The hottest Crypto Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Crypto Topics

The Greatest Crypto Heist You Never Heard of

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Fraud Technology Regulation Blockchain Economics
  1. Ruja Ignatova is the mastermind behind the OneCoin scam, which defrauded investors out of over $4 billion. She has been on the run from authorities since 2017 and was added to the FBI's most wanted list.
  2. The OneCoin scheme was not a real cryptocurrency and was designed to deceive thousands of investors. Ignatova and her co-conspirators manipulated the value of OneCoin and profited from the scam.
  3. Despite numerous arrests of her partners in crime, Ignatova remains elusive, and her whereabouts are still unknown. Investigators believe she might still be alive and living off the money she stole.

DeFi Education Q&A (December 2023)

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Finance Blockchain Investing Education
  1. DeFi Education offers monthly Q&A sessions for subscribers. This is a great chance to ask questions and learn more about decentralized finance.
  2. The sessions are led by professionals with experience in finance and software, so you can expect valuable insights.
  3. These Q&A sessions are exclusive to paid subscribers, giving them access to expert knowledge and support.

Trading The Digital Wave

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Digital Currency Market Manipulation Investment Strategies Case Studies DeFi
  1. DWF Labs has investments that have recently faced issues with market manipulation, specifically 'pump and dump' schemes. This means that some traders artificially boost a coin's price and then sell off their holdings for profit, leaving others with losses.
  2. The article explains how these market manipulations are engineered and provides examples of three coins affected. Understanding these cases can help investors avoid similar traps in the future.
  3. It's important for investors to be aware of how market dynamics work, especially in the volatile world of digital currencies. Educating yourself can make a big difference in making smarter trading decisions.

AI in DeFi

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi AI Blockchain Smart Contracts Data Analysis
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) are making it easier for people without coding skills to interact with the DeFi space. Now, you can ask questions and get quick responses without needing to be a tech expert.
  2. AI can help enhance the security of DeFi by automating smart contract audits and identifying vulnerabilities. This means it can make DeFi safer, but there’s also a risk that hackers might use AI for malicious purposes.
  3. LLMs can streamline tasks like monitoring Discord communities by filtering out spam and detecting issues. This could make managing online crypto communities much more efficient.
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Tokens vs. Equity

DeFi Education • 619 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Tokens Equity Blockchain Governance
  1. Uniswap is now charging a fee on some transactions, which goes to Uniswap Labs and not to token holders. This has caused a drop in the UNI token's value.
  2. There can be conflicts between token holders and equity holders in crypto, as they may have different goals and priorities. Token holders often want short-term gains, while equity holders may focus on long-term success.
  3. Uniswap Labs needs to show that it is acting in good faith for both the protocol and the token holders, or else the value of holding the UNI token is questionable.

You Already Own Nothing

DeFi Education • 1458 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Ownership Digital Assets Blockchain Legal rights Economic Systems
  1. Ownership is based on legal rights and often requires group agreement. Just saying something is yours isn't enough; the law has to back it up.
  2. In tough situations, like political or economic crises, ownership can be taken away by governments. This shows that owning something comes with conditions.
  3. Cryptocurrency offers a new way to own things without needing a central authority. It relies on technology to prove ownership, making it more secure against seizures.

New to DeFi? *Start Here* Glossary of DeFi Terminology as Well

DeFi Education • 5255 implied HN points • 29 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Cryptocurrency Finance Technology
  1. DeFi means doing banking activities using code instead of traditional banks. It’s changing how people manage money online.
  2. Common DeFi terms, like APR and APY, help you understand how interest works. APR is straightforward, while APY accounts for compounding interest, making it higher.
  3. Risks in DeFi include potential losses and scams like 'rug pulls.' It's important to do your research and understand these risks before getting involved.

Market Manipulation Through Social Media

DeFi Education • 759 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Market Manipulation Social media Bots Financial trends
  1. Social media bots can create fake hype around cryptocurrencies, leading to market manipulation. These bots make it hard for regular investors to know what's really happening with price movements.
  2. The use of bots in financial markets isn't new, but the scale at which they are being employed today is greater than before. This raises concerns about trust and authenticity in crypto investing.
  3. It's important for investors to be careful about what they see online. Double-checking information with others can help avoid getting caught up in hype driven by bots and manipulated trends.

