Bitget has added OpenAI-linked preOPAI as the second listing on its IPO Prime investment platform through regulated partner Republic.
The offering allows users to gain tokenized pre-IPO exposure to OpenAI with entry requirements starting from $100.
IPO Prime is part of Bitget’s broader strategy to combine crypto, tokenized assets, and traditional market exposure within one platform.
Bitget adds OpenAI-linked token to IPO Prime
Crypto exchange Bitget has introduced preOPAI, a tokenized product tied to OpenAI’s potential future public listing, as the latest addition to its IPO Prime platform. The launch follows the earlier debut of preSPAX, which was linked to SpaceX, and signals Bitget’s continued push into tokenized pre-IPO investment products.
The preOPAI asset is issued on the Solana blockchain through Republic, a regulated investment platform that specializes in alternative assets and private market exposure. According to Bitget, the token is designed to reflect the economic performance of OpenAI after a future public listing, though it does not represent direct ownership of company shares.
The commitment period for preOPAI is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 15, with spot trading expected to begin later on May 15. Bitget said allocations would be distributed before trading opens.
The rollout arrives as interest in artificial intelligence companies continues to rise globally. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has become one of the most closely watched private firms in the AI sector, which analysts estimate could represent a multi-trillion-dollar market opportunity over the coming years.
Unlike traditional pre-IPO investing, which is often limited to institutional investors or high-net-worth individuals, Bitget’s structure lowers the minimum participation requirement to $100. The platform also allows users to trade the token after allocation rather than locking capital until a future public listing takes place.
“The way people access markets is changing. We’re moving toward a system where different asset classes and opportunities come together on one platform, and where access is no longer limited by structure. That’s the direction we see for the future of finance, and what we are building toward here at Bitget, the Universal Exchange.”
—Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget
What Bitget is and how token launchpads work
Bitget is a global cryptocurrency exchange that offers spot trading, derivatives, copy trading, staking, and tokenized investment products. The company describes itself as a “Universal Exchange,” meaning it aims to combine crypto assets with tokenized versions of traditional financial products such as stocks, ETFs, commodities, and now pre-IPO offerings.
The IPO Prime platform functions similarly to a crypto launchpad or token sale platform, often referred to as an Initial Exchange Offering (IEO). In a typical IEO, an exchange hosts the sale of a new digital asset directly to its users before wider public trading begins.
Launchpads became popular in the crypto sector because they allow projects to raise capital while giving exchange users early access to tokens. In return, exchanges usually provide distribution infrastructure, liquidity, and marketing support.
However, IPO Prime differs from conventional IEOs because the assets are tied to the economic performance of private companies rather than newly launched crypto protocols. Instead of selling governance or utility tokens, the platform offers blockchain-based assets linked to future IPO outcomes.
Bitget said users may eventually redeem preOPAI into stock-linked assets or USDT approximately six months after a future IPO event, depending on market conditions and pricing structures.
The earlier preSPAX launch demonstrated notable demand, with Bitget reporting more than 13,000 participants and $171 million in committed value during the subscription period.
The bottom line
Bitget’s latest IPO Prime launch reflects the growing overlap between crypto infrastructure and traditional financial markets. By introducing tokenized pre-IPO products tied to companies such as OpenAI and SpaceX, the exchange is targeting retail investors seeking access to opportunities that have historically been difficult to enter. Whether this model gains wider traction may depend on regulatory clarity, investor appetite, and how tokenized private-market products perform over time.
Are you looking to invest in cryptocurrencies but unsure which one to buy? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide how to invest your money. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best crypto to buy now, based on factors such as project developments, price performance, and market capitalization, as well as the overall potential for growth.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most promising cryptocurrencies, including staples such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, and a combination of several other promising crypto projects. We’ll discuss their features, advantages, and potential drawbacks, as well as provide insights into market trends. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this article will help you make an informed decision about the best crypto to buy now.
So, let’s dive in and explore the best cryptocurrencies to invest in May 2026:
Chainlink – The leading decentralized oracle protocol
The best cryptos to buy right now: Discover top investments for May 2026
The following three cryptocurrency projects highlight our investment selection thanks to important developments and upcoming events that make them especially interesting to follow in the near future. These projects are updated each week based on the most recent developments and trends taking place in the crypto market.
1. Bitcoin
Bitcoin (BTC) is the original decentralized digital currency, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks or financial institutions. It was created in 2009 by an unknown person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin was the first digital currency to eliminate the double spending problem without resorting to any central intermediaries.
Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, which is maintained by a network of computers around the world. This means that the transactions are secure and transparent, as anyone can view them, but they are also anonymous, as the identity of the participants in the transaction is not revealed.
Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold” or a store of value, as it has a limited supply of 21 million coins, and its value is determined by market demand. Some people also see it as a hedge against inflation or a way to diversify their investment portfolio. It is by far the largest cryptocurrency by market cap in the industry, accounting for the value of more than 50% of all digital assets in circulation combined, making it arguably the most popular crypto to buy.
Bitcoin is trading at $81,113 as corporate accumulation remains active despite short-term ETF volatility. France-listed Capital B raised $17.8 million from strategic investors including Adam Back and TOBAM to expand its Bitcoin treasury, with proceeds potentially adding 182 BTC and lifting total holdings above 3,100 BTC. The raise stands out at a time when several treasury-focused firms have shifted toward hedging or partial liquidation strategies, reinforcing that selective corporate buyers are still positioning for long-term exposure.
Capital B announces $17.8 million raise to expand Bitcoin treasury. Source: Capital B
At the same time, US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $268 million in net outflows, breaking a four-day inflow streak and coinciding with $270 million in long liquidations. Top traders have reduced leveraged long exposure, and retail trading volumes at major platforms have softened. Despite this near-term caution, macro conditions remain constructive: the US dollar has weakened in recent months, government debt continues rising, and expectations around a potential shift in Federal Reserve leadership are fueling speculation about a more Bitcoin-friendly policy backdrop.
Adding another layer, Michael Saylor signaled that Strategy may resume BTC purchases after briefly pausing accumulation ahead of its earnings call. Although executives acknowledged the possibility of limited Bitcoin sales to fund dividends, the firm still holds over 818,000 BTC and continues to frame its strategy around long-term expansion. With corporate treasury activity ongoing, ETF flows fluctuating and macro uncertainty in focus, Bitcoin remains positioned at the center of institutional capital allocation debates near the $80,000 level.
2. Zcash
ZCash (ZEC) is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that was launched in 2016 by Zooko Wilcox-O’Hearn. It is a fork of Bitcoin, designed to enhance privacy and anonymity for its users. Unlike Bitcoin, where transaction details (such as sender, recipient, and amount) are publicly visible, ZCash allows users to choose between two types of transactions: transparent and shielded.
Transparent transactions work similarly to Bitcoin, where all transaction details are recorded on the blockchain and visible to everyone. However, shielded transactions use a cryptographic technology called zk-SNARKs to allow fully private transactions. In shielded transactions, the details are encrypted, meaning that only the parties involved have access to the information, while the validity of the transaction is still verifiable by the network.
ZCash is particularly valued by those who prioritize financial privacy and security, as it offers optional anonymity in a way that few other cryptocurrencies do.
Zcash is trading at $568.10 after an aggressive multi-week rally fueled by institutional disclosure, exchange access expansion and renewed privacy demand. Multicoin Capital, a $2.7 billion crypto hedge fund, revealed it has built a significant position in ZEC since February, framing the asset as a direct vehicle for exposure to censorship-resistant and seizure-resistant money. The announcement coincided with a sharp upside acceleration, reinforcing the view that institutional capital is rotating back into privacy-focused assets.
ZEC weekly bull flag breakout targeting $800. Source: TradingView
Technically, ZEC has broken out of a weekly bull flag structure, projecting a measured move toward the $800 region, roughly 40% above recent breakout levels. Momentum indicators remain constructive, with the weekly RSI hovering just below overbought territory, suggesting room for continuation before exhaustion signals emerge. The rally also follows a Robinhood listing, expanding access to millions of retail users and adding incremental spot liquidity.
