The crypto world knows no borders. Thanks to Saily and the Young Platform Clubs, you can break down barriers and browse for free wherever you are.
There are countless crypto hubs worldwide: the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Lisbon, and Lugano. On its long journey towards adoption, the money of the future shares a characteristic with the generation that uses it most: it is global. For this reason, those working in this sector and those driven by passion might travel far and wide to attend events, summits, conferences, or hackathons.
However, there’s a slight problem: crypto and blockchain require an internet connection to function and be used. But don’t worry, if you’re part of the Young Platform Clubs, we’re here to help with a solution offered in partnership with Saily.
Saily is an international eSIM service created by Nord Security, which developed NordVPN. Although these two services—VPNs and eSIMs—may seem very different, they share the same goal: to allow users to browse the internet reliably, even when far from home. Saily offers hundreds of flexible data plans for travelling in over 150 countries, a quick setup procedure, and 24/7 chat support.
The data plans offered by Saily vary, and the features that differ depending on the chosen solution are twofold:
The duration: the number of days the eSIM remains active after activation.
The amount of GB the plan provides: 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 GB.
When you choose an eSIM on Saily, you can’t change the duration, as it is automatically associated with the amount of GB. Solutions that include 1 GB of mobile data often have a duration of 7 days, while if you opt for a 3 GB plan or higher, you can use the eSIM for 30 days.
Thanks to some key features, Saily is establishing itself as a leading brand in this young sector. Firstly, its affordability. The price of Saily’s eSIMs is approximately 15% lower than that of its main competitors.
Additionally, thanks to the Top-Up function, Saily doesn’t require downloading a new eSIM whenever you change countries or run out of GB. Instead, you can add a new data plan from the same or another country to the SIM you already have. This feature is incredibly convenient for those embarking on a road trip.
How does the benefit work?
This time, we haven’t just offered you discounts; if you’re part of our Clubs, you can activate an eSIM utterly free of charge! Here’s a detailed look at the type of eSIM you can activate at no additional cost, depending on your Club membership.
Bronze: 1GB plan (7 days) free;
Silver: 1GB plan (7 days) free;
Gold: 3GB plan (30 days) free;
Platinum: 5GB plan (30 days) free.
How to apply the code?
First of all, join a Club or upgrade to the most advantageous one using the Young Platform app.
Go to the Saily website.
Select the country where you want to browse andthe data plan that best suits your needs. NB: The promo code will only apply correctly if you select the exact plan offered as a gift. So, if you need more GB, make two separate purchases to add more GB on top of those provided.
Click on “Proceed to Payment.”
Click on “Have a promo code?”
Enter the code received via email.
Check that the code has been accepted. By entering the promo code, no payment will be requested, and the purchase will be automatically completed.
The promo codes have no expiration date. However, once the code is redeemed during the eSIM purchase process, you have 30 days to activate it.
Additionally, the purchase will be visible on your account through the Saily app. Simply log in with the same account you used during the purchase.
For any questions or concerns, you can refer to their official website: support.saily.com
Learn about Avon’s bankruptcy due to talcum powder lawsuits and the parallels with Johnson & Johnson’s legal challenges. How will these companies navigate the crisis?
The beauty industry, once synonymous with innovation and prosperity, is currently grappling with one of its most significant challenges. A striking example of this turmoil is Avon’s recent bankruptcy filing, a dramatic turn of events signalling deep-rooted issues within the sector. In mid-August 2024, Avon officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. This marked the culmination of years of financial and legal struggles primarily linked to asbestos-contaminated talcum powder lawsuits.
The Avon Bankruptcy
Avon’s decision to file for bankruptcy directly responds to the overwhelming legal pressure from 386 ongoing lawsuits. These cases allege that the company’s talcum powder products were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, leading to serious health concerns, including cancer. Despite Avon’s consistent denial of asbestos presence in their products, the company has faced significant financial setbacks due to adverse legal judgments.
One of the most severe blows came in 2020 when Avon was ordered to pay $46 million in damages. More recently, in July 2024, another hefty compensation of $24.5 million was imposed, further depleting the company’s already strained financial reserves. These mounting legal costs have left Avon with no viable option but to seek bankruptcy protection to manage its debts and restructure its business.
Parallels with Johnson & Johnson
Avon’s situation resembles the legal challenges faced by another industry giant, Johnson & Johnson (J&J). J&J has also been embroiled in lawsuits over asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, leading to thousands of claims and substantial financial penalties. However, J&J’s response to the crisis has notably differed due to its significant financial resources.
Like Avon, J&J strategically filed for bankruptcy for one of its subsidiaries, a manoeuvre designed to consolidate and manage the numerous lawsuits while working on debt restructuring. This “strategic bankruptcy” allows J&J to freeze ongoing litigation and focus on negotiating settlements, thereby limiting further financial damage.
However, despite the similarities, the two cases differ significantly in their potential outcomes. J&J’s global presence and robust financial standing have enabled it to withstand the legal onslaught. At the same time, Avon was weakened by years of decline and a tarnished brand image. J&J’s diversified portfolio and vast resources have provided a buffer against the crisis, a luxury Avon lacks.
The Fall of a Giant
For Avon, bankruptcy is the last resort after a series of challenges that have eroded its prestige and financial stability. The company has already paid out $225 million in settlements, yet the legal battles continue, straining its liquidity and threatening its survival after more than a century in the cosmetics industry.
