's market capitalization, supply, and value in dollars. For instance, a single Shiba Inu token is priced at approximately 1/1000th of a cent. Without considering the market capitalization, one might think that if they invest a mere few hundred dollars into Shiba and its value rises to one dollar, they would become multi-millionaires.

Screenshot: Coingecko

The primary challenge with Shiba Inu's valuation is that its market capitalization is already in the billions, owing to its considerable circulating supply of 590 trillion and maximum supply of over 999 trillion, even after factoring in perpetual burns. Consequently, for Shiba Inu's price to reach $1, it would require an investment of over four times the total amount of money in existence, which seems unrealistic.

A large number of the meme coins that have emerged in recent months share a common characteristic: they have enormous supplies, which makes it unlikely that they will reach a value of one dollar in the near future. If you are considering the possibility that these coins have deflationary properties or unique economic mechanisms that will drive up their price, take a moment to reflect on the true purpose and potential outcome of these meme coins.

A common viewpoint is that none of these meme coins genuinely intend to provide useful functions for their community. The main objective behind most meme coins is to benefit their creators financially. While some individuals may choose to take a chance on them, the risk often outweighs the potential benefits.

Having said that, due to its unique origins and features, Dogecoin stands out among other meme coins. It was created as a lighthearted joke, and its survival during the last bear market can be attributed to its ability to be 'merged mined' with Litecoin at no extra cost.

Meme coins may provide an opportunity for rapid profit, but their volatility means the potential for loss is equally high. The unpredictability of pump and dump schemes makes it challenging to turn a profit, as the likelihood of being left with losses when the dust settles is significant. Meme coins are notoriously susceptible to manipulation and are the most manipulated cryptocurrencies on the market, with their prices often being artificially inflated and then suddenly collapsing. It makes the price manipulation of Bitcoin seem insignificant in comparison.

Image: Markethive

In Closing

Grasping the various forms of cryptocurrency and their potential applications is crucial. Projects that have pioneered a specific field, offering genuine utility to the broader community, have a distinct edge. By continuously adapting and staying up-to-date with technology, being a first mover enables a project to gain a significant portion of the market and avoid the negative consequences of oversaturation.

In terms of being a pioneer, Markethive belongs to the category of first movers, offering a wide range of practical applications. This raises the question of where Hivecoin (HVC) fits in among other cryptocurrencies. All of this and more will be disclosed in the upcoming article.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Tim Moseley

THE INCENTIVIZED LOAN PROGRAM (ILP) is a powerful way to spread wealth. (Updated)

Given the ever-increasing Markethive membership, I’ve updated and republished this article from three years ago for all our newer members. Markethive’s Incentivized Loan Program (ILP), also known as an Initial Loan Procurement, is a valuable tool for distributing wealth. The ILP is essentially a loan that adheres to regulatory standards and complies with the UCC Code. This ensures it can be used in various countries without worrying about fraud or money laundering issues. It's similar to a convertible note, a type of short-term debt financing used for early-stage capital raises. In simple terms, it's like a promissory note or an IOU.

Markethive has developed a revolutionary approach to financing projects through the blockchain, offering an alternative to traditional crowdfunding methods. By leveraging the power of decentralized networks, Markethive's Incentivized Loan Program enables the raising of funds securely and transparently, making it a game-changer for entrepreneurs and innovators. As a pioneer in this space, Markethive is leading the way in decentralized debt crowdfunding, providing a new avenue for businesses to access the capital they need to thrive.

ILP holders have a share in the company's success and receive a portion of the profits in the form of interest, which is 20% of the net revenue paid out monthly, and a final balloon payment at the end of the 20-year note period.

Here is a bullet point breakdown

• The Incentivized Loan Program generates a formally binding and lawful loan arrangement that adheres to the USA UCC code for debt instruments. Since it's a debt instrument, it's exempt from taxation.

• The opportunity is accessible to people globally since lending practices are prevalent in most regions.

• The company can focus on developing tokens with genuine utility and value rather than issuing speculative tokens without practical application.

• Markethive utilizes the debt structure to bring in operational capital, and as a result, ILP holders receive a secure, transferable blockchain token. The total number of ILPs available is capped at 1000, although we are targeted to distribute fewer than that. Each share is equivalent to a single full ILP. 

• Markethive's diverse revenue streams will provide the necessary funds for interest payments, distributed through the ILP utilizing blockchain technology and paid out in Hivecoin (HVC) via the recently integrated comprehensive financial hub called the Markethive Wallet. This cryptocurrency can then be exchanged for other cryptos or fiat currencies through various coin exchanges and, ultimately, through Markethive's crypto exchange platform.

• For as long as the principal remains outstanding, 20% of the net revenue is distributed to all ILP token holders in proportion to their share as interest payments. Following this, a lump sum payment is made after 20 years and can be further extended upon agreement between parties.

• The interest payments will be paid using the ILP Blockchain, which ensures their security, efficiency, and accuracy. The blockchain technology behind it makes tampering impossible.

• Holders of ILP tokens will be able to sell their tokens through Markethive's decentralized, peer-to-peer auction-style exchange, allowing them to dictate the terms of their own exit strategy.

• ILPs can be divided into smaller parts, known as fractions, with a minimum denomination of 1/1000th of an ILP. A specialized internal exchange, the ILP Markethive Exchange, is being developed where members can purchase and sell their ILPs or fractions of their ILPs peer-to-peer. This allows members to monetize their ILPs, turning them into cash cows.

• The ILP token is not based on speculation. It’s based on performance. 

Imminent Growth – Lucrative Outcome

Due to consistent growth indicators from both internal and external sources, ongoing enhancements, and the implementation of integrations that enhance user experience and strengthen our systems' security, we are optimistic about the rapid expansion of our community. Currently, members who upgrade to Entrepreneur One (E1) for $100 monthly are supporting Markethive's efforts to design, build, and implement innovative systems and integrations, and they will be rewarded a thousandfold.

The revenue generated by diverse sources, including the Premium Upgrade (PUP), retail products and services, and the pioneering E1 upgrade, will fund the monthly ILP interest payments. To simplify the calculation and for the sake of this article, let's assume a modest estimate of 5 million members. This allows us to project the following growth…

If 10% of Markethive's 5 million members upgrade to a Loyalty Program at $100 per month, the monthly income would be $5 million. With a 20% net revenue, that's approximately $10 million monthly. When divided by the maximum number of 1000 ILP shares, it translates to a monthly income of $10,000 for each share.  For the holders of 1/10th of an ILP, that represents a cool $1000 per month for a subscription payment of $100 per month. 

As the company grows, the revenue will reflect that growth for a projected duration of 20 years before the loan becomes due, which is regarded as a balloon payment. Currently, one full ILP is worth $10,000, but as the ILP purchases increase or are allocated through the Entrepreneur One Upgrade, the value of the ILP will continue to grow along with the monthly interest payments. 

LinkedIn Statistics 

Source: Kinsta.com

LinkedIn is considered one of the closest, most targeted, and most socially networked competitors to Markethive, even though it falls short in services compared with Markethive. LinkedIn’s most recent figures suggest it has more than 900 million members with over 58 million registered companies. According to Kinsta.com, in September 2023, LinkedIn’s annual revenue was $13.8 billion, reporting that 39% of LinkedIn users had upgraded to their Premium service. LinkedIn’s yearly revenue surpassed $15 billion in Q4 2023, reflecting 1 billion members, according to LinkedIn statistics. 

Source: Kinsta.com

Based on LinkedIn’s figures and annual revenue of $15 billion, 20% is $3 billion, and the monthly figure would equate to $250 million. At Markethive, that 20% would go to the ILP holders. Based on the maximum total of 1000 ILPs, that correlates to a monthly income of $250,000 per ILP. 

LinkedIn’s 4-tier Premium plans offer nothing more than greater and deeper access to the data of other members, visitors, searches, and 3+ levels of deep messaging. Their services and, subsequently, annual revenue pale in comparison to what Markethive offers now, not to mention the retail products, services, and integrations in development and imminent release; you can just imagine a potential revenue of 10X that amount, and that is arguably a very conservation projection.  

Markethive is determined to distribute its profits to the Markethive community instead of exclusive stakeholders and Microsoft, who acquired LinkedIn for $26 billion in 2016. In response to the changing global economic conditions, Markethive is actively working towards implementing a business model that prioritizes the community. This model allows individuals without significant financial resources to pursue entrepreneurship and access wealth-building opportunities typically available only to prominent venture capitalists.

There’s Always Ways To Earn in Markethive

At Markethive, we are dedicated to ensuring that our rank-and-file members have seamless access to ILPs, as we firmly believe in making Markethive a company for all. To further enhance the benefits of being a part of our community, we have the Markethive Token (MHV) paid to members for daily activities via micropayments recorded in the Coin Clip. These features provide our members with long-term wealth and revenue opportunities and create a thriving ecosystem where our coin can be utilized to its full potential.

Creating a “Universal Income” for entrepreneurs. Using our state-of-the-art integrated inbound marketing platform, social network, hybrid AI, business services, e-wallet, coin exchange, mining data center, incubator, and blockchain income platforms for success in the crypto-preneurial and entrepreneurial markets.

View the white paper to clearly understand the Markethive vision and mission and the statistics and milestones achieved. White Paper https://markethive.net/Markethive.Whitepaper.V4.pdf

So, how do you get your hands on your share of an ILP? You can choose from the following two ways…

1. You can purchase fractions of an ILP with the Markethive Token (MHV), starting with 20,000 MHV for 0.01 ILP, through to one full ILP for one million MHV.   
2. You can wait for the ILP exchange to be completed and then buy ILPs or shares from other exchange members.
3. You can purchase an ILP or partial shares from us (Markethive) directly. We sell whole shares and fractions as small as 1/10th for $1000.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Markethive's ascension, community participation, and status as a dynamic social network with increasing daily engagement and interaction on the platform indicate a promising future. As a comprehensive social media platform, Markethive offers indispensable inbound marketing tools for business growth and a thriving cryptocurrency ecosystem, ensuring a steady income for its members. With a successful system and the Hivecoin launch on the horizon, Markethive is set for long-term expansion and revolutionizing how we interact and conduct business online.

Markethive is in the final stages of BETA, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to establish themselves as early adopters. This cutting-edge platform is the future of social market broadcasting, providing a comprehensive system for long-term success, financial independence, and a sense of community. By leveraging the power of Web 3.0 technology, Markethive is revolutionizing how we approach social media, inbound marketing, and eCommerce. Take advantage of the chance to secure your place in this innovative ecosystem designed specifically for entrepreneurs.

Tim Moseley

A Glimpse into the World of Crypto Exchange Revenue. Decentralized Exchanges Emerge, including Markethive's Latest Vision. It just makes sense. 