Fundamentals further support the move. More than 30% of circulating ZEC now sits in shielded addresses, marking a record high in private supply usage and tightening liquid float. At the same time, rising concerns around AI surveillance, quantum computing risks, and financial censorship have driven renewed interest in privacy coins broadly. While some analysts caution the surge could reflect a narrative rotation rather than a durable repricing, Zcash is currently benefiting from aligned technical, institutional, and thematic catalysts.
3. Solana
Solana is a smart contract platform known for its distinctive architecture, enabling it to handle thousands of transactions per second while maintaining very low costs. It accomplishes this by using a combination of a unique Proof-of-History algorithm and a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. SOL, the native cryptocurrency of the platform, is one of the cheapest to transfer, with users typically paying less than $0.001 per transaction.
Founded in 2018 by Anatoly Yakovenko, Solana’s mainnet went live in March 2020 and experienced a surge in adoption throughout 2021. Despite a significant drop in value during the 2022 bear market, Solana remains one of the most robust ecosystems in the cryptocurrency space and continues to be seen as a potential candidate for significant future growth.
Solana is trading at $95.23 after reclaiming its 100-day moving average for the first time in over 200 days, signaling a potential shift in medium-term momentum. After months of trading below this trend line, SOL has pushed back above it while holding the $86–$88 support zone. A sustained hold above the 100DMA strengthens the recovery structure and keeps the $100 level as the next major psychological and technical target.
Relative strength versus Ethereum is also stabilizing. The SOL/ETH pair is defending a multi-year horizontal support range between 0.032–0.040 ETH, an area that has historically acted as a base during prior cycles. A breakout above the descending trendline on this pair would indicate renewed outperformance against ETH, reinforcing the broader bullish case for SOLUSD if market conditions remain constructive.
$SOLETH looks bottomed to me so I think solusd outperforms ETHUSD based on current chart for me. Both should run but cross pairs usually give you a clue which will run harder
On lower timeframes, buyers continue defending micro support near $86.70, with multiple analysts identifying $96–$100 as the near-term expansion zone. While the setup still requires confirmation through sustained closes above resistance, Solana’s structure has shifted from prolonged consolidation to early trend reacceleration, placing the $100 threshold at the center of short-term positioning.
4. XRP
XRP is a digital cryptocurrency that was created by Ripple Labs in 2012. It is used as a means of payment and transfer of value on the Ripple payment protocol, which is designed to enable fast and secure transactions between financial institutions as well as individuals.
XRP is unique in that it is not based on the blockchain technology used by many other cryptocurrencies. Instead, it uses a distributed consensus ledger called the XRP Ledger, which is maintained by a network of validators. This allows for faster transaction processing times and lower fees compared to traditional payment methods.
XRP has been popular among cryptocurrency traders and investors due to its high liquidity and clear potential for broader adoption, especially as a remittance solution. However, it has also been the subject of controversy and legal action, with US regulators alleging that it is a security and should thus be subjected to securities regulations. This has somewhat hindered the potential of XRP as an investment, and handcuffed Ripple’s growth as a company.
Evernorth’s recent S-4 filing with the SEC outlines one of the XRP is trading at $1.38 after reclaiming its realized price near $1.41 earlier this week, returning the average holder to profit following its rebound from the $1.12 macro low. Historically, moves back above realized price have reduced sell pressure and improved sentiment, often acting as a pivot for stronger upside phases. XRP is also consolidating within a multi-month symmetrical triangle, with a confirmed breakout above the $1.46–$1.60 resistance band opening the door toward a projected target near $2.24–$2.40, representing roughly 55% upside from current levels.
On-chain data reinforces the constructive setup. Nearly 35 million XRP left exchanges in a single day, marking one of the largest outflow spikes of the year. Similar withdrawal surges in February and March preceded 20% to 50% rallies, suggesting reduced immediate sell supply. At the same time, whale flows have turned positive again, indicating larger holders are accumulating rather than distributing.
Institutional demand is also building. US-based spot XRP ETFs have recorded three consecutive weeks of net inflows totaling roughly $82.9 million, pushing assets under management above $1.1 billion. With exchange balances declining, whale positioning improving and a wedge structure targeting the $1.87–$1.89 zone in the medium term, XRP’s next move will depend on whether bulls can firmly reclaim the $1.40–$1.60 region as support.
5. Ethereum
Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of developers, Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.
Ethereum has a wide range of use cases beyond just a store of value or medium of exchange. Ethereum’s smart contract functionality allows developers to build dApps that can run without the need for intermediaries, like centralized servers or institutions.
The Ethereum platform has gained widespread adoption and has become the backbone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry. DeFi applications built on Ethereum allow users to access financial services without relying on traditional banks or financial institutions. Ethereum’s smart contract functionality has also enabled the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which have gained popularity in the digital art and gaming worlds.
While Ethereum has a strong community and has been highly influential in the cryptocurrency industry, it also faces challenges, such as scalability issues and high gas fees. These issues have spurred the development of various Layer 2 scaling solutions. In the long run, future updates are supposed to massively increase Ethereum’s throughput bringing the transaction per second (TPS) figure from 15 to 100,000.
Ethereum is trading at $2,275 as institutional accumulation and derivatives momentum begin to realign. BitMine Immersion Technologies added another 101,901 ETH last week, bringing its total holdings to roughly 5.08 million ETH despite sitting on more than $6.5 billion in unrealized losses. The company has staked approximately 3.7 million ETH, generating yield while continuing to accumulate during volatility. This aggressive treasury expansion highlights sustained institutional conviction even as ETH remains down year-to-date.
BitMine’s unrealized losses on its ETH treasury surpass $6.5 billion. Source: Dropstab
Derivatives data suggests buyers are regaining short-term control. Ether’s cumulative net taker volume on Binance climbed to $5.5 billion in April, a 72% increase from earlier in the month, reflecting aggressive market buying during consolidation below $2,400. ETH is now compressing beneath a key resistance level that has capped price three times since February. A confirmed move above $2,400 would expose the $2,475–$2,634 liquidity gap, where a daily fair-value imbalance remains unfilled.
ETH cumulative net taker volume on Binance showing strong buyer dominance. Source: CryptoQuant
Meanwhile, spot Ether ETFs have recorded 10 consecutive days of net inflows totaling $633 million, signaling gradually improving investor confidence after earlier-year volatility. Although decentralized application revenues remain subdued compared to late 2025 levels, Ethereum continues to lead in total value locked and layer-2 adoption. With institutional inflows steady and technical resistance in focus, ETH’s next directional move hinges on whether it can convert the $2,400 zone into sustained support.
6. Hyperliquid
Hyperliquid is a decentralized perpetual futures exchange built to rival centralized trading platforms in speed, liquidity, and user experience—all while remaining fully on-chain. Unlike traditional DEXs that often struggle with performance bottlenecks, Hyperliquid uses a custom high-performance layer-1 blockchain specifically optimized for trading. This allows it to offer ultra-low latency, high throughput, and a seamless trading experience without relying on external validators or rollups.
One of Hyperliquid’s key innovations is its order book-based model, which is uncommon among decentralized platforms. While many DEXs use automated market makers (AMMs), Hyperliquid implements a central limit order book (CLOB), giving traders more control over order execution and tighter spreads. This design makes it particularly appealing to professional and high-frequency traders who expect the responsiveness of centralized exchanges but want the trustlessness of DeFi. Its deep liquidity pools and tight integration with crypto-native assets further enhance its trading dynamics.
Hyperliquid is trading at $41.52, holding near a key resistance zone as momentum builds around both institutional interest and strong derivatives activity. A major catalyst is Bitwise’s second amended filing for a spot Hyperliquid ETF, which now includes the ticker $BHYP and a 0.67% management fee—steps that typically signal an imminent launch. If approved, the ETF would provide direct exposure to HYPE’s spot price and may include staking rewards, positioning Hyperliquid alongside major crypto assets gaining institutional investment vehicles. The token has already delivered strong performance, rising significantly over the past year while the platform entered the top 10 crypto derivatives exchanges by volume.
