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What is a crypto exchange token and how did it help make FTX explode?
The FTT exchange token played a key role in the downfall of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and affiliated trading firm Alameda Research. It was the use of FTT to inflate the balance sheets of both entities, reported by Ian Allison of CoinDesk on November 2, that raised the first doubts that triggered the collapse.
The FTT may have been at the center of another aspect of the FTX fraud, acting as a fictitious (but actually worthless) “collateral” for loans of customer funds made by FTX to save Alameda.
This article is excerpted from The Node, CoinDesk’s daily roundup of the top stories in blockchain and cryptocurrency news. You can sign up to get the full service newsletter here.
But what are exchange tokens? What role do they play for the exchanges that issue them? How should they be treated according to modern accounting standards? And how do they advance the cryptocurrency industry’s decentralization agenda?
To answer the last question first: exchange tokens are not generally decentralized, and if anything, their goal is the opposite of decentralization. They are, after all, an incentive to continue using the same centralized exchange. Holders can use them to get discounts on trading fees, rewards and early access to offers. Despite chatter on Twitter, the FTT token did not distribute a share of the FTX platform’s revenue or grant holders any governance rights, and neither do most exchange tokens.
Technically, exchange tokens are nothing special. FTT was tracked as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, sort of a token more or less anyone can create with limited technical skills. BNB, Binance’s exchange token, is tracked on its BNB chain, a blockchain that began as a fork of Ethereum but merged with a separate permissioned blockchain.
This is in contrast to one of the concepts that may have inspired the creation of exchange tokens. Starting around 2016-2017, there has been a lot of talk about “utility tokens” in the cryptocurrency space, to be used to incentivize and pay nodes for decentralized computing services. Although the term appears to have faded, current examples include the decentralized storage network Storj; the BitTorrent token now operated by Tron; and also Elio, the Troubled Wi-Fi node project.
The appeal of utility tokens is that you don’t Need any legal regime for enforcing property rights or claiming a place in the “capital stack” – that is, an organization’s ordered list of obligations to counterparties, including debtors and investors. This is partly because there is no capital stack, but also because value is procedurally derived from demand for services that are, in effect, directly linked to the blockchain.
Instead, it is implied that the value of exchange tokens is based on a regulatory or legal regime that in many cases does not actually exist. Most, if not all, exchange tokens are issued by so-called “offshore” exchanges. FTX AND Binance, registered in light regulatory havens such as, in the case of FTX, the Bahamas. US-registered exchanges Kraken and Coinbase, in contrast, do not have their own tokens because they have access to standard stock markets (and related regulatory constraints). Exchange tokens represent a way for offshore exchanges to raise funds without such access.
“Binance was the first to launch and it was really successful. And when you’re successful, you get imitators,” said Katie Talati, co-founder and director of research at crypto asset manager Arca. “Huobi, OKX, they all launched their own token, and from now on, it’s become the standard .FTX didn’t launch until the second half of 2019 and they launched their token at the same time.”
But just because exchange tokens can raise funds like stocks, doesn’t mean they are what they are. “Currently, these are not part of the capital and nothing can be claimed, for example, in the event of bankruptcy,” Talati said. “There is no governance, you can’t say you want the exchange to do X,Y and Z.”
But in a strange sort of ontological mystery that is quite common in cryptocurrencies, these tokens, issued by entities without strong regulators or even necessarily well-enforced ownership rights, are traded much like stocks. Talati said that a discounted cash flow model is a useful way to think about their value, “but there are a lot of inputs we can’t model.”
This semi-fungibility with an equity model may have eased the way for Sam Bankman-Fried’s fraudulent finances. One element of the scam was that FTT was what is known as a “low-flow, highly diluted value” token. Only a very small portion was traded publicly, but the public price for that fraction was assumed to apply to hundreds of millions of dollars of the token owned by FTX itself. This makes some sense if you think in terms of the “equity value” that the founder of a startup, for example, hangs on to after venture capital investors get their cut.
But the management of FTT tokens on the balance sheets of FTX and Alameda corresponded neither to standard stock accounting practices nor, more importantly, to reality. When accounting for their capital or managing shares bought back from public markets, companies do not add them to their valuation estimate or liquid assets, but usually count them separately as “treasury shares”.
This is because a company’s equity is not part of its total value, but a reflection of it. Adding your own shares to profits would be a bit like a snake eating its own tail.
This basic accounting deception became a time bomb when Bankman-Fried apparently began using the FTT as guarantees for loans between FTX and Alameda, as well as other related entities. As I wrote last week, these shenanigans are like nothing Enron’s use of related entities and mixing documents to hide debt and increase one’s rating.