The popularity of cryptocurrency exchanges has skyrocketed in recent years, with a massive influx of users globally utilizing these platforms to purchase, sell, and exchange digital assets. The rise of cryptocurrencies has brought about a peculiar phenomenon where centralized exchanges hold a dominant position in various aspects, including profitability, usage, stature, and innovation, with examples such as perpetual swaps, a derivative product pioneered in the crypto space. Meanwhile, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) have introduced innovations like automated market makers (AMMs) to the landscape.

In a previous article, we reviewed how crypto trading exchanges made money and, for the first time, surpassed the traditional stock exchanges in 2021. Now, we’ll outline some of the leading centralized crypto exchanges’ revenue and ponder the emergence of decentralized crypto exchanges, which are imperative for security, legitimacy, and autonomy. 

Centralized Crypto Exchanges

Hundreds of centralized exchanges are out there, with many holding their own catering to specific niches. Below is an overview of five leading centralized crypto exchanges, their fortunes, and misfortunes in their efforts to remain successful and serve the crypto community worldwide.  

Source: Binance 

Binance

Binance has emerged as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading, with a whopping $7.7 trillion in exchange volume in 2021. Founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, a seasoned industry expert who previously held key roles at Blockchain.info and OKCoin, Binance has solidified its position as a dominant force in the digital asset market.

Initially introduced in Hong Kong, it rapidly gained popularity as one of the premier exchanges. However, it encountered a series of strict regulations, with China issuing a ban on crypto exchanges that led it to relocate its servers and headquarters to Malta. Currently, Binance staff are scattered worldwide and work from home. 

Despite facing scrutiny from regulatory authorities in various countries, Binance has managed to maintain its position as the leading cryptocurrency exchange by volume. The company has been investigated in the US and UK, which has led to several banks prohibiting their customers from transferring funds to Binance. Nevertheless, Binance continues to outperform its rival, Coinbase, which has a more extensive user base but lower trading volumes. Binance ranks #1 on CoinMarketCap.

Binance key statistics

• Binance made $20 billion in revenue in 2021, a 263% YoY increase.
• Binance has an estimated 28.6 million users as of October 2021.
• Binance's annual spot trading for 2021 is already seven times larger than its 2020 value.
• Its peak 24-hour trading volume is $76 billion.

Source: Coinpedia

Coinbase

Since its establishment in 2012, Coinbase has been at the forefront of the cryptocurrency industry, holding the position of the largest exchange in the United States regarding trading volume. Currently ranking at #2 on CoinMarketCap, it is primarily recognized as a platform for buying, selling, and storing Bitcoin. Coinbase also provides various options for exchanging different cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies.

Before Bitcoin's meteoric rise, Coinbase seamlessly integrated its payment processing system with prominent platforms such as Stripe, Braintree, and PayPal while also forming partnerships with major merchants, including Dell, Expedia, and Time Inc. This strategic move positioned Coinbase for success in 2017, a year that would prove to be a turning point for both the company and the cryptocurrency market as a whole. In this year, Coinbase expanded its offerings by adding new coins to its exchange and achieved a remarkable revenue milestone of nearly $1 billion.

Coinbase has faced numerous allegations, such as excessively charging customers for transactions and delays in making currencies accessible. Additionally, it was compelled to disclose information to the IRS about traders in the United States who held significant amounts of cryptocurrency. Although Coinbase went public in 2021, its worth has become closely linked to the price of Bitcoin, resulting in a continuous decrease in value throughout 2022.

Coinbase key statistics

• Coinbase Global annual revenue in 2022 was $3.194 billion, a 59.25% decline from 2021.
• Coinbase has 98 million users worldwide, and nine million people exchange monthly.
• Coinbase lost $2.6 billion in 2022, a massive swing for the company, which reported $3 billion in net profit the previous year.
• Coinbase global total assets for 2022 were $89.7 billion, a 321.75% increase from 2021.

Source: SignHouse

Kraken

Kraken is among the pioneering cryptocurrency exchanges, with its roots in San Francisco, USA. Founded by Jesse Powell in 2011, the platform aimed to provide a reliable and secure environment for users to trade digital assets. In response to the security breach at Mt. Gox in 2011, Powell saw the need for a robust exchange and launched Kraken publicly in 2013, committed to creating a haven for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Kraken ranks #3 on CoinMarketCap and has emerged as the leading crypto exchange in the Eurozone, thanks to its integration with the Bloomberg Terminal and timely involvement in the Mt. Gox saga. Initially, Kraken's growth was fueled by its provision of market data on bitcoin trading, which made it a hit among traders. However, its user base significantly surged when Mt. Gox ceased operations in 2014. As Kraken was chosen to spearhead the search for 650,000 missing Bitcoins and distribute Mt. Gox's assets to creditors, many Mt. Gox creditors opened trading accounts with Kraken, thereby providing the exchange with early liquidity.

Kraken's initial edge as the sole gateway for Euro-based crypto trading has resulted in its position as the leading exchange for Euro trading volume. However, its growth has been outpaced by other exchanges, such as Binance and FTX, which have expanded their offerings and user base faster. Despite being launched later, in 2017 and 2019, respectively, Binance and FTX have now surpassed Kraken in size. This can be attributed to their faster introduction of new features and currencies and their provision of high-risk, high-reward trading options that Kraken does not offer.

Kraken Key Statistics

• Kraken is valued at $10.8 billion, a valuation/revenue of 7.4X
• Kraken’s 2022 revenue reached a new milestone of $47.11 million.
• In 2022, Kraken exceeded 9 million users worldwide.
• Kraken's monthly average trading volume in 2022 is $33.1 billion.

Source: Coinmarketcap

HTX (formerly Huobi Global)

HTX, a prominent cryptocurrency trading platform, ranks #15 on CoinMarketCap regarding trading volume. Founded in 2013 by Leon Li and Du Jun, the exchange has recently caught the attention of Justin Sun, Tron's founder, who has taken on an advisory role and is considered a de facto owner. To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Huobi Global rebranded to HTX in September 2023, with the letters "H" and "T" representing Huobi and TRON, respectively, and "X" symbolizing the exchange.

HTX Exchange holds significant influence in Asian markets and was initially established in China. However, due to heightened regulatory measures, HTX decided to move its operations to the Republic of Seychelles. In addition to its physical offices in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, HTX also established a presence in the United States in 2018. Unfortunately, this office had to be shut down due to regulatory issues. Following the crackdown in China, HTX experienced a decrease of approximately 30% in its revenue, which further fueled its drive for global expansion.

HTX did not benefit from the recent bear market. In 2020, the platform generated approximately $250 million in quarterly revenue, which increased to $1.25 billion in mid-2021. However, by the end of 2022, HTX's quarterly revenue had decreased by 98% compared to 2021. In 2023, HTX focused on burning its HT token to reduce its circulation supply and potentially raise its value. Additionally, HTX adjusted its burning methods to align with other prominent cryptocurrency exchanges.

HTX Key Statistics

• HTX's estimated annual revenue is currently $110.1M.
• HTX is handling over $4 billion in daily trading volume.
• Total assets are approximately $2.35 billion.

Source: Coingeek

OKX (formerly OKEx)

Since its inception in 2013, OKX has undergone various iterations. Mingxing "Star" Xu established it as the OKCoin.cn Bitcoin exchange in China. Subsequently, an international variant called OKCoin.com was introduced, which continues to operate as a fiat-supporting exchange in select markets. In 2017, OKEx, an all-digital-asset platform, was launched concurrently with the International Digital Asset Exchange (IDAX). Over time, OKX has expanded its presence to encompass the European Union, the United States, and Latin America. The company's headquarters are located in Seychelles.

In 2022, OKEx rebranded and changed its name to 'OKX' to adapt to decentralized services. According to OKX, this change in name and image will guide the company toward a decentralized future where digital assets merge with other innovative experiences. The letter "X" symbolizes the uncharted and yet-to-be-discovered opportunities in the financial and virtual domains. OKX holds the rank #5 on CoinMarketCap

The company has made the strategic decision to enter the emerging world of cryptocurrency and delve into DeFi offerings, NFTs, gaming, and metaverses. This expansion signifies OKX's desire to explore the possibilities within the crypto realm fully and transform it into a comprehensive destination for all types of cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

OKX Key Statistics

• OKX’s year-to-date is $50 – $75 million. 
• OKX's year-to-date volume is $960.9 billion.
• OKX has over 20 million users worldwide in over 100 countries.
• Total assets: Nearly $11.8 billion

Decentralized Crypto Exchanges 

Over the past few years, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) have become strong contenders to the conventional centralized exchange (CEX) model. Blockchain technologies like cryptocurrency are based on a philosophy of decentralization. As a result, it is only natural that decentralized exchanges have emerged to challenge the established centralized exchanges. These recent developments have fostered a distinctively unique ecosystem for crypto assets, attracting a growing community of traders and investors.

What makes DEXs unique is that they're peer-to-peer marketplaces that let cryptocurrency traders make direct transactions — without an intermediary managing their funds. Instead, DEXs use smart contracts that self-execute their agreements, and innovative solutions have been devised to solve liquidity-related issues.

Source: IQ.wiki 

The 1inch Network

The 1inch network was introduced in May 2019, while its token, 1INCH, was launched in December 2020 by its founders, Sergej Kunz, and Anton Bukov. Before co-founding 1inch, Kunz was employed full-time as a cybersecurity specialist at Porsche and worked as a senior developer at a price aggregator. Bukov, on the other hand, has experience in software development and has recently been involved in decentralized finance.

The 1inch network uses multiple protocols: Aggregation, Liquidity, and Limit Order Protocol. The synergy of these protocols ensures fast and protected operations in the DeFi space. It unifies numerous decentralized exchanges (DEXs) into a user-friendly platform. This lets users compare and optimize their crypto trades and swaps without navigating multiple exchanges separately. The network's initial protocol, a decentralized exchange aggregator solution, scours various liquidity sources to provide users with the best possible rates, exceeding those offered by any individual exchange.

The 1inch Aggregation Protocol leverages identify the most optimal paths across a vast network of over 300 liquidity sources spread across ten different blockchain platforms, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Optimistic Ethereum, Arbitrum, Fantom, Gnosis Chain, Klaytn, and Aurora. 

Even though the cryptocurrency market was experiencing a downturn and chaos due to the collapse of centralized entities, UST, and a well-known crypto hedge fund, users are still actively trading on the 1inch Network. Despite the market decline, the increase in trading volume on 1inch indicates that users strongly desire to adjust their investment portfolios to withstand the market conditions. 1inch has proven its value to users during a challenging economic environment by consistently growing its trading volumes.

1inch Key Statistics 

• Total earnings for 2022-’23: $12.5 million
• Total volume 2022-’23: $175.1 million. 
• 1inch has approximately 4.9 million users, accommodating 54,300 users per day.
• 1inch’s Market cap is $377.2 million and ranked 110th out of all 8,819 active cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap.

