A Solana ETF is a type of exchange-traded fund that offers a way for investors to gain exposure to the Solana ecosystem without directly owning SOL tokens.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 

) on Jan 10, 2024 electrified the cryptocurrency community, 

. This landmark decision has opened the floodgates for speculation about the introduction of spot ETFs for other leading cryptocurrencies. Several issuers have already 

, a rising star in the blockchain arena, could also be a prime candidate for its own spot ETF. This article examines the feasibility of a Solana Spot ETF in the wake of Bitcoin’s ETF success. Explore the potential of a Solana Spot ETF while considering the lessons learned from Bitcoin’s ETF journey and the unique aspects of Solana’s blockchain technology that could influence its own spot ETF approval.

A Solana ETF is a type of exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Solana's native cryptocurrency, SOL, offering a way for investors to gain exposure to the Solana ecosystem without directly owning SOL tokens.

A Solana ETF, if approved, would function as a regulated investment fund that follows the price of Solana’s native token, SOL, by directly holding these tokens in its underlying basket. The ETF would be traded on stock exchanges, so investors could buy and sell shares of the fund, just as they would with stocks. The value of the ETF shares would fluctuate with the market price of SOL tokens, providing investors with exposure to Solana’s performance without the need to directly purchase or store the cryptocurrency.

The mechanics of a Solana ETF would involve several key components:

The establishment of a Solana ETF would depend upon regulatory approval. This requires the ETF issuer to demonstrate that the fund meets all legal and regulatory standards, including those related to investor protection and market integrity. The SEC’s stance on cryptocurrency ETFs has been cautious, but the recent approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs has set a precedent that could pave the way for other cryptocurrencies such as Solana.

The current landscape of Solana ETFs is filled with anticipation and a few options for those eager to get in. While there aren't any official Solana ETFs approved yet in the U.S., there's a lot of talk about the possibility. People are particularly hopeful following the SEC's approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs, whose funds directly hold BTC.

Although the exact timeline for approval remains uncertain, experts believe that Solana could hit the crypto spot ETF market in 2024. They're keeping a close eye on the SEC's decision regarding potential Ethereum Spot ETFs, 

, which could set a precedent for Solana ETFs.

In the meantime, investors looking to get a piece of the Solana action can turn to products such as 

 (VSOL), which are available in certain regions. In Canada, 

 is getting ready to launch a Solana Spot ETF, which could be the first of its kind in North America.

The excitement around Solana ETFs comes from the blockchain's increasing adoption, its technological advancements and its attractiveness as an investment. Nevertheless, getting ETF approval is anything but straightforward, as the market needs clear structures to support them and there are numerous regulatory hoops to jump through.

Still, with the growing interest in crypto ETFs, there's a reasonable chance of Solana ETFs becoming a reality soon. When they do, they'll offer investors a new way to tap into Solana’s exciting blockchain platform.

Chances of Solana ETF Applications Being Approved

As mentioned above, approval for Solana ETFs depends upon a few key factors, including the regulatory landscape. Right now, it seems like getting the green light for a Solana ETF in the U.S. might be a long shot. Tellingly, no company has yet applied for one to the SEC.

Instead, all eyes are on Ethereum. Several companies, including big names like Franklin Templeton and 

s. The SEC is expected to decide on these applications this year, a decision that could hold sway over the fate of Solana ETFs.

However, there's a twist: The SEC sees Bitcoin differently because of its 

 (PoW) consensus mechanism, whereas Ethereum and Solana are both 

 blockchains, making approval trickier. The SEC is still investigating whether Ether (ETH) is a security, which would open up additional compliance requirements for the asset.

 because it aims to play a similar role in the blockchain world. It boasts compelling features, such as fast transactions and low fees. Therefore, if Ethereum gets the thumbs-up, it may bode well for Solana, too. The anticipation is that if a Solana ETF gets the go-ahead, it could see a wave of inflows, much as Bitcoin did.

What Will It Mean If a Solana ETF Application Is Approved?

If a Solana ETF application were approved, it would mark a significant moment for the crypto world, especially for Solana itself. 

