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What are Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)?

MNabilAli

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Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are a type of cryptocurrency exchange that operate on a blockchain network. Unlike centralized exchanges, which are operated by a central authority and require users to deposit their funds into the exchange’s custody, DEXs allow for peer-to-peer trading of cryptocurrencies, meaning that users can trade directly with each other without the need for a central intermediary.

Advantages Of Decentralized Exchanges

One of the main advantages of DEXs is their increased security. Because users retain control of their own funds at all times, there is no central point of failure that can be targeted by hackers. This reduces the risk of hacking and fraud, which are major concerns for centralized exchanges. In addition, DEXs are less susceptible to government intervention or shutdown, as they are decentralized and operate on a blockchain.

Another key feature of DEXs is their use of smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written into the code. They are used to facilitate trades on DEXs, allowing for fast and efficient trading, as well as the ability to automate trading strategies. This makes DEXs an attractive option for traders looking for a high degree of automation and flexibility.

DEXs also allow for a wide range of tokens to be listed and traded, including those that may not be listed on centralized exchanges. This allows for greater flexibility and diversity in trading options, making DEXs an attractive option for traders looking for a wide range of assets to trade.

Challenges Of Decentralized Exchanges

One of the biggest challenges for DEXs is liquidity, meaning the ability to buy and sell assets easily. Due to their decentralized nature, DEXs may face challenges related to liquidity and order book depth in comparison with centralized exchanges. This can make it harder to execute large trades and can lead to higher spreads. This is one of the reasons why some traders and investors prefer centralized exchanges.

Another challenge is the user experience, DEXs may have a steeper learning curve for new users, as they often require a certain level of technical knowledge. They also typically have a more basic user interface than centralized exchanges, , which can be frustrating for users who are used to more polished and user-friendly trading platforms.

Interoperability issues, DEXs operate on different blockchain networks and therefore, can have different standards and protocols. This can make it difficult for users to trade across different DEXs, as they may have to convert their assets to different tokens or deal with different trading interfaces.

Also, DEXs, like all crypto-related activities, are subject to regulatory scrutiny. With different countries having different regulations, this can make it challenging for DEXs to operate and comply with different laws.

Conclusion

In summary, DEXs offer an alternative trading experience that is based on decentralization, peer-to-peer trading, smart contract-based trading and increased token listing and trading options. However, they also have their own set of challenges such as liquidity, order book depth, security, and user experience. It’s important to evaluate one’s own needs and preferences before choosing to trade on a DEX or a centralized exchange.

Daily cryptocurrency trader, miner, technology enthusiast and a full time IT and security consultant. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email him at nabil@wibbic.com

Blockchain

Fireblocks buys Australian blockchain start-up BlockFold

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Fireblocks, the crypto company backed by Sequoia Capital and Coatue Management, has acquired BlockFold, a Melbourne-based start-up that helps financial institutions build blockchain-based systems.

As per Bloomberg , Fireblocks paid about $US10 million ($15.6 million) for BlockFold. While Fireblocks already works with large financial institutions, including Bank of New York Mellon, BNP Paribas and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, it has predominantly offered them services around custody technology.

New York-based Fireblocks is one of crypto’s most well-funded start-ups, having raised some $US1.2 billion so far. The company, which employs around 650 people in the US and Israel, was valued at $US8 billion in its latest financing round in January 2022.

The deal comes as large Wall Street firms ramp up efforts to issue and trade traditional financial assets like bonds and private-equity investments over blockchain networks, seeking to simplify processes and cut costs.

Founded in 2021, BlockFold specialises in tokenisation and smart-contract development for clients such as large financial institutions. Fireblocks and BlockFold have already worked together on projects including National Australia Bank’s recent cross-border stablecoin transfer.

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Brazil Enhances National Identity Card Security with Blockchain Technology

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In a significant stride toward modernization, Brazil is rolling out a novel national identity card system, fortified by the integration of a blockchain network. This innovative approach is set to bolster the security of data sharing between the Federal Revenue Service and civil identification authorities.