Source: Ailtra

dYdX

dYdX has established itself as a leading decentralized exchange platform globally, supporting over 35 cryptocurrencies. Founded by Antonio Juliano, a California-based entrepreneur and former Coinbase engineer, in July 2017, the platform provides various services such as trading, lending, and borrowing and initially operated on the Ethereum Layer-1 network. dYdX also introduced its native currency, DYDX, in August 2017.  

The company is widely acclaimed for its cross-margin perpetual trading, making it a comprehensive hub for decentralized financial transactions. As a DEX offering derivatives, dYdX was an early mover, rolling out its first perpetual swap (perp-swap) offering in 2020. Three years later, most DEX trading activity is still on spot-trading venues. The leading exception is dYdX.

The high trading volume on dYdX can be attributed to two significant developments in 2021. Firstly, dYdX migrated from the Ethereum mainnet to utilize layer-2 rollups powered by Starkware, resulting in faster and more affordable transactions. Additionally, introducing the dYdX protocol token boosted the platform. It is a governance token that allows the dYdX community to own and govern the protocol truly, aligning incentives between traders, liquidity providers, and broader stakeholders. These enhancements, known as dYdX v3, have contributed to a substantial increase in trading activity, with the number of listed pairs growing from 3 to over 30.

In June 2022, dYdX v3 was replaced with a new version, the dYdX v4. The dYdX Chain (currently on the public Testnet from Sept. 2023) marks a significant milestone in the company's development as it shifts towards a decentralized, community-driven model. Leveraging the Cosmos SDK, dYdX creates a transparent and trustless central order book exchange governed by validators and stakers. The ratio of fee distribution will be determined by on-chain governance, ensuring that holders of the dYdX token will receive a share of the fee revenues. 

In a move towards true decentralization, dYdX Trading Inc. and other central parties will not have access to trading fees on dYdX V4, as promised by the core team in their January 2022 announcement. It’s interesting to note that considering the recent market downturn, the exchange has seen volume and revenue while focusing on development, which can help the platform grow when the activity returns in the crypto market. dYdX currently sits at #1 of the DEX listings on CoinMarketCap.

dYdX Key Statistics 

• dYdX’s semi-annual report states that dYdX’s trading volume has surpassed $230 billion, with a daily volume of $1 billion. The v3 platform recently exceeded $1 trillion in cumulative trading volume.
• dYdX has generated $71.1 million in revenue in 2023 to date. 
• dYdX’s user base is over 60K, with 1.8K active daily users. 

Successful Crypto Exchanges Have A Community-First Ethos

The backbone of a thriving cryptocurrency exchange lies in its dedicated community. Beyond the utility of its token and the services provided by the exchange, the involvement and support of its community are crucial in fostering the widespread adoption of cryptocurrency. Crypto communities have become instrumental in promoting digital assets and driving mainstream adoption worldwide.

Some projects and exchanges in the industry have taken a community-first stance. This shift has led to the rise of community-driven initiatives, where open communication and shared decision-making are the cornerstones of project development. By placing the reins in the hands of the community, developers can harness the collective power of the crowd, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared ownership. This emphasis on community building has, in turn, given rise to the creation of social networks explicitly tailored to the needs of the crypto community.

Thomas Prendergast, the founder and CEO of Markethive, firmly believes that community-driven approaches will shape the future of businesses. Markethive, a pioneering social market broadcasting platform built on blockchain technology, is set to launch its cryptocurrency, Hivecoin (HVC), on the crypto market. Moreover, the company offers a unique opportunity to early adopters through its Founders Token, representing the ILP and allowing them to be a part of the emerging Markethive ecosystem and share in its value and revenue.

The Markethive system fosters community engagement and growth by recognizing and rewarding contributors who share a common purpose. By leveraging the collective enthusiasm of like-minded individuals, we can create a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits its members and extends its impact to the broader communities they are a part of. This approach will have a transformative impact on our professional and social lives and unlock unforeseen opportunities. 

So, the next logical step for Markethive, with all its ducks in a row, is to embark on a project that will complete its ecosystem: a decentralized crypto exchange. 

Image: Markethive.com

Markethive Crypto Exchange: It just makes sense. 

Thomas has a clear vision for Markethive's next venture: a cutting-edge crypto exchange that leverages the platform's unique strengths, including innovative inbound marketing strategies, blogcasting capabilities, dynamic social engagement, and community-driven support. This new endeavor is a natural progression for Markethive, allowing it to expand its reach and provide users with a seamless trading experience that integrates the platform's proven features.

The decentralized crypto exchange will be a separate offshore company collaborating with Markethive that can offer a strategic partnership that includes integrated traffic and a built-in community, gamification, promotional support for new coin listings, press releases, and custom articles to create a dynamic trading platform. The exchange will also provide automated memberships, airdrops, and promo codes to encourage sign-ups, all of which will be supported by a vast and engaged community that can help promote and establish new coins on the exchange, potentially attracting millions of interested users to Markethive.

Markethive's new exchange will significantly benefit all E1s and community members with ILPs as that membership represents revenue, which increases Markethive's revenue. So even if you’re not in an ownership position with Markethive’s new exchange, the exchange is a revenue engine for Markethive and will drive the membership in Markethive into the stratosphere and thereby increase the revenue so it is to everyone’s benefit. It will increase the value of your Hivecoin and produce revenue to fund the ILPs. This fulcrum will send Markethive into another realm, becoming a giant in the crypto exchange industry, and will solidify Markethive's position as a leading ecosystem. 

The emergence of a multi-polar world is evident, with the growing influence of the BRICs and the potential for others to offer similar solutions. This shift presents an opportunity for Markethive to establish itself as a neutral and apolitical platform capable of facilitating cross-border transactions without the constraints of sanctions or political allegiances. By operating offshore, its crypto exchange can enable the seamless exchange of payments from all countries, promoting financial inclusion and accessibility for the benefit of people worldwide.

Markethive offers a refuge from the harmful strategies of authoritarianism, which persist in threatening the stability of nations worldwide. As an alternative economic system, we are committed to promoting individual freedom and autonomy, in contrast to the oppressive and centralized control advocated by fascist and communist ideologies. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities rather than submit to the dictates of a single, all-powerful authority.

Markethive is set to revolutionize the cryptocurrency exchange landscape by inviting its community members to participate in this groundbreaking project. By engaging its community in this innovative endeavor, Markethive aims to offer an unparalleled opportunity for involvement at an unprecedented low cost, promising remarkable rewards. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.

Join us on Sundays at 10 am MST as we reach new heights in revenue-generating integrations. Be a part of the excitement and witness the cutting-edge technology and innovative concepts of Markethive firsthand. Get your questions answered and participate in the conversation as we work together to create the ultimate ecosystem. Don't miss out – join us in the meeting room. The link to this can be found in the Markethive Calendar.
We look forward to seeing you there!

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Tim Moseley

Online Safety 101: How to Keep Cyber Snoopers at Bay

Have you ever paused to reflect on those emails from your bank urging you to update your information or the seemingly innocent act of connecting to your favorite coffee shop's Wi-Fi for a quick cup of joe? In the vast landscape of our digitally connected lives, have you ever entertained the thought of whether someone might be eavesdropping on your conversations?

In the contemporary world, where our daily routines intertwine seamlessly with digital communication, safeguarding the security and privacy of our online interactions has assumed a position of unparalleled significance. Alas, the challenge persists as cybercriminals continuously evolve, devising innovative methods to exploit vulnerabilities within our digital systems. Among these threats, the man-in-the-middle attack stands out as a particularly sophisticated and menacing technique, posing a substantial risk to the integrity of our digital security.

In this article, we explore the man-in-the-middle attack, unraveling its intricate workings, understanding its far-reaching implications, and, most importantly, arming ourselves with knowledge on how to shield against this pervasive cybercrime. Join us on this journey as we delve into the nuances of digital security and equip ourselves with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Source: Imperva.com

What is a Man-In-The-Middle Attack?

Imagine a scenario where your digital conversations aren't as private as you think; that's the unsettling reality of a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, a serious cybersecurity threat more pervasive than we might realize. In this digital battleground, an attacker sneaks into the communication channel between two unsuspecting parties, much like a sneaky postal worker sorting through your mail.

The term "man-in-the-middle" is fitting because, just like that rogue mailman, the attacker plants themselves right in the middle of the communication flow. It's akin to this mail mischief-maker intercepting your bank statement, jotting down your account details, and then sealing the envelope back up before it reaches your mailbox. The victim remains blissfully unaware of this intrusion.

So, why is this cyber maneuver so dangerous? Well, imagine the rogue mailman stealing not just your bank statement but also your login credentials, credit card numbers, and other personal details. That's what happens in an MITM attack. The attacker gains access to sensitive information, opening the door to identity theft, unauthorized fund transfers, and other malicious exploits.

What makes MITM attacks particularly treacherous is their stealthy nature. They can lurk undetected for long periods, silently pilfering information. It's like a silent invader setting up camp in your digital space without you even realizing it. Worse yet, these attacks can introduce malware onto your device, giving the attacker complete control over your system.

MITM attacks come in various shades, from the passive ones, where the attacker slyly intercepts user traffic, to the active ones, where the attacker actively manipulates or alters the data flow. It’s like different tactics in a cyber playbook – IP spoofing, DNS spoofing, HTTPS spoofing, and email spoofing, each with its own crafty strategy.

Source: ReadyTechGo.com

Interception

Have you ever gotten a sketchy message from an unknown number posing as your bank or an enticing email from a supposed unfamiliar angel promising a piece of his fortune? These seemingly harmless messages might just be the tip of the iceberg regarding a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, a favorite trick in the cyber criminal's playbook, where sensitive information is stolen from the unsuspecting victim.

So, what's the deal with interception, and how does it play into the whole MITM drama? Interception is like a digital sleight of hand with which the attacker slyly intercepts your online traffic before it reaches its intended destination. In the MITM attacks, the cyber trickster strategically positions themselves between two chit-chatting parties to either sneak a peek or slyly tweak the data passing between them.

The more straightforward and common form of MITM interception is where the attacker sets up a free Wi-Fi hotspot, maybe with a sneaky name like "CoffeeShop_FreeWiFi," and lures unsuspecting victims. Once connected, the attacker gets a backstage pass to all the victim's online data exchanges, kind of like a digital puppet master pulling the strings.

The attacker can spoof your IP and trick your computer into thinking it's hitting up a legitimate website when, in reality, it's a detour to the attacker's lair. Another move is DNS spoofing, where the attacker messes with your computer's GPS, sending it to the wrong digital address, aka their server, instead of the real deal. And who could forget HTTPS spoofing? This is like setting up a fake secure website, inviting victims to input their sensitive info, and then snatching it up like a digital pickpocket.

Email spoofing is another player in the MITM game. The attacker crafts an email that looks legit, maybe even mimicking a trustworthy source, to lull victims into a false sense of security. Once the victim bites, the attacker swoops in to nab the sensitive data. Here's the kicker: in all these cyber theatrics, the attacker stays incognito, a ghost in the machine, intercepting and manipulating data without the communicating parties having a clue. They might even drop malware on a targeted user's device, making themselves right at home.

