Credit Card Debt at All-Time High, Should Crypto Investors Really Buy Bitcoin With it? 2267

It’s not just the just United States debt reaching an all-time high, individual credit card debt is also breaking new records in 2019.  With credit card debt mounting, and a potential economic recession looming on the horizon, should crypto investors really be buying Bitcoin with their credit cards?

Those that have already loaded up on crypto with their credit cards during the 2017 bull run may be sorely regretting it now that Bitcoin has repeatedly painted new lows since. American Credit Card Debt Reaches New High, Average of $6,375 Per Person

While Bitcoin may be hitting new lows, American credit card is reaching new highs. According to new data, American credit card debt is up 3% year-over-year, with the average individual wracking up a balance of $6,375 in debt.

The Federal Reserve says that total credit card debt hit $1 trillion in 2017, the highest ever on record.

It’s not all bad for those in debt. The VantageScore consumer credit-scoring model used by credit reporting firms Equifax, Experian and more, is also at the highest it has been in the past decade. The increase suggests that consumers have again become comfortable and competent at managing their debt.

Why Investors Should Never Buy Bitcoin or Crypto on Credit

Despite clearly being better at managing debt, investors mistakenly purchased crypto at the height of the Bitcoin bull run with their credit cards, ruining many financially in the process.

Take one Redditor’s story for example, which adds validity to the old adage to “never invest more than you can afford to lose.” Reddit user appropriately named u/DeforestedMoon claims he is $20,000 in debt due to his “tale of youth and financial irresponsibility” involving credit cards and crypto.

This person revealed they nearly made a profit of $10,000 from investing in XRP, and another $10,000 from “other coins.” Hype and irrational exuberance, which happens at the peak of market cycles, got the best of him, and he further loaded up on various cryptocurrencies using his credit card and even took out some loans.

“At first I would make Coinbase purchases with credit cards, then I moved on to taking out loans after Visa started considering credit card crypto purchases as cash advances,” he explained.

The story isn’t uncommon. Many investors were purchasing cryptocurrencies with credit cards, prompting credit card companies to step in and block the transactions from happening. While the crypto community was quick to point fingers at credit card firms for being in fear of crypto unseating them from the financial throne they currently enjoy, credit card companies really had their best interest in mind and may have saved many investors from further financial distress.

Crypto is a risky, speculate asset class, and in a sense, could be considered gambling in some way. And gambling on a credit card is incredibly dangerous. Even many U.S. states prevent individuals from purchasing something as innocent as lottery tickets with a credit card.

Bitcoin and crypto is far worse to put on a credit card. Should the market turn as it did in 2018, causing the value of most cryptocurrencies feel as much as 95%, it could spell financial disaster. It’s bad enough to lose money on an investment, but it’s far worse to pay an annual percentage rate of as much as 36% on value that essentially evaporated into thin air.

While it is never recommended that investors should buy crypto on a credit card, it very well can be done responsibly, and in the case with the recent news with Binance adding credit card purchases of crypto, it does help with crypto adoption and creates positive market movement by adding another fiat on-ramp for investors to take advantage of.

If one should consider investing in crypto using a credit card, one should also understand the risks involved with both cryptocurrencies and credit card debt, and have a clear plan on how to pay that debt down. Relying on the crypto market to revive is not a sound debt elimination strategy and is gambling with one’s finances.

A much safer strategy to invest in crypto and Bitcoin is to dollar cost average – buying a set amount of crypto at regularly scheduled intervals.

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BLAZE Investment Round Complete With Aim To Become Web3 Market Leader 2306

StoryFire stands at the forefront of innovation, spearheading a revolutionary amalgamation of SocialFi, GameFi, and DeFi, culminating in an unprecedented all-encompassing experience. Recently, the company successfully concluded the BLAZE token investment round, securing backing from prominent entities including GDA Capital, Genesis Capital, Octavia Ventures, and TGE Ventures.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Sam Hilder, CEO of StoryFire, emphasized in a recent press release, “Closing a successful funding round amidst the prevailing macroeconomic conditions, with such esteemed partners, is indeed exhilarating. We are deeply grateful for the trust our investors have placed in us.” Hilder further elucidated on the company’s strategic vision, affirming their commitment to crafting the ultimate Web3 platform through the StoryFire offering, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of their latest developments.

Leading the investment consortium, Genesis Capital, a private equity powerhouse, orchestrated the funding round. The company delineated its intentions to leverage the capital infusion to propel both developmental initiatives and marketing endeavors leading up to the imminent BLAZE token launch.

