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Steps to Protect Your Crypto Against Platform Failure
You have probably heard the news by now. The FTX exchange, once the darling of professional crypto traders, has fallen.
It's what everyone talks about these days—on crypto twitter, blockchain blogs, in the New York Times, and even on Capitol Hill in the United States.
And while the community digests the sober reality and what it means for the industry at large, a lot of individuals who saved their money on the platform are left licking their wounds.
How can the industry prevent a situation like FTX's crash from happening again? That's the 8 billion-dollar question. While regulators and industry players figure this out, mere investors are wondering how to protect themselves against possible platform failure.
If FTX's fall from grace has made one thing clear, it is that no platform is too big to fail. Things happen fast in the world of crypto and investors who haven't taken protective measures can lose all their money.
But how can investors protect themselves in this volatile and largely unregulated market? Here are three avenues to consider.
1- Consider storing crypto off exchanges
An exchange feels like a natural place to leave the crypto you buy. You can easily access, transfer, sell or use it for a variety of ways depending on the platform. For active traders especially, storing crypto on an exchange often feels like a no-brainer.
The problem with this is that the keys to exchange-stored crypto are kept by the exchange rather than the individual investors. You are using a wallet provided by the exchange and don't have access to the private keys. You are trusting the platform to keep your funds safe and secure just like you would a traditional bank to safeguard your deposit.
This type of wallet is a custodial wallet. The platform is the custodian who controls wallet access and they can withdraw that service at any time. You're just trusting that they won't. As the example of FTX has shown, this isn't always a wise choice. If a platform runs into liquidity issues, gets hacked or becomes suspicious about your activity, it can freeze your account.
The obvious counter to this is to store your funds in a wallet you control. You can move your crypto to an exchange for trading purposes and transfer it out to a non custodial wallet when you're done. You control the private keys to this type of wallet. Only you have access to the crypto in it and your funds cannot be seized by regulators or frozen by an exchange.
Using a non custodial wallet is the best protection you can have against platform failure. You can use either a cold wallet, which stores your crypto offline, or a hot wallet, which requires Internet access. The cold wallet is more secure but the hot wallet is easier and faster to operate.
That said, exchange wallets have some operational advantages over non custodial wallets. Here are some drawbacks of self-controlled wallets:
Exchange wallets are mostly plug-and-play while non custodial wallets require a setup process.
Non custodial wallets are harder to operate and require some technical knowledge.
The private keys to a crypto wallet can't be recovered once lost. But for an exchange wallet, you can simply contact customer support if you lose your account password.
Self-Custodial wallets are less suitable for active trading.
Old and new investors must consider whether the advantages of exchange wallets are bigger than the potential risks. Following the recent spate of crashes and collapses, trust in crypto custodians is at an all-time low. Not every crypto exchange will be truthful about what they're doing with customer funds. Fortunately, investors have the option to embrace decentralized wallets and skip exchanges altogether.
2- Keep a record of your exchange activity
Most investors that lost money to the FTX collapse cannot substantiate their claims in court. So if the company decides not to compensate them, there's little they can do. This is because they kept no records of their activity on the platform.
A crypto platform that files for bankruptcy is unlikely to share your records with you just because you asked politely. Take matters in your own hand and keep a detailed, regularly-updated record of every substantial transaction you do on an exchange. Most platforms let you download a yearly, monthly, weekly or daily activity report.
Doing this has two benefits for the investor. If you live in a jurisdiction that taxes crypto transactions, you'll be able to make an accurate tax filing, if your crypto platform doesn't handle it. Secondly, should the platform go under, the records will serve as evidence of your holdings if there's a chance of getting some of your money back.
3- Do your due diligence
Weeks after the FTX scandal, a picture of mismanagement, recklessness and internal system failure is beginning to emerge. By all accounts, FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, is a very charismatic fellow. But leadership nous, not charisma, was what FTX needed, and it had none of it.
Most major crypto platforms are helmed by people like Bankman-Fried with lots of charisma. As a result, investors tend to trust them and their platforms with their money. Also, because of the opaque ways most crypto exchanges operate, internal dodgy dealings usually go unreported to the public.
This does not mean all crypto exchanges cannot be trusted. It does mean that investors should carry out serious due diligence when deciding which platform to trade or save on. Here are some tips to help with making a balanced decision:
- Has the platform been audited by a reputable third-party? How long ago was this?
- Does the platform have either external insurance on depositors' money or a self-maintained emergency fund?
- What kinds of asset trading take place on the platform? You should be wary of an exchange that mainly deals in riskier types of trading.
- Does the platform have FDIC insurance?
Some platforms save the dollar value of customer deposits in FDIC-insured bank accounts, thus protecting the insured funds against unforeseen losses.