Avon’s bankruptcy raises critical questions about its future and the beauty industry. The sector has become increasingly competitive, with new brands capturing the attention of more demanding and informedconsumers than ever before. In this evolving market, sustainability, transparency, and innovation are crucial for survival, leaving little room for companies that cannot adapt swiftly to changing dynamics.
One potential lifeline for the industry could lie in blockchain technology, which promises enhanced transparency and traceability. With consumers increasingly favouring brands that can provide a “digital identity” for their products, detailing every ingredient’s origin and processing, blockchain could solve the challenges companies like Avon’s face.
Conclusion
While Johnson & Johnson may weather the storm due to its financial strength and crisis management capabilities, Avon’s future remains uncertain. The company’s bankruptcy could either signal the end of an era or catalyse a radical restructuring that might lead to a resurgence. Only time will tell whether Avon can rise from the ashes or become another example of how even industry giants can fall.
Discover how blockchain technology transforms the beauty industry by offering unprecedented transparency and traceability. Explore our industry insights on Young Platform.
Cryptocurrencies are not the future but the present. Here are the major companies that accept Bitcoin payments.
Mass adoption? It’s getting closer and closer. Don’t just take our word for it; just look at how many companies, multinationals, and simple shops are gearing up to accept cryptocurrency payments. Even though many countries still do not fully regulate them, the crypto phenomenon is too big to be ignored. That’s why companies are keen to innovate and push for the spread of crypto payments. And it’s not just about specific niches, but very popular brands and services that are part of our daily lives.
Here is a list of ten companies that accept Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as a method of payment.
Mastercard
Mastercard has been allowing cryptocurrency payments through its platform for some time now, thanks to collaborations with major players such as Metamask and MoonPay. The company has recognised the usefulness of crypto as real currency. “With the interest [in crypto] coming from various sectors, the real-world applications of cryptocurrencies are surpassing pure speculation,” said Rama Sidhar, vice president for New Digital Payments at Mastercard. During the last months of 2022, the leading payment network company partnered with eight Web3 startups to make crypto more accessible. Among them is the mobile banking app Hi, with which it will launch the first customisable debit card featuring personal NFTs.
Mastercard has added 7 startups to its crypto accelerator aimed at making crypto more accessible: pic.twitter.com/zd7hkcu0CD
Mastercard’s competitor has also dedicated its energies to cryptocurrency projects in recent years. Since 2020, Visa has been collaborating with various exchanges to offer users the ability to pay in Bitcoin and other cryptos via Visa-enabled debit cards.
Gucci
Dream of buying luxury clothing with your satoshis? At Gucci’s US stores, since August 2022, it’s possible to pay in various cryptos. Specifically, they accept Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, ApeCoin (the Bored Apes Yacht Club token), and five stablecoins.
Microsoft
Microsoft, which has accepted Bitcoin payments since 2014, is among the early adopters of blockchain technology. The cryptocurrency can be used for Microsoft services like Skype or Xbox Live.
Tesla
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, was among the first entrepreneurs to show interest in Bitcoin. For a while, it was possible to buy electric cars using crypto. Then he changed his mind, temporarily halting Bitcoin payments until mining operations are completely powered by renewable sources.
Despite this, buying some Tesla accessories in Dogecoin (DOGE) is still possible.
Amazon
Although paying directly with crypto on the world’s largest e-commerce platform is currently impossible, Amazon is seeking blockchain experts to join its team. Will we see this new feature soon? We can still shop with crypto through various debit cards or convert our cryptocurrencies into Amazon vouchers through third-party sites. Handy, isn’t it?
PayPal
The payment giant introduced the ability to buy, sell, and hold some cryptocurrencies directly from its app in 2021. However, the feature remained exclusive to US users. In December 2022, there was a breakthrough: the announcement of a partnership between PayPal and Metamask. Thanks to this collaboration, it will be possible to log into your dedicated PayPal area with your Metamask wallet and buy crypto directly from your PayPal account in one step.
Twitch
Twitch, the world’s most used streaming platform, also accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for donations and subscriptions. You can support your favourite creators monthly through subscriptions or subs, paying with various cryptos, from Bitcoin to Ethereum, Dogecoin to Litecoin.
McDonald’s
You can buy your Crispy McBacon with Bitcoin and the stablecoin Tether (USDT) at McDonald’s in Lugano. These payments are part of the “Plan B” initiative, which involved the capital of the Ticino canton in October 2022. This project aims to increase the adoption of cryptocurrency in the Swiss city. Payments at McDonald’s in Lugano are processed on Bitcoin’s Layer-2 blockchain, the Lightning Network.
Starbucks
We close the list of 10 companies that allow Bitcoin payments as we would end a meal – with a good coffee, paid strictly in crypto. At American Starbuckscafes, you can buy espressos and frappuccinos in cryptocurrencies directly from the app, thanks to the partnership with Bakkt.
Stores where you can pay with Bitcoin
The companies on this list are not the only ones accepting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as payment methods, but they are probably the best known globally. Year after year, many other businesses of various sizes and operating in the most diverse sectors have adopted crypto.
Among these are physical stores located in crypto-friendly countries. Some practical examples? Certain Burger King stores in Venezuela, the US teams Miami Dolphins and Dallas Mavericks, and Coca-Cola vending machines in Australia and New Zealand.
Artificial intelligence is also conquering the Web3. What is crypto AI, and what innovations will it introduce?
The fusion of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence is now much more than a trend, primarily since the launch of Chat GPT and other similar services, i.e. since its potential was understood. Less than two years later, many of us use these types of services daily, even if there is a feeling that the current scenario is only the tip of the iceberg.
