Astherus Unveils Stage 1: Spectra – A Deep Dive into the Innovative Referral System for DeFi Growth

Astherus is a multi-asset liquidity hub focused on maximizing the real yield of crypto assets, enhancing their utility for DeFi users.

The platform supports diverse opportunities for users to achieve sustainable profits through its real yield layer, AstherusEarn.

Astherus introduces a referral system where users can expand their network, earn points, and unlock rewards by inviting friends.

Users can earn Au and Rh points by minting tokens like asTokens, USDF, or ALP in AstherusEarn and trading on AstherusEX.

Referral bonuses are structured in tiers, with Tier 1 offering 10% of invitees’ points from minting or trading, and Tier 2 offering 5% from their referrals.

To activate referral rewards, invitees must bind the referral code before their first transaction.

Astherus has launched Stage 1: Spectra, where users can generate an invite code to build their team and earn effortlessly.

The platform is supported by Binance Labs, aiming to address inefficiencies in DeFi and increase asset liquidity.

Astherus provides a leaderboard for Au points, encouraging users to lead their teams to the top.
The S1 phase of Astherus introduces a new points system and continues to enhance user engagement through referral and team-building activities.

Top 10 news stories in the cryptocurrency domain for today (January 10, 2025)

1. GSR Becomes First Globally Regulated Crypto Liquidity Provider With UK FCA Approval

  • Summary: GSR has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first cryptocurrency firm to receive approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as a principal dealer. This allows GSR to provide liquidity to institutional investors globally, signifying a landmark moment for crypto regulation and institutional adoption.
  • Keywords: GSR, FCA Approval, Crypto Liquidity Provider, UK Regulation, Institutional Investment, Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Principal Dealer License, Crypto Regulation
  • Source:GSR Website (While a direct news article might not be available yet, GSR’s official website is the best source for their announcements. You can also check their “News” section for updates.) Alternatively, you could use a general news source like: The Block

2. Canadian Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre Promises to Make Canada a Global Leader in Cryptocurrencies

  • Summary: Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has announced his intention to make Canada a world leader in cryptocurrencies if elected. His pro-crypto stance includes supporting blockchain technology, fostering innovation, and creating a favorable regulatory environment for digital assets.
  • Keywords: Pierre Poilievre, Canada Cryptocurrency, Crypto Leader, Blockchain Innovation, Crypto Regulation, Bitcoin, Digital Assets, Canadian Politics, Crypto Adoption
  • Source:Pierre Poilievre’s Official Website (His website would be the primary source for his policy positions. Check his “News” or “Issues” sections). As backup, you might find coverage on sites like: Cointelegraph

3. Reddit NFT Avatar Project Lead Departs, Raising Concerns About the Project’s Future

  • Summary: The lead developer behind Reddit’s popular NFT avatar project has unexpectedly left the company. This departure has sparked concerns among community members about the project’s future development and support.
  • Keywords: Reddit NFT, NFT Avatar, Project Lead Departure, Reddit Collectible Avatars, NFT Community, Digital Collectibles, Blockchain, Web3, NFT Project Uncertainty
  • Source:Reddit’s r/CollectibleAvatars Subreddit (This is where news and discussions about Reddit’s NFT project primarily happen. News of the lead developer’s departure likely broke here first.) For broader news coverage, you could look at: Decrypt

4. Solana Proposes Upgrades to Address Network Scalability Issues

  • Summary: The Solana Foundation has proposed significant upgrades to the Solana blockchain to address ongoing network scalability challenges. These upgrades aim to improve transaction speeds, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall efficiency of the network.
  • Keywords: Solana, Scalability, Network Upgrades, Blockchain Congestion, Transaction Speed, Solana Foundation, SOL, DeFi, NFTs, Blockchain Technology
  • Source:Solana’s Official Blog (Solana’s blog is the best place for news on technical updates and proposals). You can also get information about Solana on CoinDesk.

5. HashKey Europe Secures Irish VASP License, Expands European Market Operations

  • Summary: HashKey Europe, a digital asset company, has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Ireland. This license allows HashKey to expand its operations within the European market, offering a range of compliant crypto services to European clients.
  • Keywords: HashKey Europe, VASP License, Ireland, European Market, Crypto Services, Digital Assets, Crypto Regulation, Crypto Exchange, Compliance, EU Crypto Market
  • Source:HashKey Group’s Website (Similar to GSR, HashKey’s website would be the best place for their official announcements).

