Bienvenue dans l’univers fascinant des NFT. Les Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) sont des actifs numériques uniques qui ont bouleversé le web. Contrairement aux cryptomonnaies classiques, les NFT représentent des objets uniques — d’œuvres d’art numériques à des terrains virtuels — dont la propriété et l’authenticité sont vérifiables grâce à la blockchain.

Acteurs majeurs du mouvement Web3, les NFT redéfinissent la manière dont on valorise, achète et échange des créations numériques. Dans cet article, on décrypte ce que sont les NFT, comment les acheter, où les trouver et quels avantages ou inconvénients ils présentent.

Que sont les NFT ?

Les NFT sont des actifs numériques uniques basés sur la blockchain. Contrairement aux cryptos comme le Bitcoin ou l’Ethereum qui sont interchangeables, chaque NFT possède ses propres caractéristiques et ne peut être échangé à égalité avec un autre.

C’est justement cette unicité qui leur donne de la valeur. Que ce soit pour de l’art numérique, des objets de collection ou même des biens immobiliers virtuels, les NFT ont ouvert la voie à de nouveaux modèles de propriété numérique. Certaines œuvres se sont vendues à des prix records — comme « Merge » de l’artiste Pak, adjugée à plus de 91 millions de dollars fin 2021.

Les NFT permettent aux créateurs, artistes et gamers de prouver qu’ils sont les propriétaires originels de leurs créations, ce qui change profondément la manière dont on perçoit la valeur et la rareté dans le monde numérique.

Comment fonctionnent les NFT ?

Un NFT est un fichier numérique inscrit sur une blockchain (comme Ethereum). Une fois “minté” (créé), son historique de propriété est enregistré de manière permanente et immuable sur le réseau.

Les smart contracts — des programmes autonomes stockés sur la blockchain — assurent la création, la propriété et la revente des NFT. Ils permettent, par exemple, à un artiste de toucher des royalties à chaque revente de son œuvre.

Les NFT suivent des standards spécifiques, comme ERC-721 (le plus courant) ou ERC-1155, qui permettent une meilleure efficacité et des transferts groupés. Ces standards ont permis la croissance rapide des marketplaces NFT et ouvert la voie à de nouveaux usages.

Comment acheter un NFT et utiliser les marketplaces ?

Pour acheter un NFT, il te faut d’abord un portefeuille numérique compatible avec la blockchain du NFT — Metamask est une des options les plus populaires.

Ensuite, direction une marketplace comme OpenSea ou Rarible. Tu pourras y découvrir des collections, choisir un NFT et procéder à l’achat en connectant ton portefeuille. Une fois la transaction validée, le NFT est envoyé dans ton portefeuille, avec la preuve de propriété inscrite sur la blockchain.

Tu veux vendre un NFT ? Il te suffit de le mettre en ligne sur une plateforme en suivant leur processus, et en définissant les conditions de vente.

À quoi servent les NFT ?

Les NFT ont des applications dans de nombreux secteurs. En voici quelques exemples concrets :

• Art : les artistes peuvent vendre leurs œuvres numériques de manière directe, authentifiée et traçable.
• Gaming : les joueurs peuvent posséder des objets rares, échanger des skins ou acheter des parcelles dans des mondes virtuels.
• Musique & divertissement : albums, billets de concert, accès exclusifs… les NFT créent de nouveaux ponts entre artistes et fans.
• Immobilier : certains projets utilisent les NFT pour faciliter la propriété fractionnée ou simplifier les transferts de titres de propriété.

Les avantages des NFT

• Preuve de propriété : chaque NFT est unique et traçable, offrant une transparence totale sur son historique.
• Autonomie des créateurs : les artistes peuvent vendre sans intermédiaires, toucher des royalties à chaque revente et garder le contrôle sur leur œuvre.
• Expériences interactives : dans le gaming ou les métavers, les NFT offrent des expériences immersives où les objets ont une valeur réelle.

Les inconvénients à connaître

• Impact environnemental : certaines blockchains consomment beaucoup d’énergie, soulevant des questions écologiques.
• Volatilité : les prix peuvent fortement varier, ce qui rend les investissements risqués.
• Arnaques et droits d’auteur : certains NFT sont associés à des fraudes ou à des œuvres utilisées sans autorisation, ce qui crée des zones grises juridiques.

En conclusion

Les NFT ont changé la donne dans l’univers numérique. Grâce à la blockchain, ils permettent de certifier la propriété d’objets virtuels, de valoriser la création artistique et d’explorer de nouveaux usages interactifs.

