BinaryX has rebranded to Four, uniting GameFi, IGOs, and MemeFi under one ecosystem. With BNX now FORM, Four continues to innovate in blockchain gaming."

Having launched in May 2021, BinaryX, which started out as a 

 (DeFi) platform, has continued to evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing blockchain landscape. However, in the spirit of adaptability and innovation, the platform switched to 

, focusing its attention on play-to-earn (P2E) games.

As a GameFi platform, BinaryX has also created an 

 (IGO) launchpad from which developers can launch GameFi projects.

Now, BinaryX has rebranded to Four in order to align with the mission of its 

 product, a launch platform for the meme coin ecosystem.

Let's learn more about BinaryX and the way it continues to shape the crypto market with innovative products and adaptable business models.

 hub for the development of GameFi projects, includes an IGO launchpad to facilitate developers in launching games. 

BinaryX began in 2021 as a decentralized derivative trading system that featured the use of 

. But in 2022, the BinaryX team gradually evolved its project into a GameFi platform in order to adapt to the increased demand for P2E games. Its aim is to make web3 games more accessible and approachable to the vast community of gamers.

BinaryX also developed an IGO launchpad to serve as a comprehensive hub for gaming developers to launch their GameFi projects, and for investors to receive early access to promising new play-to-earn games. Furthermore, the BinaryX team announced the incorporation of a 

 (DAO) into its GameFi ecosystem so that its community of token holders could participate in voting on governance matters.

In February 2025, BinaryX rebranded to Four in order to align with its latest product, Four.meme, which was launched in July 2024. Following the rebrand, its native token, BNX, would now become FORM to reflect the project's commitment to innovation and adaptability.

As one of the top web3 platforms on BNB Chain, BinaryX has continued to innovate and experiment with different business models to adapt to the blockchain landscape's fast-paced nature. To this end, BinaryX has the following diverse products under its wing.

BinaryX launched its Initial Game Offering (IGO) launchpad in May 2022 as a dedicated platform to support blockchain gaming projects. The launchpad helps game developers secure funding for decentralized video games. They also get a platform on which to build communities and accelerate their web3 game development.

By leveraging BinaryX’s expertise in GameFi and its existing user base, projects gain exposure to a vast community of crypto gamers. The platform offers early access to promising blockchain games, allowing investors to participate in token sales and 

 presales. BNX holders can use their tokens to vote for games' listings on the BinaryX platform, and they also receive rewards, such as game tokens and NFT 

Some notable games launched on the BinaryX IGO launchpad include 

. These games showcase BinaryX’s commitment to innovation in GameFi, integrating play-to-earn mechanics, NFTs and decentralized governance to help create immersive gaming ecosystems.

BinaryX's GameFi trading platform is a marketplace designed for seamlessly trading blockchain gaming assets, including NFTs, in-game tokens and virtual items. Launched to support the growing GameFi ecosystem, the platform enables gamers and investors to buy, sell, trade and auction assets from BinaryX-powered games in a secure and efficient manner.

 and DeFi principles, BinaryX ensures transparent transactions with minimal fees, and enhances liquidity for in-game assets while empowering players to maximize their earnings.

The BinaryX GameFi trading platform supports transactions involving 

In January 2022, BinaryX launched the BinaryX DAO, a first for a GameFi project, through which BNX token holders can participate in the project's community governance, determine airdrop and dividend ratios, and submit proposals on how to improve the BinaryX ecosystem.

Case in point: BinaryX's community participated in voting for/against the platform's rebranding to Four during a community vote that was held from Sep 21–23, 2024.

The BinaryX Treasury serves as the financial backbone of the BinaryX ecosystem, supporting the development and sustainability of its GameFi projects. Some sources of assets used to fund the treasury include initial capital injection by the BNX team, income from gaming activities, income from the IGO launchpad and profit from external investment.

Profits in the BinaryX Treasury are used to reward BNX stakers, incentivize BinaryX sidechain node providers and finance strategic investments in third-party projects.

