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How to Use KuCoin Exchange?
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What is KuCoin?
Today, the KuCoin cryptocurrency exchange is based in the jurisdiction of Hong Kong. A large list of promising cryptocurrencies is currently being traded on the site. The CEO and founder of the KuCoin exchange, Michael Gam, is a technical expert of the world’s largest fintech company Ant Financial.
A unique feature of the KuCoin exchange is that the exchange daily shares half of its profits with everyone who keeps an internal token on the wallet – the cryptocurrency KuCoin Shares (KCS). Also, like Binance, KuCoin takes very low commissions on transactions, and discounts are available for owners of KuCoin Shares.
In this article, we will look at how to trade on the KuCoin cryptocurrency exchange, how to replenish the balance and withdraw coins from the exchange. The limits and commissions of the platform will also be described. A review of the KuCoin crypto exchange will start with a research team.
Registration and Verification
Registration on the KuCoin exchange is extremely simple and takes place in three clicks. To register, you need:
- Agree to the service rules
- Specify mail and password
- Confirm mail
- Registration at KuCoin
And it’s all! After registration, you can immediately replenish the balance and proceed to trade on the KuCoin exchange. From November 1, 2018, the exchange imposes restrictions on withdrawal – 2 BTC per day for unverified accounts. If you will not withdraw from the exchange more than two bitcoins (or another cryptocurrency in the corresponding equivalent in BTC), then you do not need to be verified.
Also, verification may be needed if you start or withdraw fiat funds from the exchange. As stated by KuCoin management, such a function is planned in the near future.
How to deposit KuCoin balance
On any page of the Exchange website, you need to click on the “Dollar” button in the upper right corner and a window will open with a choice of cryptocurrencies that are on the site. In this window, you should click on the “Deposit” button opposite the desired coin that you plan to add to the exchange.
Then another window will open in which you are informed that if you make a mistake when sending coins to the stock exchange, for example, send the wrong currency or send coins to the wrong wallet address, it will be impossible to recover the lost funds. After you confirm that you understand the risks, there will be another window where you will see the address of the purse to replenish.
KuCloin limits and commissions
Commission on transactions on the Kukoin exchange is only 0.1%. This is less than most popular cryptocurrency exchanges. In addition, part of the commission can be redeemed by the KCS token.
Also on the stock exchange established fees for the withdrawal of cryptocurrency. For each coin, the commission is different, for example for BTC it is 0.001, and for EOS cryptocurrency the size will be 0.5. A complete list of current commission rates can be found here.
Cryptocurrency KuCoin Shares (KCS)
Like the Binance Exchange, KuCoin created their own cryptocurrency, which is actively developed and promoted among users. Investors who hold KCS on the stock exchange’s balance sheet receive a discount on the percentage of commission on trade transactions. Also, the KuCoin exchange daily shares with all the owners of the KCS token its profit from transactions. 50% of the total daily profit is distributed among the owners of the KCS coin, depending on the amount of investment. The calculator for calculating profitability is here.
Conclusion
The KuCoin cryptocurrency exchange is a modern secure platform for trading and exchanging digital currencies. The management of the exchange is actively developing the platform and is looking for new ways to attract users by offering new points of interaction. The exchange is translated into ten languages and has a good reputation in the cryptocurrency community.
KuCoin Shares internal token (KCS) allows you to receive passive income as a percentage of the exchange profits. This trading platform has its own working mobile applications, which are a priority for management. In general, the KuCoin Exchange is a progressive, reliable trading platform that is continuously evolving and takes into account the opinions of users.
How To Use The Coinbase Exchange
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What Is Coinbase?
Among the many renowned cryptocurrency exchanges across the globe, Coinbase is one of them. It was the highest funded bitcoin startup, launched in San Francisco In the year two thousand and twelve. A year after the launch, it became the greatest crypocurency exchange throughout the world. As per now, in thirty-two various countries across the globe, Coinbase attends to more than ten million traders. This is the most secure online platform where you can buy, sell, transfer and even store your digital currency.
How to trade on Coinbase
First, you have to create a Coinbase account. It is not as hard as you may think; as you only have to visit their website, fill in your personal information such as your name, email and the password you will be using for the same. After that, you have to check your email, to find out the confirmation email, which then you shall confirm.
The next step will be to tell Coinbase the type of account you want to create. Most likely, you will select between individual and business account. Then set up the payment method f that I will be favorable for you, for instance, you can enable the two-factor authentication.