Comme toute innovation, les NFT présentent à la fois de grandes opportunités et des défis à relever. En comprenant leur fonctionnement et en restant vigilant, on peut s’immerger dans cet univers de manière responsable et éclairée.

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Que vous soyez fidèle à votre écran d’ordinateur ou adepte du smartphone, vous vous êtes sûrement déjà demandé comment insérer le symbole de la livre sterling (£) dans un document, un email ou un message. Ne cherchez plus — ce guide pratique vous montre comment taper rapidement le symbole £ sur Mac, PC ou mobile.

💡 Et si vous devez envoyer des livres sterling à l’étranger, Tap vous permet de transférer des fonds facilement avec des frais réduits et un excellent taux de change. Envoyez, dépensez ou échangez des GBP ou EUR depuis l’app, partout dans le monde — et gratuitement entre utilisateurs Tap.

D’où vient le symbole de la livre sterling ?

La livre sterling (GBP), symbolisée par £, possède une histoire riche de plus de 1 200 ans. À l’origine, elle représentait un poids d’argent dans l’Angleterre anglo-saxonne. Elle est devenue monnaie officielle en 1694 sous le règne de Guillaume III.

Avec l’expansion de l’Empire britannique, la livre a gagné une importance mondiale. Même après des événements majeurs comme les guerres, la dévaluation de 1967 ou encore le Brexit, elle reste une devise clé de l’économie mondiale.

Selon la Banque d’Angleterre, le symbole £ vient de la lettre L, initiale du mot latin libra, qui signifiait « une livre de monnaie ». L’ajout de la barre horizontale (le trait du £) remonte au moins à 1660, sur un ancien chèque conservé par la banque.

📌 En anglais, le symbole £ est toujours placé avant le montant : par exemple, £10 signifie dix livres. Petite anecdote : en 1970, un billet de £20 représentant William Shakespeare a été émis — une tradition est née, celle d’honorer des figures emblématiques sur les billets et pièces.

Comment insérer le symbole £ dans un document ?

Maintenant que vous connaissez son origine, voyons comment taper le symbole £ selon l’appareil que vous utilisez.

Sur Mac

Le raccourci le plus rapide est :Option (ou Alt sur certains claviers) + 3

Cette combinaison fonctionne sur les claviers européens. Si vous avez un clavier américain, vous devrez peut-être ajuster votre configuration régionale pour activer les symboles monétaires européens.

Sur Windows

Sur la plupart des claviers Windows, utilisez simplement :Alt + 0163 (en utilisant le pavé numérique)

Ou, si vous avez un clavier britannique :Maj + 3 vous donnera directement le symbole £, souvent visible juste au-dessus du chiffre.

💡 Vous pouvez aussi copier-coller ce symbole directement ici : £

Sur smartphone (iOS ou Android)

Sur votre clavier mobile, appuyez sur le bouton ?123 ou symbole, puis cherchez le £ dans les options.

Si vous ne le voyez pas immédiatement :

• Maintenez le doigt appuyé sur le symbole $ (dollar)
• D’autres symboles monétaires apparaîtront, dont £

Sans clavier ? Aucun souci

Si vous utilisez Microsoft Word ou Google Docs, vous pouvez insérer le symbole sans taper quoi que ce soit.

Voici comment faire :

1. Dans Word, cliquez sur Insertion > Symbole > recherchez £
2. Dans Google Docs, allez dans Insertion > Caractères spéciaux > puis sélectionnez la catégorie Monnaie

Cliquez sur le symbole £ pour l’insérer dans votre texte.

Et voilà !

Vous savez désormais comment insérer le symbole £ facilement, que vous soyez sur ordinateur ou sur téléphone. Que ce soit pour un mail professionnel, une facture ou un post sur les réseaux, vous êtes prêt·e à taper £ en toute simplicité

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As we delve deeper into understanding the global financial market and the investment opportunities within it, here we break down the difference between the capital market and the money market. Together, these two markets make up a large portion of what is effectively known as the financial market.

Capital market vs money market

As we break down the money market vs capital market debate, let's first cover the basics of what each entails.

The capital market is where stocks and bonds are traded between financial institutions, professional brokers, and individual investors with a focus on long-term price appreciation.

The money market centers around the exchange of short-term debt between governments, commercial banks, corporations, and other financial institutions. It entails borrowing and lending for a limited amount of time - anything from an overnight transaction to up to a year at maximum.