Bitwise w another update to Hyperliquid ETF includes ticker $BHYP and fee 67bps. Typically that means launch soon. HYPE is up 200% in past yr so they prob trying to strike while iron hot pic.twitter.com/xt5gc9BpSI
Market structure data shows that the current recovery is being driven primarily by high-conviction investors rather than broad retail participation. Notably, Arthur Hayes accumulated over 26,000 HYPE tokens, bringing his holdings to more than 247,000 tokens. At the same time, large leveraged positions have played a key role in stabilizing price action, with one trader maintaining a multimillion-dollar long position through volatility. Open Interest has climbed to $1.77 billion, reflecting sustained engagement, though price continues to face resistance in the $40–$44 range.
Onchain data highlights whale accumulation and large leveraged positions supporting HYPE’s recovery. Source: LookOnChain
Despite strong whale conviction, Hyperliquid’s next move depends on broader market participation. Analysts note that while leverage remains elevated but stable, a lack of expanding demand could cause price to stall near current levels. Conversely, increased participation beyond large holders could fuel a breakout above resistance. With ETF momentum building and derivatives activity remaining robust, Hyperliquid stands at a pivotal point where institutional adoption and market demand will likely determine the direction of its next major move.
7. Bittensor
Bittensor is a decentralized platform that creates a peer-to-peer marketplace for machine intelligence. The network is composed of multiple specialized subnets, each dedicated to specific tasks such as text prompting, transcription, or audio generation. Currently, more than 30 Bittensor subnets are actively operating across various AI domains.
At the core of the network is a unique consensus mechanism known as Yuma Consensus, which enables validators across different subnets to collaboratively determine what the network learns and prioritizes. This approach ensures that intelligence within the ecosystem evolves based on real-world utility and performance.
The computational power required to perform machine learning tasks is supplied by miners, who are incentivized with TAO tokens. Users seeking AI services pay in TAO to access these decentralized resources, creating a self-sustaining economic model that rewards valuable contributions.
By offering a decentralized and cost-efficient network of machine learning algorithms, Bittensor lowers barriers to entry and makes advanced AI capabilities accessible to a broader audience.
Why Bittensor?
Bittensor (TAO) is trading at $316.78, consolidating after an explosive rally of more than 160% over the past month. The token’s rapid ascent has positioned it among the strongest-performing AI-related crypto assets in 2026, supported by growing interest in decentralized artificial intelligence infrastructure. However, technical indicators suggest the rally may be entering a critical phase as TAO tests key resistance levels following its sharp upward move.
TAO/USD daily chart showing a golden cross formation following a strong multi-week rally. Source: TradingView
Despite the bullish momentum, historical fractal patterns indicate caution. Previous golden cross formations on TAO’s chart have preceded average drawdowns of roughly 40% within five to six weeks, suggesting the potential for a short-term correction if the pattern repeats. At the same time, social activity surrounding Bittensor has surged to its second-highest level in six months, reflecting growing market attention while sentiment remains relatively balanced rather than euphoric.
Bittensor social volume and sentiment trends highlight rising attention without extreme market euphoria. Source: Santiment
Fundamentally, the broader Bittensor ecosystem continues to strengthen, with subnet tokens collectively reaching a market value of approximately $1.5 billion as demand for decentralized AI infrastructure accelerates. High-profile endorsements from industry leaders and advancements such as the Covenant-72B large language model have reinforced Bittensor’s long-term narrative, positioning TAO as a key player at the intersection of blockchain and artificial intelligence.
8. Toncoin
Launched as the blockchain powering Telegram’s Web3 ambitions, The Open Network (TON) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain designed for fast, low-cost transactions and seamless integration with consumer-facing applications. TON was built to support smart contracts, decentralized applications, and native payments at scale, with a strong focus on usability and high throughput.
TON goes beyond simple value transfers by enabling developers to build Mini Apps, wallets, and payment tools that can be embedded directly into Telegram’s interface. This design allows users to interact with onchain services without leaving a familiar messaging environment, lowering friction compared with traditional dApp ecosystems.
Adoption has increasingly centered on payments and consumer use cases, with TON positioned as a settlement layer for in-app commerce, peer-to-peer transfers, and stablecoin payments across Telegram’s global user base. Recent launches such as TON Pay aim to turn Telegram into a native crypto checkout environment, expanding real-world utility beyond trading and speculation.
Despite its growth, TON continues to face scrutiny around decentralization, governance, and its close association with Telegram. Ongoing development is focused on improving developer tooling, scaling transaction capacity, and expanding compliance-friendly payment infrastructure, as the network pushes toward broader mainstream adoption.
Toncoin (TON) is trading at $1.34, up 1.35% over the past seven days, with a market capitalization of $3.28 billion, standing out as one of the few large-cap assets holding steady during a volatile market week. While Bitcoin and Ethereum sold off sharply, TON remained range-bound, reflecting relatively resilient sentiment tied to ecosystem-specific developments rather than broader macro flows. Price action suggests quiet accumulation, with limited downside follow-through despite market-wide risk aversion.
That stability comes as the TON Foundation unveiled TON Pay, a new payments SDK designed to turn Telegram into a native crypto checkout layer for Toncoin and stablecoins. The tool allows Telegram Mini Apps to accept onchain payments through a single integration, with sub-second settlement times and average fees below one cent, targeting Telegram’s 1.1 billion monthly active users. TON Foundation vice president of payments Nikola Plecas said the goal is to remove friction around wallets, gas fees, and checkout, positioning TON as a consumer payments rail embedded directly into one of the world’s largest messaging platforms.
Telegram Mini Apps. Source: Telegram
Looking ahead, TON’s narrative is increasingly tied to real-world usage rather than speculative trading. Planned expansions to subscriptions, gasless transactions, and regional fiat off-ramps could broaden merchant adoption, while Telegram’s scale offers a distribution advantage few blockchains can match. From a technical standpoint, TON is holding support near $1.25, with resistance around the $1.45 to $1.50 zone. As long as the Telegram payments rollout progresses, TON appears positioned for gradual accumulation rather than momentum-driven moves in the near term.
9. Monero
Monero is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency designed to offer anonymous and untraceable transactions. Launched in 2014 as a fork of Bytecoin, Monero was introduced through a whitepaper written by the pseudonymous “Nicolas van Saberhagen.” Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, Monero conceals sender and receiver identities, as well as transaction amounts, through advanced cryptographic techniques such as stealth addresses and ring signatures. This strong focus on privacy has made Monero a favorite among users seeking true financial confidentiality.
Monero runs on a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism and is deliberately resistant to ASIC mining to support decentralization. It can be mined efficiently using consumer-grade hardware, and its privacy-preserving features also improve fungibility—individual XMR coins are indistinguishable from one another and can’t be blacklisted. Despite its strong standing within the crypto community, Monero has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny due to concerns over its potential use in illicit activities. Nonetheless, it remains the most widely adopted privacy coin in the market today.
Monero surged to its highest level since 2021 this week, reclaiming the spotlight among privacy-focused cryptocurrencies as XMR briefly pushed past $590 and entered fresh price discovery. The rally coincided with renewed interest in privacy assets and a sharp contrast with governance turmoil at rival Zcash, where internal disputes triggered developer resignations and a steep sell-off. With ZEC faltering, traders appeared to rotate toward Monero as the more stable and decentralized privacy exposure, lifting XMR back toward levels not seen in nearly five years.
XMR/USD chart showing the breakout above $500. Source: CoinCodex
Beyond relative strength against peers, Monero’s move also reflects a broader shift in sentiment around financial privacy. Institutional commentary from firms such as Grayscale and Coinbase has increasingly highlighted privacy as a structural theme for 2026, driven by tighter compliance rules, onchain transparency concerns, and growing demand for confidential transactions. While Monero faced scrutiny in 2025 following a large block reorganization and ongoing debates around mining concentration, those concerns have faded from price action as the network continued to operate without lasting disruption. As Zcash’s roadmap faces uncertainty, Monero has regained its position as the largest privacy coin by market capitalization.