Investors would gain the ability to effectively buy Solana's token, SOL, through a regulated investment product traded on stock exchanges. This could bring more liquidity into Solana, make its token easier to access and provide some regulatory clarity — all of which could attract larger institutional investors.

Looking at the impact of Bitcoin ETFs on the crypto market, we could see a similar rush of mainstream adoption if a Solana ETF were to be approved. Being able to invest in Solana from a typical retail or institutional brokerage account would open the door for larger inflows.

However, since the SEC is still trying to determine whether Ether is a security, it will almost certainly have ruled on this issue before approving a Solana ETF. 

The SEC's January 2024 approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs has sparked excitement over the potential for a Solana ETF, a possibility that could make investing in the SOL token more accessible for everyone. Although no applications are in the U.S. pipeline yet, the anticipation in the industry is undeniable. Approval would mark a major milestone, with an impact potentially similar to that of Bitcoin's Spot ETF approvals — and the promise of bringing more institutional players into the cryptocurrency market.

Intermediate

solana_etf.png

Solana ETF: The Next Contender After BTC and ETH Spot ETFs

Notable Ethereum Spot ETF applications have come from high-profile issuers that received approval for Bitcoin Spot ETFs earlier this year. Learn more here.

The cryptocurrency landscape could be on the brink of a major shake-up as several Ethereum spot exchange-traded fund (

) applications await regulatory approval. These financial instruments promise to bridge the gap between traditional investment markets and the fast-growing world of digital assets, offering investors a regulated and accessible means for gaining exposure to 

This article explores the top pending Ethereum Spot ETF applications, exploring their significance, potential impact on the market and implications for the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies.

What Is an Ethereum Spot ETF Application?

An Ethereum Spot ETF application is a filing submitted to regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to list an exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Ether (ETH), allowing investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without directly holding it.

How Does an Ethereum Spot ETF Application Work?

An Ethereum Spot ETF application is a formal request by a financial institution to gain regulatory approval to offer a financial product that tracks the price of Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency and the token of the Ethereum network, in real time. 

Investors can participate in the ETF by purchasing shares through their brokerage accounts. This way, they can gain exposure to Ether's price movements without the complexities associated with directly buying or holding the cryptocurrency. The ETF provider assumes responsibility for securely holding the Ether, managing the fund's day-to-day operations and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Current Ethereum Spot ETF Application Landscape

, Fidelity, VanEck and ARK 21Shares have all thrown their hats into the ring by submitting applications to the SEC for approval. These particular issuers have previously applied to run Bitcoin Spot ETFs that are currently approved and trading.

However, the SEC has pushed back on the recent Ethereum Spot ETF applications, prolonging the decision-making process. They've also sought public feedback in order to gauge whether the arguments supporting the approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs are applicable to Ethereum Spot ETFs as well.

Anticipation has continued to build with the approach of the final deadlines for the SEC's decisions, set for between May 23 and Jul 5, 2024 for various applicants. The SEC's review process involves assessing factors such as the potential for market manipulation and the resemblance between Ethereum spot and futures exchange-traded products.

The outcome of these applications holds significant weight, as it could shape the future landscape of cryptocurrency investment vehicles and play an important role in driving broader adoption of Ethereum within traditional financial markets. Investors and observers alike are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing their potential to influence the trajectory of both Ethereum and the wider crypto market.

Top High-Profile Ethereum Spot ETF Applications

Several high-profile financial institutions have applied for Ethereum Spot ETFs, reflecting a growing interest in cryptocurrency investment products. Following is a list of some notable contenders.

BlackRock, a global investment giant and the world’s largest asset manager, submitted its 

 Ethereum Trust, in November 2023. However, the SEC postponed its decision to late January 2024 and again to March. The SEC is currently seeking public comment on the application, particularly concerning Ethereum’s susceptibility to fraud, and has delayed its decision until Jun 11, 2024.

Franklin Templeton, another major player in the investment world, 

 for an Ethereum Spot ETF in February 2024, making it the latest contender to join several other firms in the race. The SEC has delayed the deadline to June 2024 to rule on the firm’s application. If approved, the fund will be listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange as Franklin Ethereum ETF.

