Crypto Platforms: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research October 27, 2023

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Summary

  • Crypto platforms are digital infrastructures that enable users to securely trade, store and manage various cryptocurrencies
  • Various services are provided by crypto platforms including digital wallet management, exchange execution and running decentralized applications (dapps)
  • These platforms utilize blockchain technology to ensure transparency, immutability and security, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks
  • Crypto platforms have advantages such as security, accessibility and speedy transactions, but also facing challenges like volatility and regulatory uncertainty

Overview

Crypto platforms are digital infrastructures that enable users to securely trade, store and manage various cryptocurrencies. These platforms also offer features such as order matching, wallets for storing digital currencies and charts for tracking price movements. They play a pivotal role in the broader blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem, serving as intermediaries for users looking to engage in cryptocurrency trading, investment or transfers.

A Brief History

The history of crypto platforms dates back to the emergence of Bitcoin in 2009. Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency, introduced the concept of a peer-to-peer (P2P) electronic cash system. It was built on a "blockchain," a distributed ledger that records all transactions transparently and immutably. Bitcoin's success paved the way for the development of numerous altcoins and alternative blockchain platforms.

In 2015, Ethereum, a groundbreaking blockchain platform, introduced "smart contracts." These are self-executing agreements with predefined conditions and actions, and they enable the creation of decentralized applications (dapps) that can run on the Ethereum blockchain. This innovation expanded the possibilities of crypto platforms, allowing developers to build complex applications and execute programmable transactions.

Crypto Platforms: Everything to Know

  • Digital Wallets - Crypto platforms provide secure digital wallets for storing cryptocurrencies. These wallets consist of a pair of cryptographic keys: A "public key" for receiving funds and a "private key" for accessing and managing those funds. Digital wallets can be software-based, for online, desktop, or mobile use, or hardware-based, or physical devices. They enable users to securely send, receive and store cryptocurrencies.
  • Cryptocurrency Exchanges - Cryptocurrency exchanges, online marketplaces where users can buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies, are often included on crypto platforms. These exchanges facilitate the conversion of one cryptocurrency into another or into traditional fiat currencies. Exchanges can be centralized (with a central authority managing the platform) or decentralized (operating on a peer-to-peer basis without intermediaries). They provide liquidity and price discovery for cryptocurrencies.
  • Smart Contract Platforms - Some crypto platforms, like Ethereum, serve as smart contract platforms, enabling the execution of programmable agreements without intermediaries. Developers can write and deploy smart contracts on these platforms, defining the terms and conditions of an agreement. Once deployed, smart contracts automatically execute when the predefined conditions are met, ensuring trust and transparency in applications like decentralized finance (DeFi) and supply chain management.
  • Decentralized Application (Dapp) Platforms - Hosting and execution of dapps is also supported on crypto platforms like Ethereum. Dapps are applications that run on a blockchain network, leveraging its decentralized and secure nature. Dapps can offer various functionalities, including financial services, gaming, social media and more. They are typically open-source, transparent and governed by smart contracts, ensuring fairness and eliminating the need for centralized control.
  • Layer 2 Scaling Solutions - As crypto platforms gain popularity, scalability becomes a challenge. Layer 2 scaling solutions address this issue by building additional layers on top of existing blockchains, and these solutions enable faster and more cost-effective transactions by reducing the burden on the underlying blockchain. Examples of layer 2 scaling solutions include payment channels (e.g., Lightning Network) and sidechains.

Getting Started

To start using a cryptocurrency platform, the first step is for the user to choose a reliable and reputable platform that suits individual needs. There are many platforms available, each with unique features and supported cryptocurrencies. It is important that users conduct thorough research and read user reviews to ensure the selection of a platform that meets specific requirements.

After choosing a platform, the user can create an account by providing personal information and completing the verification process to comply with regulations. Once the account is set up, they will receive a unique wallet address that acts as the user's digital identifier on the platform.

With an active account, users can deposit funds into the wallet, then transfer cryptocurrencies from the external wallet or purchase them directly on the platform, depending on the available services. Users should be aware that different platforms may have varying fees and transaction limits, so it is essential to familiarize themselves with the platform's terms and conditions.

Unique Aspects

One unique aspect of cryptocurrency platforms is a decentralized nature. Unlike traditional financial systems that rely on centralized authorities like banks, crypto platforms operate on decentralized networks called blockchains. These blockchains are distributed across a network of computers called "nodes," which collectively maintain and validate transactions.

The decentralized nature of crypto platforms offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates intermediaries like banks, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Users also have greater control over funds since they hold the private keys to wallets and can manage assets directly without relying on a third party.

Another unique aspect is the concept of smart contracts. These are self-executing contracts with terms written directly into the code, designed to automatically execute when predefined conditions are met and remove the need for intermediaries. This feature enables applications like DeFi, where users can engage in lending, borrowing and other financial activities without traditional financial institutions.

Additionally, many crypto platforms offer staking and yield farming opportunities. Staking involves holding and "staking" a specific cryptocurrency to support network operations and earn rewards, while yield farming involves providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges (DEX) or lending platforms and earning additional tokens as rewards. These features allow users to passively earn income on cryptocurrency holdings, providing further incentives for participation.

Advantages

  • Security - Encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage are used in crypto platforms to protect users' digital assets. This makes cryptocurrencies more secure than traditional financial systems.
  • Accessibility - Crypto platforms allow anyone, regardless of location or financial background, to participate in the digital currency ecosystem. This promotes financial empowerment and access to new opportunities.
  • Transparency - Blockchain technology, which most crypto platforms use, provides a transparent and unchangeable record of transactions. This helps prevent fraud and corruption since all transactions can be publicly verified.
  • Speedy Transactions - Cryptocurrencies enable near-instantaneous transactions without intermediaries like banks. Crypto platforms leverage this advantage, allowing users to transfer funds quickly and efficiently.
  • Lower Fees - Compared to traditional financial systems, crypto platforms typically charge lower transaction fees, especially for cross-border transfers. This makes it more cost-effective to manage digital assets.
  • Financial Inclusion - Cryptocurrency platforms have the potential to provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked populations. By leveraging mobile devices and internet connectivity, these platforms can offer financial services to those without access to traditional banking.
  • Programmability - Smart contract platforms like Ethereum allow developers to create dapps on top of the blockchain. This opens up possibilities for innovative solutions in finance, supply chain, gaming and more.

Disadvantages

  • Volatility - Cryptocurrencies are known for price volatility, which can lead to significant fluctuations in value. Users may experience substantial gains or losses in a short period, so it is important to consider risk tolerance before getting involved with cryptocurrencies.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty - The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving in many jurisdictions. This creates challenges for both crypto platforms and users as they navigate legal frameworks and compliance requirements.
  • Lack of Consumer Protection - Cryptocurrencies do not have the same level of consumer protection as traditional financial systems, so if theft, loss or fraud occurs, recovering digital assets can be difficult. Therefore, users must take proactive measures to secure crypto holdings.
  • Technical Complexity - Engaging with crypto platforms often requires technical knowledge and understanding of blockchain technology. Managing private keys, wallets and interacting with dapps can be daunting for newcomers to the cryptocurrency space.
  • Scalability Challenges - As cryptocurrencies gain popularity, scalability becomes a critical challenge for platforms. Some blockchain networks struggle to handle a large number of transactions, leading to congestion and higher fees. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to address these scalability concerns.
  • Environmental Impact - Certain cryptocurrencies, especially those that rely on proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms like bitcoin, have raised concerns about energy consumption. The mining process requires significant computational power, resulting in substantial energy usage.