Hämta Tap-appen

QR-kod att skanna för nedladdning av Tap-appen

QR code to scan for downloading the Tap app
Auto Top-Up är här: Håll ditt kort laddat – automatiskt.

Slipp saldostress! Med Auto Top-Up fylls ditt Tap-kort på automatiskt med fiat eller krypto. Ställ in det en gång – sen är du klar!

Keep reading

Vi har goda nyheter – Auto Top-Up för kortet är äntligen här, och det kommer göra din vardag så mycket enklare.

Glöm stressen vid kassan när saldot är för lågt. Den här nya funktionen fyller automatiskt på ditt kort när balansen sjunker – helt på dina villkor.

Ni bad om det – vi lyssnade. Tack vare er feedback har vi byggt Auto Top-Up för att ta bort onödig stress från din vardag. Kortet är alltid redo – så du kan fokusera på viktigare saker (som att välja vad du ska äta till lunch 🍜).

Och här är det bästa av allt: du kan nu använda dina krypto till att betala direkt. Välj vilken kryptotillgång du vill, fyll på kortet – och börja spendera. Så enkelt är det.

Inga fler “Oj, saldot är slut!” 😬

Vi har alla varit där – man ska betala något viktigt, men kortet har för lite pengar. Auto Top-Up ser till att du alltid har pengar på kortet, utan att du ens behöver tänka på det.

Ställ in det en gång – sen kan du slappna av

Aktivera Auto Top-Up en gång, så sköter det sig själv. Du slipper ladda kortet manuellt varje gång saldot sjunker.

Dina pengar, dina regler 💸

Vill du använda fiat? Krypto? Båda? Du bestämmer själv vilken valuta som används vid varje påfyllning.

Alltid redo att betala

Oavsett om du handlar i butik, online eller reser – med Auto Top-Up är ditt kort alltid redo att användas.

Hur funkar det? ✨

Med Auto Top-Up har du full kontroll. Du bestämmer:

  • Vilket saldo som ska trigga en automatisk påfyllning.
  • Hur mycket som ska fyllas på varje gång.
  • Vilken valuta som ska användas – fiat eller krypto.

Tänk dig att du ska betala något viktigt och upptäcker att saldot är för lågt – irriterande, eller hur? Med Auto Top-Up händer inte det längre. Ställ in din gräns och Tap fyller automatiskt på ditt kort innan du ens märker att det behövs – helt enligt dina inställningar.

Så här kommer du igång

  1. Logga in i din Tap-app
  2. Gå till kortinställningar
  3. Aktivera Auto Top-Up och välj dina preferenser
  4. Klart! Ditt kort är alltid redo

Byggt för sinnesro 😌

Oavsett om du är på resa, shoppar eller betalar vardagsutgifter – med Auto Top-Up slipper du oroa dig för att kortet inte räcker till. Kortet håller sig laddat, så du slipper tänka på det.

Börja använda Auto Top-Up redan idag

Se till att din Tap-app är uppdaterad, gå till kortfliken och aktivera Auto Top-Up där.

Har du frågor? Vårt supportteam finns här för att hjälpa dig komma igång!

‍

Find
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

NEWS AND UPDATES

Millennials and Gen Z: The Catalysts of the Money Revolution?

Millennials and Gen Z are revolutionizing the financial landscape, leveraging cryptocurrencies to challenge traditional systems and redefine money itself. Curious about how this shift affects your financial future? Let's uncover the powerful changes they’re driving!

Read more

The financial world is undergoing a significant transformation, largely driven by Millennials and Gen Z. These digital-native generations are embracing cryptocurrencies at an unprecedented rate, challenging traditional financial systems and catalysing a shift toward new forms of digital finance, redefining how we perceive and interact with money.

This movement is not just a fleeting trend but a fundamental change that is redefining how we perceive and interact with money.

Digital Natives Leading the Way

Growing up in the digital age, Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997-2012) are inherently comfortable with technology. This familiarity extends to their financial behaviours, with a noticeable inclination toward adopting innovative solutions like cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

According to the Grayscale Investments and Harris Poll Report which studied Americans, 44% agree that “crypto and blockchain technology are the future of finance.” Looking more closely at the demographics, Millenials and Gen Z’s expressed the highest levels of enthusiasm, underscoring the pivotal role younger generations play in driving cryptocurrency adoption.

Desire for Financial Empowerment and Inclusion

Economic challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped these generations' perspectives on traditional finance. There's a growing scepticism toward conventional financial institutions and a desire for greater control over personal finances.

The Grayscale-Harris Poll found that 23% of those surveyed believe that cryptocurrencies are a long-term investment, up from 19% the previous year. The report also found that 41% of participants are currently paying more attention to Bitcoin and other crypto assets because of geopolitical tensions, inflation, and a weakening US dollar (up from  34%). 

This sentiment fuels engagement with cryptocurrencies as viable investment assets and tools for financial empowerment.

Influence on Market Dynamics

The collective financial influence of Millennials and Gen Z is significant. Their active participation in cryptocurrency markets contributes to increased liquidity and shapes market trends. Social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok have become pivotal in disseminating information and investment strategies among these generations.

The rise of cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu demonstrates how younger investors leverage online communities to impact financial markets2. This phenomenon shows their ability to mobilise and drive market movements, challenging traditional investment paradigms.

Embracing Innovation and Technological Advancement

Cryptocurrencies represent more than just investment opportunities; they embody technological innovation that resonates with Millennials and Gen Z. Blockchain technology and digital assets are areas where these generations are not only users but also contributors.

A 2021 survey by Pew Research Center indicated that 31% of Americans aged 18-29 have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency, compared to just 8% of those aged 50-64. This significant disparity highlights the generational embrace of digital assets and the technologies underpinning them.

Impact on Traditional Financial Institutions

The shift toward cryptocurrencies is prompting traditional financial institutions to adapt. Banks, investment firms, and payment platforms are increasingly integrating crypto services to meet the evolving demands of younger clients.

Companies like PayPal and Square have expanded their cryptocurrency offerings, allowing users to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies directly from their platforms. These developments signify the financial industry's recognition of the growing importance of cryptocurrencies.