AI and cryptocurrencies will most likely become increasingly part of our lives. But can these two technologies work together, and, more importantly, why should they?
Artificial intelligence has been the keytechnology of the past two years, and cryptocurrencies and blockchain achieved supremacy, at least in part, during the bull run 2021. The big difference in adoption between these two technologies concerns the user experience, as the currently available examples of AI models are easier to use than blockchain protocols and decentralised applications. However, huge strides have been made in this regard in recent years.
However, the two key technologies of this decade can collaborate, and the crypto AI protocols that have emerged in recent months offer valuable support for this thesis. The convergence of blockchain and artificial intelligence became mainstream when ChatGPT was released. OpenAI’s chatbot was designed to interact with users like in a normal chat conversation with which everyone is familiar. On the other hand, the final consecration came in recent months after the staggering performance of Nvidia’s stock, which was, albeit briefly, the world’s largest company.
Since then, many crypto AI projects have sprung up, while existing ones have attracted attention. Moreover, some key protocols have intercepted and exploited the situation by reorganising and modifying their vision in a manner consistent with the needs of this new market segment. For instance, Filecoin has ridden the hype wave on artificial intelligence by offering itself as a storage service provider for emerging AI companies. Or Near, which is harnessing its large roster of developers to create decentralised, self-modifying AI based on user behaviour.
In short, these technologies can coexist; indeed, it is likely that they will. According to Alexander Good, author and respected Key Opinion Leader (KOL), the capitalisation of crypto AI could reach $2 trillion in the next few years, while Grayscale, the world’s largest crypto investment fund, has just launched its exclusive financial product for this sub-sector.
Decentralised AI models: what problems do they solve?
We can start with a technical assumption to answer the question posed in the subtitle, but don’t worry, nothing too complex. Blockchain and AI models feed off the same power source: computing power. In the same way that miners use powerful machines made up of video cards (GPUs) connected in series, the same computing power is used to train artificial intelligence models to make them increasingly accurate and thus useful. In this sense, crypto AI projects such as Render (RNDR) or Bittensor (TAO) deal with tokenising computing power that can then be exchanged and used by network users. Thanks to this possibility, AI models can become more accessible and decentralised. The immense power of artificial intelligence is, today, concentrated in the hands of large and prosperous companies that own the supercomputers needed to ‘run’ them.
The decentralisation discourse also applies to data indexing, i.e., the process of organising and returning data to users that ‘Chat GPT-style’ chatbots and search engines constantly perform. For instance, a protocol such as The Graph takes on-chain data and organises it, making it readable to users, all decentralised. It also uses Semiotic AI to automate searches within its data containers.
Let us now take a look at the main three objectives of the crypto AI segment and the projects related to them:
Building decentralised artificial intelligence services and facilitating user access: In this respect, the main project to watch out for is the Bittensor (TAO) mentioned above, a centralised machine learning platform with more than 90,000 users. Through Bittensor, particularly its sub-networks, it is possible to generate texts, translations, and images that are very precise regarding the prompts you enter. In short, it is a fully decentralised GPT Chat with an internal economy that rewards users who secure it and those who use it.
Solving the main problems encountered by AI platforms, such as the authenticity of information and deep fakes (fictitious videos or photos in which the image of a public figure appears). In this sense, crypto AI projects can exploit the key features of blockchain technology, particularly its decentralised nature, transparency, and immutability, to protect users from these threats.
Managing the infrastructure networks and resources required for technology development, particularly storage and GPU computing power. In this sense, the projects that stand out are Filecoin (FIL) and Render (RNDR). As already mentioned, the former allows users to store data through a centralised peer-to-peer cloud-based architecture. This is a perfect solution for emerging artificial intelligence companies.
Render, on the other hand, thanks to its decentralised marketplace for graphics rendering, allows anyone who wants to access the service, whether designers or artificial intelligence models, to do so without having to buy expensive equipment.
Crypto AI: our thematic Moneybox
Now that you know all the main applications of crypto AI and the problems they solve, you just have to discover our new ‘Artificial Intelligence’ Moneybox. We, like Grayscale, intend to enable our clients to gain exposure to this promising sector.
Our Crypto AI cocktail consists of three delicious ingredients: Render (RNDR), The Graph (GRT) and Near (NEAR).
Young Platform’s crypto Moneybox is a separate wallet from the one you normally use to store your cryptocurrencies. It is used to set aside your favourite cryptocurrencies for the long term, avoiding spending them on everyday or frequent transactions. Of course, you also have the option to ‘put your own spin on it’ by creating a Customised Moneybox and choosing up to five cryptos to include and the percentage to distribute on each.
If you want to learn about this functionality, you can consult the guide about Moneyboxes functionality.
Biden has officially withdrawn from the US presidential election race. What happens now? What impact has the news had on the market?
This week started with a very important piece of news: Joe Biden, the current president of the United States, has announced that he will not runin the nextUS elections. According to him, he will “focus on finishing the current term as best he can.”
The diplomatic tones of the announcement are not enough to hide the truth. Joe Biden is retiring because of bad public appearances in recent years and strong pressure from the Democratic Party, which considers him no longer up to the electoral battle due to health problems. Read more in the article.
Biden resigns: Kamala Harris in his place?
“Biden launches Kamala Harris” headlined the New York Times after the news, also given the post on X (formerly Twitter) immediately following the withdrawal letter in which the president announced his full support for his deputy. The announcement came during the day yesterday, shortly after two o’clock in the afternoon, in American time (East Coast time).