You will enable the 2-factor authentication by ensuring that you supply your phone contact, which will be followed by setting up a payment method. Your payment method is up, and now it is time to get started with purchasing the cryptocurrency tokens. It is recommended to start by buying some Coinbase bundle.
What is a Coinbase Bundle?
Coinbase exchange is now offering five available cryptocurrencies namely litecoin, ethereum classic, bitcoin cash, and bitcoin. This bundle of coins will give you an opportunity to split your investments into percentages as follows: 2.33% of litecoin, 15.58 of ethereum, 0.78% of etherum classic, 75.2% of bitcoin and 6.11% bitcoin cash.
Coinbase Fees and Transactions
The Coinbase fees will range from 1.49 to 3.99% based on the method of payment you will be using. It is worth noting that credit cards are quite faster, but they can incur higher charges as compared to bank transfers.
Depending on your location, you will have different transaction limits applying to your account, and you can check them on your screen. Verified residents from Europe, can contract up to $30,000 weekly, while the U.S ones transact up to $50,000 weekly.
Coinbase Custody
Coinbase has a pioneering custody program, which is enjoyed by organizations which trade with them. It only takes holding at least $ 10,000,000, and then set up which needs $ 100,000 and you can enjoy it too.
Coinbase Shift Card and UK Bank Purchases
The UK bank and shift card are two essential parts of Coinbase. They are necessary as you can use them, especially the visa debit, in doing some transactions in various stores that allow the use of visas. If you are U.S resident, you can link your bank account to Cubase, and use it to purchase cryptocurrency tokens promptly.
Coinbase Pro
The pro-section used to be GDAX, and it is meant for the expert traders. It automatically comes together with your Coinbase account and will help you at an advanced level.
Paradex Acquisition
Coinbase bought a cryptocurrency exchange known as Paradox and it is focused on the ERC20 tokens, which are the utility tokens in various ICOs. Once they are fully merged with Paradex, Coinbase will integrate the option of purchasing ERC20 souvenirs recently acquired another cryptocurrency exchange called Paradex, which focuses on ERC20 tokens. You will perhaps recognise the ERC20 tokens as the utility tokens found in many ICOs. Coinbase plans to integrate the option of buying ERC20 tokens once they are fully merged with Paradex.
If you have investing needs, Coinbase is one of the best platforms to invest. If you are doing a lot of trading, this is also the way to go. Open your account today, and see the significant impact of Coinbase.
Have you ever heard of Wirex? Wirex has been making a name in crypto trading. Many traders are very much surprised on the card’s functionality. It is an all-in-one card that you can use for any type of transaction. If you haven’t had your Wirex Bitcoin Debit Card, my review about the Wirex Bitcoin Debit Card just might convince you to get one.
What is Wirex?
Wirex is one of the most popular bitcoin debit cards. Many cryptocurrency traders often use Wirex in their trading and other personal transactions. The card was created and conceptualized by E-Coin. This debit card has been in circulation since 2014. The card comes in a virtual and physical card. The virtual card is under Visa and is a perfect card for online transactions. On the other hand, the physical card is under MasterCard. The MasterCard comes with an EMV feature and PIN code for any transactions in physical stores. Both debit cards are accepted for any Visa and Mastercard transactions.
What benefits can you get from Wirex?
One of the good things about the card is that it can be delivered to more than 130 countries. Apart from that, it also has a mobile app that allows you to check and transfer funds. The mobile app also allows users to exchange fiat money to a digital token or vice versa.
Wirex has tight security and allows the user to use two-factor authentication. This feature reduces the possibility of the user becoming a victim of fraud and scams. The debit card is not a reloadable pre-paid card. The money that you have in your account will automatically reflect on the card. It has its own account number, CVV code and expiration date of the card.
The best benefit that you can get from the card is it’s 0.5% cash-back if you happen to use it in stores. This is actually more like token-back in the form of cryptocurrency.
What are the things that I don’t like from Wirex?
One of the disadvantages of the Wirex card is that it takes a long time before you can get it. Aside from that, the verification process is often slow and takes a long time to complete. Wirex will ask for several documents before you can complete your verification process. It takes up to 10 days before you can actually complete the process.
The actual Visa debit card is only available to users living in the UK. Users from other countries like the US and other European countries will only have access to the pre-paid card version of Wirex.