Challenges and Considerations

While enthusiasm is high, challenges such as regulatory uncertainties, security concerns, and market volatility remain. However, Millennials and Gen Z appear willing to navigate these risks, drawn by the potential rewards and alignment with their values of innovation and financial autonomy.

In summary

Millennials and Gen Z are redefining the financial landscape, with their embrace of cryptocurrencies serving as a catalyst for broader change. This isn't just about alternative investments; it's a shift in how younger generations view financial systems and their place within them. Their drive for autonomy, transparency, and technological integration is pushing traditional institutions to innovate rapidly.

This generational influence extends beyond personal finance, potentially reshaping global economic structures. For industry players, from established banks to fintech startups, adapting to these changing preferences isn't just advantageous—it's essential for long-term viability.

As cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology mature, we're likely to see further transformations in how society interacts with money. Those who can navigate this evolving landscape, balancing innovation with stability, will be well-positioned for the future of finance. It's a complex shift, but one that offers exciting possibilities for a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial ecosystem. The financial world is changing, and it's the young guns who are calling the shots.

Terra, Celsius: The crypto crashes in 2022 explained

2022 was a rollercoaster for crypto investors. Explore the reasons behind the crashes of Terra and Celsius and what the future holds.

Read more

There is seldom a dull moment in the cryptosphere. In a matter of weeks, crypto winters can turn into bull runs, high-profile celebrities can send the price of a cryptocurrency to an all-time high and big networks can go from hero to bankruptcy. While we await the next bull run, let’s dissect some of the bigger moments of this year so far. 

In a matter of weeks, we saw two major cryptocurrencies drop significantly in value and later declare themselves bankrupt. Not only did these companies lose millions, but millions of investors lost immense amounts of money. 

As some media sources use these stories as an opportunity to spread FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) about the crypto industry, in this article we’ll look at what affected these particular networks. This is not the “norm” when it comes to investing in digital assets, these are cases of not doing enough thorough research. 

The Downfall of Terra

Terra is a blockchain platform that offered several cryptocurrencies (mostly stablecoins), most notably the stablecoin TerraUST (UST) and Terra (LUNA). LUNA tokens played an integral role in maintaining the price of the algorithmic stablecoins, incentivizing trading between LUNA and stablecoins should they need to increase or decrease a stablecoin's supply. 

In December 2021, following a token burn, LUNA entered the top 10 biggest cryptocurrencies by market cap trading at $75. LUNA’s success was tied to that of UST. In April, UST overtook Binance USD to become the third-largest stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market. The Anchor protocol of the Terra ecosystem, which offers returns as high as 20% APY, aided UST's rise.

In May of 2022, UST unpegged from its $1 position, sending LUNA into a tailspin losing 99.9% of its value in a matter of days. The coin’s market cap dipped from $41b to $6.6m. The demise of the platform led to $60 billion of investors’ money going down the drain. So, what went wrong?

After a large sell-off of UST in early May, the stablecoin began to depeg. This caused a further mass sell-off of the algorithmic cryptocurrency causing mass amounts of LUNA to be minted to maintain its price equilibrium. This sent LUNA's circulating supply sky-rocketing, in turn crashing the price of the once top ten coin. The circulating supply of LUNA went from around 345 million to 3.47 billion in a matter of days. 

As investors scrambled to try to liquidate their assets, the damage was already done. The Luna Foundation Guard (LFG) had been acquiring large quantities of Bitcoin as a safeguard against the UST stablecoin unpegging, however, this did not prove to help as the network's tokens had already entered what's known as a "death spiral".

The LFG and Do Kwon reported bought $3 billion worth of Bitcoin and stored it in reserves should they need to use them for an unpegging. When the time came they claimed to have sold around 80,000 BTC, causing havoc on the rest of the market. Following these actions, the Bitcoin price dipped below $30,000, and continued to do so.

After losing nearly 100% of its value, the Terra blockchain halted services and went into overdrive to try and rectify the situation. As large exchanges started delisting both coins one by one, Terra’s founder Do Kwon released a recovery plan. While this had an effect on the coin’s price, rising to $4.46, it soon ran its course sending LUNA’s price below $1 again. 

In a final attempt to rectify the situation, Do Kwon alongside co-founder Daniel Shin hard forked the Terra blockchain to create a new version, renaming the original blockchain Terra Classic. The platform then released a new coin, Luna 2.0, while the original LUNA coin was renamed LUNC. 

Reviewing the situation in hindsight, a Web3 investor and venture partner at Farmer Fund, Stuti Pandey said, “What the Luna ecosystem did was they had a very aggressive and optimistic monetary policy that pretty much worked when markets were going very well, but they had a very weak monetary policy for when we encounter bear markets.” 

Then Celsius Froze Over

In mid-June 2022, Celsius, a blockchain-based platform that specializes in crypto loans and borrowing, halted all withdrawals citing “extreme market conditions”. Following a month of turmoil, Celsius officially announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July. 

Just a year earlier, in June 2021, the platform’s native token CEL had reached its all-time high of $8.02 with a market cap of $1.9 billion. Following the platform’s upheaval, at the time of writing CEL was trading at $1.18 with a market cap of $281 million. 

According to court filings, when the platform filed for bankruptcy it was $1.2 billion in the red with $5.5 billion in liabilities, of which $4.7 billion is customer holdings. A far cry from its reign as one of the most successful DeFi (decentralized finance) platforms. What led to this demise?

Last year, the platform faced its first minor bump in the road when the US states of Texas, Alabama and New Jersey took legal action against the company for allegedly selling unregistered securities to users. 

Then, in April 2022, following pressure from regulators, Celsius also stopped providing interest-bearing accounts to non-accredited investors. While against the nature of DeFi, the company was left with little choice.  

Things then hit the fan in May of this year. The collapse of LUNA and UST caused significant damage to investor confidence across the entire cryptocurrency market. This is believed to have accelerated the start of a "crypto winter" and led to an industry-wide sell-off that produced a bank-run-style series of withdrawals by Celsius users. In bankruptcy documents, Celsius attributes its liquidity problems to the "domino effect" of LUNA's failure.