In a strategic move underscoring StoryFire’s steadfast commitment to the Web3 landscape, the company announced its purchase of assets from Tokens.com in February 2024, with it being that it has successfully closed the sale of Metaverse Group and Hulk Labs to StoryFire. The purchase entailed a disposition comprising a 15.3% equity stake in StoryFire, appraised at US$3.5 million, alongside an allocation of US$500,000 in BLAZE tokens. This strategic maneuver underscores StoryFire’s enduring presence within the Web3 domain, as it endeavors to fortify and expand its footprint across the entire Web3 ecosystem.

About StoryFire

The StoryFire platform, powered by the BLAZE token, will revolutionising the metaverse paradigm by combining SocialFi, GameFi, and DeFi into one unified experience.

Metis’ Sequencer Mining Goes Live 2858

Last month’s launch of Phase 1 of the Metis Decentralized Sequencer upgrade established Metis as the first-ever rollup platform with a decentralized sequencer. Metis has now launched Phase 2, which introduces several enhancements aimed at improving network incentives and participation.

Among other positive changes, Phase 2 of the Decentralized Sequencer upgrade introduced the most awaited feature up to date for the Layer 2 network: Sequencer Mining.

Sequencer Mining will allow users to lock their tokens via LST providers, contributing to the network’s security. Essentially, these LST providers will interact with the Sequencer, and users will interact with the Liquid Staking providers, receiving a Liquid Staking Token that they can reuse in other DeFi dApps or just hold. Through Metis’ Community Ecosystem Governance (CEG), the community chose Artemis Finance and Enki Protocol as the two LST protocols for the Alpha Phase.

In the first year, sequencer nodes will benefit from a 20% Mining Rewards Rate (MRR), the same rate at which smart contracts compensate participants for producing blocks. Additionally, Metis Liquid Staking Blitz (LSB), supported by the Metis EDF, will provide grants to verified projects to accelerate growth. More than 220,000 METIS are committed in grants for 2024 alone to support MetisLSB and catalyze growth of LST products on Metis. Prior to the official launch of Sequencer Mining, there has been notable activity with LST-related products, including deployments by Shoebill Finance, Stablis Protocol, and participation pools on Hercules Finance.

Metis has secured important partnerships with recognized crypto institutions that will help the network achieve proper decentralization and high participation rates on the Decentralized Sequencer.

Users can deposit and start mining immediately through Artemis. ENKI will be fully launching on Mainnet soon, but users can already participate in their “Pre-Staking” program.

About Artemis

Artemis Finance is a liquid staking protocol designed exclusively for Metis’ Decentralized Sequencer. Users can stake METIS tokens on Artemis Finance and receive the liquid staking token artMETIS.

About Enki

Enki Protocol is a Metis-native liquid staking protocol leveraging dual-token architecture from protocols like Frax and Lido to implement the most battle-tested LST design to the Metis Decentralized Sequencer. Users can stake METIS via Enki and receive seMETIS, while the protocol utilizes ENKI for its governance.

About Metis

Metis is an EVM-Equivalent Ethereum Layer-2 protocol focused on bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3. Metis provides users with a decentralized and scalable easy-to-use network secured by Ethereum. Metis became the first Ethereum rollup to decentralize its sequencer with the launch of Decentralized Sequencer, which enhances network security and provides more potentially revenue-earning opportunities for users.

Qurax Exchange Unveils Multi-Chain Crypto Trading Platform with Integrated Financial Services and Revolutionary Crypto Card Program 3263

Qurax Exchange, a trailblazer in the cryptocurrency arena, today announced the official launch of its cryptocurrency exchange ecosystem that aims to redefine the digital asset landscape. The comprehensive Qurax ecosystem is designed to cater to both novice and experienced crypto users by offering a full suite of services including trading, staking, mining, and a groundbreaking Crypto Card Program, all within a single, seamless interface.

The Qurax platform’s multi-chain functionality supports seamless transactions across various blockchain networks, fostering unparalleled flexibility and accessibility in the crypto trading space. This strategic innovation addresses the critical demand for interoperability and enhanced liquidity, setting a new standard in the cryptocurrency exchange industry.

Key Highlights of the Qurax Exchange Ecosystem

Multi-Chain Accessibility: Users can effortlessly manage and trade assets across multiple blockchains, maximizing opportunities and convenience.

Full Stack Financial Services: From fiat onramps and offramps to advanced trading options, Qurax offers a comprehensive array of financial services, making it the go-to platform for all crypto-related activities.

Qurax Crypto Card: In a major stride towards cryptocurrency adoption, the Qurax Crypto Card will allow users to spend crypto assets directly from their exchange balance at millions of merchants globally. This card integrates smoothly with the platform, ensuring that users benefit from real-time conversion rates and enhanced security protocols. This will be launched in Q4 2024.

