For the whole encrypted money market, 2018 is undoubtedly a very difficult year. After the market reached its peak, the SEC repeatedly delayed ETF's decision, and a large number of project parties panicked to sell ETF... In the second half of 2018, it was almost negatively brushed. With the global economic downturn, Bitcoin ushered in its first 10-year birthday. Apart from Bitcoin, what other hot spots are worth noticing in 2019? These five hot spots may become an important factor affecting the market this year!
I. Bakkt and Bitcoin Futures
Physical delivery, through the contract function, can truly protect the security of Bitcoin spot storage; it will promote the popularity of Bitcoin as a payment method, which is conducive to the global circulation of Bitcoin; and promote the entry of institutional investors by providing safe and regulated custody services. Thus, Bakkt and its Bitcoin futures are paving the way for many institutions to enter the market, which will have a huge impact on the market and promote the maturity of the encrypted money market.
II. Lightning Network
According to the statistics of monitoring website 1ML.com, the number of accessible nodes in lightning network has reached 5019, up 16.83% from last week, while the number of trading channels has reached 17205, up 36.9% from last week. As a real-time, low-cost, scalable sub-chain system for bitcoin trading, lightning network is growing at an "alarming rate". At present, it still has the defect of "centralization" which is criticized by the outside world. However, the number of lightning network channels will continue to grow in 2019, and there will be more application scenarios of micro-payment.
3. Stabilized Currency
Overall, there are more than 50 stable currencies circulating in the market, and the most widely accepted and least volatile stable currencies are basically born in large companies with backgrounds, backed by relevant government audit institutions. For the existing stable currencies, most of them are still facing industry challenges, especially in transparent auditing, industry endorsement and other aspects, there are congenital technical barriers. In 2018, the stable currency began to rise. By 2019, the stable currency will experience elimination and integration. A new round of shuffling will be carried out. The stakeholders will be growing and the issuer's ability to solve technical problems will be enhanced. Therefore, the stable currency will still be able to survive and develop considerably.
IV. Regulatory system and norms
How to regulate encrypted currencies has always been a global problem. In 2018, different countries'attitudes can also be seen in the news. In response, the G20 has proposed a FATF standard, an international body to address global financial crime, with the aim of improving transparency in the regulation of digital money. The first set of rules on tightening monetary regulation will be issued in 2019. Undoubtedly, once FATF standards are issued, they will inevitably affect the global market pattern in 2019. Investors'rights and interests are guaranteed, and regulation will become an example to follow. This is also an extremely important step towards the maturity of encrypted currency.
Five, STO
STO can basically be linked and anchored to any form of investment and assets, including stocks or commodities. Now more than 20,000 STO issuers are queuing up to issue their own securitization certificates, which will create a trillion-scale market. Therefore, STO may replace 1CO in 2019, even if not completely, but the replacement ratio will be considerable.
It is often said that "last year's regrets will become the bedding of this year's surprises." In fact, there are still many hot spots to pay attention to in 2019. In addition to the above five points, there are ETF, DApp, anonymous currency and so on, which may become the key to turning the situation around.