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Bitcoin has become a worldwide phenomenon due partly to its incredible innovation in terms of technology and cross-border payments, but also because of its unbelievable market performance over the last decade.

The original cryptocurrency was even voted the top performing asset of the past decade, and there is no denying why. So, how does it all work? Today we’re uncovering everything you need to know about the inner workings of the most powerful cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin 101

Before we dive into how Bitcoin works, let’s cover the basics. Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer electronic payment system that was launched in 2009 by Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, an anonymous entity that remains a mystery to this day. The Bitcoin blockchain ignited blockchain technology, propelling it into the 21st century and allowing anyone connected to the internet to embrace the new age of technology.

Bitcoin was designed as a response to the global financial crisis and set to be a decentralized payment system that was exempt from banking institutions’ central authority and errors. Over the past decade, the cryptocurrency has increased in value, hitting $20,000 for the first time in 2017, again in December 2020, before soaring to highs of $68,789.63 in November 2021.

The Bitcoin blockchain network has also paved the way for many other virtual currencies, of which there are currently over 20,000. The industry has grown into a sizable $1 trillion market (valued at one stage at over $3 trillion), most of which has Bitcoin to thank. Bitcoin currently dominates the market with a 40% share and has created a name for itself in the mainstream as more and more businesses decide to accept Bitcoin.

How exactly does Bitcoin work?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. As previously mentioned, Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer digital currency that does not rely on any third-party financial institutions, banks or governments. Instead, the network and all Bitcoin transactions are operated by a network of nodes (computers) and miners. Users store Bitcoin in a digital wallet.

In simple terms, miners are responsible for verifying transactions while nodes keep records of all the transactions on the Bitcoin network. All transactions are added to the blockchain, which is a public ledger of all activity on the Bitcoin network. This is a simple look at how Bitcoin mining works.

Looking more deeply into this, let’s say one person in Belgium is sending Bitcoin to someone in England. The Belgium person will enter the Bitcoin address (also known as a wallet address) of the recipient and indicate how much they would like to send. The Bitcoin wallet through which it is being sent will calculate the transaction fees, the Belgium person will confirm (also checking they are happy with Bitcoin's price), and the Bitcoin transaction will enter a “mempool” of new transactions.

From here, Bitcoin miners will fight to solve a complex mathematical puzzle and the first one to do so correctly will be allowed mine the next block and verify all pending Bitcoin transactions (the process of Bitcoin mining). The miner will then verify that all senders of the transactions have sufficient balances, and the transactions will be executed.

The miner will then add the new block to the blockchain, and it will be circulated amongst the network. Once all the nodes approve, they will all update their blockchain records with the new block.

The person in England will then get a notification to say that they have received the Bitcoin transaction, and will most likely require 3 confirmations before being able to access the funds (some digital wallets and merchants require 6 confirmations). Confirmations are represented by new blocks added to the blockchain following the block with that specific transaction. Blocks take 10 - 40 minutes to be created due to the Bitcoin mining process.

While this is how Bitcoin transactions take place, other cryptocurrency transactions might vary slightly.

Where do new Bitcoins come from?

Satoshi Nakamoto designed the cryptocurrency to be deflationary in nature, intending the price to increase over time as opposed to decreasing like fiat currencies, offering not only a reliable payment method, but also an investment opportunity. Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, with a certain number being released each year.

Initially, the mining reward for mining a block on the Bitcoin blockchain was 50 BTC, but after every 210,000 blocks (roughly 4 years) the reward halves. In May 2020, the third halving took place, driving the block rewards down to 6.25 BTC per block. This equates to roughly $230,000 at the time of writing.

So where do new Bitcoins come from? Each time a miner verifies a bundle of transactions, the miner will receive each transaction’s network fee and once they have mined enough transactions to complete a 1MB block and add it to the blockchain, they will receive the mining reward too. 

Once the 21 millionth coin has been mined no new coins will ever enter circulation. 

Ready to enter the wonderful world of Bitcoin?

Now that you understand more about the original cryptocurrency and how Bitcoin works, are you ready to enter the market? For easy onboarding, Tap provides a secure platform from where anyone can buy and sell Bitcoin and a number of other cryptocurrencies. Secure, easy to use, and conveniently accessible through a mobile app, Tap is both beginner friendly and perfect for seasoned traders.

We are delighted to announce that Tap, your all-in-one assets and payment management platform, and Sweatcoin, the crypto and wellness app, have announced an exciting new partnership aimed at promoting people's financial health and wellbeing. This alliance not only marks the confluence of two innovative industries but is also a testament to the shared values and visions of both companies.