Known for its ETFs and mutual funds, investment management firm VanEck has expressed doubts about the SEC's approval of its Ethereum Spot ETF application, 

 in July 2021. Although the SEC’s decision is expected in May 2024, VanEck’s CEO has voiced his skepticism of approval by the May 23, 2024 deadline, citing the regulators' ominous silence. Notably, VanEck holds the distinction of being the first investment management firm to file an ETH Spot ETF application in the United States.

21Shares specializes in cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (

), while ARK Invest focuses on thematic investing. The two firms 

 for the ARK 21Shares Ethereum ETF in September 2023, with the SEC expected to decide by May 24, 2024. The application has been 

 to include a cash-creation model, and has proposed plans to stake a portion of the ETF’s Ether for generating additional income.

A global asset manager focused on cryptocurrencies, Hashdex 

 with the SEC in September 2023 to list and trade shares of the 

 its decision on the application, with a verdict expected by late May 2024.

Grayscale is the world’s largest digital currency asset manager, with a range of investment products that provides exposure to cryptocurrencies and the digital currency asset class. The firm 

 its Grayscale Ethereum Trust into an Ether Spot ETF in October 2023. The SEC extended the review period, setting a new deadline for June 2024. 

Invesco, an investment management firm, has partnered with Galaxy Digital, a diversified financial services firm, to create a 

 for an Ethereum Spot ETF to be named the Invesco Galaxy Ethereum ETF. The SEC's decision, expected in December 2023, has been 

Fidelity Investments is a major financial services corporation with a global presence and millions of customers. Fidelity first filed for an Ethereum Spot ETF in November 2023. It later 

 its application in March 2024 to include ETH staking, which would allow investors to earn additional income from staking rewards. The SEC has set a deadline of May 23, 2024 to approve or deny the application.

What Could Happen If an Ethereum Spot ETF Application Is Approved?

The approval of an Ethereum Spot ETF application holds significant implications for the cryptocurrency market.

Approval of an Ethereum Spot ETF could mark a significant milestone for the crypto market. It would greatly improve Ethereum's accessibility, bolster market confidence and potentially drive up Ether’s price. In addition, such an approval would represent a new milestone in cryptocurrency adoption, providing investors with a regulated and easy avenue for investing in Ethereum. Nevertheless, regulatory hurdles and market volatility are variables that could influence the timing and magnitude of the approval of the pending applications.

ethereum spot etf applications featured image

APR24_R29_An_Overview_of_Top_Pending_Ethereum_Spot_ETF_Applications.png

An Overview of the Top Pending Ethereum Spot ETF Applications

An Ethereum Spot ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the real-time price of Ether and allows investment through traditional stock markets. Learn more.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave the green light to a number of Bitcoin Spot exchange-traded funds (

), sparking optimism that similar approval might be extended to Ethereum Spot ETFs. Adding to the excitement, news of Ethereum Spot ETF approval in Asia’s first region has heightened anticipation for a potential approval and launch in the U.S. However, despite the buzz, some industry observers remain skeptical. This article explores the potential impact of Ethereum Spot ETF approval on the broader crypto market.

An Ethereum Spot ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the real-time price of 

 and allows investment through traditional stock markets. It offers investors a way to invest in Ether without having to actually buy or hold the asset itself.

An Ethereum Spot ETF operates by pooling investor funds to purchase Ether, which is held in reserves by the ETF.

Rather than navigating the complexities of 

 and exchanges, investors buy shares of the ETF through regular brokerage accounts, just as they would with traditional stocks. These shares represent a stake in the Ether held by the ETF, providing a simple and regulated way to own Ethereum indirectly.

In order to create ETF shares, authorized participants — usually financial institutions — purchase Ether in exchange for ETF shares of equal value, which are then sold onto the market. An authorized participant can also redeem shares by buying enough ETF shares and exchanging them for Spot Ether and taking those shares away from the market.

As a result, the price of ETF shares tends to fluctuate in line with Ethereum's Spot market price. If it didn’t, there would be an 

 opportunity to profit from any mispricings in the ETF price. However, it’s still theoretically possible for the ETF to trade at different prices simply because of supply-and-demand factors.

