Latest news with #MuneebAli
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Stacks is looking to power a second wave of Bitcoin DeFi
How Stacks is looking to power a second wave of Bitcoin DeFi originally appeared on TheStreet. While the crypto world continues to watch publicly traded companies build their own Bitcoin treasuries, builders in the Stacks ecosystem are quietly preparing to scale ways for more people to earn yield on their Bitcoin via their Layer-2. A new draft proposal — SIP-031, titled Fueling Stacks Builders & Growth — marks the next step in a long-term plan to turn Bitcoin into more than just digital gold, according to co-founder Muneeb Ali. "I think the analogy would be that if Bitcoin is sort of like a highway and it's congested, Stacks is like a more modern highway right next to it where you can pay a small toll and use it," Ali said about the ecosystem's efforts to expand Bitcoin's usage. "And I feel like now, projects are reaching that level of maturity — that it's not just initial experimentation, it's not just building the thing, but it's actually maturing to real usage and then generating protocol revenue and then figuring out what happens with the protocol revenue." The new Stacks proposal seeks to answer that, by establishing a Stacks Endowment that will be fueled in-part by higher emissions over the next five years, raising from 3.52% to an average of 5.75% per year. As the proposal highlights, Stacks is somewhat unique in how it has operated with less firepower than other top-50 projects in crypto after raising about $80 million six years ago. It's also unique in that Stacks was born out of one of the few U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) qualified offerings in the space. (Despite that, the SEC still opened a probe into Stacks and later closed it in 2024.) Now, Ali says Stacks is looking to accelerate its unique positioning under new leadership at the SEC. "Stacks is all about making Bitcoin productive, so people are bringing their Bitcoin into the into the L2 and they're using it either for payments or in DeFi or lending, whatever they want to do. But as more Bitcoin capital comes in and gets used on the network, there are very clear value accrual models where value accrues back to STX," he said. "And I think we can be much more explicit about it now ... we feel more comfortable because the ecosystem is so decentralized. The SEC already looked into the project for three years and gave a letter saying, you know, you guys are all clear." One of the clearest use cases to come from Stacks' early efforts has been the advent of their challenger to centralized custodians expanding Bitcoin to other blockchains. Rather than offering wrapped Bitcoin that may be operated by centralized players like BitGo or others, Stacks' sBTC has sought to offer a more decentralized alternative by tokenizing Bitcoin and bringing it to other blockchains like Solana and Sui. After launching in December with a 1,000 sBTC cap, the project expanded a few months later to a 3,000 sBTC cap — which it hit just 24 hours later. After raising the cap again this month, total sBTC surpassed 5,000 may soon be showing up in more places. 'We want to take Bitcoin to where the users are ... and open almost like this two-way street. That helps them discover Stacks. That helps them discover Bitcoin DeFi," Ali said. Behind it all is a simple yet powerful bet: Bitcoin can do more. And with regulatory attitudes shifting and protocol maturity setting in, Ali believes Stacks is finally in a position to show how. 'We want to be the most trust-minimized way for people to keep their Bitcoin in a programable environment where they can actually earn yields ... [and] deploy easily in applications and so on,' he said. After a community comment period, SIP-031 will be voted on by the Stacks community and could very well help to accelerate progress. How Stacks is looking to power a second wave of Bitcoin DeFi first appeared on TheStreet on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
New York Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
How to invest in cryptocurrency for beginners
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Cryptocurrency investment has surged into mainstream finance, becoming an enticing yet daunting prospect for beginners. Whether you're a seasoned investor or entirely new to financial markets, understanding the fundamentals of cryptocurrency investment is essential. This guide answers critical questions for anyone venturing into the digital asset space. How do you start investing in cryptocurrency? Investing in cryptocurrency begins with selecting a reputable exchange platform and then taking full control of the digital assets through decentralized, self-custodial crypto wallets such as Best Wallet. The first step is setting up an account on a cryptocurrency exchange such as Coinbase, Binance, Kraken or Gemini. These platforms allow users to convert fiat currencies like U.S. dollars or euros into digital assets. Cryptocurrency investment has surged into mainstream finance, becoming an enticing yet often daunting venture for beginners. Yingyaipumi – After choosing an exchange, users must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, including identity verification — an essential step to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. Once verified, you can link your bank account or card to deposit funds and begin buying cryptocurrency. Mike Cahill, CEO of Douro Labs, described the process as 'surprisingly simple,' adding: 'Most people begin by buying Bitcoin or Ethereum through a trusted exchange like Coinbase or Kraken. Think of it like setting up a brokerage account.' Once the crypto is in your account, you send it to your wallet address. This is a blockchain transaction that moves your assets from the platform's control to your own. How to safely invest in cryptocurrency Security is paramount in the world of crypto. Investors should use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect their exchange accounts. For longer-term holdings, many experts recommend moving assets off exchanges into private wallets. 