According to the company, Celsius had 1.7 million users and $11.7 billion worth of assets under management (AUM) and had made over $8 billion in loans alongside its very high APY (annual percentage yields) of 17%. 

These loans, however, came to a grinding halt when the platform froze all its clients' assets and announced a company-wide freeze on withdrawals in early June. 

Celsius released a statement stating: “Due to extreme market conditions, today we are announcing that Celsius is pausing all withdrawals, Swap, and transfers between accounts. We are taking this necessary action for the benefit of our entire community to stabilize liquidity and operations while we take steps to preserve and protect assets.”

Two weeks later the platform hired restructuring expert Alvarez & Marsal to assist with alleviating the damage caused by June’s uncertainty and the mounting liquidity issues. 

As of mid-July, after paying off several loans, Celsius filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Final Thoughts

The biggest takeaway from these examples above it to always do your own research when it comes to investing in cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency platforms. Never chase “get-rich-quick” schemes, instead do your due diligence and read the fine print. If a platform is offering 20% APY, be sure to get to the bottom of how they intend to provide this. If there’s no transparency, there should be no investment. 

The cryptocurrency market has been faced with copious amounts of stressors in recent months, from the demise of these networks mentioned above (alongside others like Voyager and Three Anchor Capital) to a market-wide liquidity crunch, to the recent inflation rate increases around the globe. Not to mention the fearful anticipation of regulatory changes. 

If there’s one thing we know about cryptocurrencies it’s that the market as a whole is incredibly resilient. In recent weeks, prices of top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have slowly started to increase, causing speculation that we might finally be making our way out of the crypto winter. While this won’t be an overnight endeavour, the sentiment in the market remains hopeful. 

‍

What is a CBDC?

Unveiling the future of money: Explore the game-changing Central Bank Digital Currencies and their potential impact on finance.

Read more

Since the debut of Bitcoin in 2009, central banks have been living in fear of the disruptive technology that is cryptocurrency. Distributed ledger technology has revolutionized the digital world and has continued to challenge the corruption of central bank morals. 

Financial institutions can’t beat or control cryptocurrency, so they are joining them in creating digital currencies. Governments have now been embracing digital currencies in the form of CBDCs, otherwise known as central bank digital currencies. 

Central bank digital currencies are digital tokens, similar to cryptocurrency, issued by a central bank. They are pegged to the value of that country's fiat currency, acting as a digital currency version of the national currency. CBDCs are created and regulated by a country's central bank and monetary authorities.

A central bank digital currency is generally created for a sense of financial inclusion and to improve the application of monetary and fiscal policy. Central banks adopting currency in digital form presents great benefits for the federal reserve system as well as citizens, but there are some cons lurking behind the central bank digital currency facade.

Types of central bank digital currencies

While the concept of a central bank digital currency is quite easy to understand, there are layers to central bank money in its digital form. Before we take a deep dive into the possibilities presented by the central banks and their digital money, we will break down the different types of central bank digital currencies. 

Wholesale CBDCs

Wholesale central bank digital currencies are targeted at financial institutions, whereby reserve balances are held within a central bank. This integration assists the financial system and institutions in improving payment systems and security payment efficiency. 

This is much simpler than rolling out a central bank digital currency to the whole country but provides support for large businesses when they want to transfer money. These digital payments would also act as a digital ledger and aid in the avoidance of money laundering.

Retail CBDCs

A retail central bank digital currency refers to government-backed digital assets used between businesses and customers. This type of central bank digital currency is aimed at traditional currency, acting as a digital version of physical currency. These digital assets would allow retail payment systems, direct P2P CBDC transactions, as well as international settlements among businesses. It would be similar to having a bank account, where you could digitally transfer money through commercial banks, except the currency would be in the form of a digital yuan or euro, rather than the federal reserve of currency held by central banks.

Pros and cons of a central bank digital currency (CBDC)

Central banks are looking for ways to keep their money in the country, as opposed to it being spent on buying cryptocurrencies, thus losing it to a global market. As digital currencies become more popular, each central bank must decide whether they want to fight it or profit from the potential. Regardless of adoption, central banks creating their own digital currencies comes with benefits and disadvantages to users that you need to know. 

Pros of central bank digital currency (CBDC)

  • Cross border payments
  • Track money laundering activity 
  • Secure international monetary fund
  • Reduces risk of commercial bank collapse 
  • Cheaper
  • More secure
  • Promotes financial inclusion

Cons of central bank digital currency (CDBC)

  • Central banks have complete control
  • No anonymity of digital currency transfers
  • Cybersecurity issues 
  • Price reliant on fiat currency equivalent 
  • Physical money may be eliminated 
  • Ban of distributed ledger technology and cryptocurrency

Central bank digital currency conclusion

Central bank money in an electronic form has been a big debate in the blockchain technology space, with so many countries considering the possibility. The European Central Bank, as well as other central banks, have been considering the possibility of central bank digital currencies as a means of improving the financial system. The Chinese government is in the midst of testing out their e-CNY, which some are calling the digital yuan. They have seen great success so far, but only after completely banning Bitcoin trading.

There is a lot of good that can come from CBDCs, but the benefits are mostly for the federal reserve system and central banks. Bank-account holders and citizens may have their privacy compromised and their investment options limited if the world adopts CBDCs.

It's important to remember that central bank digital currencies are not cryptocurrencies. They do not compete with cryptocurrencies and the benefits of blockchain technology. Their limited use cases can only be applied when reinforced by a financial system authority. Only time will tell if CBDCs will succeed, but right now you can appreciate the advantages brought to you by crypto.

Understanding the crypto Travel Rule's role

You might have heard of the "Travel Rule" before, but do you know what it actually mean? Let us dive into it for you.

Read more

What is the "Travel Rule"?

You might have heard of the "Travel Rule" before, but do you know what it actually mean? Well, let me break it down for you. The Travel Rule, also known as FATF Recommendation 16, is a set of measures aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing through financial transactions.

So, why is it called the Travel Rule? It's because the personal data of the transacting parties "travels" with the transfers, making it easier for authorities to monitor and regulate these transactions. See, now it all makes sense!

