TZ APAC Launches Reward System for Tezos

TZ Apex will giveaway NFTs, $XTZ, and other tokens for those who will explore the projects building on Tezos and Etherlink.

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Oracle APEX AI Assistant Revolutionizes Enterprise App Development with Natural Language

Oracle introduces AI innovations in Oracle APEX, enabling natural language-based development for enterprise applications, simplifying complex coding tasks. (Read More)

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"Unlocking the Internet of Value:" RippleX's SVP Markus Infanger on Transforming Finance

Blockchain technology is poised to reshape the financialworld, and Ripple is at the forefront of this transformation, with its XRPLedger pushing the boundaries of whats possible. Amid the vibrant energy ofthe XRP Ledger Apex 2024, an exclusive interview with Markus Infanger, VP ofProduct at Ripple, shed light on the companys pioneering approach toblockchain in the financial sector. Speaking with Markus we delved into how thecompany is crafting a compelling narrative that positions XRP Ledger at the centerof the financial revolution.

We want to use blockchain technology to solve friction and problems in thefinancial market today, stated Markus Infanger, VP of Product at Ripple,during our exclusive interview at XRP Ledger Apex 2024. As the conferencebuzzed with innovative ideas and blockchain enthusiasts, Infangers insightsstood out, reflecting Ripple's commitment to revolutionizing the financiallandscape through pragmatic and sustainable applications of blockchaintechnology.

In an era where the crypto space is often marred by hype and speculation,Ripples focus on tangible solutions to real-world problems marks a refreshingand strategic approach. Infanger elaborated, Our insertion point has reallybeen with payments. Payments take days to settle; they cost an average of 6%today. Theres a very obvious value proposition for this technology. Ripple'sstrategy is not just about introducing blockchain for the sake of novelty, butabout leveraging its strengths to address persistent inefficiencies intraditional finance.

Solving Real-World Problems with Blockchain

Markus was clear about Ripple's mission from the outset:We want to use blockchain technology to solve friction and problems in thefinancial market today. That has been true since day one. This vision isn'tjust theoretical. Ripple has been making substantial strides in real-worldapplications, particularly in payments, an area fraught with inefficiencies.Payments today take days to settle and cost around 6%. Thats come down from9% a few years ago, but it's still significant, Markus noted, underscoring theclear value proposition Ripple offers.

Ripples success is evident in its daily operations.Processing billions of dollars in real-world payments with regulated financialinstitutions, Ripple showcases the practical advantages of blockchaintechnology. Markus emphasized, The XRP Ledger processes transactions in 3 to 5seconds at a fraction of a cent, and its been doing that for 12 years withoutmajor security issues. This level of efficiency and reliability is a testamentto Ripples robust infrastructure.

Expanding Beyond Payments

Beyond payments, Ripple is expanding its horizons byintroducing more financial primitives to the XRP Ledger. Recently, theylaunched an automated market maker integrated with the native decentralizedexchange. Were working on expanding these financial primitives. A lendingprotocol is next, which will unlock significant potential. Its more secure andaggregates liquidity on the core protocol, Markus explained. This move towardsenhancing the protocol itself rather than relying solely on smart contracts, asseen with Ethereum, highlights Ripples commitment to security and efficiency.

Supporting a diverse developer community is another pillarof Ripples strategy. Markus shared that developers are building variousfeatures and applications on the XRP Ledger, leveraging its robustcapabilities. This inclusive approach fosters innovation and ensures that theecosystem continues to thrive with a wide range of projects.

Compliance and Regulation: A Strategic Approach

Compliance and regulation are often seen as barriers in thecrypto world, but Ripple has a different perspective. We have always been andwill continue to be a compliance-first mindset company. We believe inblockchain technology being transformational rather than disruptive, Markusstated. This approach ensures that Ripple works within the existing financialsystems, aiming to enhance rather than overthrow them. By doing so, Ripplebuilds something sustainable that can integrate smoothly into current frameworkswhile gradually increasing efficiency.

