RETUPD Archives | Page 21 of 22

Nov

2022

What Is a Decentralized Exchange (DEX)?

By Matthew Warholak | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

A decentralized exchange (DEX) is a digital currency exchange that allows users to buy crypto through direct, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions, all over a online platform without an intermediary. It differs from a traditional centralized exchange, where a typical transaction involves a third-party entity (e.g. bank, trading platform, government institution, etc.) that takes custody of user funds, and oversees the security and transfer of assets between two parties.

Decentralization is a fundamental philosophy of blockchain technology and the crypto space. It redistributes authority from a central power, and places it in the hands of users. And the concept of decentralization is reengineering how many conventional financial services operate.

Decentralized exchanges have also grown in popularity over the past couple of years, with spot trading volume slowly shifting away from centralized exchanges, up until early 2022, when “crypto winter” set in.

Spot Trading Volume Percentage, DEX vs. CEX
Timeframe	CEX	DEX
January 2020	98.93%	1.07%
June 2020	97.01%	2.99%
January 2021	93.22%	6.78%
June 2021	93.2%	6.8%
January 2022	77.08%	22.92%
June 2022	82.93%	17.07%

How a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Works

Decentralized exchanges provide a decentralized platform that allows users to exchange assets without having to trust their funds with another entity.

With a decentralized exchange, a blockchain, or distributed ledger, takes the place of the third party. By moving critical operations onto a blockchain, the underlying technology may help to eliminate single points of failure, allowing users to have greater control of their assets, and support safer and more transparent trading.

DEXs use smart contracts to execute market transactions by allocating transactions’ operations to autonomous code, but there are multiple variations of order fulfillment with differing degrees of decentralization.

Like digital currencies, decentralized exchanges were created in response to flawed and archaic financial systems that passed along risks of a centralized system to its users. Those risks often include insufficient security, technical issues, and a lack of transparency.

💡 Recommended: Crypto Guide for Beginners

Different Types of Decentralized Exchanges

Full decentralization is more of a philosophy than a rule of thumb, as it’s not very practical based on first-layer blockchain scalability limits. As a result, most decentralized exchanges are actually semi-decentralized, using their own servers and off-chain order books to store data and external programs or entities for the exchange of user assets.

Due to this reliance on centralized components, semi-decentralized exchanges’ operations may be subject to government oversight. However, and perhaps most importantly, users still maintain control of the private keys to their funds.

Although DEXs continue to evolve and operate cross-chain with other DApps, DEXs typically operate a single blockchain. One thing all decentralized exchanges have in common is that they execute orders on chains with smart contracts, and at no point do they take custody of users’ funds.

The Different Types of DEXs
Type	Features
On-Chain Order Books	Processes transactions on a blockchain network, without the inclusion of a third-party
Off-Chain Order Books	Utilizes an off-chain, centralized entity to process transactions and govern the order book
Automated Market Makers	Uses algorithms to automatically price asset pairs in real-time
DEX Aggregators	Compile data from numerous DEXs to increase options and liquidity for traders

On-Chain Order Books

For some decentralized exchanges, transactions are processed on-chain, including modifying and canceling orders. Philosophically, this is the most decentralized and transparent process, because it circumvents the need to trust a third party to handle any orders at any time. However, this approach is not very practical in execution.

By placing all stages of an order onto the blockchain, DEXs go through a time-consuming process of asking every node on the network to permanently store the order via miners, as well as pay a fee.

Some criticize the decentralized crypto exchange model because its slow transaction times allow for front-running, which is when an investor watches the price of an asset closely, waiting at the last minute to buy or sell right before they anticipate the price rising or falling. (Note that this type of “front-running” is different from stock front-running, where an investor purchases a security based on insider information, such as a future event that will impact stock price.)

Others counter that since all orders are published on a public ledger, there is no exclusive opportunity for any select individual to front-run from a traditional perspective. However, it has been questioned whether a miner can front-run by noticing an order before it’s confirmed and force their own order to get added to the blockchain first.

Off-Chain Order Books

DEXs with off-chain order books are still decentralized to some degree, but are somewhat more centralized than their on-chain counterparts. As opposed to orders being stored on the blockchain, off-chain orders are posted elsewhere, such as a centralized entity that governs the order book. Such an entity could exploit access to the order books to front-run or misrepresent orders, however, users’ funds would still be protected from the DEXs non-custodial model.

Some ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain provide a DEX that operates similarly. Though some degree of decentralization is sacrificed, a DEX can provide a framework for parties to manage off-chain order books through smart contracts. Hosts can then access a larger liquidity pool and relay orders between traders. Once the parties are matched, the trade can be executed on-chain.

These models can be more advantageous for users than relying on slower on-chain order books. With less congestion and quicker confirmation times caused by primitive blockchain iterations, off-chain order books can provide faster speeds.

Automated Market Makers (AMM)

An automated market maker (AMM) reinvents order books with pricing algorithms that automatically price any asset pairing in real-time (e.g. Bitcoin-U.S. dollar).

Unlike traditional market-making, whereby firms provide an accurate price and a tight spread on an order book, AMMs decentralize this process and allow users to create a market on a blockchain. No counterparty is needed to make a trade, as the AMM simply interacts with a blockchain to “create” a market. Instead of transacting directly with another person, exchange, or market-maker, users trade with smart contracts and provide liquidity. Unfortunately, there are no order types on an AMM because prices are algorithmically determined, resulting in a sort of market order.

As with other DEX models, an on-chain transaction must occur to settle any trade. As opposed to some DEXs, AMMs tend to be relatively user-friendly and integrate with popular cryptocurrency wallets.