Decryption

Alright, let's unravel the second act in the drama of a man-in-the-middle attack, which is decryption. Now that the digital trickster has nabbed the data sailing between two parties, it's time for the grand reveal. Decryption, in simple terms, is like translating a secret code back into something understandable. 

In the wild landscape of a man-in-the-middle escapade, decryption is the secret sauce that turns the jumbled-up, encrypted data back into its original, readable form. Now, why is this a big deal? Well, it's the key to unlocking a treasure trove of sensitive info – think login credentials, financial details, and personally identifiable information (PII). The attacker unleashes this process to expose what was meant to be private and secure.

One classic thing the attacker does is known as the packet sniffer. A virtual detective captures and dissects the data zipping across the network. It's like intercepting letters and reading them before they reach the recipient. Sneaky, right? Then there's the brute-force attack, a cyber brute trying every password combination until it hits the jackpot. It's like trying every key in the bunch until one finally opens the door. Another trick up the attacker's sleeve is the rainbow table attack, which is a cheat sheet of pre-computed encrypted passwords, speeding up the process of finding the original password. It's the cyber equivalent of having a master key.

But why should we care about decryption? Well, if the attacker succeeds, they waltz right into sensitive information territory. This can lead to identity theft, fraud, and other malicious endeavors. Plus, decryption is like the golden ticket for installing malware on a targeted user's device, the cyber version of an uninvited guest overstaying their welcome.

Prevention

Now that we've uncovered the ins and outs of man-in-the-middle attacks and how these sneaky maneuvers go down let's arm you with the knowledge to steer clear of falling victim to them. Lucky for us, there are several effective methods to keep these digital tricksters at bay. Let's dive into some savvy ways to keep yourself in the clear:

1. Embrace the Power of VPNs:
Think of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) as your digital superhero cape. It encrypts all your internet traffic and guides it through its own secure servers. Even if an attacker tries to intercept your data, they'll just be staring at a wall of encryption. It's like sending your online messages in an unbreakable code.

Source: Markethive.com

2. HTTPS and SSL/TLS:
This dynamic duo of HTTPS and SSL/TLS transforms your internet communication into a secret language. When you visit a website using HTTPS, just like Markethive does, your browser locks arms with the website's server in a secure handshake. An attacker attempting to eavesdrop finds nothing but encrypted gibberish. It's like turning your online conversations into an encrypted treasure chest.

3. Safeguard with Email and DNS Security:
Email and DNS can be the Trojan horses of MITM attacks, but fear not! Strengthen your defenses with email security tools like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to verify the legitimacy of your emails. For DNS, enlist the help of a secure resolver to ensure your DNS requests aren't being intercepted. It's like adding an extra layer of protection to your digital communication channels.

Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) are email security tools that can help you protect your emails from spoofing, phishing, and spam. They work by verifying the sender’s identity and the integrity of the email content.

4. Double Down with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Think of 2FA as having a bouncer at the entrance to your digital party. It requires a password and a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone. This tag team ensures that only you get VIP access. It's like having a secret handshake for your online accounts.

5. Arm Yourself with Anti-virus Software:
Consider anti-virus software as your digital bodyguard. It scans, detects, and blocks potential threats, acting as a shield against MITM attacks. Keep it up-to-date to stay one step ahead of the cyber baddies.

6. Keep Software Updated:
Updating your software is like giving your digital fortress a fresh coat of paint. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so ensure your operating system, web browser, and other applications are rocking the latest security patches. It's like fortifying your defenses against unseen invaders.

It's essential you understand that by weaving these prevention methods into your digital routine, you significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a man-in-the-middle attack. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, gear up, stay vigilant, and keep the online baddies at bay!

Detecting a Man-In-The-Middle Attack

Detecting a man-in-the-middle attack can be subtle, but it’s important to stay alert. The first sign something’s off will likely be a slowdown in internet or network speed. If you notice it taking longer than usual to load pages, watch out; you might be under attack. The next sign is a pop-up error message. These error messages can appear for several reasons, but if the error message says, “The security certificate presented by this website is not secure,” that’s a red flag. An improper security certificate is a definite sign that the website is not secure and may have been compromised.

Network Monitoring is essential in detecting a man-in-the-middle attack. Network monitoring tools come in various shapes and sizes. They keep track of network traffic, identify traffic patterns, and check for suspicious behavior. SSL Certificate Warnings are some of the most common ways web browsers detect a Man-in-the-Middle Attack. 

When attempting to visit a website with an invalid certificate, the browser warns its user of its dangers, often citing the risk of middleman attacks. Suspicious Network Activity is another sign. If your network administrator or ISP has monitoring tools in place, unusual network activity can quickly raise a red flag. DNS Spoofing Detection Tools can help detect DNS hijacking and monitor suspicious activity on your network.

It's always best to have multiple lines of defense when trying to detect a man-in-the-middle attack. Using a combination of techniques and tools is key to recognizing suspicious activity before it's too late. Remember, prevention is always the best defense. Staying vigilant and using the preventive measures outlined in the previous section is vital. 

Examples of Man-In-The-Middle Attacks

As you might have figured out by now, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are pretty dangerous. They are used to steal sensitive information from various targets, including users of financial applications, e-commerce sites, and SaaS businesses. Such attacks can also gain entry into a secure network by installing malware on a user's device.

But let's dive deeper and look at some real-life instances of man-in-the-middle attacks that have occurred. In 2010, an Iranian hacker used a man-in-the-middle attack to access the Gmail accounts of several high-profile individuals, including US government officials and journalists. The attacker created a fraudulent security certificate for Google services, which allowed them to intercept email communication.

DigiNotar, a Dutch certificate authority that the hacker compromised, issued the security certificate. The hacker bypassed the HTTPS encryption that usually protects the communication between a user and a website. The hacker also used a technique called DNS spoofing, which involves changing the DNS records of a domain name to point to a malicious server. This way, the hacker could redirect the users to a fake Google website that looked identical to the real one but was under the hacker’s control.

In 2011, at a Black Hat conference, a researcher named Nicholas Percoco and his colleague Christian Papathanasiou showed how easy it was to run a man-in-the-middle attack on mobile devices running iOS and Android. The attack involved intercepting data packets between a mobile device and a wireless access point using a tool called SSLstrip.

SSLstrip is a tool that can downgrade HTTPS connections to HTTP connections and strip away the encryption that normally protects the communication between a user and a website. The tool can also modify the content of the web pages that the user sees, such as replacing the padlock icon with a fake one or inserting malicious links or scripts.

The researchers demonstrated how they could use SSLstrip to hijack a user’s Facebook session, steal their login credentials, and post messages on their behalf. They also showed how to intercept a user’s email communication, read their messages, and send spoofed emails. They also revealed how to access a user’s online banking account, view their balance, and transfer money to another account.

One of the most widespread man-in-the-middle attacks in recent times is the "Superfish" incident. Lenovo shipped its laptops with adware called "Superfish," designed to serve targeted ads to users. However, Superfish was designed to intercept HTTPS traffic, leaving users vulnerable to MITM attacks.

Another example of a widespread MITM attack is the WannaCry ransomware attack that took place in 2017. The WannaCry ransomware was propagated via a vulnerability in Windows systems and encrypted users' files, demanding a ransom for decryption. This sophisticated ransomware attack attacked several government agencies, businesses, and individuals worldwide. 

While most man-in-the-middle attacks aim to steal user data, some use MITM attacks to target companies and individuals. For instance, during the Syrian civil war, the SEA (Syrian Electronic Army) carried out a targeted MITM attack against the Associated Press (AP) Twitter account. The SEA used the account to post fake news about an explosion at the White House, causing a significant drop in the stock market. While man-in-the-middle attacks might not be new, the stakes are increasing with new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. So, it's crucial that you stay informed of such attacks and take the necessary precautions to protect your data.

Source: Cyber Security News

Security analysts discovered one recent incident of an MITM attack in April 2023. The attack targeted Wi-Fi networks and could bypass their security mechanisms. The attacker operated by imitating the genuine access point and transmitting a forged Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) to redirect the message to a targeted supplier. ICMP is a protocol used to send error messages and other information between network devices.

A redirect message is an ICMP message that tells a device to use a different route to reach a destination. By sending a forged redirect message, the attacker could trick the device into sending its traffic through a malicious router, where the attacker could intercept and modify it. This way, the attacker could hijack any device's traffic connected to the Wi-Fi network and perform various malicious activities, such as stealing passwords, injecting ads, or redirecting users to phishing websites.

Conclusion

So, we know these attacks are dangerous and can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. From intercepting personal information to potentially installing malware, cybercriminals will stop at nothing to get what they want, which is why it's so important to be aware of the risks posed by man-in-the-middle attacks.

We've gone over a few key steps to prevent becoming a victim, like using a VPN, HTTPS, SSL/TLS, email and DNS security, and two-factor authentication. It's also essential to keep your software up-to-date and be aware of suspicious network activity. But even with these precautions, it's not always possible to avoid a man-in-the-middle attack, so it's important to know how to detect one if it does happen.

Whether it's noticing strange SSL certificate warnings or monitoring network activity, early detection can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major data breach. And while it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of cybercriminals lurking around every corner, being aware of the risks posed by man-in-the-middle attacks is the first step toward protecting yourself. 

Remember, attacks like these can happen to anyone. Still, you can minimize your risk and stay safe in an increasingly dangerous digital world by remaining vigilant and taking the necessary precautions. So, whether you're shopping online, checking your bank account, or browsing the web, remember to stay alert, stay safe, and watch for those pesky man-in-the-middle attacks. After all, when it comes to online security, a little awareness can go a long way to save you from disaster.

Tim Moseley

How Do Crypto Exchanges Generate Revenue Even In A Turbulent Market?

Cryptocurrency exchanges have demonstrated remarkable resilience during market downturns, unlike institutional investors and individual traders. This is attributed to their role as market makers, fostering trader and institutional activity, and charging fees for their services. This article will outline the financial performance of crypto exchanges, exploring their primary revenue streams and the intricacies involved in generating profits through these means.

According to a financial services consultancy Opimas report, cryptocurrency exchanges made $24.3 billion in global trading revenue in 2021. This is the first time that the revenue generated by cryptocurrency exchanges has exceeded that of traditional stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq.

The revenue generated by cryptocurrency exchanges was estimated to have increased by 7X compared to the $3.4 billion in sales reported in 2020. Moreover, it was found that the revenue from these exchanges surpassed that of traditional securities exchanges by approximately 60%, which totaled around $15.2 billion.

In just one year, there has been a significant change in the revenue dynamics between traditional exchanges and cryptocurrency exchanges. Previously, well-established and respected entities such as the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, Deutsche Borse, and CME were generating 4X more revenue compared to their crypto counterparts. However, the tables have turned, as Binance has left these traditional exchanges far behind in performance and growth.