List of Fees for Wirex Debit Card
Like any other debit cards, the Wirex also has a monthly service charge. This applies to both Visa and MasterCard. In addition, the physical card also has an additional fee of $17 upon issuance. ATM withdrawals are charged $2.50 for domestic withdrawals while international withdrawals are charged $3.50
To summarize, the Wirex Bitcoin Debit Card is available in both Visa and Mastercard with both Virtual and Physical cards. It also has a mobile application. It supports fiat money like USD, EUR, and GBP. Wirex also supports cryptocurrencies like Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH). However, Wirex does not allow anonymous accounts.
Conclusion
Overall, Wirex is one of the best options for BTC debit cards. If you happen to live in the UK, this card is the perfect one for you. It’s safe and easy to use. The company is also equipped with the best customer services. I like how flexible it is to transfer crypto and fiat money from one account to another with a stringent identity verification measures. If you happen to consider getting a Bitcoin Debit Card, try Wirex. It’s cheaper and safer.
How was your experience with Wirex card? Send us your comments and tell me what you think about it.
How to Use Binance Exchange?
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What is Binance?
Binance is one of the most prominent cryptocurrency exchanges on the market right now. It was created by Changpeng Zao in China in 2017.
Zao funded the launch of Binance by creating a very successful ICO that generated $15 million by allowing investors to purchase the native Binance Coin (BNB) tokens which are based on the Ethereum network.
The exchange has today been relocated to the blockchain haven of Malta and is turning over $1 million every day in trades. Not only is Binance the largest alt-coin exchange, but also one of the fastest growing.
Why use Binance?
As the number one cryptocurrency exchange for alt-coins, you can be sure to find a huge selection of these tokens on Binance. There are currently over 100 different tokens that can be traded on the exchange. This is a lot of different cryptocurrencies compared to Coinbase, which only lists four.
Binance also has some of the lowest fees in cryptocurrency trading. The exchange only charges 0.1% for each transaction. This fee is further cut in half if you trade using Binance Coin. Depositing money on Binance is free of charge, as opposed to other exchanges where traders are charged.
Traders on Binance will also be delighted to know that there is the opportunity to win prizes. These prizes include everything from new cryptocurrency tokens to cool cars like a Maserati.
The trading volume on an exchange determines how hard it is to buy and sell a given cryptocurrency token. Binance is able to process almost 1.5 million transactions per second, which is another reason why it is so popular.
Finally, Binance is also known for taking security very seriously. The exchange offers users two-factor authentication in order to protect their account and their assets. The Binance website is also protected by the industry-standard CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS).
How do you open a Binance account?
In order to open a Binance account, you simply need to visit the website and register your email address. Once you’ve done this you’ll receive a confirmation email. Logging in for the first time prompts you to set up two-factor authentication with your mobile number.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GvBC3W7gh8
How do you deposit funds into your Binance account?
Unfortunately, Binance does not accept traditional payment methods such as bank transfers and payment cards. In fact, you can’t use fiat money at all.
The only way to deposit money into your Binance account is to do it with cryptocurrency. If you don’t already have any tokens, then you can buy them with fiat money from other exchanges.
To deposit fund, simply click on the Funds button, and the Deposits. Then click Select Deposits Coin, and type in the code for the cryptocurrency token you’d like to deposit (ie. ETH for Ethereum). This shows you the deposit address unique to that cryptocurrency.
Click Copy Address, then go to your wallet and transfer the tokens to the deposit address. The deposit will be made within 10 minutes and you can view it by clicking on Balance.
How do you trade on Binance?
In order to make your first trade, click on the Exchange button and then select Basic. Select the token you deposited from the Favorite screen, then search for the token you’d like to trade your deposited tokens for.
Once you’ve selected what you want to trade for and with, you will see the current market rates. Either select Market for trading at that rate or Limit to set a limit for when you want to make the trade. Finally, select the number of tokens you want to trade, and confirm the trade.
Good luck in the trading game, and keep an eye out for more cryptocurrency exchange guides on our site!
How to use the HitBTC Exchange?
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What is the HitBTC exchange?
Based in Hong Kong, HitBTC is one of the world’s top ten cryptocurrency exchanges, and offers some of the most diverse range of cryptocurrency tokens.