The Travel Rule applies to financial institutions engaged in virtual asset transfers and crypto companies, collectively referred to as virtual asset service providers (VASPs). These VASPs have to obtain and share "required and accurate originator information and required beneficiary information" with counterparty VASPs or financial institutions during or before the transaction.

To make things more practical, the FATF recommends that countries adopt a de minimis threshold of 1,000 USD/EUR for virtual asset transfers. This means that transactions below this threshold would have fewer requirements compared to those exceeding it.

For transfers of Virtual Assets falling below the de minimis threshold, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) are required to gather:
  • The identities of the sender (originator) and receiver (beneficiary).
  • Either the wallet address associated with each transaction involving Virtual Assets (VAs) or a unique reference number assigned to the transaction.
  • Verification of this gathered data is not obligatory, unless any suspicious circumstances concerning money laundering or terrorism financing arise. In such instances, it becomes essential to verify customer information.
Conversely, for transfers surpassing the de minimis threshold, VASPs are obligated to collect more extensive particulars, encompassing:
  • Full name of the sender (originator).
  • The account number employed by the sender (originator) for processing the transaction, such as a wallet address.
  • The physical (geographical) address of the sender (originator), national identity number, a customer identification number that uniquely distinguishes the sender to the ordering institution, or details like date and place of birth.
  • Name of the receiver (beneficiary).
  • Account number of the receiver (beneficiary) utilized for transaction processing, similar to a wallet address.


By following these guidelines, virtual asset service providers can contribute to a safer and more transparent virtual asset ecosystem while complying with international regulations on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. It's all about ensuring the integrity of financial transactions and safeguarding against illicit activities.

Implementation of the Travel Rule in the United Kingdom

A notable shift is anticipated in the United Kingdom's oversight of the virtual asset sector, commencing September 1, 2023.

This seminal development comes in the form of the Travel Rule, which falls under Part 7A of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. Designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing within the virtual asset industry, this new regulation expands the information-sharing requirements for wire transfers to encompass virtual asset transfers.

The HM Treasury of the UK has meticulously customized the provisions of the revised Wire Transfer Regulations to cater to the unique demands of the virtual asset sector. This underscores the government's unwavering commitment to fostering a secure and transparent financial ecosystem. Concurrently, it signals their resolve to enable the virtual asset industry to flourish.

The Travel Rule itself originates from the updated version of the Financial Action Task Force's recommendation on information-sharing requirements for wire transfers. By extending these recommendations to cover virtual asset transfers, the UK aspires to significantly mitigate the risk of illicit activities within the sector.

Undoubtedly, the Travel Rule heralds a landmark stride forward in regulating the virtual asset industry in the UK. By extending the ambit of information-sharing requirements and fortifying oversight over virtual asset firms‍

Implementation of the Travel Rule in the European Union‍

Prepare yourself, as a new regulation called the Travel Rule is set to be introduced in the world of virtual assets within the European Union. Effective from December 30, 2024, this rule will take effect precisely 18 months after the initial enforcement of the Transfer of Funds Regulation.

Let's delve into the details of the Travel Rule. When it comes to information requirements, there will be no distinction made between cross-border transfers and transfers within the EU. The revised Transfer of Funds regulation recognizes all virtual asset transfers as cross-border, acknowledging the borderless nature and global reach of such transactions and services.

Now, let's discuss compliance obligations. To ensure adherence to these regulations, European Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) must comply with certain measures. For transactions exceeding 1,000 EUR with self-hosted wallets, CASPs are obligated to collect crucial originator and beneficiary information. Additionally, CASPs are required to fulfill additional wallet verification obligations.

The implementation of these measures within the European Union aims to enhance transparency and mitigate potential risks associated with virtual asset transfers. For individuals involved in this domain, it is of utmost importance to stay informed and adhere to these new guidelines in order to ensure compliance.

‍What does the travel rules means to me as user? ‍

As a user in the virtual asset industry, the implementation of the Travel Rule brings some significant changes that are designed to enhance the security and transparency of financial transactions. This means that when you engage in virtual asset transfers, certain personal information will now be shared between the involved parties. While this might sound intrusive at first, it plays a crucial role in combating fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.

The Travel Rule aims to create a safer environment for individuals like you by reducing the risks associated with illicit activities. This means that you can have greater confidence in the legitimacy of the virtual asset transactions you engage in. The regulation aims to weed out illicit activities and promote a level playing field for legitimate users. This fosters trust and confidence among users, attracting more participants and further driving the growth and development of the industry.

However, it's important to note that complying with this rule may require you to provide additional information to virtual asset service providers. Your privacy and the protection of your personal data remain paramount, and service providers are bound by strict regulations to ensure the security of your information.

In summary, the Travel Rule is a positive development for digital asset users like yourself, as it contributes to a more secure and trustworthy virtual asset industry.

‍Unlocking Compliance and Seamless Experiences: Tap's Proactive Approach to Upcoming Regulations‍

Tap is fully committed to upholding regulatory compliance, while also prioritizing a seamless and enjoyable customer experience. In order to achieve this delicate balance, Tap has proactively sought out partnerships with trusted solution providers and is actively engaged in industry working groups. By collaborating with experts in the field, Tap ensures it remains on the cutting edge of best practices and innovative solutions.

These efforts not only demonstrate Tap's dedication to compliance, but also contribute to creating a secure and transparent environment for its users. By staying ahead of the curve, Tap can foster trust and confidence in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, reassuring customers that their financial transactions are safe and protected.

But Tap's commitment to compliance doesn't mean sacrificing user experience. On the contrary, Tap understands the importance of providing a seamless journey for its customers. This means that while regulatory requirements may be changing, Tap is working diligently to ensure that users can continue to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience.

By combining a proactive approach to compliance with a determination to maintain user satisfaction, Tap is setting itself apart as a trusted leader in the financial technology industry.  So rest assured, as Tap evolves in response to new regulations, your experience as a customer will remain top-notch and worry-free.

‍

Auto Top-Up är här: Håll ditt kort laddat – automatiskt.