What is the money market, exactly? 

The money market refers to the market where short-term debt securities are traded among financial institutions, commercial banks and corporations. These securities typically have maturities of one year or less and are considered to be very low-risk investments.

Money market securities include instruments such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, certificates of deposit (CDs), and repurchase agreements (repos). These securities are issued by governments, corporations, and financial institutions as a way to raise capital quickly and at a relatively low cost.

How to participate in the market

Investors can participate in the money market by purchasing these financial assets directly or through a money market mutual fund. Money market funds invest in a variety of short-term debt instruments and are designed to provide a safe and liquid investment option for individuals and institutions looking to park their cash reserves or earn a modest return while maintaining a high level of liquidity.

What is the capital market, exactly?

The capital market refers to the market where long-term securities, such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, are bought and sold among investors and institutions. Unlike the money market, which deals with short-term debt securities, the capital market deals with longer-term investments that typically have maturities of more than one year.

The primary market and secondary market are two different stages of the capital market where securities are bought and sold.

Stages: primary market and secondary market

The primary market is where securities, such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, are first issued by companies or governments to raise capital. This is often referred to as an initial public offering (IPO) or a new issue. In the primary market, the securities are sold directly to investors through underwriters or investment banks.

The secondary market, on the other hand, is where previously issued securities are bought and sold among investors. This market allows investors to buy and sell securities with other retail investors, rather than directly with the issuing company. Stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange is an example of a secondary market where investors can trade stocks that are listed on the exchange.

Equity market

The capital market can be divided into two main segments: the equity market and the debt market. The equity market, also known as the stock market, is where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. 

Investors can purchase shares of stocks, which represent ownership in a company and entitle the shareholder to a portion of the company's profits, known as dividends. Investors can also profit from capital appreciation, which is the increase in the value of the stock over time.

Debt market

The debt market, on the other hand, is where companies and governments issue bonds to raise capital. Bonds are essentially loans made by investors to the issuer, which promises to pay back the principal amount with interest over a specified period. Bonds are generally considered to be less risky than stocks, but they also offer lower returns.

How to participate in the market

Investors can participate in the capital market through various means, such as buying capital market instruments like stocks or bonds directly, investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or through alternative investment vehicles such as private equity or hedge funds. 

The key differences between the capital market and money markets

The capital market can be more volatile than the money market due to the longer-term nature of investments, but it can also offer the potential for higher returns over time. It is an important component of the global financial system and can play a significant role in economic growth and development.

On the other hand, the money market can be an attractive option for investors who prioritize safety and liquidity over high returns. Because money market securities are short-term and typically low-risk, they offer a lower yield than other investments, such as stocks or corporate bonds.

However, money market instruments can be an important component of a diversified investment portfolio, particularly for those who are looking to minimize risk and maintain a stable source of income in the financial market.

Which is best for you?

Determining which market to engage in will depend on each person’s financial goals, risk management levels, and interest in the markets. Speak to your financial advisor or conduct the research on your own to establish which investment options best align with your needs and goals. Both options present strong pros and cons, the ultimate decision will come down to your unique preferences.

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Money talks, wealth whispers. In the age of flashy displays of wealth and conspicuous consumption, a new trend has emerged that challenges our conventional notions of showcasing financial success. Stealth wealth, as it is commonly referred to, goes beyond the idea of being frugal and understated. It involves consciously avoiding overt displays of money while still enjoying the benefits of financial prosperity. 

In this article, we'll explore what stealth wealth is, how it manifests itself, and why it has become a growing phenomenon. The idea of stealth wealth can assist you in saving more money, making smarter investments, and cutting down on spending.

What is stealth wealth?

Stealth wealth is essentially the art of living a life of financial prosperity without drawing too much attention to it. It's about keeping a low profile even if you have the means to indulge in extravagant displays of wealth. Picture someone who drives a modest car, lives in a modest house, and dresses in an unassuming manner, despite being financially well-off. It's a deliberate choice to prioritize financial security and freedom over materialistic shows of opulence.

What does stealth wealth look like?

A person practicing stealth wealth focuses on essentials rather than indulging in conspicuous luxury. They lead a simple lifestyle and prioritize experiences and personal growth over material possessions

Stealth wealth enthusiasts carefully manage their finances, prioritizing long-term financial goals such as retirement savings, investments, and building wealth rather than spending lavishly on temporary gratification.

They might enjoy certain luxuries but do so in a discreet manner. For example, they may splurge on a nice vacation, but won't go out of their way to flaunt it on social media or discuss it in conversations.

Instead of trying to impress others with material possessions, stealth wealth embraces the importance of genuine relationships and connections. They focus on building meaningful connections, fostering friendships, and helping others in unique ways.

Why is stealth wealth an up-and-coming trend?

More and more people are recognizing the importance of financial independence. By adopting a stealth wealth lifestyle, individuals can accumulate wealth without the pressure to maintain an extravagant lifestyle, allowing them to have greater control over their financial future.

The rise of social media and the desire for privacy have made people rethink their approach to displaying wealth. Stealth wealth allows individuals to keep a lower profile, avoiding unnecessary attention and potentially increasing security.

As society becomes more conscious of overconsumption, and materialism, many individuals are reevaluating their own values and priorities. Stealth wealth aligns with the desire for a simpler and less materialistic approach to life.

Traditional markers of success, such as fancy cars or designer clothing, are being questioned. People are starting to realize that true success lies in financial security, personal fulfillment, and the ability to live life on one's own terms.

In conclusion

Stealth wealth is a rising trend that challenges our societal norms of displaying wealth. It's about finding a balance between financial prosperity and leading a modest, understated lifestyle. By prioritizing financial independence, privacy, and personal values, individuals embracing stealth wealth are redefining what it means to be successful. 

So, if you find yourself drawn to the idea of a more discreet and restrained approach to wealth, consider joining the ranks of the stealthy and prosperous.

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While Bitcoin remains ahead of the pack by a mile, that doesn't mean that it's the only cryptocurrency worth investing in. With thousands of coins on the market, there is plenty of innovative solutions and impressive technology to go around. In this article, we're outlining the 7 crypto coins you should know about, providing a range of Bitcoin alternatives that hold statistical significance. 

Money in the bank is nice, but will it grow to the heights that we've witnessed in the digital currency markets? The answer is probably not. With the right portfolio, an adequate amount of research and solid trading strategies, you could be seeing impressive returns when compared to other assets in the financial sector. Consider the information below to be a strong starting point, and take it from there.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum has the biggest market capitalization in the crypto industry after Bitcoin and has held this position for quite some time. The decentralised platform has made headlines in recent months as it shifts from a Proof of Work to a Proof of Stake network, requiring less energy to operate and a new means of rewarding the users for verifying transactions.

Ethereum is highly regarded in the industry for providing the first platform on which developers can create decentralized applications (dapps) and smart contracts. This allowed anyone the chance to build any app across any industry while harnessing blockchain technology. Providing a giant leap forward for blockchain development, Ethereum remains on the cutting edge of innovation. 

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano was created by one of the Ethereum founders and is celebrated for being academically driven. While the project launched without a whitepaper (an unusual beginning for any cryptocurrency), at the time of launching there were over 90 academic papers written by a team of mathematicians, cryptography experts and engineers supporting the project. To this day all upgrades are rigorously tested through peer reviews before being implemented onto the blockchain.

Cardano offers developers a platform on which to build dapps and smart contracts using a proof of stake consensus. With lower fees and faster transactions, this eco-friendlier platform has been well received in the blockchain development community. 

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot is a blockchain platform working toward blockchain operability, meaning that it allows various blockchains and oracles to exchange data and value in a secure manner. Through an intricate blockchain structure involving a relay chain and numerous parachains, the proof of stake network provides an innovative solution to connectivity and interoperability in the industry. 

Polkadot was created by one of the Ethereum founders, Gavin Wood, and launched in 2020, quickly making its way to the top of the biggest cryptocurrencies on the market. 

Litecoin (LTC)

One of the original hard forks off of the Bitcoin network, Litecoin is a long-standing payment focused cryptocurrency. Created by a former Google engineer in 2011, Litecoin went on to become an excellent Bitcoin alternative. 

Through several changes to its predecessor's blockchain, the platform offers faster and more cost-effective value transactions over the internet. 

Dogecoin (DOGE)

You will struggle to read cryptocurrency headlines without at least a few mentions of Dogecoin. Dogecoin is the original meme token and has been around since 2013. Designed to poke fun at the seriousness of the crypto industry, Dogecoin went on to become a massive cult favourite and accumulate some big fans along the way. 

The blockchain is a hard fork off of the Litecoin network and provides fast, easy and cheap transactions. Typically sued for micropayments, such as tipping content creators on social media platforms, Dogecoin has seen massive success due to the tweets of Elon Musk and his favourable attitude toward the cryptocurrency. 

Tether (USDT)

Tether is the first stablecoin to enter the market and one of the most successful. Currently ranking as the third biggest cryptocurrency by market cap, Tether sits behind Bitcoin and Ethereum. Designed to combat market volatility, Tether's value is pegged to the US dollar and is always valued at $1. 

Tether was created in 2014 and is managed by a Hong Kong-based company of the same name. The blockchain platform provides not only an effective means of entering the crypto market but a payment solution for companies and individuals looking to conduct fast international payments without the risk of volatility. 

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Another fork off of the Bitcoin network, Bitcoin Cash was created in 2017 as a result of a disagreement within the Bitcoin community. With several members torn over the direction of the Bitcoin network, several members chose to create a new blockchain and implement the changes they saw best for the network.

This resulted in a new payment focused blockchain platform offering a faster and cheaper means of the transaction value. Bitcoin Cash remains a strong Bitcoin alternative, with high daily trading volumes.

Create a well-rounded crypto portfolio

By considering these 7 alternative cryptocurrencies listed above, you have the opportunity to create a well-rounded crypto portfolio conveniently from your own home. All of these coins can be accessed through the Tap mobile application. You can easily view their market prices and engage in buying and selling digital currencies directly from your mobile device.

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Tap partners with Total Processing to allow Visa debit deposits, improving its customer’s experience

Tap, the dynamic fintech platform can now offer its customers the ability to top up their accounts via Visa card deposit thanks to its new partnership with Total Processing, a leading payments specialist.

This strategic partnership offers Tap customers a new and improved way to effortlessly replenish their accounts, further enhancing the platform's reach, accessibility and convenience.

Renowned for its crypto-inclusive financial solutions, Tap provides a user-friendly platform to allow its customers worldwide to easily manage their crypto and fiat assets. The company is thrilled with its latest collaboration with Total Processing, an award-winning payment processing company that focuses on a customer-centric approach to offer a seamless payment solution.

By integrating Total Processing's innovative payment offering, Tap extends this enhanced service to hundreds of thousands of customers, allowing them to directly fund their Tap accounts using Visa cards. Moreover, Tap continues to provide the flexibility of Mastercard and bank transfer deposit options, serving users in over 40 countries.

The decision to partner with Total Processing aligns with Tap's dedication to delivering a superior user experience. In response to some users experiencing issues with Visa card deposits, the fintech platform has seamlessly transitioned to Total Processing as its new trusted payment processor for frictionless Visa card loading. This move underscores Tap's commitment to delivering high-quality financial services to its valued customer base.

This enhancement is effective immediately and extends across all the 40+ countries where Tap operates. The company remains dedicated to delivering professional and world-class financial solutions, ensuring its users have access to a seamless and efficient experience.

Kriya Patel, CEO of Tap, commented, "Tap is highly committed to providing a best-in-class offering for our customers, and Total Processing delivers the perfect partnership to help achieve this goal. Tap looks forward to working closely with Total Processing to further enhance our customer-focused, innovative payment solutions."    

Alex Leigh, Co-founder of Total Processing, added: "We are excited to join forces with Tap in this strategic partnership, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to customer-centric payment solutions. This collaboration empowers Tap's users with seamless Visa card deposit options, reinforcing our dedication to a frictionless payment experiences."

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About Tap
Tap is a pioneering force in the convergence of the cryptocurrency economy and traditional financial systems, striving to establish an equitable, accessible, and transparent financial landscape. Since its inception in 2018, Tap has been guided by the bold vision that individuals worldwide should enjoy effortless and secure management of their fiat and cryptocurrency assets. Presently, Tap offers a reliable and user-friendly platform that harmoniously integrates various financial services into a single, convenient hub.

For more information on Tap, visit: www.withtap.com

About Total processing
Founded in 2015, Total Processing is a leading provider of intelligent payment solutions that enable businesses to streamline their payment workflows, reduce costs and boost revenue. The company offers a range of payment processing services, including recurring payments, 198+ alternative payment methods, an agnostic payment gateway, risk prevention tools and in-depth transaction data, all managed within a unified platform.
With a focus on its customers, it provides adaptable solutions and a user-friendly interface to ensure smooth payment processing for its merchants.

For more information on Total Processing, visit: www.totalprocessing.com

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