BNX is the native token for the BinaryX platform. Its original maximum supply of 2.1 billion tokens was adjusted to 580 million after a community vote in late July 2024.

Distribution of the 580 million BNX tokens is as follows:

Following BinaryX's rebranding to Four, BNX will change to FORM, and holders will be allowed to exchange to the new token at a ratio of 1:1 (details to follow at a later date).

BinaryX has integrated a multi-token model. Apart from BNX, the other two tokens associated with the platform are as follows:

BinaryX officially rebranded to Four on Feb 21, 2025, following an overwhelming vote via its DAO, marking a significant transformation in its vision for GameFi and DeFi innovation. This shift comes with a revamped website, which will serve as a hub for the GameFi platform, IGO launchpad and Four.meme, a new addition to Four’s expanding ecosystem.

Following the rebranding, a 1:1 token migration from BNX to FORM is necessary in order to enhance the token's identity and align with the project's new direction. FORM remains on the BNB Chain, ensuring smooth compatibility with existing infrastructure.

 (CEXs) won’t need to do anything — the token swap to FORM will take place automatically. BinaryX will liaise with these exchanges to switch from the BNX contract address to the one for FORM.

 (DEXs), cold wallets and self-custody wallets will need to carry out a manual token swap based on a converter provided by BinaryX. To carry out this token swap, you’ll need to do the following:

 landing page (link will be provided at a later date).

4. Sign to authenticate your transaction to receive the FORM tokens.

5. Add the new FORM contract address into your wallet to see the new tokens.

You can buy BNX as a USDT Perpetual contract (

) on the Bybit trading platform. However, the BNXUSDT contract will be delisted on Mar 17, 2025, 9AM UTC, so make sure to close your open positions and cancel your active orders for BNXUSDT as soon as possible.

Over the years, BinaryX has consistently demonstrated strong performance. The rebranding of BinaryX to Four marks a bold step forward in its mission to impact the web3 space. This transformation reflects the project’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem, enhancing token identity and integrating innovative elements, such as Four.meme, alongside its GameFi platform and IGO launchpad.

By adapting to the evolving crypto landscape, Four is positioning itself as a comprehensive hub for web3 and gaming enthusiasts so that it can offer a seamless experience for gamers, investors and meme culture participants. The introduction of the FORM token ensures a more cohesive and recognizable branding, reinforcing Four’s long-term vision. Thanks to the smooth migration process from BNX to FORM, users can continue participating in the ecosystem while benefiting from enhanced liquidity and utility.

Four remains dedicated to GameFi innovation, supporting successful blockchain games such as 

, all of which feature play-to-earn mechanics, NFTs and decentralized governance. The revamped platform is designed to foster a dynamic gaming economy, support new game launches and provide a secure environment for trading digital assets. With its rebranding and expanded offerings, Four is set to lead the next wave of blockchain gaming and DeFi innovation, uniting gamers, developers and investors in a vibrant web3 ecosystem.

Intermediate

binaryx crypto.png

From BinaryX to Four: A unified hub for GameFi, IGOs and MemeFi

Learn about the benefits of using Bybit Pay and the step-by-step instructions to get started with Bybit Pay now.

Traditional financial systems and blockchain-based ecosystems have long operated in silos, creating friction for users and businesses alike. 

 is a new payment solution that’s been designed from the ground up to solve this issue to make cryptocurrency transactions seamless for any users.

With the aim of mainstreaming crypto payment options, Bybit Pay has already begun partnering with traditional payment solution providers, enabling users to transact with cryptocurrencies through existing infrastructure. For example, with its recent 

, Brazilian users can now shop by using cryptocurrencies in a quick and effortless manner. 

In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of using Bybit Pay and provide step-by-step instructions for new users who want to get started with the platform.

With more than 60 million users on the Bybit platform, Bybit Pay empowers merchants with access to the global network of its vast user base. Meanwhile, users benefit from a seamless integration with web3 wallets that makes paying with crypto as easy as paying with fiat currency. The platform also offers collateralized payment tools that allow users to borrow against their NFT and crypto holdings. 