Qurax Staking and Mining Programs:

Adding to its robust feature set, Qurax will introduce competitive staking and mining programs that promise attractive returns and foster deeper community engagement. These programs are designed to provide users with additional avenues to grow their investments and participate actively in the network’s security and governance.

Security and Compliance:

Security remains a paramount concern for Qurax. The platform employs cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest security standards are met, including regular audits, advanced encryption, and real-time monitoring systems. In compliance with global regulations, Qurax adheres to KYC and AML guidelines, providing a safe and trustworthy environment for all users.

Vision for the Future:

The launch of Qurax exchange is not just the unveiling of another crypto exchange; it’s the beginning of a new era in the digital finance world,”, CEO of Qurax Exchange. “With our multi-chain platform and the integrated Qurax Crypto Card, we are breaking down barriers to mainstream crypto adoption and offering an unmatched level of convenience and utility to our users. We are excited to lead the charge towards a more inclusive and flexible financial ecosystem.”

About Qurax Exchange:

Qurax Exchange is a pioneering cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers a wide range of financial services across multiple blockchain networks. Designed to provide a holistic trading experience, Qurax empowers users to engage with the crypto economy in an efficient, secure, and compliant manner. For more information about Qurax Exchange and its services, visit qurax.io

XVC Tech Announces Strategic Investment in TradeTogether to Enhance Web3 Wealth Management 3323

XVC Tech, has invested in TradeTogether, a leading Web3 wealth manager based in Singapore. The venture capital firm founded by the creators of the XDC Network blockchain.

XDC Network’s ecosystem includes RWA dApps focusing on Private Credit (TradeFinex), Trade Finance (XDC Trade Network), tokenized gold (Comtech Gold) and tokenized US Treasuries (Yieldteq powered by Tradeteq).

Ritesh Kakkad, co-founder of XVC Tech, noted, “TradeTogether approached XVC with a strong emphasis on compliance, which is key in sectors like private credit and trade finance. We believe this focus on compliance will attract more institutional adoption, leading to increased utilization of the XDC Network’s use cases.”

Added TradeTogether’s CEO Geoff Ira, “XDC Network is a robust Enterprise-grade Layer 1 blockchain with a strong focus on Real-World Assets (RWA). We eagerly anticipate collaborating with XDC and its ecosystem of dApps to develop top-tier Web3-centric funds, driving intelligent capital into RWAs and Web3, while adhering to regulatory compliance standards.”

TradeTogether introduces two innovative investment options

  1. Firstly, the TradeTogether Bitcoin Advantage Fund, allows clients to invest in Bitcoin with added protection against market downturns, offering a better experience than traditional ETFs.
  2. Additionally, TradeTogether provides high-net-worth individuals and financial institutions with transparent solutions in tokenized bonds and Web3 products for receivable financing, moving away from the DeFi platform model.

TradeTogether has prominent co-investors such as Orbit Startups, Tenity, Boleh Ventures and Leo Ventures. Other Angel investors who participated in TradeTogether’s funding round since it’s inception includes Samuel Rhee (Chairman of Endowus), Varun Mittal (Group Head Innovation Singlife), Reuben Lai (Former Senior MD Grab Financial Group), Mx Kuok (KUOK Family), E. BABA de Rothschild (EGR Partners), Chandrima Das (Ex bento founder acquired by Grab), Nicolas Gallet (Gallet Capital), David Bachelier (CEO Asia at Flowdesk).

About XVC Tech

Founded by the co-founders of XDC Network, Atul Khekade and Ritesh Kakkad, XVC Tech is a US $125mn Fund focussed on exploring investment opportunities in NextGen Technology Solutions. Portfolio companies include DeGaming, a decentralized i-gaming infrastructure protocol, Bolero, a platform fractionalizing IP of music assets via smart contracts or Truflation, an oracle for RWA, indexes and inflation.

Current areas of focus include RWA, Web3 infrastructure, AI, and DePIN. For Web3 startups looking to make an impact, new investment opportunities are actively being sought. Users interested in learning more can visit XVC Tech at XVC.Tech to get in touch.