Decentralized Finance - the High Level Basics

DeFi Education • 5115 implied HN points • 20 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Blockchain Smart Contracts Cryptocurrency
  1. Decentralized finance (DeFi) allows people to lend or borrow using their crypto assets without relying on banks. This means you can use your Bitcoin as collateral to get a loan without selling it.
  2. Smart contracts are essential in DeFi, replacing middlemen with code to streamline financial transactions. This makes processes like taking out loans or trading assets easier and cheaper.
  3. DeFi aims to remove inefficient centralized systems, allowing for 24/7 trading and more access to financial opportunities. This could change how we invest, like through NFTs and other digital assets.

Luna’s Landing is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 828 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Games Tokens NFTs
  1. Luna's Landing is now live, and players can explore the rarest plots in the game. Landowners can play on their plots while everyone else can visit them in the Homeland.
  2. These plots have special features like starting at higher levels for resources, which means players can find better rewards nearby. This helps all players, not just landowners.
  3. Players with Luna's Landing plots will earn a lot more Ancient Coins than others, and there's a good chance they'll get bonus rewards like Moonfall Tickets.

Tokenomics Primer Part 1

DeFi Education • 1179 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Tokenomics Blockchain DeFi Investment Regulation
  1. Tokens are really important in the crypto world, acting as a way to raise money and attract users. Unlike stocks, tokens can be essential to the product itself.
  2. Good tokenomics is all about connecting the token's value to the success of the underlying project. If the project doesn't do well, the token's value can drop a lot.
  3. Demand for tokens can come from real use or from things the project does to create demand, like buybacks. It's important for projects to find the right balance to keep their tokens valuable.

Safary Hack, Paid Post Explains How to Avoid the Losses...

DeFi Education • 439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Security Investing Decentralized Finance Hacking
  1. Check your DeFi transactions carefully before approving them to avoid losing funds. Malicious attacks can trick you into giving away your money.
  2. Frontend attacks can make trusted websites seem normal but steal your crypto. Always be cautious when interacting with these sites.
  3. Even experienced users can fall victim to these hacks, so it's important to stay informed and learn how to protect your assets.

The Saigon Testnet migration is complete!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🔮 Crypto Layer 2 Migration Infrastructure Dev Tools Wallets
  1. Saigon Testnet has migrated to Ethereum via Optimism, and the Ronin mainnet migration is planned to follow in the coming months.
  2. Builders should prepare infrastructure to run reth and op-node, use the downloadable state snapshot, and follow the provided guide before launching or resuming any Saigon RPC or L2 node.
  3. Users don’t need to take any action and games, apps, and the Ronin Wallet will keep working; the migration aims to make transactions faster, rewards fairer, and inherit Ethereum’s security.

DeFi Lives to Fight Another Day

DeFi Education • 699 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Decentralized Finance Blockchain Technology Smart Contracts
  1. DeFi is trying to replace traditional banks with software, helping avoid the risky loans and bailouts associated with banks. It offers more transparency since anyone can see a DeFi bank's financial activities.
  2. Smart contracts are working well, allowing for borrowing, lending, and trading without the need for trust in government or banks. This makes it easier for people to control their assets, especially in emergencies.
  3. There are both opportunities and challenges within DeFi. While it has potential for profits and security advancements are improving, issues like software security and human behavior still need attention.

A Historic Alt Season is Approaching. Or is it? (+ a Short!)

DeFi Education • 1159 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Altcoins Bitcoin DeFi Market Trends Investing
  1. Bitcoin has seen a significant price increase recently, which often leads investors to think about buying altcoins with those profits. People usually believe that when Bitcoin rises, altcoins will also get a boost next.
  2. The upcoming Arbitrum token airdrop is generating a lot of excitement in the crypto community, prompting many to reactivate their dormant wallets. However, it's important to remember that not all airdrops translate into actual wealth; the support and liquidity of the token matter.
  3. Despite the hype around altcoins, some experts suggest being cautious about investing in them just because Bitcoin is doing well. They recommend focusing on Bitcoin itself as a safer investment, rather than taking risks with many altcoins.

The State of DeFi RWAs in Q4 2023

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Staking Treasuries Investment
  1. People in crypto are focused on finding ways to earn more money, especially through yield. They're looking for profitable options.
  2. Users on Ethereum pay fees that turn into rewards for staking, which is a key part of the earning process.
  3. Investing stablecoin money in things like US treasuries can provide stable returns, showing the importance of traditional finance in decentralized finance.

