Learning the friendly way

In the ever-evolving world of finance, delivering seamless payment experiences is paramount for businesses aiming to stand out. Here enters the game-changer: white-label payment solutions. These innovative services empower businesses to present their unique branded payment methods, all backed by the cutting-edge technology and infrastructure of established third-party providers.

These customisable payment solutions are becoming increasingly relevant, as the global digital payment market continues to soar. According to data collected by Markets and Markets, the global digital payments market size was valued at $111.2 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $193.7 billion by 2028.

What's driving this remarkable growth? Businesses are recognising the immense value that white-label payment solutions can bring to the table. 

What are white-label payment solutions?

Anyone in business will confirm that prioritising strong customer connections is essential. White-label payment solutions provide a special chance to not just boost brand identity but also to nurture customer loyalty.

The centrepiece of these problem-solving solutions is the branded payment card. By incorporating a company's logo, colours, and design, these cards become a constant visual reminder of the brand, reinforcing recognition and familiarity with every use.

Beyond aesthetics, these branded cards also serve as powerful engagement tools. By coupling payment capabilities with customer-centric perks like discounts, rewards, and personalised offers, businesses can incentivise frequent usage and higher spending. The cards transform into valuable marketing platforms, enabling direct communication and tailored promotions that boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Ultimately, customised payment solutions empower businesses to strengthen their brand presence, differentiate themselves in the market, and forge deeper, more meaningful relationships with their customers.

The power of white-label payment solutions

By leveraging these tailored services, companies can tap into several benefits as outlined below:

Enhance brand identity

White-label payments enable businesses to seamlessly integrate their brand's unique visual elements, messaging, and personality into the payment process - a crucial touchpoint that shapes customer perception. Additionally, it can further establish the brand’s credibility and expertise within its industry.

Improve customer loyalty

A cohesive, branded payment experience fosters a stronger connection between the business and its customers, enhancing loyalty and retention.

Leverage advanced functionality

White-label solutions offer a wide array of cutting-edge payment features and capabilities, allowing businesses to cater to evolving customer preferences and stay ahead of the competition.

Streamline payment processes

By outsourcing the technical complexities of payment processing, businesses can focus on their core operations while delivering a streamlined, hassle-free payment experience.

Industries that leverage white-label payment solutions

While white-label products can be applied across a multitude of industries, certain business categories have particularly excelled at leveraging this strategic approach:

Retail giants

Large retailers like Whole Foods and Walmart have effectively developed their own branded products, manufactured by third-party providers. This allows them to cater to the unique needs and preferences of their customer base in real-time.

Electronics manufacturers

The appeal of white-labelling extends beyond retail. Top-tier mobile and computer manufacturers often utilise white-label products to expand their portfolios, positioning more affordable, branded offerings alongside premium lines.

Transnational corporations

The white-label trend has gained significant traction among major corporations. Pioneered by Tesco in 1998, the strategy of segmenting customers and cultivating tailored brands has been widely emulated. Target, for instance, seamlessly integrates over 10 distinct white-label brands, each catering to specific demographics and generating over $1 billion in annual revenue.

Across diverse industries, from grocery to electronics, businesses have capitalised on the versatility and commercial benefits of white-label solutions. This empowers them to better align their offerings with evolving customer demands and solidify their competitive edge in the marketplace.

Tap’s white-label card offering

As part of Tap’s business solutions, the fintech platform offers an easy card-issuing service for businesses of any size. As we’re fully accredited, we can give partner companies Mastercard-powered private cards quickly and inexpensively compared to integrating directly with financial services.

In 2023, Tap teamed up with Bitfinex, a major crypto exchange, to make a customisable prepaid card for the company to offer to their customers. Bitfinex used Tap's financial system to offer their clients a special payment choice and make extra money.

Tap's big advantage is its ability to issue cards and its own processing system, allowing businesses to make their own branded cards efficiently and effectively. With Tap's programs, companies can smoothly add custom payment options that fit their needs, whether they deal in regular money or cryptocurrencies.

If you’re interested in accessing these services, please get in touch here or through the website.

Get ready for the next great Bitcoin halving: everything you need to know

Before Bitcoin was launched in 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto designed the cryptocurrency to have a maximum supply of 21 million coins. As part of the greater plan, the number of new Bitcoin that enter circulation decreases at regular intervals, thus maintaining the total supply. These intervals are known as halvings, which we’ll get more into below. 