About XDC Network

The XDC Network is an open-source, carbon-neutral, enterprise-grade, EVM-compatible, Layer 1 blockchain, operational since 2019 focusing on Enterprise use cases such as Trade Finance, Payment and RWA tokenization. More details at: Xinfin.org

About TradeTogether

TradeTogether Pte Ltd is a pioneering Web3 digital asset management company based in Singapore. Operating under a regulatory exemption since October 25, 2021, TradeTogether is at the forefront of innovative financial solutions in the digital asset space. Led by CEO Geoff Ira, who has a strong background in the financial and banking industry. For more information, users can visit TradeTogether.com

Multis Team Joins Safe to Build Cross-Chain Smart Wallet Infrastructure 4230

Safe, the leading smart wallet infrastructure, with more than $100 billion in value of digital assets secured, has welcomed the senior leadership team of Multis to the Safe Ecosystem Foundation and completed the strategic acquisition of the Multis source code; Multis is an all-in-one financial software designed for crypto businesses. At the same time, Thibaut Sahaghian, the former CEO of Multis, is set to take on the new role of Network Abstraction Lead as a core contributor within the Safe ecosystem, where he and his team will continue their work towards enabling businesses and individuals to adopt and easily use digital assets every day.

With this move, Safe embarks on the next phase of its mission to simplify, improve, and enhance Web3 user experience. Leveraging their unique collective expertise, the Safe and former Multis team members will collaborate to solve the complexities of cross-chain interaction through network abstraction, with the end goal of enabling users to manage assets across diverse blockchain networks effortlessly.

As crypto usage soars, the demand for faster and more cost-efficient transactions has led to the rise of Layer 2 networks built atop the Ethereum mainnet (Layer 1), aiming to enhance scalability. However, this growth has considerably fragmented the blockchain landscape, complicating the development of user-friendly, on-chain applications and wallets. Addressing this complexity through network abstraction, which simplifies asset management across various blockchains, is crucial for setting the stage for mainstream adoption—a vital goal for the Ethereum community.

“The demand for Safe’s services is skyrocketing, particularly from emerging L2 ecosystems seeking robust infrastructure support to help users manage their digital assets. As we expand, simplifying the cross-network experience becomes crucial,” noted Richard Meissner, co-founder of Safe. “The synergy between Multis and Safe will undoubtedly help us become a staple in these evolving networks and beyond.”

Thibaut added, “Joining Safe is a game-changer for us. We’ve already been harnessing Safe’s robust infrastructure for years, and this is a new journey for us. It empowers us to broaden our mission, tapping into Safe’s expansive platform and extensive user base. Together, we’re set on building an ecosystem where digital assets and applications interact seamlessly across multiple networks, easing the path to adoption and creating a more integrated blockchain world.”

This strategic acquisition marks a turning point for Safe. It aligns with Safe’s recent collaboration with Coinbase-incubated Base to make smart accounts the standard on Ethereum. This announcement furthers Safe’s commitment to providing a seamless and secure foundation for managing assets within exploding L2 ecosystems on Ethereum.

About Safe

Safe (previously Gnosis Safe) is an onchain asset custody protocol, securing ~$100 Billion in assets today. It is establishing a universal ‘smart account’ standard for secure custody of digital assets, data, and identity. With Safe{Wallet}, it’s flagship web and mobile wallet and Safe{Core} account abstraction infrastructure, Safe is on a mission to unlock digital ownership for everyone in web3 including DAOs, enterprises, retail and institutional users.

About Multis

Multis offers a comprehensive financial software solution, empowering DAOs and enterprises to seamlessly manage transactions with both USD and digital assets, across multiple networks. Historically backed by Sequoia Capital and Y Combinator, Multis has been a front-runner in enhancing the crypto business user experience, now set to amplify its impact with Safe.

AllUniverse Platform Goes Global. Achieving a Ten Billion Growth in Transaction Volume 4723

Recently, the metaverse nation All Universe integrating “offline real economy + online virtual economy,” announced its global launch! All Universe offers global investors diversified and efficient investment channels. Opening new doors to investment opportunities and achieving a ten billion increase in transactional volume

All Universe has meticulously cultivated multiple industries including decentralized finance, traditional financial systems, artificial intelligence, agriculture, breeding, education, planning, big health industry, mining, energy, entertainment, trading and retail. This opens up a golden pathway for investors seeking diversity and stable asset appreciation.

Following its global launch, the platform will offer a series of core business modules, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), agriculture, and artificial intelligence, creating a highly lucrative portfolio sectors.

With the commencement of its global operations, All Universe will further strengthen its collaborations with a diverse array of global strategic partners to expand its ecosystem, enhance user engagement, activity and thereby achieve its ambitious goal of a ten billion increase in transaction volume. In the future, the platform will introduce more rights and governance mechanisms to provide investors with returns protection including risk diversification, professional management, and incentive schemes. Helping them achieve higher returns in the investment field.

The global launch of AllUniverse marks a new phase in the platform’s development. Investors will have the opportunity to explore broader opportunities in this new investment ecosystem, achieving significant growth. Let us look forward to the brilliant development of All Universe globally, bringing diversity, stability, and most importantly progressive consistant growth for all its citizens portfolio.