Through these innovative features, Bybit Pay blends the ease of traditional finance with the flexibility of cryptocurrencies, creating an ecosystem that benefits both users and merchants.

Bybit Pay can be accessed using the Bybit App on mobile and desktop. 

While filling in the form, make sure that the information you enter matches the information you’ve already provided during 

: As of now, only verified users in Brazil can make transactions using a Pix QR code.

Since the Pix integration, Brazilian users can use Bybit Pay wherever Pix is accepted. This opens up a vast network of offline establishments in the country, since Pix is Brazil’s leading instant payment system provider. 

In addition to offline establishments, Bybit Pay can also be used with a number of e-commerce providers for online shopping using cryptocurrencies. Bybit Pay will be available to users from other regions soon.

With the launch of Bybit Pay, Bybit is integrating crypto payments with traditional payment services providers — and vastly expanding the number of places where cryptocurrencies can be used.

Beginner

bybit pay.png

How to use Bybit Pay for effortless payments

SwapX (SWPX) is a Sonic-based DEX offering concentrated liquidity, automated liquidity management and modular plugins for seamless DeFi trading.

In mid-February 2025, Argentina's President Javier Milei posted a tweet promoting a previously poorly known cryptocurrency, 

 (SOL)–based Libra (LIBRA), triggering a huge price surge from fractions of a cent to over $5 within hours of the tweet. The token's creators, who controlled 70% of the supply, quickly sold their holdings at the peak, causing the price to plummet to less than $1 within hours. Approximately five hours after his initial post, Milei deleted his post, distancing himself from the project as 

The LIBRA token debacle further tarnished Solana's reputation, already undermined by the numerous dubious meme coins on Solana, exacerbating SOL's decline. US president Donald Trump's announcement about including SOL in the proposed US strategic crypto reserve assets list helped soften the decline, but the damage had already been done.

Against the backdrop of Solana’s reputational troubles, developers and 

 (DApp) operators are actively searching for alternatives — and many are turning to 

 (S), the rebranded reincarnation of Fantom (FTM), as a chain that also features great performance and cost advantages, while also being 

 (EVM)–compatible and, importantly, largely free from the image of a scam nest.

Among the many DApps embracing Sonic is SwapX (SWPX), a 

 (DEX) that offers a number of innovative features, including concentrated liquidity (CL) provision, modular plugins for additional functionality, automated liquidity management, user-friendly account abstraction and more.

 (SWPX) is a DEX platform built on the Sonic Layer 1 blockchain, which aims to provide efficient, user-friendly and flexible trading solutions for crypto token traders and liquidity providers. 

SwapX takes advantage of Sonic's speed and cost advantages to offer cheaper transactions and nearly immediate settlement, both of which are important considerations for DEX users.

The SwapX project has implemented several features and services to address the needs of 

 and liquidity providers at all expertise levels.

SwapX's execution engine is powered by Algebra Integral, a 

 (DeFi) technology provider offering a suite of 

 (AMM) solutions. The SwapX DEX has integrated Algebra Integral's V4 engine, a modular architecture that lets exchanges use customizable plugins for additional functionality. SwapX's plugins support modular upgrades and extend the platform's capabilities by adding new services without disrupting core operations.

 (UNI) v3–style CL pools, which let liquidity providers contribute their funds within specific price ranges. The platform also features automated liquidity management (ALM), so users can add a single token to liquidity pools (instead of having to deposit a pair of tokens). It also removes the need for liquidity providers to actively monitor their positions.

SwapX prides itself on its robust operations, which ensures overall security by restricting plugins from handling user funds directly, thus minimizing the risk of potential vulnerabilities. The platform also uses thoroughly audited, verified 

Another innovative feature of SwapX is account abstraction (AA), which simplifies user authentication by allowing access via an email or Google account. Instead of relying solely on 

, AA uses smart contracts to manage accounts, which further enhances security.

The SwapX project is unrelated to the earlier (and, by now, largely defunct) BSCEX AMM aggregator platform, which was sometimes referred to as BSCEX SwapX.