The cornerstone of this system is the shared registry known as b-Cadastros, designed to underpin the operations of the revenue service. This comprehensive platform facilitates searches, issuance, and modifications of the new ID cards and tax registration numbers. Notably, the platform’s development was orchestrated by Serpro, Brazil’s state-owned IT services corporation.

Serpro’s President, Alexandre Amorim, emphasized the pivotal role of the b-Cadastros blockchain platform in fortifying the National Identity Card project. “The use of the b-Cadastros blockchain platform is a major differentiator for the security and reliability of the National Identity Card project,” he stated.

The National Civil Identity Card (ICN) represents an upgraded iteration of Brazil’s traditional paper-based ID cards, and the nationwide issuance commenced in July 2022. The overarching goal of this project is to centralize the nation’s civil identification system and harness the ICN database to authenticate individuals accessing online public services.

The modern plastic card boasts an innovative feature: it empowers users to generate a single digital version of their identity document. This advancement enhances security, as it allows for validation through a printed QR code. In adopting blockchain technology for the ID cards, the Brazilian government anticipates streamlining processes and curbing fraud and illegal activities. Presently, individuals can request identification cards in all of Brazil’s 27 states, which presents challenges in terms of data integrity and security.

Serpro’s Amorim elaborated on the significance of blockchain technology in safeguarding personal data and thwarting fraudulent activities, thus delivering a more secure digital experience for Brazilian citizens.

The states of Rio de Janeiro, Goiás, and Paraná are set to pioneer the blockchain-based version of the national revenue service’s shared registry for the issuance of the new ID cards this week. The remaining states are poised to follow suit over the next six weeks, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the security and efficiency of Brazil’s identity verification and taxation systems.
Source: Forbes

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Horizen’s $ZEN Holders Take the Helm with the DAO Launch

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The Horizen community, get ready to embark on a revolutionary journey in governance as the Horizen DAO steps into the spotlight, as per Horizen’s new announcement.

Horizen, a public, open-source blockchain protocol, boasts a thriving ecosystem composed of developers, miners, node operators, and holders of $ZEN tokens across various blockchain networks. The introduction of the Horizen DAO paves the way for increased community involvement in decision-making and offers a platform for your voices to shape the project’s path.

Discovering the Horizen DAO

DAO, which stands for “Decentralized Autonomous Organization,” has emerged as the gold standard for decentralized governance in the blockchain world and beyond, as per Horizen’s new announcement.

Horizen has always been driven by its community, acknowledging the critical role of a strong social layer in upholding integrity throughout the ecosystem, as stated in Horizen’s new announcement. This ethos is guided by principles such as transparency, accountability, security, community engagement, continuous improvement, and social responsibility. Dive deeper into Horizen’s guiding principles on the Horizen governance page.

Stages of Proposals and Voting

The Horizen DAO takes decentralization of decision-making to new heights, encompassing both technical and non-technical aspects, along with other substantial system enhancements, as outlined in Horizen’s new announcement.

Protocol Improvement Proposals (IPs) are a well-established mechanism for selecting and implementing fresh features and fundamental protocol adjustments in numerous blockchain projects, as per Horizen’s new announcement. In Horizen’s case, these IPs are the cornerstone of the Horizen DAO’s community-driven governance. For Horizen’s primary chain and the EON sidechain, we respectively refer to these as ZenIPs and EONIPs, and they are the lifeblood of our governance process.

Ultimately, it’s the $ZEN token holders who wield the power to steer the future of Horizen, shaping the network’s evolution through active participation in the Horizen DAO, as per Horizen’s new announcement. Any holder of $ZEN can cast their vote on proposed improvements, while those with the requisite amount of $ZEN, either held or delegated, can propose changes to the community. To ensure effective community governance, users will also have the option to delegate their voting authority to individuals they trust as capable stewards of Horizen’s core values.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Horizen DAO, including its proposal phases, voting procedures, Constitution, and more, we invite you to explore the Horizen Governance page. Join us on this exciting journey to help mold the future of Horizen – we’re delighted to have you on board, as announced by Horizen.

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