Ben Walther
@ben__crypto23
Providing clear, hype-free crypto insights to empower smarter decisions. Binance Top 10 Creator - 20M monthly reach - Free daily newsletter. X: @ben__crypto23.
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Messari’s Crypto Theses 2025 Just Dropped—Here Are 10 Trends You Can’t Ignore
Messari’s Crypto Theses 2025 is out—and it’s clear: AI, DePINs, and memecoins are rewriting the rules. From Bitcoin unlocking new utilities to Solana’s rise as Ethereum’s biggest rival—crypto’s next chapter is taking shape.
Here are 10 trends you can’t afford to miss. 👇
1 — Institutions Are All In on Crypto ETFs
In 2024, Crypto ETFs didn’t just make headlines—they were one of the main drivers of the market. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are now billion-dollar vehicles, and institutions are piling i
Here are 10 trends you can’t afford to miss. 👇
1 — Institutions Are All In on Crypto ETFs
In 2024, Crypto ETFs didn’t just make headlines—they were one of the main drivers of the market. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are now billion-dollar vehicles, and institutions are piling i
PINNED
It was an absolute pleasure and honor to receive the Binance Creator Award today at Binance Blockchain Week, presented by Yi He herself!
Feeling incredibly humbled, thrilled, and grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. 🫶
Feeling incredibly humbled, thrilled, and grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. 🫶
Memecoins Are Evolving—AI Agents Will Take Over (Here’s Why)
The convergence of Web3 and AI is no longer just a concept—it’s happening right in front of you!
And one of the first waves we see is AI agents and AI agent-driven memecoins.
I firmly believe it’s only a matter of time before we see the first AI agent breaking into the top 20 by market cap.
But this shift won’t just add a new category—it’s set to disrupt the entire meme market as we know it.
Let’s dive into why AI agents (memecoins) are more than just a trend—and what this could mean for the b
And one of the first waves we see is AI agents and AI agent-driven memecoins.
I firmly believe it’s only a matter of time before we see the first AI agent breaking into the top 20 by market cap.
But this shift won’t just add a new category—it’s set to disrupt the entire meme market as we know it.
Let’s dive into why AI agents (memecoins) are more than just a trend—and what this could mean for the b
CeDeFi, Arbitrage, and $400M in 30 Days—6 Insights from My Interview with Jack Lu from @BounceBit
End of last year, I sat down with Jack Lu, the founder of BouncBit, to dive into CeDeFi, arbitrage strategies, and the future of crypto.
Here’s what I learned—and why this matters for the next phase of crypto: 👇
1️⃣ CeDeFi Is the Bridge We Needed
CeDeFi merges CeFi security with DeFi flexibility. Imagine trading on Binance but keeping your assets securely on-chain. It’s the best of both worlds.
2️⃣ Arbitrage = Yield Without Risky Tokens
BounceBit taps into funding rate inefficiencies between spot and futures markets, delivering strong APYs (for example, 30% for BTC).
3️⃣ $400M in 30 Days—And $300K Daily Profits
BounceBit’s V2 platform saw $400M in inflows and distributed $300K daily profits to users.
4️⃣ Bear Markets? No Problem!
With arbitrage-based strategies, BounceBit delivers consistent returns, making it an attractive option during bear markets. Instead of chasing volatile assets, users can park funds and earn yield while waiting for the next bull run.
5️⃣ Institutions Are Watching
TradFi players want crypto yields but need compliance and security. CeDeFi offers exactly that—bridging the gap between crypto and institutions.
6️⃣ Regulation = Growth
Jack doesn’t see regulation as a barrier. Instead, he views it as a catalyst to onboard institutions and build user confidence.
Final Thought
Jack compared CeDeFi’s growth today to Ethereum in 2015—early, but with massive potential to become the backbone of crypto finance.
🔥 Full interview dropping soon—don’t miss it!
End of last year, I sat down with Jack Lu, the founder of BouncBit, to dive into CeDeFi, arbitrage strategies, and the future of crypto.
Here’s what I learned—and why this matters for the next phase of crypto: 👇
1️⃣ CeDeFi Is the Bridge We Needed
CeDeFi merges CeFi security with DeFi flexibility. Imagine trading on Binance but keeping your assets securely on-chain. It’s the best of both worlds.
2️⃣ Arbitrage = Yield Without Risky Tokens
BounceBit taps into funding rate inefficiencies between spot and futures markets, delivering strong APYs (for example, 30% for BTC).
3️⃣ $400M in 30 Days—And $300K Daily Profits
BounceBit’s V2 platform saw $400M in inflows and distributed $300K daily profits to users.
4️⃣ Bear Markets? No Problem!
With arbitrage-based strategies, BounceBit delivers consistent returns, making it an attractive option during bear markets. Instead of chasing volatile assets, users can park funds and earn yield while waiting for the next bull run.
5️⃣ Institutions Are Watching
TradFi players want crypto yields but need compliance and security. CeDeFi offers exactly that—bridging the gap between crypto and institutions.
6️⃣ Regulation = Growth
Jack doesn’t see regulation as a barrier. Instead, he views it as a catalyst to onboard institutions and build user confidence.
Final Thought
Jack compared CeDeFi’s growth today to Ethereum in 2015—early, but with massive potential to become the backbone of crypto finance.
🔥 Full interview dropping soon—don’t miss it!
AIXBT is already up almost 90% since it has touched the bottom of its uptrend channel.
However, it will likely add another 100% once it breaks out of the channel.
In terms of trading, you might want to wait for a breakout or correction toward the bottom of the channel before entering.
(AIXBT is tradeable on Binance Alpha)
#BinanceAlpha
However, it will likely add another 100% once it breaks out of the channel.
In terms of trading, you might want to wait for a breakout or correction toward the bottom of the channel before entering.
(AIXBT is tradeable on Binance Alpha)
#BinanceAlpha
Phala Network 👀
$PHA will be one of the key players when it comes to Web3 x AI in 2025 and beyond.
At the moment, PHA's price is correcting nicely and probably offers a good entry for the next leg up.
$PHA will be one of the key players when it comes to Web3 x AI in 2025 and beyond.
At the moment, PHA's price is correcting nicely and probably offers a good entry for the next leg up.
This is simply awesome.
Two AI Agents discuss a new token name 👉 Freya and AIXBT.
What currently looks like a funny playground will soon change how we use the internet, defi, and, ultimately, our everyday lives.
#AIAgents
Two AI Agents discuss a new token name 👉 Freya and AIXBT.
What currently looks like a funny playground will soon change how we use the internet, defi, and, ultimately, our everyday lives.
#AIAgents
🤖 AI Agents Are Outperforming the Market—and It’s Just the Beginning
BTC has been weak lately, and many altcoins have followed.
Sure, BTC bounced today—but honestly, the risk of lower prices and sideways action is still on the table.