Monero price comparison versus Zcash. Source: CoinCodex
From a technical perspective, XMR is now testing a historically critical zone. Previous attempts to break above the $500–$520 range have failed multiple times over the past decade, often followed by sharp corrections once momentum stalled. That history suggests near-term volatility remains likely unless Monero can decisively hold above former resistance. A confirmed breakout would invalidate the bearish fractal and open the door to higher targets around $750, based on long-term Fibonacci extensions. While pullbacks cannot be ruled out after such a steep rally, Monero’s reclaiming of its privacy crown and entry into price discovery place it among the more closely watched large-cap setups heading into 2026.
Uniswap is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange that pioneered and helped popularize the automated market maker (AMM) model. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional order books, enabling users to swap tokens directly on the blockchain in a streamlined, intermediary-free manner.
The Uniswap protocol operates in a fully decentralized way, allowing anyone to create liquidity pools for any token. As a result, newly launched crypto assets are often traded on Uniswap before becoming available on centralized exchanges.
Uniswap’s model has since been adopted by numerous decentralized exchanges across various blockchain networks. Despite this, Uniswap continues to lead the decentralized exchange space in terms of trading volume.
Governance of Uniswap is handled by holders of the UNI token, who can propose and vote on protocol changes. UNI was initially distributed to past users of the protocol through an airdrop in 2020, and the token can now be bought and sold on many decentralized and centralized trading platforms.
UNI has recently outperformed the broader market, rising 16.5% over the past seven days while many other leading crypto assets moved sideways. This rally appears to be fundamentally driven, as
Uniswap founder Hayden Adams has advanced the long-anticipated UNIfication proposal to a final on-chain governance vote, a move that could significantly reshape how value accrues to UNI holders.
Just submitted the Unification proposal for final governance vote
Voting starts on 12/19 at 10.30pm EST and ends on 12/25
If it passes, after a 2 day timelock period:
🔥 100m UNI will be burned
🦄 v2 + v3 fee switches will flip on mainnet and begin burning UNI, along with…
The proposal seeks to enable protocol fees on Uniswap v2 and selected v3 pools on Ethereum, directing a portion of trading fees into an automated UNI burn mechanism. After years of delays due to regulatory uncertainty, proponents argue that the environment has changed, allowing the protocol to finally implement a fee structure that directly links token value to usage.
A key component of the plan is a one-time burn of 100 million UNI from the treasury, intended to account for the value that might have accrued if protocol fees had been active since the beginning. Going forward, fees would be rolled out gradually to limit disruption for liquidity providers, with governance maintaining flexibility to adjust parameters as needed.
The proposal also broadens value capture beyond Ethereum mainnet by funneling Unichain sequencer fees into the same burn process, tying UNI supply reduction to activity on Uniswap’s Layer 2 network, which already handles significant trading volume.
Beyond token economics, UNIfication aims to unify governance, development, and operations under a single structure. Uniswap Labs would eliminate interface, wallet, and API fees, operate using governance-approved funding, and enter legally binding agreements to align its actions with the interests of UNI holders.
If the proposal passes, UNI would evolve from a purely governance-focused token into one with direct, usage-based value accrual, bringing renewed attention to the asset as the vote progresses.
11. BNB
BNB (formerly Binance Coin) is a cryptocurrency created by the popular cryptocurrency exchange Binance. Binance is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of digital assets.
BNB was initially one of the ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain but has since migrated to its own blockchain, known as BNB Chain. BNB is used as a utility token within the Binance ecosystem and has a variety of use cases. For example, users can use BNB to pay for transaction fees on the Binance exchange, receive discounts on trading fees, participate in token sales on Binance Launchpad, and purchase goods and services from merchants that accept BNB as payment.
One of the unique features of BNB is that it has a deflationary model. Binance uses a part of its profits each quarter to buy back and burn BNB tokens, reducing the total supply of the token over time. This mechanism is designed to create scarcity and increase the value of BNB over time, with the end goal of reducing the circulating supply of BNB from the initial 200 million to 100 million BNB.
BNB reclaimed $900 this week after bouncing sharply from the $800–$820 demand zone, with multiple bullish technical structures now aligning behind a potential push back toward $1,000 in December. A double-bottom pattern on the 4H chart, combined with a clean breakout from a multi-week falling wedge, signals fading seller momentum and renewed appetite from dip-buyers. Liquidation heatmaps reveal over $112 million in short liquidations clustered near $1,020, suggesting a move toward that level could accelerate quickly if BNB breaks and holds above $900–$920.
BNB’s double-bottom and wedge breakout point toward a $1,000+ target. Source: Bitcoinwallah / TradingView
However, BNB’s narrative this week also revolved around turbulence in the corporate treasury sector. CZ’s YZi Labs launched a formal attempt to overhaul the board of CEA Industries — the largest public BNB-holding company — accusing management of destroying shareholder value after the stock plunged 89% from its July peak. YZi aims to reverse recent bylaw changes, expand the board, and install its own nominees, arguing that CEA has failed to execute on its strategy of becoming the leading BNB treasury company. CEA responded by reaffirming its commitment to the BNB strategy while opening a dialogue with YZi to resolve concerns.
CEA stock collapses as YZi Labs pushes for a board takeover. Source: Google Finance
CEA stock collapses as YZi Labs pushes for a board takeover. Source: Google FinanceDespite governance drama and broader market pressure, BNB has held up better than many large-cap assets this quarter, outperforming even as it trades well below its mid-October all-time high of $1,367. CEA’s reported holdings of 515,054 BNB at an average entry of $851 place its treasury slightly underwater, yet BNB itself remains up 17.8% year-to-date, reinforcing its relative strength during the latest downturn. If bullish technicals continue to hold — and especially if liquidation clusters begin to trigger — analysts say BNB could feasibly revisit the $1,020–$1,115 range before year-end.
12. Chainlink
Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network designed to provide blockchains with secure, reliable data from external sources. It addresses the long-standing “oracle problem” by safely connecting on-chain systems with off-chain information, enabling many applications that wouldn’t be possible using blockchain data alone.
Already the dominant oracle provider in decentralized finance (DeFi), Chainlink is also gaining traction in NFT projects and crypto gaming. For example, a DeFi protocol can pull price feeds from centralized exchanges through Chainlink to power its smart contracts, while NFT platforms often rely on Chainlink’s verifiable randomness to ensure fair minting processes and transparent distribution.
Chainlink rallied 15% this week to $14.10, boosted by a major interoperability milestone: Solana and Coinbase’s Base have been connected using Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). The new bridge allows seamless asset transfers between Solana and the Base L2 ecosystem, giving developers the ability to integrate SPL tokens directly into Base applications. This marks one of the first production-ready bridges linking an EVM chain to Solana’s non-EVM architecture, reinforcing Chainlink’s role as the industry’s dominant cross-chain infrastructure provider. Despite the breakthrough, LINK traded slightly lower on the day, mirroring broader altcoin weakness.
Chainlink also secured a significant step in institutional adoption as Grayscale’s spot LINK ETF debuted in the U.S., attracting $41 million in first-day inflows and posting “solid” trading volume, according to ETF analysts. While not a blockbuster launch like XRP’s, the ETF already manages $64 million in assets, showing that investor appetite is extending beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum into high-utility altcoins. Analysts noted the debut signals growing demand for regulated exposure to “long-tail assets,” especially those underpinning real-world tokenization infrastructure — a trend that plays directly into Chainlink’s strengths.
The new Grayscale spot Chainlink ETF did really solid volume on Day one of $13m and looks like it could see same again today (way more than it ever traded as a trust). Also $41m in first day flows. Another insta-hit from the crypto world, only dud so far was Doge but it's still… pic.twitter.com/wlCemHxkQP
Still, the LINK token remains down 73% from its all-time high, and the ETF launch alone has not reversed its long-term downtrend. But Chainlink’s strategic importance continues to grow: its oracle networks and CCIP are now core infrastructure for DeFi, tokenization protocols, and cross-chain applications across the industry. With Solana, Base, and multiple ETF providers integrating or backing the network, LINK’s recent strength suggests investors are beginning to reprice Chainlink as a foundational layer for the next phase of multi-chain development.