Some Regulatory Certainty

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Regulation Innovation Investment Market Trends Financial Technology
  1. The SEC has decided that crypto memecoins are not considered securities, giving the industry more regulatory clarity. This is a positive change compared to the confusion that existed before.
  2. While crypto hasn't become essential for everyone's daily life yet, there are potential future uses, like tokenizing assets or using stablecoins for easier international payments.
  3. Regulation can sometimes create unfair advantages for big companies and stifle competition. It's important to be aware of these effects while also ensuring that people aren't misled by things like memecoins.

The Wings of Nightmare is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 920 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Gaming NFTs Digital Currency Metaverse
  1. The Wings of Nightmare event is now live, allowing players to evolve specific base parts into limited-edition Nightmare Parts. There are only 39,000 Nightmare Parts available, so it's important to act fast!
  2. Players can explore two new realms called the Dream World and Nightmarescape, which are filled with fascinating creatures and challenges. Entering these realms requires sleep, and there's a risk of not returning.
  3. To evolve parts and earn rewards, players need to gather certain materials and use the App.axie platform. There are also chances to obtain Nightmare bodies through special actions, making this event exciting for participants.

dYdX v4

DeFi Education • 419 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Exchanges Investments Regulations Technology Market Trends
  1. The founders of major crypto exchanges like Binance and FTX are now convicted felons, highlighting the risks in the industry. It's important to be cautious when engaging with crypto platforms.
  2. Putting your crypto in third-party custody can be dangerous. It defeats the purpose of holding your assets securely on your own.
  3. DeFi education is crucial to understand the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and to navigate it safely. Staying informed helps protect your investments.

What Your Tokens Really Mean

DeFi Education • 839 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto Tokens Regulation Market Analysis Investing Risks
  1. The SEC is actively pursuing major crypto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase for selling what they consider unregistered securities. This shows they are serious about regulating the crypto market.
  2. Crypto tokens represent programmed code and their value is determined by market demand, unlike stocks and bonds which are backed by legal agreements. This can lead to confusion about what people are actually buying.
  3. People often misunderstand the real meaning of tokens, especially in times of market volatility. It's important to know that tokens can have different purposes and values, not all tied to money.

Coinbase v. SEC: Will the COIN Shorts Win?

DeFi Education • 959 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🔮 Crypto Regulation Market Analysis Legal issues Trading Industry Trends
  1. Coinbase is fighting back against the SEC, arguing that the digital assets they trade aren't securities. They believe the legal tests applied to these cases might not even fit.
  2. The SEC has raised concerns about Coinbase's business practices, particularly regarding staking services and crypto wallets. Coinbase argues that these services are more like IT support than investments.
  3. If Coinbase's legal arguments are successful, it could change how the government regulates crypto. This could provide much-needed clarity in the industry and potentially protect users and businesses.

The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried

DeFi Education • 519 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Fraud Regulation Financial Technology
  1. Sam Bankman-Fried's trial is focusing on accusations of fraud that led to big losses for FTX customers. It's important to pay attention to how the trial unfolds, especially the testimonies from key witnesses.
  2. People often trusted centralized exchanges like FTX instead of managing their own crypto safely. Understanding cognitive biases can help investors avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
  3. Investing in crypto without learning about it can lead to serious losses. Gaining knowledge and understanding the technology is key to making smart investments and avoiding scams.

Q&A

DeFi Education • 2318 implied HN points • 11 Jun 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Finance Markets Technology
  1. Crypto is always changing, even in tough markets. It's important to stay updated on what's happening.
  2. Engaging in Q&A can help clarify doubts about DeFi and crypto. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you're confused.
  3. Being part of a community helps share knowledge and gather different viewpoints about the markets. It's good to hear what others think.

Proto-Danksharding

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Ethereum Transactions Scalability
  1. Proto-Danksharding is a new feature for Ethereum that helps lower transaction costs and provides temporary data storage. This makes it cheaper and faster for Layer 2 solutions to function.
  2. High transaction costs are a major hurdle for DeFi, limiting its growth. By making transactions cheaper, it can attract more users and enable smoother operations.
  3. The collaboration between Optimism and Base aims to share transaction revenues, which could boost their performance and value in the future, benefiting both projects.