The fallout from FTX's demise has led some cryptocurrency exchanges to release audited proofs of reserves. Others who haven't done so yet have promised to publicly release theirs in the near future. These documents help to assure investors of the platform's solvency and compliance with good business practices. Investors can also use the new reserve tracker tool from CoinMarketCap to get useful insights on platform reserves.
Some cryptocurrency platforms have also taken the initiative to secure licenses from the official financial regulators in their jurisdictions. This brings them in line with standard financial services companies in terms of operational and security compliance.
Summing up
Until the regulators rein in the crypto industry, the task of protecting your crypto asset squarely lies with you. Make sure to diligently follow the tips in this article so as not to be caught unprepared.
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On September 3, 2023, Kyrrex celebrated an important milestone: our fifth anniversary. Five years in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency is an achievement that evokes a deep sense of pride. This date holds great importance to us. Over these years, we’ve been deeply committed to our mission, continually iterating and improving for the community.
Throughout this journey, we have strived to develop and introduce features that serve the evolving needs of our users. We have empowered businesses, providing them with the tools they need to launch and operate seamlessly in the crypto space. The introduction of the liquidity hub has ensured that trades are executed with speed and efficiency, creating a reliable trading environment.
Kyrrex's cooperation with the world of sports is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Among our respected ambassadors, we are honored to count elite athletes such as Jorge Martín from MotoGP, Martín Di Nenno, a padel top player, and others. This collaboration is deeply symbolic. These athletes, who stand at the peak of their sports, mirror our relentless passion for perfection.
We also have been part of history, observing meteoric rises in the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, navigating through moments of market turbulence, and witnessing the inception and demise of various startups and billion-dollar projects.
As we move forward, our vision for Kyrrex is crystal clear. The roadmap ahead is filled with ambitious plans, from expanding into new markets and acquiring more licenses to introducing more innovative trading projects. Each of these milestones will be realized thanks to the dedication of every team member. Special acknowledgment goes to our CEO, Kevin Plumpton, and the co-founders, Mykhailo Romanenko and Viktor Kochetov, whose leadership and vision guide our journey.
As we turn the page and step into a new chapter of Kyrrex’s story, we begin a fresh countdown, setting our sights on greater horizons.
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Unlocking the Importance of Liquidity in Crypto Trading
Have you ever wondered what makes crypto trading tick? It’s all about liquidity! In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of liquidity in crypto trading and how it compares to traditional finance. Get ready to unlock the secrets of this vital aspect of the trading world.
Short Summary
- Liquidity in crypto trading is essential for efficient transactions, price determination, market stability and risk management.
- Factors impacting liquidity include trading volume, the presence of market makers and regulatory environment.
- Crypto trading liquidity has both similar features to traditional finance as well as distinct differences which should be Explored.
Understanding Liquidity in Crypto Trading
As in traditional financial markets, liquidity in crypto trading refers to the ease of buying or selling digital assets without significantly affecting their price. The concept of liquidity is crucial for the smooth operation of any market, be it the stock market or the cryptocurrency market. Factors such as market depth and bid-ask spread influence cryptocurrency liquidity, just as they do in stock markets.
A deep market with ample liquidity indicates a healthy market, allowing efficient trading and accurate price discovery. Conversely, low liquidity can pose challenges, such as increased slippage and price volatility, which can discourage investors and hinder market stability.
Market Depth
Market depth refers to the number of buy and sell orders available at different price levels, with higher depth indicating greater liquidity. Increased market depth is indicative of increased liquidity, as it suggests a higher level of trading activity and a more liquid market.
In other words, the more buy and sell orders that exist on the market, the easier it is for traders to execute their transactions efficiently without causing significant price fluctuations.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is another crucial indicator of market liquidity in crypto trading. It represents the gap between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for a given digital asset. A narrower spread is indicative of increased liquidity, as it reflects a higher presence of buyers and sellers in the market.
A tighter spread facilitates faster and more efficient trading of assets at fair prices, ensuring that all market participants can execute their transactions without significant delays or price fluctuations.
Factors Affecting Cryptocurrency Liquidity
Cryptocurrency liquidity is influenced by various factors, including trading volume, market makers, and the regulatory environment. Understanding these factors is essential for traders and investors who wish to make well-informed decisions and navigate the often volatile crypto market with confidence.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors and how they impact liquidity in the crypto market.
Trading Volume
Trading volume is the amount of assets traded within a specific period of time, with greater volume indicating a higher level of liquidity. Increased trading volume implies heightened trading activity, which in turn suggests a more liquid market.
Identifying digital assets with high trading volume is one way to spot cryptocurrencies with high liquidity, as a large investor base and high trading activity are indicative of increased liquidity.
Market Makers
Market makers play a vital role in providing liquidity in crypto trading. These entities, which can include large banks, brokers, or hedge funds, place buy and sell orders in the market, thus ensuring sufficient liquidity to facilitate efficient trading and maintain price stability.