The exchange boasts of $500 million worth trades being conducted every day, and more users flock to the platform every day. The main features that attract traders to HitBTC is the intuitive and user-friendly interface, as well as the options for using more advanced features if you’re a seasoned trader. Having been around since 2013, HitBTC benefits from a lot of experience that newer exchanges perhaps lack.
How to sign up to HitBTC
In order to set up your account on HitBTC, you simply visit the official website, click on the ‘Register’ button, and fill in your email, username, and password. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your account will be set up once you’ve clicked the link in that email.
How to deposit funds into your HitBTC account
As with some other cryptocurrency exchanges, it isn’t possible to deposit fiat money into your account. Instead, you will need to have cryptocurrency tokens in order to make a deposit.
If you don’t have any such tokens, you will be able to purchase them from other exchanges that do facilitate fiat money deposits.
With cryptocurrency tokens in hand (or wallet) you can click on the ‘Desposit’ button. You’ll then be presented with a column of different tokens, from which you select the relevant once and click ‘Fund’. This will provide you with a wallet address, which will consist of a QR code, as well as a alphanumeric code. The process only takes a short while and then your funds have been deposited.
How to trade on HitBTC
You will have two accounts on HitBTC your main account and your trading account. In order to move funds from your main account to your trading account, go to your ‘Accounts’ page and click the arrow pointing between your two accounts. Click ‘Transfer’ and select to the appropriate amount.
Once the money is ready to use, it’s time to head over to the ‘Exchange’ screen to view your trading options. The ‘Instruments’ section will provide you with a list of potential trading pairs. Once you’ve chosen a trading pair you can pick which kind of trading order you’d like to set up. Options include trading at the current market value or when the value hits a specific amount.
HitBTC OTC Trading
Over-the-counter trading is also possible on HitBTC. This allows you to conduct high volume trades without it being recorded on the public order book. You will need to trade volumes over 100,000 USDT, however.
How to withdraw funds from your HitBTC account
Go to the ‘Accounts’ tab and select ‘Withdraw’. You’ll be presented with a column of all your available cryptocurrencies, from which you can select the appropriate one as well as the amount you’d like to withdraw. Paste in the receiving address you wish to transfer the money to, and confirm with two-factor authentication. You’ll receive a confirmation mail notifying you of the withdrawal.
Good luck and happy trading!
Blockchain Enters the Physical World
The crypto industry is no longer just about digital currencies. In 2025, the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) has become one of the fastest-growing trends in the blockchain space. From real estate to gold, more physical assets are being digitized and traded through blockchain, opening doors to fractional ownership, improved liquidity, and borderless investment.
This trend is fundamentally reshaping how traditional markets interact with decentralized technology, creating opportunities once reserved for institutions and high-net-worth individuals.
What Is Tokenization of Real-World Assets?
Breaking Down the Concept
Tokenization refers to the process of converting ownership rights of a real-world asset into a digital token on a blockchain. These tokens represent a claim on an asset and can be traded like cryptocurrencies.
Examples of tokenized assets include:
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Real estate properties
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Precious metals like gold
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Fine art and collectibles
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Bonds and private equity
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Commodities and even intellectual property
How It Works
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Asset Valuation: The physical asset is professionally appraised.
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Smart Contract Deployment: A digital representation is created through a smart contract.
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Token Issuance: Tokens are minted, each representing a fraction of the asset.
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Trading & Custody: These tokens are bought, sold, and stored in digital wallets.
Why Tokenization Is Gaining Momentum
Improved Liquidity
Traditional assets like real estate or gold are historically illiquid. Tokenization allows for fractional ownership, meaning you no longer need to buy an entire apartment or a gold bar. This dramatically lowers the entry barrier for retail investors.
24/7 Global Access
Unlike traditional markets, blockchain operates around the clock. Tokenized assets can be traded globally and instantly, expanding access and eliminating middlemen.
Enhanced Transparency and Security
Thanks to blockchain’s immutable ledger, all ownership changes and transactions are recorded and auditable. This creates trust and reduces fraud, especially in high-value asset markets.
Automation Through Smart Contracts
Smart contracts automate dividend payouts, compliance checks, and voting rights, reducing administrative costs and errors. This brings institutional-grade efficiency to markets that were once manual and opaque.
Tokenization in Real Estate and Gold
Real Estate: Property Investment Reimagined
The tokenization of real estate is revolutionizing property investment:
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Investors can buy fractional shares of properties, earning rental income and capital appreciation.
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Projects like RealT and Brickken offer tokenized access to residential and commercial buildings worldwide.