And while I remain MASSIVELY bullish on 2025, we can’t ignore the possibility of a cooling-off period.
But here’s the thing: Not all sectors are struggling.
Yep, my favorite category, AI agents, have been thriving.
As I mentioned in my earlier post today, AI agents and AI-driven memecoins have been the hottest performers in recent weeks.
And this isn’t just hype. It’s the first wave of what I believe will be the Web3 x AI convergence.
Let me be clear—I fully expect to see AI agents in the top 20 by market cap in (early) 2025.
The Tokens to Watch:
Two projects, in particular, stand out to me right now:
1. $AIXBT — Current Market Cap: $500M
2. $AI16Z — Current Market Cap: $1.8B
To break into the top 20, a token (currently) needs a $10B market cap.
If these projects keep their momentum, that’s 20x potential for AIXBT and 5x for AI16Z.
Yes, both have already pumped hard over the last few days.
But from my perspective, this is still early.
The Binance Alpha Factor
Now, here’s where things get even more interesting.
Both AIXBT and AI16Z are already listed on Binance Alpha—Binance’s gateway to Web3 tokens.
Does this guarantee a Binance listing? Nope.
But does it increase the probability? From my POV—absolutely.
And if Binance listings happen?
That could be the final catalyst these tokens need to move toward the top 20.
BTC has been weak lately, and many altcoins have followed.
Sure, BTC bounced today—but honestly, the risk of lower prices and sideways action is still on the table.
And while I remain MASSIVELY bullish on 2025, we can’t ignore the possibility of a cooling-off period.
But here’s the thing: Not all sectors are struggling.
Yep, my favorite category, AI agents, have been thriving.
As I mentioned in my earlier post today, AI agents and AI-driven memecoins have been the hottest performers in recent weeks.
And this isn’t just hype. It’s the first wave of what I believe will be the Web3 x AI convergence.
Let me be clear—I fully expect to see AI agents in the top 20 by market cap in (early) 2025.
The Tokens to Watch:
Two projects, in particular, stand out to me right now:
1. $AIXBT — Current Market Cap: $500M
2. $AI16Z — Current Market Cap: $1.8B
To break into the top 20, a token (currently) needs a $10B market cap.
If these projects keep their momentum, that’s 20x potential for AIXBT and 5x for AI16Z.
Yes, both have already pumped hard over the last few days.
But from my perspective, this is still early.
The Binance Alpha Factor
Now, here’s where things get even more interesting.
Both AIXBT and AI16Z are already listed on Binance Alpha—Binance’s gateway to Web3 tokens.
Does this guarantee a Binance listing? Nope.
But does it increase the probability? From my POV—absolutely.
And if Binance listings happen?
That could be the final catalyst these tokens need to move toward the top 20.
12 days ago since I published my post about Phala Network and why you're probably overlooking this gem.
Since then $PHA has pumped more than 300%.
But this is just the start. Today $NEAR co-founder announced a partnership with Phala Network. Near sits at a market cap of 6B USD. Phala has a cap of 350M.
Couldn't be more bullish.
Since then $PHA has pumped more than 300%.
But this is just the start. Today $NEAR co-founder announced a partnership with Phala Network. Near sits at a market cap of 6B USD. Phala has a cap of 350M.
Couldn't be more bullish.
Ben Walther
--
Phala Network: The AI & Blockchain Gem You're Probably Overlooking
The convergence of AI and blockchain is becoming one of the most promising technological developments.
Together, these two technologies aim to solve some of the biggest challenges of both Web2 and Web3.
In Web2, two key issues stand out:
Centralization: A handful of tech giants control nearly everything, leaving users with little ownership or control.Privacy: Your data is constantly collected, analyzed, and monetized—often without your full knowledge or consent.
In this post, I want to explore Phala Network.
By combining blockchain, AI, and confidential computing, Phala offers a new way forward—one where data remains private, control is decentralized, and AI works for you, not against you.
As always, this is not about advertising the project but analyzing its potential.
Here's what you will learn:
What is Phala NetworkReal-world Use CasesPhala's Revenue ModelInvestors & PartnershipsAll About The PHA TokenAssessment
Ready? Let's dive in!
Oh, but wait.
If you ask why I look at Phala, here's a quick backstory.
AI + Blockchain — The Next Wave
I am genuinely convinced that the convergence of AI and blockchain technology will create the next massive technological wave.
Through this combination, we will be able to discover blockchain's true potential.
This is more than just an educated guess.
Analysts at GMI Research estimate that the Blockchain AI Market was worth USD 8.3 billion in 2022 and forecast to touch USD 335.8 billion in 2030, growing at a significantly higher CAGR of 58.9% from 2023 to 2030.
And this is a very conservative estimate.
Therefore, I consider it essential to identify the most potential projects likely to shape, drive, or at least ride this next technological evolution.
What is Phala Network
At its core, Phala Network is a decentralized cloud computing protocol that powers Web3 applications while keeping your data private.
Here are some of the main features and benefits Phala brings to the table:
Private & Secure Computing
Instead of running everything on public blockchains where anyone can see your data, Phala uses a technology called Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs).
TEEs act like locked boxes, where computations happen securely without exposing the data.
AI Meets Blockchain
Phala acts as a backbone for AI in the Web3 space. Developers can build AI solutions and easily connect to various services (Web2 and Web3). Imagine an AI agent analyzing your data or automating tasks without ever "seeing" your private information.
The Painpoint Phala Cures
Public blockchains are great for transparency but bad for privacy. Phala bridges this gap by combining:
Confidentiality: Keeps sensitive data private.Scalability: Handles heavy computations off-chain.Integration: Connects both Web2 (traditional internet) and Web3 seamlessly.
In short, Phala allows AI and blockchain to work together without sacrificing security or privacy.
Real-World Use Cases
In fact, we are the beginning of a new era that AI and the combination with blockchain will drive.
Therefore, we might not even see all the use cases this duo will enable in the future.
However, Phala Network's infrastructure already enables some powerful real-world applications, including:
Confidential DeFi: Run automated trading bots securely without exposing proprietary strategies.AI Data Privacy: Securely analyze sensitive healthcare or finance data, preserving confidentiality.Decentralized AI Agents: Power AI-driven decision-making for personalized recommendations, automation, or IoT systems.Gaming and Metaverse: Enable off-chain computation for real-time, scalable performance without compromising decentralization.
Example: A DeFi portfolio optimizer can use Phala to securely analyze user wallets, connect to APIs, and execute profitable trades—all while keeping data private.
Revenue Model
Phala's revenue model revolves around its native PHA token (we will have a closer look at it in the next chapter):
Computation Fees: Developers pay PHA to run secure computations on Phala's network.Phat Contracts Fees: Users or businesses pay fees to deploy advanced off-chain contracts interacting with Web3 and Web2 services.Node Incentives: Online workers (nodes) receive PHA rewards for providing computation power and incentivizing long-term network participation.
This creates a flywheel effect: increased usage → higher demand for computational power → higher demand for PHA.
Unfortunately, however, there's revenue data available.
Partnerships and Cooperations
Since connecting Web3 and Web2 services is one of Phala's core features, it isn't surprising to see many integrated services and supported chains on their website.
It starts with Web2 giants like Gmail or Amazon Cloud, continues with some leading AI projects (The Graph) and Web3 projects (e.g., Uniswap), and ends with connectivity to many top blockchains (Ethereum, BNB, Arbitrum, and many others).
Funding and Investors
Ok, let's move on with some data and numbers.
Phala Network has raised a total of $11.43M across strategic and private funding rounds:
Strategic Round (Sep 2020): $10M raised from investors like IOSG Ventures, SNZ Holding, and Waterdrip Capital.Private Rounds (Jan-Feb 2021):Private 2: Raised $1.4M at $0.01 per PHA token (15.79x ROI).Private Round: Raised $28K at $0.0028 per PHA token (56.39x ROI).
All the strategic investors are companies massively involved in blockchain investments and have founded dozens of top projects.
Roadmap and Development Activity
Phala Network's 2024 roadmap paints an ambitious picture of the project's future.
Compared to many other projects, Phala has a thorough and clearly defined path for the year.
The roadmap highlights five major core streams that align with Phala's mission of enabling confidential and programmable computing for Web3.
Trustless & Transparent Coprocessor Network: Enhancing scalability, security, and seamless interconnections for decentralized computing.User-Friendly & Programmable Coprocessor: Expanding developer tools with Phat Contracts and broader programming language support.Performance Improvements: Optimizing cross-chain execution and boosting overall system efficiency.Coprocessor Adoption: Driving ecosystem growth through partnerships, hackathons, and real-world use cases.Success DAO & Community: Building a DAO-led governance model, expanding treasury plans, and strengthening Phala's community initiatives.
All About the PHA Token
Yes, it's time to dive into the token. Let's start with the basics.
Token Basics
The PHA token has three primary purposes:
Computation Fees: Developers pay PHA to run computations.Staking: Users can stake PHA to secure the network and earn rewards.Incentives: Node operators (the people running Phala) are rewarded in PHA for providing computing power.
Key Numbers
Phala Network ranks #440 on CoinMarketCap with a capitalization of 140M.
Max Supply: 1 billion PHACirculating Supply: ~77% already in circulationTeam Allocation: 6.22%Staking Rewards: 65%Private Sale: 18.67%Slot Auctions & Airdrops: ~10% combined
Token Assessment:
Majority Circulating: Around 77% of the total supply is already in circulation, reducing the risk of sudden large unlocks disrupting the price. The remaining tokens are gradually released over time, ensuring sustainable growth.Staking Rewards (65%): This significant allocation incentivizes active network participation and token utility, which is crucial for long-term ecosystem sustainability.65% of tokens are held by long-term "Holders" — a healthy (though not exceptional) figure indicating solid investors' conviction.The remaining split between "Traders" (4%) and "Cruisers" (30%) reflects active market activity and gradual distribution.Unlock Schedule: The vesting curve shows a smooth and gradual release, minimizing sudden token dumps. By early 2025, most remaining tokens will be unlocked for staking rewards, airdrops, and long-term utility.
Assessment and Outlook
Let's put everything together and start with the most essential part. Phala Network is well-positioned to capitalize on two booming trends:
Confidential Computing: As privacy concerns rise, Phala's TEE-based architecture makes it indispensable for secure Web3 applications.Blockchain AI Growth: The Blockchain AI market is forecast to grow from $8.3B in 2022 to $335.8B by 2030 (CAGR: 58.9%), creating massive opportunities for Phala's AI coprocessor role.
A couple of unique strengths drive these opportunities:
Unique confidential cloud infrastructure.Growing adoption across Web3 and AI sectors.Robust tokenomics with strong staking incentives.
While Phala has clear strengths, there are some notable challenges:
Lack of revenue data: No official revenue numbers make it hard to assess real traction and profitability.Competitor pressure: Phala faces competition from similar projects like Oasis Network, which offers overlapping decentralized cloud and privacy services.
Final Assessment
Based on the overall potential and specific use cases, Phala's market cap is currently undervalued.
With just 130m, you will find tons of memecoins with a much higher valuation—and I am not talking about the cults that are likely to survive the cycle.
However, even when you look at projects in the same niche (OASIS, for example), Phala's market cap is (almost) six times smaller.
Therefore, with increasing demand for secure and scalable AI integrations, Phala's infrastructure positions it as a key player in the post-web era.
Ultimately, based on its current (low) capitalization, Phala represents an interesting investment opportunity with a 5x-10x potential in the long run.
Together, these two technologies aim to solve some of the biggest challenges of both Web2 and Web3.
In Web2, two key issues stand out:
Centralization: A handful of tech giants control nearly everything, leaving users with little ownership or control.Privacy: Your data is constantly collected, analyzed, and monetized—often without your full knowledge or consent.
In this post, I want to explore Phala Network.
By combining blockchain, AI, and confidential computing, Phala offers a new way forward—one where data remains private, control is decentralized, and AI works for you, not against you.
As always, this is not about advertising the project but analyzing its potential.
Here's what you will learn:
What is Phala NetworkReal-world Use CasesPhala's Revenue ModelInvestors & PartnershipsAll About The PHA TokenAssessment
Ready? Let's dive in!
Oh, but wait.
If you ask why I look at Phala, here's a quick backstory.
AI + Blockchain — The Next Wave
I am genuinely convinced that the convergence of AI and blockchain technology will create the next massive technological wave.
Through this combination, we will be able to discover blockchain's true potential.
This is more than just an educated guess.
Analysts at GMI Research estimate that the Blockchain AI Market was worth USD 8.3 billion in 2022 and forecast to touch USD 335.8 billion in 2030, growing at a significantly higher CAGR of 58.9% from 2023 to 2030.
And this is a very conservative estimate.
Therefore, I consider it essential to identify the most potential projects likely to shape, drive, or at least ride this next technological evolution.
What is Phala Network
At its core, Phala Network is a decentralized cloud computing protocol that powers Web3 applications while keeping your data private.
Here are some of the main features and benefits Phala brings to the table:
Private & Secure Computing
Instead of running everything on public blockchains where anyone can see your data, Phala uses a technology called Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs).
TEEs act like locked boxes, where computations happen securely without exposing the data.
AI Meets Blockchain
Phala acts as a backbone for AI in the Web3 space. Developers can build AI solutions and easily connect to various services (Web2 and Web3). Imagine an AI agent analyzing your data or automating tasks without ever "seeing" your private information.
The Painpoint Phala Cures
Public blockchains are great for transparency but bad for privacy. Phala bridges this gap by combining:
Confidentiality: Keeps sensitive data private.Scalability: Handles heavy computations off-chain.Integration: Connects both Web2 (traditional internet) and Web3 seamlessly.
In short, Phala allows AI and blockchain to work together without sacrificing security or privacy.
Real-World Use Cases
In fact, we are the beginning of a new era that AI and the combination with blockchain will drive.
Therefore, we might not even see all the use cases this duo will enable in the future.
However, Phala Network's infrastructure already enables some powerful real-world applications, including:
Confidential DeFi: Run automated trading bots securely without exposing proprietary strategies.AI Data Privacy: Securely analyze sensitive healthcare or finance data, preserving confidentiality.Decentralized AI Agents: Power AI-driven decision-making for personalized recommendations, automation, or IoT systems.Gaming and Metaverse: Enable off-chain computation for real-time, scalable performance without compromising decentralization.
Example: A DeFi portfolio optimizer can use Phala to securely analyze user wallets, connect to APIs, and execute profitable trades—all while keeping data private.
Revenue Model
Phala's revenue model revolves around its native PHA token (we will have a closer look at it in the next chapter):
Computation Fees: Developers pay PHA to run secure computations on Phala's network.Phat Contracts Fees: Users or businesses pay fees to deploy advanced off-chain contracts interacting with Web3 and Web2 services.Node Incentives: Online workers (nodes) receive PHA rewards for providing computation power and incentivizing long-term network participation.
This creates a flywheel effect: increased usage → higher demand for computational power → higher demand for PHA.
Unfortunately, however, there's revenue data available.
Partnerships and Cooperations
Since connecting Web3 and Web2 services is one of Phala's core features, it isn't surprising to see many integrated services and supported chains on their website.
It starts with Web2 giants like Gmail or Amazon Cloud, continues with some leading AI projects (The Graph) and Web3 projects (e.g., Uniswap), and ends with connectivity to many top blockchains (Ethereum, BNB, Arbitrum, and many others).
Funding and Investors
Ok, let's move on with some data and numbers.
Phala Network has raised a total of $11.43M across strategic and private funding rounds:
Strategic Round (Sep 2020): $10M raised from investors like IOSG Ventures, SNZ Holding, and Waterdrip Capital.Private Rounds (Jan-Feb 2021):Private 2: Raised $1.4M at $0.01 per PHA token (15.79x ROI).Private Round: Raised $28K at $0.0028 per PHA token (56.39x ROI).
All the strategic investors are companies massively involved in blockchain investments and have founded dozens of top projects.
Roadmap and Development Activity
Phala Network's 2024 roadmap paints an ambitious picture of the project's future.
Compared to many other projects, Phala has a thorough and clearly defined path for the year.
The roadmap highlights five major core streams that align with Phala's mission of enabling confidential and programmable computing for Web3.
Trustless & Transparent Coprocessor Network: Enhancing scalability, security, and seamless interconnections for decentralized computing.User-Friendly & Programmable Coprocessor: Expanding developer tools with Phat Contracts and broader programming language support.Performance Improvements: Optimizing cross-chain execution and boosting overall system efficiency.Coprocessor Adoption: Driving ecosystem growth through partnerships, hackathons, and real-world use cases.Success DAO & Community: Building a DAO-led governance model, expanding treasury plans, and strengthening Phala's community initiatives.
All About the PHA Token
Yes, it's time to dive into the token. Let's start with the basics.
Token Basics
The PHA token has three primary purposes:
Computation Fees: Developers pay PHA to run computations.Staking: Users can stake PHA to secure the network and earn rewards.Incentives: Node operators (the people running Phala) are rewarded in PHA for providing computing power.
Key Numbers
Phala Network ranks #440 on CoinMarketCap with a capitalization of 140M.
Max Supply: 1 billion PHACirculating Supply: ~77% already in circulationTeam Allocation: 6.22%Staking Rewards: 65%Private Sale: 18.67%Slot Auctions & Airdrops: ~10% combined
Token Assessment:
Majority Circulating: Around 77% of the total supply is already in circulation, reducing the risk of sudden large unlocks disrupting the price. The remaining tokens are gradually released over time, ensuring sustainable growth.Staking Rewards (65%): This significant allocation incentivizes active network participation and token utility, which is crucial for long-term ecosystem sustainability.65% of tokens are held by long-term "Holders" — a healthy (though not exceptional) figure indicating solid investors' conviction.The remaining split between "Traders" (4%) and "Cruisers" (30%) reflects active market activity and gradual distribution.Unlock Schedule: The vesting curve shows a smooth and gradual release, minimizing sudden token dumps. By early 2025, most remaining tokens will be unlocked for staking rewards, airdrops, and long-term utility.
Assessment and Outlook
Let's put everything together and start with the most essential part. Phala Network is well-positioned to capitalize on two booming trends:
Confidential Computing: As privacy concerns rise, Phala's TEE-based architecture makes it indispensable for secure Web3 applications.Blockchain AI Growth: The Blockchain AI market is forecast to grow from $8.3B in 2022 to $335.8B by 2030 (CAGR: 58.9%), creating massive opportunities for Phala's AI coprocessor role.
A couple of unique strengths drive these opportunities:
Unique confidential cloud infrastructure.Growing adoption across Web3 and AI sectors.Robust tokenomics with strong staking incentives.
While Phala has clear strengths, there are some notable challenges:
Lack of revenue data: No official revenue numbers make it hard to assess real traction and profitability.Competitor pressure: Phala faces competition from similar projects like Oasis Network, which offers overlapping decentralized cloud and privacy services.
Final Assessment
Based on the overall potential and specific use cases, Phala's market cap is currently undervalued.
With just 130m, you will find tons of memecoins with a much higher valuation—and I am not talking about the cults that are likely to survive the cycle.
However, even when you look at projects in the same niche (OASIS, for example), Phala's market cap is (almost) six times smaller.
Therefore, with increasing demand for secure and scalable AI integrations, Phala's infrastructure positions it as a key player in the post-web era.
Ultimately, based on its current (low) capitalization, Phala represents an interesting investment opportunity with a 5x-10x potential in the long run.
AI x Web3 Is Heating Up—And It’s Just the Beginning 🚀
4 out of the top 5 best-performing categories in the last 7 days are AI Agent or AI Meme related.
👉 Virtuals Protocol Ecosystem: +64.6% (including VIRTUAL, LUNA, aixcb)
👉 AI Agent Launchpad: +50.2% (including VIRTUAL or SUIAI)
👉 AI Meme: +44.1% (including AIXBT, ai16z)
👉 AI Agents: +39.7% (including PHA, FET, AIXBT)
This isn’t just hype—it’s the first wave of the AI x Web3 convergence.
What’s Driving the Move?
1. AI Agents are becoming a playground for automation—from trading bots to personal assistants. This isn't just about concepts anymore; they’re live and evolving.
2. AI Memes combine AI personalities with internet culture, creating relatable, viral content—and users are rallying behind them.
3. Tangible Use Cases are emerging. We’re seeing AI agents transacting on-chain, creating art, automating processes, and even managing data privacy—all powered by crypto.
AI + Web3 is not a trend. It’s a paradigm shift.
AI agents and memes are just the starting point—the experimental layer for what’s coming next:
• AI-powered DeFi
• Decentralized AI infrastructure (DePINs)
• Fully autonomous Web3 ecosystems
If you’re not paying attention to AI categories now, you might miss what could be the biggest shift in crypto yet.
4 out of the top 5 best-performing categories in the last 7 days are AI Agent or AI Meme related.
👉 Virtuals Protocol Ecosystem: +64.6% (including VIRTUAL, LUNA, aixcb)
👉 AI Agent Launchpad: +50.2% (including VIRTUAL or SUIAI)
👉 AI Meme: +44.1% (including AIXBT, ai16z)
👉 AI Agents: +39.7% (including PHA, FET, AIXBT)
This isn’t just hype—it’s the first wave of the AI x Web3 convergence.
What’s Driving the Move?
1. AI Agents are becoming a playground for automation—from trading bots to personal assistants. This isn't just about concepts anymore; they’re live and evolving.
2. AI Memes combine AI personalities with internet culture, creating relatable, viral content—and users are rallying behind them.
3. Tangible Use Cases are emerging. We’re seeing AI agents transacting on-chain, creating art, automating processes, and even managing data privacy—all powered by crypto.
AI + Web3 is not a trend. It’s a paradigm shift.
AI agents and memes are just the starting point—the experimental layer for what’s coming next:
• AI-powered DeFi
• Decentralized AI infrastructure (DePINs)
• Fully autonomous Web3 ecosystems
If you’re not paying attention to AI categories now, you might miss what could be the biggest shift in crypto yet.
Ethereum — Where We Are And What Could Be Next?
Ethereum is approaching a decisive moment that might define the price action of the next weeks.
But let's start with the status quo: Similar to Bitcoin and many altcoins, Ethereum experienced a sharp decline when the price dropped almost 20% from 4,000 to 3,300.
The drop happened after Ethereum saw two (unsuccessful) attempts to break above the crucial 4k resistance—a typical double-top pattern.
Unfortunately, Ethereum's price also dropped below the downtrend line, which started in March 2023. Currently, ETH trades between the support at 3,300 and the downtrend line in a small area, which is constantly narrowing.
What's next?
While Ethereum could continue its sideways move for some time, it will be essential if it breaks above the downtrend line or drops below the support line.
A break above the downtrend line opens the window for a move back to 4k. In the negative case, there's a considerable risk that ETH drops to 2,800.
Ethereum and Altseason
Although Ethereum's influence is much lower than in the last cycle, it will still play an essential role in a broader altseason. However, I don't see a fully-fledged altseason until ETH breaks above 4,000. This, in my opinion, is one of the strongest start signals.
Ethereum is approaching a decisive moment that might define the price action of the next weeks.
But let's start with the status quo: Similar to Bitcoin and many altcoins, Ethereum experienced a sharp decline when the price dropped almost 20% from 4,000 to 3,300.
The drop happened after Ethereum saw two (unsuccessful) attempts to break above the crucial 4k resistance—a typical double-top pattern.
Unfortunately, Ethereum's price also dropped below the downtrend line, which started in March 2023. Currently, ETH trades between the support at 3,300 and the downtrend line in a small area, which is constantly narrowing.
What's next?
While Ethereum could continue its sideways move for some time, it will be essential if it breaks above the downtrend line or drops below the support line.
A break above the downtrend line opens the window for a move back to 4k. In the negative case, there's a considerable risk that ETH drops to 2,800.
Ethereum and Altseason
Although Ethereum's influence is much lower than in the last cycle, it will still play an essential role in a broader altseason. However, I don't see a fully-fledged altseason until ETH breaks above 4,000. This, in my opinion, is one of the strongest start signals.
Altcoin Season? Not Yet—But Here’s What the Data Says 👇
I've seen many posts about a looming altseason that did not provide evidence or data-backed insights. Not helpful at all.
On the other side, I’ve been sharing content hinting that altseason could be approaching soon too. I looked at BTC dominance and overall market cycles. And yes, the probabilities have supported (and partially still do) that view.
But fresh data is always key—and we need to stay flexible.
Let’s dig into where we stand now and what could come next.
Last Cycle: The Setup for Altseason 🚀
→ Nov 2020 — ETH/BTC hit 0.027, with BTC dominance at 65%.
→ 6 months later — ETH/BTC climbed 196% to 0.08 as BTC dominance fell to 41%.
→ ETH soared 629% vs. BTC’s 167%, kicking off altcoin mania.
👉 Takeaway: BTC started the move, but altcoins dominated when new money flooded in.
Fast Forward to Today 📊
→ Nov 2024 — ETH/BTC hit 0.032 and is up 10% since then.
→ BTC dominance today? 56.5%.
→ $1.08 trillion was added to the crypto market cap in the last 2 months, and 60% went into BTC.
What Does This Mean? 🤔
No altseason yet.
BTC is still dominating inflows—just like the early last cycle.
But cycles don’t have to repeat perfectly.
Key Questions Going Forward 🔮
1️⃣ Is this time different? Are we seeing a structural shift, or is it just delayed?
2️⃣ What triggers the altseason? A major ETH breakout? AI or DePIN hype?
3️⃣ What role does macro play? With rising debt and liquidity concerns, could BTC remain the safer bet?
4️⃣ What about 2025? Does historical data still point to altcoins outperforming after BTC peaks?
Final Thoughts 🔑
We can’t predict altseason—we can only assess probabilities.
Currently, BTC dominance remains high, but history tells us it doesn’t last forever.
What’s your view—are altcoins about to break out, or will BTC keep leading? 👇
I've seen many posts about a looming altseason that did not provide evidence or data-backed insights. Not helpful at all.
On the other side, I’ve been sharing content hinting that altseason could be approaching soon too. I looked at BTC dominance and overall market cycles. And yes, the probabilities have supported (and partially still do) that view.
But fresh data is always key—and we need to stay flexible.
Let’s dig into where we stand now and what could come next.
Last Cycle: The Setup for Altseason 🚀
→ Nov 2020 — ETH/BTC hit 0.027, with BTC dominance at 65%.
→ 6 months later — ETH/BTC climbed 196% to 0.08 as BTC dominance fell to 41%.
→ ETH soared 629% vs. BTC’s 167%, kicking off altcoin mania.
👉 Takeaway: BTC started the move, but altcoins dominated when new money flooded in.
Fast Forward to Today 📊
→ Nov 2024 — ETH/BTC hit 0.032 and is up 10% since then.
→ BTC dominance today? 56.5%.
→ $1.08 trillion was added to the crypto market cap in the last 2 months, and 60% went into BTC.
What Does This Mean? 🤔
No altseason yet.
BTC is still dominating inflows—just like the early last cycle.
But cycles don’t have to repeat perfectly.
Key Questions Going Forward 🔮
1️⃣ Is this time different? Are we seeing a structural shift, or is it just delayed?
2️⃣ What triggers the altseason? A major ETH breakout? AI or DePIN hype?
3️⃣ What role does macro play? With rising debt and liquidity concerns, could BTC remain the safer bet?
4️⃣ What about 2025? Does historical data still point to altcoins outperforming after BTC peaks?
Final Thoughts 🔑
We can’t predict altseason—we can only assess probabilities.
Currently, BTC dominance remains high, but history tells us it doesn’t last forever.
What’s your view—are altcoins about to break out, or will BTC keep leading? 👇
Messari’s Crypto Theses 2025 Just Dropped—10 Trends You Can’t Risk To Ignore 🚨
AI, DePINs, and memecoins are rewriting crypto’s playbook. From Bitcoin unlocking new utilities to Solana challenging Ethereum, the next chapter is already taking shape.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 trends shaping 2025: 👇
(If you want the details behind each trend you should check out the complete article: Read here!).
1/ Institutions Go All In on ETFs
Crypto ETFs exploded in 2024. Billion-dollar inflows for BTC and ETH are just the beginning. Expect even more adoption in 2025.
▸ Watch: BTC, ETH
2/ Solana’s Breakout Year
Cheap, fast, and scalable—Solana rivals Ethereum in DEX volumes and non-trading use cases.
▸ Watch: SOL, RAY, JUP
3/ Memecoins as Onboarding Engines
Memecoins made up 11% of all trading volume—AI-driven memes will push this trend further.
▸ Watch: PEPE, WIF, DOGE
4/ Stablecoins Replace Banks
In emerging markets, stablecoins are beating banks with faster, cheaper payments.
▸ Watch: TRX, USUAL, USDT
5/ DePINs Prove Themselves
Decentralized infrastructure networks (DePINs) hit $40B+ market cap, showing real-world utility.
▸ Watch: HNT, AKT, NKN
6/ AI x Crypto Is Exploding
AI agents, decentralized models, and gaming ecosystems are just the start.
▸ Watch: FET, TAO, RENDER
7/ Ethereum Faces Pressure
Layer-2s are raising questions while Solana steals liquidity. Can ETH keep up?
▸ Watch: ETH, ARB, OP
8/ Bitcoin Reinvents Itself
Programmable layers and staking bring yield and utility to BTC.
▸ Watch: BTC, STX, ORDI, DOG
9/ Regulation May Finally Clear Up
A Trump presidency could bring clarity, boosting institutional adoption.
10/ Consumer Apps Go Onchain
Forget DeFi complexity—user-friendly wallets are driving mass adoption.
AI, DePINs, and memecoins are rewriting crypto’s playbook. From Bitcoin unlocking new utilities to Solana challenging Ethereum, the next chapter is already taking shape.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 trends shaping 2025: 👇
(If you want the details behind each trend you should check out the complete article: Read here!).
1/ Institutions Go All In on ETFs
Crypto ETFs exploded in 2024. Billion-dollar inflows for BTC and ETH are just the beginning. Expect even more adoption in 2025.
▸ Watch: BTC, ETH
2/ Solana’s Breakout Year
Cheap, fast, and scalable—Solana rivals Ethereum in DEX volumes and non-trading use cases.
▸ Watch: SOL, RAY, JUP
3/ Memecoins as Onboarding Engines
Memecoins made up 11% of all trading volume—AI-driven memes will push this trend further.
▸ Watch: PEPE, WIF, DOGE
4/ Stablecoins Replace Banks
In emerging markets, stablecoins are beating banks with faster, cheaper payments.
▸ Watch: TRX, USUAL, USDT
5/ DePINs Prove Themselves
Decentralized infrastructure networks (DePINs) hit $40B+ market cap, showing real-world utility.
▸ Watch: HNT, AKT, NKN
6/ AI x Crypto Is Exploding
AI agents, decentralized models, and gaming ecosystems are just the start.
▸ Watch: FET, TAO, RENDER
7/ Ethereum Faces Pressure
Layer-2s are raising questions while Solana steals liquidity. Can ETH keep up?
▸ Watch: ETH, ARB, OP
8/ Bitcoin Reinvents Itself
Programmable layers and staking bring yield and utility to BTC.
▸ Watch: BTC, STX, ORDI, DOG
9/ Regulation May Finally Clear Up
A Trump presidency could bring clarity, boosting institutional adoption.
10/ Consumer Apps Go Onchain
Forget DeFi complexity—user-friendly wallets are driving mass adoption.
AIXBT continues to move higher in its channel 🚀
The token is already up ~50% since it touched the lower trendline of the ascending channel.
However, I am still waiting for a breakout to the top, which will catapult the price to $1.50.
Overall, AI agents continue to outperform all other areas (as expected). $VIRTUAL is doing exceptionally well, but also smaller new platforms such as SuiAI.
Nonetheless, this is just the beginning of a massive Web3 x AI wave that will dominate 2025 and beyond. AI agents, AI-driven projects (such as $TAO or $RENDER or $PHA), and AI agent meme coins such as $BROT will have a massive run.
The token is already up ~50% since it touched the lower trendline of the ascending channel.
However, I am still waiting for a breakout to the top, which will catapult the price to $1.50.
Overall, AI agents continue to outperform all other areas (as expected). $VIRTUAL is doing exceptionally well, but also smaller new platforms such as SuiAI.
Nonetheless, this is just the beginning of a massive Web3 x AI wave that will dominate 2025 and beyond. AI agents, AI-driven projects (such as $TAO or $RENDER or $PHA), and AI agent meme coins such as $BROT will have a massive run.
Ben Walther
--
Bullish
AIXBT Update
AIXBT is one of the tokens that has recently been listed on Binance Alpha.
AIXBT is an AI Agent launched on Virtuals. It has grown to a market cap of over 320m and represents the biggest AI Agent on Virtuals.
Looking at the chart, AIXBT trades in a solid uptrend on the 4H chart. Moreover, I expect a more aggressive move once the price either closes above the 0.32 level or breaks out of the channel.
The ultimate target sits slightly below 1.50, resulting in a 1.5b market cap. To put that in context, Floki currently has a market cap of 1.7b and ranks 68.
Overall, AI Agents are massively hyped now and drive an entirely new narrative. In the long term, they have the potential to outperform the majority of memecoins, in my opinion.
#BinanceAlphaAlert $AIXBT #AIXBT
AIXBT is one of the tokens that has recently been listed on Binance Alpha.
AIXBT is an AI Agent launched on Virtuals. It has grown to a market cap of over 320m and represents the biggest AI Agent on Virtuals.
Looking at the chart, AIXBT trades in a solid uptrend on the 4H chart. Moreover, I expect a more aggressive move once the price either closes above the 0.32 level or breaks out of the channel.
The ultimate target sits slightly below 1.50, resulting in a 1.5b market cap. To put that in context, Floki currently has a market cap of 1.7b and ranks 68.
Overall, AI Agents are massively hyped now and drive an entirely new narrative. In the long term, they have the potential to outperform the majority of memecoins, in my opinion.
#BinanceAlphaAlert $AIXBT #AIXBT
MOVE Update 🚨
It is always tricky to analyze the chart of a freshly launched token.
However, in terms of MOVE, things are straightforward.
• $1.11 acts resistance and MOVE was rejected at this level several times.
• Momentum still looks good, and there's a good chance that MOVE will break the resistance.
• Afterward, we should quickly see the price move towards the $1.30 level.
• The real party starts once the price moves above 1.30 and confirms.
Regarding trading, the area between 1.11 and 1.30 provides a first (smaller) opportunity. Entry once 1.11 gets confirmed with a sharp stop loss below this level—first TP at 1.30.
Another opportunity arises once the price rises above 1.30 and confirms the high level.
In case you want to know more about MOVE 👉 Here's a detailed article about the projects I wrote once the token launched: Read here!
$MOVE
It is always tricky to analyze the chart of a freshly launched token.
However, in terms of MOVE, things are straightforward.
• $1.11 acts resistance and MOVE was rejected at this level several times.
• Momentum still looks good, and there's a good chance that MOVE will break the resistance.
• Afterward, we should quickly see the price move towards the $1.30 level.
• The real party starts once the price moves above 1.30 and confirms.
Regarding trading, the area between 1.11 and 1.30 provides a first (smaller) opportunity. Entry once 1.11 gets confirmed with a sharp stop loss below this level—first TP at 1.30.
Another opportunity arises once the price rises above 1.30 and confirms the high level.
In case you want to know more about MOVE 👉 Here's a detailed article about the projects I wrote once the token launched: Read here!
$MOVE
Bittensor (TAO) — Next Attempt For A New All-Time High 🚀
TAO is another project that has the potential to play a crucial role in the future Web3 x AI convergence (read my detailed article about it here!). Doing a 3x of the current market cap (3.7m) should be a no-brainer.
Chart-wise, TAO bounced off its important resistance at ~430 and showed signs of a reversal. The next target sits at ~750, where TAO has its all-time high. A move back toward its ATH would result in almost 50% gains. However, the real party starts once the ATH gets broken and TAO's price moves towards $1,000.
Bittensor is a decentralized infrastructure for building and deploying machine learning models on the blockchain and can potentially shape the agentic web and post-web phase.
$TAO #bittensor
TAO is another project that has the potential to play a crucial role in the future Web3 x AI convergence (read my detailed article about it here!). Doing a 3x of the current market cap (3.7m) should be a no-brainer.
Chart-wise, TAO bounced off its important resistance at ~430 and showed signs of a reversal. The next target sits at ~750, where TAO has its all-time high. A move back toward its ATH would result in almost 50% gains. However, the real party starts once the ATH gets broken and TAO's price moves towards $1,000.
Bittensor is a decentralized infrastructure for building and deploying machine learning models on the blockchain and can potentially shape the agentic web and post-web phase.
$TAO #bittensor
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Wishing y’all a wonderful time with your friends and family.
Much love and peace,
Ben
Wishing y’all a wonderful time with your friends and family.
Much love and peace,
Ben
NEAR Mid-Term Outlook 📊
NEAR is another token that will massively benefit and drive the convergence of Web3 and AI. This narrative will dominate the next months and years. (here's a detailed article about my view on Web3 x AI —> Read it now!).
Mid-term, NEAR's chart looks promising, too — despite the latest correction.
• NEAR has printed a higher high on the daily chart
• As expected , the $5-level served as strong support
• Subsequently, NEAR printed a higher low
If NEAR continues on its path, we should see the price move towards the $10 level during the next weeks. This target does not incorporate any altcoin season but is just an expected continuation of the bull market. In case of an alteseason, NEAR will go much higher quickly.
$NEAR #NEAR🚀🚀🚀
NEAR is another token that will massively benefit and drive the convergence of Web3 and AI. This narrative will dominate the next months and years. (here's a detailed article about my view on Web3 x AI —> Read it now!).
Mid-term, NEAR's chart looks promising, too — despite the latest correction.
• NEAR has printed a higher high on the daily chart
• As expected , the $5-level served as strong support
• Subsequently, NEAR printed a higher low
If NEAR continues on its path, we should see the price move towards the $10 level during the next weeks. This target does not incorporate any altcoin season but is just an expected continuation of the bull market. In case of an alteseason, NEAR will go much higher quickly.
$NEAR #NEAR🚀🚀🚀
$USUAL has pumped more than 300% since its launch on Binance and was one of the best performing coins lately.
I put together a detailed article about the project when it launched. Check it out - it provides you with all you need to know about USUAL👇
$USUAL #UsualToken
I put together a detailed article about the project when it launched. Check it out - it provides you with all you need to know about USUAL👇
$USUAL #UsualToken
Ben Walther
--
Fixing Stablecoins and Sharing the Profits: Usual’s Vision for Web3
Decentralization is what first got me hooked on Bitcoin, crypto, and Web3.
Taking power from a few and redistributing it to the many is the ultimate Robin Hood story, and it deeply resonates with my core beliefs.
Every day, thousands work toward this decentralized vision: in finance, identity, data storage, and more.
But wait—one area seems to have missed the decentralization memo entirely.
Stablecoins: Web3’s Fragile Foundation
Surprisingly, one of the most centralized components of Web3 is also its backbone: stablecoins.
Tokens like USDT and USDC dominate the market, but their reliance on private entities (Tether and Circle) makes them anything but decentralized. They control reserves and peg stability, ultimately holding immense power over the ecosystem.
Moreover, stablecoin giants like Tether and Circle are collecting immense revenues—over $10 billion collectively so far in 2024—with a projected market cap exceeding $200 billion.
Yet, despite the staggering numbers, not a single cent of this value flows back to the users who rely on these stablecoins daily.
To Big To Fail
The problem? If these centralized players collapse due to mismanagement, regulation, or financial turmoil, it’s not just their tokens that go down. It’s the entire Web3 infrastructure that’s grown too dependent on them.
In short, stablecoins are now “too big to fail.” This dependence is the biggest vulnerability of an industry built on decentralization.
Usual: Fixing the Weak Link
This is where Usual comes in. Usual is a project that aims to make stablecoins truly decentralized and put the power back into the hands of users.
At the core of Usual are three tokens designed to address this systemic issue while creating new opportunities:
USD0: A decentralized stablecoin backed by real-world assets (RWAs).USD0++: A yield-generating version of USD0, designed for passive income.$USUAL: A governance token that lets holders share in the ecosystem’s revenue through staking.
A Closer Look at USD0
USD0, a stablecoin that eliminates the risks tied to centralized alternatives, is at the heart of Usual's mission. Backed by real-world assets (RWAs) like U.S. Treasury Bills, USD0 is:
Fully Decentralized: No central authority manages the reserves—everything is transparent and governed on-chain.Stable and Reliable: With RWAs maintaining a 1:1 peg, USD0 provides stability without sacrificing decentralization.Perfect for DeFi: Seamlessly integrates into protocols, making it a foundational building block for Web3.
Simply put, USD0 combines traditional finance's trustworthiness with crypto's transparency and resilience.
$USUAL — Earning from Stablecoins Made Simple
Here’s where it got (really) excited when reading through the project's documentation.
Most stablecoin profits have historically gone to centralized entities like Tether and Circle. They earn massive sums from on-chain fees or interest on reserves—and keep it all. And remember, we are talking about huge revenues.
Usual flips the script.
With the $USUAL token, you get a share in the revenue generated by USD0 and USD0++ by staking your tokens.
It’s a way to turn what has always been a one-sided system into a decentralized, community-driven opportunity.
Use Cases — How USUAL Works
The earning potential isn’t the only thing that sets Usual apart. The entire project is designed for a variety of use cases. Let's briefly touch on some of them (one could easily write a whole article about each).
Passive Income: Stake $USUAL to earn your share of the stablecoin revenue stream.DeFi Integration: USD0’s design makes it composable and scalable across protocols, enhancing its utility.A Resilient Stablecoin: USD0++ offers yield generation while maintaining stability, appealing to both institutional and retail users.
In essence, Usual allows the community to profit from what centralized entities have historically monopolized.
Final Thoughts
Stablecoins are the lifeblood of Web3—but their current form is dangerously centralized.
Usual is here to change that.
With USD0, USD0++, and $USUAL, the project offers more than just decentralization. It offers empowerment, transparency, and the chance for everyone to share in the growth of stablecoins.
It’s a bold move, and it might just redefine how we think about the foundation of Web3.
———————
USUAL is launching on Binance. Here’s everything you need to know:
Farming Period: Users can begin staking BNB and FDUSD for USUAL airdrops starting November 15, 2024, at 00:00 (UTC).Pre-Market Trading: Binance will initiate Pre-Market trading for the USUAL/USDT pair on November 19, 2024, at 10:00 (UTC).Spot Trading: The official spot listing for USUAL will follow, with details to be announced.
Taking power from a few and redistributing it to the many is the ultimate Robin Hood story, and it deeply resonates with my core beliefs.
Every day, thousands work toward this decentralized vision: in finance, identity, data storage, and more.
But wait—one area seems to have missed the decentralization memo entirely.
Stablecoins: Web3’s Fragile Foundation
Surprisingly, one of the most centralized components of Web3 is also its backbone: stablecoins.
Tokens like USDT and USDC dominate the market, but their reliance on private entities (Tether and Circle) makes them anything but decentralized. They control reserves and peg stability, ultimately holding immense power over the ecosystem.
Moreover, stablecoin giants like Tether and Circle are collecting immense revenues—over $10 billion collectively so far in 2024—with a projected market cap exceeding $200 billion.
Yet, despite the staggering numbers, not a single cent of this value flows back to the users who rely on these stablecoins daily.
To Big To Fail
The problem? If these centralized players collapse due to mismanagement, regulation, or financial turmoil, it’s not just their tokens that go down. It’s the entire Web3 infrastructure that’s grown too dependent on them.
In short, stablecoins are now “too big to fail.” This dependence is the biggest vulnerability of an industry built on decentralization.
Usual: Fixing the Weak Link
This is where Usual comes in. Usual is a project that aims to make stablecoins truly decentralized and put the power back into the hands of users.
At the core of Usual are three tokens designed to address this systemic issue while creating new opportunities:
USD0: A decentralized stablecoin backed by real-world assets (RWAs).USD0++: A yield-generating version of USD0, designed for passive income.$USUAL: A governance token that lets holders share in the ecosystem’s revenue through staking.
A Closer Look at USD0
USD0, a stablecoin that eliminates the risks tied to centralized alternatives, is at the heart of Usual's mission. Backed by real-world assets (RWAs) like U.S. Treasury Bills, USD0 is:
Fully Decentralized: No central authority manages the reserves—everything is transparent and governed on-chain.Stable and Reliable: With RWAs maintaining a 1:1 peg, USD0 provides stability without sacrificing decentralization.Perfect for DeFi: Seamlessly integrates into protocols, making it a foundational building block for Web3.
Simply put, USD0 combines traditional finance's trustworthiness with crypto's transparency and resilience.
$USUAL — Earning from Stablecoins Made Simple
Here’s where it got (really) excited when reading through the project's documentation.
Most stablecoin profits have historically gone to centralized entities like Tether and Circle. They earn massive sums from on-chain fees or interest on reserves—and keep it all. And remember, we are talking about huge revenues.
Usual flips the script.
With the $USUAL token, you get a share in the revenue generated by USD0 and USD0++ by staking your tokens.
It’s a way to turn what has always been a one-sided system into a decentralized, community-driven opportunity.
Use Cases — How USUAL Works
The earning potential isn’t the only thing that sets Usual apart. The entire project is designed for a variety of use cases. Let's briefly touch on some of them (one could easily write a whole article about each).
Passive Income: Stake $USUAL to earn your share of the stablecoin revenue stream.DeFi Integration: USD0’s design makes it composable and scalable across protocols, enhancing its utility.A Resilient Stablecoin: USD0++ offers yield generation while maintaining stability, appealing to both institutional and retail users.
In essence, Usual allows the community to profit from what centralized entities have historically monopolized.
Final Thoughts
Stablecoins are the lifeblood of Web3—but their current form is dangerously centralized.
Usual is here to change that.
With USD0, USD0++, and $USUAL, the project offers more than just decentralization. It offers empowerment, transparency, and the chance for everyone to share in the growth of stablecoins.
It’s a bold move, and it might just redefine how we think about the foundation of Web3.
———————
USUAL is launching on Binance. Here’s everything you need to know:
Farming Period: Users can begin staking BNB and FDUSD for USUAL airdrops starting November 15, 2024, at 00:00 (UTC).Pre-Market Trading: Binance will initiate Pre-Market trading for the USUAL/USDT pair on November 19, 2024, at 10:00 (UTC).Spot Trading: The official spot listing for USUAL will follow, with details to be announced.