Market makers continuously quote bid-ask asset prices to keep the spreads within a certain range, making a profit from the bid-ask spread difference. By providing liquidity, market makers contribute to reduced slippage, improved price discovery, and enhanced market efficiency.
Regulatory Environment
The regulatory environment surrounding crypto trading can also have a significant impact on liquidity. Some ways in which regulations can affect liquidity include:
- The amount of liquidity available in the market
- The types of assets that can be traded
- The cost of trading
- The speed of trade executions
A favorable regulatory environment can encourage participation in the market, thereby increasing liquidity, while stringent regulations can discourage participation and lead to reduced liquidity.
The Role of Liquidity Providers in Crypto Trading
Liquidity providers play a crucial role in the crypto trading ecosystem by ensuring the availability of assets for trading and maintaining stable prices. These entities help to create a more efficient market, allowing traders and investors to execute their transactions without significant delays or price fluctuations.
Let’s explore the different types of liquidity providers and the incentives that encourage them to provide liquidity to the market.
Types of Liquidity Providers
In the crypto trading space, liquidity providers can be:
- Institutional entities, such as large banks, brokers, or hedge funds
- Individual or institutional investors providing capital to liquidity pools with crypto assets
- Centralized exchanges (more traditional and regulated)
- Decentralized exchanges (peer-to-peer and generally unregulated)
An example of a centralized exchange liquidity provider is Kyrrex Liquidity Hub which provides improved and centralized liquidity with seamless transaction matching, and a wide variety of cryptocurrencies to exchanges and other crypto platforms. Its features include effortless crypto asset matching, sufficient order book liquidity, high-speed processing, minimized commission costs, and secure custodial storage for clients' funds. Liquidity through the Hub can be deployed directly or through other modes including market maker.
Automated market makers are computer programs that utilize algorithms to facilitate the matching of buyers and sellers, contributing to the overall liquidity of the market.
Incentives for Providing Liquidity
Liquidity providers can benefit from various incentives in the crypto trading ecosystem. For instance, they can earn transaction fees and token rewards for providing liquidity to trading pairs on exchanges. Additionally, liquidity providers may take advantage of yield farming incentives, which involve providing liquidity to a decentralized exchange or liquidity pool and receiving a share of the pool’s trading fees or rewards in return.
These incentives help to attract and retain liquidity providers, ensuring a stable and efficient market for all participants.
Benefits of High Liquidity in Crypto Trading
High liquidity in crypto trading offers several advantages for traders and investors alike. With ample liquidity, market participants can enjoy reduced slippage, better price discovery, and increased market efficiency, which are essential for smooth and profitable trading.
In the following sections, we will delve into each of these benefits and discuss their implications for the crypto market.
Reduced Slippage
Reduced slippage is one of the key benefits of high liquidity in crypto trading. With more buyers and sellers in the market, large orders can be executed without significantly impacting the asset’s price, leading to more favorable execution prices for traders.
This is particularly important for investors with sizable positions, as it allows them to enter or exit the market with minimal price impact, thereby maximizing their potential returns.
Better Price Discovery
High liquidity also leads to better price discovery, ensuring that assets are traded at fair market value and preventing potential price manipulation. In a highly liquid market, the presence of more buyers and sellers helps to establish an accurate price for each asset based on market activity.
This is essential for a stable and efficient market, as it allows traders and investors to execute their transactions at prices that accurately reflect the true value of the underlying assets.
Increased Market Efficiency
Lastly, high liquidity contributes to increased market efficiency, allowing for:
- Smoother transactions
- A more stable trading environment
- Accelerated transaction times
- More efficient bid-ask spreads
- More efficient pricing
- Reduced slippage
This creates a more favorable trading atmosphere for all market participants.
Challenges of Low Liquidity in Crypto Trading
While high liquidity offers numerous benefits, low liquidity in crypto trading can pose several challenges. These challenges include increased slippage, price volatility, and limited trading opportunities, which can discourage new investors from entering the market and hinder overall market stability.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these challenges and their implications for the crypto trading landscape.
Increased Slippage
Increased slippage is a common challenge in low-liquidity crypto trading environments. As fewer buyers and sellers are available on the market, large orders can have a significant impact on the asset’s price, resulting in unfavorable execution prices for traders.
This can be particularly detrimental for investors with large positions, as it can erode their potential returns and increase their exposure to market risk.
Price Volatility
Low liquidity can also lead to price volatility, as sudden price swings can occur due to low trading volume. Price volatility can be both a blessing and a curse for traders, as it offers potential profit opportunities but also introduces the risk of unpredictable price shifts.
In a low-liquidity market, price volatility can be exacerbated, making it more challenging for traders and investors to navigate the market and execute their transactions with confidence.