It must be specified, however, that Biden did not resign as President of the United States, an action that would have made life much easier for Harris. Had it gone this way, the transition of the leading Dem in the US elections would have been much easier. The main problem with this is that Biden won the primaries and, therefore, there are delegates associated with his name who should have confirmed his nomination as the nominee at the Democratic convention in Chicago. As he did, Biden can only suggest, not dictate, that these vote for Kamala Harris. The fear of an ‘open’ convention, i.e., multiple candidates vying for the vote not of the voters but of the delegates indicated by the primaries in the past months, has been at the centre of much political analysis in recent weeks.
Predictably, after Biden’s announcement, the candidates’ odds of winning also changed. Before the announcement, the poll by Polymarket, the most popular decentralised prediction app, gave Trump a 71% win and Biden a 16% win. However, Donald Trump’s odds of winning have dropped to 64%, and Kamala Harris’s are at 30%.
A short while ago, we witnessed the opening of the US stock market, which performed very well in the first few minutes of trading after Biden’s departure. The NASDAQ 100, the index that tracks the performance of the hundred most capitalised technology companies, recorded +1.56%, and the S&P 500, +1%. However, the impact of Biden’s withdrawal onBitcoinwas visible from the minutes immediately following the announcement. BTC returned above $68,000, if only for a few hours.
What will happen in the crypto world if Trump wins the November election? In recent months, the entrepreneur and former president has been increasingly pro-crypto. After several pro-BTC statements, the most important news concerns his presence at Bitcoin 2024, the world’s largest conference dedicated to the crypto world scheduled for 22-25 July in Nashville.
However, there is more; a Trump re-election could also cause an injection of liquidity in the ‘traditional’ markets, especially the stock market. His first term was already characterised by expansionary economic policies aimed at stimulating the economy, which could be applied again, given the recent slowdown in inflation. Will his very likely victory in the November 2024 elections signal the start of the most explosive bull run ever?
Let’s summarise the Q2 2024 YNG token report. What happened in this news-packed quarter? What are the following steps to be taken?
What happened in the last quarter? What were all the targets achieved in Q2 2024? How many tokens were issued, bought and sold, and what are the next steps? A complete overview in this report, compiled in July 2024.
The numbers of Young Platform Clubs in Q1 2024
YNG is Young Platform’s utility token, which grants access to Clubs the subscription plans that offer exclusive benefits dedicated to our biggest supporters.
The clubs currently consist of 1,699 people, divided into:
1256 for the Bronze Club
195 for the Silver Club
123 for the Gold Club
125 for the Platinum Club
To join a Club, a certain amount of YNG must be blocked on the Young Platform exchange. Therefore, the number of registered members is essential for analysing the distribution of the token, especially since the more people join a Club, the lower the selling pressure on YNG will be. The main consequence? A more stable price of YNG.
If we compare these figures with those of the past, Q2 2024 was flat from the point of view of Young Platform Club adoption. At the end of Q1 2024, there were 1,687 members, divided into:
1238 for the Bronze Club
199 for the Silver Club
122 for the Gold Club
128 for the Platinum Club
As a result, club membership has remained virtually the same, with a weak growth rate of around 0.7%. However, given the market performance of the past months, we can be quite optimistic for the near future. Despite the general bearish movement, which, as anticipated, also affected YNG, the number of members in the Clubs has, albeit slightly, grown.
Distribution of the YNG token
The number of YNG in circulation in April was about 23.5 million. The circulating supply in July was about 23.6 million, meaning a net increase of about 78,449 tokens or 0.33%.
These tokens were distributed via the Young Platform Step app in different ways:
19,473 through the completion of Quizzes, Challenges and Up&Down (before the implementation of the levels).
58,975 through the completion of the Levels.
The YNG token market is managed via an algorithm defining the exchange rate through two underlying liquidity pools, EUR and YNG. At launch in May 2022, these pools contained:
1 million
4 million YNG
Considering the sales and purchases of tokens handled in recent months, as of July 2024, the pools contain:
669,000 Euro
6.32 million YNG
This configuration is the result of purchases and sales during the third quarter, summarised below together with the price trend:
YNG’s emissions in 2023
What happened during the second quarter of 2024 from the point of view of tokenomics? How the token is issued changed last year after the 3.0 Step update. Now that a bit of history is available let us see how the introduction of XPs aimed at limiting YNG inflation has affected it.
As can be seen from the graph, thanks to the latest Step update, we were able to severely limit thedistribution of YNG. The issuance of new tokens was reduced by 95%, and a reduction in active users also caused this effect.
The price of YNG
In terms of price action, the second quarter of 2024 was in line with the crypto market’s performance.
The YNG token in the first quarter of 2024, also thanks to the launch of the new Smart Trades feature, rose from the €0.10 level to the €0.13 level. In the following months, however, thanks to the retracement of most cryptocurrencies on the market, it returned to support in the €0.10 area. However, from the beginning of July onwards, it seems to have regained some strength.
The main catalyst that could bring YNG back to the vicinity of the resistance that rejected it during April is the launch of the decentralised market, scheduled for the coming months. The following paragraphs provide all the details on this issue.
Targets achieved in the second quarter of 2024
During Q2 2024, we mainly focused on taxation, mainly because the deadline for declaring cryptocurrencies was 30 June 2024. In addition, we carried out all the necessary activities to comply with the European crypto regulation, Market in Crypto Assets (MiCA), which partially came into force at the end of June. This report is an excellent excuse to summarise the work done over the last three months. Let’s look in detail first at all the steps taken in 2024 to increase the attractiveness of our YNG token.
The Fees and Reports Functionality
The central topic of Q2 2024 was the crypto declaration. Compared to previous years, mainly due to the Agenzia delle Entrate, circular 30E and the Italian Legge di Bilancio for 2023, the obligation to declare one’s crypto was explicitly highlighted. Mainly due to two issues, as the documents mentioned above state:
Meet regulatory requirements for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Determine the taxes due based on the potential income generated.
How did we enable our users to comply with the latest regulations as easily and intuitively as possible? Above all, how have we tried to make ourYNGtokenmorecentral, also regarding this issue?
The flagship feature, revamped from 2023, is the Tax Report. This time, however, it has been placed within a larger section, which we have decided to call ‘Taxes and Reports‘, built to become the only medicine needed against the declaration ‘headache’, and consists of these services:
The Young Platform Tax Report was updated for the 2024 declaration – valid for the income declaration in Italy.
The Tax Report Integrated with Okipo (exchange, wallet and third blockchain) – valid for the declaration of income in Italy.
The Young Platform Transaction Report
Stamp duty
The consultancy service with our accountants – valid service for the declaration of income in Italy.
To ensure the best possible experience for members of the Young Platform Clubs, populated by our most loyal supporters, we applied graduated discounts for each service in the ‘Fees & Reports’ section.
The following discounts have been applied to the Tax Report, consisting of a practical PDF with a clear and simple outline of all the cryptos you own and the data you need to fill in your tax return, including the facsimiles of Form RW and Form RT, compared to the starting price of €29
Club Bronze: 10%.
Club Silver: 20%.
Club Gold: 40%.
Platinum Club: 80%.
The same percentages were also applied to Okipo’s Integrated Report. This document is designed for Young Platform users who also use other exchanges, own NFTs, have cryptocurrencies on DeFi platforms or simply store their crypto-assets on wallets outside of Young Platform:
Club Bronze: €54 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Club Silver: €49 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Club Gold: €44 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Platinum Club: €39 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Listing of the Young Token (YNG)
Some of the most interesting news, as far as the last quarter is concerned, concerns our YNG token. In contrast to what we wrote in the previous report, where we assumed that we would start trading on decentralised exchanges by the end of the third quarter of 2024, the set-up has changed slightly.
First of all, we have decided to place this activity within the evolution process of our products, the main points of which you will find at the end of this Report. In addition, we intend to include, before the opening of the Liquidity Pools, two sales phases (one private and one public). There are three main reasons for this decision:
strengthen YNG’s liquidity;
increase the budget to support the project (to be allocated mainly to development and marketing in order to achieve the ambitious internal goals we have set ourselves);
maximize interest around the event: in this way, we expect to be able to reach a wider audience of crypto users who are active in the decentralised market but are not yet familiar with our ecosystem.
In any case, the work that will allow us to expand into the decentralised market has officially begun, after the company’s management approved the operational plan. This foresees YNG landing on the decentralised exchange (DEX) by the end of 2024.
In addition, we have started to dialogue with several decentralised blockchain protocols, specifically some Layer 2s of Ethereum. This activity has several objectives. First of all, it aims to identify the ecosystem that best matches our principlesand values since we want to open the pools on at least one other blockchain besides Ethereum, where the deployment of YNG took place. We also need to define, together with the stakeholders, the incentive programme for those who will use our token.
In the first few days after the ‘green light’, we worked on the necessary documentation to tackle the next steps, which we will present to the Platinum Channel members of our Discord server in the coming weeks. If you are a club member but are not yet in the dedicated channel, join and check your mail. You should have received a form!
As already mentioned, work on the ‘token project’ is being carried out in a manner consistent with that on the corporate roadmap, as we intend to make YNG increasingly central within our ecosystem. As was already the case with the Smart Trades feature, in fact, each new feature will introduce new benefits for club members, incentivising users who are not members to join.
Discord Leaderboard
The first round of prizes for Discord users is on its way! These days, we are collecting all the necessary data to send out the prizes at the beginning of September.
If you are registered on Young Platform, you should have received a notice about it. For those who don’t know what it is, it is the Young Platform community’s common space where you can exchange opinions and thoughts about your journey in the crypto world.
OK, but what is the communication for? Within the server, there is a leaderboard in which members are ranked according to the XP (experience points) they have earned through their activity. In order to reward the most active members, however, we need to link their username to their Young Platform account. If you are not yet part of this exciting group, you have to join! After all, an adventure becomes much more exciting when shared.
Now ‘comes the good stuff’ and even some spoilers.
As anticipated, during the second quarter of 2024, we focused a lot on the fiscal and regulatory aspects of our industry, given the various deadlines that were looming. At the same time, however, we were also able to plan for the future, setting new and ambitious goals for the coming ones. Check out the main ones.
Staking, we’re almost there!
At the end of June, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the body that regulates financial markets and instruments for the European Union, commented on this issue by publishing a Q&A on its official website. One of the questions in the document concerned staking, specifically whether or not MiCA prohibits such activity. ESMA’s answer was quite clear: MICA does not prohibit staking and does not assume that a licence is required to offer it, provided that those providing the service, the so-called crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), act in a manner compliant with the regulations and are liable to their clients for any loss of crypto-assets attributable to them.
For this reason, we immediately set to work on integrating this service along with the ever-present benefits for our Club members, due out by the end of Q3 2024.
As many of you may have noticed, we are gathering your feedback and opinions through a form and one-to-one interviews to decide our next big innovation. Your ideas are crucial in shaping our future.
We have something special in the works, a project that has been part of our plans for a long time. Recently, we decided to take it up again, thanks to new opportunities that allow us to think big.
Imagine a novelty that allows you to combine the best of traditional and digital worlds, a feature that does not merely offer a simple tool but aims to transform your daily experience into something revolutionary. We want to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and create something unique, not just an accessory but a valid extension of our ecosystem.
We aim to launch this novelty by the end of the first quarter 2025. We are working on various ideas to reward our Club members and further enhance the YNG token, perhaps with incentives to increase your engagement and rewards.
Young Platform updates the Smart Trades functionality to ensure a trading environment that is compliant with MiCA regulations.
The company has decided to modify the pairs in the Smart Trades functionality, migrating from the crypto-USDT pair to the crypto-USDC pair.
With this update, we aim to inform our users about the strategic decisions taken by Young Platform following the entry into force of European Regulation No. 2023/1114 of 31 May 2023 concerning Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA), effective from 30 June 2024.
These decisions reflect the need to comply with the Italian government’s recent approval of the Legislative Decree of 25 June 2024. This decree aims to align the national regulatory framework with the provisions of the MiCA Regulation and ensure coordination with existing regulations in Italy, particularly the Consolidated Banking Act (TUB) and the Consolidated Finance Act (TUF).
8 July 2024: new Smart Trades strategies with Crypto-USDC pair
Starting on 8 July 2024, Young Platform will implement a significant change in the Smart Trades strategies offered to users, utilising the crypto-USDC pair. Therefore, from 8 July to 15 July, adding new funds to strategies already active or created during this timeframe will not be possible.
This strategic decision is to comply with the MiCA Regulation, which promotes security and transparency in the cryptocurrency sector.
USDC’s adoption as the reference stablecoin in the new Smart Trades strategies is motivated by its growing adoption and complete adherence to the regulatory requirements of the MiCA Regulation. USDC is widely recognised for its stability and regulatory compliance, making it an ideal choice for users seeking safety and reliability in their trading operations.
Young Platform has always placed great emphasis on compliance and protecting the interests of its users. This new implementation represents a further step forward in ensuring a secure, transparent, and compliant trading environment. Our platform continues to evolve to meet the needs of a constantly changing market, offering innovative and regulatory-compliant solutions.
15 July 2024: conversion of USDT to USDC in active Smart Trades
Starting from 15 July 2024, Young Platform will convert all USDT to USDC in Smart Trades strategies activated before 8 July 2024 for free. The user will not incur any fees for this conversion.
This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance with regulations and providing an efficient and advantageous service for users. The free conversion eliminates additional costs for the user, facilitating the transition to a compliant and consolidated stablecoin like USDC.
USDT, PAX Gold, and DAI will not be delisted
Young Platform does not plan to delist USDT, PAX Gold, and DAI until further notice. We are actively collaborating with the foundations of these stablecoins to support their compliance with the MiCA Regulation. By the end of July, we will provide updates on the availability of these currencies on our platform.
Moreover, we will closely monitor any regulatory updates or communications from the stablecoin issuers and promptly inform users of relevant news.
Conclusion
Young Platform remains firmly committed to ensuring a safe, compliant, and advantageous trading environment for all users. The new Smart Trades strategies with the crypto-USDC pair and the free conversion of USDT to USDC are concrete steps towards regulatory compliance and protecting users’ interests. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this transition phase.
You can now purchase zkSync on Young Platform Pro! Everything you need to know zkSync is now available on Young Platform Pro and is ready to buy, hold, and sell.
We resume our listings with ZK, one of Ethereum’s most promising Layer 2 solutions and one of the most advanced projects in scalability.
zkSync: everything you need to know
zkSync is an Ethereum Layer 2 solution that enables users to execute transactions more quickly and cheaply. The Matter Labs team founded it in 2020, aiming to enhance scalability through Zero-Knowledge Rollup technology.
zk-rollups group transactions are executed on the network in batches and sent to the main blockchain in a compressed format. This maintains Ethereum’s security and decentralisation while reducing transaction costs. This technology was developed to solve major issues with the Ethereum network, which can often become slow and expensive when congested.
In just a few months since the launch of the leading network, zkSync Era, it has attracted many users and a significant amount of Total Value Locked (TVL). ZK, zkSync’s cryptocurrency, is the network’s governance token, allowing holders to participate in essential decisions for the protocol’s future.
zkSync was launched via an airdrop in June 2024, distributing 3.7 billion tokens to users who had used the protocol in the preceding months. From its launch, the zkSync network has hosted some of the most promising and popular decentralised applications (dapps) like Uniswap and Curve Finance, along with native DeFi platforms like Sync Swap and Holdstation.
As previously mentioned, this Ethereum Layer 2 is one of the most promising in the crypto world. Over the past years, it has raised nearly $500 million through various funding rounds. Venture capital firms investing in the project include Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), DragonFly Capital, ConsenSys, and Alchemy, some of the most prominent funds in the sector.
How to Use zkSync on Young Platform?
Here are all the features available for zkSync (ZK) on Young Platform Pro:
Purchase and sale with USDT.
Network deposit and withdrawal.
What are you waiting for? Access the Young Platform app or web version to purchase the cryptocurrency of this Ethereum Layer 2.
Attention! All CEX withdrawals for Zk Sync (ZK) are disabled until 12 p.m. UTC tomorrow, June 18, 2024.
Bitcoin halving: here’s the history and dates to keep in mind. When did they occur, and what happened to Bitcoin issues?
There have been three halvings of Bitcoin in history so far, and the dates of each have always been closely monitored. This mechanism, internal to the system, regulates the gradual decrease in rewards given to miners who validate blocks. It reduces crypto in circulation and thus maintains scarcity, and it is one of the most anticipated moments for the entire crypto market.
In this article, we will look at the history of Bitcoin’s halving by specifying the dates on which these halvings occurred and try to understand their effect on the price. So far, during the halving market cycles, Bitcoin’s price growth has been more than exponential.
You will find a complete guide to the upcoming 2024 Bitcoin halving at the following link.
Halving of 2012
The first Bitcoin halving in history took place on 28 November 2012. This event marked a crucial turning point for the crypto world, as this mechanism was activated for the first time.
In the months that immediately followed, the price of BTC was not positively affected by the event. However, from the beginning of 2013 onwards, the value of the crypto began to rise steadily, reaching a high of over $1,100 in April. This figure, which seems derisory to this day, was impossible to predict at the time and was reached from the $8 level, thanks to a bullish movement of 12,000%.
Date: 28/11/2012
Block number: 210,000
Rewards per block: 25 BTC
Price: $12
Price one year later: $964
Halving of 2016
The second halving in Bitcoin’s history took place on 9 July 2016. Because of BTC’s incredible performance in the months following the first halving, many expected the price to rise, which indeed came in May of that year. A few days before, the rewards for miners halved. However, the value plummeted from $750 to $450. In the following months, digital gold literally exploded to the upside, its value orbiting around the $20,000 mark a year and a half later.
Date: 09/07/2016
Block number: 420,000
Rewards per block: 12.5 BTC
Price: $663
Price one year later: $2550
The halving of 2020
The pandemic’s start strongly influenced Bitcoin’s price action at the third halving in history (May 2020). After the disastrous performance in 2018, Bitcoin’s price returned strongly in early 2019. However, the arrival of Covid-19 also strongly influenced digital gold, which lost more than 60% of its value from January to April.
After touching the low point on 20 April 2020, it resumed strongly, using the following month’s halving as a ‘launching pad’. The bullish market cycle of the third halving in history culminated in the current ATH at $69,000.
Date: 11/05/2020
Block number: 630,000
Rewards per block: 6.25 BTC
Price: $8,740
Price one year later: $58,000
Want to prepare for the next halving coming? Consider accumulating some Satoshi through recurring buying. That way, you won’t suffer too much from market volatility.
Now that the halving of 2024 is behind us, one might wonder whether this event will make history in the crypto sector as it has in the past. It has to be said that Bitcoin and the entire cryptocurrency sector are very different from when its predecessors took place. By now, BTC has become a recognised asset even by institutional investors, especially after the approval of spot ETFs issued by large US funds.
Therefore, it can be useful to compare it with other assets to try and predict how it will behave. For instance, there are those who see BTC as the digital store of value par excellence and, therefore, believe that its price can grow tremendously. Today, the market capitalisation of gold (the most important physical store of value) is twelve times larger than that of BTC.
Some instead think that crypto will become the native currency of the Internet. According to the scenario, there is still a lot of room for expansion of this market; the adoption of Bitcoin is still very limited compared to that of the network.
In short, from a historical perspective, the halving of Bitcoin has always positively influenced prices. Of course, one cannot say that the bullish phases of the past were caused solely by these events, but they certainly contributed to a positive narrative.
Comprehensive guide to 2024 tax return services, including tax report preparation, accountant advice, and third-party exchange, wallet, and blockchain integration to regularise your position from 2016.
One of the leading causes of ‘headaches’ for cryptocurrency enthusiasts is tax returns. This is not because crypto enthusiasts want to behave non-compliantly with current regulations but precisely because of their complexity, which often needs to be clarified.
Moreover, experienced users who navigate this universe in depth are used to making a large number of transactions that then become very difficult to trace and reconstruct. Using different exchanges, DeFi platforms, Metamask or collecting NFTs complicates things further.
Last year, to remedy this problem, we launched the Tax Report, which was well received by our community. The aim was to ‘simplify life’ for our users and make declaring cryptocurrencies a breeze.
However, the Italian Budget Law 2023 and the Agenzia delle Entrate have changed the game for the 2024 tax declaration. The changes introduced concern many aspects, including revising the 730, Form RW and Form RT.
Therefore, we have created a new section on our platform dedicated to the tax declaration of cryptocurrencies. The initiative is aimed at Young Platform users and anyone wishing to use a comprehensive service to declare their cryptocurrencies without spending a fortune.
Let’s discover together all the services of the new Tax & Reports functionality:
the Young Platform Tax Report updated for the 2024 declaration
The Tax Report Integrated with Okipo (exchange, wallet and third blockchain)
the Young Platform Transaction Report
Stamp duty
the consultancy service with our accountants.
Finally, we will look at the discounts provided for our Clubs!
Keep these essential aspects in mind:
All reports include data from both exchanges, Base and Pro.
The “Tax & Reports” section is available from the Young Platform web (desktop) version. It will be integrated into the app in the coming weeks.
Those who have already purchased the Tax Report during the pre-sale can now download it!