If you are just starting out in crypto, it is advisable to stick to cryptocurrency projects that are less prone to volatility and are generally more established. While this approach does have a downside, as it becomes much more difficult to expect triple-digit or larger gains, the major upside is that you are not exposed to projects that have a chance of failing and, thus, losing your entire investment.
In order to identify projects that are stable and thus feature low volatility, you can start by following the parameters listed below:
The crypto asset has a market capitalization that places it into the cryptocurrency top 100 (roughly $500 million as of spring 2026)
The crypto asset is available for trading on the best crypto exchange platforms and can be exchanged for fiat currencies
The crypto asset boasts healthy liquidity ($100M/day and more), which allows you to execute buy and sell orders quickly and without slippage
The crypto asset is part of a reputable crypto project with clear goals, a realistic roadmap, and products and services that look to address real-world problems
Some of the best cryptos to buy for beginners are those that follow the above criteria and have earned their standing in the crypto market due to robust security, popular products and services, and clear growth potential. Some beginner-friendly crypto investments are:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Litecoin
Cardano
BNB
It is worth noting that cryptocurrency investments are inherently risky, even if you stick to the biggest and most reputable projects. The reason for this is simple – the crypto sector is relatively new, and the landscape might look completely different in the future.
Best crypto for long-term
When deciding which cryptocurrency to buy for the long term, it’s important to consider projects that are well-established, have a strong community, are highly liquid, have a large market cap, and have a clear reason for existing (such as solving a real-life problem, introducing new functionality, etc.). Without these characteristics, a project might fail to survive in the long term, rendering it a bad long-term investment.
It is worth noting that, typically, most long-term crypto investors are looking for projects that have the potential to generate decent returns but also provide a degree of investment stability. Roughly speaking, only the largest cryptocurrencies fit the bill, as others have a low market cap and liquidity that doesn’t bode well for a long-term commitment (unless you’re prepared to take on more risk).
In addition to Bitcoin and Ethereum, there are a number of other cryptocurrencies that fit the criteria of being low-risk, long-term crypto investments.
If you are planning to hold onto your digital assets for a longer period of time, it is best to take care of crypto custody yourself. Holding large amounts of crypto on an exchange can be risky, as we’ve seen over the years with the collapse of high-profile exchanges like Mt. Gox and FTX. Use one of the reputable crypto hardware wallets to store your crypto. Ledger hardware wallets, for instance, allow you to manage your crypto holdings easily and provide a much higher degree of security than crypto exchanges or even software crypto wallets.
Best place to buy crypto
One crucial aspect to consider when choosing which platform to use to buy crypto is the range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs available. Since different exchanges support varying digital assets, it’s important to choose a platform that accommodates the specific cryptocurrencies you intend to trade.
Additionally, assessing an exchange’s liquidity and trading volume is essential. Higher liquidity generally results in improved price stability and faster trade executions. Furthermore, it is prudent to examine the fees charged by the exchange, encompassing deposit, withdrawal, and trading fees. Comparing fee structures across different exchanges can help you identify the most cost-effective option that aligns with your trading style. With that said, here are some of the best exchanges on the market right now:
Binance – The best cryptocurrency exchange overall
Kraken– A centralized exchange with the best security
By diligently considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select a cryptocurrency exchange that meets your requirements for security, variety, liquidity, and affordability.
How we choose the best cryptocurrencies to buy
At CoinCheckup, we provide real-time prices for over 22,000 cryptocurrencies, with the list growing by dozens each day. As you can imagine, making a selection of a dozen top cryptocurrencies to buy out of such an immense dataset can be difficult and will for sure lead to some projects that should be featured being omitted. To minimize the chance of that happening, we follow certain guidelines when trying to identify the best cryptocurrencies to invest in.
Availability
One of the most important factors for any cryptocurrency investment is the crypto asset’s availability, meaning how easy it is to buy and sell it across various cryptocurrency exchanges. We tend to stay away from assets that are not available on major exchanges and require complex procedures to obtain.
Market Capitalization
Another important metric for identifying whether a crypto project is worth covering its market cap. A high market cap means that the project has reached a certain level of adoption from users, making it less risky to invest in.
Growth Potential
While this metric is mostly subjective, it is still an important metric on which we curate our selection. We won’t feature projects that we think are stagnating or have no real upside in the future.
Purpose and Use Case
We consider the purpose and use case of cryptocurrency, particularly in a real-world setting. Some cryptocurrencies focus on specific industries or applications, such as decentralized finance, gaming, or supply chain management.
Team and Development
The team and people involved in the project can tell you a lot about the potential of a particular cryptocurrency project. We examine the team’s experience, expertise, and track record and evaluate the development activity and updates to ensure the project is actively maintained and evolving.
The bottom line: What crypto should you buy right now?
The decision of which crypto to buy now is dependent on your own risk profile and investment goals. For some, investing in a crypto asset with a proven track record like Bitcoin is the only type of exposure to crypto they are willing to take on.
Meanwhile, those with a higher risk tolerance might see Bitcoin as too stable, looking instead toward newer and smaller projects that carry a higher degree of upside.
Market-wide derivatives open interest fell sharply by 27% to roughly $102.6 billion in February 2026. This sudden contraction served as an extreme stress test for centralized exchanges, forcing a rapid reassessment of counterparty risk among institutional and retail participants.
Massive liquidity flushes strip away speculative noise to reveal the underlying market structure, and the recent deleveraging event exposed a severe tier gap across the digital asset industry. Rather than dispersing their assets, traders responded to the drawdown by closing active positions and consolidating their idle capital on platforms with proven custody frameworks and verifiable security protocols.
The anatomy of a liquidity flush
The mechanics of the February open interest drop mirror previous market corrections, though the execution showed far more caution. Market participants actively unwound leverage to protect their portfolios rather than waiting for forced liquidations to dictate terms.
This pattern aligns directly with data from Wintermute regarding the major deleveraging event on October 10, 2025, which saw $19 billion in liquidations and a 55% drop in altcoin open interest over a single 24-hour window. Early 2026 experienced a similar unwinding process, but traders moved preemptively to avoid the severe market impact costs associated with sudden flushes.
During these contraction phases, trading volume naturally slows as directional bets decrease. Market participants shift their focus entirely toward asset retention and transparent reserves.
“When markets become uncertain, users make decisions based on trust. The fact that $152.9 billion in assets remain on Binance reflects something we’ve built deliberately over years — transparency in our reserves, consistency in our protections, and a commitment to putting user security above everything else,” said Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng.
The retreat from high leverage forced a critical evaluation of where idle assets were parked. Investors refused to tolerate opaque reserve structures while waiting for market conditions to stabilize.
The custody reality check
Institutional trust has faced severe tests over the past year. Data from State Street regarding digital asset custody risks highlights that security vulnerabilities heavily influence capital allocation during market cooldowns.
The $1.5 billion Bybit hack by the Lazarus group in February 2025 demonstrated the catastrophic financial consequences of compromised external wallet platforms. The historical collapse of under-capitalized custodians such as Prime Trust further exposed the distinct dangers of commingled funds and inadequate risk controls.
These high-profile failures permanently altered trader behavior. When open interest drops and traders move to the sidelines, they demand immediate, verifiable proof of reserves. Platforms lacking bulletproof custody infrastructure see rapid capital flight, and asset managers now require enterprise-grade security protocols as a prerequisite for order routing. The tolerance for platforms operating with light regulatory oversight has completely disappeared, as security measures and reliable capital retention replaced promotional yields as the primary drivers of market share in early 2026.
Measuring the tier gap in real-time
The Q1 2026 data illustrates the severity of this flight to quality. Centralized exchange trading volume cooled by roughly 48% from its October 2025 peak to $4.3 trillion in March 2026, according to CryptoQuant. Despite the broad market slowdown, perpetual futures defined overall activity with $3.5 trillion in monthly volume.
“As trading activity normalized in Q1, market structure became clearer: derivatives continued to lead price discovery, while liquidity consolidated on platforms able to support scale. In a lower-volume environment, Binance’s consistent leadership across both spot and perpetual markets reflects the value users place on deep liquidity and reliable execution,” noted Teng.