Source: Marketwatch

What Is A Crypto Exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where individuals can trade different digital currencies, either for other cryptos or traditional fiat currencies. These exchanges provide an alternative method for obtaining cryptocurrencies, aside from methods such as mining or receiving them through airdrops. Some well-known examples of cryptocurrency exchanges include Binance, Kraken, Coinbase, HTX (formerly Huobi Global), and OKX (formerly OKEx). 

Cryptocurrency exchanges have become lucrative businesses, with some valued in the billions of dollars. The surge in interest in digital currencies has resulted in a significant increase in their valuations and revenues. Coinbase and Binance are two examples of crypto exchanges that have benefited from this trend. But have you ever wondered how these exchanges generate their substantial income? Below are some overt ways in which a crypto exchange creates revenue. 

Trading Commission and Withdrawal Fees  

Crypto exchanges generate profits by calculating the difference between their income and operating expenses, such as maintenance, promotion, support for liquidity levels, and taxes. The primary source of income for these exchanges comes from trading commissions charged to users (traders) for every transaction. When a trade occurs, which involves closing two opposing orders (one selling, the other buying), the exchange collects a commission from both the seller's and the buyer's orders. 

For example, the exchange takes a commission from both sides with a trading commission rate of 0.1% of the order value. However, if an order is executed externally, the exchange only charges a commission from one side of the transaction.

An Active User Base is Crucial

It’s important to note for an exchange to generate revenue through trading commissions and profits, it must cultivate a thriving trading environment, which hinges on having a substantial number of active users. While tools like market makers and trading bots can help stimulate activity, they cannot replace the value of genuine traders who facilitate the exchange of assets and generate commissions.

The number of active users (AU) is a vital metric in assessing a cryptocurrency exchange's revenue-generating capabilities. Although financial information in the cryptocurrency exchange domain is limited, examining available data points, such as the number of active users, can provide valuable insights.

Over recent years, cryptocurrency exchanges have been raking in substantial profits, with Binance being a prime example. According to publicly available data, Binance has generated over $1.8 billion in trading revenue since the beginning of 2021, thanks to its 28.6 million active users. The exchange's peak trading volume for the year reached an impressive $76 billion, with commissions ranging from 0% to 0.50% depending on the volume of transactions.

It’s worth noting the figures and the time when the cryptocurrency market reached its lowest point in 2018. During that period, only 313,000 users were engaging in trading on Binance. Despite being deemed relatively low activity, the popular exchanges still managed to generate substantial profits, with Binance making $446 million. While this number may not be as impressive as the most recent data, it effectively illustrates the ability of exchanges to survive even during challenging periods.

Additionally, a crucial factor to consider is the typical trading volume of a single active user. It's reasonable to assume that the higher this amount, the greater the commission the exchange earns. However, what truly matters is the volume of trades conducted by genuine active users rather than the total trading volume, which automated trading bots can inflate to the tune of 70% or more.

Withdrawal fees are also a source of revenue for crypto exchanges. The withdrawal fee amount is influenced by several factors, such as the type of asset being withdrawn, the amount of funds being transferred, and the transfer method. Some trading platforms charge a fixed withdrawal fee, while others, usually lesser-known and newer crypto exchanges, do not charge this fee to attract new users. However, it's worth noting that charging a deposit fee is not recommended, even for well-established platforms, as it can discourage users from using the platform.

Listing Fees for New Cryptos

Fees for listing a new cryptocurrency on major exchanges range from $2 million to $5 million, with some exchanges charging as high as $10 million to 15 million. The listing price varies depending on the specific project, considering factors such as the desired service package, which could include marketing support or technical assistance. There is no standard fee for listing as it is determined on a case-by-case basis.

For cryptocurrency projects looking to expand their reach, being listed on a well-established platform can increase visibility and access to a broader pool of investors. This often leads to accelerated growth for these coins. Interestingly, some prominent cryptocurrency exchanges choose to either hide or openly express their hesitation to list lower-quality coins, often referred to as "shitcoins," on their platform.

Market Making

The Market Making (MM) function ensures that traders can execute their orders seamlessly and at competitive prices, even when there may be a lack of liquidity. This is achieved by providing additional liquidity and maintaining a stable price range, thereby preventing price gaps and ensuring that buy and sell orders can be matched without delay. For instance, if a trader wants to sell an altcoin on an exchange with low trading volume, the MM function will instantly purchase the asset, executing the sale without any issues.

Customers may have the misconception that regular traders swiftly complete transactions. However, the reality is that market makers are the ones who acquire orders for subsequent resale. These market makers are accessible on every platform and provide assurance of liquidity. Conversely, if traders were to find themselves in the opposite situation, they would have to wait weeks before encountering a buyer.

Margin Trading 

Trading on margin, also known as leverage, allows traders to borrow funds from the exchange in order to amplify their buying ability. This strategy offers the potential for greater profits, but it also comes with increased risks. However, it is important to note that if a trader's prediction fails, they are not necessarily left in debt.

The leverage provided by the exchange allows traders to increase their order size. Traders are protected from losing more than they have, and the exchange is not at risk of failure. For instance, if a trader has $10,000 in their account and decides to purchase bitcoin with 5X leverage, they can buy bitcoin worth $50,000. Suppose the Bitcoin price drops and becomes more affordable. In that case, the exchange typically stops at the trader's initial $10,000 investment and alerts them with a margin call, or the opposite can also happen.

Earning Services

Cryptocurrency exchanges can profit by offering services that enable users to earn money. These services include staking, lending, and a crypto marketplace. Staking involves users locking their cryptocurrencies in a wallet to help sustain the operations of a blockchain network. Through this process, they become part of the network's consensus mechanism and receive rewards in exchange. The exchange generates income by charging a fee or taking rewards earned from staking the delegated coins.

Cryptocurrency lending allows users to loan their digital assets to other individuals or organizations, earning interest on their investments. Exchanges play a crucial role in facilitating these transactions, connecting lenders with borrowers, and overseeing the process to ensure its success. In return for their services, exchanges collect fees or take a portion of the interest lenders earn, generating revenue for their platform.

Cryptocurrency exchanges can also offer a platform for users to buy and sell assets, known as a crypto marketplace. This marketplace allows users to trade digital assets such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and more traditional products like Bitrefill gift cards and phone refills. The exchanges generate revenue by charging trading fees, a percentage of the transaction volume, or a fixed amount per trade.

Token Launchpad

Exchanges generate revenue from token launchpads through listing fees, which projects must pay to launch their tokens on the exchange's platform. This fee covers costs such as due diligence, legal compliance, technical integration, and marketing efforts to promote the token sale. The listing fee structure can vary between exchanges and depends on the project's size or requirements, with some exchanges offering tiered pricing.

Exchanges may also secure supplementary revenue-sharing arrangements with projects besides listing fees. This can include receiving a portion of the tokens allocated to the exchange as part of the token distribution or obtaining a percentage of the project's future revenues. These agreements can generate recurring revenue streams for exchanges, particularly if the project becomes successful and generates significant income.

In addition, token launchpads provided by exchanges can offer extra benefits to projects, such as marketing assistance, consulting, managing the token sale, and technical support. By charging fees for these additional services, exchanges can generate extra revenue and offer a complete package to aid projects in successfully navigating the token launch procedure.

It is essential to mention that token launch platforms also have advantages for exchanges by drawing in new users and boosting trading activity. When token launches are successful, trading volume often rises as investors trade newly listed tokens. This increased trading activity generates fees from transactions.

Additional Services that Complement Each Other

Crypto exchanges can also generate revenue through complementary services such as connected games or decentralized applications (DApps). By partnering with game developers, exchanges can offer the necessary infrastructure, liquidity, and access to their user base. In return, they can earn a percentage of the transactions or fees generated within these games. This mutually beneficial revenue-sharing model encourages user engagement and promotes growth within the ecosystem.

Cryptocurrency exchanges can team up with prepaid card issuers to provide users with debit cards or prepaid cards connected to their exchange accounts, enabling them to use cryptocurrencies for real-world transactions. This collaboration can generate revenue for exchanges through card issuance fees, transaction fees, or revenue sharing with the prepaid card provider. By incorporating cryptocurrencies into everyday spending, this integration promotes the broader use of cryptocurrencies and contributes to its increased adoption.

Premium Services and Referral Programs 

Certain crypto exchanges provide premium subscription options to expand their income sources, granting users exclusive access to distinct features and advantages. These exchanges offer different paid monthly subscription levels, with benefits such as lower trading fees, higher interest rates on cryptocurrency lending, and increased limits for buying and withdrawing funds.

An instance of this is Coinbase's offering, Coinbase One, which requires a monthly payment of $29.99 in exchange for no trading fees, access to advanced trading tools, increased staking rewards, and priority support. These subscription options are aimed at experienced users, traders, and institutions who engage in frequent transactions and wish to optimize the advantages available to their accounts.

Additionally, numerous crypto exchanges also pay existing users commissions for referring new customers. These referral programs are created to incentivize users to recommend the platform to colleagues and followers on social media or other channels. For instance, Binance provides a beneficial referral program with multiple levels, granting up to 40% in ongoing commissions based on the trading fees of referred users. Coinbase has its own referral program, rewarding $10 in Bitcoin for every new user referred.

Although referral programs may diminish potential revenue, the advantages of acquiring new customers through such programs outweigh the costs for exchanges. Attracting fresh, engaged traders is pivotal in boosting transaction volume and associated fees.

Key Players in Crypto. Source: Statista Market Insights

Important Insights

The key takeaway is that an exchange needs active users who generate a steady income through trading activities. The more users a platform has, the higher the volume of trading commissions, resulting in a more stable financial situation. It’s also advantageous that many exchanges have weathered the market downturns with style, grace, and dignity.  

The popularity of cryptocurrency trading platforms has skyrocketed in recent years, with millions globally utilizing these exchanges to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. According to recent studies, the global revenue in the crypto market was valued at $18.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $64.9 billion by 2027, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.40% between 2023 and 2027.

The cryptocurrency market is primarily controlled by centralized exchanges (CEX) that enable users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies quickly, efficiently, and securely. Nevertheless, decentralized exchanges (DEX) are gaining traction as they give users more autonomy over their assets and eliminate the need for intermediaries, offering a more secure and independent trading experience.

The success of cryptocurrency trading platforms will hinge on their versatility in response to shifting market dynamics. As the global crypto user base has grown to 673.90 million in 2023 and is projected to increase to 994.30 million by 2027, exchanges must demonstrate agility in the face of unpredictable market fluctuations and embrace new trends as they emerge. 