Slipp saldostress! Med Auto Top-Up fylls ditt Tap-kort på automatiskt med fiat eller krypto. Ställ in det en gång – sen är du klar!

Read more
Simplifying Your Spending: Why Tap’s New Partnership with TapiX Matters to You

Read more
Tap temporarily suspends XTP locking/fees in compliance with FCA regulatory requirement

Read more
Understanding the crypto Travel Rule's role

You might have heard of the "Travel Rule" before, but do you know what it actually mean? Let us dive into it for you.

Read more
No items found.

LATEST ARTICLE

Ekonomi
Lizzy
How does APY (Annual Percentage Yield) work?
Read article

So you decided to go deeper into the fundamentals of investing and learn what an APY is. You've come to the right place, let's get you started with this perplexing "APY" term.

What Is APY?

In conventional finance, a savings account frequently offers both a low-interest rate and an annual percentage yield (APY). Let's look at what they are and what they mean.

  • The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is the annual return from the principal and accumulated interest on investments or savings, expressed as a percentage.
    ‍
  • The simple interest rate is the amount earned on the original deposit. 

Assume an account at a bank offers a yearly interest rate of 5%. If someone deposits €2,000 into the account, it will be worth €2,100 after a year with the 5% yearly interest rate.                                           

The Difference Between Interest Rate, APY and APR

The APY takes into account the impact of compounding, whereas the interest rate does not. The APY is the projected rate of return earned annually on a deposit after taking compound interest into account.

Compounding interest is the interest that a person accrues from their initial deposit, as well as the interest they earn from their original investment (or in other words, the initial deposit amount plus the interest generated).

The terms APY and APR are frequently used interchangeably, although they represent two different things. These words are sometimes confused due to their close resemblance. However, APY and APR aren't the same things.

The APR (annual percentage rate) is a formula that determines how much interest you'll pay when borrowing money and is the rate of return earned if your funds are invested in an interest-bearing account. 

When a person takes out a loan, their lender sets an APR that varies based on the loan. APRs are either fixed or fluctuating depending on the type of loan the user requires. However, the APR is a rather basic interest rate and does not take compounding into account, unlike APY. 

How Is APY Calculated?

APY represents your rate of return, also known as the amount of earnings or profit you can make. Of course, your ultimate earnings will vary depending on how long you keep your assets invested while the holding period will influence how much you will earn. 

APY measures the rate of the annual return earned on any amount of money or investment after taking into account compounding interest.

The following is the formula for calculating APY:

APY = (1 + p/n)ⁿ − 1

Where:

p = periodic rate of return (or annual APR)

n = number of compounding periods each year
‍

Bear in mind that an APY can be calculated in a variety of ways depending on the provider.

Crypto
James
Etherscan förklarat: Så spårar du aktivitet på Ethereum
Read article

Etherscan är en kostnadsfri och mycket populär blockutforskare som gör det möjligt för vem som helst att se transaktioner som har skett på Ethereum-nätverket. Och det är inte bara transaktioner – här kan du även hitta information om block, gasavgifter, plånböcker, smarta kontrakt och annan on-chain-data. I den här guiden går vi igenom vad Etherscan är och hur det fungerar.

Vad är Etherscan?

Som nämnts ovan är Etherscan en blockutforskare för Ethereum. Utöver att ge insyn i vad blockkedjeteknik har att erbjuda, visar Etherscan detaljer om allt från transaktionsstatus och gasavgifter till smarta kontrakt och dApps. Verktyget utnyttjar blockkedjans öppna natur för att ge användare fullständig transparens.

Du behöver inget konto för att använda Etherscan – men om du skapar ett får du tillgång till extra funktioner som notifieringar vid inkommande transaktioner, utvecklarverktyg och möjligheten att skapa egna dataflöden. Oavsett om du investerar i en dApp, övervakar en plånbok eller sätter in pengar i ett blockkedjebaserat spel, kan du följa all aktivitet via denna webbläsarbaserade tjänst.

Varför är Etherscan så populärt?

Etherscan är den mest använda blockutforskaren för Ethereum och hyllas inom kryptobranschen tack vare sin användarvänlighet och tillförlitlighet. Även om du inte kan lagra eller handla ETH på plattformen, får du en detaljerad inblick i nätverkets aktivitet, analys av blockkedjan samt information om både ETH och tokens som är baserade på Ethereum.

Verktyget hjälper dig även att förstå hur Ethereum fungerar, och det kan användas för att upptäcka misstänkt aktivitet – exempelvis om ett projektteam säljer av sina tokens eller om stora “whale”-rörelser sker som kan påverka priset.

Hur använder man Etherscan?

Etherscan kan användas till mycket – från att kontrollera transaktioner till att verifiera smarta kontrakt. Här går vi igenom hur du kan spåra en transaktion steg för steg.

Så hittar du en transaktion på Etherscan

Att kunna följa upp sina transaktioner är ett kraftfullt verktyg i kryptovärlden. Du kan till exempel se hur många bekräftelser en transaktion har fått och vilka gasavgifter som betalats.

Varje transaktion har ett unikt ID, även kallat TXID eller transaktionshash – ungefär som ett personnummer för transaktioner. Det ser ut så här:
0x3349ea4144aed83291f87b3904b02f8f1e76c3b5bfed0d95a000fafddaed01bc

Kopiera TXID och klistra in det i sökfältet på etherscan.io så får du upp all information kopplad till transaktionen.

Etherscan-ordlista

  • Transaction Hash: Unikt ID för din transaktion.
  • Status: Visar om transaktionen lyckades, misslyckades eller pågår.
  • Block: Det block som transaktionen inkluderades i (antal bekräftelser visas här).
  • Timestamp: Datum och tid då transaktionen skedde.
  • From: Plånboksadressen transaktionen skickades från.
  • To: Adressen eller smarta kontraktet som mottog transaktionen.
  • Value: Summan i ETH eller token som skickades.
  • Transaction Fee: Avgiften (i ETH) som betalades för transaktionen.
  • Gas Price: Priset per gasenhet (visas i ETH och Gwei).

Hur hittar jag gaspriser på Etherscan?