CoinGlass data shows Binance commanded a 29.9% share of average daily open interest at $23.9 billion, over twice that of Bybit. The ultimate metric of stability remains user asset reserves. Currently, $152.9 billion in reserves sit on Binance, representing 73.5% of all major centralized exchange assets combined. This creates a massive asset retention disparity, sitting 9.6 times higher than OKX’s $15.9 billion. This concentration of idle capital is the actual tier gap.
Trust as market infrastructure
The 27% drop in open interest demonstrated that liquidity and idle capital are not evenly distributed across the cryptocurrency sector. When speculative momentum fades, market participants default to the most secure infrastructure available. The platforms that simply facilitate trades lose ground to those offering comprehensive, secure asset custody and deep, reliable liquidity.
As the market navigates the remainder of 2026, execution speed and fee structures will only matter if they are backed by verifiable reserves. The exchanges currently holding the physical assets and maintaining rigorous security standards will dictate the pace of the next recovery phase. Capital concentration provides the depth needed for stable price discovery. Institutional and retail participants alike have made it clear that transparent, bank-grade custody is the only acceptable standard for modern digital asset markets.
China and Japan are both approaching their annual Golden Week holidays, a time when several national holidays fall close together. During this period, travel activity typically surges as many people take advantage of the time off to go on trips or spend time with family and friends.
To mark the occasion and promote safe crypto practices while users are on the move, hardware wallet leader Ledger has launched a Golden Week campaign. The promotion includes bonus Bitcoin (BTC) and additional rewards with every hardware wallet purchase.
The Ledger Golden Week promotion runs until May 3, 2026.
The bonus Bitcoin is delivered as a physical voucher included with the device, containing a code that can be redeemed through the Ledger Wallet app.
The Ledger Recovery Key is an NFC-enabled card designed to store a secure, PIN-protected backup of your recovery phrase, making it easier and safer to restore access to your wallet if needed.
Ledger Wallet 4.0: Designed with mobile users in mind
Ledger has also introduced version 4.0 of its flagship Ledger Wallet software, bringing a refreshed interface that’s optimized for users who manage their crypto on the go.
Core features such as sending and receiving funds, buying and selling crypto, and swapping tokens are now accessible directly from the home screen. The onboarding process for staking has been streamlined, and managing Ledger-compatible crypto payment cards is now more convenient.
The update also adds integrations with popular DeFi platforms, including Jupiter, Uniswap, 1inch, and NEAR Intents.
These integrations allow users to compare multiple swap offers and select the most favorable one. In our test of the NEAR Intents feature, swapping ETH for BTC was notably smooth and efficient.
Another useful addition is gas sponsoring, enabled through BlinkLabs. This feature allows users to complete transactions even without holding the native token of the network. For instance, you can execute a swap on the BNB Chain without needing BNB in your wallet.
Overview of Ledger’s hardware wallet lineup
Ledger Wallet software works seamlessly across all Ledger hardware devices. If you’re trying to decide which one suits you best, here’s a quick comparison:
Ledger Stax
The Stax is Ledger’s most advanced device, offering the largest display and a sleek design created by iPod inventor Tony Fadell. Its E Ink touchscreen delivers a much more intuitive and enjoyable experience compared to traditional hardware wallets, making it ideal for frequent users who want top-tier usability.
Ledger Flex
Think of the Flex as a more affordable, slightly smaller version of the Stax. It retains the E Ink touchscreen experience while offering better value for those who don’t need the premium build.
Ledger Nano Gen 5
This is the most budget-friendly touchscreen option from Ledger. While it features a plastic construction, it still includes essential features like the EAL 6+ Secure Element and wireless connectivity via NFC and Bluetooth. It’s a solid choice if you want touchscreen functionality without paying for premium materials.
Ledger Nano X
The Nano X sticks to Ledger’s classic button-based design but enhances it with Bluetooth connectivity, increased storage, and a larger display. It’s a great option for users who want wireless functionality without stepping up to a touchscreen device.
Ledger Nano S Plus
As the successor to the widely popular Nano S, the Nano S Plus offers excellent value for money. It delivers strong security at a low price point, though it lacks wireless connectivity and does not support iOS devices.
Real Finance and Wiener Privatbank are collaborating to create a regulated framework connecting traditional banking services with blockchain-based financial markets for institutions.
The initial rollout targets around $50 million in on-chain assets, with projections exceeding $500 million in tokenized assets within the first year.
The partnership includes plans to explore a euro-denominated stablecoin, subject to further regulatory review and structuring requirements.
Bridging traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure
Real Finance has entered into a partnership with Vienna-based Wiener Privatbank to develop a regulated framework that enables institutional participation in blockchain-based financial markets. The collaboration centers on integrating established banking infrastructure with the REAL blockchain, aiming to provide institutions with structured access to on-chain financial products.
Under the agreement, Wiener Privatbank will contribute core banking services such as custody of client funds, reserve protection, and support for asset origination. Client funds are expected to be held in accounts regulated within the European Union, with compliance aligned to frameworks including MiCA, alongside standard know-your-customer and anti-money laundering procedures.
The initiative is structured to address key institutional requirements, including legal clarity, operational transparency, and defined risk management processes. In its initial minimum viable product phase, the platform is expected to support approximately $50 million in on-chain assets. Following the planned launch of the REAL blockchain mainnet, the partners are targeting a pipeline exceeding $500 million in tokenized assets within the first year.
Wiener Privatbank is also set to play a role in structuring euro-denominated assets, contributing to liquidity within a regulated digital asset environment. A potential next step under consideration includes the development of a euro-denominated stablecoin native to the REAL blockchain, although this remains subject to further regulatory assessment.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to building institutional-grade infrastructure that meets the expectations of regulated financial institutions. By working with Wiener Privatbank, we are ensuring that access to on-chain markets is underpinned by robust compliance standards, clear governance, and trusted banking relationships.”
Ivo Grigorov, CEO of Real Finance
Wiener Privatbank, which operates across asset management, brokerage, financing, and advisory services, will support asset structuring, reserve management, and institutional-grade custody within the collaboration. Its involvement reflects a broader effort to extend traditional financial standards into digital asset markets.
“Our collaboration with Real Finance is grounded in a shared focus on regulatory integrity and innovation. We see this partnership as an opportunity to extend established banking standards into emerging digital asset infrastructures, while maintaining the compliance, transparency, and client protection principles that define our institution.”
—Michael Munterl, member of Wiener Privatbank’s executive board
The REAL blockchain is designed to facilitate the tokenization and distribution of real-world assets within a controlled environment. Through partnerships with regulated financial institutions, the project aims to create infrastructure where traditional finance and blockchain systems can operate within clearly defined regulatory frameworks.
The bottom line
The partnership between Real Finance and Wiener Privatbank reflects a growing effort to align blockchain-based financial systems with established regulatory and banking standards. By combining on-chain infrastructure with traditional financial services, the initiative aims to provide institutions with a more structured pathway into tokenized asset markets while maintaining compliance and operational safeguards.
Tapbit safe and reliable framework includes third-party audits by Hacken
Proof of Reserves ensures all user assets are fully backed
Multi-layer security system includes monitoring and risk control
Users can verify asset transparency through cryptographic methods
Security is continuously updated to adapt to market risks
Independent cybersecurity validation is no longer optional; it is a prerequisite for trust in digital asset trading. To reinforce trading infrastructure and platform transparency, Tapbit has partnered with globally recognized blockchain security auditor Hacken.
Within this context, Tapbit has entered into a strategic collaboration with Hacken, a blockchain-focused cybersecurity firm, with the objective of reinforcing its infrastructure and enhancing its overall risk management architecture .
Hacken is recognized for its work in blockchain security, offering services that include smart contract auditing, penetration testing, and system-level risk assessments. Its role within the Web3 ecosystem centers on providing independent validation frameworks that enable platforms to demonstrate operational integrity through verifiable data rather than internal declarations alone.
By incorporating external auditing mechanisms, Tapbit is extending its security model beyond internal controls. Existing safeguards—including wallet segregation, continuous monitoring systems, and structured risk protocols – are complemented by third-party validation processes, forming a more comprehensive approach to platform security. This combined model reflects a broader industry transition toward independently verifiable systems that prioritize accountability and transparency.