'Security is at the core of Bitcoin,' said Muneeb Ali, CEO of Trust Machines. A common misconception is that crypto investing requires substantial capital. In fact, digital currencies are divisible, allowing fractional purchases — even just a few dollars' worth. joyfotoliakid – 'Bitcoin enables users to own their financial experience from start to finish. But with that freedom comes responsibility — use a hardware wallet, enable 2FA, and always be cautious about phishing attacks.' Douglas Colkitt, a crypto developer and early contributor to Fogo, agreed: 'Use a trusted, regulated exchange, always enable two-factor authentication, and never share your private keys. If you're holding for the long term, learn how to use a non-custodial wallet.' How to invest in cryptocurrency with little money A common misconception is that crypto investing requires substantial capital. In fact, digital currencies are divisible, allowing fractional purchases — even just a few dollars' worth. 'You definitely don't need a lot to get started,' said Cahill. 'Most platforms let you buy fractions of a coin. You can invest $10, $50 — whatever you're comfortable with.' Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have shown the potential for exceptional returns, especially during times of economic instability. Art_Photo – Sean Worthington, founder of CloudCoin and a long-time crypto educator, also advised caution for new investors. 'Start small. Focus on learning how the ecosystem works,' Worthington told The Post. 'The best investment you can make early on is your time and attention.' Strategies like dollar-cost averaging (DCA) — where you invest a fixed amount at regular intervals — can help mitigate the impact of market volatility while building long-term exposure. Why should I invest in cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have shown the potential for exceptional returns, especially during times of economic instability. Crypto also offers portfolio diversification due to its relatively low correlation with traditional equities. 'Bitcoin is a generational asset,' Ali noted. 'It's a way to hedge against uncertainty while preparing for the long-term financial revolution. It's been around the longest and has the strongest brand name and capital base in crypto.' Additionally, blockchain technology — the foundation of cryptocurrencies — offers decentralized, transparent, and secure transaction mechanisms that challenge conventional financial systems. How to invest in Bitcoin To invest in Bitcoin, follow the same basic steps: set up an exchange account, deposit funds, and purchase BTC. For more hands-off exposure, some investors choose Bitcoin ETFs or trusts, which trade on traditional brokerage platforms. Long-term investors are encouraged to store their BTC in hardware wallets for maximum security. 'If you're in it for the long haul,' Cahill added, 'consider moving it to a personal wallet you control.' Steps for investing in crytpo currency directly Jack Forbes / NY Post Design Easy Steps to Start Buying Crypto Download a trusted exchange app — Start by choosing a licensed crypto exchange. We recommend starting with the Best Wallet app, available in both the iOS and Android app stores. Create and verify your account — Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple ID. To complete registration, you'll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. Fund your account — Deposit money into your account by linking a bank account or credit card or even using gift cards. Choose an option that best fits your lifestyle for convenience or anonymity. Buy your first cryptocurrency — Use the app's marketplace or swap tool to purchase crypto by entering the ticker symbol — like BTC for Bitcoin or ETH for Ethereum — and follow the prompts to complete the transaction. Choose how to store your crypto — Decide whether you'll keep your crypto in the exchange, move it to a digital wallet (hot wallet), or store it offline (cold wallet) for extra protection. Which cryptocurrency should I invest in? Most beginners gravitate toward Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) for their market dominance and established ecosystems. Ethereum supports decentralized apps like Best Wallet and Robinhood, and NFTs, while Bitcoin is considered a hedge against inflation. Other notable projects like Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT) are gaining traction, though investing in them requires deeper research. Worthington warned, 'Not all cryptocurrencies are created equal. Some function like stocks, funding specific projects. Others, like stablecoins, aren't meant to appreciate in value.' Crypto vs. stocks: Which should I choose? Choosing between crypto and stocks depends on your goals. Stocks tend to be more stable and yield dividends, while crypto offers high-risk, high-reward potential. 'Over the last 10 years, Bitcoin has repeatedly outperformed the stock market,' Ali said. 'And with the launch of Spot ETFs in the U.S., it's easier than ever to gain exposure. Financial institutions now see Bitcoin as part of a balanced portfolio.' Conclusion Cryptocurrency investing presents a dynamic opportunity to diversify your portfolio and potentially realize substantial gains. For beginners, starting small, prioritizing security, and adopting a long-term learning mindset is key. As Mike Cahill put it, 'Start small, stay curious, and focus on learning before you go big.' With careful research and responsible risk management, crypto can become a valuable part of your financial strategy.