SwapX's choice of the Sonic blockchain isn’t incidental. The 

 chain has been gaining popularity over the past few months, thanks to its stellar technical properties, low transaction costs and scam-free reputation.

Sonic, a rebranding of an earlier popular blockchain Fantom (FTM), launched its mainnet in December 2024. The Sonic chain boasts a throughput capacity of up to 10,000 

 and sub-second finality times. Unlike Solana, Sonic is also EVM-compatible.

In February 2025, DeFi activity on Sonic began to rise, with some of the new activity supported by Solana's difficulties and the search for a less controversy-affected hosting platform.

Supported by the broader shift from Solana to Sonic, some Sonic-based DeFi protocols — such as Shadow (SHADOW), Metropolis (METRO) and SwapX itself — saw their token prices surge around mid-February. However, by early March, many of the tokens were off the highs to which they’d quickly climbed.

We noted above that plugins are one of SwapX's core features, allowing it to extend the basic AMM functionality. YieldSync is probably the most important of these plugins.

The plugin, created jointly by SwapX and Algebra Integral's developer, enhances liquidity pools containing yield-bearing assets like 

 (LSTs) and liquid restaking tokens (LRTs). It redirects part of these tokens' yield into incentives that encourage voting within the platform's governance system. 

This process increases the overall rewards for liquidity providers and makes the pools more attractive, which draws in more liquidity and boosts the pools' efficiency.

CL, another key feature of SwapX, allows liquidity providers to contribute their funds within specific price ranges to optimize the use of their liquidity. First introduced by Uniswap v3, the CL model can deliver greater returns and lead to more efficient capital usage than the standard AMM setup, whereby the contributed liquidity is spread over the entire price range in the pool.

It should also be noted that while CL-based liquidity provision can be highly profitable, it requires active management and is more complex than the standard AMM model.

SwapX features four distinct liquidity pool types 

 Classic Volatile AMM, Classic Stable AMM, CLAMM and single-token pools offered in partnership with the ICHI liquidity strategies provider.

Earlier on, we mentioned SwapX's ALM functionality, which is leveraged by the ICHI pools. In essence, SwapX's ALM helps liquidity providers in CL pools automate the process of adjusting liquidity within specific price ranges. This reduces the need for constant monitoring and manual adjustments, one of the core drawbacks of the standard CL model. ALM aims to maximize yields by keeping liquidity active within profitable price ranges. In other words, SwapX's ALM might be described as an "auto-pilot" mode for concentrated liquidity provision.

 asset issued on the Sonic chain. Its primary function is to facilitate 

 voting on the platform. Holders of SWPX can lock their funds and be issued veSWPX, an NFT asset that grants the rights to participate in on-chain votes, and attain voting power alongside farming rewards. In addition, veSWPX qualifies you to receive weekly rewards from swap fees and voting incentives. Eligible users can also receive the token via 

SWPX has a max supply of 123 million and a total supply of over 58 million, of which around 14.44 million are in circulation. The token's maximum supply limitation is 123 million. As of Mar 14, 2025, the token is trading at $0.30 and has a market cap of $4.44 million, according to data from CoinGecko.

SwapX is among the newer DeFi platforms taking advantage of the Sonic blockchain's recent popularity, technical efficiencies and low costs. With an array of options for traders at all levels of expertise, SwapX has solid potential to become a significant player, at least within the Sonic ecosystem. 

Whether you want basic token swaps and liquidity provision, or prefer to utilize more advanced strategies, such as CL-based liquidity provision and ALM, SwapX has something to offer you.

swapx crypto.png

SwapX (SWPX): The future of liquidity provision on Sonic

Indices are essentially statistical measures that track the performance of a group of assets. Learn more here.

From the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA, or simply the Dow) to the Hang Seng Index (HSI), the world’s major stock market indices are vital benchmarks that reflect the performance of leading companies across regions. For beginning and veteran traders alike, such indices act as overarching market bellwethers that provide deeper insights into market trends and serve as tools for trading strategies, risk management and portfolio diversification.