Security is an active, ongoing operational standard at Tapbit, requiring continuous testing and validation. Continuous validation and independent oversight play a role in identifying potential vulnerabilities early, supporting system stability in increasingly complex trading environments.
Proof of reserves: Strengthening transparency through verifiable data
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, Tapbit has implemented a Proof of Reserves (PoR) framework, independently reviewed by Hacken .
The most recent audit confirms that Tapbit maintains reserve levels exceeding a full 1:1 backing across audited assets, ensuring that user balances remain fully supported and accessible under normal operating conditions.
According to the latest verification snapshot:
BTC reserve ratio: 2,341%
ETH reserve ratio: 2,431%
Asset scope: Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)
Audit reference date: October 31, 2024
These figures indicate that the platform’s reserve holdings significantly exceed corresponding user liabilities, reflecting a conservative approach to asset management and liquidity assurance.
The verification process incorporates cryptographic validation techniques, including wallet ownership authentication via digital signatures and transaction-level confirmations. In parallel, reported balances are independently cross-referenced using structured data comparison methods to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Users are also able to confirm inclusion within the reserve framework through privacy-preserving verification mechanisms, aligning with industry practices that prioritize both transparency and data protection.
Within the broader security model, Proof of Reserves functions as a measurable layer of assurance—complementing operational controls such as real-time monitoring, wallet segregation, and risk management systems. Together, these components contribute to a framework where platform solvency is continuously verifiable rather than assumed.
Milton Cogo, Chief Executive Officer of Tapbit, noted that transparency in digital asset markets must be grounded in verifiability rather than conditional disclosure.
“Market conditions may change rapidly, but transparency should not be dependent on those conditions,” he said. “Proof of Reserves provides a framework through which users can independently verify asset backing at any time, contributing to a more consistent level of confidence across different market environments.”
He added that the integration of third-party validation reflects a broader effort to align with evolving industry expectations, particularly as digital asset platforms move toward more structured and institutional standards.
This collaboration aligns Tapbit’s operational standards with tightening global regulatory expectations. As expectations from both users and regulators increase, the ability to demonstrate independently verified security measures is becoming a defining factor in long-term platform credibility.
In an environment where trust is increasingly shaped by transparency and verification, independent security validation continues to play a critical role in reinforcing confidence across digital asset platforms
Tapbit and Hacken partnership for security audits
About Hacken
Hacken is a blockchain cybersecurity firm specializing in smart contract auditing, penetration testing, and security assessments. The company provides independent verification services for Web3 projects, exchanges, and decentralized applications, contributing to improved security standards across the digital asset ecosystem.
About Tapbit
Tapbit is a global digital asset trading platform established in 2021, offering cryptocurrency derivatives trading alongside spot and copy trading services. Operating across more than 190 regions, the platform focuses on delivering a stable, efficient, and transparent trading environment supported by high-performance infrastructure and structured risk management systems.
Connect with Tapbit
For further information about Tapbit and its latest developments, please visit:
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. The views and opinions presented in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CoinCheckup. The content of this article should not be considered as investment advice. Always do your own research before deciding to buy, sell or transfer any crypto assets.
The AI-powered crypto sector has expanded significantly, with total value locked rising over 340% and more than 550 projects now active globally.
DeFi automation is shifting toward fully autonomous agents, though concerns around oversight and risk management remain unresolved for many users.
New platforms are introducing user-approval frameworks that aim to combine AI efficiency with greater control over on-chain transactions.
AI-driven automation accelerates across DeFi ecosystems
Artificial intelligence is becoming a central component of decentralized finance, moving beyond analytics into direct execution of on-chain activities. Recent data shows that the AI-focused crypto segment has grown by more than 340% in total value locked, with over 550 projects collectively reaching a market capitalization of $4.34 billion.
This growth is unfolding alongside a broader DeFi market valued at approximately $89 billion. Within this environment, AI agents are increasingly used to automate tasks such as managing positions, reducing liquidation risk, and executing cross-chain transactions without manual input.
Several technical developments have supported this shift. Advances in natural language processing allow users to interact with blockchain systems more intuitively, while improvements in infrastructure have reduced transaction costs and increased throughput. For example, Ethereum layer-2 transaction fees have dropped to under one cent, and network capacity has expanded significantly over the past five years.
However, as automation expands, concerns around control and risk exposure are becoming more prominent. Many existing AI-driven tools operate on an “autopilot” model, where users set parameters and agents execute trades independently. This approach has gained traction, with adoption of AI-based portfolio tools increasing by around 300% since 2025.
The limitations of this model became evident during periods of market stress. In October 2025, extreme volatility triggered approximately $1.7 billion in liquidations across Ethereum and related networks. In cases where portfolios were managed by fully autonomous agents, the lack of adaptive oversight meant positions continued to follow preset rules despite rapidly changing conditions.
New approaches emphasize user oversight in automated systems
As the sector evolves, some platforms are exploring alternatives to fully autonomous execution. One emerging approach focuses on maintaining user involvement in every transaction, even when AI handles the underlying logic.
CoinFello is one example of this model. Instead of executing actions automatically, the platform presents each transaction for user approval before it is finalized. The system interprets natural language instructions—such as requests to rebalance assets or manage loan risk—and translates them into structured on-chain operations, which users can review before confirming.
This design aims to address a key concern among DeFi participants: maintaining control over capital while still benefiting from automation. The platform also connects to EVM-compatible wallets and supports account creation through standard methods like email or phone, while keeping assets under user custody at all times.
The distinction between automated and user-approved systems is becoming more relevant as competition intensifies. With hundreds of AI agent projects entering the market, platforms that can balance usability, automation, and control may be better positioned to retain users beyond initial adoption phases.
At the same time, the broader trajectory of AI in DeFi continues to accelerate. Agent capabilities have improved rapidly, enabling more advanced portfolio management and real-time analysis than was possible just a year and a half ago. Projections suggest that AI-driven infrastructure in this space could exceed $52 billion by 2030.
The bottom line
AI is reshaping how decentralized finance operates, introducing new levels of automation and efficiency. At the same time, the debate over control versus autonomy is becoming central to the sector’s development. As platforms experiment with different models, solutions that integrate user oversight with AI execution may play a key role in defining the next phase of DeFi.
BetFury positions itself as a comprehensive gambling platform designed specifically for cryptocurrency users. Beyond simply supporting crypto deposits, the casino has built an ecosystem around its native BFG token, combined with a wide variety of games, sports betting, and engagement-driven features like rank progression, promotions, and tournaments.
In this review, we’ll break down everything BetFury has to offer—from its payment options and game selection to its bonuses and unique features—while also highlighting where the platform falls short.
Key Advantages and Drawbacks
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of BetFury’s strengths and limitations.
Pros:
Extensive game catalog with thousands of titles
Broad support for cryptocurrencies (40+ coins)
High-RTP original games with provably fair mechanics
BetFury stands out with its wide selection of supported cryptocurrencies. Players can deposit and withdraw using popular options such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, as well as a range of altcoins including Litecoin, Stellar, and Chainlink. In total, the platform supports more than 40 different digital assets, making it suitable for most crypto users.
In addition to standard cryptocurrencies, BetFury integrates its own token, BFG, which can be used across the platform for betting and staking.
For users who don’t already own crypto, BetFury includes a built-in purchase feature. This allows players to buy cryptocurrencies directly using debit or credit cards through third-party providers like Banxa. While convenient, it’s worth noting that these transactions are handled externally.
Fiat deposit options are also available in certain regions, although availability depends heavily on location. For example:
In Brazil, users can use PIX, Skrill, and Neteller
In Mexico, options include SPEI, OXXO Pay, cards, and e-wallets
In India, UPI QR is supported for deposits
European countries like Poland and Portugal rely mainly on Skrill, Neteller, and local payment systems
Overall, while crypto remains the primary focus, BetFury does provide alternative methods for users in supported jurisdictions.
Casino Games Selection
BetFury delivers a game library that aligns with top-tier online casinos. The platform features over 10,000 games, including slots, live dealer experiences, and classic table games.