In the upcoming article, we'll take a closer look at the leading crypto exchanges, their revenue streams, and their respective peaks and valleys. Additionally, we'll explore the realm of decentralized exchanges and how various cryptocurrency businesses demonstrate their ability to transform limited resources into thriving ventures at an impressive pace.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Tim Moseley

Unleashing the Power of Force Multipliers: How Markethive Amplifies Your Business Success

Entrepreneurs encounter many challenges that can impede their businesses' progress and prosperity. However, force multipliers such as technology, tactics, resources, software, and partnerships can enhance effectiveness and achieve significant results even with limited resources. Markethive, a social neural network, provides a range of force multipliers, including information and content sharing, user-generated content, blockchain technology, storefronts, campaigns, brand ambassadors, awareness of the market, and network connectivity. These force multipliers can expand a business's reach, influence, and development, making Markethive an invaluable asset for entrepreneurs.

The challenges that entrepreneurs encounter can hinder their businesses' long-term success and growth. One common obstacle is figuring out how to effectively utilize the limited resources at their disposal, whether time or money, to achieve the most significant impact and profitability. This is where force multipliers come into play. It is essential to understand what force multipliers are and how powerful they are in addressing these challenges.

The armed forces have long understood the importance of force multipliers. A troop multiplier, for instance, enhances an existing military capability by either increasing its size or utilizing machine guns as force multipliers for rifles. The military would integrate sniper training into various subjects to enhance the value of snipers as a force multiplier and ensure their survival in combat.

Force multipliers are a means to accomplish more remarkable results with the same or reduced amount of effort, similar to how using a drill instead of a screwdriver can make tasks more manageable. These force multipliers can be vital in ensuring the business's survival.

What Are Force Multipliers In The Online World?

In the digital realm, force multipliers refer to the various methods, techniques, technologies, and resources that can significantly enhance your business's competitiveness and give you an edge over your rivals. These force multipliers can help amplify your online presence, streamline operations, and ultimately drive success in the digital marketplace.

Utilizing force multipliers has enabled many entrepreneurs to experience rapid and substantial growth, leading to outcomes that would have been unattainable through other means. By leveraging these tools, you can rapidly scale your efforts and unlock opportunities that otherwise remain out of reach.

Combining these elements creates a powerful effect and dramatically enhances the outcomes for the company, its clients, and the overall economy. By leveraging its strengths, a smaller entity can gain an unfair advantage over a larger, more established competitor with a similar business model, creating a force multiplier effect.

The military interpretation mentioned earlier emphasizes the importance of enhancing capability. Markethive, on the other hand, prioritizes the addition of processes as we aim for the combined marketing elements to unite and surpass the overall marketing endeavor synergistically. Unlike in many other institutions, force multipliers typically serve to optimize store operations or manufacturing productivity.

Marketing force multipliers stem from strategic and procedural innovations that enable businesses to adapt to the rapidly transforming landscape. Outdated linear approaches are no longer practical in today's dynamic market, where retailers and brands must respond to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. By embracing new strategies, marketing teams can capitalize on the explosive potential of force multipliers, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve and achieve tremendous success.

Any company seeking expansion must discover its unique Force Multiplier. The hurdle is determining which specific factors will boost your business's growth.

The marketplace is in a state of constant flux, with no shortage of influences impacting it. This highlights the importance of recognizing the factors that can amplify the growth of your brands. These factors must be identified and nurtured. Listed below are Markethive’s force multipliers, which are crucial for online businesses. 

Image: Markethive.com

Force Multipliers In The Digital Realm 

Sharing Info And Content On Social Networks

The speed and interactivity of sharing information and content on social networks is an essential tool for Markethive entrepreneurs. The diverse range of social media platforms available allows for extensive reach and connectivity. These platforms work harmoniously with the Markethive social media platform, enabling a tailored, individualized, interactive collaboration experience.

User-generated Content Attracting Feedback and Reviews

Entrepreneurs can benefit from the immediate sharing of user-generated content, but they must also be prepared to handle feedback and ratings from online users. While this can be a powerful tool for growth, it can also be detrimental if the entrepreneur is not receptive or dismissive of their customers' opinions. To effectively manage online feedback, being attentive and understanding of one's audience is crucial.

Fostering Advocacy: A Key to Success

Advocates should be nurtured. It is vital to cultivate advocates as they serve as an invaluable asset. They are passionate supporters and allies who strongly believe in your brand, cause, or product. These individuals willingly put in the effort without compensation. They become influential figures who can sway the opinions of undecided individuals. They engage in conversations with others and act as a catalyst in building customer loyalty and involvement.

Real-time Situational Awareness and Strategic Network Connectivity 

By leveraging a robust network of connected individuals and groups, your business can stay ahead of the curve and respond promptly to evolving market trends. With the right people and information in place, you'll be empowered to make informed decisions quickly, giving you a competitive edge. 

This proactive approach is a potent force multiplier that enhances your company's situation awareness in real-time, allowing you to stay adaptable and responsive in an ever-changing landscape. This strategic networking capability is an indispensable component of your marketing strategy, enabling you to stay ahead of the competition and achieve long-term success.

Harnessing the Power of Predictive Insights

The ability to forecast forthcoming changes holds immense potential, yet many organizations still need to catch up to adopt data-driven strategies. While some industries, such as law enforcement and healthcare, have embraced predictive analytics to anticipate security concerns and resource needs, many companies still need to utilize this powerful tool. By harnessing the capabilities of predictive intelligence, organizations can gain invaluable insights to preempt changes and stay ahead of the curve.

A network must capitalize on emerging trends and directions. Predictive analytics, such as analytics for anticipating short-term and long-term change, is a powerful tool to recognize trends and requirements at all times. It embodies a culture of innovation.

Storefronts and Campaigns

At Markethive, we offer powerful tools to help entrepreneurs amplify their reach and impact. Our storefronts and associated marketing campaigns are designed to work together seamlessly, providing a force multiplier effect that helps businesses grow and thrive. Additionally, we have integrated broadcasting capabilities that allow group administrators to easily share information with the entire group's social network, further expanding the reach of your message.

The blogging platform is designed to streamline team collaboration and provide comprehensive management reports for administrators. These reports offer visibility into individual team members' activities, including blog posting, autoresponder creation, capture page development, news feed posting, ad management, and new member sponsorship. Additionally, the system features a group rotator that showcases the collective traffic generated by the team and a cooperative mechanism for raising funds and shares to support group advertising campaigns.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain and smart contracts offer a pivotal advantage by amplifying the impact of crowdsourcing. These innovative methods provide a cost-effective way to incentivize and reward individuals contributing to crowdsourcing initiatives. Entrepreneurs can bypass traditional sources such as professional investors and venture capitalists by obtaining funding directly from the crowd. This enables them to finance the development of new platforms that cater to users' requirements. The Incentivized Loan Program (ILP) serves as a prime illustration of this concept.

Image source: Gotco.in

Cryptocurrency

Users are rewarded with cryptocurrency micropayments for participating in various activities just using the systems on the platform. It creates a fun, engaging, rewarding, and profitable experience. This approach also utilizes gamification elements, with loyalty and bounty programs, to incentivize users and make their engagement even more valuable. The result is a dynamic that amplifies the impact of users' efforts and transforms how they interact with the platform.

Markethive’s Hivecoin (HVC) is alive and well on the official Hivecoin mainnet faucet. Increase your HVC portfolio by visiting the Hivecoin Faucet website daily to receive your free crypto. You just need to paste your Markethive wallet address in the bar, fill in the capture, and claim. You’ll receive 0.00001 HVC in usually a few minutes, up to 3 days. Also, be sure to bookmark the site and visit it daily to accumulate your HVC. This is a powerful force multiplier that increases the transactional activity required to meet exchange protocols. 

Amplify Your Reach with Force Multipliers

It is essential to utilize force multipliers to achieve expansion. Suppose you solely focus on targeting one customer, market, or partnership at a time. In that case, your growth will be limited, and you won't be able to compete effectively, especially against larger competitors with a well-established market presence. By employing force multipliers, you can accelerate your growth, increase scalability, and capitalize on opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

Constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity is crucial for businesses and marketers. Given our limited resources and time, it's essential to identify the most effective multipliers for each element to optimize results.

Infographic: Markethive.com

Markethive: What’s In A Name? 

The term "market" encompasses a comprehensive collection of effective inbound marketing resources, such as automated email responders, social media broadcasting tools, landing pages, blogging platforms, search engine optimization tools, lead management systems, and analytics.

The term "hive" refers to the social network present in the system. It is an innovative form of social network known as a Social Neural Network. This concept of a "Hive" offers unparalleled potential for campaigns to capitalize on the network effect, with effortless management and unbridled impact.

Irrespective of your motivation level, Markethive will enhance your schedule, expand your outreach, and create a larger and more impactful sphere of influence than any other platform has ever tried to achieve.

Markethive is an innovative platform that fuses the features of LinkedIn, Facebook, Marketo, and Fiverr, all while utilizing the cutting-edge technology of Blockchain. By doing so, it offers a comprehensive set of Inbound Marketing tools seamlessly integrated into a user-friendly social network. And the best part? It's free to join and even rewards you for participating!

Within Markethive, a thriving cottage industry has given rise to numerous independent businesses as the Markethive entrepreneurs capitalize on the opportunities presented by the platform. Markethive's money machines, such as the Banner Impressions Exchange (BIX), empower associates to harness the system's potential and achieve financial success.

Markethive is in the throes of incorporating more revenue-generating components, such as the E1 Exchange and Promocode. Additional components, referred to as hubs and portals, will be integrated in due course. They are diverse in nature and can also be considered force multipliers, amplifying earning potential.

Just like any other platform, upgrades offer additional features, such as the Entrepreneur One Upgrade, with more entry-level upgrades coming, like the Premium Upgrade launching soon. As a free member, you'll have access to various essential tools for inbound marketing. Plus, you'll be in our thriving social network and even earn crypto rewards, such as micropayments in Hivecoin for your activity on the platform, once you refer three friends or colleagues to join markethive. This article explains more about the referral program. 

We have here the world's first entrepreneur business person's social network, with the entire system offered predominantly for free to the worldwide entrepreneurs market. With the integration of the new streamlined dashboard and various newsfeeds currently in development, the complete system is next-level, clean, and intuitive, delivering every function and aspect available, fitting for the entrepreneur, business, and corporation. 

It encompasses a diverse range of entities, from small, local businesses to global corporations, including cottage industries, real estate and mortgage agencies, insurance providers, affiliate marketers, software developers, musicians, religious organizations, political parties and candidates, distributors, network marketers, innovators, and visionaries.

Cut expenses, boost profits, and expand your online presence with Markethive. This powerful platform allows you to amplify your reach, grow your audience, and increase your revenue stream without breaking the bank. There is no need for expensive internet marketing costs but an increasing need for a more efficient and effective way to achieve brand and financial success and sovereignty in the parallel economy. Markethive is the ultimate Social Market Broadcasting Network and the home of technology-driven Force Multipliers. 

May the force be with you. 

Tim Moseley

6 Steps To Unlocking Crypto's Full Potential: Markethive's Contribution to the Cause.

Although Bitcoin has existed for 15 years, the crypto industry is considered relatively nascent, and it’s frequently stated as still in the early days, meaning that many coins and tokens still have huge potential. Many believe this is somewhat underestimated. In perspective, the total market cap of stocks is $90 trillion, the total market cap of precious metals is $15 trillion, and just the US Dollar is over $20 trillion. The total market cap of crypto is only around $1 trillion, and considering some coins and tokens could someday become serious competitors to stocks, metals, or even national currencies means that crypto still has unprecedented potential. 

This article explores the six steps to achieving crypto’s full potential, how it will achieve this potential, what entities are moving forward, and how significant the returns could be. We’ll look at where we’ve come from and where we are heading and discover the critical component that brings this whole approach together. 

Image source: Finoa.io

Awareness and Education

The first step to achieving crypto's full potential is awareness and education because crypto can only receive investment or achieve adoption if people know about it. It can only receive investment or achieve adoption if people understand how it works and its value. Awareness of and education about crypto needs to be improved, as most of the attention either comes from mainstream media, arguably biased and aligned with the financial establishment, or from misleading advertisements, promotions, and partnerships, often from explicitly pro-crypto entities. 

Much of the education has also come from questionable sources, with most media outlets and influences pushing content purely to get clicks or token allocations. The result is that there is a general shortage of quality information about crypto, but this is improving. People are looking for quality information about crypto, and it’s increasing.

Another reason there’s been a lack of genuine education in crypto until now is that it's often more profitable to do other kinds of crypto content in the short term. It has given cryptocurrency an unfavorable reputation and is especially tough for those genuinely trying to educate others, but this seems to be slowly improving, too.

Some crypto content creators and influencers have taken shortcuts, finding themselves under the scrutiny of the SEC, while other countries have recently enforced strict regulations around crypto marketing.  As concerning as some of these regulations are, they are arguably necessary to ensure that the next wave of crypto content creators and influencers focus on crypto content with long-term value. 

Markethive, an entrepreneurial ecosystem, is a platform at the forefront of this shift as a next-gen crypto media outlet that champions free speech, focusing on genuine crypto content and education. The overall crypto landscape is at the beginning stages. Still, by the time the next crypto bull market hits, the quality of crypto awareness and education will be much higher than it has been, which will set the stage for crypto to reach its full potential. 

Crypto Regulation 

The second step to achieving crypto's full potential is regulation. It ties into the first step because regulators must know about crypto to write reasonable regulations. Institutional investors also need to be aware of and educated about these regulations. As we've seen, regulators worldwide are both aware of and educated about crypto for the most part. This is fortunate or unfortunate, depending on the jurisdiction in question. 

It's becoming clear that some are pushing for pro-crypto regulations while others are pushing for anti-crypto regulations. Believe it or not, any crypto regulation will benefit the crypto market if it doesn't involve an outright ban. This is just because investors, notably institutions, will finally have some guidance about what they can and can't do with crypto in their country. And once these investors and institutions get involved, you can bet that they will lobby to improve crypto regulations to suit their needs better. 

The crypto industry has already been lobbying but with mixed results. By contrast, Fidelity privately lobbied the SEC to approve a spot Bitcoin ETF in September 2021. For context, Fidelity is one of the largest asset managers in the world. It was arguing with an anti-crypto regulator behind closed doors, which is highly bullish. 

In retrospect, it's possible that Fidelity's lobbying is why Black Rock became encouraged to file for a spot Bitcoin ETF in June 2023. More importantly, Fidelity's past lobbying and Black Rock’s present SEC filing suggest that these lobbying efforts will only increase. This will ultimately be a net benefit to the crypto market. 

Institutional Investment

The third step to achieving crypto's full potential is investment from institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Of course, these entities hold most of the world's wealth. This is a consequence of having currencies whose supply is manipulated by people in power. Like all investors, institutions and high-net-worth individuals ultimately want to maximize their returns. As it happens, Bitcoin’s BTC is estimated to be the best-performing asset of all time, from an initial price of $0.09 to all-time highs of over. $69K, BTC has pulled a 760,000X return. 

Image source: Bitcoin’s Price History

Like all assets with such high returns, BTC’s returns will likely diminish over time, but it will still ostensibly outperform most other assets for the foreseeable future. This fundamentally depends on how much BTC we'll see in inflows. Although this is impossible to predict, there is one benchmark to remember; 

BTC is considered by many investors, including Black Rock, to be digital gold. As a result, it's generally believed that BTC’s market cap will someday be similar to that of gold. Now, gold's market cap currently sits at around $13 trillion. BTC's market cap is currently sitting at approximately $500 billion. So, BTC catching up to gold would mean a 26X increase in its price. This would translate to a BTC price of around $670,000. 
 
Interestingly, BTC’s peak price of $69K put its market cap at around $1.3 trillion, around 10% of gold's total market cap. This assumes that BTC is analogous to digital gold. Some have argued that BTC has additional value since Bitcoin is technically the most secure network in the world. It makes it the ideal base for other ecosystems, including payments, which the likes of the Lightning Network can support. On the topic of payment networks, smart contract cryptocurrencies are the ones that will capture this market share. It means that they could someday displace payment processors and other financial intermediaries. 

The total market cap of these financial intermediaries is over $2 trillion. Given that the market cap of Ethereum’s ETH is currently around $200 billion, matching analogous companies would mean a 10X increase in price. It translates to an ETH price of over $15K, but this likewise assumes that Ethereum is just a payments network; it is obviously much more than that. As such, one could argue that Ethereum is still near the beginning of its adoption curve. 

Crypto Adoption

The fourth step to achieving crypto's full potential is adoption. For reference, it's estimated that less than 5% of the world currently holds crypto. This implies that should more people choose to hold crypto, its price should have excellent upside potential. However, holding crypto is not the same as using crypto. Holding it constitutes investment effectively, whereas using it is actual adoption. 

On-chain data for the largest cryptos suggests there are only a few million daily users, a mere fraction of the world's population. Therefore, potential gains are even more significant than expected by merely extrapolating hodlers. For those unfamiliar, there are ultimately three reasons why people adopt crypto. The first is for profit, the second is for fun, which is very much intertwined with the first reason, and the third is out of necessity. This third reason has resulted in most of the actual crypto adoption. 

For example, 50% of Nigeria's population uses crypto daily, primarily because the government can't be trusted. This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria; it's an accelerating trend worldwide. Considering that most central banks are currently rolling out Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), it becomes easy to imagine a world where the average person starts looking for alternatives to a digital currency controlled by institutions they don't trust. 

The demand for such alternatives is already increasing among some governments. The so-called Global South is looking to move away from the US dollar, and some reports suggest that crypto could be a part of their escape plan. Some countries already use crypto for international trade, and Russia is considering mining its own crypto. 

So, just like the adoption process at the individual level, the adoption process at the national level will eventually involve nations and national activities. Using crypto for things like international trade will become more accessible to the average country. At the same time, the tendency to weaponize fiat currencies will be increasing, and this will increase the demand for credibly neutral currencies. Decentralized cryptos like BTC could play a key role. 

Crypto Innovation

Crypto Adoption will ultimately depend on the progress of crypto innovation, the fifth step to achieving crypto’s full potential, particularly around user experience and privacy. Logically, it will be hard for individuals and institutions to adopt crypto in any meaningful way if they need to struggle with hardware wallets. 

Image source: Coursera.org

Significant developments have been on this front, the most notable of which is the gradual merging between hardware and software. It might sound bizarre, but a crypto phone like Solana Saga could solve crypto wallet User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX). It's not just wallets, either. A lot of innovation is happening at the blockchain level. 

For instance, Ethereum’s EIP 4337 upgrade from earlier this year will allow any phone to have crypto phone-type properties, mainly hardware wallet-level security. It will also make it possible to create dApps with no gas fees or, rather, dApps where the user doesn't have to pay the gas fee. 

Constantly checking and accounting for transaction fees is another considerable hurdle to crypto adoption, which many crypto projects attempt to overcome. This will require entirely new approaches, such as charging crypto users monthly subscription fees to use a blockchain rather than charging them for every individual transaction. Of course, some of these approaches will require entirely new types of hardware, like more interactive hardware wallets.

Crypto Privacy

Crypto privacy is another niche to watch out for. Privacy in crypto has been a touchy subject. In one respect, crypto transparency is a huge advantage. At the same time, some degree of privacy is required for financial freedom, and high-net-worth individuals demand it. When it comes to the incessant third hand of government, there's a desire to exploit crypto’s transparency to track transactions and label any crypto privacy attempts as inherently encouraging criminality. 

For the crypto industry, balancing transparency with privacy presents a challenging problem. Zero-knowledge proofs have emerged as one potential solution to this problem, but they come with other problems. The primary one is ensuring that these zero-knowledge technologies don't have secret back doors. Thankfully, this is an issue that can be addressed.

Image Source: Developers:Circle.com

Regardless, the problem of balancing transparency with privacy is closely related to the problem of identity. Countries are pushing for digital IDs, and global regulators want to see these digital IDs integrated with cryptocurrency. The crypto industry has been working on its own supposedly decentralized digital ID solutions; however, these digital ID Solutions are just as centralized as the ones from governments. What's needed is a truly decentralized digital ID. 

There haven’t been any significant developments yet; however, the innovations around wallets and privacy continue rapidly and should be in place by the time the next crypto bull market comes around. This will further facilitate crypto investment and adoption at individual and institutional levels. 

Decentralization

Cryptocurrency's final step to achieve its full potential is complete decentralization. Without decentralization, everything that I just mentioned is off the table. That's because if crypto is centralized, it can be controlled, and if it can be controlled, it'll end up like our existing systems—news flash: Crypto's entire purpose is to replace our current systems with something better, starting with our monetary and financial systems. Naturally, the technology that underlies crypto is compelling. The only way it won't fall into the wrong hands is if it's genuinely decentralized. 

This article illustrates that decentralization means more than having many validators or miners. It means having a decentralized developer base, a decentralized coin or token distribution, a decentralized infrastructure layer, and a decentralized blockchain. Ultimately, this also means having a truly decentralized internet. 

Luckily, the Internet is somewhat decentralized and will likely become more decentralized as peer-to-peer Internet crypto projects like Helium see more investment and adoption. This also pertains to Markethive as it strives to decouple from all centralized entities prevailing as a tour de force in its next-gen social market broadcasting media niche. This adoption is necessary due to internet censorship. 

Currently, most cryptocurrencies are arguably not decentralized enough to evade control. It stands to reason, then, that these cryptocurrencies will not be the ones that make it. In other words, if you hold centralized cryptos, you're not early; you're late, very late. That said, this depends on whether the centralized cryptos you currently hold can become decentralized. To figure this out, you must ask one question: Is this crypto capable of building its own infrastructure and ecosystem without relying on a single set of individuals or institutions? 

Image Source: X – The DeFi Edge

Crypto Funding

The answer for most cryptos is no; however, that's not entirely their fault. One perspective is that one of the primary reasons why so many cryptos are so centralized is because of funding. Early investors in crypto projects want to see returns and often try to control the project to that end. This incentivizes crypto projects to cut corners on decentralization to ensure their investors are quickly rewarded. As we've seen, these so-called VC coins have seen the most aggressive pump-and-dump cycles, and most of them probably won't last past the next crypto cycle. 

The silver lining to this situation is that it fully displays the solution to the crypto centralization problem. The crypto industry needs to find a way to fund crypto projects in a more decentralized manner. 

Image by Markethive.com

Decentralization of Social Market Networks

Markethive is the ecosystem for entrepreneurs and a crypto project with the solution to top-level control issues, whether it be funding or the systems driving it. It is a decentralized, limited AI-secured rating and reputation system that is self-policing and a Human Intelligence (HI) that fosters a healthy level of meritocratic interaction. The community solely funds it with no prominent venture capitalists. The people are building it; it is of the people and for the people, so the community will profit, sharing the prosperity and abundance of every level of humanity.

It also creates a breeding ground for positive, creative, and beneficial content in which people's minds are prompted toward positive growth and critical thinking. Markethive is beyond its crypto wallet and Hivecoin release milestones, disengaging unreliable APIs and implementing multiple servers in preparation for its mining hives that give peace of mind—making it an impenetrable fortress against what has become a jungle, and a cesspool of fraud, scams, data harvesting, political bias, and dystopia. 

This divinely inspired project is all part of the Web 3 or 3rd generation Internet, which has emerged as a movement away from the centralization of services. Markethive is here for the rank and file with entrepreneurial aspirations at little to no cost to join. The all-encompassing social market broadcasting network delivers financial sovereignty, freedom of expression, privacy, and autonomy. We have entered into the much-needed world of decentralization, where the cancel culture is no longer an existential threat.  

At the time of writing this article, we are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that are coming. Markethive, with its Hivecoin (HVC), will be poised for the next crypto bull run and participate in the facilitation of crypto achieving its full potential, where we’ll see HVC firmly established as a coin with purpose and utility in the free market. Do you want to be part of the decentralization revolution? Today, become an ‘Entrepreneur One’ and reap the rewards of Markethive’s ILP and revenue returns.  

May God bless and uphold you for all eternity…

Tim Moseley

The Dark Secrets Behind Crypto Market Manipulation

Cryptocurrencies have been at the center of extensive debates in recent years, with much of the discussion revolving around their value and regulatory aspects. However, there is a pressing need to delve into the issue of market manipulation, with a particular focus on the behavior of cryptocurrency exchanges.

The spotlight on crypto and market abuse intensified in late 2022 following the collapse of FTX. This exchange, which had, at one point, held the position of the world's third-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume during its three-year existence, experienced a dramatic downfall. Its founder and CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, now faces a series of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit commodities and securities fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and engage in campaign finance violations. These charges stem from allegations that Bankman-Fried defrauded investors about $1.8 billion. FTX has been entangled in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States since November of last year.

The high-profile and large-scale nature of FTX's collapse has triggered a wave of inquiries into the functioning of cryptocurrency exchanges and the risks associated with market manipulation. It's important to note that market manipulation is not a phenomenon exclusive to crypto exchanges; it's an illicit practice in the financial markets with a historical presence dating back centuries.

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, a question that looms large in the minds of new investors and enthusiasts alike is whether the crypto markets are manipulated. The topic has been the subject of intense debate and speculation, with proponents on both sides presenting their arguments. In this article, we aim to shed light on this intriguing issue, examining the various factors and evidence that contribute to the perception that the crypto markets are indeed manipulated.

Source: Solidus Labs

Insights from the Solidus Labs Report

Before delving into the specifics of market manipulation, it's essential to understand the context in which the crypto markets operate. Cryptocurrency, most notably Bitcoin, has gained unprecedented popularity and attention in recent years. Its decentralized nature and the potential for substantial financial gains have attracted investors from all walks of life. With the total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies reaching astronomical heights, it's no wonder that questions about manipulation have arisen.

It's important to understand the key findings of a recent report by Solidus Labs, a crypto research firm. The report, aptly titled "The 2023 Crypto Market Manipulation Report," was published by Solidus Labs in June. Although some time has passed since its publication, the facts and figures remain largely relevant.

The report is divided into two main sections: insider trading and wash trading. Insider trading involves individuals with privileged information trading to their advantage. The report highlights the significance of addressing market manipulation to foster crypto adoption, especially considering the ongoing discussions about exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the crypto space. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been hesitant to approve crypto ETFs due to concerns about market manipulation. While the report acknowledges that the issue may be up for debate when it comes to Bitcoin (BTC), it suggests that most altcoins are susceptible to manipulation.

The report identifies a startling statistic: 56% of ERC-20 tokens listed on crypto exchanges in 2021 showed evidence of insider trading, even on major exchanges. The authors of the report discovered a network of 51 interconnected wallets believed to be responsible for a significant portion of this insider trading activity. Unfortunately, the report does not specify which exchanges were analyzed, leaving some details unclear.

Insider trading, as defined by the report, includes any wallet that consistently buys a token shortly before it is listed on a major exchange. Surprisingly, the subsequent insider trading often occurred on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) rather than centralized exchanges (CEXs). However, only a few cases involved insiders selling their tokens on the exchanges where the tokens were listed. This might be attributed to fears of detection by insider trading detection mechanisms on these exchanges.

A case study in the report highlights one individual or entity involved in insider trading who conducted 14 listings using DEXs and 22 more using CEXs. Interestingly, the gains from this insider trading activity were not as substantial as one might expect, with an estimated profit of $300,000 against an investment of $2.7 million. This suggests that the individual or entity involved likely possessed substantial financial resources, potentially indicating an institution or a seasoned actor in the crypto space.

Another noteworthy discovery in the report was the identification of 54 additional wallets created specifically for insider trading. These wallets were found to be associated with transactions related to tokens about to be listed or newly listed tokens. The entities behind these wallets used various methods to obscure their activities, including privacy protocols like Tornado Cash, smart contract-enabled privacy coins like Secret Network, and crypto exchanges with lax Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

Source: Solidus Labs

The report also raises the possibility that crypto exchanges themselves might be involved in insider trading, a serious allegation that has been made against some exchanges in the past. The authors acknowledge that some of the wallets identified may have been purely coincidental, but the overall pattern suggests insider trading. They speculate that token issuers, market makers, and investment firms could be the entities behind these wallets.

Moving on to the section of the report focusing on wash trading, it reveals some eye-opening statistics. Since 2020, liquidity providers on Ethereum have engaged in wash trading involving over $2 billion worth of cryptocurrencies. This behavior was identified in 20,000 tokens, taking place in 67% of the over 30,000 liquidity pools analyzed. Wash trades accounted for an average of nearly 15% of trading activity in these pools.

Wash trading is a form of market manipulation where an entity simultaneously buys and sells the same asset, creating a deceptive impression of market activity while no actual change in ownership occurs. Notably, the authors believe that the extent of wash trading on DEXs on Ethereum is even higher, but the reported data only covers 1% of the analyzed information.

The report further suggests that wash trading is detectable and preventable in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. It argues that DeFi protocols could implement similar regulatory measures as centralized exchanges to combat wash trading. Additionally, on-chain analysis can help identify suspicious liquidity providers.

Source: Wash trading in centralized crypto exchanges – Cepr.org

So, what does all of this mean for the crypto industry? The short answer is that these revelations are not good news for DEXs. However, it's worth noting that the report appears to focus exclusively on insider trading and wash trading on DEXs, whereas similar issues have been found on CEXs, with fake trading volumes being a significant concern.

Transparency is a critical factor in regulating market manipulation, and DEXs, with their publicly viewable and traceable transactions, have the potential to be more transparent and less prone to manipulation than centralized exchanges. DeFi protocols are also exploring ways to implement regulatory measures at the smart contract level.

While market manipulation is a challenge that the crypto industry must address, it is a problem that can be tackled with the right tools and regulations. DEXs are gradually working towards mitigating this issue, and their transparency can serve as a model for the broader crypto ecosystem. However, the crypto industry must also confront larger issues, including centralization, privacy concerns, and censorship resistance. As blockchain analytics companies like Solidus Labs lead the way in addressing market manipulation, the industry can move forward with greater transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, market manipulation is one of the more solvable issues in the crypto space, and once it is effectively addressed, attention can be directed towards other critical challenges facing the industry.

Summary

The debate over whether the cryptocurrency markets are susceptible to manipulation continues to persist, and while no definitive consensus has been reached, there are indeed compelling reasons to consider the possibility of manipulation within these markets. Several factors contribute to this perception, shedding light on why investors remain cautious when participating in the crypto space.

First and foremost, the absence of comprehensive regulatory oversight is a fundamental concern. Unlike traditional financial markets that operate under strict regulatory frameworks enforced by government authorities, cryptocurrency markets exist in an unclear regulatory landscape. This regulatory void creates an environment in which individuals or entities may exploit loopholes and engage in illicit practices without fear of legal repercussions. This lack of oversight can significantly contribute to the perception of vulnerability to manipulation.

Another prominent factor that reinforces the perception of market manipulation is the prevalence of "pump and dump" schemes. These schemes involve artificially inflating the price of a cryptocurrency through coordinated buying, often based on misleading or exaggerated information. Once the price reaches its zenith, those orchestrating the scheme sell their holdings at a profit, resulting in a swift and severe decline in price. These schemes not only deceive investors but also erode trust in the integrity of the market.

The influence of crypto whales, individuals or entities holding substantial amounts of a specific cryptocurrency, is another element contributing to the perception of manipulation. These whales possess the capacity to sway market sentiment and price movements through their significant trades. A single large sell order from a whale can trigger panic selling among smaller investors, leading to rapid price fluctuations. This unequal distribution of power can lead to a sense of vulnerability among market participants.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency on many cryptocurrency exchanges adds to the perception of potential manipulation. Some exchanges do not provide adequate information about their operations, trading volumes, or even the identity of their owners. This opacity can raise suspicions about the fairness and integrity of these platforms, further fueling concerns about market manipulation.

In light of these factors, it is prudent for investors in the cryptocurrency space to exercise caution and diligence. Conducting thorough research and due diligence before participating in any cryptocurrency investment is essential. Being aware of the risks associated with market manipulation and staying informed about the latest developments in the industry can help investors make more informed decisions and protect their interests.

While the cryptocurrency market offers exciting opportunities, it is not without its challenges. Acknowledging the existence of potential manipulation and taking proactive measures to mitigate these risks is a crucial step for investors looking to navigate this dynamic and evolving landscape successfully.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Tim Moseley