Please note: the Tax Reports (both Young Platform report and Okipo) have been created to comply with Italian tax regulations. Therefore, purchasing the Tax Report still needs to be enabled for other countries. If you are a tax resident in Italy, access Young Platform by setting the language to Italian to purchase the Tax Report. If you cannot do so, please open a support ticket.
If you only use Young Platform – either Basic or Pro – this is the service for you. By purchasing this report, you can download a handy PDF with a clear and straightforward outline of everything you own in cryptocurrencies and the data you need to complete your tax return.
In addition, to help you with the compilation, you will see a facsimile of Form RW and Form RT attached. The former must be filled in for stamp duty, and the latter if you have generated gains in 2023 that exceed EUR 2,000. If, on the other hand, you have suffered any losses, you can recover them over the next four years by entering them in Form RT.
The main advantage of this report lies in the price. Let’s see why.
First of all, the Tax Report is retroactive. If you started buying cryptocurrencies on Young Platform in 2019, your PDF includes an overview of your portfolio for tax reporting from 2019 to the present. Unlike other exchanges or services, you pay a single report to regularise your tax position from the first year you invest in cryptocurrencies.
Secondly, the price is calculated on the number of transactions made. As a result, you get a fully customised pricing plan and only pay for your actual activity level. Suffice it to say that the basic plan costs €9.99.
This policy responds to an elementary desire: to allow all our users to comply with their tax obligations and take advantage of this market with peace of mind without affecting their budget.
This integration was made for Young Platform users who use other exchanges, own NFTs, have cryptocurrencies in DeFi platforms, or simply store their crypto assets in wallets outside of Young Platform.
Due to its flexibility, it is also ideal for those who do not use Young Platform as an exchange but are looking for a cost-competitive solution. For these, simply register and access the ‘Fees and Reports’ section.
Thanks to the cooperation between our company and Okipo, we can offer a unique retroactive report and a discounted pricing plan on their price list, which costs €229 per fiscal year. Young Platform users will be entitled to discounted prices as follows.
PLEASE NOTE: To obtain this benefit, you must use the Okipo service from the Young Platform ‘Tax and Reports’ section.
For Young Platform users who are not members of a Club, the Okipo Report has a total cost of €59 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Club Bronze: €54 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Club Silver: €49 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Club Gold: €44 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Platinum Club: €39 (instead of €229 per fiscal year).
Thanks to this collaboration, you will also have access to these benefits:
Full annual coverage*: unlike other services that require payment for each fiscal year, our price includes coverage of all transactions made since you started using cryptocurrencies.
Priority support: as a Young Platform user, you are entitled to priority customer service.
*If the number of transactions exceeds 10,000 per year, it will be necessary to request the addition of a further 10,000 transactions for each year in which the limit was exceeded.
How does it work?
Okipo allows you to integrate all wallets, exchanges and blockchains to import all transactions from 2016 to date.
Through a highly intuitive system, users can connect their crypto wallets and exchanges via CSV files, with detailed guides available to facilitate each type of connection.
At this point, Okipo imports all transactions automatically, eliminating the need for manual entries and significantly reducing the time spent on tax management. Upon completing the import, users can easily download all necessary tax documentation from 2016 to date, already compiled and ready to be submitted to the tax authorities.
If you are not a Young Platform user and need more information, you can fill out this form to be contacted by our team, who will help you find the best solution.
The Young Platform Transaction Report records every movement and order made on the platform. This document, which is always available for download in the Fees & Reports section, acts as an accurate statement of account, providing a detailed overview of activity on the exchange. It allows you to track, export and archive your entire transaction history, including deposits, withdrawals and buy, sell and exchange order details. Although it does not directly provide the data required for tax returns, the report is an excellent complementary tool for documenting your activities. It offers a clear and organised view that facilitates the reconstruction and detailed analysis of all transactions.
Italian legislation introduced several new features, one of which is the 0.2% tax, also known as ‘Stamp Duty’. This tax is linked to completing the RW Form.
Many Young Platform users have the advantage of already paying for it. The exchange automatically calculates and pays tax on what you own on the Base and Pro exchanges. Simply go to the ‘Tax and Reports’ section to check your balance. If you must pay all or part of the tax, simply deposit Euro in your account by bank transfer or card.
It is essential to download the payment receipt and attach it to your tax declaration. You can download it from the section free of charge. Please note that other exchanges have introduced this policy to simplify user tax compliance. Therefore, if you use several exchanges, check that they still need to pay the tax for you. In this case, download the payment receipt and attach it to your declaration.
Club members enjoy fixed discounts when purchasing the Young Platform Tax Report. Here is an overview of the discounts:
Club Bronze: 10%.
Club Silver: 20%.
Club Gold: 40%.
Club Platinum: 80%.
Discounts are applied in the purchase phase for the report integrated with Okipo and are visible on the partner interface. On the screen, a banner indicates the activation of the discount relative to the Club membership.
Club Bronze: €54
Club Silver: €49
Club Gold: €44
Platinum Club: €39
We want to draw attention to the fact that these discounts are only applied to the purchase of reports rather than to consulting with accountants.
Consulting with accountants experienced in cryptocurrencies
Many people may have a challenging situation or, more simply, feel more secure if an accountant familiar with crypto regulations is in charge of them. You can request an appointment through the dedicated banner. Please note that our accountants’ network has its own pricing plan, which they will inform you about according to your situation. Again, the price will be set according to your specific situation so that you pay in full for what you really need.