Given their mass popularity, indices are widely traded in the forms of futures, options and 

 (ETFs), enabling traders to effortlessly hedge against volatility or speculate on market movements through their preferred instrument. In this article, we’ll explore the world’s biggest market benchmarks, their composition, significance in trading and their role in shaping global financial markets.

Indices are essentially statistical measures that track the performance of a group of assets. For example, by referring to the three major US indices, we can immediately tell how a particular segment of the market is performing, thanks to the snapshot provided by these indices. 

At their core, these indices provide a way to gauge market trends, manage risk and diversify portfolios by offering a broad view of different sectors or asset classes. They’re widely used in financial markets for investment strategies, and as benchmarks for evaluating performance.

While more popular indices typically track the prices of stocks, traders may also consider trading indices that take into account the performance of other asset types, such as commodities and fixed-income instruments (e.g., bonds).

How indices work — mechanics, composition and weightage

Beyond simple tracking, indices also serve as the basis for numerous financial products that enable traders to participate in broad market movements without needing to purchase individual assets. This unmatched level of accessibility makes indices crucial for both institutional and retail traders. To go one step further, the construction of an index — including the specific assets being included, and their weighting — can significantly impact the index’s behavior, and the extent to which it effectively represents its target market.

Overall, understanding these construction methodologies is vital for traders who want to accurately interpret index movements and make informed decisions. We’ll go into more detail on the inner workings of index trading in the subsequent sections of this article.

Index trading involves speculating on the price movements of a group of assets without directly owning them. This is typically achieved through financial instruments, such as contracts for difference (CFDs), futures or options. The following section provides a detailed explanation of the mechanics involved.

As previously mentioned, indices are composed of various assets, such as stocks, commodities or bonds, and their performance is tracked using different weighting methods. The most common methods include the following.

Now that you’re familiar with the technicalities involved with index composition, let’s dive deeper into the instruments involved with the trading of indices.

New to trading indices? No worries. Here’s a quick four-step process to help you get started.

In summary, index trading provides a way to participate in broad market movements through various financial instruments. It offers diversification and flexibility but requires careful 

, given the volatility associated with index trading.

Trading indices offers several compelling advantages that make them an attractive option for both novice and experienced traders. The following reasons are worth considering.

Indices can be categorized based on their coverage, weighting method and focus. 

Following are some of the main types of indices.

Index prices are influenced by a variety of factors that can be broadly categorized into economic indicators, company performance, market sentiment and external events. These factors interact dynamically, influencing the overall performance of indices and shaping market trends.

For traders looking to get started with index trading, 

 with deep liquidity and competitive spreads. For a limited time (from Mar 13 through Apr 12, 2025), we’re running a 

 in which traders can enjoy zero fees on selected index pairs, making it even more cost-effective to explore index trading.

Ultimately, trading indices can seem daunting, given their depth of assets and the mechanics involved. For example, the S&P 500 comprises hundreds of stocks, each with different amounts of weightage. If mega-cap stocks like Tesla were to face some form of volatility, there would definitely be an impact on the index. As such, beginning traders who are new to index trading must 

 prior to transacting with indices, given the risks involved with the use of leveraged instruments.

For those with a longer time horizon in mind, trading indices can certainly be useful, especially if you’re intending to 

 your entries over time when building up your position. Given the extent of diversification involved and the sheer amount of liquidity present, it certainly would make sense for any trader with a long-term bullish inclination to trade indices and hold their ETFs for the long haul.

With a reliable platform like Bybit Gold&FX, you’ll practically be spoiled for choice when it comes to navigating the diverse world of indices and other financial instruments. By empowering traders with access to real-time data, advanced charting tools and a user-friendly interface, Bybit Gold&FX helps traders make informed decisions when analyzing market trends and execute trades with precision.

