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Summary: Everyone knows that when you give your assets to someone else, they always keep them safe. If this is true for individuals, it is certainly true for businesses.
Custodians always tell the truth and manage funds properly. They won't have any interest in taking the assets as an exchange operator would. Auditors tell the truth and can't be misled. That's because organizations that are regulated are incapable of lying and don't make mistakes.
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First, some background. Here is a summary of how custodians make us more secure:
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Previously, we might give Alice our crypto assets to hold. There were risks:

• Alice might take the assets and disappear.
• Alice might spend the assets and pretend that she still has them (fractional model).
• Alice might store the assets insecurely and they'll get stolen.
• Alice might give the assets to someone else by mistake or by force.
• Alice might lose access to the assets.

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But "no worries", Alice has a custodian named Bob. Bob is dressed in a nice suit. He knows some politicians. And he drives a Porsche. "So you have nothing to worry about!". And look at all the benefits we get:

• Alice can't take the assets and disappear (unless she asks Bob or never gives them to Bob).
• Alice can't spend the assets and pretend that she still has them. (Unless she didn't give them to Bob or asks him for them.)
• Alice can't store the assets insecurely so they get stolen. (After all - she doesn't have any control over the withdrawal process from any of Bob's systems, right?)
• Alice can't give the assets to someone else by mistake or by force. (Bob will stop her, right Bob?)
• Alice can't lose access to the funds. (She'll always be present, sane, and remember all secrets, right?)

See - all problems are solved! All we have to worry about now is:

• Bob might take the assets and disappear.
• Bob might spend the assets and pretend that he still has them (fractional model).
• Bob might store the assets insecurely and they'll get stolen.
• Bob might give the assets to someone else by mistake or by force.
• Bob might lose access to the assets.

It's pretty simple. Before we had to trust Alice. Now we only have to trust Alice, Bob, and all the ways in which they communicate. Just think of how much more secure we are!
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"On top of that", Bob assures us, "we're using a special wallet structure". Bob shows Alice a diagram. "We've broken the balance up and store it in lots of smaller wallets. That way", he assures her, "a thief can't take it all at once". And he points to a historic case where a large sum was taken "because it was stored in a single wallet... how stupid".
"Very early on, we used to have all the crypto in one wallet", he said, "and then one Christmas a hacker came and took it all. We call him the Grinch. Now we individually wrap each crypto and stick it under a binary search tree. The Grinch has never been back since."
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"As well", Bob continues, "even if someone were to get in, we've got insurance. It covers all thefts and even coercion, collusion, and misplaced keys - only subject to the policy terms and conditions." And with that, he pulls out a phone-book sized contract and slams it on the desk with a thud. "Yep", he continues, "we're paying top dollar for one of the best policies in the country!"
"Can I read it?' Alice asks. "Sure," Bob says, "just as soon as our legal team is done with it. They're almost through the first chapter." He pauses, then continues. "And can you believe that sales guy Mike? He has the same year Porsche as me. I mean, what are the odds?"
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"Do you use multi-sig?", Alice asks. "Absolutely!" Bob replies. "All our engineers are fully trained in multi-sig. Whenever we want to set up a new wallet, we generate 2 separate keys in an air-gapped process and store them in this proprietary system here. Look, it even requires the biometric signature from one of our team members to initiate any withdrawal." He demonstrates by pressing his thumb into the display. "We use a third-party cloud validation API to match the thumbprint and authorize each withdrawal. The keys are also backed up daily to an off-site third-party."
"Wow that's really impressive," Alice says, "but what if we need access for a withdrawal outside of office hours?" "Well that's no issue", Bob says, "just send us an email, call, or text message and we always have someone on staff to help out. Just another part of our strong commitment to all our customers!"
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"What about Proof of Reserve?", Alice asks. "Of course", Bob replies, "though rather than publish any blockchain addresses or signed transaction, for privacy we just do a SHA256 refactoring of the inverse hash modulus for each UTXO nonce and combine the smart contract coefficient consensus in our hyperledger lightning node. But it's really simple to use." He pushes a button and a large green checkmark appears on a screen. "See - the algorithm ran through and reserves are proven."
"Wow", Alice says, "you really know your stuff! And that is easy to use! What about fiat balances?" "Yeah, we have an auditor too", Bob replies, "Been using him for a long time so we have quite a strong relationship going! We have special books we give him every year and he's very efficient! Checks the fiat, crypto, and everything all at once!"
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"We used to have a nice offline multi-sig setup we've been using without issue for the past 5 years, but I think we'll move all our funds over to your facility," Alice says. "Awesome", Bob replies, "Thanks so much! This is perfect timing too - my Porsche got a dent on it this morning. We have the paperwork right over here." "Great!", Alice replies.
And with that, Alice gets out her pen and Bob gets the contract. "Don't worry", he says, "you can take your crypto-assets back anytime you like - just subject to our cancellation policy. Our annual management fees are also super low and we don't adjust them often".
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How many holes have to exist for your funds to get stolen?
Just one.
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Why are we taking a powerful offline multi-sig setup, widely used globally in hundreds of different/lacking regulatory environments with 0 breaches to date, and circumventing it by a demonstrably weak third party layer? And paying a great expense to do so?
If you go through the list of breaches in the past 2 years to highly credible organizations, you go through the list of major corporate frauds (only the ones we know about), you go through the list of all the times platforms have lost funds, you go through the list of times and ways that people have lost their crypto from identity theft, hot wallet exploits, extortion, etc... and then you go through this custodian with a fine-tooth comb and truly believe they have value to add far beyond what you could, sticking your funds in a wallet (or set of wallets) they control exclusively is the absolute worst possible way to take advantage of that security.
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The best way to add security for crypto-assets is to make a stronger multi-sig. With one custodian, what you are doing is giving them your cryptocurrency and hoping they're honest, competent, and flawlessly secure. It's no different than storing it on a really secure exchange. Maybe the insurance will cover you. Didn't work for Bitpay in 2015. Didn't work for Yapizon in 2017. Insurance has never paid a claim in the entire history of cryptocurrency. But maybe you'll get lucky. Maybe your exact scenario will buck the trend and be what they're willing to cover. After the large deductible and hopefully without a long and expensive court battle.
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And you want to advertise this increase in risk, the lapse of judgement, an accident waiting to happen, as though it's some kind of benefit to customers ("Free institutional-grade storage for your digital assets.")? And then some people are writing to the OSC that custodians should be mandatory for all funds on every exchange platform? That this somehow will make Canadians as a whole more secure or better protected compared with standard air-gapped multi-sig? On what planet?
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Most of the problems in Canada stemmed from one thing - a lack of transparency. If Canadians had known what a joke Quadriga was - it wouldn't have grown to lose $400m from hard-working Canadians from coast to coast to coast. And Gerald Cotten would be in jail, not wherever he is now (at best, rotting peacefully). EZ-BTC and mister Dave Smilie would have been a tiny little scam to his friends, not a multi-million dollar fraud. Einstein would have got their act together or been shut down BEFORE losing millions and millions more in people's funds generously donated to criminals. MapleChange wouldn't have even been a thing. And maybe we'd know a little more about CoinTradeNewNote - like how much was lost in there. Almost all of the major losses with cryptocurrency exchanges involve deception with unbacked funds.
So it's great to see transparency reports from BitBuy and ShakePay where someone independently verified the backing. The only thing we don't have is:

• ANY CERTAINTY BALANCES WEREN'T EXCLUDED. Quadriga's largest account was $70m. 80% of funds are in 20% of accounts (Pareto principle). All it takes is excluding a few really large accounts - and nobody's the wiser. A fractional platform can easily pass any audit this way.
• ANY VISIBILITY WHATSOEVER INTO THE CUSTODIANS. BitBuy put out their report before moving all the funds to their custodian and ShakePay apparently can't even tell us who the custodian is. That's pretty important considering that basically all of the funds are now stored there.
• ANY IDEA ABOUT THE OTHER EXCHANGES. In order for this to be effective, it has to be the norm. It needs to be "unusual" not to know. If obscurity is the norm, then it's super easy for people like Gerald Cotten and Dave Smilie to blend right in.

It's not complicated to validate cryptocurrency assets. They need to exist, they need to be spendable, and they need to cover the total balances. There are plenty of credible people and firms across the country that have the capacity to reasonably perform this validation. Having more frequent checks by different, independent, parties who publish transparent reports is far more valuable than an annual check by a single "more credible/official" party who does the exact same basic checks and may or may not publish anything. Here's an example set of requirements that could be mandated:

• First report within 1 month of launching, another within 3 months, and further reports at minimum every 6 months thereafter.
• No auditor can be repeated within a 12 month period.
• All reports must be public, identifying the auditor and the full methodology used.
• All auditors must be independent of the firm being audited with no conflict of interest.
• Reports must include the percentage of each asset backed, and how it's backed.
• The auditor publishes a hash list, which lists a hash of each customer's information and balances that were included. Hash is one-way encryption so privacy is fully preserved. Every customer can use this to have 100% confidence they were included.
• If we want more extensive requirements on audits, these should scale upward based on the total assets at risk on the platform, and whether the platform has loaned their assets out.

There are ways to structure audits such that neither crypto assets nor customer information are ever put at risk, and both can still be properly validated and publicly verifiable. There are also ways to structure audits such that they are completely reasonable for small platforms and don't inhibit innovation in any way. By making the process as reasonable as possible, we can completely eliminate any reason/excuse that an honest platform would have for not being audited. That is arguable far more important than any incremental improvement we might get from mandating "the best of the best" accountants. Right now we have nothing mandated and tons of Canadians using offshore exchanges with no oversight whatsoever.
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Transparency does not prove crypto assets are safe. CoinTradeNewNote, Flexcoin ($600k), and Canadian Bitcoins ($100k) are examples where crypto-assets were breached from platforms in Canada. All of them were online wallets and used no multi-sig as far as any records show. This is consistent with what we see globally - air-gapped multi-sig wallets have an impeccable record, while other schemes tend to suffer breach after breach. We don't actually know how much CoinTrader lost because there was no visibility. Rather than publishing details of what happened, the co-founder of CoinTrader silently moved on to found another platform - the "most trusted way to buy and sell crypto" - a site that has no information whatsoever (that I could find) on the storage practices and a FAQ advising that “[t]rading cryptocurrency is completely safe” and that having your own wallet is “entirely up to you! You can certainly keep cryptocurrency, or fiat, or both, on the app.” Doesn't sound like much was learned here, which is really sad to see.
It's not that complicated or unreasonable to set up a proper hardware wallet. Multi-sig can be learned in a single course. Something the equivalent complexity of a driver's license test could prevent all the cold storage exploits we've seen to date - even globally. Platform operators have a key advantage in detecting and preventing fraud - they know their customers far better than any custodian ever would. The best job that custodians can do is to find high integrity individuals and train them to form even better wallet signatories. Rather than mandating that all platforms expose themselves to arbitrary third party risks, regulations should center around ensuring that all signatories are background-checked, properly trained, and using proper procedures. We also need to make sure that signatories are empowered with rights and responsibilities to reject and report fraud. They need to know that they can safely challenge and delay a transaction - even if it turns out they made a mistake. We need to have an environment where mistakes are brought to the surface and dealt with. Not one where firms and people feel the need to hide what happened. In addition to a knowledge-based test, an auditor can privately interview each signatory to make sure they're not in coercive situations, and we should make sure they can freely and anonymously report any issues without threat of retaliation.
A proper multi-sig has each signature held by a separate person and is governed by policies and mutual decisions instead of a hierarchy. It includes at least one redundant signature. For best results, 3of4, 3of5, 3of6, 4of5, 4of6, 4of7, 5of6, or 5of7.
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History has demonstrated over and over again the risk of hot wallets even to highly credible organizations. Nonetheless, many platforms have hot wallets for convenience. While such losses are generally compensated by platforms without issue (for example Poloniex, Bitstamp, Bitfinex, Gatecoin, Coincheck, Bithumb, Zaif, CoinBene, Binance, Bitrue, Bitpoint, Upbit, VinDAX, and now KuCoin), the public tends to focus more on cases that didn't end well. Regardless of what systems are employed, there is always some level of risk. For that reason, most members of the public would prefer to see third party insurance.
Rather than trying to convince third party profit-seekers to provide comprehensive insurance and then relying on an expensive and slow legal system to enforce against whatever legal loopholes they manage to find each and every time something goes wrong, insurance could be run through multiple exchange operators and regulators, with the shared interest of having a reputable industry, keeping costs down, and taking care of Canadians. For example, a 4 of 7 multi-sig insurance fund held between 5 independent exchange operators and 2 regulatory bodies. All Canadian exchanges could pay premiums at a set rate based on their needed coverage, with a higher price paid for hot wallet coverage (anything not an air-gapped multi-sig cold wallet). Such a model would be much cheaper to manage, offer better coverage, and be much more reliable to payout when needed. The kind of coverage you could have under this model is unheard of. You could even create something like the CDIC to protect Canadians who get their trading accounts hacked if they can sufficiently prove the loss is legitimate. In cases of fraud, gross negligence, or insolvency, the fund can be used to pay affected users directly (utilizing the last transparent balance report in the worst case), something which private insurance would never touch. While it's recommended to have official policies for coverage, a model where members vote would fully cover edge cases. (Could be similar to the Supreme Court where justices vote based on case law.)
Such a model could fully protect all Canadians across all platforms. You can have a fiat coverage governed by legal agreements, and crypto-asset coverage governed by both multi-sig and legal agreements. It could be practical, affordable, and inclusive.
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Now, we are at a crossroads. We can happily give up our freedom, our innovation, and our money. We can pay hefty expenses to auditors, lawyers, and regulators year after year (and make no mistake - this cost will grow to many millions or even billions as the industry grows - and it will be borne by all Canadians on every platform because platforms are not going to eat up these costs at a loss). We can make it nearly impossible for any new platform to enter the marketplace, forcing Canadians to use the same stagnant platforms year after year. We can centralize and consolidate the entire industry into 2 or 3 big players and have everyone else fail (possibly to heavy losses of users of those platforms). And when a flawed security model doesn't work and gets breached, we can make it even more complicated with even more people in suits making big money doing the job that blockchain was supposed to do in the first place. We can build a system which is so intertwined and dependent on big government, traditional finance, and central bankers that it's future depends entirely on that of the fiat system, of fractional banking, and of government bail-outs. If we choose this path, as history has shown us over and over again, we can not go back, save for revolution. Our children and grandchildren will still be paying the consequences of what we decided today.
Or, we can find solutions that work. We can maintain an open and innovative environment while making the adjustments we need to make to fully protect Canadian investors and cryptocurrency users, giving easy and affordable access to cryptocurrency for all Canadians on the platform of their choice, and creating an environment in which entrepreneurs and problem solvers can bring those solutions forward easily. None of the above precludes innovation in any way, or adds any unreasonable cost - and these three policies would demonstrably eliminate or resolve all 109 historic cases as studied here - that's every single case researched so far going back to 2011. It includes every loss that was studied so far not just in Canada but globally as well.
Unfortunately, finding answers is the least challenging part. Far more challenging is to get platform operators and regulators to agree on anything. My last post got no response whatsoever, and while the OSC has told me they're happy for industry feedback, I believe my opinion alone is fairly meaningless. This takes the whole community working together to solve. So please let me know your thoughts. Please take the time to upvote and share this with people. Please - let's get this solved and not leave it up to other people to do.
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Facts/background/sources (skip if you like):

• The inspiration for the paragraph about splitting wallets was an actual quote from a Canadian company providing custodial services in response to the OSC consultation paper: "We believe that it will be in the in best interests of investors to prohibit pooled crypto assets or ‘floats’. Most Platforms pool assets, citing reasons of practicality and expense. The recent hack of the world’s largest Platform – Binance – demonstrates the vulnerability of participants’ assets when such concessions are made. In this instance, the Platform’s entire hot wallet of Bitcoins, worth over $40 million, was stolen, facilitated in part by the pooling of client crypto assets." "the maintenance of participants (and Platform) crypto assets across multiple wallets distributes the related risk and responsibility of security - reducing the amount of insurance coverage required and making insurance coverage more readily obtainable". For the record, their reply also said nothing whatsoever about multi-sig or offline storage.
• In addition to the fact that the $40m hack represented only one "hot wallet" of Binance, and they actually had the vast majority of assets in other wallets (including mostly cold wallets), multiple real cases have clearly demonstrated that risk is still present with multiple wallets. Bitfinex, VinDAX, Bithumb, Altsbit, BitPoint, Cryptopia, and just recently KuCoin all had multiple wallets breached all at the same time, and may represent a significantly larger impact on customers than the Binance breach which was fully covered by Binance. To represent that simply having multiple separate wallets under the same security scheme is a comprehensive way to reduce risk is just not true.
• Private insurance has historically never covered a single loss in the cryptocurrency space (at least, not one that I was able to find), and there are notable cases where massive losses were not covered by insurance. Bitpay in 2015 and Yapizon in 2017 both had insurance policies that didn't pay out during the breach, even after a lengthly court process. The same insurance that ShakePay is presently using (and announced to much fanfare) was describe by their CEO himself as covering “physical theft of the media where the private keys are held,” which is something that has never historically happened. As was said with regard to the same policy in 2018 - “I don’t find it surprising that Lloyd’s is in this space,” said Johnson, adding that to his mind the challenge for everybody is figuring out how to structure these policies so that they are actually protective. “You can create an insurance policy that protects no one – you know there are so many caveats to the policy that it’s not super protective.”
• The most profitable policy for a private insurance company is one with the most expensive premiums that they never have to pay a claim on. They have no inherent incentive to take care of people who lost funds. It's "cheaper" to take the reputational hit and fight the claim in court. The more money at stake, the more the insurance provider is incentivized to avoid payout. They're not going to insure the assets unless they have reasonable certainty to make a profit by doing so, and they're not going to pay out a massive sum unless it's legally forced. Private insurance is always structured to be maximally profitable to the insurance provider.
• The circumvention of multi-sig was a key factor in the massive Bitfinex hack of over $60m of bitcoin, which today still sits being slowly used and is worth over $3b. While Bitfinex used a qualified custodian Bitgo, which was and still is active and one of the industry leaders of custodians, and they set up 2 of 3 multi-sig wallets, the entire system was routed through Bitfinex, such that Bitfinex customers could initiate the withdrawals in a "hot" fashion. This feature was also a hit with the hacker. The multi-sig was fully circumvented.
• Bitpay in 2015 was another example of a breach that stole 5,000 bitcoins. This happened not through the exploit of any system in Bitpay, but because the CEO of a company they worked with got their computer hacked and the hackers were able to request multiple bitcoin purchases, which Bitpay honoured because they came from the customer's computer legitimately. Impersonation is a very common tactic used by fraudsters, and methods get more extreme all the time.
• A notable case in Canada was the Canadian Bitcoins exploit. Funds were stored on a server in a Rogers Data Center, and the attendee was successfully convinced to reboot the server "in safe mode" with a simple phone call, thus bypassing the extensive security and enabling the theft.
• Over $200m has been stolen impersonating users of cryptocurrency platforms by one group alone. Here's a list of 10 social engineering attacks against corporate companies. Here's an even larger case. While verification methods are improving, so are methods of identity theft and social engineering. We now have sim swapping and deep fake videos to contend with. Hackers have massive database sets of personal information they can utilize. As the sums at stake increase, so to will the level of effort criminals are willing to undertake. Obscurity for an insecure system will only postpone an attack until the "jackpot" is large enough.
• The very nature of custodians circumvents multi-sig. This is because custodians are not just having to secure the assets against some sort of physical breach but against any form of social engineering, modification of orders, fraudulent withdrawal attempts, etc... If the security practices of signatories in a multi-sig arrangement are such that the breach risk of one signatory is 1 in 100, the requirement of 3 independent signatures makes the risk of theft 1 in 1,000,000. Since hackers tend to exploit the weakest link, a comparable custodian has to make the entry and exit points of their platform 10,000 times more secure than one of those signatories to provide equivalent protection. And if the signatories beef up their security by only 10x, the risk is now 1 in 1,000,000,000. The custodian has to be 1,000,000 times more secure. The larger and more complex a system is, the more potential vulnerabilities exist in it, and the fewer people can understand how the system works when performing upgrades. Even if a system is completely secure today, one has to also consider how that system might evolve over time or work with different members.
• By contrast, offline multi-signature solutions have an extremely solid record, and in the entire history of cryptocurrency exchange incidents which I've studied (listed here), there has only been one incident (796 exchange in 2015) involving an offline multi-signature wallet. It happened because the customer's bitcoin address was modified by hackers, and the amount that was stolen ($230k) was immediately covered by the exchange operators. Basically, the platform operators were tricked into sending a legitimate withdrawal request to the wrong address because hackers exploited their platform to change that address. Such an issue would not be prevented in any way by the use of a custodian, as that custodian has no oversight whatsoever to the exchange platform. It's practical for all exchange operators to test large withdrawal transactions as a general policy, regardless of what model is used, and general best practice is to diagnose and fix such an exploit as soon as it occurs.
• False promises on the backing of funds played a huge role in the downfall of Quadriga, and it's been exposed over and over again (MyCoin, PlusToken, Bitsane, Bitmarket, EZBTC, IDAX). Even today, customers have extremely limited certainty on whether their funds in exchanges are actually being backed or how they're being backed. While this issue is not unique to cryptocurrency exchanges, the complexity of the technology and the lack of any regulation or standards makes problems more widespread, and there is no "central bank" to come to the rescue as in the 2008 financial crisis or during the great depression when "9,000 banks failed".
• In addition to fraudulent operations, the industry is full of cases where operators have suffered breaches and not reported them. Most recently, Einstein was the largest case in Canada, where ongoing breaches and fraud were perpetrated against the platform for multiple years and nobody found out until the platform collapsed completely. While fraud and breaches suck to deal with, they suck even more when not dealt with. Lack of visibility played a role in the largest downfalls of Mt. Gox, Cryptsy, and Bitgrail. In some cases, platforms are alleged to have suffered a hack and keep operating without admitting it at all, such as CoinBene.
• It surprises some to learn that a cryptographic solution has already existed since 2013, and gained widespread support in 2014 after Mt. Gox. Proof of Reserves is a full cryptographic proof that allows any customer using an exchange to have complete certainty that their crypto-assets are fully backed by the platform in real-time. This is accomplished by proving that assets exist on the blockchain, are spendable, and fully cover customer deposits. It does not prove safety of assets or backing of fiat assets.
  • If we didn't care about privacy at all, a platform could publish their wallet addresses, sign a partial transaction, and put the full list of customer information and balances out publicly. Customers can each check that they are on the list, that the balances are accurate, that the total adds up, and that it's backed and spendable on the blockchain. Platforms who exclude any customer take a risk because that customer can easily check and see they were excluded. So together with all customers checking, this forms a full proof of backing of all crypto assets.
  • However, obviously customers care about their private information being published. Therefore, a hash of the information can be provided instead. Hash is one-way encryption. The hash allows the customer to validate inclusion (by hashing their own known information), while anyone looking at the list of hashes cannot determine the private information of any other user. All other parts of the scheme remain fully intact. A model like this is in use on the exchange CoinFloor in the UK.
  • A Merkle tree can provide even greater privacy. Instead of a list of balances, the balances are arranged into a binary tree. A customer starts from their node, and works their way to the top of the tree. For example, they know they have 5 BTC, they plus 1 other customer hold 7 BTC, they plus 2-3 other customers hold 17 BTC, etc... until they reach the root where all the BTC are represented. Thus, there is no way to find the balances of other individual customers aside from one unidentified customer in this case.
• Proposals such as this had the backing of leaders in the community including Nic Carter, Greg Maxwell, and Zak Wilcox. Substantial and significant effort started back in 2013, with massive popularity in 2014. But what became of that effort? Very little. Exchange operators continue to refuse to give visibility. Despite the fact this information can often be obtained through trivial blockchain analysis, no Canadian platform has ever provided any wallet addresses publicly. As described by the CEO of Newton "For us to implement some kind of realtime Proof of Reserves solution, which I'm not opposed to, it would have to ... Preserve our users' privacy, as well as our own. Some kind of zero-knowledge proof". Kraken describes here in more detail why they haven't implemented such a scheme. According to professor Eli Ben-Sasson, when he spoke with exchanges, none were interested in implementing Proof of Reserves.
• And yet, Kraken's places their reasoning on a page called "Proof of Reserves". More recently, both BitBuy and ShakePay have released reports titled "Proof of Reserves and Security Audit". Both reports contain disclaimers against being audits. Both reports trust the customer list provided by the platform, leaving the open possibility that multiple large accounts could have been excluded from the process. Proof of Reserves is a blockchain validation where customers see the wallets on the blockchain. The report from Kraken is 5 years old, but they leave it described as though it was just done a few weeks ago. And look at what they expect customers to do for validation. When firms represent something being "Proof of Reserve" when it's not, this is like a farmer growing fruit with pesticides and selling it in a farmers market as organic produce - except that these are people's hard-earned life savings at risk here. Platforms are misrepresenting the level of visibility in place and deceiving the public by their misuse of this term. They haven't proven anything.
• Fraud isn't a problem that is unique to cryptocurrency. Fraud happens all the time. Enron, WorldCom, Nortel, Bear Stearns, Wells Fargo, Moser Baer, Wirecard, Bre-X, and Nicola are just some of the cases where frauds became large enough to become a big deal (and there are so many countless others). These all happened on 100% reversible assets despite regulations being in place. In many of these cases, the problems happened due to the over-complexity of the financial instruments. For example, Enron had "complex financial statements [which] were confusing to shareholders and analysts", creating "off-balance-sheet vehicles, complex financing structures, and deals so bewildering that few people could understand them". In cryptocurrency, we are often combining complex financial products with complex technologies and verification processes. We are naïve if we think problems like this won't happen. It is awkward and uncomfortable for many people to admit that they don't know how something works. If we want "money of the people" to work, the solutions have to be simple enough that "the people" can understand them, not so confusing that financial professionals and technology experts struggle to use or understand them.
• For those who question the extent to which an organization can fool their way into a security consultancy role, HB Gary should be a great example to look at. Prior to trying to out anonymous, HB Gary was being actively hired by multiple US government agencies and others in the private sector (with glowing testimonials). The published articles and hosted professional security conferences. One should also look at this list of data breaches from the past 2 years. Many of them are large corporations, government entities, and technology companies. These are the ones we know about. Undoubtedly, there are many more that we do not know about. If HB Gary hadn't been "outted" by anonymous, would we have known they were insecure? If the same breach had happened outside of the public spotlight, would it even have been reported? Or would HB Gary have just deleted the Twitter posts, brought their site back up, done a couple patches, and kept on operating as though nothing had happened?
• In the case of Quadriga, the facts are clear. Despite past experience with platforms such as MapleChange in Canada and others around the world, no guidance or even the most basic of a framework was put in place by regulators. By not clarifying any sort of legal framework, regulators enabled a situation where a platform could be run by former criminal Mike Dhanini/Omar Patryn, and where funds could be held fully unchecked by one person. At the same time, the lack of regulation deterred legitimate entities from running competing platforms and Quadriga was granted a money services business license for multiple years of operation, which gave the firm the appearance of legitimacy. Regulators did little to protect Canadians despite Quadriga failing to file taxes from 2016 onward. The entire administrative team had resigned and this was public knowledge. Many people had suspicions of what was going on, including Ryan Mueller, who forwarded complaints to the authorities. These were ignored, giving Gerald Cotten the opportunity to escape without justice.
• There are multiple issues with the SOC II model including the prohibitive cost (you have to find a third party accounting firm and the prices are not even listed publicly on any sites), the requirement of operating for a year (impossible for new platforms), and lack of any public visibility (SOC II are private reports that aren't shared outside the people in suits).
• Securities frameworks are expensive. Sarbanes-Oxley is estimated to cost $5.1 million USD/yr for the average Fortune 500 company in the United States. Since "Fortune 500" represents the top 500 companies, that means well over $2.55 billion USD (~$3.4 billion CAD) is going to people in suits. Isn't the problem of trust and verification the exact problem that the blockchain is supposed to solve?
• To use Quadriga as justification for why custodians or SOC II or other advanced schemes are needed for platforms is rather silly, when any framework or visibility at all, or even the most basic of storage policies, would have prevented the whole thing. It's just an embarrassment.
• We are now seeing regulators take strong action. CoinSquare in Canada with multi-million dollar fines. BitMex from the US, criminal charges and arrests. OkEx, with full disregard of withdrawals and no communication. Who's next?
• We have a unique window today where we can solve these problems, and not permanently destroy innovation with unreasonable expectations, but we need to act quickly. This is a unique historic time that will never come again.

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Thoughts?

AMA with trade.io’s CEO (Part 3)

Posted by Xalat on July 13, 2018
Tokens Listing
Q: Which coins will be listed on the exchange initially?
A: Initially it will be the basic, big coins, but then we will roll out a ton after, especially ERC20. Have a bunch of listings and ICO clients that will come out quickly as well. So at start:
BTC — Bitcoin BCH — Bitcoin Cash ETH- Ethereum LTC — Litecoin TIO — TradeToken
USDT — May be available right at launch or at the very least within 2–3 days following launch.
ERC20 — we are looking at rolling out maybe 200 as soon as possible, but priority is on listing clients and ICO clients.
EOS and XRP soon.
Q: When will the exchange support FIAT?
A: Soon, there is no regulatory issue, just want to scale into features.
Q: Will we have any kind of voting system for new coin listings? Can you tell us anything about your plans on how new listings will be done? Would TIO owners have any privileges over others?
A: We are not looking to limit coins by any means, just need a controlled process to roll them out.
Regulations and Jurisdictions
Q: Can you speak on the progress with regards to regulations in the various jurisdictions? Which jurisdictions is trade.io currently focusing on, or which is top priority at the moment?
A: Working on HK, Singapore, Switzerland, Malta right now as the bigger ones. Smaller ones as well. We are meeting with regulators in the US as well.
Q: Are u also considering India?
A: India is unclear as to regulations right now.
Q: Will trade.io move to comply with the SEC and other regulatory bodies worldwide as they ask for information on customer protections, etc?
A: Already started, meetings already happening. We will do what we can to eliminate insider trading, wash trading, bots, fake volumes, all the bad things that hurt customers and plague other exchanges.
Roadmap
Q: When is the new Road-map being published?
A: After exchange and LP launches.
LP
Q: When will the LP fully launch? After 30 days of exchange? And the profit of the LP will count from the 1st day of exchange launch?
A: There is only a full version of LP, there is no beta version of LP. Profit starts immediately, LP will launch after 30 days i.e. profits start from next week at launch of the exchange. ICO consultancy revenues will be included regardless when exchange launches.
Q: Will there be something which tells the day’s profit with detail for transparency before LP launch?
A: There will be a LP distribution amount widget, but not promising that before LP launch.
Q: How much can we expect from LP daily payouts in the first month? Nothing at all? Something more than current airdrops program? Or much more than current airdrops?
A: The exchange needs to ramp and generate volume, then the LP will have meaningful distributions.
Q: There were some thoughts that the running costs would eat up the revenues that was already generated from consultancy arm that would left very few to be distributed. Could you tell us this is not the case? And in general, costs to be subtracted from LP is only direct costs that affects it, could you confirm that as well?
A: You mean operations? No that is covered from our 50%.
TIO Token
Q: After the exchange has been launched, how is the price movement of TIO expected to react? Do you not have any estimation for it?
A: Impossible to know, however, we are actively exploring moving TIO to exclusively be traded on trade.io exchange and de-list from other exchanges, for more control over price manipulation.
Q: What’s the solution in the future to avoid something like Bitforex?
A: They picked us up on their own. It is impossible to prevent a supposed decentralized exchange from listing TIO
Q: What measures will be taken to boost the trading volume of TIO token after launch of exchange. With the LP, the volume might be very low as it is today?
A: If you look at the token economics of TIO, it is designed to be more like a Berkshire Hathaway than a high volume penny stock. The goal is to drive value, not volume. The more value we create, and with low float, this will be good for price.
Q: Will TIO be trade-able with other commodities listed under FX Primus ?
A: Most likely not, as its a crypto asset so it will be traded against other cryptos.
trade.io Exchange
Q: What is the ETA for decentralized exchange?
A: There is no ETA at this time, we’re fully focused on making sure we have a flawless centralized exchange and execute on the liquidity pool.
Q: Will trade.io offer margin trading?
A: We will. Working with risk management to get it structured.
Q: What about futures and options?
A: Talking to some vendors specifically about this as possible partners.
Q: Will trade.io have algo trading?
A: Talking to a partner on that currently as well
Q: Why limit the launch to just 1000 initially?
A: The limitation to 1000 is not really for technology reasons, its more to allow customer support to get feet under them before we pummel them. It’s 1000 on Day 1, looking to open up to many thousands, within only a few days following launch. There is no level of training that can prepare support/finance, etc. once live users come through the door. This is not our first rodeo with running brokerages, so we understand its a completely different ballgame once the bright lights are on.
Q: What about Blossom wallet?
A: That wallet is under development, which makes it easier to participate in ICOs, have KYC, etc.
Q: Are MEW or other wallets going to be integrated in such a way as to make it possible to be able to participate in the LP without having them on the exchange? If this is actually possible that is. Will Private Keys be made available to the holders of the wallets in trade.io?
A: Not sure on security on that. May be part of hybrid DEX solution. Also, transaction fees would be high, since every transaction would be recorded on BC, cant really use ledger. Not ideal overall.
Q: Will trade.io place their own buy and sell orders to maintain liquidity?
A: We will keep risk low initially, but over time us and outside (institutional) providers will be doing this.
Partnerships
Q: What are the plans with FX Primus?
A: The current initiative with FXP, is to accept TIO as a deposit method, then eventually allow TIO to be traded on the platform.
Q: Are there any updates on the Angel Investors Program? What roles do Kosmos, Plutus VC and Blockway Capital play in the Angels Investors Program?
A: We are sending them deals to look at where they know we already did KYC, took a first pass, etc. They are also bring us deals to look at as well.
Security
Q: Can u please tell us about the security measures taken for exchange. As these days many exchanges are being hacked even the so called best exchange i.e. Binance , Bancor etc.
A: We have in-house, outside team, Cloudflare, Fireeye, etc. To elaborate, virtually all client assets are kept in cold storage as well.
Q: Are there plans to provide insurance against hacking? If wallets get hacked is it guaranteed that owners will get all their tokens back? One suggestion is that part of the undistributed funds from the LP (due to tiers with percentages less than 100%) can be used to offer such insurance, If necessary…if not, could be retained by the company …Security is obviously of the utmost importance especially if trade.io is targeting institutional investors. This insurance would bring extra peace of mind.
A: We are looking for answers on that, so I like the suggestion. Nothing definitive yet. We will explore insurance and other things, but same answer for all of crypto, there is nothing like FDIC yet.
join trading revolution.
join trade.io sign up here: https://trade.io/l/lb1x

Tokens Listing
Q: Which coins will be listed on the exchange initially?
A: Initially it will be the basic, big coins, but then we will roll out a ton after, especially ERC20. Have a bunch of listings and ICO clients that will come out quickly as well. So at start:
BTC – Bitcoin BCH – Bitcoin Cash ETH- Ethereum LTC – Litecoin TIO – TradeToken
USDT – May be available right at launch or at the very least within 2-3 days following launch.
ERC20 – we are looking at rolling out maybe 200 as soon as possible, but priority is on listing clients and ICO clients.
EOS and XRP soon.
Q: When will the exchange support FIAT?
A: Soon, there is no regulatory issue, just want to scale into features.
Q: Will we have any kind of voting system for new coin listings? Can you tell us anything about your plans on how new listings will be done? Would TIO owners have any privileges over others?
A: We are not looking to limit coins by any means, just need a controlled process to roll them out.
Regulations and Jurisdictions
Q: Can you speak on the progress with regards to regulations in the various jurisdictions? Which jurisdictions is trade.io currently focusing on, or which is top priority at the moment?
A: Working on HK, Singapore, Switzerland, Malta right now as the bigger ones. Smaller ones as well. We are meeting with regulators in the US as well.
Q: Are u also considering India?
A: India is unclear as to regulations right now.
Q: Will trade.io move to comply with the SEC and other regulatory bodies worldwide as they ask for information on customer protections, etc?
A: Already started, meetings already happening. We will do what we can to eliminate insider trading, wash trading, bots, fake volumes, all the bad things that hurt customers and plague other exchanges.
Roadmap
Q: When is the new Road-map being published?
A: After exchange and LP launches.
LP
Q: When will the LP fully launch? After 30 days of exchange? And the profit of the LP will count from the 1st day of exchange launch?
A: There is only a full version of LP, there is no beta version of LP. Profit starts immediately, LP will launch after 30 days i.e. profits start from next week at launch of the exchange. ICO consultancy revenues will be included regardless when exchange launches.
Q: Will there be something which tells the day’s profit with detail for transparency before LP launch?
A: There will be a LP distribution amount widget, but not promising that before LP launch.
Q: How much can we expect from LP daily payouts in the first month? Nothing at all? Something more than current airdrops program? Or much more than current airdrops?
A: The exchange needs to ramp and generate volume, then the LP will have meaningful distributions.
Q: There were some thoughts that the running costs would eat up the revenues that was already generated from consultancy arm that would left very few to be distributed. Could you tell us this is not the case? And in general, costs to be subtracted from LP is only direct costs that affects it, could you confirm that as well?
A: You mean operations? No that is covered from our 50%.
TIO Token
Q: After the exchange has been launched, how is the price movement of TIO expected to react? Do you not have any estimation for it?
A: Impossible to know, however, we are actively exploring moving TIO to exclusively be traded on trade.io exchange and de-list from other exchanges, for more control over price manipulation.
Q: What’s the solution in the future to avoid something like Bitforex?
A: They picked us up on their own. It is impossible to prevent a supposed decentralized exchange from listing TIO
Q: What measures will be taken to boost the trading volume of TIO token after launch of exchange. With the LP, the volume might be very low as it is today?
A: If you look at the token economics of TIO, it is designed to be more like a Berkshire Hathaway than a high volume penny stock. The goal is to drive value, not volume. The more value we create, and with low float, this will be good for price.
Q: Will TIO be trade-able with other commodities listed under FX Primus ?
A: Most likely not, as its a crypto asset so it will be traded against other cryptos.
trade.io Exchange
Q: What is the ETA for decentralized exchange?
A: There is no ETA at this time, we’re fully focused on making sure we have a flawless centralized exchange and execute on the liquidity pool.
Q: Will trade.io offer margin trading?
A: We will. Working with risk management to get it structured.
Q: What about futures and options?
A: Talking to some vendors specifically about this as possible partners.
Q: Will trade.io have algo trading?
A: Talking to a partner on that currently as well
Q: Why limit the launch to just 1000 initially?
A: The limitation to 1000 is not really for technology reasons, its more to allow customer support to get feet under them before we pummel them. It’s 1000 on Day 1, looking to open up to many thousands, within only a few days following launch. There is no level of training that can prepare support/finance, etc. once live users come through the door. This is not our first rodeo with running brokerages, so we understand its a completely different ballgame once the bright lights are on.
Q: What about Blossom wallet?
A: That wallet is under development, which makes it easier to participate in ICOs, have KYC, etc.
Q: Are MEW or other wallets going to be integrated in such a way as to make it possible to be able to participate in the LP without having them on the exchange? If this is actually possible that is. Will Private Keys be made available to the holders of the wallets in trade.io?
A: Not sure on security on that. May be part of hybrid DEX solution. Also, transaction fees would be high, since every transaction would be recorded on BC, cant really use ledger. Not ideal overall.
Q: Will trade.io place their own buy and sell orders to maintain liquidity?
A: We will keep risk low initially, but over time us and outside (institutional) providers will be doing this.
Partnerships
Q: What are the plans with FX Primus?
A: The current initiative with FXP, is to accept TIO as a deposit method, then eventually allow TIO to be traded on the platform.
Q: Are there any updates on the Angel Investors Program? What roles do Kosmos, Plutus VC and Blockway Capital play in the Angels Investors Program?
A: We are sending them deals to look at where they know we already did KYC, took a first pass, etc. They are also bring us deals to look at as well.
Security
Q: Can u please tell us about the security measures taken for exchange. As these days many exchanges are being hacked even the so called best exchange i.e. Binance , Bancor etc.
A: We have in-house, outside team, Cloudflare, Fireeye, etc. To elaborate, virtually all client assets are kept in cold storage as well.
Q: Are there plans to provide insurance against hacking? If wallets get hacked is it guaranteed that owners will get all their tokens back? One suggestion is that part of the undistributed funds from the LP (due to tiers with percentages less than 100%) can be used to offer such insurance, If necessary…if not, could be retained by the company …Security is obviously of the utmost importance especially if trade.io is targeting institutional investors. This insurance would bring extra peace of mind.
A: We are looking for answers on that, so I like the suggestion. Nothing definitive yet. We will explore insurance and other things, but same answer for all of crypto, there is nothing like FDIC yet

For those of you who like to go through everything in their correct order to get context, here is the full AMA from beginning to end. Knock yourself out.

Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:01]
Hi everyone
Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin, [14.07.18 00:01]
[In reply to Henry]
The first 1000 will receive email either on 16 or 17, but before exchange actually launch.
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:01]
Jim in the house! ??
Crypto Bling, [14.07.18 00:01]
Hi jim
trade.io, [14.07.18 00:01]
Hello Jim!
Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin, [14.07.18 00:01]
[ GIF ]
TSas, [14.07.18 00:01]
Hello Jim
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:02]
Hello jim
Satish, [14.07.18 00:02]
Wassup man!
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:02]
Been busy getting ready for the launch and signing some more partnerships for us
Hiro S, [14.07.18 00:02]
Hi Jim
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:02]
Good morning / afternoon / evening / go to bed to all of you!
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:03]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
[ GIF ]
Le Tai, [14.07.18 00:03]
Hi Jim
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:03]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
yeah, thats exactly how I feel
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:04]
Nice to hear the new partnerships
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:05]
Hey
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:05]
Jim can u tell me which all coins will be listed intialy??
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:06]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
Initial will be the basic, big coins, but then will roll out a ton after, especially ERC20
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:06]
Have a bunch of listings and ICO clients that will come out quickly as well
trade.io, [14.07.18 00:06]
Hi Jim, here's a question and a suggestion from Phil(@PhilWall10):

1. When the calculator will be available for the lp pool?
   
2. I would like to see a 1% bonus for the first day that the exchange is Trading ,just for investors that held over 25,000 Tio's something like that would be nice.
   

Zeep, [14.07.18 00:06]
hi Jim
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:07]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
I am asking for those 10 basis ones
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:07]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
is there a particular one that you are driving towards?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:07]
Eos
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:07]
Xrp
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:08]
I can help out here, as the list came up a short time ago:
BTC - Bitcoin
BCH - Bitcoin Cash
ETH- Ethereum
LTC - Litecoin
TIO - TradeToken
USDT - May be available right at launch or at the very least within 2-3 days following launch
TSas, [14.07.18 00:08]
Jim, here's a question: What are the plans with FX Primus?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:08]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
Both those require testing, ERC20 will be sooner
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:08]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
K
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:09]
Jim, Can you speak any on the progress with regards to regulations in the various jurisdictions? Which jurisdictions is trade.io currently focusing on, or which is top priority at the moment?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:09]
Also can u please tell me approx figures u have earned out of ico consultantancy..? Just to have a idea about profit in ico
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:10]
Also what is your status for regulatory licences??
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:10]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Working on HK, Singapore, Switzerland, Malta right now as the bigger ones. Smaller ones as well. We are meeting with regulators in the US as well
HODL Droid, [14.07.18 00:10]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Same question + will TIO be tradeable with other comodities listed under FX Primus ?
Jimmy Choo, [14.07.18 00:10]
Hello, Jim.
My question is : After the exchange has been launched, how is the price movement of TIO in the future?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:10]
Are u also acuiring one for india??
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:10]
I want to ask when can we have the new Roadmap?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:11]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
@JimPreissler
Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin, [14.07.18 00:11]
Lets hold until Jim clears these questions.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:12]
[In reply to Jimmy Choo]
you tell me
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:12]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
:))
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:12]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
India is unclear as to regulations right now
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:12]
[In reply to Ro$€]
After exchange and LP launches
Le Tai, [14.07.18 00:13]
When exchange platform support fiat? Thank you
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:13]
[In reply to HODL Droid]
@biggiepaul will get back to you
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:14]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
@JimPreissler please answer this as well
Jimmy Choo, [14.07.18 00:14]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Do you not have any estimation for it?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:14]
[In reply to Le Tai]
soon, there is no regulatory issue, just want to scale into features
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:14]
[In reply to HODL Droid]
Most likely not, as its a crytpo asset so it will be traded against other cryptos.
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:15]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Can you clearer on that? Will we have connect with bank account, convert directly into fiat?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:15]
@JimPreissler what is the ETA for decentralised exchange??
Hai Nguyen, [14.07.18 00:15]
Hi Jim, could you tell me when LP will full launch? After 30 days of exchange? And the profit of LP will count from the 1st day of exchange launch?
Morbidus, [14.07.18 00:16]
Will Trade.io move to comply with the SEC and other regulatory bodies worldwide as they ask for information on customer protections, etc?
TSas, [14.07.18 00:16]
[In reply to TSas]
Answer pls Jim
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:16]
Guys, kindly hold off on the rapid fire q's, pls let Jim answer one at a time
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:16]
[In reply to Hai Nguyen]
profit starts immediately, LP will launch after 30 days
Hai Nguyen, [14.07.18 00:17]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Full launch or Beta launch?
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:17]
[In reply to Jimmy Choo]
Impossible to know, however, we are actively exploring moving TIO to exclusively to be traded on trade.io exchange and delist from other exchanges, for more control over price manipulation.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:17]
[In reply to Morbidus]
Already started, meetings already happening. We will do what we can to eliminate insider trading, wash trading, bots, fake volumes, all the bad things that hurt customers and plague other exchnges
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:18]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
There is no ETA at this time, we're fully focused on making sure we have a flawless centralized exchange and execute on the liquidity pool.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:18]
[In reply to Hai Nguyen]
there is no more beta, full launch is next week
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:18]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
????
Hai Nguyen, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
I mean the about the LP
Morbidus, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
great thanks
Crypto Bling, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Sweet????
Tommy Vu, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
??????
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Hai Nguyen]
profits start accumulating next week
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
Whats solution in the future to avoid sth like Bitforex?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:19]
@JimPreissler will Tio offer margin trading??
" Not giving away CS, CAS and TIO", [14.07.18 00:19]
When 1 tio
Zeep, [14.07.18 00:19]
how much coin exchange?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:19]
[In reply to Ro$€]
they picked us up on their own
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:20]
And What about futures and options (F&O)[email protected]
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:20]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
We will, working with risk mgmt to get it structured
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:20]
[In reply to Ro$€]
Impossible to prevent a supposed decentralized exchange from listing TIO
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:20]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
Talking to some vendors specifically about this as possible partners
Jimmy Choo, [14.07.18 00:20]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
Thank you, Jim.
Hope exchange is a hit. ??
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:21]
[In reply to Hai Nguyen]
LP not sooner than 1 month following exchange launch
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:21]
[In reply to Jimmy Choo]
It will be unlike anything anyone has seen yet.
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:21]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Maybe question is about the launch only being for 1000 people. Is LP being targeted launching 30 days after July 17th? or after it is fully available unlimited>
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:21]
@JimPreissler will Tio have algo trading??
Zeep, [14.07.18 00:21]
jim. how much coin exchange?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:22]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
the limitation to 1000 is not really for technology reasons, its more to allow customer support to get feet under them before we pummel them
Hiro S, [14.07.18 00:22]
Jim, I know this a tough one, but there is a lot of specuative thoughts around what LP will share when it starts, and I saw way too optimistic, in my view. Today, the expectation of nothing will be distributed on the first month and lots will be distributed that will make TIO moon are two events of equal probability, at least for me. Can give us a better directions that any of this outcome is not a 50/50 probability? Or being more direct, how much can we expect from LP daily payouts in the first month? Nothing at all? Something more than current airdrops program? Or much more than current airdrops? thank you.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:22]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
talking to a partner on that currently as well
Hai Nguyen, [14.07.18 00:22]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
I mean which version of LP will launch after 30 days of exchange full launch? Beta version LP or full version LP? I see the new road map on trade.io website, it has beta LP.
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:23]
[In reply to Hai Nguyen]
there is only a full version of LP, there is no beta version of LP
Zeep, [14.07.18 00:23]
jim. how much coin list on exchange?
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:23]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Fantastic
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:23]
@JimPreissler just a confirmation that u have wavied trading fee but we will get other income like spread in lp for 17 july to 17 aug (30 days after launch)??
Crypto Bling, [14.07.18 00:23]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Nice????
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:23]
[In reply to Hiro S]
The exchange needs to ramp and generate volume, then the LP will have meaningful distributions
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:24]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
not sooner or not later?
Hai Nguyen, [14.07.18 00:24]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
??, thank you.
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:24]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Note, that its 1K on Day 1, looking to open up to many thousands, within only a few days following launch
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:24]
[In reply to Zeep]
depends on volume and user base of the coin. send details to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
TSas, [14.07.18 00:24]
Jim, what are the plans with FX Primus?
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:25]
[In reply to TSas]
Hey Tsas, i can help with that one.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:25]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
correct, only trading fee waived initially
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:25]
[In reply to TSas]
The current initiative with FXP, is to accept TIO as a deposit method, then eventually allow TIO to be traded on the platform.
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:25]
Which users will have profit from LP in the first 2 months? Only the first 1000? Any new formula to calculate
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:26]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Thanks for confirmation
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:26]
[In reply to Grimlock]
Definitely not sooner, and might be later.
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:26]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
Thank you, now knowing that is is limited release based mainly to help support team, it is a lot clearer.. Gives assurance that team is confident on the technology side
TSas, [14.07.18 00:26]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
?? thanks
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:26]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
No worries though, as revenue generated will be calculated from Day 1 of the launch
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:27]
Obviously, the success of the LP is directly tied to success of exchange
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:27]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
and vice versa i suppose
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:27]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
People harder to scale then tech
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:27]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Correct, there is no level of training that can prepare support/finance, etc. once live users come through the door. This is not our first rodeo with running brokerages, so we understand its a completely different ballgame once the bright lights are on.
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:28]
@JimPreissler will there be something which tells the days profit with its details for transperancy before lp launch?
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:28]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
so, revenue generated to this point, through ICO consultancy, etc... is not included in LP? Only what is generated after exchange launch?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:28]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
They said eariler it will be included
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:28]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
As i remember, it is included
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:28]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
There will be a LP distribution amount widget, but not promising that before LP launch
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:29]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
I stand corrected, you're correct, ICO consultancy rev's will be included regardless when exchange launches.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:29]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
its included
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:29]
You guys ROCK!!
Crypto Bling, [14.07.18 00:29]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
+1
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:29]
????????????????????????????
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:29]
Which users will get it and how?
Tommy Vu, [14.07.18 00:30]
[In reply to Crypto Bling]
??
Jimmy Choo, [14.07.18 00:30]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
+10
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:30]
[In reply to Crypto Bling]
[ Photo ]
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:30]
Is there any hardware wallet also as a gift from selfkey partnership??
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:30]
Like airdrop
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:30]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
? not sure of Q
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:31]
My question pls Jim
Hai Nguyen, [14.07.18 00:31]
How is about Blossom wallet?
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:31]
[In reply to Ro$€]
..
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:32]
Can u please tell security measures taken for exchange... As these days many exchanges are being hacked even the so called best exchange i.e. binance , bancor etc
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:32]
[In reply to Hai Nguyen]
That wallet is under development, which makes it easier to participate in ICOs, have KYC, etc.
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:32]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
And on that note....
Are there plans to provide insurance against hacking? If wallets get hacked is it guaranteed that owners will get all their tokens back? One suggestion is that part of the undistributed funds from the LP (due to tiers with percentages less than 100%) can be used to offer such insurance, If unnecessary...if not, could be retained by the company …Security is obviously of the utmost importance especially if trade.io is targeting institutional investors. This insurance would bring extra peace of mind.
Johnson, [14.07.18 00:33]
Jim, what measures will be taken to boost the trading volume of TIO token after launch of exchange. With liquidity pool, I think the volume might be very low as it is today
DeviLpaL ~ trade.io Moderator, [14.07.18 00:33]
Hold on guys. Let jim answer Q one by one
Hiro S, [14.07.18 00:33]
There was some thoughts that running costs would eat up the revenues that was already generated from consultancy arm that would left very few to be distributed. COuld you tell us this is not the case? And in general, costs to be subracted from LP is only direct costs that affects it, could you confirm that as well? thank you.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:33]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
We have inhouse, outside team, cloudflare, fireeye, etc.
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:34]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
I think the undistributed profit (as for those having less than 100%) will add to profit of next day
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:34]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
the important question is still: in case of any hacking, are we guaranteed our tokens back?
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:34]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
To elaborate, virtually all client assets are kept in cold storage as well.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:34]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
We are lookng for ans on that, so I like the suggestion. Nothing definative yet
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:35]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
I believe any undistributed for the day would be retained daily
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:35]
[In reply to Grimlock]
Agree, noone can say i am unhackable
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:36]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Thank you
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 00:36]
[In reply to Ro$€]
There is no company in the universe that is "unhackable"
DeviLpaL ~ trade.io Moderator, [14.07.18 00:36]
Ro$€:
Which users will have profit from LP in the first 2 months? Only the first 1000? Any new formula to calculate
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:36]
[In reply to Johnson]
if you look at the token economics of TIO, it is deisgned to be more like a berkshire hathaway than a high volume penny stock. The goal is to drive value, not volume. The more value we create, and with low float, this will be good for price
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:37]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
At the end what to do with it ...it will keep on accumulating .... Better to distribute
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:37]
[In reply to Paul Johnson -trade.io]
We are not skimping in any areas or security, it is a high priority
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:38]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
I think jim should clarify on this
Ray Zhang, [14.07.18 00:38]
Any news about the license?
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:38]
[In reply to Grimlock]
I would like to ask what the solution if that ever happens. For sure, i dont want it :) but i want to know
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:38]
Do we have any security feature like bnt had to freeze [email protected]
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:39]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
what was the orig Q again :)
Hiro S, [14.07.18 00:39]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
I definitely like that. ;)
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:40]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
The question is that... What will happen to the undistributed profit due to people having less than 100% profit share in lp??
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:40]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
@Guitarplyr
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:40]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
concerning undistributed LP profits, they do not roll over, correct? Retained daily by the company?
Soroush, [14.07.18 00:41]
Talking about licenses, Jim, can you tell us which one is your top priority? US, Swiss, FX?
Hiro S, [14.07.18 00:41]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
I simpatize with this “insurance” would be also a nice promo tool on top of all top security measures and if security play its roles it will be an asset that company will have anyway.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:41]
[In reply to Ro$€]
We will xplore insurance and other things, but same ans for all of crypto, there is nothing like FDIC yet
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:41]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Or put into seperate fund, to provide insurance, buy back and burn programs, etc... :)
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:42]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
cover down days is the main use
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:42]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
those can all be considered
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:43]
[In reply to Soroush]
scroll up a bit
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:43]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
This will be nice i think first to set aside 10%profit for buy and burn Tio and to distribute 50-50 (i.e. 45% of total ) to mgt and lp
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:43]
@JimPreissler
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:43]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Its why I love this company, project, and vision so much
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:43]
[In reply to Soroush]
U r bit late buddy
Hiro S, [14.07.18 00:45]
[In reply to Hiro S]
@JimPreissler can u comment on this pls. I think if LP is able to share good profits on first days that would be good marketing and this may possible because of accumulated revenues.
samy101, [14.07.18 00:45]
This is promising and time to buy more Tio’s.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:45]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
too early to be planning or discussing buybacks at this point, most don't fully understand the long term ramifications of this anyway. Most crypto doing this haven't thought it all the way through, but that is discussion for another day
Den, [14.07.18 00:46]
Hello guys, hi Jim! Got a question about negative days for LP. I don't really understand how it can be, exchange should stop trading and other revenue streams should be off for that day?
Oliver, [14.07.18 00:46]
Are you guys familiar with Ian Balina? He was hinting to an exchange partnership in his last video. The company will sponsor his world tour and meetup. It is not binance so I was hoping it could be TIO haha
Oliver, [14.07.18 00:46]
*that's for Jim or BD
Johnson, [14.07.18 00:46]
Jim, regarding trading TIO on competitors exchange. Are there plan to get TIO de-listed from other centralized exchange? This is necessary to avoid price manipulation. Also, is it possible that these exchange refuse to de-list TIO when you request?
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:47]
[In reply to Johnson]
Thats answered, up buddy
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:47]
[In reply to Den]
There is risk making markets and providing liquidity
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:48]
[In reply to Johnson]
They could refuse
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:48]
[In reply to Oliver]
+1
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:49]
@JimPreissler is that exchange he is saying TIO
Hugo Cruz, [14.07.18 00:49]
What r the rewards for someone the buys TIO now before launch of exchange?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:49]
[In reply to Hugo Cruz]
Capital gains
Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin, [14.07.18 00:49]
[In reply to Hugo Cruz]
Capital appreciation.
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:49]
[In reply to Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin]
U are late
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:49]
Haha
Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin, [14.07.18 00:50]
I know..
Hugo Cruz, [14.07.18 00:50]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
Thats wut they said when bitcoin was 20k.
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:50]
[In reply to DeviLpaL ~ trade.io Moderator]
One more time Jim :) Q still
Scarlet ~ trade.io Admin, [14.07.18 00:51]
[In reply to Hugo Cruz]
30 cents vs 20k, c'mon man.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:51]
[In reply to Oliver]
I am going to find that Bitconnect guy! BITTTCOONNNEECTTT!
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:51]
[In reply to Johnson]
@JimPreissler please answer this
Oliver, [14.07.18 00:51]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
hahahaha
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:51]
[In reply to Ro$€]
We are only limiting to 1000 until customer service, and any other issues are under control
Leo Elias, [14.07.18 00:52]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
[ ?? Sticker ]
Dmitry K, [14.07.18 00:52]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
[ GIF ]
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:52]
Are MEW or other wallets going to be integrated in such a way as to make it possible to be able to participate in the LP without having them on the exchange? If this is actually possible that is. Will Private Keys be made available to the holders of the wallets in trade.io?
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:52]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
??????
Oliver, [14.07.18 00:52]
[ GIF ]
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:53]
[In reply to Johnson]
yes, we will try to pull down elsewhere. no guarantees they will do it though
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:53]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
It will make no sense for company. To share profit withour using assets
Ro$€, [14.07.18 00:53]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
That was cleared up, but how to distribute the LP profits from Ico, which custumers? Or we need the formular till LP launched?
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:54]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
Asking mainly for other community members who are looking for answers from managment
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:54]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Np
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:55]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
yeah, also not sure on security on that as well. May be part of hybrid DEX solution
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:56]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
And transaction fees would be high, since every transaction would be recorded on BC, cant really use ledger. Not ideal overall
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:56]
Couple more questions from community members...
Are there any updates on the Angel Investors Program?
What roles do Kosmos, Plutus VC and Blockway Capital play in the Angels Investors Program?
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:56]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Thank you for those answers
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:57]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
We are sending them deals to look at where they know we already did KYC, took a first pass, etc. They are also bring us deals to look at as well
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:58]
couple more minutes, then going to lunch!
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:58]
Will Tio place there own buy and sell orders toaintain liquidity??
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:58]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
one last question from me,
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:58]
are you confident that we are all going to the moon?
Grimlock, [14.07.18 00:59]
??
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 00:59]
[In reply to Grimlock]
??????
Satish, [14.07.18 00:59]
????????
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 00:59]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
@JimPreissler
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 00:59]
[In reply to Grimlock]
how much trading are you going to do :)
Hiro S, [14.07.18 01:00]
[In reply to Hiro S]
@JimPreissler can comment on that pls, thank you.
Soroush, [14.07.18 01:00]
Jim, will we have any kind of voting system for new coin listings?
Can you tell us anything about your plans on how new listings will be done? Would TIO owners have any privileges over others?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:00]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
We will keep risk low initially, but over time us and outside (insitutional) providers will be doing this
Grimlock, [14.07.18 01:00]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
am just going to hold. buckle up and sit tight. is that alright with you?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:00]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Very less ... As i am all in in TIO and now dont have any penny to trade
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:01]
[In reply to Hiro S]
You mean operations??? No that is covered from our 50%
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 01:01]
Any fear that the initial 1000 will be doing no trading since they are loyal TIO holders, and all-in already? ??????
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:02]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
Yes????
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:02]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
.
Hiro S, [14.07.18 01:02]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
ok, it is clearer now. thank you.
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:02]
[In reply to Dustin McDaniel]
then we add more
Leo Elias, [14.07.18 01:03]
Uscitizen when ?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:03]
[In reply to Hiro S]
An "expenese" would be an affiliate commission or something like that, not operations
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:04]
[In reply to Soroush]
we are not looking to limit coins by any means, just need a controlled process to roll them out
Hiro S, [14.07.18 01:04]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
understand even better now. :)
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:04]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Good... So approx how many coins before lp launch??
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:04]
[In reply to Leo Elias]
hopefully soon, been talking to FINRA and SEC
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:05]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
We will get to EOS and XRP pretty soon :)
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:05]
Haha
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:06]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
I want others too as have economic interest via lp
Jali, [14.07.18 01:06]
[Forwarded from .]
Ok Tnx
Got it
Leo Elias, [14.07.18 01:06]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
[ ?? Sticker ]
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 01:06]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
????
Johnson, [14.07.18 01:07]
I Missed response on licenses, can someone please repost?
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:07]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
@JimPreissler any estimate
Ro$€, [14.07.18 01:08]
Any plan that we can store Tio in hardware wallet like Ledge Nano?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:08]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
ERC20 - we are looking at rolling out maybe 200 as soon as possible, but priority is on listing clients and ICO clients
Dustin McDaniel, [14.07.18 01:08]
[In reply to Johnson]
Working on HK, Singapore, Switzerland, Malta right now as the bigger ones. Smaller ones as well. We are meeting with regulators in the US as well
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:08]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
K
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:08]
[In reply to S Aggarwal]
And for you, EOS and XRP
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:09]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Thanks
trade.io, [14.07.18 01:09]
[In reply to Johnson]
I'll PM you
Soroush, [14.07.18 01:09]
[In reply to Jim Preissler]
Consider Tezos too plz, right now they only have two low-key exchanges available with high fees
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:09]
[In reply to Soroush]
sure
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:09]
Maybe they can pay us to list them :)
Jack, [14.07.18 01:10]
hi Jim, which kind of wallet we are using after exchange go live?
Jim Preissler, [14.07.18 01:10]
OK, I have a hot lunch date with my 5 year old. I will be back on here in a bit. Thanks everyone!!!
Jack, [14.07.18 01:10]
cos Blossom is under development
Hiro S, [14.07.18 01:11]
Thank you Jim, very quality AMA!
trade.io, [14.07.18 01:11]
Thanks Jim!
S Aggarwal, [14.07.18 01:11]
Thanks jim for ama @JimPreissler
Johnson, [14.07.18 01:11]
Thanks Jim! Enjoy your lunch
Ro$€, [14.07.18 01:12]
Thank you
Grimlock, [14.07.18 01:12]
ok guys, AMA is over. Time to load up your TIO bags and check in!
Jack, [14.07.18 01:12]
[In reply to Jack]
hi @Trade_IO, could you answer this?
trade.io, [14.07.18 01:13]
For your Q's please drop Admins a PM. We will collect your Q's and forward it to Jim. The AMA with Jim will also be uploaded on our Reddit page. Thank you!
???, [14.07.18 01:13]
Jim,I strongly recommend that you develop app!!
Paul Johnson -trade.io, [14.07.18 01:13]
Thanks Jim, Admin, and of course the TIOnauts...great dialogue as usual

1. Spectrecoin ($XSPEC) – $8.6 Million

What is Spectrecoin?

Utilizing a “range of proven cryptographic techniques” to achieve anonymous, untraceable, and un-linkable transactions, Spectrecoin is a secure Proof-of-Stake cryptocurrency enabling rapid P2P transactions and network privacy. Specifically, Spectrecoin is pulling out all the stops in order to protect user identity through their integration of:

• Built-in Tor: Derived from the original software project moniker—The Onion Router—Spectrecoin is fully integrated with Tor, protecting real IP addresses at all times through the directing of traffic through a worldwide (and free) overlay network of more than 7,000 relays.
• Anonymous coin creation: Deploying dual key stealth technology (a dual coin system), Spectre authorizes users to generate ‘anonymous coins’ known as SPECTRE for private and anonymous transactions as an alternative to their normal, everyday coin—XSPEC—for traditional transactions (most similar to Bitcoin).
• Ring signatures: Through the execution and implementation of ring signatures, Spectrecoin user transaction history is wiped altogether, allowing users to exchange and transfer public coins, XSPEC, and SPECTRE.

At its core, Spectre’s dual coin system sanctions four fundamental types of privacy and anonymity transactions, XSPEC > XSPEC, XSPEC > SPECTRE, SPECTRE > SPECTRE, and SPECTRE > XSPEC, providing a plethora of transaction options for every type of user.
And finally, if you’re looking for the TLDR (too long, didn’t read), Spectrecoin notes the best way to understand SPECTRE is to think of Bitcoin + Proof-of-Stake.v3 + anonymous transactions (similar to Monero) + Tor (for IP obfuscation).

Why You Should Keep an Eye On XSPEC

Unlike several other privacy coins which merely provide a Tor proxy—availing users to potential malicious exit nodes—Spectrecoin is fully integrated with Tor, a reliable and tested network providing one of the largest pools of IP addresses for confidentiality and untraceability.
Coupled with staking, set at a 5% minimum per year, Spectrecoin offers a unique proposition (the only one in blockchain) for users looking to earn rewards while remaining anonymous by staking anonymous coins while generating more, fresh anonymous ones.
Furthermore, for those looking for affirmation of Spectrecoin’s commitment to anonymity, not even the developers know each other’s real names—something that would have made walking away from a lacklustre ICO (which only raised 16 BTC at $600/700 per BTC) all too easy.
Spectre has emphasized organic growth without an excessive and aggressive marketing push, opting instead for a working product and timely improvements to meet the ever-changing privacy arms race. And, with their funding gap set around £19,000, users can take solace in knowing the project isn’t an outright cash grab asking for millions to further tenuous goodwill—like far too many projects in the cryptosphere.
At time of writing, XSPEC is listed on CoinMarketcap at US$0.41 or 5,970 Satoshis.
Finally, if you’re wondering how Spectrecoin stacks up to other privacy coins, such as Monero, PIVX, and Zcash, check out this comparison chart.

2. FundRequest ($FND) – $1 Million

What is FundRequest?

In an age where open source software is an integral component for institutional, government, and nonprofit function and growth, there unfortunately remains a hindering factor—a cohesive, transparent, and styled request and transaction flow.
Cue FundRequest, a decentralized marketplace for open source collaboration and catalyst for global open source sharing and circulation, empowering organizations, government, and other entities to:

• Trustlessly transact via the blockchain and smart contracts to ensure all contracts created are self-resolving, tracked, and validated in a fair manner,
• Incentivize organizations and developers to act in good faith through governance protocols and crypto economics,
• Lower costs for upkeep, while reducing friction for large-scale usage and adoption of open source technology,
• Boost transparency for organizations looking to better understand average development and issue costs (ultimately resulting in a more efficient market), and
• Integrate with third-party platforms (and vice versa), who are looking to benefit from already completed works.

Need to brush up on what exactly ‘open source’ means? The Open Source Initiative describes the concept of ‘open source’ as a tool which “enables a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process.”
For example, a requesting organization (referred to as the funder) will allot set funds—stored in a smart contract (i.e., escrow)—in order to tackle an open source issue, which is then picked up and solved by a developer (the solver). In order to eliminate malicious behavior, FundRequest requires solvers to “have skin in the game,” by staking proportional valued funds, all released and claimed once the issue is solved.
Simply put, FundRequest is the go-to facilitating and incentivization platform (similar to Airbnb and Uber) for funding, claiming, and rewarding open source commits and contributions, leading to an enriched and more collaborative open source ecosystem.

Why You Should Keep an Eye On FND

With an estimated US$60 billion-plus in savings per year for organizations and institutions, thanks to open-source software and technology adoption, FundRequest is set to act as the glue which connects all dispersed and integral parts and actors. Traditional software, prohibitive costs, and predatory vendor practices are proving not to be conducive towards maximal technological growth and development, as most people and organizations just simply can’t afford or maintain it.
Plus, with a clear push by both private and public sectors to leverage community-based software for development and distribution over the last decade, it’s expanding at rapid pace. In 2018, it’s approximated over 50% of European and North American companies utilize open source software for “crucial applications,” along with over 50% of American government organizations.
This is no small industry.
GitHub alone boasts over 24 million users (more than 8 times their user base five years ago), and it’s estimated that in the EU and United States combined, there’s over 160 million persons working as freelancers and independent contractors in what’s known as the “gig economy.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with over 60% of online gig economy workers accounted for in Asia.
As of August 1st, FND’s price sits at right around US$0.03 or 472 Satoshis.
Finally, for open source projects and ERC-20 token projects looking to increase development capacity, consider checking out FundRequest for potential partnerships. Already in their short tenure, FundRequest has partnered with:

• Request Network – a popular decentralized payment platform,
• SingularityNET – a decentralized marketplace for creation, monetization, and sharing of AI services, and
• TrustWallet – Ethereum wallet providing a fully audited and secure system for purchasing and storing ERC-20 tokens.

3. COSS ($COSS) – $7.7 Million

What is COSS?

Redefining convenience, simplicity, and compatibility, and short for the “Crypto One-Stop Solution’ exchange and platform, COSS is the native token and liquidity attraction tool of the Singapore-based exchange, boasting some of the most popular altcoins on the market while enabling users to receive weekly payouts in “dust” for all traded tokens.
Specifically, COSS is looking to provide more than just a simple, fast, and secure cryptocurrency trading exchange—they’re building a borderless, digital economical system to bring cryptocurrencies to the masses via:

• Merchant payment gateway: a tool assisting merchants in the integration of cryptocurrency into their online shops (taking less than one development hour total).
• Incentivized rewards systems: generating weekly payouts and passive income for holders of the COSS token.
• Digital wallet with integrated cash flow: allowing users to seamlessly transfer and store crypto funds between the exchange and wallet within a single application.
• ICO platform: enabling projects to fund and their ICO on the COSS exchange to increase popularity, volume, and trading value.

Ultimately, COSS is looking to shake up the cryptocurrency exchange ecosystem through improved user experience, heightened product and feature functions, and a comprehensive foundation for employers, startups, companies, and traders to build towards a more accessible and mainstream cooperative blockchain community.

Why You Should Keep an Eye on COSS

With the rapid and gargantuan successes enjoyed by both Kucoin and Binance in 2018, crypto exchanges employing user-friendly token incentivization models are becoming a go-to for users looking to generate passive income while diversifying their crypto portfolio.
However, unlike other cryptocurrency exchanges which have lowered their daily fee splits to nominal amounts, COSS has stayed true towards user rewards, keeping their daily percentage at 50%—paying out the respective dividends via a decentralized autonomous organization, ultimately guaranteeing an immutable percentage.
In order to stay competitive in the present-day blockchain ecosystem, COSS’s whitepaper notes a minimum of 3-5 new features implemented per quarter. In the past several months, below are just several of their most notable achievements:

• Partnership with Blockchain Terminal (BCT): Easing the transition for institutional investors to trade and transact on crypto exchanges.
• NEO Listing: Trading pairs for NEO/BTC, NEO/ETH, NEO/USD, and NEO/COSS.
• Upgraded KYC features: Ensuring the platform and exchange are compliant with several core regulatory bodies.
• Preparation for COSS 2.0: The hiring of a team of over thirty developers in preparation of COSS 2.0, which is set to roll out dynamic withdrawal fees, sophisticated trading tools, dust conversion, public and private APIs, new wallet, institutional accounts, and more.

And, if you’re looking to know what COSS’s endgame here is, their goal is to shift completely towards a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) in the future, where governance and decision making is outlined in code and run by a peer-to-peer network.
Currently, COSS’s price is listed at US$0.06 or 935 Satoshis on Coinmarketcap.
Finally, if you’re curious about COSS’s fee sharing, check out the COSS fee share calculator, which provides an accurate picture of your monthly exchange fee earnings relative to the amount of COSS owned. One Reddit user recently posted, and provided a screenshot, showing the COSS annual dividends to be at nearly 10% per year.

4. Lamden ($TAU) – $6.9 Million

What is Lamden?

Named after the Sherpa language word meaning “to guide,” Lamden is staying true to its name by easing the creation and deployment of dapps and custom blockchains.
At its core, Lamden is providing a suite of developer tools mimicking “modern development processes in such tech stacks as Node.js or Python.” Simply put, Lamden is supplying the building blocks for experienced and amateur blockchain developers alike, enabling organizations and enterprise to skirt the energy and time costs of hiring and training expensive blockchain developers—ultimately speeding up efficiency and reducing overhead costs.
Lamden is broken up into three fundamental sections, which all are in furtherance of project depth and the deployment of hyperfast blockchains for developers to not only experiment with, but test and deploy across other blockchain systems and platforms:

• Saffron: a general tool sanctioning the deployment of private chains on an internal network, partitioning blockchains into individual use cases (e.g., an enterprise having their own web app), and bringing them together to interact when needed. Lamden CEO Stuart Farmer noted that from blockchain generation, to installment, all the way to deployment, an entire deployment cycle can be completed within a frame of just ten minutes!
• Flora: a central repository for smart contract templates and packages, blockchain discovery tool, and private chain naming services, where developers are able to engage with one another, feed off one another’s innovations, and rapidly deploy and distribute smart contracts.
• Clove: a payment network trustlessly facilitating communication between blockchain apps while handling payment channel swap processes, avoiding blockchain bloat and acting similarly to a telephone network.

Furthermore, Lamden supports the Ethereum network and Bitcoin-based blockchains at present, and boasts zero transaction fees and free chain-to-chain payments in exchange for chain allocation a specific amount of bandwidth for confirming payment channel transactions—meaning that its users are able to transact for free as a result of corporate entities bearing the network load and processing.

Why You Should Keep an Eye On TAU

Having released their ‘Cilantro’ testnet alpha in February 2018, Lamden has since hit the ground running, rolling out their first version of Clove soon after and tackling the necessary tune-ups and improvements in preparation of their mainnet launch in Q4 2018. Lamden’s mainnet is set to utilize a unique combination of Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) and the BFT Protocol, and will scale to process nearly 10,000 transactions per second.
Moreover, in April 2018, Lamden announced the creation of LamDEX, their own decentralized cryptocurrency exchange and platform, where users will be able to stake their TAU—the native token of the Lamden platform—to act as a market maker, allowing for a cohesive back and forth across the TAU pair at prices faintly above and below market cost, ultimately generating rewards.
With a rather daunting and tedious task ahead for anyone looking to utilize and incorporate existing smart contracts—which involves the manual searching for such on GitHub (a general repository website)—Lamden is truly adding value to blockchain and application development through their smart contract repository. Unlike GitHub, Lamden supports dependencies, versioning, and security, all essential elements for a quality package manager.
Doing so adds not only convenience, but practicality to smart contract packages and implementation, and stands to save enterprise and organizations both exorbitant developer costs and time.
If you’d like to learn more about Lamden’s developer tool suite, check out this complete overview from their blog.
At the time of writing, Lamden’s price according to Coinmarketcap is US$0.04 or 699 Satoshis.
To get a better picture of Lamden and their blockchain development tools ecosystem, check out this explanatory YouTube video from their channel.
Final Thoughts
Risk is inevitable when investing in crypto and blockchain projects. However, as long as you are cognizantly defining parameters for absorbing such risk, then diversifying your portfolio with smaller capped projects can be an effective way to realize value.
Whether you’re looking for a user-friendly exchange to purchase crypto directly with fiat from (and earn dividends for loyalty) or wanting to execute anonymous and secure transactions with a P2P coin, the aforementioned projects are all bringing value to the crypto sphere through their overhaul of ineffective traditional mechanisms and institutions.
Make sure to stay calm and collected during this bear market, associate yourself with quality projects that you think are bringing actual value to severely flawed industries, and remember, having a little gamble in you never hurts (as long as it’s properly accounted for).
Source: https://www.investinblockchain.com/sub-10-million-coins/
B0x: Gustafio