Happening now: Graham Rodford (@ArchaxEx) speaks on his experience with bringing financial institutions onchain and the importance of RWA tokenization on the #XRPL #XRPLApex 2024 pic.twitter.com/80dcpjPF3P

Usability remains a significant challenge for blockchainadoption. Markus drew parallels to the early days of the internet, wheregetting online was a cumbersome process. Its still kind of clunky. Usersshouldnt have to understand blockchain technology to benefit from it, heremarked. Simplifying user experience is crucial for wider adoption, and Rippleis actively working on making its technology more accessible.

On the Internet of Value, Interoperability, and the Future of Blockchain Networks

Interoperability between different blockchains is anothercritical aspect. Markus pointed out that having thousands of blockchainnetworks operating independently would replicate the fragmentation seen intraditional financial systems. We believe the future will be multi-chain. TheXRP Ledger wont be the only chain; it needs to work seamlessly with others,he said. This vision of interconnected networks is essential for creating acohesive financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Ripple envisions the XRP Ledger continuingto lead in real-world financial transactions. Markus articulated, We have thisvision of the Internet of Value, where money moves as seamlessly as informationdoes today on the internet. The XRP Ledger, with its efficiency and security,will be a central hub for liquidity around financial transactions. Thisambition reflects Ripples commitment to not only expanding its use cases butalso playing a pivotal role in the broader financial landscape.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Regulatoryuncertainty is a significant hurdle, as highlighted by a survey Rippleconducted with the Faster Payments Council in the US. 90% of respondents saidregulatory issues are the biggest showstopper for using more crypto inpayments, Markus revealed. Positive developments are happening, but theregulatory environment continues to be a critical factor in the crypto space.

A Pragmatic Approach to Blockchain Innovation

Ripples pragmatic approach, combining innovation withcompliance, positions it uniquely in the blockchain industry. The companysfocus on real-world applications, developer support, and regulatorycollaboration sets it apart as a leader in driving the financial sectorsevolution.

In conclusion, Ripples journey is a testament to thetransformative potential of blockchain technology. Through the XRP Ledger,Ripple is not just envisioning a future where financial transactions are moreefficient and inclusive; it is actively building it.

As Markus aptlysummarized, We believe the XRP Ledger will be a central hub for liquidityaround financial transactions, powering real-world financial applications andcreating a more efficient global financial system. This vision, grounded in practicalachievements and forward-thinking strategies, marks Ripple as a trailblazer inthe digital payments realm.

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"They're Still Sitting on the Same Old Rails": Ripple's Jazzi Cooper

On the ground for XRP Ledger Apex 2024, we caught up withJazzi Cooper, Lead Product Manager at Ripple X and a major driving force behind its ambitious mission. In anexclusive interview, Jazzi shared insights into Ripple X's role in reshapingthe financial landscape and paving the way for a future powered by blockchaintechnology.

Why Traditional Finance Needs a Disruption

"Traditional finance rails today, as we know, areinsufficient. Payments take multiple days if not weeks (...) and settlement is slow," Jazzi remarked,setting the stage for a discussion on the urgent need for disruptive solutionsin the financial sector.

The bold promise of blockchain technology lies in itspotential to revolutionize financial systems, a vision embodied by Ripple X andits dedication to the XRP Ledger. As traditional financial infrastructuresstrain under the weight of inefficiencies, Ripple X champions a future wheretransactions are swift, transparent, and decentralized. This ambition is notmerely a theoretical exercise but a concerted effort to redefine how value istransferred and recorded.

One of the main drivers for this charge is Jasmine Cooper,affectionately known as Jazzi, who heads the Institutional DeFi Products group.Her teams mission is to cultivate a suite of products that capitalize on theunique strengths of the XRP Ledger, thus offering a robust alternative to theentrenched financial systems that dominate today's markets.