6. US Entities Hold 65% More Bitcoin Than Offshore Players

  • Summary: A recent report reveals that US-based entities now hold significantly more Bitcoin than their offshore counterparts. This data suggests a growing institutional interest in Bitcoin within the United States and a potential shift in the global distribution of Bitcoin holdings.
  • Keywords: US Bitcoin Holdings, Bitcoin Ownership, Institutional Bitcoin, Bitcoin Investment, Offshore Bitcoin, Crypto Whales, Bitcoin Distribution, Cryptocurrency Market, BTC
  • Source: This type of information often comes from on-chain analysis firms. Check recent reports from: Glassnode, IntoTheBlock

7. Microsoft to Expand AI and Cloud Business in India

  • Summary: Microsoft has announced plans to significantly expand its AI and cloud computing businesses in India. This expansion will likely involve substantial investments in infrastructure and talent, further solidifying India’s position as a global tech hub. While not directly crypto-related, Microsoft has shown interest in the space. This expansion may create a more robust tech infrastructure that could potentially benefit blockchain and crypto adoption in India.
  • Keywords: Microsoft, India, AI Expansion, Cloud Computing, Azure, Tech Investment, Digital India, Technology, AI, Cloud Infrastructure
  • Source:Microsoft News Center (Microsoft’s official news center for India would have this announcement).

8. Oklahoma Senator Introduces Bitcoin Freedom Act for BTC Payments

  • Summary: An Oklahoma state senator has introduced the “Bitcoin Freedom Act,” which aims to allow state agencies to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. This legislation seeks to promote Bitcoin adoption and integrate cryptocurrencies into the state’s financial system.
  • Keywords: Oklahoma, Bitcoin Freedom Act, Bitcoin Payments, BTC, Cryptocurrency Legislation, State Agencies, Bitcoin Adoption, Crypto Regulation, US Crypto Policy
  • Source:Oklahoma State Senate Website (You would likely find information about the bill on the Oklahoma Senate website, particularly in the section for the senator who introduced it).

9. Ronin Network Integrates Transak for Fiat-to-Crypto and NFT Payments

  • Summary: Ronin Network, a blockchain popular for its use in play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity, has integrated Transak. This integration allows users to easily buy cryptocurrencies and NFTs using fiat currency, simplifying the onboarding process for new users.
  • Keywords: Ronin Network, Transak, Fiat-to-Crypto, NFT Payments, Axie Infinity, Play-to-Earn, Blockchain Gaming, Crypto On-Ramp, User Experience, Crypto Adoption
  • Source:Ronin Network’s Blog (Check the Ronin Network blog for announcements related to integrations). Also, look at The Block.

10. Hong Kong Launches Initiative to Help Banks Adopt ‘Distributed Ledger Technology’

  • Summary: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has launched a new initiative to encourage banks to adopt distributed ledger technology (DLT), also known as blockchain. This program aims to modernize the banking sector and explore the potential benefits of blockchain for various financial applications.
  • Keywords: Hong Kong, Distributed Ledger Technology, DLT, Blockchain, HKMA, Banking, Fintech, Financial Innovation, Blockchain Adoption, Crypto Hub
  • Source:Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Website (The HKMA website is the definitive source for announcements regarding banking and financial initiatives in Hong Kong).

From CEX to On-Chain: A Beginner’s Guide to Trading Memecoins

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide designed to help you transition from centralized exchange (CEX) trading to the exciting world of on-chain memecoin trading. This guide draws insights from experienced traders like @0xcryptowizard on X and provides beginners with essential steps, strategies, and risk management techniques needed to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Why Learn On-Chain Trading?

The cryptocurrency market often exhibits a barbell structure, with established assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL) at one end, and a long tail of memecoins at the other, offering significant wealth-generating opportunities. Mid-tier altcoins, due to their “dump-on-listing” nature, often prove more challenging to trade profitably. Engaging in on-chain trading offers several advantages:

  • Explosive Growth Potential: On platforms like Solana, “golden dog” projects can emerge weekly, experiencing rapid price appreciation. On-chain assets can have the potential to reach a ceiling of 1 Billion, therefore creating a long term investment oppotunity.
  • Exposure to New Trends: From the DeFi summer to the rise of AI agents, on-chain activity introduces new wealth effects and trends. Staying ahead of these trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Can On-Chain Trading Really Make You Rich?

While numerous stories of overnight fortunes circulate, the risks associated with on-chain trading are substantial. Success typically requires:

  • Significant Time Investment: Dedicate ample time to learning and understanding market dynamics.
  • Gradual Progression: Start with small capital to experiment and learn, gradually increasing investment as you gain experience and confidence.
  • Risk Awareness: Only increase your investment after thoroughly understanding the inherent risks.

Getting Started with On-Chain Trading on Solana

Here’s a step-by-step guide to begin your on-chain trading journey within the Solana ecosystem:

  1. Setup: It’s recommended to use a computer for on-chain trading. The complexity and volume of information involved, including on-chain data, community sentiment, and trending assets, far exceed what’s typically analyzed in CEX trading.
  2. Wallet Setup: For Solana, the Phantom wallet is highly recommended. Install the Phantom wallet extension on your Chrome browser. Crucially, safeguard your seed phrase – it’s the key to your assets.