ETFs as securities are regulated by the SEC, so an Ethereum Spot ETF provides a regulated product that investors can purchase. By contrast, Spot Ether is being investigated by the SEC to determine whether it should be classified as a security, and currently lacks regulatory clarity. 

This setup offers numerous benefits for investors. It simplifies the investment process, allowing anyone with a brokerage account to invest in Ethereum without setting up a crypto exchange account or managing storage. This can save time and give some investors greater peace of mind. An ETF structure also provides the regulatory clarity that institutional investors need, which can enhance liquidity and trading volumes.

Security is paramount in the realm of cryptocurrency, and the ETF provider takes it seriously. To safeguard Ether holdings, ETF providers employ a combination of 

 and insured custodial services. As a result, they could potentially minimize the risk of theft or loss that individual crypto investors may encounter.

The Ethereum Spot ETF bridges traditional finance (TradFi) and the exciting (but still growing) cryptocurrency space. It offers the security and ease of trading associated with traditional financial markets while opening up investment opportunities in Ethereum for a broader audience.

Both excitement and regulatory scrutiny characterize the current landscape of Ethereum Spot ETFs. Major financial institutions like 

 and Fidelity have submitted applications for these ETFs to the SEC. Still, decisions have been delayed, with the next 

If applicants begin updating their filings by April, this may indicate they’re incorporating feedback from the regulator, which could be interpreted as a positive sign. However, a lack of updates to filings could indicate that the SEC isn’t maintaining the same level of discussions with issuers that led to its 

Another challenge is that the SEC is still investigating whether Ether should be classified as a security, especially since it transferred its consensus mechanism to 

. Earning rewards through staking could meet criteria that determine whether an asset is a security. Ethereum also provides a foundation for 

 (DeFi), which could add to the complexity of the review. 

Analysts' opinions vary regarding the likelihood of ETH ETF approval. One Bloomberg analyst, for instance, 

 chance of approval by May. However, the SEC's recent silence might hint at a less favorable outcome.

The approval of Ethereum Spot ETFs is eagerly awaited because it could mirror the impact of Bitcoin Spot ETF approval, which led to an influx of capital in the market. It would mark a pivotal milestone, likely to attract increased investment and further validate cryptocurrency. The crypto community is closely monitoring these developments, as the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Ethereum investment opportunities.

 was recently given to the first Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in one of the Asian regions. This landmark decision positions the city as a trailblazer in the Asian financial landscape, embracing the integration of popular cryptocurrencies into mainstream investment avenues.

This milestone has sparked excitement within the crypto community, indicating a positive reception toward digital assets in that region. Analysts believe this move could set a precedent for other jurisdictions to follow, potentially leading to broader acceptance and recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class.

These newly approved ETFs are expected to attract a wave of fresh investors — both retail and institutional — by offering a regulated and familiar investment option for exposure to cryptocurrencies. This growth of interest could increase stability in the crypto markets, possibly influencing the price movements of Bitcoin and Ethereum in the region.

The timing of this approval is noteworthy, considering that the U.S. could also be on the cusp of approval of an Ethereum Spot ETF. If this proactive approach inspires other financial centers beyond the U.S. to consider similar approvals, it will palpably contribute to the global expansion and maturation of the cryptocurrency market.

Current Impact of Ethereum Spot ETF Applications on the Crypto Market

The buzz surrounding Ethereum Spot ETF applications is noticeably affecting the crypto market, particularly Ethereum's price and overall sentiment. Submission of new ETF applications to the SEC has coincided with an 

, pushing it to around $3,700. This uptick reflects the market's optimism and positive sentiment regarding the potential for easier access to Ethereum. However, the market has exhibited some volatility as well, with Ether dropping over 14% in a week in early April. 

Despite these fluctuations, there's a general expectation that ETF developments would significantly impact Ethereum's price dynamics, similar to what was observed with the recent Bitcoin Spot ETF approvals. Moreover, the recent approval of cryptocurrency ETFs has further fueled optimism and positive expectations for increased investment inflows and a broader recognition of cryptocurrencies.