Whether you're interested in tracking the performance of major stock market indices, exploring commodity indices or diversifying your portfolio with forex and gold, Bybit Gold&FX offers the necessary resources and support. The platform's focus on security and transparency provides traders with peace of mind, allowing them to concentrate on their investment strategies and capitalize on market opportunities. In essence, it transforms the complexities of index trading into an accessible and sleek experience.

indices, index trading.png

Indices: Trading the world’s biggest market benchmarks

Crypto

Bitcoin

Explainers

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that utilizes blockchain technology to enable secure and transparent transactions.

In a world permeated by digital technology and global connectivity, Bitcoin has emerged as a trailblazer, challenging conventional financial systems and captivating audiences worldwide. But what is Bitcoin exactly, and how does it work? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the fascinating world of cryptocurrency, exploring the fundamentals, history, usage, and challenges of Bitcoin, as well as its legal aspects and future outlook.

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that utilizes blockchain technology for secure, transparent transactions. It's designed to be a peer-to-peer payment system without a central authority, allowing direct transactions between users. Key features include decentralization, a cap of 21 million coins, and legal variations across jurisdictions. Bitcoin combats traditional financial systems, offering financial inclusion globally. Its divisibility and adaptability make it a versatile digital currency. Mining, integral to Bitcoin, rewards miners with new coins, governed by a halving mechanism to control supply. Bitcoin's future involves addressing scalability and environmental concerns.

Decentralization and peer-to-peer network

The decentralized nature of Bitcoin distinguishes it from conventional financial systems that depend on central authorities for transaction management and money supply control. By utilizing a distributed ledger called the 

, Bitcoin transactions are verified by a network of nodes, ensuring security and transparency without the need for intermediaries. This 

Not only does Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer nature benefit those seeking to transact without intermediaries, but it also promotes an inclusive financial ecosystem. Unlike centralized systems that can exclude unbanked populations or those with limited access to financial services, Bitcoin’s decentralized network allows anyone with an internet connection to participate, creating new opportunities for economic growth and financial inclusion.

Bitcoin, as a digital currency, presents several advantages in terms of divisibility and adaptability over traditional or fiat currencies. One such advantage is that Bitcoin is highly divisible, with the smallest unit being a satoshi, named after its mysterious creator, 

. This level of divisibility allows for more precise transactions and greater flexibility when using Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, regardless of price fluctuations.

This high level of divisibility is not only beneficial for individual transactions but also contributes to Bitcoin’s adaptability as its value changes over time. By being divisible up to eight decimal places, Bitcoin can accommodate a wide range of use cases and ensures that users can transact in smaller amounts without dealing with unwieldy decimal values. Consequently, Bitcoin’s divisibility renders it more versatile than most traditional currencies, enabling more accurate transactions and increased flexibility in value transfer.

Embracing digital currencies like Bitcoin also opens up new possibilities for financial innovation and growth. As digital money, Bitcoin transcends physical boundaries, allowing for:

This makes it an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking to capitalize on the growing digital economy.

The utilization of blockchain technology for securing and making transactions immutable is a key innovation of Bitcoin. The Bitcoin blockchain, also known as the bitcoin 

, is a distributed ledger that stores transaction data in a secure and transparent manner, with cryptographic hashing and consensus mechanisms ensuring that transactions are valid and tamper-proof. This level of security is crucial for a payment system that operates without the need for trust between parties.

While no system is completely impervious to attack, the decentralized nature of the Bitcoin blockchain makes it exceptionally resilient. Disrupting the Bitcoin network would require an attacker to control more than 50% of the network’s computational power, a feat that is practically impossible given the current size and distribution of the network. As a result, Bitcoin users can have confidence in the security and integrity of their transactions, knowing that their digital assets are well-protected.

The path of Bitcoin was initiated by an enigmatic figure or group, Satoshi Nakamoto, who published a whitepaper in 2008 that outlined the design and intent of the digital currency. The first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the genesis block, was mined in 2009, marking the beginning of the cryptocurrency’s development.

Since then, Bitcoin has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting attention from investors, technologists, and regulators alike.

Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, introduced the world to a revolutionary concept: a digital cash system that eliminates the need for trusted intermediaries. In the 

, Nakamoto outlined the key principles behind the cryptocurrency, such as:

By implementing cryptographic techniques and a peer-to-peer network, Nakamoto proposed a system that could function without the need for banks or other third parties, enabling users to transact directly with one another.