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Real estate development firms are increasingly raising funds via security token offerings (STOs) instead of traditional financing.
[Link to internal article on blockchain in real estate]
Gold: A Liquid Digital Asset
Gold, a historically trusted store of value, is now more accessible thanks to tokenization:
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Projects like PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT) back each token with a physical ounce of gold.
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Investors can hold, trade, or redeem tokens for physical delivery, merging the benefits of digital liquidity with real-world value.
These gold-backed tokens also offer inflation protection and portfolio diversification, especially in volatile economic conditions.
Institutional Adoption Fuels Growth
Banks and Asset Managers Join In
Major financial institutions are jumping on the tokenization wave. BlackRock, JPMorgan, and HSBC are exploring tokenized securities and funds, bringing legitimacy and liquidity to the space.
In April 2025, BlackRock tokenized a $100 million bond on Ethereum, marking a significant step toward mainstream financial adoption of tokenized RWAs.
Governments Testing the Waters
Countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE are creating regulatory sandboxes and legal frameworks to support tokenized asset markets. These jurisdictions aim to balance innovation with investor protection.
Challenges and Considerations
Regulatory Uncertainty
Tokenized assets often fall into legal gray areas. Are they securities, commodities, or something else entirely? This ambiguity hinders widespread adoption and limits institutional participation.
Custody and Compliance
Proper custody solutions and AML/KYC mechanisms are essential for secure and legal operations. Integrating blockchain systems with traditional financial institutions remains a work in progress.
Market Fragmentation
Many tokenization platforms are not interoperable, which can result in liquidity silos and technical complexity for investors.
The Future of Tokenized Assets
Multi-Trillion Dollar Potential
According to Boston Consulting Group, tokenized assets could represent $16 trillion in value by 2030. As tokenization expands to more sectors—such as carbon credits, insurance policies, and even music rights—the market scope widens.
The Rise of Real-World DeFi
Real-world assets are now entering Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystems. Platforms are offering loans backed by tokenized real estate or gold, bridging traditional finance and blockchain in new and powerful ways.
More Inclusive Capital Markets
Tokenization could be the key to democratizing finance, allowing individuals in developing countries to invest in global assets, and giving small businesses alternative ways to raise capital.
Expert Perspectives
Maria Fernandez, Blockchain Strategist
“Tokenization will do for real-world assets what ETFs did for stock markets—boost liquidity, transparency, and access.”
David Lam, CEO of AssetChain
“This is not a crypto fad. Tokenized RWAs are infrastructure for the future of finance.”
Conclusion
The tokenization of real-world assets is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening now and gaining speed. By converting tangible value into blockchain-based tokens, this innovation offers greater accessibility, transparency, and global liquidity.
While challenges remain, the opportunities are vast. From gold to real estate, the shift toward digital ownership is transforming how the world thinks about investment, finance, and property. As infrastructure matures and regulations evolve, tokenized assets are poised to become a fundamental pillar of the next financial era.
The Meme Coin That Rocked Argentina’s Political Landscape
Argentina is no stranger to economic upheaval, but few expected a meme coin to be at the heart of a national scandal. The recent collapse of $LIBRA, a cryptocurrency widely believed to be endorsed by Argentine President Javier Milei, has sent shockwaves through both political and financial circles.
The fallout from the $LIBRA meme coin scandal underscores the growing intersection between cryptocurrency and politics, particularly in developing nations eager for economic innovation.
What Is the $LIBRA Meme Coin?
A Joke That Turned Serious
Like other meme coins, $LIBRA started as a light-hearted crypto project, leveraging President Milei’s image and libertarian branding. At first, it seemed like a community-driven joke. But as its market cap surged and official-looking endorsements began circulating, $LIBRA took on a new, dangerous seriousness.
Political Involvement and Influence
President Javier Milei, a self-described “anarcho-capitalist,” has long expressed support for cryptocurrencies as a tool to escape traditional banking. However, Milei’s alleged support for $LIBRA blurred the lines between political ideology and financial speculation. Many investors—both domestic and international—took his words as implicit endorsement.
The Collapse and Investor Fallout
Sudden Dumping, Massive Losses
In early July 2025, the $LIBRA coin saw a sudden and catastrophic price drop—over 85% in 48 hours. The cause? A series of large wallet dumps, likely orchestrated by early insiders, triggered panic selling. Investors who had bought in during the hype lost millions.