The centrality of the FTT to the worst cryptocurrency collapse of all time has prompted industry leaders to clarify their position on accounting for exchange tokens and similar internal assets. Changpeng Zhao, CEO of Binance, took pains to clarify last week that Binance has done so “I have never used BNB as collateral.” In a Twitter space last week, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse similarly clarified that his company that’s not counting his vast collection of XRP on its budget.
This relatively unspoken rule helps explain why CoinDesk’s reports of TTF flows have been so explosive. It is not the type of asset that should be used in the way it apparently was, and no truly independent entity would have accepted it as loan collateral, or even considered it an “asset”.
Savvy cryptocurrency investors are in a position to be the bulwark that enforces this rule – and to lose their shirts when they don’t. Talati is unequivocal on Arca’s position.
“When we look [projects], many of them will have their own token on their balance sheet,” he said. “And we just delete it.”
As the cryptocurrency market continues to expand, investors are constantly looking for new opportunities to maximize their returns. Pepe (PEPE), a meme coin inspired by the iconic Internet character Pepe the Frog, has been a staple in the meme coin arena. However, recent developments have shifted some investors’ attention to a promising new competitor: MPEPE (MPEPE). Currently trading at $0.0007, Mpeppe is attracting significant interest from those looking to diversify and capitalize on the next big thing.
Pepe’s appeal (PEPE)
Pepecoin (PEPE) has carved out a significant niche for itself in the cryptocurrency market, largely due to its vibrant community and roots in internet meme culture. Drawing inspiration from the popular meme character Pepe the Frog, Pepe (PEPE) has captured the attention of cryptocurrency enthusiasts and meme enthusiasts alike. This fusion of humor and community spirit has been instrumental in its rise within the cryptocurrency space.
The continued success of Pepecoin (PEPE) can be attributed to its active and dedicated community. Holders of the coin are known for their enthusiastic promotion on social media platforms, which helps maintain its visibility and popularity. This strong community support has been instrumental in sustaining Pepe (PEPE)’s momentum and driving its market performance. Recent whale activity, such as a massive transfer of 9 trillion PEPE tokens valued at $82 million to Bybit, further highlights the coin’s potential for significant price movements driven by large-scale transactions.
Mpeppe (MPEPE): the rising star
Mpeppe (MPEPE) differentiates itself by merging the realms of sports and cryptocurrency. Drawing inspiration from soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé and leveraging the legacy of the Pepe (PEPE) meme coin, Mpeppe offers a unique appeal that resonates with both sports fans and cryptocurrency investors. This innovative fusion is attracting a diverse and engaged audience, fostering a vibrant community around the token.
A large ecosystem
Differentiating itself from typical meme coins, Mpeppe (MPEPE) features a robust ecosystem that includes gaming and sports betting platforms, NFT collectibles, and social interaction features. These utilities provide real value to users, creating multiple channels for engagement and investment. This comprehensive approach positions Mpeppe as more than just a meme coin, offering a richer and more engaging experience for its users.
Investment Potential of Mpeppe (MPEPE)
Strategic Tokenomics
Mpeppe (MPEPE) has been strategically priced at $0.0007, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. Tokenomics is designed to support long-term growth, with allocations for presales, liquidity, and sports activities. This strategic distribution ensures stability and promotes community engagement, positioning Mpeppe for substantial growth.
Analysts’ optimism
Market analysts are optimistic about the potential of Mpeppe (MPEPE). The coin’s innovative approach, strong community, and strategic partnerships are expected to drive significant price increases. Early investors stand to benefit from substantial returns as Mpeppe gains traction in the market. Analysts note that Mpeppe’s combination of utility and community engagement positions it well for future growth, especially as the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve.
The impact of similar competing businesses
Driving Innovation
Competition between similar assets such as Pepe (PEPE) and Mpeppe (MPEPE) is a catalyst for innovation. Each project strives to outdo the other, resulting in continuous improvements and new features. This dynamic competition benefits investors, offering them better and more advanced products.
Market diversification
Having multiple competing assets in the market promotes diversification. Investors have more options to choose from, which can help spread risk and potentially increase returns. The presence of strong contenders like Pepe (PEPE) and Mpeppe (MPEPE) ensures a vibrant and resilient crypto ecosystem.
Increased market interest
Competition between similar assets also generates increased market interest. As projects compete for attention, they attract more investors and media coverage, leading to increased visibility and adoption. This increased interest can drive further investment and growth in the sector.
The Future of Mpeppe (MPEPE)
Strategic development
Mpeppe (MPEPE) has a clear and ambitious roadmap for the future. Development plans include expanding its gaming and sports betting platforms, launching new NFT collections, and forming strategic partnerships. These initiatives are designed to improve user experience and drive market growth.
Community Growth
The success of Mpeppe (MPEPE) will largely depend on its ability to build and sustain a strong community. By focusing on engagement and providing valuable utility, Mpeppe aims to foster a loyal and active user base. This community-driven approach is expected to play a significant role in its long-term success.
Conclusion: A New Horizon for Meme Coin Investors
In conclusion, while Pepe (PEPE) has established itself as a significant player in the meme coin market, Mpeppe (MPEPE) offers a fresh and innovative approach that is capturing the interest of investors. With its strategic pricing, comprehensive ecosystem, and potential for high returns, Mpeppe (MPEPE) represents an exciting opportunity for those looking to diversify their cryptocurrency portfolios. As always, investors should stay informed and consider multiple factors before making investment decisions. Embrace the potential of Mpeppe (MPEPE) and join the journey to new rewards in the cryptocurrency world.
For more information on the pre-sale of Mpeppe (MPEPE):
Visit Mpeppe (MPEPE)
Join and become a member of the community:
Italian: https://t.me/mpeppecoin
Italian: https://x.com/mpeppecommunity?s=11&t=hQv3guBuxfglZI-0YOTGuQ
- The Golem project has moved over $124 million in ETH for staking.
- Ethereum staking frenzy has increased ahead of the launch of spot ETH ETFs in the US.
Ethereal [ETH]The Project Golem-based distributed computing marketplace has joined the ETH staking frenzy.
On July 11, contrary to its recent sell-off, the company reportedly staked 40K ETH worth over $124.6 million, according to Lookonchain data.
Golem Network has confirmed its Ethereum staking initiative and said its purpose was to “create space” to help participants contribute to the network.
“The Golem Ecosystem Fund is officially launched today! We have staked 40,000 ETH from Golem’s treasury. This will create a space where developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs can bring their ideas to life and contribute to the Golem Network and its ecosystem!”
Ethereum Staking Frenzy
The staking frenzy has infected Ethereum, with just days to go until the potential launch of a spot ETH ETF in the United States. Recently, an unmarked address blocked over 6K ETH.
The Golem project’s decision to lock up 40K ETH on July 11th pushed the total ETH locked up to Chain of lights at an all-time high of 47.5 million ETH, worth over $140 billion based on market prices at press time.
Beacon Chain is Ethereum’s system that manages the validation of new blocks.
Source: Etherscan
According to a recent AMBCrypto relationshipIncreased ETH staking ahead of the debut of the ETH spot ETF in the US has underscored bullish sentiment.
More ETH has been moved from exchanges, further strengthening bullish expectations.
Meanwhile, from a short-term perspective, many addresses were losing at the $3.2K and $3.5K levels. Investors could try to take a profit if they break even.
These prices represent key levels to watch in the short term.
Source: IntoTheBlock
Next: Why Bitcoin Must Surpass $61K Soon, According to Analysts
As the cryptocurrency space turns bearish, giants like Chainlink and Fantom are facing setbacks with declining trends for LINK and FTM. Amid these changes, BlockDAG emerges as a prime target due to its promising pre-sales and long-term prospects. This Layer-1 project boasts an innovative Low Code No Code ecosystem, attracting investors with potential ROIs exceeding 30,000x. The pre-sales momentum has already accumulated over $57.6 million, driven by growing investor enthusiasm.
Impact of Chainlink’s Recent Token Release
Chainlink’s recent move to release 21 million LINK tokens, worth approximately $295 million, from its dormant supply contracts has significant market implications. This release sent 18.25 million LINK to Binance, fueling speculation that the price will drop. LINK is currently trading at $13.64, approaching its critical support at $13.5, with the potential to drop to $10 if this level breaks.
These releases, increasing the circulating supply above 600 million LINK, have previously maintained price stability, but the prevailing bearish conditions could alter this trend. With 391.5 million LINK pending release, market caution persists.
Fantom (FTM) Market Position Dynamics
Fantom experienced a strong buying spree last November, but its valuation has been challenging lately. After peaking near $1.20 in March, subsequent resistance and profit-taking pushed its price lower. FTM recently dipped below the crucial $0.600 mark but found some ground around $0.500. Fantom is currently valued at $0.559 with a market cap of $1.67 billion and daily trading volume of $257.56 million.
The Fantom Foundation’s decision to award over 55,000 FTMs quarterly to major dApps on the Opera network has invigorated user participation. Indicators such as RSI and MACD suggest a possible bounce if it surpasses the $0.600 mark. Failure to break above the 200-day EMA could prolong the bearish outlook.
BlockDAG Pre-Sale Triumph and Innovative Platform
BlockDAG’s pioneering low-code/no-code platform enables the seamless creation of utility tokens, meme tokens, and NFTs, catering to a broad user base. Its intuitive templates allow enthusiasts to quickly launch and customize projects, thereby democratizing blockchain development and accelerating market entry.