Despite various attempts to uncover the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the individual or group behind the pseudonym remains unknown. This air of mystery surrounding Bitcoin’s origins has only added to its allure, with many speculating about the motives and intentions of its enigmatic creator.

The genesis block, the first block ever mined in the Bitcoin blockchain, holds immense significance in the world of cryptocurrency. Mined by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, the genesis block serves as the foundation for the entire Bitcoin ecosystem and is the prototype for all other blocks in the blockchain. The mining of the genesis block marked the beginning of Bitcoin’s development, setting the stage for a new era of financial innovation.

From its humble beginnings, Bitcoin has experienced numerous milestones and challenges along the way. Some key events in its early development include:

Despite these challenges and the ever-changing landscape of the digital currency market, Bitcoin has continued to evolve and grow, solidifying its status as a trailblazer in the world of finance.

The mining process, which involves solving complicated mathematical problems to validate transactions and create new coins, is central to Bitcoin’s functionality. Through this system, miners are rewarded with newly 

 and transaction fees, incentivizing them to contribute their computational power to the network.

One unique aspect of Bitcoin’s design is its capped supply, with a maximum of 21 million coins ever to be created.

 system is a critical component of Bitcoin’s mining process, requiring miners to expend significant computational power to solve intricate mathematical puzzles and validate transactions. This mechanism ensures that only those who have demonstrated their commitment to the network by devoting resources to the mining process are rewarded with newly created coins and transaction fees.

Miners prioritize transactions with the highest fees attached, as these fees help to cover their electricity and maintenance costs. As more miners join the network and demand for block space increases, competition for higher fees can lead to slower confirmation times and increased transaction costs, highlighting the need for scalable solutions like the Lightning Network.

In addition to the creation of new coins, miners also play a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of the Bitcoin network. By verifying and adding new transactions to the blockchain, miners help to ensure that the network remains resistant to tampering and fraud.

One key aspect of Bitcoin’s design is its controlled supply, with a total cap of 21 million coins ever to be created. This scarcity is maintained through a process called 

, which occurs approximately every four years or every 210,000 blocks, reducing the mining rewards by 50%. At the time of writing, three halving events have taken place, with the next one anticipated to occur in 2024.

This controlled supply and halving mechanism serve to create a deflationary environment for Bitcoin, as the rate of new coin creation decreases over time. As a result, Bitcoin is often compared to digital gold, with many investors viewing it as a store of value and a hedge against traditional financial assets.

Having grasped Bitcoin’s fundamentals, history, and mining process, one might question how to obtain and securely keep this digital asset. The process is relatively straightforward, involving the use of cryptocurrency exchanges to buy Bitcoin and digital wallets to store and manage one’s holdings.

Cryptocurrency exchanges, also known as bitcoin exchanges, serve as the primary gateway for individuals looking to buy, sell, or trade Bitcoin. These platforms allow users to exchange their fiat currencies, such as US dollars or euros, for Bitcoin, or even trade one cryptocurrency for another.

To purchase Bitcoin on an exchange like Bybit, users simply need to follow these steps:

Buying one Bitcoin is as easy as using the right bitcoin software to sell Bitcoin!

Of course, the security of one’s funds is paramount when using a cryptocurrency exchange. Reputable exchanges like Bybit implement a variety of security measures, such as:

Once Bitcoin has been acquired, the next step is to securely store and manage one’s holdings. This is where Bitcoin wallets come into play. A Bitcoin wallet is a software program or specialized device that stores the private keys needed to access and manage one’s Bitcoin holdings, ensuring secure storage and transaction capabilities.

There are various types of Bitcoin wallets available, such as paper wallets, hardware wallets, and software wallets, each offering different levels of security and functionality. For example, hardware wallets provide an elevated level of security by generating and storing private keys in an offline, secure environment, thereby protecting them from potential hackers and keylogging attacks.