To sum up, the current impact of Ethereum Spot ETF applications on the crypto market is marked by heightened anticipation along with some volatility. Ethereum's price is responding to changes in the regulatory landscape and the potential for broader adoption of cryptocurrency-based investment products.

What Will It Mean if an Ethereum Spot ETF Application Is Approved?

The approval of an Ethereum Spot ETF application by the SEC would mark a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency market, especially for Ethereum. Following are some of the potential benefits.

Drawing parallels to the earlier Bitcoin Spot ETF approvals, some pundits expect an initial surge in Ethereum's price following the expected announcement, reflecting renewed confidence and interest in Ether as an asset. Over the long term, Ethereum Spot ETFs could contribute to growth and stability, similar to the impact that Bitcoin Spot ETFs have had on BTC’s price.

However, there are key differences to consider. The SEC's cautious stance on Ethereum — notably because of its PoS consensus mechanism — could influence the approval process and subsequent market reactions. In addition, Ethereum's unique ecosystem, including its role in DeFi and 

, could lead to different market responses as compared to those following the Bitcoin Spot ETF approvals.

The potential approval of Ethereum Spot ETFs is a crucial turning point for the crypto market, promising easier access, increased investment and greater legitimacy. Although short-term price fluctuations may occur, the long-term effects could echo the positive growth recently witnessed with Bitcoin Spot ETFs, promoting a more mature investment environment for Ethereum.

APR24_R25_Ethereum_Spot_ETF_Approval_Its_Impact_on_Crypto_Markets.png

Ethereum Spot ETF Approval: Its Impact on Crypto Markets

The crypto bulls are awakened and are fueled by many upcoming events. Learn how to prepare for the bull & reap the rewards you deserve. 

The year 2023 was an eventful one for crypto, with exciting highlights and not-so-great moments. Stepping into 2024, it's hard to tell what the future will hold for cryptocurrency, even though experts predict a potential bull run based on specific trends and upcoming events. However, it's too early to tell with certainty. 

Here are some of the significant trends and developments that could shape the future of digital money.

Why Does Crypto Have a Bullish Outlook for 2024? 

Crypto’s future looks promising in 2024 for a few key reasons. First off, potential approval looms for a Bitcoin spot ETF. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has 

 its decision on proposals for spot Bitcoin ETFs from BlackRock and other major entities until January 10, 2024. A Bitcoin spot ETF would make it easier for more investors to get into Bitcoin without needing their own digital wallets, likely boosting its demand and value. 

 expected in April this year could make Bitcoin even rarer and more valuable. This event happens every four years and cuts the creation of new Bitcoin in half, potentially pushing prices higher. 

Also, there's a growing interest in regulating crypto. If laws are put in place by the U.S. Congress and other regulators this year, it could bring more stability and credibility to the crypto world, protecting investors and encouraging more innovation and acceptance.

What Does the End of the U.S. Interest Rate Hike Mean for Crypto? 

 interest rate hikes and is considering lowering interest rates in 2024. This move could affect the crypto market in several ways. Firstly, it's likely to spark increased interest in riskier assets like cryptocurrencies and related stocks because they offer higher returns than traditional investments. The excitement surrounding Bitcoin ETFs and the upcoming halving will likely intensify this trend. 

, such as treasuries, may slow as these investments become less attractive due to lower interest rates. Instead, investors may turn to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms that allow them to earn better returns by lending and borrowing using crypto assets. 

Generally, lower interest rates could be good news for the crypto market. Cryptocurrencies may be seen as a way to protect against inflation and currency devaluation, especially as they have limited supply and are not controlled by any central authority. This sentiment makes them an appealing option in a low-interest-rate environment.

Key Events and Trends That Could Be Game Changers for Crypto 

Besides macroeconomic and industry factors, specific events and trends may impact the crypto market in 2024.

 is a process that happens every four years, and it reduces the reward for mining new Bitcoin blocks by half. The next halving is expected to take place in April 2024. This event is important because it can have a big impact on the supply and demand of Bitcoin, which in turn affects its price. 

In the past, after halving, there has been an increase in the value of Bitcoin because the supply of new Bitcoin gets reduced, making it more valuable. However, it's difficult to predict exactly what will happen this time, as it depends on factors like the mining difficulty, the hash rate, 

 and competition from other cryptocurrencies.