The cutting-edge features of this platform have attracted cryptocurrency investors, significantly increasing the interest in the presale. BlockDAG has successfully raised over $57.6 million, witnessing a 1300% escalation in the coin’s value from $0.001 to $0.014 in its 19th batch. This impressive rise underscores the immense return potential of BlockDAG for early backers.
Additionally, BlockDAG’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem extends to supporting the development of decentralized apps. This fosters a wide range of new projects in the blockchain domain, from digital art platforms to tokenized assets, enriching the blockchain ecosystem.
Key observations
While Chainlink and Fantom are currently navigating bearish trends due to token releases and resistance hurdles, BlockDAG’s innovative low-code/no-code framework positions it as an attractive investment option. With a presale raise of over $57.6 million and prices skyrocketing 1300% in recent batches, BlockDAG shows tremendous potential for returns of up to 30,000x. Amidst the market volatility impacting Chainlink Tokens and Fantom, BlockDAG stands out as a promising avenue for cryptocurrency traders.
Sign up for BlockDAG Pre-Sale now:
Website: https://blockdag.network
Pre-sale: https://acquisto.blockdag.network
Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
Discord: Italian: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu
Disclaimer: The statements, views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily represent those of Crypto Reporter. Crypto Reporter is not responsible for the reliability, quality and accuracy of any material in this article. This article is provided for educational purposes only. Crypto Reporter is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Do your own research and invest at your own risk.
The DEX aggregator Anger Trading is about to issue its RAGE token on the new Layer 1 blockchain Hyperliquid. The token sale is scheduled for August 7, with 20 million tokens out of a total supply of 100 million available on Fjord Foundry at a fixed price of $0.30.
Additionally, the “Rage Quit” feature has been introduced, which allows private investors to get their allocation early by accepting a 60% cut.
RAGE will be among the first tokens to be launched on Hyperliquidmarking a significant moment for this new blockchain. Let’s see all the details below.
DEX News Rage Trade: New RAGE Token Arrives on Hyperliquid
As expected, decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator Rage Trade has announced the issuance of its new token ANGER. The launch is happening through a liquidity generation event and token sale on Fjord Foundry, scheduled for August 7th.
The token will be launched on the newly launched layer 1 blockchain Hyperliquidwhich has rapidly gained popularity due to its decentralized perpetual exchange.
Rage Trade currently aggregates platforms such as GMX, Synthetix, Dydx, Aevo and Hyperliquid, allowing traders to manage their positions across multiple blockchains and earn incentives.
During the event, 20 million RAGE tokens will be sold at a fixed price of $0.30, while another nine million will be used to inject liquidity into Hyperliquid.
Additionally, six million tokens have been reserved for future market making and product development incentives.
The token will have a total supply of 100 million, with 20% earmarked for sale and 30% for community treasury. The latter is subject to a 12-month lock-up period and a 24-month linear release.
The “Rage Quit” feature introduces a deflationary mechanismThis allows private investors and recipients of the air launch to receive their assignment after an initial three-month stalemate, accepting a 60% cut.
Rage Trade has chosen Hyperliquid as the platform for its token after the network became the preferred choice of users of the Anger Aggregatorwith over 1,300 users generating $445 million in volume.
Hyperliquid surpasses dYdX in TVL
Hyperliquid, the exchange decentralized based on Referee, recently introduced a new points program, which has catalyzed significant growth in total value locked (TVL) on the platform.
According to data from DefiLlama, Hyperliquid has reached a TVL of $530 million, surpassing dYdX’s $484 million and reaching a new all-time high.
This figure places Hyperliquid in second place among derivatives platforms, just behind GMX, which maintains a TVL of $542 million.
Rounding out the top five platforms by TVL are Solana-based Jupiter with $415 million and Drift with $365 million. Hyperliquid had a stellar year in 2024, jumping from eighth to second place in just six weeks.
This rapid increase was largely attributed to the new Hyperliquid points program, which launched on May 29.
The points program provides for the distribution of 700,000 points weekly for four months. With an additional 2 million points awarded for activity between May 1 and May 28.
Despite community criticism over the decision to extend the incentive program and delay the token launch and airdrop, the platform has continued to attract numerous traders.
From Perpetual DEX to Layer 1
Steven, founding member of Capital Yuntwhich has backed some of the largest cryptocurrency firms, including Zerion, noted that Hyperliquid has distributed approximately 51 million points in four periods.
He further stressed that the project aims to reward its early adopters and move from simply being a perpetual DEX to a true Layer 1:
“The team is clearly making an effort to communicate that Hyperliquid is an L1 and not just a DEX for derivatives.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that the token holders PURSUE were significantly rewarded, with a 23% increase in the token’s value.
PURR was the first spot token launched on Hyperliquid and looks set to continue receiving attention and incentives from the platform.
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