When managing private keys in a Bitcoin wallet, it is essential to take certain security precautions, such as maintaining the confidentiality of one’s keys, utilizing cold storage techniques, and implementing strong encryption. By taking these measures, Bitcoin holders can ensure that their digital assets are well-protected against theft or loss.

Using Bitcoin for Payments and Investments

Beyond its potential as a store of value or speculative investment, Bitcoin can also be used for a variety of practical applications, such as:

In this section, we will explore some of the ways Bitcoin can be utilized in everyday life and the financial markets.

One of the primary use cases for Bitcoin is as a means of payment for goods and services. An increasing number of global merchants, retailers, and service providers are starting to accept Bitcoin as a payment method, often displaying a “Bitcoin Accepted Here” sign at their physical locations and on their online checkout pages.

To make a payment with Bitcoin, users simply need to provide their public address or scan a QR code, and the transaction is processed through the Bitcoin network, which records bitcoin transactions, in a matter of minutes. This enables fast, secure, and cost-effective bitcoin payments, particularly for international payments or remittances, which can be subject to high fees and lengthy processing times through traditional banking systems.

However, using Bitcoin for payments is not without its challenges. Price volatility can pose risks for both buyers and sellers, and the energy-intensive mining process has raised environmental concerns.

Despite these drawbacks, the potential benefits of Bitcoin as a payment method continue to drive its adoption and integration into the global economy.

As an investment, Bitcoin has experienced significant price volatility since its inception, attracting the attention of both long-term investors and short-term speculators. Factors such as market forces, emotional reactions, and global financial events can all impact bitcoin prices, making it a potentially lucrative but also risky investment.

In addition to trading or holding Bitcoin as a store of value, some investors are also exploring the world of cryptocurrency derivatives, such as futures contracts and options. These financial instruments can provide additional opportunities for speculation and risk management, particularly for those looking to hedge their exposure to the volatile cryptocurrency markets.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in Bitcoin will depend on an individual’s financial profile, investment portfolio, risk tolerance, and investment goals. As with any investment, it is important to conduct thorough research, consider the potential risks and rewards, and seek advice from a financial professional before diving into the world of cryptocurrency investing.

As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to grow in popularity and usage, governments and regulators around the world are grappling with the challenges of effectively regulating this new asset class. In this section, we will explore the legal aspects of Bitcoin, including its status as an asset or currency, taxation, and efforts to combat money laundering and other illegal activities.

Bitcoin’s legal status is country-specific; while some jurisdictions acknowledge it as a legal currency, others categorize it as an asset or property for taxation purposes. In the United States, for example, Bitcoin is considered an asset rather than a currency, as it is not recognized as the official coin and paper money of the country. In contrast, some countries like Japan have recognized Bitcoin as a legal form of payment, subject to certain regulations and tax requirements.

Taxation of Bitcoin also varies depending on the jurisdiction, with different countries implementing their own tax laws and regulations concerning cryptocurrency transactions and holdings. Some countries, such as Georgia, Malta, Switzerland, and Germany, have adopted crypto-friendly tax policies, while others, like France, Austria, and Italy, do not impose taxes on crypto-to-crypto transactions. As tax laws and regulations surrounding Bitcoin continue to evolve, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to stay informed and consult with tax experts or official government sources for the most up-to-date information.

The legal landscape for Bitcoin is complex and ever-changing, with governments and regulatory bodies around the world working to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers, investors, and the integrity of the financial system. As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow and mature, it is likely that further legal and regulatory developments will emerge in the coming years.

Anti-money laundering and combating illegal activities

As with any financial system, the potential for abuse and criminal activity exists within the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. In response to these concerns, regulatory efforts have been directed toward combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies.

One approach taken by regulators is to impose sanctions on cryptocurrency exchanges and individual wallets associated with criminal activities. By identifying and targeting the financial infrastructure used by criminals, authorities can disrupt and deter illegal activities while also ensuring that legitimate users can continue to benefit from the advantages of digital currencies.

What Is Bitcoin (The Definitive Guide)

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards