Mediaboss Marketing

Home Journal Top Analyst States That ETH Killers Are Vying for Second Place, but Highlights Ethereums Primary Downside

When it comes to smart contracts and decentralized applications, Ethereum stands out as the dominant player. In a recent Twitter thread, crypto educator Kara Szabo delineated the strengths and potential challenges facing Ethereum. The analysis brought up pivotal points that offer a nuanced look into the platforms evolution and the broader crypto landscape.

The idea of smart contracts, essentially self-executing programs that activate when predetermined conditions are met, was conceptualized by Nick Szabo in 1996. This concept ranks as Szabos second most impactful contribution to the crypto-verse, his first being Bit Golda precursor to Bitcoin, crafted four years later.

Ethereum has consistently enjoyed the first-mover advantage in the smart contract sector since its launch in 2015. Szabo argues that overcoming this foothold would require massive improvements in end-user experience, something that rival projects termed ETH Killers are unlikely to achieve. The implication is clear: these competitors may be destined to vie for second place rather than dethroning Ethereum.

Trade on US-Banned Exchanges With No KYC

Tired of missing hot new listings because your favorite exchange is banned in the US?

With RocketXchange you can finally trade on Kucoin, ByBit and more without registration or KYC!

Simply connect your wallet to access every coin. No VPN needed.

Seamlessly bridge between EVM, Solana, Cosmos and 100+ chains. Discover the next crypto gem with low fees.

Take your trading to the next level with:

Escape CEX limits today with RocketXchange!

The expected approval of Ethereum-based ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) will likely boost the platform by inviting a flood of institutional investment. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereums value proposition, which involves hosting decentralized applications and smart contracts, is easier for traditional tech investors to grasp.

Additionally, its move towards a more eco-friendly Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm makes it attractive to ESG-focused investors. The capacity to earn yield and a less polarized community, as evidenced by the absence of laser-eyed profile pictures, further burnish Ethereums appeal for institutional investors.

One of the historical challenges Ethereum has faced is scalability, specifically the limited block space leading to high transaction fees and delays. According to Szabo, Layer-2 (L-2) solutions have recently emerged to effectively scale Ethereums base layer (L-1).

Its projected that subsequent layers (L-3, L-4, and beyond) will be developed to scale the L-2 solutions, creating a pyramid-like structure. This is poised to benefit Ethereum investors, who would ideally sit atop this hierarchical model.

Major corporations are increasingly venturing into the Web3 domain and they are choosing to integrate with Ethereum. Szabo highlights that companies like Coinbase, PayPal, and even Coca Cola are bolstering Ethereums ecosystem, further extending its lead over competitors.

The primary downside for Ethereum, as pointed out by Szabo, is the relative lack of a robust community when compared to some other crypto assets. A strong community can nurture long-term investors who may act as market stabilizers, a feature that Ethereum could certainly benefit from.

Overall, Ethereums merits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it a safe bet, especially in an impending bull market. Szabos thread strongly suggests that a portfolio lacking a substantial Ethereum investment would be an incomplete one. Whether one is a retail or institutional investor, Ethereum presents an array of compelling reasons for strong consideration in any crypto-centric investment strategy.

Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest insights and discussions in the world of crypto.

Explore our news section and stay ahead of the curve with our expert price predictions.

CaptainAltcoin's writers and guest post authors may or may not have a vested interest in any of the mentioned projects and businesses. None of the content on CaptainAltcoin is investment advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified financial planner. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CaptainAltcoin.com

Read the original here:

Top Analyst States That 'ETH Killers' Are Vying for Second Place, but ... - Captain Altcoin

Introduction

A significant paradigm shift is occurring in the ever-changing realm of finance, and regenerative finance (ReFi) is on the cusp of it.

ReFi is more than just a buzzword. Instead, it is a new era of financial affairs in which profits no longer play the only role. In other words, it is a financing approach that includes sustainability, ethics, and societal responsibility.

In principle, ReFI is a staunch advocate of finance practices that seek to revive, nurture, and preserve the world, aligning itself with its principles.

To understand what ReFi means, it is essential to understand the context of Web 3.0. The fundamental financial principles are changing in the light of a new virtual frontier characterized by decentralized technologies, such as blockchain and smart contracts.

ReFi, which offers a sustainable and socially responsible alternative to conventional financing, is emerging as an essential element of the ongoing digital transformation wave.

Web 3.0 signifies an era of transformation in the evolution of the Internet, characterized by decentralized technologies, blockchain, and smart contracts. In this context, ReFi has found rich ground to flourish.

In the past, profit maximization mostly took precedence, sometimes at the expense of environmental and social concerns. However, the Web 3.0 era leads to a digital revolution that can transform finance.

At its core, ReFi establishes a strong connection between sustainability and finance, recognizing that financial decisions impact investors, the planet, and society.

This comprehensive approach extends beyond profit, encompassing the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits.

According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance Review 2020, there was an incredible $35.3 trillion worldwide of assets that were sustainably invested and responsibly managed.

This represents a growing desire for ethical and socially responsible financial practices. This shows ReFI is set to play a prominent part in the rapidly evolving development landscape.

Moreover, ReFi bridges the gap between financial objectives and ethical responsibilities by integrating sustainability and finance.

It empowers individuals and institutions to align their financial activities with their values, considering environmental and social factors alongside economic gains.

This integration of sustainability principles into financial decision-making lays the foundation for a more fair and responsible financial ecosystem within the Web 3.0 landscape.

In ReFi, the following fundamental aspects redefine usual financial practices, anchoring them in sustainability and moral responsibility within the Web 3.0 framework.

At the core of ReFi lies a comprehensive wealth perspective that surpasses the traditional emphasis on profits. As mentioned above, it adopts the concept of the triple bottom line. This perspective recognizes that financial decisions should not solely prioritize economic gain but also consider their impact on individuals, the environment, and society.

Tokenization and decentralization play a pivotal role within ReFi, aligning it with the principles of Web 3.0. In Web 3.0, technology reshapes financial systems, empowering individuals by reducing dependence on traditional intermediaries and providing greater control over financial assets. Tokenization enables the fractional ownership and broad accessibility of financial instruments.

Another key aspect of ReFi is ethical investments, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Ethical investments within ReFi are guided by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

These criteria act as the guidelines, directing investment decisions towards projects, businesses, and initiatives that align with sustainable and ethical practices.

ESG considerations ensure that investments contribute positively to environmental protection, societal well-being, and sound governance. Collectively, these fundamental elements redefine the financial landscape, encouraging a holistic, decentralized, and ethically driven approach to wealth and investment.

In ReFi, smart contracts and blockchain technology are transformative tools that help redefine financial processes.

Smart contracts introduce transparency and trust by automating and verifying agreements without intermediaries. This enhanced transparency reduces the risk of fraud and increases the efficiency and accountability of financial transactions.

Blockchain technology forms the robust foundation of ReFi, ensuring decentralization and security. It provides an irreversible ledger that transparently records financial transactions, fostering participant trust. Acting as the core of ReFi, blockchain empowers individuals, aligning perfectly with the principles of Web 3.0.

The application of blockchain in the financial sector is practical and wide-ranging, encompassing cross-border payments, supply chain financing, and digital identity verification.

Additionally, it facilitates asset tokenization, enabling fractional ownership and investment accessibility. In ReFi, blockchain technology supports investing initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and carbon credit markets. The versatility and security blockchain offers to drive positive change toward a sustainable and equitable financial ecosystem.

As a European financial institution, Triodos Bank serves as a key example of ReFi by providing investment opportunities with a positive impact. This includes support for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and social enterprises, achieving financial returns while fostering positive environmental and social outcomes.

A UK-based technology firm called Provenance utilizes blockchain to verify the origins of food supply chains, promoting ethical agriculture and transparency. By providing accurate information on sustainability, Provenance empowers consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

The Climate Trust, a non-profit organization in the United States, invests in projects to reduce emissions using tools such as carbon credits. Blockchain technology ensures transparent tracking, verifying the authenticity and impact of credits in activities such as reforestation and renewable energy.

The above cases are potent examples of ReFi principles, promoting sustainability, ethics, and societal well-being.

ReFi encounters challenges and significant opportunities as it reshapes the financial landscape.

Various regulatory hurdles hinder the growth of ReFi. Nonetheless, innovative compliance strategies and collaboration with regulatory bodies have the potential to establish a supportive regulatory framework aligned with the sustainability and ethical finance objectives of ReFi.

Although ReFi currently operates within a niche market, there exists potential for mainstream adoption. By leveraging technology and forming strategic partnerships, scalability can be achieved, transforming ReFi into a prominent force within the financial sector.

Fostering collaboration between startups and established financial institutions is crucial for the success of ReFi. By combining innovation and experience, this collaboration can drive the growth of ReFi and amplify its positive impact on the financial industry and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Regenerative Finance (ReFi) emerges as a transformative financial paradigm within Web 3.0, redefining finance with sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.

Applying blockchain and smart contracts enhances transparency, and real-world examples demonstrate the feasibility of ReFi. While challenges exist, innovative solutions are being developed to overcome them.

The potential of ReFi to reshape finance for a more equitable, sustainable, and responsible future is undeniable.

Link:

Why 'Refi' Is a Tool in the $35tn Sustainable Investing Market - Techopedia

As Intel Corp. aims to establish a robust foothold in Ohio and the northeast part of the state, a ripple will undoubtedly run throughout the regions industrial and economic waters.

With a supplier network of approximately 140 entities and existing ties to Northeast Ohio stalwarts such as Nordson, Parker Hannifin and Swagelok, Intels integrated approach is noteworthy. But beyond the mere convenience of local connections over international logjams lies a broader narrative.

Intels move into central Ohio promises to be a catalyst for companies across the state, potentially sparking the creation of a dedicated semiconductor ecosystem. Companies need to know their business well and understand how Intel does things to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity.

Businesses have an excellent opportunity to participate in the Intel ecosystem. To capitalize on the opportunities, there are things they need to do and understand, which involves reaching out to your legal team for guidance.

Logistics and transportation: Moving raw materials in and finished goods out would boost the demand for packaging, trucking, shipping and other transportation services. Local manufacturing suppliers: If there are local suppliers of materials or equipment that Intel needs, these companies could see increased business. Service providers: Local services like maintenance, cleaning, security and IT support could experience growth. Real estate and construction: Building or expanding facilities could create opportunities for local construction firms, agents and related services. Utilities: Increased demand for water, electricity and other utilities might benefit local providers. Retail and local businesses: An influx of Intel employees (and possibly their families) can mean more customers for local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

These entities will be entrusted with transforming Northeast Ohio into a semiconductor hub, necessitating R&D incentives, specialized training programs and a robust marketing strategy to position the region as a semiconductor nexus.

In addition to knowing what they can do for Intel, companies must become experts in how Intel does business. Specifically, Intel uses AI, blockchain and smart contracts in various ways to manage its supply chain. Like many companies, Intel uses AI to predict product demand up to 18 months in advance. Similarly, it uses blockchain to track the movement of its products from the factory to the end user.

Finally, Intel employs its version of smart contracts to automate the payment of suppliers. This helps ensure that suppliers are paid on time and, in total, improves their financial health and makes them more reliable partners. Intel is also exploring using AI, blockchain and smart contracts in other areas of its supply chain, such as quality control, efficiency improvements, risk management and sustainability.

These technologies can potentially revolutionize the way supply chains operate, and Intel is at the forefront of this innovation. To be an optimal partner, Northeast Ohio companies must deploy these tools so Intel can achieve its goals.

Northeast Ohio must also recognize that Intel has set a goal of doubling its spending with diverse suppliers to $2 billion annually by 2030. This includes spending $500 million annually with women-owned suppliers outside the U.S. by 2025 and $800 million annually with minority-owned suppliers globally by the end of 2023, including $250 million with Black-owned suppliers.

To achieve these goals, Intel provides a variety of resources and information:

Training and resources to help diverse suppliers meet their standards and compete for contracts by providing access to its supplier diversity network. Publishing annual reports on its supplier diversity progress and hosting events to raise awareness of the importance of diversity in the supply chain. Partnering with organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

As a result of these efforts, Intel has seen a significant increase in its spending, with minority- and female-owned businesses growing their spending from $1 billion to $1.8 billion between 2000 and 2022.

Yet, the above paints only half the picture. The imminent ecosystem requires a sophisticated legal framework to thrive and should begin with the following: educating businesses about the legal issues they need to be aware of, such as the regulatory environment for the semiconductor industry; intellectual property protection; employment law; supply chain law; data privacy and cybersecurity law; antitrust and competition law; e-commerce, AI and blockchain law; international trade law; and more.

The legal community must be both a guide and a guard, helping semiconductor businesses navigate the complex legal maze while upholding the broader interests of the business ecosystem. More importantly, it can help clients improve their operations and understand how Intel conducts its business.

Sarkar is a partner in the Cleveland office of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.

See original here:

Hoping to take advantage of Intel's ecosystem? Here's what to do - Crain's Cleveland Business

As digital assets gain popularity, investing in cryptocurrencies may be warranted, but their volatility requires careful research.With thousands of cryptocurrencies to consider, investors can get overwhelmed. However, my view is to start with the top ten options by market capitalization, and work from there.

This list contains some of the most recognizable and well-known projects available. For those seeking relative stability, this is your starting point. Additionally, these cryptos have performed well over the past two months and have shown a long track record of impressive growth.

Lets dive in!

Source: Sittipong Phokawattana / Shutterstock.com

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) sets the crypto market tone, evolving from worthless to high-value but in early adoption stages. Cryptos infrastructure is still immature, similar to explaining modern banking to people from centuries ago.

Additionally, Bitcoin remains a pioneer and enduring crypto investment. Its remarkable journey to an all-time high of $68,789 is captivating. The crypto infrastructure is in its early stages, and Bitcoin, as digital gold, is still shining brightly.

Recent events, like Grayscales Bitcoin ETF success and an evolving SEC stance, signal a dynamic regulatory environment. This momentum boosts the crypto industry, fostering hope for digital currencies in regulated finance. As regulation clarifies, Bitcoin gains appeal, particularly for institutions seeking stability.

Source: shutterstock.com/BT Side

Ethereum (ETH-USD) pioneered smart contracts, enabling actions and value transfer. It, alongside Bitcoin, anchors todays crypto landscape. With 280,000+ ERC-20 tokens on its blockchain, Ethereum has a solid position. Competitors recognize its moat, favoring compliance over competition. Ethereums dominance makes it challenging to replace, and its more likely to strengthen over time than be surpassed.

Ethereum leads in smart contracts, with a strong developer community and switching obstacles for competitors. Transitioning to proof-of-stake offers eco-friendly advantages and significant potential returns over the next five years, in my view.

That, along with token burning and layer 2 solutions, will fuel Ethereum adoption, making it a top blockchain investment.

Source: solvertv / Shutterstock.com

Solana (SOL-USD), an early Ethereum competitor in Web 3.0, faced turbulence from $260 to $25 but shouldnt be dismissed. Termed Visa for digital assets, it gains institutional traction, offering scalability, affordability, and compatibility. Solana excels in DeFi, NFTs, and innovations like the Helium migration, a crypto dark horse.

Solana made headlines in 2021, surging 700% to $260, thanks to its rapid transaction processing. However, it later dropped over 90% from its peak during late 2021 and early 2022 crypto downturns.

In recent SOL news, Solana co-creator Anatoly Yakovenko pushes to redistribute seven million SOL tokens from FTX reserves to former customers, potentially reshaping FTX and boosting Solana. He proposed allocating SOL tokens to new users to compensate FTX customers and invigorate Solanas growth, decentralization, and vitality.

On the date of publication, Chris MacDonald has a LONG position in SOL, ETH. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Chris MacDonalds love for investing led him to pursue an MBA in Finance and take on a number of management roles in corporate finance and venture capital over the past 15 years. His experience as a financial analyst in the past, coupled with his fervor for finding undervalued growth opportunities, contribute to his conservative, long-term investing perspective.

Read the rest here:

The 3 Best Cryptos to Buy Now: September 2023 - InvestorPlace

The world of blockchain technology is expanding rapidly. Many different blockchains have emerged, each with their own unique capabilities and features. Yet one of the major challenges facing the industry is a lack of interoperability between these different networks. This can limit the potential growth and real-world utility of blockchain technology.

Cardano aims to address the interoperability challenge through its thoughtful, research-driven approach to blockchain development. Led by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano seeks to create a blockchain platform that can easily connect with other networks. Let's explore Cardano's vision for achieving interoperability and why it matters for the future of blockchain technology.

A core part of Cardano's strategy is developing a standardized communication protocol that can interface between different blockchains. This protocol aims to enable transactions and other information sharing between otherwise disconnected networks.

Cardano is specifically developing an "Inter-Blockchain Communication" (IBC) protocol. IBC will act as a universal language that diverse blockchains can utilize to communicate with each other. The open-source nature of IBC will allow other blockchain projects to easily integrate the protocol. If widely adopted, IBC could provide the foundation for an "internet of blockchains."