Reverse Engineering Crypto's Pain Points

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investment Regulation Market Trends
  1. Crypto faces a big problem with not having enough users. Many people find it really complex to use, which makes them give up before they even start.
  2. There's also the issue of not having enough attractive things to do with crypto. Many projects don't solve real problems, leading to confusion for new users about what to do with it.
  3. Finally, scalability and regulation are major hurdles. Current blockchain networks have trouble handling lots of users without high fees, and regulations are changing, creating a lot of uncertainty.

Fending off the Regulatory Barrage

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Regulation Investing Market Analysis Legal issues Decentralization
  1. Grayscale recently won a court case that could lead to the approval of a Bitcoin ETF. This is important because it could help investors get better prices for their Bitcoin investments.
  2. A court ruled that Uniswap, a decentralized exchange, is not responsible for scams involving tokens traded on its platform. This is good news for developers in the DeFi space, as it shows they can’t be held liable for the actions of others.
  3. The SEC has confirmed that some NFTs can be considered securities, as seen in a case where a company settled for not registering its NFT offering. This emphasizes that just because something is digital doesn't mean it escapes regulation.

Crypto's Fork in the Road

DeFi Education • 579 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Digital Assets Investment Strategies Market Dynamics Decentralized Finance
  1. The cryptocurrency market is splitting into two main groups: builders and institutions versus casual or speculative traders. This means that projects may start focusing more on serious investors rather than just the retail crowd.
  2. Institutional investors work differently than retail traders. They think long term and have to follow strict rules, while retail traders can move quicker and are less regulated.
  3. For those involved in crypto, being open about your identity can help you gain more trust and attention, as doxxed individuals may have an edge over those who stay anonymous.

Tether And When Denial Becomes A Dialect

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 63 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🔮 Crypto Market Trends Stablecoins Investing Risk management Regulation
  1. Companies should always provide a full audit if requested. If they refuse, it's likely because they have something to hide.
  2. Tether's reserves are not as stable as they claim, with high-risk assets like Bitcoin included. If those assets drop in value, Tether may struggle to maintain its worth.
  3. It's important to be skeptical and demand transparency in financial matters. Trusting companies without verification can lead to big losses.

Closed vs Open

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency Security Blockchain Quantum Computing
  1. Quantum computing could potentially break the security of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This means new, stronger security measures might be needed constantly.
  2. Crypto operates on an open network that encourages wide accessibility and data collection, while traditional fiat systems are closed and controlled by central authorities like the Federal Reserve.
  3. There's a debate about whether the benefits of paying to use a closed financial system outweigh the risks of using an open one, especially with the advent of advanced technologies.

Coinbase Q2 2023 Earnings

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Exchanges Regulation Investing Market Trends Earnings Reports
  1. Coinbase cut its costs significantly, laying off 30% of its staff, and is focusing on expanding beyond just trading. They want to include features like payments and messaging in their app.
  2. A big challenge for Coinbase is the current regulatory environment in the U.S. The company is actively fighting these regulations to promote the growth of the crypto market.
  3. While Coinbase's trading revenue has dropped, they are making more money from interest on USDC. They have a lot of cash in hand, which helps them stay financially healthy even during tough times.

Q&A + Requests

DeFi Education • 2238 implied HN points • 07 May 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Markets Investing Cryptocurrency
  1. The DeFi team is open to answering questions about DeFi, crypto, and markets. You can ask anything you're curious about.
  2. You can also suggest topics or projects that you want the team to cover. This helps them provide content that is valuable to you.
  3. This post is for paid subscribers, so make sure you're signed up to get access to the Q&A and any special requests you might have.

Mid-Year Crypto Outlook 2023

DeFi Education • 679 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Market Trends Investments Regulations Technology Predictions
  1. 2023 has been a strong year for crypto, with the best first half for prices since 2019. Bitcoin is trading above $30,000, showing good market momentum.
  2. There is growing interest from major financial institutions, like the world's largest asset manager, seeking to offer Bitcoin ETFs. This could boost the legitimacy and adoption of crypto.
  3. The overall sentiment in the market is positive, but it's important to stay cautious and informed about potential future changes in regulations and market dynamics.