Content is sourced from well-known providers such as Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Hacksaw Gaming, and Booming Games, ensuring high-quality gameplay and variety. Whether players are interested in modern video slots or traditional card games, there is no shortage of options.
To keep gameplay engaging, BetFury frequently hosts tournaments and competitive events. These allow players to compete for prizes based on wagering activity or performance, adding an extra layer of excitement beyond standard gameplay.
BetFury Originals
In addition to third-party titles, BetFury has developed its own lineup of original games. These are a key highlight of the platform, offering a higher-than-average return to player (RTP), reaching up to 99.28% in some cases.
All original games operate under a provably fair system, meaning players can independently verify the fairness of each outcome.
The collection includes familiar formats such as:
Dice
Crash
Keno
Blackjack
With over 20 proprietary games available, this category appeals especially to users who prefer transparent mechanics and better payout potential.
Sports Betting and Prediction Markets
BetFury isn’t limited to casino games—it also includes a full sports betting section. Users can place wagers on a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and less mainstream options like table tennis and water polo.
Esports betting is another strong component, covering popular titles such as:
Counter-Strike
Dota 2
League of Legends
Valorant
A notable feature is the ability to view bets placed by other users and copy them. This applies to both individual bets and multi-event combinations, which can be useful for less experienced bettors.
In addition, BetFury introduces prediction markets, which are relatively rare among crypto casinos. These markets allow users to wager on political and economic outcomes, such as election results. This feature adds diversity to the betting experience and helps the platform differentiate itself.
Bonuses and Promotions
Welcome Bonus
New users are greeted with a multi-stage deposit bonus spread across the first three deposits:
1st deposit: 150% bonus + 50 free spins
2nd deposit: 180% bonus + 75 free spins
3rd deposit: 200% bonus + 100 free spins
The total bonus value can reach up to $10,500, with an additional $550 available through free spins. These bonuses come with a 40x wagering requirement and must be used within 14 days.
Sports Cashback
BetFury rewards sports bettors with cashback based on their rank level. The percentage starts at 1% and can climb as high as 25% for top-tier users.
Certain conditions apply:
Minimum odds of 1.2
Lower ranks must place combo or system bets
Higher ranks unlock cashback on all bets
Combo Boost
Players who place accumulator bets on four or more events can benefit from the Combo Boost promotion. The bonus increases depending on the number of selections, ranging from 8% up to 50%. Each event must meet a minimum odds requirement of 1.4.
Tournaments and Battles
Regular competitions are another core part of BetFury’s ecosystem. These include:
Wager-based leaderboards
Profit-based challenges
Drop events with random rewards
Such features encourage consistent activity and provide additional earning opportunities.
Unique Platform Features
BetFury Boxes
BetFury introduces a faucet-style feature called “BetFury Boxes.” Every hour, users can claim small amounts of cryptocurrency or platform tokens for free.
While the rewards are modest, they allow new players to explore games without making an initial deposit. Funds obtained through these boxes can be used across the platform, including casino games and sports betting.
Rank System and VIP Program
The platform includes a structured progression system with 20 levels. As players wager more, they climb through ranks and unlock benefits such as:
Cashback rewards
Daily bonuses
Rank-up prizes
At higher levels, users gain access to a VIP program, which offers exclusive perks like personalized support, higher rewards, and special promotions.
BFG Token Ecosystem
A major differentiator for BetFury is its native BFG token, built on the BNB Chain.
The token serves multiple purposes:
Betting currency within the platform
Staking for passive income
Participation in platform rewards
BetFury has implemented a buyback and burn mechanism to reduce supply over time. Notably, over one-third of the total supply has already been burned, which can potentially increase scarcity and long-term value.
Final Verdict
BetFury delivers a well-rounded experience for crypto-focused players by combining a large game selection, diverse betting options, and a feature-rich ecosystem.
Its support for dozens of cryptocurrencies, along with seamless on-ramp integrations, makes it accessible to a wide audience. The casino’s extensive library—paired with high-RTP original games—ensures that players of all preferences can find something suitable.
The inclusion of sports betting, esports, and prediction markets adds further variety, while the rank system, bonuses, and tournaments help maintain long-term engagement.
What truly sets BetFury apart are its unique elements, such as crypto faucets and the BFG token, which create an ecosystem beyond traditional online gambling.
Although the lack of a dedicated mobile app may be a downside for some users, the platform’s overall offering remains strong—especially for those deeply involved in cryptocurrency.
In today’s world, many investors use cryptocurrency assets to grow their capital. While the market initially served as a speculative market, today more and more participants are seeking long-term income options. Earn interest on crypto by taking advantage of the Coindepo offer. The platform offers a wide range of assets and favorable staking conditions. Modern technologies ensure asset protection, and a user-friendly app lets you access your personal account anytime.
How have cryptocurrency strategies evolved?
In the early years of cryptocurrency, the primary profit model remained the purchase of assets with the expectation of their subsequent growth. Investors focused on long-term coin holding or active trading on exchanges. This approach remains today, but the market is increasingly offering additional income options.
The development of blockchain technologies has led to the emergence of new financial instruments. Mechanisms for rewarding participation in the operation of infrastructure have begun to emerge within the ecosystems of various networks. Earn interest on crypto by staking assets in a pool. This allows you not only to earn money but also to participate in the development and stability of the infrastructure. As a result, a full-fledged ecosystem for generating passive income is emerging. Blockchain technology experts note that more and more market participants are viewing digital assets not only as a speculative instrument but also as a source of regular payments.
Staking as the basis for passive income
Staking has become one of the most common income-generating tools in the cryptocurrency industry. It is used in blockchain networks operating on the Proof-of-Stake algorithm. Cryptocurrency holders can lock up their assets and participate in the transaction confirmation process.
Users receive rewards for their participation in securing the network. It is formed from transaction fees and the issuance of new coins. This mechanism creates an economic model that incentivizes long-term participation by investors in the development of blockchain ecosystems. Earn interest on crypto through staking, which is available on platforms such as Coindepo, as well as other providers like Binance, Kraken, or Lido, making it accessible not only to experienced investors but also to beginners. Users simply deposit assets in the appropriate service to begin receiving rewards.
The development of liquid staking has enabled continued flexibility in capital use. Users can receive tokens representing assets in the pool and use them in other financial transactions. This has significantly increased the appeal of staking as a passive income tool.
RWA tokenization – a new direction in the cryptocurrency economy
One of the most popular trends is the tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA). This format involves representing traditional financial instruments as digital tokens on the blockchain. Such assets can include bonds, debt securities, real estate, and other investment categories. Earn interest on crypto while leveraging the benefits of familiar financial assets and cryptocurrency protocols. RWAs provide a stable economic foundation, while blockchain ensures transaction transparency and automates settlements. This is leading to the emergence of new investment models.
Main reasons for the growing popularity of passive income
The spread of passive income models in cryptocurrencies is linked to several important industry-wide trends. Technological advances and infrastructure growth make participation in such strategies more accessible to users. At the same time, an ecosystem of services that simplify interaction with the blockchain is developing. Factors that have driven the growing popularity of passive income include:
The emergence of convenient services for earning it.
The tokenization of traditional financial instruments.
The growing profitability of staking and the emergence of new staking forms.
These factors form the basis for further growth of the passive income segment in the cryptocurrency economy. Blockchain project developers are striving to create new models that incentivize network participants. This is leading to the emergence of more complex and diverse financial mechanisms. In the coming years, we can expect further development of liquid staking, restaking, and the tokenization of real assets. These technologies significantly improve capital efficiency. Earn interest on crypto from multiple sources simultaneously using modern passive income methods.
2026 could be a significant milestone in the development of the cryptocurrency industry when passive income models become widespread. The development of staking, decentralized finance, and the tokenization of real assets facilitates this. These tools allow cryptocurrencies to be used not only for trading but also as a source of regular income. Blockchain and fintech experts are confident that as infrastructure develops and integration with traditional financial markets occurs, the cryptocurrency economy will acquire the characteristics of a fully-fledged investment environment.