Accusations of Rug Pull
Crypto analysts were quick to label $LIBRA a rug pull—a scam in which developers pump a coin’s value and then abruptly withdraw liquidity. While direct involvement by government officials remains unproven, screenshots of Milei’s past tweets and videos praising $LIBRA have gone viral, sparking allegations of complicity.
[Link to internal article on how to spot a rug pull]
Political Backlash: Milei Under Fire
Opposition Demands Investigation
Argentina’s political opposition has seized on the scandal. Lawmakers have demanded a full investigation into Milei’s connections with the project. Some are even calling for sanctions or impeachment proceedings, arguing that the President misused his influence to promote a speculative and risky investment.
Public Trust Erodes
Trust in Milei’s leadership has taken a hit. Citizens feel betrayed—especially the young crypto-savvy voters who were previously enthusiastic about his libertarian agenda. Public sentiment has turned sour as personal savings evaporated almost overnight.
Crypto Populism: A Dangerous Trend?
Politicians and Memecoins
The $LIBRA scandal is not an isolated case. Around the world, politicians are increasingly being linked to meme coin promotions, either directly or through social media influencers. These projects often play on the candidate’s image, mixing humor with false promises of financial gains.
False Hope in Economic Despair
In countries like Argentina, where inflation runs rampant and the peso struggles, crypto often appears as a beacon of hope. Scams like $LIBRA exploit this desperation by wrapping themselves in the language of freedom and financial sovereignty, even as they enrich only a select few.
[Link to internal article on crypto and inflation in Latin America]
Regulatory and Legal Consequences
Argentine SEC Steps In
In response to mounting public pressure, Argentina’s Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) has launched a formal inquiry into the $LIBRA project. Investigators are exploring whether the coin violated securities laws or engaged in deceptive marketing.
Calls for Global Crypto Regulation
The $LIBRA incident has reignited global calls for stricter regulation of meme coins and political endorsements in crypto. Legal experts argue that there should be clearer rules when public officials are associated—formally or informally—with financial products.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Lucia Barrios, Political Analyst
“$LIBRA shows how political branding and financial technology can become a toxic mix. The public often doesn’t distinguish between a meme and a legitimate endorsement.”
Nicolás Marquez, Blockchain Researcher
“This scandal isn’t just about Milei or Argentina. It’s a warning to all crypto investors: meme coins are volatile, often manipulated, and rarely offer long-term value.”
Lessons for Investors
Don’t Trust Hype or Faces
Investing based on celebrity or political endorsement is extremely risky—especially in the unregulated world of meme coins. Always do your own research (DYOR).
Diversify and Secure
Avoid putting large portions of your portfolio into a single, speculative asset. Also, use secure wallets and double-check who is behind a crypto project before investing.
Track Smart Contracts
Check if the smart contract is verified, how liquidity is locked, and whether the development team is doxxed (i.e., their identities are public and verifiable).
Conclusion
The $LIBRA meme coin scandal in Argentina reveals just how dangerous the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency can be. When economic desperation meets unchecked digital hype, the result is often financial disaster.
President Javier Milei now faces growing scrutiny for his role in promoting a coin that many saw as a joke—until it wasn’t. Whether this will affect his political future remains to be seen. For now, the damage is done, and the lesson is clear: in the world of crypto, not everything that glitters is gold.
The Growing Threat of Crypto-Related Kidnappings
In recent years, France has witnessed a worrying trend: the rise of crypto-related kidnappings. Criminals are increasingly targeting individuals believed to possess significant cryptocurrency holdings. These incidents often involve threats, physical violence, or coercion to gain access to victims’ digital wallets.
The target keyword “crypto-related kidnappings” is now at the center of discussions among law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, and the crypto community. While cryptocurrencies offer decentralized control, they also come with risks that criminals are now exploiting in very physical ways.
Why Crypto Makes You a Target
Pseudonymity vs. Anonymity
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are often perceived as anonymous, but this is a misconception. Most are pseudonymous, meaning transactions are recorded on a public ledger and can be traced with the right tools. However, this doesn’t stop criminals from assuming that digital assets can be transferred without trace.
Portable Wealth
Unlike traditional assets, cryptocurrencies can be stored on a mobile phone or a USB drive. This portability makes them highly attractive to kidnappers who can force a transfer within minutes.