Limited Trading Opportunities
Finally, limited trading opportunities can arise from low liquidity in the crypto market. With fewer buyers and sellers available, it can be difficult for traders to find suitable trading opportunities that align with their strategies and risk tolerance.
This can discourage new investors from entering the market and potentially hinder overall market growth and stability.
Comparing Crypto Trading Liquidity to Traditional Finance
Crypto trading liquidity shares both similarities and differences with traditional finance, such as stock and forex markets. While both markets rely on liquidity for smooth transactions, price discovery, and market stability, the decentralized nature of crypto markets, the role of liquidity providers, and the impact of regulatory environments set them apart.
Let’s explore these similarities and differences in more detail.
Similarities
One of the key similarities between crypto trading liquidity and traditional finance is the importance of liquidity for efficient transactions, price determination, and market stability. Both markets, including fiat currencies, operate on the principle of supply and demand, with buyers and sellers interacting to establish the fair market value of assets.
Additionally, both markets experience risks and volatility associated with trading, as well as comparable transaction experiences and user interfaces.
Differences
The main difference between crypto trading liquidity and traditional finance lies in the decentralized nature of crypto markets. Unlike traditional finance, crypto markets operate without a central authority or intermediary, relying on a network of interconnected computers to facilitate trading and secure transactions.
Additionally, the role of liquidity providers in crypto trading differs from their role in traditional finance, with liquidity providers in the crypto space including centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and automated market makers.
Lastly, the regulatory environment surrounding crypto trading can have a significant impact on liquidity, with regulations in various countries affecting the availability of assets for trading, as well as the cost and speed of trade execution.
Summary
In conclusion, liquidity is a vital aspect of the crypto trading ecosystem, with high liquidity offering numerous benefits such as reduced slippage, better price discovery, and increased market efficiency. Understanding the factors affecting cryptocurrency liquidity, as well as the role of liquidity providers and the similarities and differences between crypto trading liquidity and traditional finance, is crucial for traders and investors looking to navigate the ever-evolving world of digital assets. With this knowledge in hand, you’re now better equipped to make well-informed decisions and capitalize on the exciting opportunities that crypto trading has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is high liquidity good or bad in crypto?
High liquidity in crypto is generally seen as a good sign as it indicates a deep and stable market with low price changes. It also makes it easier to buy and sell digital assets at reasonable prices without having to worry about liquidity issues.
How does liquidity work crypto?
Liquidity in cryptocurrency markets is achieved through the use of order books and market participation. Liquidity pools act as a reserve for digital assets, providing liquidity to speed up transactions for decentralized exchanges (DEX).
Liquidity also refers to the ease with which tokens can be swapped or converted into fiat currencies.
What are the main factors affecting cryptocurrency liquidity?
Cryptocurrency liquidity is heavily influenced by trading volume, the presence of market makers and applicable regulations.
Market makers are entities that provide liquidity to the market by placing buy and sell orders. They are usually large financial institutions or professional traders. Regulations can also affect liquidity, as certain jurisdictions may also affect liquidity.
What are some key differences between crypto trading liquidity and traditional finance?
Crypto trading liquidity is different from traditional finance in that it is decentralized, involves liquidity providers, and is subject to varying regulatory environments.
These differences can have a significant impact on the trading experience, from the types of assets available to the speed of transactions. For example, decentralized exchanges are often faster and more secure than centralized exchanges, but they may not offer the same features as centralized exchanges.
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Access All the Benefits of Cardano (ADA) on the Kyrrex Platform
Kyrrex keeps pushing boundaries to provide its users with an innovative and comprehensive cryptocurrency trading experience. Recently, we delighted our customers by introducing NEAR and ALGO. Today, we're thrilled to announce another significant addition to our platform – Cardano (ADA).
Diving into the world of Cardano
Cardano is not your average cryptocurrency. Launched in 2017 by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano distinguishes itself from the pack with a unique focus on scientific philosophy and a research-driven approach.
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With a market capitalization of approximately $10 billion, Cardano holds a significant position in the cryptocurrency landscape. Of the total supply of 45 billion ADA, around 35 billion are currently in circulation.
Exploring new trading opportunities with Cardano on Kyrrex
As a Kyrrex user, you now have the opportunity to deposit, withdraw, and trade ADA coins directly from your Kyrrex account. Moreover, we're launching the ADA-USDT trading pair, allowing you to effortlessly trade between Cardano and Tether, based on market trends and your personal trading strategy.
To interact with this asset, simply go to your personal Dashboard and select the desired function, such as trading, exchanging, depositing, sending, or storing in the Kyrrex wallet. If you haven't done so already, please register and verify your profile.
Continued growth and success at Kyrrex
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Looking ahead, we're excited about what the future holds for Kyrrex. We'll continue to expand and refine our platform, incorporating the most innovative and exciting cryptocurrencies and features to provide you with an unparalleled trading experience.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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