När du använder Ethereum-nätverket behöver du betala gasavgifter – dessa varierar beroende på hur upptaget nätverket är just då.

På Etherscan hittar du en Gas Tracker som visar aktuella gaspriser och hur belastat nätverket är. Det hjälper dig att planera när det är mest fördelaktigt att genomföra transaktioner.

Sammanfattning

Etherscan är ett oumbärligt verktyg för alla som använder Ethereum eller andra tillgångar på nätverket. Oavsett om du vill verifiera transaktioner, kolla gasavgifter eller hålla koll på aktiviteten i ett projekt – ger Etherscan dig överblick, insyn och kontroll. En perfekt påminnelse om en av kryptons största styrkor: transparens.

‍

Crypto
Lizzy
What is a Satoshi and how to calculate it
Read article

When Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin, they designed it in such a way that should the value increase dramatically, there would still be an inclusive decimal value for the masses. Satoshis could one day be how we buy a cup of coffee anywhere in the world, using the same currency from Britain to Japan.

How many Satoshis are in a Bitcoin?

Much like fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies can be divided into smaller units. While the US dollar and Euro has cents as its smallest denomination, Bitcoin has satoshis (also referred to as SATs). But unlike cents, satoshis are 100 millionth of a Bitcoin, meaning that Bitcoin can be divided into 100 million units, that's eighteen decimal places. 

See the table below illustrating the various values of Bitcoin vs satoshis.

How many Satoshis are in a Bitcoin, exactly?

1 Satoshi 0.00000001 Bitcoin
10 Satoshi 0.00000010 Bitcoin
100 Satoshi 0.00000100 Bitcoin
1,000 Satoshi 0.00001000 Bitcoin
10,000 Satoshi 0.00010000 Bitcoin
100,000 Satoshi 0.00100000 Bitcoin
1,000,000 Satoshi 0.01000000 Bitcoin
10,000,000 Satoshi 0.10000000 Bitcoin
100,000,000 Satoshi 1.00000000 Bitcoin

As defined by the technology, only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist, meaning that there will only ever be 210,000,000,000,000 satoshis. That's a tough figure to wrap your head around. As indicated above the link between satoshis and Bitcoin is several decimal places, certainly not calculations we were taught in school. A less complicated notion to digest is that satoshis were named after Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.  

Bitcoin measurement units

The creator of the peer-to-peer digital currency outlined in the Bitcoin white paper the decimal places that Bitcoin is divisible by. Throughout the whitepaper, they only referred to two measurement units, Bitcoin itself and satoshis. Several years down the line as the BTC price continued increasing, market research and various discussions resulted in the decision that more measurement units were required.

Five years after Satoshi Nakamoto disappeared from online forums, a universal ISO update was released that recognised two new Bitcoin measurements. 

  • MicroBitcoin (μBTC) 

1 BTC = 1,000,000 MicroBitcoins (μBTC) = 100 SATs

  • MilliBitcoin X (mBTC)

1 BTC = 1,000 MilliBitcoins (mBTC) = 100,000 SATs

‍

When taking a glance at your Bitcoin wallet you can choose to see satoshis, microBitcoins or miliBitcoins. By any account, it will likely take a few years before we're referring to buying goods in SATs.

How to calculate SATs

As we've already established in the information provided above, 1 BTC is worth 100,000,000 SATs. While one could do the maths, there are plenty of tools available online that can do the sums for you. Better yet, as satoshis are recognised as universal units of value, you can change the currency setting on several sites.

For instance, on Coin Market Cap, you can change the default currency to SATs by selecting the currency drop down option in the top right-hand corner. Select the Satoshi option under Bitcoin units.

‍

This will then display all values as satoshis. 

‍

Alternatively, you can use one of the many satoshi calculators available online, which will instantly convert your currency value into SATs. In the future when using SATs as a form of payment, the value owed will likely be presented to you in the same form, allowing for a much easier consumer experience.

‍Key Takeaways

SATs are used by the Bitcoin network and crypto exchanges. Miners on the Bitcoin blockchain use SATs to determine the fee owned to them for transactions validated, while some exchanges use SATs to measure altcoin's value and performance against Bitcoin.

It is likely if in the future Bitcoin is fully integrated into our financial systems that prices in shops and supermarkets will be reflected as a value in SATs as opposed to BTC.

Investera
James
Which investor category do you fall into: low, medium or high?
Read article

Whether you're new to investments or you've been active in the markets for years, it's never too late (or early) to get your head around the different types of investment opportunities available. As we know, one size never fits all, so in this piece we're going to run you through the options out there and help you to determine which category will best suit your needs. 

The 3 tiers of investments

First and foremost, when diving into the world of investing one must first determine their risk tolerance. How much risk you are willing to engage in will help you establish which investment avenue to go down. The three options are:

1. Low-risk 

These types of investors are not looking to take risks with their capital. The primary goal is to preserve the initial investment despite the opportunity to gain returns. This is a great start for new investors as the risk is minimal while they learn the ropes. 

A great investment option here is a money market fund. The funds are typically managed by professional, licensed fund managers, and involve bank deposits, commercial papers and treasury bills. While the risk is low, the potential for returns is moderate and the investment is liquid, meaning that the investor typically have access to the funds at any time. 

2. Medium-risk 

Providing an option for the more confident investor, medium-risk investments incorporate moderate risks but have measures in place to stop any high losses. This strategy is often made up of low-risk and high-risk investments, ensuring a balance between the two components. 

Medium-risk options include a mix of mutual funds and dollar funds, which will invest in medium-risk stocks, bonds and treasury bills. The risk of losing capital is therefore lower than with high-risk investments while your potential for returns are higher than low-risk investment options. 

3. High-risk 

This category is for the investors with an appetite for risk. They're comfortable with losing their invested capital in the pursuit of higher gains. A huge note here is that Ponzi schemes are never good investments. Rather stick to professionally managed investment funds that are catered to those with a high-risk threshold. 