Lack of Regulation
Although France has implemented strong financial regulations, crypto regulations are still evolving. Criminals often exploit these gray areas to launder stolen funds or hide transactions across borders.
Real-Life Cases Making Headlines
High-Profile Victims
Recent media coverage has exposed cases where French entrepreneurs, tech investors, and crypto influencers have been kidnapped or violently coerced into handing over their private keys. In one incident in Paris, a crypto investor was held at gunpoint and forced to make a large transfer from his digital wallet.
Criminal Gangs Involved
According to France’s Ministry of the Interior, organized crime groups are now including crypto-related kidnapping in their repertoire. These are not isolated incidents but appear to be part of a growing criminal trend.
[Link to internal article on digital asset safety]
Government and Law Enforcement Response
Increased Police Training
Police forces in major French cities, especially Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, are now receiving specialized training in handling crypto-related crimes. Officers are being taught how to trace blockchain transactions and how to manage victims who are coerced into transferring funds.
Legislative Proposals
France’s government is exploring new laws to regulate crypto ownership, including requiring better KYC (Know Your Customer) standards for crypto wallets. The goal is to make it harder for criminals to convert stolen digital assets into fiat currency.
International Cooperation
Since cryptocurrency is borderless, France is cooperating with Europol and Interpol to track stolen assets across jurisdictions. This has led to several high-profile arrests in the past year.
Staying Safe: How to Protect Yourself
1. Use Cold Storage
Avoid keeping large sums of crypto on mobile devices or online wallets. Instead, use cold storage options like hardware wallets, which are harder to access under duress.
2. Limit Public Exposure
If you’re a crypto investor or influencer, avoid sharing your portfolio or success online. This can make you an easy target for criminals scanning social media platforms.
3. Enable Multi-Signature Protection
Set up multi-sig wallets, which require more than one private key to authorize a transaction. This can prevent forced transfers even in a kidnapping scenario.
4. Know the Law
Stay informed about local regulations and protection mechanisms. Understanding your rights and available security tools is your first defense.
[Link to internal article on crypto security best practices]
Crypto’s Traceability: A Double-Edged Sword
Although criminals may believe cryptocurrencies are untraceable, blockchain technology is inherently transparent. Each transaction is recorded on a public ledger. Law enforcement agencies now use advanced forensic tools like Chainalysis or Elliptic to trace stolen funds.
According to Europol, over 70% of crypto ransom cases in 2024 have led to asset recovery due to blockchain tracing. This should serve as a deterrent, but not all criminals are aware of the traceability involved.
Experts Weigh In
Cybersecurity Analyst, Jean Moreau
“The rise in crypto-related kidnappings is a symptom of how valuable digital assets have become. Awareness and security education are crucial.”
Crypto Legal Advisor, Camille Dubois
“Victims often don’t report crypto theft because they assume nothing can be done. But in reality, blockchain can help us recover assets if action is taken quickly.”
External Resources
Conclusion
The surge in crypto-related kidnappings in France is a disturbing but revealing trend. As digital assets become more mainstream, they also become more attractive to criminals. However, crypto’s traceability, combined with improved law enforcement capabilities, offers hope.
By understanding the risks, implementing security measures, and supporting better regulations, individuals and institutions can defend against this new form of criminal threat.
The world of crypto offers freedom and innovation—but with great power comes great responsibility.
BRICS Nations Consider Adopting Ripple’s XRP for Trade
The BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is reportedly exploring the adoption of Ripple’s XRP to facilitate gold-backed international trade. If implemented, this strategy could mark a transformative shift in global economics, potentially reducing the BRICS bloc’s reliance on the U.S. dollar as a settlement currency.
This bold move comes amid growing dissatisfaction with dollar dominance, economic sanctions, and a push for financial sovereignty. Ripple’s XRP, known for its speed, low transaction fees, and interoperability, may provide the technological foundation needed for a decentralized, real-time, cross-border payment infrastructure.
The BRICS Bloc’s Strategic Interest in XRP
Challenging the Dollar’s Dominance
The BRICS nations have long expressed concern about the U.S. dollar’s outsized influence in global trade. Over 85% of all international transactions still rely on the dollar, giving the U.S. unmatched leverage over the global economy.
By considering a blockchain-based alternative like XRP, BRICS aims to:
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Increase monetary independence
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Avoid U.S.-imposed financial sanctions
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Facilitate direct trade settlements among member states
Gold-Backed Trade: A New Settlement Standard?
Reports indicate that BRICS may also consider backing trade settlements with physical gold reserves, using Ripple’s XRP ledger as the digital rails for transaction processing. This combination of hard asset backing and blockchain technology would be unique, blending traditional and modern finance.
Gold-backed digital transactions would enhance trust and transparency, particularly in emerging markets where currency volatility is high.
Why XRP? The Technology Behind the Interest
Speed and Efficiency
Ripple’s XRP ledger is designed to handle 1,500 transactions per second, settling in just 3–5 seconds. For comparison, SWIFT payments can take 1–5 business days, depending on the destination. This dramatic speed advantage is critical for trade finance.
Low Cost and Scalability
XRP transactions cost a fraction of a cent, regardless of amount or destination. This cost-effectiveness makes it suitable for high-volume cross-border settlements, including those related to commodities, raw materials, and industrial exports—core sectors for BRICS economies.
Decentralized Ledger Technology
Ripple’s network does not rely on traditional mining like Bitcoin. Instead, it uses a consensus algorithm validated by independent nodes, ensuring fast confirmation without heavy energy consumption. It supports smart contracts and asset tokenization, making it ideal for complex trade ecosystems.
Global Reactions and Economic Implications
Disrupting the SWIFT System
A shift toward Ripple’s XRP by BRICS could weaken the SWIFT interbank system, which currently facilitates the vast majority of cross-border payments. Many BRICS members, especially Russia and China, have experienced SWIFT-related restrictions due to geopolitical tensions.
By adopting XRP or similar blockchain solutions, these nations could effectively bypass Western-dominated financial infrastructure.
Strengthening BRICS’ Economic Integration
XRP adoption could further integrate the BRICS economies, simplifying trade and settlement across very different monetary systems. For example:
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China could pay Brazil for raw materials using XRP, avoiding currency exchange complications.
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Russia could sell oil or wheat to India with instant payment clearance.
This mechanism would encourage intra-BRICS trade, supporting the bloc’s ambition to act as a counterweight to the G7.
Potential Challenges and Regulatory Concerns
U.S. Legal Pressure on Ripple
One obstacle to XRP’s global adoption is Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although recent rulings have favored Ripple, uncertainty still lingers over XRP’s regulatory classification.
This could make some central banks cautious, especially those with strong economic ties to the U.S.
Infrastructure and Trust
To implement XRP for gold-backed trade, BRICS nations would need:
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Interoperable banking infrastructure
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Agreements on valuation mechanisms
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Shared custody of gold reserves
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Standardized compliance procedures
Building this system across diverse legal, political, and technological landscapes will be a complex, time-intensive process.
Historical Context: BRICS and the Quest for Monetary Autonomy
A Longstanding Goal
BRICS has consistently advocated for reforming global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. The idea of creating a BRICS currency or payment system has been circulating for over a decade.
Ripple’s XRP provides a ready-made solution—one that doesn’t require creating a brand-new asset from scratch. Instead, it offers immediate utility through existing technology and a growing network of institutional users.
De-Dollarization Momentum
The interest in XRP also aligns with a broader trend of de-dollarization. Countries like China and Russia have been actively reducing dollar reserves, promoting bilateral trade in local currencies, and investing in digital currency initiatives.
XRP could accelerate this shift by offering a neutral, borderless, and efficient medium of exchange.
XRP’s Current Adoption Beyond BRICS
Ripple’s Growing Network
Ripple has already partnered with central banks, financial institutions, and remittance providers in over 40 countries. Notable users include:
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Santander Bank
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SBI Holdings
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Tranglo (Asia-Pacific)
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Novatti Group (Australia)
Ripple also recently launched Ripple CBDC Platform, helping central banks build custom digital currencies on the XRP Ledger—an important step that could attract BRICS interest in programmable, tokenized trade assets.
Conclusion
The possibility that BRICS nations may adopt Ripple’s XRP for gold-backed trade represents more than a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic maneuver with deep geopolitical and economic implications. By reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar and building a blockchain-powered trade infrastructure, BRICS is taking concrete steps toward monetary sovereignty.
While challenges remain, especially in regulatory and interoperability terms, the case for XRP is strong: it’s fast, efficient, scalable, and already battle-tested. If BRICS proceeds with XRP adoption, it could mark the beginning of a new era in international trade, one driven not by fiat dominance—but by decentralized innovation.