Stay Safe – Crypto Just Became More Secure and Possibly More Valuable

Nigel Frith
Litecoin, Bitcoin and Ethereum as physical coins

Safer and wider use of blockchain technology took another step forward on Friday when online broker eToro announced that it would be the first major exchange to back the Flare network.

The advantages of blockchain technology are widely accepted. The open-ledger approach means all users are aware of the positions held by other participants. Those holding cryptocurrencies are effectively playing cards with all the cards already laid face up on the table.

Building on that ultra-transparent approach in a safe and regulated way is the ultimate aim which is why eToro’s announcement is so interesting.

How will prices react to cryptos becoming more mainstream?

eToro’s role as part of the Sparks airdrop lends a lot of weight to the Flare network. The popular broker has 16 million registered users, so its support of the new program will be welcomed. The truth is that blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies have a lot going for them but they do need to get past the inertia factor.

The Flare network is a new blockchain protocol which enables the use of smart contracts for existing crypto tokens. Spark, the native token of Flare will therefore improve the functionality of cryptos that do not natively have their own token. The first crypto to have the Flare treatment is Ripple (XRP).

XRP price graph

Source: eToro

Running in parallel to the tech upgrade is the price of cryptos. Flare and Spark could open up the XRP network to decentralised finance applications. If successful, it could be rolled out to other coins. That doesn’t confirm which of the hundreds of cryptos will ultimately become dominant but it does boost the sector as a whole. Flare and Spark make it more likely that cryptos will become more widely used – that is good for prices.

Ripple and other Alt-coins saw a drop off in trading volumes in October. The total trading activity in XRP was 33% down on the September numbers. Ethereum (-49%) and Tron (-55%) saw a more significant drop off with Bitcoin the only one of the top 10 cryptos to show a pick-up in trading volumes (+16%).

Top invested Cryptoassets globally by eToro clients tableSource: eToro

Running in parallel to the tech upgrade is the price of cryptos. Flare and Spark could open up the XRP network to decentralised finance applications. If successful, it could be rolled out to other coins. That doesn’t confirm which of the hundreds of cryptos will ultimately become dominant but it does boost the sector as a whole. Flare and Spark make it more likely that cryptos will become more widely used – that is good for prices.

Ripple and other Alt-coins saw a drop off in trading volumes in October. The total trading activity in XRP was 33% down on the September numbers. Ethereum (-49%) and Tron (-55%) saw a more significant drop off with Bitcoin the only one of the top 10 cryptos to show a pick-up in trading volumes (+16%).

Trading volumes and the ability of cryptos to be used as a means of exchange do feed through into price. If the eToro news makes XRP more likely to become mainstream, there is the chance that the coin will increase in value.

There is still time for traders to get involved in the roll-out of Sparks tokens.

A snapshot of holdings of XRP tokens will take place on the 12th of December, 2020. Multiple exchanges will manage the registration process and decide how many Spark tokens these investors are entitled to receive. For example, clients  who are holding XRP on certain exchanges will be eligible to receive spark tokens. Distribution of spark tokens is currently set for March 2021, according to Flare network.

It’s an exciting move. There are ramifications for the price of crypto assets as the tipping point moment of coins being viable and a trusted form of payment comes ever closer. Blockchain ultimately offers greater security, so those thinking of using it will welcome the news.


Nigel Frith

Latest news

Forex vs Crypto: What’s Better For Beginner Traders?
The crypto and forex markets are two of the world’s most popular among investors and traders. Read more
Three Great Technical Analysis Tools for Forex Trading
You don’t have to be very technical minded to make use of technical analysis in your forex trading. Read more

Safest Forex Brokers 2024

Broker Info Best In Customer Satisfaction Score
#1 Blackbull LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2014 Global Forex Broker
Number One Broker
BEST SPREADS Visit broker
4.8
#2 AvaTrade LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2006 Globally regulated broker
Number One Broker
BEST CUSTOMER SUPPORT Visit broker
4.9
#3 * 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money Founded: 2008 Global CFD Provider
Number One Broker
Best Trading App Visit broker
5
#4 Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs Founded: 2010 Global Forex Broker
Number One Broker
Low minimum deposit Visit broker
4.9
#5 Forex Broker eToro Logo76% of CFD traders lose money Founded: 2007 Global CFD & FX Broker
Number One Broker
ALL-INCLUSIVE TRADING PLATFORM Visit broker
4.9
#6 XM LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2009, 2015 and 2017 Global Forex Broker
Number One Broker
Low minimum deposit Visit broker
5
#7 FxPro LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2006 CFD and Cryptocurrency Broker
Number One Broker
CFD and Cryptocurrency Visit broker
5

    Forex Fraud Certified Brokers

    BlackBull Logo Small
    FxPro logo
    FXTM Logo
    eToro Logo
    AvaTrade logo
    XM Logo
    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.