These might include equity mutual funds that invest in stocks of vetted companies with large public listings. These are best catered to long-term timelines, as volatility might hinder the returns in a shorter space of time. High-risk investments have the potential to bring about higher returns, however this is never a guarantee. 
‍

How to distinguish what type of investor you are

While a professional financial advisor can do this for you, we've created a three step, simple way to determine whether you fit into the conservative investor (low-risk), moderate investor (medium-risk) or aggressive investor (high-risk) category. Consider these three factors below:

  • what is your age?

If you're younger, there are more years ahead of you to recover from a bad investment. As a result, each passing birthday slightly lowers your risk tolerance.

  • what is your marital status?

As a general rule of thumb being married incurs more expenses and allows for less risk taking when compared to a single person with no-one else to be responsible for. With fewer financial responsibilities comes a high opportunity for risk-taking. 

  • what is your net-worth?

Last but not least, your net-worth will also impact your appetite for risk. The more money you have, the more you can risk to make that money grow (and the bigger the cushion if an investment does go south). 
‍

In conclusion‍

It's important to remember that one investor type is not better than another, rather, it is what's best suited to your needs and requirements. The longer you leave these investments the higher the returns, so be sure to have a solid savings account built up prior to investing to ensure that should something go wrong you have alternative sources of funds to support that. Liquidating your investment early might lead to losses and most certainly lost opportunity. 

Crypto
Ash
How to DYOR: 4 things to look out for
Read article

Before you invest in any crypto projects or assets, the golden rule is to always do your own research (DYOR). Hearing about a new coin from your neighbor or cousin's friend on Facebook is great, but it still requires a sizable chunk of your own research. Before you part ways with your money in the crypto space ensure that you've weighed up both the risks and the potential, the responsibility lies with you.

Crypto investing has a track record of being volatile, so the more clued up you are on the crypto assets you invest in, the better. While market data and fundamental analysis are important, be sure to understand the basics of a project and the project's potential.

What is DYOR (do your own research) in the crypto space?

The holy grail of investing in crypto projects, DYOR has become a common abbreviation for do your own research. The phrase is used to remind crypto investors that they should conduct their own research on a crypto project thoroughly before investing any money in it.

Whether you're looking to buy crypto assets, tokens, NFTs, or in any way get involved with a crypto project, be sure to thoroughly investigate the following factors mentioned below when doing your own research. Don't be lured in by a project's fundamental analysis, ensure that you understand everything there is to know about the project. Crypto investing can have devastating consequences for uninformed investors.

The 4 dimensions of how to DYOR on a crypto project

Below we will outline the four main dimensions of conducting your own research on a new cryptocurrency. These four pillars will give crypto traders a solid understanding of what the project represents, how it's been received, and what might happen in the future. Be sure to do this before looking at any technical analysis.

Remember, doing your own research requires reading multiple sources and verifying that the information is correct. When conducting your own research you mind find some disputing information, continue looking until you have the accurate answer.

Team

First and foremost, who is the team running this project? This information is typically presented on the platform's website or in its whitepaper (it's imperative that a project has both of these).

Take a look at the size of the project team, a small team might fall apart if one of the three members leaves while an excessively large team might be a red flag if it is still in its early days.

Check the experience of the leaders on the team. Ideally, you want leaders and executives to have experience in blockchain, Web3, finance, business, computer science, or any other related fields. Also, consider whether their current titles match their experience.

Are the team entirely anonymous? This is considered a red flag as the potential for them to execute an exit run is high. Consider the leaders of the project carefully and decide whether they have the means to steer this ship in the right direction.

Tokenomics

Tokenomics refers to the factors related to the supply and demand of a coin or token. The term merges "token" and "economics" and provides a key area of study for potential investors when establishing a coin's long-term viability. Below are the main aspects of tokenomics:

  • Token supply: what is the maximum supply of coins or tokens?
  • Token utility: what is the purpose of the coin (does it have governance rights, does it serve a specific function)?
  • Market cap: How does the coin's market cap compare to that of its competitors?
  • Issuance tactics: does the project intend on conducting token burns or any related activities?
  • Minting, allocation, and distribution: how are the coins minted (all at once, gradually), when launched how are the tokens distributed, do a small number of members hold a large amount, are any coins locked up that will be released to the market on a specific date?
  • Trading volumes and liquidity: what kind of volumes does this coin trade and how much liquidity does it have?

Innovation

For this pillar of the project, you want to look at what problem this project is solving, and what edge it has over its competitors. It's also worth taking a look at the project's road map and whether it is delivering on its self-set milestones. No roadmap is a red flag, well-managed projects are transparent and eager to release their milestone accomplishments.

Ideally, you want to establish what solution this project is bringing to the greater industry and what competitive advantage this project holds over similar projects. Consider its weaknesses.

If you want to take things one step further, consider what the team might not be telling you, and what elements could work against the growth and success of the project.

Social

This might not seem essential, but social media platforms can offer significant insights into the project's community, achievements, and current state within the crypto space.

When conducting your crypto research check whether the project has active official social media channels, and how often these are updated.

Secondly, how big is their community both in terms of followers and engagement? Are people engaging with the platform or talking about it on their own channels? Community members can shed a big light on how the project has been received.

Lastly, what kind of discussions are being had within the community of these groups? Are people friendly and inviting, or are they blindly promoting the project and pushing "lambo" sentiments? Ideally, you want to have a space where open and honest discussions can be had and constructive criticism accepted.

Toxic communities along with shillers and abandoned channels are all red flags.

The bottom line for DYOR and crypto projects

Establishing these four dimensions of a project is important prior to investing any money. Not only does it give you the opportunity to learn about a new project, but also to become better acquainted with what is happening in the crypto space.

Through the process of conducting your own research, you might discover a viable gem or even gain access to exclusive airdrops as an early supporter. Bear markets are a great time for diving into DYOR explorations.

Crypto
James
What is the graph (GRT) ?
Read article

The Graph is making the process of interacting with blockchains much simpler by streamlining the building of new apps and the process of tracking valuable data, powering the growth of DeFi and Web3 platforms. The platform allows developers to provide improved user experience across the board, as opposed to having to create custom back-end infrastructure for each application.

The Graph indexes blockchain data in a unique and decentralized way which allows for the seamless querying and retrieving of data that is easily accessible and can be adopted by many. The platform's contribution to the global DeFi and Web3 infrastructure will be felt in years to come.

What is The Graph?

The Graph is a unique decentralized protocol that utilizes DLT (decentralized ledger technology) and the powerful GraphQL programming language to enable blockchain data collection without relying on third parties. The cutting-edge technology makes it simpler than ever before to index, organize, and query blockchain data information with remarkable accuracy and speed.

The Graph provides indexing and querying services that are compatible with networks like Ethereum, IPFS and PAO, with more to come in the future. The infrastructure can then organize data through the hosted service and implement automated workflow processes through open APIs, called subgraphs in The Graph ecosystem.

This indexing protocol resolves the issue of querying data security, chain reorganization, and other related matters with the subgraphs.

The launch of The Graph mainnet marked a milestone in creating entirely decentralized applications compatible with an expansive network of service providers. With these open, public subgraphs, developers can now build thousands of dapps on the network, with hundreds already hosted by The Graph mainnet. This allows for secure blockchain data access making the world far more connected than ever before.

The Graph (GRT) successfully raised $12 million from a public token sale and an additional $7.5 million from a private round funded by Coinbase Ventures, Digital Currency Group, and Framework Ventures including Multicoin Capital's investment of $2.5 million.

How is The Graph network secured?

The Graph mainnet is powered by nodes, while indexers, curators, delegators, and consumers use GRT tokens to ensure the integrity of the data secured within the network. GRT is The Graph network's native cryptocurrency which helps to assign resources within its ecosystem. All network participants are required to stake GRT in order to perform their roles, and in return can earn fees from the network.

The Graph Foundation offers the network participants coordination and support while steering and growing the ecosystem. The foundation is financially and legally accountable to The Graph Council, which oversees governance decisions.

Who created The Graph platform?

Driven by his firsthand experience of how hard it is to create new dapps on Ethereum, Yaniv Tal joined forces with Brandon Ramirez and Jannis Pohlmann in 2018 to form The Graph team. The Graph aims were to design the world's first decentralized indexing and querying application that could make Web3 and dapp creation accessible to anyone. This vision included the ability to build immutable APIs with the GraphQP query language. 

The three co-founders previously launched a developer tools startup together sharing a common interest in optimizing API stacks. All with engineering backgrounds, Yaniv Tal acts as project lead, Brandon Ramirez is the research lead and Jannis Pohlmann the tech lead.

The Graph launched on December 17, 2020.

How does The Graph protocol work?

By leveraging the Graph Protocol, developers and users can open APIs to build subgraphs for a variety of applications. In April 2021 alone, The Graph’s hosted service managed 20 billion queries - further demonstrating its power in data indexing, querying data, and its collection of data.

The Graph node sustains the whole system, scanning through the blockchain database to organize and index data. The platform's structure is centered around delegators, indexes, curators, and consumers, who use GRT tokens to participate in the network. 

Indexers - Graph node operators

With staked GRT, indexers can provide querying and indexing services to the network, earning query fees and rewards for their efforts. They are also responsible for running node software providing a vital part of The Graph ecosystem that grants access to data stored on Ethereum or other supported networks at lightning speed. Indexers are the most technical positions within the ecosystem.

Curators - identity blockchain data sources

Curators are responsible for developing subgraphs (open APIs are called subgraphs on the network) and signaling to indexers which ones should be indexed by the network. They also identify the most reliable data sources using their knowledge of the blockchain ecosystem, consumers and apps.

To incentivize the quality of their data sourcing, curators are required to deposit GRT into a bonding curve on specific existing subgraphs, earning a portion of the query fees for the subgraphs they signal on. The earlier a curator signals on a subgraph the higher the share of query fees they earn, dependent on the amount of GRT deposited. 

Curators are semi-technical positions within the ecosystem as they require an understanding of open data. As an example, say a new DeFi subgraph appears and a curator thinks it looks promising. They can signal on the subgraph so that indexers recognize its potential and make it discoverable for dapp developers. In return, curators receive a portion of query fees for being among the first to spot it.

Delegators - securing the network

Delegators are non-technical contributors to the network and are responsible for securing the network without running a node. They select indexers based on performance metrics and delegate GRT to indexers via the Graph Explorer dapp, earning a portion of the query fees and indexing rewards in return. 

Consumers - end-users

Consumers are the end-users of The Graph and are the ones who query subgraphs and pay fees to indexers, curators, and delegators for their services. These query fees are paid through gateways or wallets that are built on top of the open-source contracts on the network. 

What is GRT on The Graph network?

The Graph (GRT) is an ERC-20 token and the native token to The Graph network. The coin is integral to the reward system created to benefit indexers, curators, and delegators, which incentives them to improve the market and network operations. 

Delegators can delegate their GRT holdings to Indexers, who use locked GRT to power the nodes on The Graph network. Curators receive a reward in the form of GRT for providing curation services and consumers pay using GRT to access indexing services. Additionally, unlocking dapps available through The Graph network as well as interoperable networks is done by using GRT tokens. 

Participants of the network earn money by receiving The Graph GRT tokens, which have a market value when traded on the cryptocurrency market.

10 billion GRT were created when the project launched, with an annual issuance rate of 3% for indexing rewards. The platform then burns the withdrawal tax that curators are charged as well as 1% of the total query fees. All issuance formalities are subject to future technical governance. At the time of writing, the current circulating supply of GRT was 6,9 billion. 

How can I buy The Graph (GRT) tokens?

It's now easier than ever to add GRT to your crypto portfolios with the convenient Tap app. The mobile app has recently introduced The Graph among the list of its supported currencies, enabling anyone to effortlessly and safely access this crypto market anytime. Get ready for a whole new level of trading experience.

GRT can be acquired with both cryptocurrency and fiat currency, or users may prefer to turn to more traditional payment solutions like bank transfers. The wallets integrated into the platform make it easy for customers to organize and manage their GRT tokens safely.

While this is an outline of the project we encourage all users to conduct their own research before investing in an cryptocurrencies or investments in the global economy.

Kickstart your financial journey

Ready to take the first step? Join forward-thinking traders and savvy money users. Unlock new possibilities and start your path to success today.

Get started