Circle Internet Financial, LLC (issuer of USDC stablecoin) is a crypto platform that offers trading, lending, borrowing, staking, and earning services. A Bloomberg report 

 the company is considering going public in 2024, meaning it will become publicly traded. This move aims to encourage the widespread use of cryptographic stablecoins, which are more stable than other cryptocurrencies. 

This widely anticipated IPO is expected to bring more credibility and visibility to the world of cryptocurrencies and attract more investors and users to the platform. However, going public can also bring challenges like regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and competition from other platforms.

 upgrade is a major upgrade to its network that aims to make it faster, more secure, and more eco-friendly. Set to launch in early 2024, this upgrade will introduce “Proto-Danksharding,” which will reduce fees for layer 2 rollups and increase available data storage space. If successful, Dencun could make Ethereum more efficient and affordable for users while also reducing its energy consumption. 

Still, the upgrade faces challenges such as the intricate engineering involved, the need for efficient coordination and communication among the developers and the community, the possibility of encountering bugs and vulnerabilities during the testing and deployment phase, and the unpredictable and fluctuating nature of the cryptocurrency market.

Following its collapse in 2022, the popular crypto exchange FTX has been involved in several 

. Individuals, other companies and government agencies have accused FTX of market manipulation, fraud, money laundering, unfair competition and breaking securities laws. The outcome of these cases could significantly affect the regulation and operation of digital currencies, and how people buy and sell them.

Crypto events are gatherings where people interested in cryptocurrency get together to share their experiences, insights, and ideas about the industry. These events can take place both online and offline, and they could either be formal or informal, covering different topics like technology, business, education, and entertainment. 

Some of the most notable events in 2024 include 

, the biggest and most influential crypto conference in the world; 

, the yearly Ethereum developer conference; and 

, the year’s foremost annual Bitcoin event. Crypto events positively affect the industry because they help founders, developers, investors, brands, policymakers, and more make connections, learn new things, work together, and develop new ideas.

Institutional adoption is when large and established organizations like companies, banks, and governments use cryptocurrencies more. It's expected that this trend will continue in 2024. This development is good for cryptocurrencies because these organizations will push more funds into the crypto ecosystem, boosting liquidity and market stability. 

The involvement of institutions in crypto will also drive the growth of relevant infrastructure to support their activities. Custody solutions, exchanges and compliance frameworks will continue to evolve, fostering greater trust and adoption.

Crypto regulations are rules and standards controlling how people use digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. These rules cover taxation, licensing, reporting, and following specific guidelines. The regulations around crypto can either help the industry grow by providing clarity, safety, and incentives to users or make it harder for people to use by creating barriers and penalties. 

Some examples of crypto rules that might happen in 2024 include the U.S. government passing the so-called 

, so people don't have to pay capital gain taxes on small crypto transactions. The European Union could also implement the 

, creating a set of rules that apply to all countries in the union. However, on the downside, the Chinese government's 

 on all crypto activities within its border, including mining, trading and holding, could remain firmly in place.

NFT and Web3 Ordinals Making a Huge Comeback

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are digital assets that allow creators to claim ownership of their digital content, such as art, music, and even real estate. NFTs are reshaping how people own and value digital assets and are set to become mainstream in the next few years. 

Although the value of NFTs took a hit after the 2021-2022 boom, there is promising news that they might make a comeback, especially on the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin is becoming a popular platform for NFTs, and has seen a sharp rise in daily transactions. These 

 (NFTs on the Bitcoin network) have seen a spike in daily transactions, hitting a 

 trading volume in December 2023. With the increasing competition and innovation in the NFT market, the crypto and web3 space is expected to experience exciting changes this year.

 is the process of making new bitcoins by solving complicated math problems. This process also secures the Bitcoin network and verifies transactions. However, mining demands a lot of electricity and computing power, which can be a problem for the environment and the future of cryptocurrencies.

To address these concerns, many miners now use renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and water power to generate electricity for their mining activities. Some miners also use a byproduct of oil and gas extraction called stranded gas to mine Bitcoin while reducing waste and pollution. These practices show that Bitcoin mining can be environmentally friendly and contribute to a sustainable future for crypto.