What is the Bitcoin halving?

Roughly every 4 years, or every 210,000 blocks that are mined, the network undergoes a halving where the block reward for miners is reduced by 50%. This reward is earned for verifying transactions and adding a new block to the blockchain. 

The halvings process decreases the rate at which new Bitcoins enter circulation, gradually depleting the remaining supply until the final satoshi is mined, expected to be around 2140. After that, miners will solely rely on transaction fees as an incentive to validate blocks.

The next Bitcoin halving is expected to take place in April 2024, when the mining reward will reduce from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. 

Why does the halving occur?

The Bitcoin halving is pre-programmed into Bitcoin's core code and is not something that can be changed - it's set in stone. Designed to control and slow down the release of new Bitcoins over time results in fewer and fewer Bitcoin being minted after each halving event. 

This limited supply is a key part of what gives Bitcoin its deflationary nature and potential for increasing value. As the supply is capped at 21 million, the dwindling new supply hitting the market reinforces Bitcoin's artificial scarcity.

Previous Bitcoin halvings

Below we look at previous halvings and how these affected the price of Bitcoin. Historically, 12 - 18 months after halvings, Bitcoin has reached a record high. While this is not the rule of thumb, it has certainly been witnessed. 

2009 - Bitcoin launches

Date: 3 January 2009

Block reward: 50 BTC

2012 - Bitcoin’s first halving

Date: 28 November 2012

Block: 210,000

Block reward: 25 BTC

Price before halving (November 2012): Around $12

Next all-time high after halving: $1,156 (November 2013)

2016 - Bitcoin’s second halving

Date: 9 July 2016

Block: 420,000

Block reward: 12.5 BTC

Price before halving (July 2016): Around $650

Next all-time High after halving: $19,891 (December 2017)

2020 - Bitcoin’s third halving

Date: 11 May 2020

Block: 630,000

Block reward: 6.25 BTC

Price before halving (May 2020): Around $8,800

Next all-time high after halving: $69,000 (November 2021)

Taking a look at the future dates, the next halving is expected to take place in 2024, when the block reward will be reduced to 3.125 BTC. Thereafter, in 2028 (block reward 1.5625 BTC) and 2032 (block reward 0.78125). This will continue until all Bitcoins have been mined, expected to be in 2140. 

Potential impacts of the upcoming halving

The next Bitcoin halving event is expected to have several potential impacts on the cryptocurrency. First and foremost, it will reduce the supply of new Bitcoins entering circulation by 50%, substantially decreasing the inflation rate. This scheduled supply rate reduction enhances Bitcoin's hardcoded scarcity which could lead to increased demand if investors view reduced supply as more desirable. Higher demand coupled with tightened supply could potentially drive up Bitcoin's price.

However, the halving will also cut block rewards for miners by 50%, which could force some smaller mining operations to shut down if their expenses outweigh newly reduced revenues. This may result in mining becoming less decentralised as larger entities with greater economies of scale are able to continue operating profitably. This could lead to further consolidation of the mining hashrate among a smaller number of big players.

Regardless of price movement, the 2024 halving will continue Bitcoin's disinflationary issuance schedule until the final Bitcoin is mined around 2140. This systematically dwindling supply reinforces one of Bitcoin's key value propositions as a deflationary asset with absolute scarcity built in by design.

The bottom line

The Bitcoin halving is a highly significant event worth learning about as it enforces the cryptocurrency's hardcoded disinflationary monetary policy. While past halvings have led to powerful bull markets and substantial price appreciation, as illustrated above, it's important to understand that future price movements remain unpredictable and cannot be relied on. 

Bitcoin's value is influenced by a complex array of factors beyond just supply dynamics, including adoption rates, regulatory developments, and overall market sentiment. Though artificially constrained supply can increase scarcity, demand is ultimately the driving force behind long-term valuations.

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Hey there, Community! ✨

We've got some exciting news to share, and it's all about making your life a little bit easier and a whole lot clearer. We're thrilled to announce our partnership with TapiX – and before you wonder what this is all about, let me break it down into plain English, just for you.

No More Guessing Games 🎲

Ever looked at your transaction history and thought, "Where on earth did I spend that money?" We've all been there, scratching our heads, trying to decipher cryptic names or puzzling out just which coffee shop that was.

Here's where TapiX comes in – and why we're so excited about it. TapiX turns those confusing codes and names into information you can actually understand. We're talking real names of stores, complete with local language and all the details to make it click instantly. Yes, that means no more guessing games!

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words 📷

But why stop at names? When you look at your transactions, you can now see actual logos and images – making it even easier to spot at a glance where you've been shopping. It's like turning your transaction history into a colourful gallery of your spending habits.
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Pinpoint Shopping Locations📍

Ever got a charge from a store and wondered, "When did I go there?”. Now, you won't just see the name; you'll get the exact location. We're talking street address, city, even zip codes – perfect for those "Aha!" moments.
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Extra Details at Your Fingertips 🫰

And there's more. Want to revisit a store but can't remember the name? You can now access additional details like website links, opening hours, and more for the store and companies that support it. It's like having a little assistant tucked away in your transaction history.

Why This Matters to You 👀

We believe managing your money should be as straightforward as shopping. That's why we partnered with TapiX – to transform your transaction list from a boring spreadsheet into a clear, understandable, and even helpful part of your daily life.

Here's what it boils down to: less time puzzling out your past spends and more time enjoying your present. Whether you're a budgeting pro or just trying to keep track of where your money's going, we think you'll love this new feature.

It's All About You 💙
At Tap, everything we do is aimed at giving you a better experience. We listen, we care, and we act on what you need. This partnership? It's all about making your financial life clearer and simpler.

We're here to help you make sense of your spending, save time, and maybe even discover some new favourite spots along the way. And this is just the beginning – we're always looking for ways to improve your experience.

So go ahead, take a look at your updated transaction history, and see the difference for yourself.

Here's to clearer, simpler, and more enjoyable finances.

Warmly,

The Tap Team.

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Curious about what's in store for fintech this year? Get our Fintech market outlook 2024 ebook, we'll give you a glimpse into the trends and challenges shaping the industry this year.

We are pleased to announce the reintroduction of our locking feature for users in the EU/EEA territories. By locking XTP and advancing to higher tiers, users can now access a diverse range of benefits. This upgrade reaffirms our commitment to delivering meaningful enhancements to our users, optimising their experience within the Tap ecosystem

About XTP Locking

XTP locking is an innovative feature within the Tap app ecosystem, crafted for our savvy users seeking premium perks. By locking XTP tokens, users can unlock increased limits on their Tap Prepaid Mastercard and take advantage of reduced crypto exchange fees and FX fees. Upgrading is a straightforward process: simply choose the plan that suits you, upgrade to Black or Titanium levels, and enjoy enhanced perks for a secure 12-month period while your tokens remain safely locked.

The benefits of XTP locking  include increased spending limits on the Tap Prepaid Mastercard, reduced transaction fees, and access to exclusive perks that making the Tap experience even more rewarding.
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✨ The perks of our premium plans

• Boost spending limits on the Tap card
• Enjoy reduced crypto exchange fees
• Experience lower FX fees
• Access special rewards and promotions
  

📈 Discounted Trading fees using XTP

In addition to the exciting relaunch of XTP staking, we are reintroducing a key utility of the XTP token - the ability to pay trading fees within the Tap App. This means that users in the EU/EEA region can now resume paying with XTP, to cover their trading fees, availing themselves of an enticing 25% discount in addition to the benefits included in their current plan.

• Utilize XTP for trading fees
• Enjoy a 25% discount
• Maximize your savings while trading on the Tap platform
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This enhancement not only  provides added utility to the XTP token but also enables users to save significantly on their trading activities, creating a more cost-effective and rewarding experience.

🙌 Embrace the XTP Revolution!
Experience the latest upgrade for EU/EEA territories: Tap locking is back. Whether you're a seasoned trader looking to optimize your experience or a newcomer eager to explore the benefits of locking, you can now access exclusive perks and save on trading fees.

Step into the future of finance with the Tap App, where locking means savings and open the doors to valuable rewards.

What if we told you that your money dreams could be giving you secret insights into your waking life? Dreams have always been a fascinating subject, with their mysterious symbolism and hidden meanings. And when it comes to dreams about money, they can hold even deeper significance. 

Have you ever wondered why those dreams about money are so persistent, or why they often leave you feeling intrigued and curious? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of dreams and money, exploring various interpretations and psychological theories with some tips on how to better remember your dreams going forward. So, get ready to unlock the secrets of your mind and get a better grasp of what dreaming about money really means.

Common types of money dreams

Dreams about money come in various forms, each carrying its own unique symbolism and messages. While these interpretations are general guidelines, exploring the symbolism and analyzing the emotions and events surrounding your money dreams can provide deeper insights. Of course, every human brain is different so take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Below we take a closer look at some common types of money dreams and their possible interpretations.

Seeing or winning money

When you see or win money in your dream, it is a promising sign that success and prosperity are within your grasp. Money often symbolizes confidence, self-worth, success, and values. This dream suggests that you have a strong belief in yourself and your abilities. Additionally, dreaming about money can also reflect your attitudes towards love and matters of the heart. 

Losing money

When you dream of losing money, it can indicate a temporary loss of ambition, power, and self-esteem. It may reflect a period of unhappiness and setbacks in your waking life. This dream could also be a reflection of feeling vulnerable, weak, and out of control in your everyday experiences.

Stealing money

If you dream of stealing money, it serves as a warning that you may be in a risky situation and need to exercise caution. However, there is a silver lining to this dream: it suggests that you are finally taking action towards pursuing your desires and ambitions. 

On a different note, stealing money in dreams can also reflect a sense of lacking love and a deep yearning to be accepted.

Giving away or spending money 

When you give or spend money in your dream, it symbolizes an act of giving love. It signifies your desire to find and express love in your waking life. On the other hand, if you see others giving money away in your dream, it may indicate feelings of being ignored, overlooked, or neglected. You might be yearning for more attention and affection from someone who seems to be not giving you enough of it. Conversely, hogging or hoarding money in your dream denotes insecurity or selfishness.

Counting money

Dreaming of counting money often symbolizes your ability to assess and evaluate your financial situation. It may indicate your focus on financial goals, budgeting, or the need to prioritize your spending. This dream could also reflect a desire for financial security or a need to take control of your finances.

Having no money

When you dream of having no money, it signifies a fear of losing your position or status in the world. It may reflect a sense of insecurity about your abilities to accomplish a desired goal. Conversely, if you dream of borrowing money, it suggests that you might be stretching yourself too thin and overextending your resources. This dream serves as a reminder to be mindful of your limitations and not to overload yourself with obligations.

Armed with these insights, you can better understand what your subconscious might be trying to communicate to you through your dreams about money.

Psychological interpretations of dreams

Deciphering dreams is a fascinating blend of art and science, as they are ephemeral, abstract, and often just plain peculiar. When attempting to interpret dreams, there are several different approaches.

Psychological interpretations offer insightful perspectives on the symbolism of money in dreams. From a Freudian standpoint, money represents power and desires, reflecting our subconscious yearnings for control and fulfilment. In the Jungian view, money symbolizes personal value and self-worth, emphasizing the importance we place on our own abilities and achievements. 

Modern psychological views highlight how dreams about money can relate to stress, financial insecurity, and the wish for a more prosperous life. By examining these interpretations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the psychological complexities behind our dreams of money.

Tips of how to better interpret your money dreams

Understanding the meaning behind your money dreams can offer valuable insights into your subconscious thoughts and emotions. To effectively interpret these dreams, start by improving your dream recall by writing your dreams down immediately after waking. This practice helps you remember details and patterns. When interpreting, consider the dream's context, pay attention to the energy and emotions it evokes, and relate it to your current life circumstances. 

However, if you find yourself struggling to make sense of your dreams or feeling overwhelmed by their significance, seeking professional guidance from a therapist or dream analyst can provide deeper clarity and understanding.

Conclusion

As you reflect on your own money dreams, remember to consider the context, emotions, and current life situations that may influence their meaning. Dreams hold a wealth of symbolism and insights into our innermost desires, fears, and aspirations. By paying attention to these dreams, we can uncover hidden truths and embark on a journey of personal growth. 

As Sigmond Freud once said, "Dreams are the royal road to the unconscious'." Embrace the power of your dreams and discover the wisdom they hold.