Developing a standardized interoperability protocol aligns with Cardano's goal of following research-driven engineering practices. Instead of creating a fully isolated platform, Cardano is focused on developing open-source blockchain infrastructure that can benefit the broader ecosystem.

Another element of Cardano's interoperability vision is enabling cross-chain smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing programs that run on blockchains like Cardano and Ethereum.

Currently, smart contracts can only run within their native blockchain environment. But Cardano wants to make it possible for smart contracts to seamlessly operate across multiple chains. The calculation would be performed on one network while pulling data from another.

Cross-chain smart contract interoperability would allow developers to build decentralized applications that harness the unique capabilities of different blockchains. For example, a decentralized finance (DeFi) application could use a stablecoin on one network while accessing lending services on another.

For end users, this cross-chain approach means that they aren't limited to only applications running on a single blockchain. As smart contract adoption increases, interoperable contracts will become essential for delivering a seamless user experience.

Sidechains represent another tool that can facilitate interoperability on Cardano. A sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs parallel to a main network and is attached as a secondary layer.

The key benefit of a sidechain is that it allows developers to experiment with new features or changes without impacting the primary chain. Cardano intends to utilize sidechains both to test out their own experimental features as well as connect to external blockchains.

For example, Cardano could develop a sidechain specifically designed to enable compatibility with the Ethereum network. This would allow assets and other information to move fluidly between the two platforms. Sidechains lower the difficulty of integrating external blockchains compared to changing the main chain.

Overall, sidechains give Cardano flexibility to customize connections tailored to the needs of different networks. Sidechains will be essential to broadening interoperability as Cardano evolves.

Achieving wide-scale interoperability between blockchains has the potential to profoundly impact the broader cryptocurrency industry. Here are two ways enhanced interoperability could reshape the market:

One of the most immediate effects of connecting blockchains together would be enabling easier transfer of assets between networks. Moving assets between wallets on separate chains currently requires going through centralized exchanges.

But with protocols like IBC, assets could move directly between chains through decentralized bridges. This would greatly improve liquidity in the market by removing friction in cross-chain transactions.

Direct asset transfers also open up new possibilities like using Bitcoin on decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Overall, seamless cross-chain transactions would significantly expand the possibilities for how users interact with blockchain services.

Another major impact interoperability could have is sparking greater innovation in decentralized applications (dApps). Right now developers face limitations by having to build exclusively on a single blockchain's environment.

But if smart contracts could seamlessly operate across chains, developers could mix and match the best features from different networks. This composability would allow creating novel dApps taking advantage of blockchain diversity.

Interoperability would also give dApp users a smoother experience not constrained to a single chain. Widespread adoption of dApps requires an easy user experience, which interoperability helps enable.

Cardano has made significant progress on its vision for an interoperable blockchain ecosystem. However, substantial work remains to make this vision a practical reality used widely across the industry.

In 2021, Cardano took a major step forward by successfully launching smart contract capability on its mainnet in the Alonzo upgrade. This provides the foundation for more advanced interoperability functionality down the road.

The team is actively developing the IBC protocol for standardized communication between blockchains. But IBC is still likely years away from large-scale adoption. The protocol must be thoroughly tested and embraced by other major blockchain projects to create a truly interconnected network.

Cardano is also researching the technical challenges around enabling cross-chain smart contracts. But this capability is still early in conceptual development.

Overall, Cardano has the right strategic outlook focused on interoperability. But patience will be required to let Cardano's thoughtful and peer-reviewed approach evolve the technology to fulfill its potential.

Interoperability has become one of the most pressing issues facing the blockchain industry today. With so many different networks emerging, the walls between these isolated ecosystems have to come down for blockchain adoption to reach mainstream status.

Cardano stands out for its vision focused on open, research-driven blockchain development.standardized communication protocols like IBC and cross-chain smart contracts are the types of foundational infrastructure needed to connect these disparate networks.

Of course, Cardano is still early on its ambitious roadmap. However, the blockchain's methodical approach inspired by academia could make it uniquely positioned to solve blockchain interoperability compared to other projects. If achieved, seamless interoperability promises to profoundly expand what is possible with decentralized technology and bring blockchain closer to mass adoption.

Continue reading here:

Cardano's Vision for Interoperability with Other Blockchains - BTC Peers