On Redefining Value Transfer

"The XRP Ledger is purpose-built for value transfer.We think it's a very ideal blockchain environment for the issuance, themovement, the trading of tokens," Jasmine emphasizes, underscoring theplatform's suitability for disrupting traditional finance.

Central to Ripple X's strategy are three key productverticals: tokenization, financial protocols, and infrastructure. Tokenizationinvolves the creation of digital tokens that represent real-world assets,offering a new avenue for asset management and investment. Financial protocolscover on-chain trading and lending, leveraging blockchains transparency andefficiency. The infrastructure vertical focuses on building the essentialcomponents, such as oracles and cross-chain bridges, which support the seamlessoperation of these systems.

The CEO of #Ripple, Brad Garlinghouse, has revealed the name of their new stablecoin at the #XRPLApex 2024 event. The stablecoin will be called "Real USD" and is represented by the ticker symbol $RLUSD. pic.twitter.com/RdKDsoJw3z

Out with the Old?

"Most of fintech today, all of your neobanks, all ofyour digital wealth advisors, these have moved a little bit forward by offeringnice UIs... But they're still sitting on the same old rails.

As a stark contrast, one of the most exciting developments at Ripple X is theintroduction of multipurpose tokens, a new standard designed for thetokenization of real-world assets.

"We've introduced a new token standard calledmultipurpose tokens that's purpose-built for tokenization of real-worldassets," explains Jasmine, shedding light on Ripple X's commitment toinnovation.

This innovation allows metadata to bedirectly attached to the blockchain asset, ensuring a higher degree ofreliability and utility. Such advancements pave the way for more sophisticateduse cases, such as bond and equity tokenization, and open up new possibilitiesfor asset management and investment.

Accessible Blockchain for All: User-Centric Design & Financial Inclusion

Shifting gears, Jasmines perspective on the interplay between technologyand society underscores a fundamental truth: technology must align with userneeds and expectations to achieve widespread adoption.

We ultimately have to meet people where they are in termsof their tolerance for usability, for risk, for trust, user experience that theydemand across the board," Jazzi added.

This principle guidesRipple Xs development efforts. Instead of imposing complex, crypto-nativesolutions that might alienate everyday users, Ripple X aims to meet users wherethey are, providing intuitive and accessible products that leverageblockchains advantages without overwhelming complexity, thus emphasizing theimportance of user-centric design.

Financial inclusion is another cornerstone of Ripple Xsvision. By democratizing access to financial services, blockchaintechnology can empower individuals in regions where traditional bankinginfrastructure is inadequate or nonexistent. Decentralized lending protocols,for example, can offer capital to those who lack access to conventionalfinancial institutions, thus fostering economic opportunities and growth inunderserved communities.

Looking ahead, Ripple X is poised to make significantstrides in the realm of real-world asset tokenization. Upcoming announcementsand projects promise to further integrate blockchain technology into varioussectors, enhancing the liquidity and utility of digital assets. Additionally,the EVM side chain initiative aims to bridge Ethereums extensive developercommunity with Ripples robust infrastructure, creating synergies that coulddrive further innovation and adoption.

Wrapping up

In the face of skepticism and the noise surroundingcryptocurrencies, Ripple Xs commitment to practical, impactful solutionsstands out. By focusing on real-world problems and developing technology thatenhances user experiences, Ripple X is not only pushing the boundaries of whatblockchain can achieve but also ensuring that these advancements are accessibleand beneficial to a broad audience. The future of finance, as envisioned byRipple X, is one where blockchain technology seamlessly integrates into ourdaily lives, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and inclusion in ways thattraditional systems have long struggled to deliver.