How to Prepare for the Potential Bull Run

2024 is expected to be a big year for cryptocurrencies, with many experts predicting a significant increase in their value. However, investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky, so it's essential to be prepared and have a clear plan. 

Here are some tips to help you get ready.

Volatility is notorious in crypto investment. However, with sufficient planning and hedging, implementing strategies against these fluctuations can be effective if done correctly. Bybit offers a full suite of product and service offerings to help you plan your crypto investments ahead of time. 

Here are some products you can consider. 

: Subscribe to this non-principal-protected, short-term structured product that pays off if BTC’s price moves outside a predetermined range. It’s perfect for traders looking for short-term returns and anticipating strong market movements. You can also use it to hedge or leverage against spikes in volatile markets.

: Crypto trading bots are automated computer programs that can help you buy low and sell high (i.e., place buy and sell orders at predetermined intervals within a predefined price range) in order to capitalize on price fluctuations, especially in a volatile 24/7 crypto market. 

: For traders looking to manage risk and capitalize on market movement, options are a popular investment strategy. Crypto options, for example, are contracts that allow the trader to buy or sell an asset at a specified price within a given time frame or by a specific expiration date. 

 (UTA), traders can better hedge their positions without separating their accounts for different Derivatives products, so margins won't require additional capital for offsetting risks.

JAN24_R11_9_Key_Crypto_Trends_and_Events_That_Will_Shape_2024.png

Get Ready for 2024’s Bull: Key Crypto Trends & Events to Look For

Ice is a decentralized crypto mining protocol based on community engagement and smartphone usage. Learn more about how it works in this article.

As more people rely on their smartphones, the crypto community has started to expand beyond PC mining. The Ice network is part of a new generation of mobile mining apps. It aims to promote a decentralized future by allowing every person to turn their smartphone into a 

. Though this idea is certainly promising, the Ice project has also faced some controversy. Explore this guide to learn all about Ice, determine whether it's a scam and decide whether it's right for your investment portfolio.

 protocol based on community engagement and smartphone usage. Each user can run the Ice app on their Android or iOS device to mine free crypto tokens that they can then trade or store.

Since it first launched its product in July 2023, Ice has been consistently committed to anonymity. It hasn’t released any details about who designed the system or who invested in the protocol. According to Ice social media accounts, this anonymity is meant to ensure safety and privacy for the Ice team.

However, Ice's website does mention some details about the people behind the project, asserting that its team comprises 

. This team has reportedly been working for almost two years on designing Ice’s system of decentralized applications (

At first glance, Ice's main aim may appear to be the creation of a digital currency that can be mined on smartphones. This certainly is part of its goal, as it hopes to encourage users to mine crypto even if they don’t have expensive personal computers with pricey CPUs. By turning to smartphones for crypto mining, Ice hopes to democratize crypto and engage more users.

However, Ice has an even bigger goal: to eventually prove the usefulness of crypto. By putting crypto mining on smartphones, Ice plans to demonstrate the flexibility of crypto — and to show that even crypto mined in the strangest of ways can still have value.

The basic process for using Ice is fairly straightforward. Every existing Ice member can send out a referral code to their friends to download Ice. Every 24 hours, Ice miners tap a button on their mobile device to mine tokens during a daily mining session. People can mine with friends to earn a 25% bonus rate during their daily session, and the tokens accumulate in a wallet connected to their account.

). Its blockchain is called the Ice Open Network (ION), and helps to manage all contracts and keep track of tokens on Ice. Ice's method of mining relies on a proof of stake (

) consensus mechanism. This algorithmic method doesn’t require excessive computing power from your phone, and is more energy efficient.

Ice's crypto mining protocol comes with a variety of different features, which users can access through Ice’s network.

Each existing member who starts mining on the Ice network joins the ION blockchain. This network offers a decentralized space for processing transactions and storing information, and uses the underlying security of TON to help keep transactions secure.

One of the developing solutions that the Ice network is currently working on is self-sovereignty. IceID is designed to put each user in charge of their own identity. It uses 

 to ensure security while also providing users with privacy.