Tap has been at the cutting edge of the fintech industry, offering an all-in-one app for managing crypto assets, fiat on-ramp, and a Mastercard for everyday expenses. Sweatcoin, on the other hand, has been transforming the wellness space by incentivizing physical activity through its unique digital currency. This partnership is not just a sharing of synergies but an embodiment of each company’s commitment to wellness, crypto adoption, and driving the industry forward.

One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the reward program. Users of Sweatcoin who join Tap are eligible for rewards of up to $100 in Bitcoin. This is a unique opportunity for users to advance in their journey into the world of cryptocurrencies by simply maintaining they body and finance healthy.

Both companies have a rich history of innovation and social responsibility. Tap cutting-edge financial services are designed to make the transition between fiat and crypto seamless. Sweatcoin has been motivating people to stay active with its digital currency rewards. This partnership is a perfect example of how companies can embody each other’s values and work together towards a common goal.


Tap is making a splash in the fintech sector with its comprehensive app that facilitates crypto management, seamless conversion to fiat currency, and includes a Mastercard for daily transactions. They're deeply committed to empowering individuals to take the reins of their financial destiny. Meanwhile, Sweatcoin has been revolutionizing the wellness space by incentivizing physical activity through its unique digital currency. This alliance is not merely a combination of offerings, but a powerful collaboration that underscores both companies' dedication to all wellness, embracing cryptocurrency, and advancing the industry.

This event signifies not just the collaboration between two industry actors but is also a celebration of the shared vision for a healthier and financially inclusive world.

To hop on board this thrilling rewards train, swing by the rewards section in the Sweatcoin app.

We are delighted to announce the listing and support of Ethereum Name Service (ENS) on Tap!

ENS is now available for trading on the Tap mobile app. You can now Buy, Sell, Trade or hold ENS for any of the other asset supported on the platform without any pair boundaries. Tap is pair agnostic, meaning you can trade any asset for any other asset without having to worries if a "trading pair" is available.

We believe supporting ENS will provide value to our users. We are looking forward to continue supporting new crypto projects with the aim of providing access to financial power and freedom for all.

Ethereum Naming Service is a branch from the original blockchain network which aims to make the crypto space, particularly within the DeFi and Web3 sectors, more user-friendly and accessible. Similar to how Domain Name Service made the internet more accessible, Ethereum Name Service aims to do the same and become a fundamental component of these sectors.

Users can register a name through various ENS domain registrars or directly through the ENS manager. Once registered, the name is added to the Ethereum Name Service Registry, and the user becomes the owner of that name. ENS uses a hierarchical system of domains similar to the DNS system used for the internet. 

Once registered, the user can then set the resolver, which is a smart contract that provides information about the Ethereum wallet address associated with the ENS name.

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) system is similar to the DNS (Domain Name System) used on the internet. Users can register an ENS domain name under the .eth top-level domain and associate them with their Ethereum addresses by using the platform's smart contracts.

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) did not have its own token until recently. In 2021, the ENS team announced the launch of a new governance token called ENS, which is separate from the old ERC-20 token with the same name.

Get to know more about Ethereum Name Service (ENS) in our dedicated article here.

So, you're in your thirties and starting from square one when it comes to your finances. Don't worry, you're not alone, and the good news is that it's never too late to take control and set yourself up for financial success. Congratulations on taking the first step.

In this article, we're going to walk you through a step-by-step guide of practical tips and empower you to make informed decisions as you navigate your financial journey with enthusiasm. It’s not rocket science, we promise. 

Step 1: Assess your current financial situation

Getting a grip on where you currently stand financially is the first step toward building a solid foundation for your wealth. Let's take a closer look at how to assess your situation and define your goals, without breaking a sweat or drowning in crippling anxiety.

Take a close look at your income, expenses, and debts, writing them down or putting them in a spreadsheet. Identify areas where you can make adjustments to free up funds to save money or invest, and then set some clear goals, both short-term and long-term. Want to buy a house in 5 years, or take a trip to visit your friend in Hong Kong? Jot them down, goals are motivating.

Step 2: Build a strong foundation

Armed with a realistic picture of what your finances look like, work your way through the following three steps to start establishing a strong financial foundation. 

• Create a budget and track expenses

The boring news is that establishing a budget is essential to gain control over your finances. No, we're not here to tell you to cut out all the things you enjoy. Creating a budget is about understanding your money flow and finding ways to save without sacrificing your happiness. Learn what your living expenses really are, and how much the interest rates hikes have affected you. It's about taking control of your money, rather than letting your money control you.

If spreadsheets seem daunting, use budgeting tools and apps to simplify the process and stay on top of your spending.

• Work on saving money effectively

No matter how you look at it, saving money is the cornerstone of building wealth. But saving money doesn't have to be a painful experience, it's all about being smart and resourceful.

A good starting point is to set aside a percentage of your income each month for emergencies and future investments. Automate your savings to ensure consistency and consider opening a high-yield savings account to maximize your returns. Look at opportunities available to you to get "free money" (reward points, employer compensations, etc).

A good starting point is to open that savings account and check out our simplified guide on building an emergency fund.

• Manage debt and improve your credit score

Debt can be overwhelming, but we're here to help you tackle it with confidence. Make a list of all your outstanding debts and approach it strategically by prioritizing the high-interest ones. From student loan debt to credit card debt, don't let these weigh you down forever, rather make a plan today that your future self will thank you for.

At the same time, work on improving your credit score by paying bills on time and not opening new credit accounts. Grab the reigns, you’re in control of your financial future.

Step 3: Explore generating additional income

Unsurprisingly, earning more money will equate to more wealth (we told you it’s not rocket science). As all-nighters are replaced with embarrassingly-sensible bedtimes, now is as good a time as any to pick up a small side hustle and generate income. It doesn’t need to earn you millions, the idea is to generate a little bit extra to accelerate your journey toward financial freedom.

• Explore side hustles and part-time opportunities

Who says you can't have fun and make money at the same time? Here are some side hustle ideas and part-time opportunities that might align with your interests. It’s time to turn your passions into profit and allow a new income stream to make your savings account a little plumper.

• Leverage your skills and talents for freelance work

You've got unique talents, and it's time to put them to work. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great ways to gain exposure and find work that allows you to tap into your skills and find freelance opportunities that not only bring in more money but also allow you to showcase your awesomeness. Embrace entrepreneurship and transform your skills into a profitable venture.

• Invest in personal growth for career advancement

Investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make. Invest in your personal and professional development to boost your earning potential and open doors to exciting career advancements. 

Acquire new skills, pursue certifications, or enroll in relevant courses. Continuous learning not only amplifies your marketability but also positions you for better career prospects and greater earning power. It's time to level up.

Step 4: Investing for the future

Don’t be overwhelmed by the word “invest”. Let’s go through this together, one small step at a time. Consider this the start of your golden investment era. 

• Understand the basics of investing

Investing doesn't have to be complicated jargon that leaves you breaking out in a sweat. Start small and familiarize yourself with the basics of investing. Learn about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate, and educate yourself on the concept of risk and reward. If in doubt, contact a financial adviser to get you started.

• Identify suitable investment options for beginners

You don't need to be a Wall Street expert to start investing, or need to know what real estate investment trusts are for that matter (yet). Consider beginner-friendly investment options that are easy to understand and offer steady growth, like low-cost index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

A word from the wise: stay away from get-rich-quick schemes and get started investing in assets aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Get ready to dip your toes into the investment pool.

• Diversification and risk management strategies

To minimize risk, spread your investments across different asset classes. Diversification is like having a cool umbrella that shields your portfolio from those crazy market storms. Don't forget to give your investments some love and attention from time to time. Review your strategy, do a little rebalancing dance if needed, and stay in the know about economic trends that could sway your investments.

Step 5: Overcome financial challenges

Don’t get caught off guard, navigate financial hurdles and stretch your money like a pro while still staying motivated on your wealth-building journey. Yes, it’s possible. 

• Dealing with limited funds and unexpected expenses

Starting from scratch often means facing financial limitations. And we get it, life happens, and unexpected expenses can throw us off track. But fear not! The key step in learning how to stretch your money and navigate financial hurdles with confidence is to build an emergency fund to soften the blow when hard times hit.

The unfortunate truth is that you’re also going to have to learn how to prioritize needs over wants to make the most of your resources.

• Set realistic expectations and stay motivated

Building wealth takes time and patience. Be sure to set realistic goals and celebrate the small victories along the way. Stay motivated by envisioning the life you want to lead and remind yourself of the long-term benefits of your small efforts today. 

• Seek professional advice and support

Hey, we're here to guide you, but we're not financial advisors. That's why it's essential to seek professional advice when needed. A qualified financial advisor can provide you with personalized advice and help you navigate complex financial decisions, offer investment strategies tailored to your goals, and ensure you're on the right track.

Step 6: Long-term wealth building

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your financial wealth. 

• Set long-term financial goals

Picture your dream life and let's make it a reality. Define your long-term financial goals, like buying a house, planning for a comfortable retirement, or starting a business, and break them down into achievable milestones. Then develop a roadmap to reach them. As you hit the milestones and manage the ebb and flow of life, be sure to regularly review and adjust your goals along the way.

• Retirement planning and saving strategies

Retirement might seem far away, but it's never too early to start preparing for it. Take advantage of compound interest and explore strategies for retirement savings that make sense for your current situation, like a retirement account or participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans (particularly ones that offer tax relief).

Be sure to maximize contributions to these accounts whenever possible and look into tax-efficient investment funds. Let's ensure your golden years are as golden as can be.

• Reviewing and adjusting your financial plan periodically

Flexibility is key to your financial journey. Regularly review your budget, investment account, and progress as you move confidently toward your goals. Make necessary adjustments to your investment strategy to stay on track and seize new opportunities that align with your evolving financial situation. Life changes, and so should your financial plan. Keep it adaptable and exciting.

Final thought

Starting from €0 in your thirties may seem challenging, but with the right mindset, knowledge, and practical steps, you can embark on a fulfilling financial journey. By budgeting effectively, saving diligently, generating additional income, investing wisely, and overcoming obstacles, you can build a solid foundation for long-term wealth and financial security. 

While it's no walk in the park, it’s not rocket science. Empower yourself with the tools and resources available, and remember that every step you take today brings you closer to a brighter financial future and fuller savings account.

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In an era of rapid digitization, we at Tap prioritize the security of our users above all else. Our continuous aim is to improve our security measures, addressing new threats as they emerge. Today, we are delighted to unveil our latest effort in this ongoing commitment: the Anti-Scam Protection Feature.

The internet has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, not least banking. But with this convenience come certain risks. We've noticed a rise in scams involving remote access tools like Teamviewer or Anydesk. While these apps have legitimate uses, they are being increasingly exploited by scammers to gain unauthorized access to users' mobile devices and their financial accounts.

Seeing the need for an additional line of defense, we've developed the Anti-Scam Protection Feature. This tool proactively scans all the installed applications on a user's device during startup. If it detects potentially harmful apps like Teamviewer or Anydesk, it immediately triggers an unskippable alert. This alert informs users about the potential security risk and instructs them to remove these apps.

Furthermore, we urge users to reach out to our dedicated support team for further guidance. Our team is always ready to assist our users at every step, ensuring they can navigate the online financial landscape safely and confidently.

This feature is not just another update to our app - it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to user safety. By proactively identifying potential threats, our Anti-Scam Protection Feature helps us enhance account security and promote safe digital practices.

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the threats that lurk within. But with innovative features like our Anti-Scam Protection Feature, we aim to stay a step ahead, ensuring that Tap continues to be a secure platform for all your financial needs.

We highly encourage you to ensure that your Tap app is always updated to the latest version, allowing you to fully leverage our newly introduced security features as we continue to release them. Together, let's continue to create a safer financial environment.

Tap experienced a significant growth in our user base during Q1 2023. While this was a cause for celebration, it also attracted the unwanted attention of fraudsters. Lured by our platform's quick onboarding and seamless fiat and crypto transactions, these fraudsters exploited remote access tools like Teamviewer and Anydesk to abuse vulnerable individuals . In response, we felt compelled to implement a robust and necessary Anti-Scam Protection Feature.

This feature, while stringent and non-negotiable, is not designed to control our users' app preferences. Instead, it is a forceful, yet crucial measure to ensure their safety and protect the integrity of our platform.

Regulatory Responsibility: As a regulated financial entity, we're duty-bound to shield our users from potential threats and foster safe digital practices. Our Anti-Scam Protection Feature stands as testament to this commitment. It doesn't merely warn users about potentially risky apps; it mandates their removal to ensure the secure use of our services.

Proactive Measures: Scams utilizing remote access tools can be highly sophisticated and often slip past even the most vigilant defenses. Our feature is a stringent proactive measure, akin to a car's seatbelt, designed to preemptively avert such situations.

User Autonomy: At Tap, we deeply value our users' autonomy and their ability to manage their digital safety. However, we also acknowledge that scammers' tactics can be complex and deceptive. The Anti-Scam Protection Feature is our firm stand against such threats, ensuring all users can safely navigate the digital banking landscape.

At Tap, we go beyond secure transactions. Our vision is to create a 'super app' that caters to everyone's needs. We prioritize the protection and well-being of all our customers, including our beloved pops and nans. Understanding the older generation's vulnerability to scams, we are committed to making digital banking accessible and safe for people of all ages. This feature is a significant step towards that vision.

Now, it's crucial to understand an often-overlooked concept outside the payments industry – the "fraud threshold." This measure ensures that financial platforms don't profit from fraudulent transactions. While a high fraud rate may inflate revenues temporarily, it risks losing critical payment services like GBP - Faster Payments and Euro SEPA transfers over time.

Weighing the pros and cons of our Anti-Scam Protection Feature provides a clearer perspective:

CONS:

• Potential displeasure amongst users of apps like Teamviewer, Anydesk, and others.
• Possible loss of a few users.
  

PROS:

• Protection of user life savings.
• Deterrence of scammers.
• Preservation of crucial payment relationships.
• Ensuring availability of payment rails for all our users.
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The Anti-Scam Protection Feature is an assertive measure, and we understand it may cause some inconvenience. But it's an essential step in our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and accessible digital banking environment for everyone.