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The Big Short Coming For Bitcoin? Why BTC Will Clear $110,000

Market commentator Miya has outlined an interesting theory on why the Bitcoin price is poised to hit $110,000 by the end of the year. The expert alluded to current macro conditions and how it is bound to favor the flagship crypto at the end of the day.  Why The Bitcoin Price Will Hit $110,000 In an analysis titled The Big Short against Retail, Miya predicted the Bitcoin price to reach $110,000 by the end of the year. At the same time, the expert expects the S&P 500 to drop to 4,700. She opined that the stock market is heading towards a bad summer, which is why she expects a lower low on the SPX but a pristine Bitcoin.  Related Reading: Bitcoin Raging Bull Indicator Turns Back On, But This Level Holds The Key Basically, Miya expects the Bitcoin price to benefit from any potential downtrend in the stock market, with investors viewing it as a flight to safety. She remarked that the market is heading towards a terrible macro situation, which could cause stocks to crash. These predictions came as the expert commented on the nine consecutive green days that stocks have enjoyed and why she believes it wont last long.  The market commentator noted that Donald Trump has made three main promises to the market: lower rates, tariffs, and taxes. These promises are expected to be kept, and she claims that the market is pricing them in as a sure thing. Traders are currently betting on a rate cut in June, while the US and China are set to meet to agree on a lower tariff. Lower taxes could come following a successful tariff policy.  Thanks to this, the stock market has been on a nine-day-long uptrend, while retail traders have made profits by buying the dip. However, Miya has warned that the market isnt as strong as it looks and could soon blow up, with the Bitcoin price benefiting when this projected crash happens.  Why The Stock Market Is Bound To Crash The expert noted that this false idea of up-only gives retail investors the illusion of complacency, as they do right now with their $57 billion bid on top of retail accumulated shares. However, she remarked that eventually, this will unfold with the containership recession trade hitting the US in five days. BTC is expected to be a hedge against this macro situation, which would lead to a Bitcoin price surge.  Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Falters: Why Has The 5th Wave Been Elusive Below $100,000? Miya explained that all the Magnificent 7 earnings in the last season have been massively skewed and were useless information, meaning they cannot be relied on to show a strong market. She added that TMT firms that manufacture physical hardware usually manufacture in waves, so the actual impacts will show up in their H2 capex over Q1 results, meaning the impact of tariffs hasnt exactly started kicking in.  At the time of writing, the Bitcoin price is trading at around $96,500, up over 2% in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

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Bybit Reveals Decentralized Exchange ApeX Pro Integration

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Crypto Firm Bakkt Reports $1.5B in Impairment Losses in Q3

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Bakkt Has Agreed to Acquire Apex Crypto for $200M

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FTX Quietly Seeks to Buy Brokerage Startups Amid Move into Stock Trading

FTX has reached out quietly to at least three stock trading start-ups seeking an acquisition. The deals come as the crypto exchange recently launched stock trading. (Read More)

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Is PH Included? These Countries Lead in Blockchain Adoption

According to ApeX Protocol’s latest study, Singapore tops the global rankings as the leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, scoring the highest in adoption, infrastructure development, and workforce expansion. Whats the significance: The news highlights how strategic investments in blockchain infrastructure and talent can serve as a blueprint for the Philippines and its web3 communities...

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VC Roundup: Capital flows into emerging AI-blockchain sector

Cointelegraphs VC Roundup features venture funding for the Wire Network, OpenGradient, Blockcast, Apex Fusion, PiP World and Lombard.

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Bitcoin’s Historic Surge: Record 682,281 Transactions in a Day Mark 2023 as Year of Increased Activity 

In a year marked by historic milestones, the Bitcoin network has recorded its most active period ever, processing the highest number of confirmed transactions per day. The network reached an all-time high on May 1, 2023, with 682,281 transactions. This unprecedented activity began its upward trend in April and has been attributed to the rise [...]

The post Bitcoin’s Historic Surge: Record 682,281 Transactions in a Day Mark 2023 as Year of Increased Activity  appeared first on Crypto Breaking News.

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Bakkt completes $200M acquisition of Apex Crypto

Apex Crypto has brokered $12.5 billion in crypto trades since inception.

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