Like many other DApps, the ICE network hopes to provide users with socialization opportunities. In addition to earning coins, members can also find ways to interact. IceConnect hopes to provide users with routing techniques that encrypt messages. It's also committed to avoiding censorship, and to allowing unlimited self-expression.

IceNet is a scaling solution that helps the network run more smoothly. It caches all public content sent on the network without saving any private data. This ensures that things like meme images or YouTube videos are sent quickly while private user info remains decentralized.

IceVault provides members with access to decentralized file storage. It uses encrypted fragments of files over a vast node network, so data is secure yet easily retrievable. The Ice network also uses cryptographic algorithms to provide extra security for data.

IceQuery reimagines databases as state machines. This design processes transactions in a deterministic order, while also incorporating database hashing and a Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus algorithm. All of these features combine to create a database fit for the decentralized future. It allows people to store and seamlessly retrieve information without dealing with the downsides of centralization.

Ice plans on having a decentralized governance system that puts power into the hands of its users. The ICE digital currency retains some value as a voting token that people can use to make their voice heard. Users can submit proposals and vote on the direction they’d like the Ice network to take.

. Its team has built the basic blockchain framework for their system and done a limited public launch that only allows users with a referral code. For the rest of 2024, the Ice network’s hope is to build its community and acquire more users. Through activities and events, Ice plans to encourage more engagement on the network.

After that, Ice's next step is its mainnet launch. This will allow more people to join Ice, and will also bring more functionality to the network. Ice hopes to add features that include digital currency trading, payment processing and user communication. People will also finally be able to send and receive ICE starting sometime around October 2024.

ICE, the native crypto token of Ice, is used for interacting with the Ice network. It has a fluid supply, and each ICE coin can be broken into a billion small units called “flakes.” ICE has a simple 

: Fifty percent of all ICE tokens are allocated to community mining, 35% go to the ICE team and 15% of the new digital currency is reserved in a community pool for further development.

Since its release, ICE has encountered a fair amount of 

. There have been quite a few X (formerly Twitter) posts suggesting the network is a scam, due to both the lack of transparency about its creators and some issues with the project itself. Some internet sleuths believe that the app has connections to certain servers that have spread malware in the past. People are also concerned that Ice is requiring users to provide access to their phones, yet it still hasn't assigned any value to its tokens. However, others maintain that these rumors are being spread by ICE's disgruntled competitors.

Overall, it's hard to tell which online discussions are accurate, and even more concerningly, the token also has no real-world applications so far. People can mine it, but the Ice network doesn't support trading, staking or voting with the token as of yet. Digital currencies retain far less value when they're used for nothing besides speculation. 

There's a small chance that ICE might attract a lot of interest, release exciting new features and skyrocket in price once it's released on exchanges. However, this is looking unlikely. Any investors who want to take a chance on ICE need to 

Ice's mission to bring mobile mining to smartphone users is certainly exciting. The project's development team seems committed to developing solutions for miners who don't have computers. However, Ice hasn't yet delivered on the real-world applications it's promised, and some users worry it might be a scam. Though this project seems encouraging, investors need to approach it with caution.

Altcoins

Blockchain

Crypto

DeFi

GameFi

Indicators

Investing

Metaverse

Memes

Stablecoin

Staking

Strategies

Trading

Web 3.0

Web3 Experts

Crypto

Solana ETF: The Next Contender After BTC and ETH Spot ETFs

Crypto

An Overview of the Top Pending Ethereum Spot ETF Applications

Crypto

Ethereum Spot ETF Approval: Its Impact on Crypto Markets

Crypto

Get Ready for 2024’s Bull: Key Crypto Trends & Events to Look For

Crypto

Ice (ICE): Transforming Mobile Mining in Crypto

Crypto

Can You Buy Crypto With a Debit Card?

Crypto

Will Crypto Cards Take Over Conventional Credit & Debit Cards?

Crypto

Traditional Debit Card vs. Crypto Debit Card: Which One Is Right For You?

Crypto

Crypto Credit Cards vs. Crypto Debit Cards: The Key Differences

Crypto

Crypto User Protection Guide: Best Practices to Safeguard Your Assets

Crypto