DEX Aggregators

DEX aggregators are precisely what they sound like: aggregators that compile various trading pools. Their main advantage is that they can increase liquidity for traders, particularly for those who are looking to expand their options or trade smaller tokens.

How these aggregators work is similar to a search engine, in that they compile and accumulate information and data from different exchanges to give users more options.

Tips for Using Decentralized Exchanges

Using a DEX has its advantages and risks. While you’re likely using a DEX for its advantages, it’s important to keep those risks in mind. Perhaps most importantly, remember that decentralized exchanges are, for all intents and purposes, operating off the radar and outside of regulatory authorities.

Also remember that as the popularity of DeFi as a whole grows, so too will the use of DEXs, and their features and functions. These are changing platforms and technologies, so do some research to make sure you know what you’re doing, and that you’re keeping your keys, phrases, and assets safe.

Pros of Decentralized Exchanges

There are many reasons fans and followers of crypto have embraced decentralized exchanges. These are some of the pros of decentralized exchanges:

No KYC/AML or ID Verification

DEXs are trustless, meaning users’ funds, privacy, and limited personal data are well preserved. Decentralized exchange users can easily and securely access a DEX without needing to create an on-exchange account, undergo identity verification, or provide personal information.

No Counterparty Risk

Because users don’t have to transfer their assets to an exchange (or third party), decentralized exchanges can reduce risks of theft and loss of funds due to hacks. DEXs can also prevent price manipulation or fake trading volume, and allow users to maintain a degree of anonymity due to a lack of Know Your Customer (KYC) cryptocurrency rules and regulations.

All Tokens Can be Traded

With a DEX, users can trade new and obscure cryptocurrencies that may be difficult to exchange elsewhere. Typically, centralized exchanges only support a dozen or so projects, and most only support the most popular cryptocurrencies, making smaller and less popular tokens more difficult to trade, especially as those exchanges restrict users from other countries.

Reduced Security Risks

As mentioned, decentralized exchanges may be more secure than their centralized counterparts. That’s because no single entity is in charge of assets, and instead, smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) automate transactions. It’s all handled by users, in other words, making it very difficult for a hacker or bad actor to infiltrate a centralized pile of assets and steal them.

That said, a bad or poorly developed smart contract could cause issues, which is something to be aware of.

Utility in the Developing World

Many parts of the world lack basic financial services, nevermind access to the crypto markets. That’s another pro for DEXs, which can be used by individuals anywhere in the world regardless of financial infrastructure.

In fact, DEXs may be the most beneficial to users in the developing world, giving businesses a way to transact assets without the need for a third party, where those parties may not be available or willing to operate.

Cons of a Decentralized Exchange

While decentralized exchanges offer some groundbreaking benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks.

Specific Knowledge Is Required

There’s no getting around it: You’ll need to know what you’re doing, at least to a degree, to use a decentralized exchange. Centralized exchanges exist for a reason: They’re relatively easy to use, and handle most of the complicated stuff for users. But when using a DEX, it’s all on the user. There’s no hand-holding, and as such, you’ll want to be confident that you know the ropes before using a DEX.

Smart Contract Vulnerabilities

Another thing we previously mentioned is the fact that smart contracts may be poorly constructed, leading to problems on a DEX. A smart contract is only as smart as the person or entity that created it, and there’s no guarantee that it will work as hoped all of the time.

Smart contracts themselves are similar to bits of code or commands that automate a process, and if there’s an error in the smart contract, it could produce unanticipated results.

No Recovery Ability

Unlike centralized exchanges run by private companies with employees, DEXs fundamentally have no recovery ability for lost, stolen, or misplaced funds. Due to a lack of a KYC process or ability to cancel a transaction in the event of a compromised account or loss of private key, users are unable to recover data or be returned their assets.

As discussed, there is no support team or help hotline to notify of missing funds or a lost private key, as users themselves are in control of the process. Because all transactions are processed and stored in smart contracts on the blockchain without any owners or overseers, refunds are incompatible with the network’s model and users are generally unable to regain access to their assets.

Unvetted Token Listings

The crypto space is rife with scams and junk tokens, and given that there’s no central authority in a DEX, it’s relatively easy for some of those junk tokens or coins to find themselves in the listings. Put another way: There is little or no vetting process for what’s listed on a DEX (though it may differ from exchange to exchange). Making sure you’re not falling for a scam coin, then, is on the user.

Low Liquidity

Many traders prefer centralized services with a greater liquidity pool, choice of instruments, currency pairs, and order types. Decentralized exchanges usually have lower liquidity than centralized platforms because they are newer and smaller, with a smaller potential client base (since DEXs are more difficult to use than CEXs). Yet, paradoxically, they must also attract new users to generate more liquidity.

Limited Speed

Transactions take time to be checked and validated on a blockchain network, and the processing speed depends on the network’s miners or validators, not the exchange itself.

Limited Trading Functionality

Decentralized exchanges tend to focus on executing simple buy and sell orders. As such, users may find advanced trading functions such as stop losses, margin trading, and lending are unavailable on most DEXs.

Scalability Issues

DEXs have suffered from the same network congestion issues relating to scalability issues as their underlying blockchain networks like Ethereum. Ethereum’s first network iteration, like other blockchains, was built to function securely at a smaller scale before scaling solutions were later implemented. Though a transformative network upgrade designed with massive scalability solutions has been in development since 2018, DEXs remain subject to first-layer network transaction ceilings.

Challenges to DEX Adoption

With sophisticated technology, potentially fewer blockchain security risks, and the ability to self-custody funds, further adoption of decentralized exchanges seems likely. But DEXs, for the most part, remain out of the mainstream. Despite the launch and rise in popularity of numerous DEXs within the past few years, some factors may slow down adoption.

Many investors may lack awareness surrounding:

• The security risks of centralized exchanges

• Self-custody as a security option

• How to securely self-custody funds (managing private keys)

• The existence of decentralized exchanges

• The advantages of decentralized exchanges

DEXs also present a few technical barriers to entry:

• Not user-friendly enough

• Network congestion during periods of high volume

• Transactions on current network iterations take time to be validated on blockchains

• High transactions fees during periods of high volume

• Users will only join a DEX with high liquidity

• Cross-chain interoperability must exist for DeFi platforms to interact with each other

• The need for fiat on-ramps and less volatile token prices

The Takeaway

Decentralized exchanges are a trustless solution that allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrency without roping in a third party. Though full decentralization is not yet a reality, different types of DEXs provide varying levels of security, privacy, and efficiency from which crypto traders can choose.

As DEXs continue to develop, evolve, and become more practical for users, user adoption may become a focal point as DEXs look to offer greater liquidity. The good news is that DEXs present only one of numerous ways to get involved in the crypto space.

FAQ

How do DEX fees work?

A DEX facilitates peer-to-peer trading, and levies network fees in order to facilitate those transactions. While fees from DEX to DEX may vary, they differ from centralized exchanges, which may charge trading fees or commissions for executing transactions.

What’s the difference between a decentralized exchange (DEX) and a centralized exchange (CEX)?

A decentralized exchange allows individual users to connect and transact assets without a third party. A centralized exchange, conversely, acts as a third party and takes custody of funds or assets during the transaction. The key difference is that a CEX acts as a central authority.

Are decentralized exchanges legal?

Yes, DEXs are legal, though they do operate in something of a gray area (like most of the crypto space) in that they’re unregulated by a central government authority. Some exchanges may be illegal in certain jurisdictions, too. That may change in the future, though, as regulators outline plans and potential rules for the crypto space.

How can I create a decentralized exchange?

If you want to create your own DEX, you’ll need a lot of background knowledge involving blockchain architecture and more. You would need to know how to code, identify key features that your DEX would have, and much, much more. You’re likely better off using an existing DEX, rather than creating one from scratch.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

²Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.

First Trade Amount		Bonus Payout
Low	High	Bonus Payout
$50	$99.99	$10
$100	$499.99	$15
$500	$4,999.99	$50
$5,000+		$100

SOIN0922061

Aug

2022

How to Buy and Invest in Ethereum

By Samuel Becker | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Cryptocurrency may be the new kid on the block in terms of investing, but some cryptos are rapidly gaining value. And while Bitcoin may get the lion’s share of attention among cryptocurrencies, other alternative assets, like Ethereum (ETH), are hot on its heels. For aspiring crypto investors, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how to buy Ethereum.

But before learning how to invest in Ethereum, it’s important to get to know the history, attributes, and other details of this popular cryptocurrency. In this article, we’ll address:

• What Is Ethereum?

• How to Buy Ethereum.

• Buying Ethereum: Important for Investors.

Ethereum 101 Overview

Ethereum is a blockchain-based platform used to make peer-to-peer transactions and build applications. It may be easier to think of Ethereum as an application marketplace, rather than a currency. Ether (ETH) is the platform’s native coin, and it can be bought and sold by investors, like Bitcoin (BTC) and other types of cryptocurrencies on the market; but their underlying technologies and utility are quite different.

What is Ethereum, exactly? A goal of Ethereum is to provide programmers and developers with a platform to build decentralized programs; a way to create computer apps without getting involved with the middlemen who generally want to control access to the apps — like how Google or Apple have control over their respective app stores.

Ethereum’s value stems from key attributes: One, it has intrinsic value — people are willing to pay for it with cash (fiat currency, like the U.S. dollar), for example. And two, it comprises an actual platform with a degree of utility — a claim which many other cryptos cannot make. Today, hundreds, if not thousands, of businesses and industries use ETH as their foundation.

Four Steps to Buying Ethereum

If you want to purchase or invest in Ethereum, it’s not difficult to get started. While Ethereum itself is something of a complicated asset, buying it or investing in it is straightforward — particularly for investors who already have cryptocurrency among their assets. Here is a simplified, step-by-step guide to investing in Ethereum.

1. Get a Crypto Wallet

Anyone serious about investing in Ethereum would need to get a crypto wallet, which lets you store cryptocurrencies safely. Digital assets can be vulnerable to theft, so it’s important to keep your assets safe. Some wallets are made by the coin developers themselves, others are made by a third-party developer.

2. Create an Account on a Crypto Exchange

Investors would also need to create an account on a crypto exchange of their choosing, on which they may buy and sell cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum. Think of a crypto exchange as similar to a stock exchange. Crypto exchanges are either centralized, decentralized, or hybrid. Some investors find centralized exchanges useful because of the third-party oversight that helps transactions go through properly, and allows for exchanging fiat for crypto.

3. Fund Your Account

With a wallet and an exchange account, the next step is to have a medium to exchange for Ethereum. For most people, this simply means funding their account with good old dollars and cents (fiat). The process is similar to funding a brokerage account, so you can buy stocks or bonds. Once you fund an account, the resources will be at hand when you’re ready to trade.

4. Start Buying Ethereum!

With a verified and funded account, investors should be ready to start buying Ethereum with as little as $10. While the specific steps for buying or selling cryptocurrency will depend on the specific exchange, it’s generally similar to buying stocks through a brokerage.

Whatever the exchange, you’re now positioned to start trading or buying Ethereum. And once the trades have settled, remember to withdraw the assets into the aforementioned digital wallet for safekeeping.

Where to Buy Ethereum

You can buy Ethereum on almost every crypto platform; you may even see crypto ATMs, some of which might offer ETH.

The most common place to buy or sell ETH is on a cryptocurrency exchange. Crypto exchanges usually offer convenient ways to deposit and exchange fiat; along with reasonable fees, and a large selection of crypto assets. Some traditional finance (TradFi) brokerages also offer a limited selection of cryptos, along with the more conventional assets, like stocks and bonds. Most brokers and exchanges also have mobile apps to make it easy to trade on the go.

Selling Ethereum

Say you’ve been investing in Ethereum for a time, and the asset has performed well; such that you’re thinking about withdrawing some of your ETH to convert to fiat (USD) to pay for some badly needed home repairs (not all U.S. retailers accept cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services). Can you do that, and is it difficult? Yes, and no. Selling Ethereum is pretty straightforward, too.

The most common way to cash out your ETH is by using a peer-to-peer crypto exchange, though it’s also possible to sell it to an individual user directly — either someone you know, or via advertising. If you opt to sell directly, it’s wise to keep safety at the forefront: Make sure that the person you’re trading with has the funds available and is ready to commit to the transaction. Double-check your data for any errors: Check the public exchange address, the amount you are selling, what you’re getting in return, the exchange rates, and fees.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Ethereum

In 2022, the only crypto that could potentially exceed Bitcoin in terms of market capitalization and popularity is the second-largest crypto, Ethereum. However, it’s a mistake to think that BTC and ETH are rivals; they are not. Technically, Ethereum is not even a cryptocurrency. Rather, Ethereum is a powerful computer that runs on blockchain technology, on which developers can build all kinds of apps. It’s more accurate and appropriate to think of these two assets as complimentary — each with a critical role to fulfill.

Benefits of Buying Ethereum

• Coming upgrades could resolve old issues: Ethereum has been working toward switching from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which is slated to finish in fall 2022. Industry watchers believe that this initiative — called the Ethereum merge, or Ethereum 2.0 — could reduce ETH’s energy consumption by more than 99% of its current levels. In addition, the new upgrades could potentially make Ethereum more affordable for users to mint and develop products, as right now the service fees (gas) to use ETH are notoriously high.

• ETH is highly liquid: One of the main reasons people are attracted to Ethereum is that it’s among the more liquid cryptocurrencies. You may exchange it quickly and easily.

• A volatility play: Although the concept of volatility mostly presents a challenge for investors, a savvy and nimble trader could in fact turn a volatile Ethereum marketplace into a net positive event. How? By identifying patterns in the volatility, then customizing strategies to profit from them.

Risks of Buying Ethereum

• Too-high expectations: The risks of buying ETH are similar to those of buying any other crypto. That said, each crypto can carry unique risks, endemic to that coin only. Moreover, some benefits can also be interpreted as risks, as is the case with the Ethereum merge cited above. Investors and the entire crypto/blockchain sector alike have high hopes for Ethereum 2.0 and eagerly anticipate the merge. As with any new tech, there’s a risk that it could go awry; might not achieve its hoped-for results, could prove more expensive than projected, or might not happen at all.

• An evolving industry: The crypto and blockchain sectors are still new, and they’re changing all the time. In the midst of this, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other governing agencies are trying to catch up by drafting regulations for these sectors on the fly. We don’t know what will happen to the crypto sector in the future; nor how many of today’s crypto platforms and exchanges would even be around in the next decade.

• More volatility: By now, you’re probably used to hearing the term volatility used synonymously with the crypto market. It’s a perfect example of how, as cited above, in different hands an asset can just as easily become a liability.

Ethereum: Investing Reminders

Remember that cryptocurrencies, and blockchain assets like Ethereum, are inherently risky investments. The rule of thumb here is the time-worn mantra not to invest more money than you’re prepared to lose. And, especially when the asset class, itself, presents a market risk. If you don’t have much of a stomach for wild fluctuations in value, then that’s something to consider before buying Ethereum.

Other Key Considerations

• Largely unregulated: Ethereum exists in the same gray area as other cryptos when it comes to cryptocurrency regulations. Some exchanges are as regulated as they can be, considering that defining rules for cryptocurrency is a work in progress; while other exchanges are still primarily unregulated.

• Possibility of theft: Other risks to consider include the possibility of theft and other prevalent crypto scams.

• What about crypto forks?: Forks are complicated. In brief, there are hard and soft forks. If a blockchain experiences a fork, it means that there’s been a change in its protocol. Effectively, the network creates a new “chain,” and all users must upgrade to the latest software and new protocols. Essentially a change in rules, forks can happen at any time, and could cause some problems for Ethereum users who are caught unaware.

Ethereum and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Finally, as discussed above, it’s crucial to remember that you could owe taxes on your Ethereum holdings. As with writing government regulations for cryptocurrencies, creating tax laws for our newest asset class, is an ongoing enterprise that will continue to grow and change along with the blockchain and crypto sector.

💡 Recommended: Crypto Tax Guide 2022

FAQ

Has Ethereum typically been a profitable investment?

Historically, yes. Priced at $0.311 per share at its inception in 2015, ether (ETH) rose to its highest price of around $4,800 in late 2021. Ether’s return on investment (ROI) is almost 300% annualized, which means that early investors in ETH have nearly quadrupled their investment every year since the summer of 2014.

Ethereum has been profitable over time, but of course past performance is no guarantee of future results. And because of crypto’s extreme volatility, and ETH’s imminent transition to a PoS network, some experts are hesitant to speculate about ETH’s forward results.

Other experts think that Ethereum’s impending upgrade to a proof-of-stake network could make ETH even more appealing to investors, and sustainable for widespread use. On the heels of the merge (discussed earlier), some contend that Ethereum could grow in value by as much as 400% in 2022.

Can you buy just 1 ETH or even $1 of ETH, or do you need to buy more?

Yes, it’s possible to buy just one ETH. Buy as much or as little as you want. You can even buy a portion of an ETH in what are called fractional shares.

Is Ethereum likely to surpass Bitcoin?

The short answer is that nobody can know this answer precisely. Some experts, not dissuaded, have weighed in with 2022 ETH price forecasts that range from $4,000, $8,000, to more than $12,000 per share if the transition to Ethereum 2.0 is successful.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Ethereum and Bitcoin are not, as far as we know, rivals. They are completely different systems, whose needs are symbiotic. Bitcoin is the cryptocurrency, and Ethereum is the blockchain that cryptocurrencies, among other products, are built on.

As often happens in the capital markets, everyone — i.e., industry professionals, investors, crypto enthusiasts, and corporations — is waiting to see how everyone else will respond to the changes afoot at Ethereum.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

Fund Fees
If you invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) through SoFi Invest (either by buying them yourself or via investing in SoFi Invest’s automated investments, formerly SoFi Wealth), these funds will have their own management fees. These fees are not paid directly by you, but rather by the fund itself. these fees do reduce the fund’s returns. Check out each fund’s prospectus for details. SoFi Invest does not receive sales commissions, 12b-1 fees, or other fees from ETFs for investing such funds on behalf of advisory clients, though if SoFi Invest creates its own funds, it could earn management fees there.
SoFi Invest may waive all, or part of any of these fees, permanently or for a period of time, at its sole discretion for any reason. Fees are subject to change at any time. The current fee schedule will always be available in your Account Documents section of SoFi Invest.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

SOIN0622025

Apr

2021

What Is DeFi? Decentralized Finance, Explained

By Matthew Warholak | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

DeFi, short for decentralized finance, is more than just a popular buzzword in the cryptocurrency sphere. It’s a concept that is disrupting the centralized financial services model, equalizing access and bringing more control to users across the globe.

In this article, we will cover everything a consumer might want to know about DeFi, including:

•   What is DeFi?
•   How does DeFi work?
•   How DeFi is disrupting traditional financial services
•   What’s a DApp?
•   Examples of DeFi DApps

What is DeFi?

DeFi is a blanket term referring to trustless and transparent protocols that don’t require intermediaries to operate. Traditionally, financial services and products have relied on centralized authorities such as banks, financial advisors, and clearinghouses. DeFi has reengineered this power dynamic to provide the same financial services programmatically without a central authority, thus reducing fees and making financial services and products more accessible to more people everywhere.

One way to better understand this concept is to look at the two parts of the term separately.

”De” = Decentralized

DeFi’s “de” stands for “decentralized,” or distributed control. By removing power from the hands of a few central authorities and distributing it across programmatic and autonomous code, DeFi transforms a previously centralized governance model into a decentralized one controlled by no one.

”Fi” = Finance

DeFi’s “Fi” is an abbreviation for “finance”—and more specifically, it refers to financial services. DeFi has disrupted traditional finance by transforming popular and long-standing financial services into decentralized versions without any central authority. DeFi offers an alternative to traditional financial services like the following:

•   Borrowing
•   Lending
•   Investing
•   Trading
•   Saving
•   Insurance
•   Crowdfunding
•   Crowdraising

DeFi has also enabled the creation of new financial products:

• Cryptographic tokens: There are a number of these digital assets, one of the most common tokens is a “utility token,” which serves a specific function within a digital ecosystem. One example is the Basic Attention Token (BAT), which is used as payment for advertisers, users, and content creators on the Brave browser.

• Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): These tokens transform digital images (for example, works of art, a tweet, a video clip, a GIF) into unique assets that can be traded on a blockchain.

How Does DeFi Work?

With DeFi, services and products are not subject to approval by a small group of decision makers but rather by smart contracts. Like traditional contracts, smart contracts contain information and terms regarding transactions between parties, but they are completely digital. They function like a small computer program stored inside of a distributed ledger known as a blockchain, a permanent and ever-growing record of information and transactions stored in individual blocks.

DeFi shares many aspects with cryptocurrencies, including the following:

Permissionless/Borderless

DeFi applications are permissionless—completely free of charge and available to anyone who wants to use them, the only requirement being an internet-connected smartphone or computer. Unlike traditional financial services, DApps don’t require lengthy applications to create an account, as users interact directly with smart contracts from their crypto wallet.

DeFi applications are also borderless, meaning they are country-agnostic and do not discriminate against users based on citizenship, geographic location, or government standing. Anyone can access funds on a DeFi app in one country, travel to another, and access their funds abroad without any restrictions whatsoever.

Transparent

DeFi applications are built on a blockchain network, a distributed ledger composed of smart contracts that stores transaction details as they occur and builds on top of them. Transaction activities become permanently cemented into the blockchain’s history of transactions across the entire network, while constantly updating it with new ones.

Because smart contracts and blockchain technology are designed to be permanent and publicly visible, transaction records cannot be hidden or altered thereafter. This allows all transaction activities to be visible to all market participants without violating privacy, because addresses are not directly tied to personal identities. It also allows anyone to audit the code and find bugs.

Trustless

DeFi recognizes and circumvents the trust problem of traditional finance by minimizing the need for third parties, banks, and clearinghouses. For most DeFi apps, users interact with self-executing smart contracts based on conditions being met, as opposed to waiting on approval from overseeing stakeholders.

Interoperable

Different DeFi applications (DApps) are designed to be compatible with each other, allowing DApps to be built or composed by combining DeFi products. This interoperability enables simple blockchain operation and a scalable ecosystem.

How DeFi is Disrupting Traditional Financial Services

Financial services such as borrowing, lending, and investing have traditionally been areas with a high barrier to entry, typically preventing people with little money or financial expertise from gaining access to these services. Though traditional banking is common in first world countries, there are over 1.7 billion people who are unbanked globally , representing over 30% of the human population, according to the most recent World Bank Global Findex report.

Domestically, 22% of US adults are underbanked or unbanked , according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households. “Underbanked” means they have at least one account at an insured institution but also obtain financial services outside of the banking system such as money orders, check-cashing stores, payday loans, pawn shops, and more. The FDIC found in its 2019 “How America Banks” survey that 5.4% of US adults are unbanked entirely , having no accounts with any financial institution.

With the advent of DeFi, previously inaccessible financial services such as borrowing, saving, investing, and international payments are now accessible to anyone with access to the internet regardless of age, income, nationality, financial background, or credit score. To date, there are currently 3,809 DApps, with 140.59k daily active users.

What’s a DApp?

A DApp, or decentralized application, is a digital program that runs on a decentralized blockchain network without the control of a single authority. DApps are open-source and the basis for any cryptocurrency project; Bitcoin is considered the first DApp.

While the actual DApps themselves are typically ‘unownable’ services, DApps sometimes distribute underlying tokens that allow users to buy crypto.

DeFi applications can be built on any decentralized protocol but are primarily built on Ethereum, the premier decentralized blockchain network used for building new DApps which is powered by smart contracts and its native digital currency Ether. Ethereum enables developers to write smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain which automatically execute when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts are then stored and executed across every node on the Ethereum network, making them decentralized applications.

The Ethereum DApps enable developers to build far more advanced technology than just trading cryptocurrency. Instead of needing to develop a new blockchain for every application, Ethereum created a secure platform for DApps to be built and deployed. Ethereum is one of the most popular blockchain networks and its native Ether token is the second-largest cryptocurrency behind Bitcoin.

DApps are similar to centralized applications but benefit from the features of existing on a decentralized blockchain network. Because they don’t have a single point of failure, they are thought to be more secure against cyberattacks. A distributed network of nodes maintains the network and prevents any system downtime common among centralized applications. DApps aren’t owned by anyone and aren’t subject to owner malfeasance such as embezzlement.

Examples of DeFi DApps

DeFi is a new space that only started to see the launch of live products in 2017 or so. Here are a few of the most popular types of DApps that emerged in 2020:

Borrowing and Lending Platforms

Securing a traditional loan typically involves submitting an application at a financial institution with ample personal information, agreeing to a credit check, pledging collateral (if necessary), and waiting for interest to be factored in by the intermediary for facilitating the loan that’s sourced by a federal institution. With DeFi, smart contracts connect interested lenders and borrowers, impose terms of loans, and impose interest without a third party. Lending DApps typically require collateral to be pledged in the form of crypto or stablecoins as a measure of insuring risk taken on by the lender. Through smart contract automation and elimination of a third-party intermediary, DApp lending platforms have formed loans with interest sometimes below 10 percent .

Decentralized Exchange (DEX)

A decentralized exchange (DEX) is an exchange that uses smart contracts to enforce trading rules, execute trades, and securely handle funds if necessary. Unlike centralized exchanges, DEXs don’t have an exchange operator nor do they require account creation, identity verification, or impose exchange fees. Because DEX’s are unique and don’t have a centralized authority, it is debated whether or not some or all DEX’s are subject to the crypto regulations enforced on centralized exchanges. Further, many DEX’s do not custody users’ funds at any point during trading, adding additional uncertainty as to the application of regulations. However, like any exchange, they do require liquidity to be able to match buyers and sellers.

Betting Platform

DeFi disrupts one of the most restricted and heavily centralized industries in existence: Gambling. In addition to an intensive and exclusive registration process, users of traditional online gambling platforms are subject to getting their betting limits lowered and accounts closed. With a decentralized peer-to-peer platform, this is not possible.

Several betting DApps have been launched as global betting platforms with no limits, allowing users to bet on traditional sports events as well as real-world events such as economics, elections, pop culture, and m
ore. Users can place bets using digital currencies and get rewarded in them upon winning a bet. Users buy or sell on a particular outcome of an event, with the DApp showing the current odds based on active user bets.

NFT Marketplace

An innovative DeFi development has been the launch of marketplaces for exchanging non-fungible tokens , or NFTs. NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens that represent digital goods such as online gaming goods and also tokenize real-world assets such as art, collectibles, company equity, and commodities. An NFT marketplace allows users to freely buy, sell, and trade NFTs representing otherwise non-fungible assets.

The Takeaway

DeFi is a term for the decentralized finance model that’s reengineering traditional financial services and products. By reallocating decision-making from central authorities to executable code within smart contracts, many financial services are becoming cheaper and easier to access for anyone.

Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

SOIN21024

Apr

2021

Different Types of Crypto Airdrops and How to Find Them

By Brian Nibley | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

A crypto airdrop is sort of like receiving a coupon to get a sample of something for free. New shops or restaurants sometimes offer a free drink or small item to first-time customers, for example. The hope is that the people who receive free items or coupons will enjoy the service, tell their friends, and become long-time customers.

When a company airdrops crypto to users, they aim to accomplish something similar. By depositing free coins into the wallets of users, the company is betting that the users might spread word of the new project and its potential use cases.

Of course, as with anything crypto-related, there’s more to it than just getting a simple “freebie” out of nowhere. This article offers answers to the most common questions regarding crypto airdrops, including:

•   What is a Crypto Airdrop?
•   What Are the Different Types of Airdrops?
•   How Do I Get Airdrops from Crypto?
•   Are Crypto Airdrops Worth It?
•   Are Crypto Airdrops Safe?

What is a Crypto Airdrop?

In a crypto airdrop, a new crypto project gives cryptocurrency to new users for free, or in exchange for a simple task like sharing a social media post. This practice became popular during the initial coin offering (ICO) craze of 2017 and 2018. Many crypto projects used airdrops to promote their ICOs and spark enthusiasm about their new digital asset.

In addition to regular coins, governance tokens are also sometimes airdropped, giving early adopters a larger say in how a project will develop going forward.

For users, the appeal is simple: Crypto airdrops allow people to obtain tokens without having to buy cryptocurrency. And for the companies, the benefit is clear: People who otherwise would never have known about the project could wind up becoming investors, or at the very least, provide free advertising for the company.

What Are the Different Types of Airdrops?

Airdrops can happen several different ways. The term is most often used to apply to free tokens being deposited to a user’s wallet in exchange for nothing more than registering with an email address. But that’s not the only type of crypto airdrop.

Standard Airdrop

This is the type of airdrop just mentioned, where users receive free tokens just for signing up for a newsletter or something similar.

Bounty Airdrop

Bounty airdrops require users to perform a simple task to receive the airdropped tokens. Most often this involves re-tweeting something about the project, creating an Instagram post and tagging a few friends, or joining a Telegram group.

Exclusive Airdrops

Airdrops of this type are designated exclusively for people who have an established history with a particular project, website, or community. For example, Uniswap gave its loyal users 2500 UNI tokens in September 2020. This equaled about $1,200 at the time, and there were no strings attached.

Hard Fork Airdrop

This one is a little different. When a coin hard forks from its original blockchain, a new coin gets created, and those who held the original coin will receive an equal amount of the new tokens in their wallets. The most well-known example of this would be the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) hard fork that occurred in 2017: Bitcoin users who held BTC received an equal amount of BCH automatically.

Holder Airdrop

These airdrops are similar to hard forks in that users who already hold certain tokens will receive new ones. EOS and Ethereum, for example, have sometimes offered users free tokens when a new project was created on one of their blockchains. These are not hard forks of the original coins, but rather entirely new projects created on top of the EOS or Ethereum protocol.

All these types of airdrops have one thing in common—the distribution of new coins.

How Do I Get Airdrops From Crypto?

The easiest way to find crypto airdrops might be to simply search for “crypto airdrops” or “what is a crypto airdrop.”

Since these events are designed for marketing and project promotion, they tend to make themselves relatively easy to find. There are even some websites exclusively devoted to listing upcoming airdrops, like Coin Airdrops .

However, scams abound in the cryptocurrency world, and users would do well to safeguard their information wherever possible. When searching for airdrops, it’s possible to encounter someone claiming to offer an airdrop when they’re actually just engaging in a phishing attempt (trying to steal information).

If an alleged airdrop were to ask for something like your login credentials to a website or bank account, the private keys to a cryptocurrency wallet, or any other personal details, it might be a scam. Requests to download “special” software or clicking links found in emails could also be phishing attempts designed to expose your device to malware or steal sensitive information.

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Is it Even Worth the Effort?

When considering that airdrops provide something for nothing, some people might say they are worth it.

At the same time, when a new project decides to airdrop crypto, this leads to a supply glut that can drive prices to tank later on. Because a lot of users end up receiving coins, a lot of them tend to cash out at the earliest opportunity. It’s not uncommon for airdropped coins to lose most or all of their value over time.

One good example of this involves the Auroracoin (AUR) airdrop. AUR was a cryptocurrency designated for citizens of Iceland in March 2014. All residents of the country were eligible to register for free receipt of 31.8 AUR, which was worth roughly $380 at the time.

At the time of writing, one AUR was worth about $0.10, meaning the 2014 airdrop would be worth little more than $3 in 2021. Auroracoin can only be traded on two smaller crypto exchanges as well, meaning there is very little liquidity in the market and holders might find it difficult to sell.

This demonstrates the degree to which airdropped coins can become almost worthless over time.

Are Crypto Airdrops Safe?

Some users have also fallen victim to fraudulent airdrops in the past. During the ICO craze of 2017 and 2018, there were many fake crypto startups that were actually frauds.

Amid an industry with much more hype than regulation, some savvy scammers devised a way to attract investment funds without actually creating anything. They would create a coin or say they were planning on creating a coin, and then claim to have plans to airdrop crypto.

Sometimes the companies would require small fees to be eligible for the alleged airdrop, or other speculators would make investments believing that the airdrop itself would lead to a successful project.

While these types of scams might be less common today than they were three or four years ago, investors would still do well to be wary when it comes to crypto airdrops.

Looking at the idea of “safe” from another perspective, few would argue that the coins received in an airdrop could be considered a safe investment. Altcoins in general can be highly speculative, and that goes double for any new coin that has been airdropped.

As we saw in the Auroracoin example, airdropped crypto can lose nearly all of its value.

Many people who sign up for or become eligible for airdrops are aware of the situation, and could likely to take profits as soon as possible. The few airdrop recipients who happen to receive a coin of significant value at a time when there is a liquid market for it might make some money. Others may be left holding a bag of worthless coins later on.

The Takeaway

Crypto airdrops involve users receiving something for virtually nothing—an email address, or some social media promotion. But while some recipients have gotten lucky enough to be the first movers in an airdrop that actually had value, many others have also fallen victim to lofty promises of the “next big thing” in crypto.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIN21044

Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.

First Trade Amount		Bonus Payout
Low	High	Bonus Payout
$50	$99.99	$10
$100	$499.99	$15
$500	$4,999.99	$50
$5,000+		$100

Feb

2021

What is Binance (BNB) Crypto? BNB Price & How to Buy BNB

By SoFi | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Binance (BNB) is a cryptocurrency token that was created to be used as a medium of exchange on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

Traders who hold BNB tokens get discounts when using BNB to pay for trading fees on Binance. As of 2020, BNB users received a 6.25% rebate on trading fees. Binance Coin also serves as the native token for Binance’s decentralized exchange (DEX).

What Is Binance?

Binance is one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges. Based in Malta, the exchange was founded in 2017 and follows all standard cryptocurrency regulations. Binance offers a variety of features, including:

•  Crypto-to-crypto trading of many different currency pairs (over 150)
•  Fiat-to-crypto trading
•  The ability to buy crypto with a credit card
•  Futures and leveraged trading for advanced traders
•  The option to choose between a basic interface for beginners or an advanced interface for experienced traders

Binance has one the highest liquidity of any crypto exchange in the world, according to data from CoinMarketCap. That means more crypto can trade hands on the exchange than anywhere else during a given period of time, making Binance a desirable place for day traders who thrive on liquid assets, which makes it easier and faster to execute trades. The exchange also has low fees, so users can make more trades for less cost.

Binance derives its name from a combination of the words “finance” and “binary.” The exchange claims to have high levels of security and is capable of processing about 1.4 million orders each second.

Eleven days before Binance went live, BNB was created through an initial coin offering. While the coin was first issued as an ERC-20 token running on the Ethereum network, these same coins were later swapped with BEP2 BNB coins in April 2019 when the Binance Chain mainnet launched (Binance’s own blockchain network). BNB can be used as “gas” payments–fees paid for computing power–to fuel transactions on the DEX.

Is Binance Coin Worth Buying?

This question might not have a single, objective answer. It depends on the individual. Someone who wants to use Binance’s decentralized exchange (DEX) might think BNB crypto is worth buying. The Binance DEX first went live in April 2019.

Traders who make a lot of trades on Binance on a regular basis might benefit from the discounts that BNB provides. They could wind up saving them a lot of money.

And finally, some cryptocurrency traders might speculate, as opposed to invest, that BNB has a promising future. These people might see BNB as a good coin to hold for some time, in hopes that the price will continue to rise. BNB crypto has risen over 34,000% since inception and over 41,000% since its all-time low.

What is Binance Coin Used For?

As far as different types of cryptocurrencies go, Binance Coin might be one of the most unique. As mentioned, BNB serves two main purposes:

• To provide discounts to traders who use BNB on Binance, and
• To function as “gas” for transactions on Binance’s decentralized exchange (DEX).

When someone places a trade on Binance, they are charged a 0.5% trading fee. This fee can either be paid in the form of the cryptocurrency being traded at the time or in the form of Binance Coin. When paid using BNB, a discount is applied.

Beyond that, altcoins like Binance Coin are also used for speculative purposes. Traders buy coins at a low price with the hopes of selling them later at a higher price to make a profit.

How to Buy BNB

Binance Coin can be purchased on the Binance crypto exchange. There are three primary trading pairs:

•  BNB/USDT (Binance-Tether stablecoin)
•  BNB/BTC (Binance-Bitcoin)
•  BNB/BUSD (Binance-U.S. dollar)

While BNB crypto was created by and for Binance, traders can buy BNB tokens on other exchanges as well. As of the time of writing, BNB can be traded on dozens of different exchanges.

Users who already hold some Bitcoin might find it easiest to deposit Bitcoin to an exchange that trades the BNB/BTC pair and then trade their bitcoin for BNB. Those who don’t hold Bitcoin could consider creating an account on Binance and funding it using either a stablecoin like Tether or U.S. dollars directly.

Binance Coin Price

At the time of writing, the BNB price was $40.39 or 0.001076 Bitcoin.

In July 2017, when the coin was first created, the price was closer to $0.10, with the all-time low being $0.096. The all-time high, as of January 2021, was $45.16, reached on Jan. 10, 2021.

BNB is currently ranked as the eleventh largest cryptocurrency, according to CoinMarketCap data, with a market cap of over $5.7 billion. The 24-hour trading volume on Jan. 14, 2021 was $548.3 million.

BNB crypto has a circulating supply of 142,406,561 BNB and a maximum supply of 174,152,673 coins.

Is Binance Better Than Coinbase?

Some users might compare Binance to other prominent exchanges, including Coinbase. The comparison is, however, largely subjective. For those new to crypto seeking ease-of-use and simplicity, Coinbase might be a good option. They allow for purchases and sales of many of the top cryptocurrencies.

Coinbase also has a cold storage, multi-signature feature called “vaults.” Vaults provide a more secure way to hold crypto for the long-term. To access funds held in a vault, a user must verify a withdrawal request from two different email addresses and wait through a 48-hour processing period.

On the other hand, for more active traders seeking a wider variety of tokens to choose from and higher liquidity, Binance could be preferable. At Binance, investors and traders also have the option to use a more advanced interface with detailed charts.

Is Crypto Safe On Binance?

The answer to this question depends on an individual’s definition of “safe” and how much money is in question.

Generally speaking, it might be safe to keep small amounts of crypto on a secure exchange like Binance for a short period of time. Binance boasts some of the strongest security in the industry. For larger balances to be held over longer time-frames, however, holding coins on any exchange is widely regarded as not being very secure.

Over the years, many exchanges have been hacked. This creates the most obvious security risk involved with “hot wallets,” or cryptocurrency wallets that are actively online at all times. Another risk that comes from exchanges is theft. Employees of the company could conspire to steal user funds and blame the event on outside malicious actors.

The Takeaway

Binance (BNB) coins were created to be used on the Binance cryptocurrency exchange. BNB users on BNB can get trading discounts. However, BNB has become more popular in recent years, experiencing a tremendous increase in price, and now, cryptocurrency traders and investors can find it on many other exchanges.

With SoFi Invest®, investors can buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, while following the prices of others like XRP and BNB. They can also invest in stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Get started today.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOIN21017