From CEX to On-Chain: A Beginner's Guide to Trading Memecoins

  1. Fund Your Wallet: Transfer SOL from a centralized exchange (CEX) to your Phantom wallet address.
  2. Finding trade targets: use a platform like Gmgnai to analyze the tokens and trade them. Be careful of scam links.
  3. Execute Your First Trade: Let’s use WIF as an example:
  • Buying: Set your slippage to 0.5% (or higher during periods of high volatility). Enter the amount of SOL you want to spend (e.g., 0.1 SOL) and click “Buy.”
  • Selling: Select 100% of your holdings and click “Sell.”

Key Concepts in On-Chain Trading

  • Community Engagement: Participate in community activities on platforms like Telegram, such as “shilling” to boost a token’s visibility.
  • Trending Tokens (Hot Tokens): Identify tokens that are experiencing rapid price increases due to events or endorsements, such as Pnut, which benefited from a mention by Elon Musk.
  • Slippage: Understand the price difference you’re willing to accept during a trade. Adjust your slippage settings based on market conditions.
  • MEV and Sandwich Attacks: Learn about Miner Extractable Value (MEV) and how to protect yourself from sandwich attacks by setting appropriate slippage and using trading platforms with MEV protection features.
  • AMM Pools and LPs: Familiarize yourself with how Automated Market Maker (AMM) pools function. Your trades are executed against these liquidity pools, not directly with other traders.
  • Rugpulls and Honeypots: Recognize the signs of a rugpull (liquidity drain) and avoid honeypots (tokens that can only be bought, not sold).
  • Internal vs. External Markets: Understand the distinction between new tokens created on platforms like Pump.fun (internal market) and those that successfully migrate to decentralized exchanges like Raydium for broader trading (external market).

Finding Promising Tokens

To discover potentially profitable tokens:

  • Social Media Monitoring: Scour social media platforms like X and Telegram for real-time information and insights. “Follow the chatter” to identify trending tokens.
  • Wallet Tracking: Monitor the wallet addresses of successful traders to see what they’re investing in. Use tools to track smart money movements.
  • Long-Term Observation: Keep an eye on tokens with steadily growing communities and trading volume. For tokens that have experienced a significant pullback after a pump, consider gradually accumulating a position.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to transitioning from CEX trading to the world of on-chain memecoin trading. While the potential for significant gains exists, it’s crucial to approach this space with caution, diligence, and a commitment to continuous learning. Stay tuned for our advanced guides, where we’ll delve deeper into advanced strategies and risk management techniques.

How to create a memecoin on Pump.fun, benefits of using bonding curves, what is a fair launch in crypto, how does Pump.fun prevent rug pulls

How Does Pump.fun Work? A Deep Dive into its Innovative Mechanics

Pump.fun has rapidly gained popularity in the cryptocurrency space by offering a streamlined and secure platform for memecoin creation and trading. But how does it actually work behind the scenes? Let’s explore the mechanics that make Pump.fun a game-changer in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Simplifying Memecoin Creation for Everyone

At its core, Pump.fun’s mission is to democratize memecoin creation. It achieves this by abstracting away the complex technical hurdles typically associated with launching a cryptocurrency. Users are greeted with a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies the entire process. Forget complicated code and intricate smart contracts; Pump.fun makes creating a memecoin as easy as filling out a few fields, as seen on its simple interface:

Pump.fun's user-friendly token creation interface

The Power of Fair Launches and Bonding Curves

Pump.fun is built on the principle of fair launches. Unlike traditional token launches that often involve pre-sales or private allocations, giving early investors an unfair advantage, Pump.fun ensures everyone has an equal opportunity. All participants acquire tokens at the same price, determined by the platform’s innovative use of bonding curves.

What are Bonding Curves and Why are They Important?

A bonding curve is a mathematical concept that defines a relationship between a token’s price and its supply. On Pump.fun, each memecoin is tied to a unique bonding curve. This curve automatically adjusts the token’s price based on buying and selling activity:

  • Buying Pressure: When users buy a token, they move along the curve, increasing the price.
  • Selling Pressure: Conversely, when users sell, they move down the curve, decreasing the price.

This dynamic pricing mechanism is crucial for several reasons:

  • Transparency: The price is determined algorithmically and publicly visible on the curve.
  • Liquidity: The bonding curve itself acts as the liquidity pool, eliminating the need for creators to manage it separately.
  • Rug Pull Mitigation: Since creators don’t control a separate liquidity pool, they can’t drain it and abscond with investor funds, a common scam known as a “rug pull.”

The Road to Raydium: Automated DEX Listing and Liquidity Burning

Pump.fun’s commitment to a secure and thriving memecoin ecosystem extends beyond the bonding curve. A key milestone for any token launched on the platform is reaching a market capitalization of $69,000. This triggers a significant event:

  • Automated Liquidity Deposit: Once the $69,000 threshold is met, Pump.fun automatically deposits $12,000 worth of SOL liquidity, along with a corresponding amount of the memecoin, onto Raydium, a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Solana blockchain.
  • Liquidity Burning: To further solidify the token’s presence on Raydium and prevent any manipulation, the liquidity provider (LP) tokens received from this deposit are permanently burned. This effectively locks the liquidity on Raydium, ensuring it cannot be removed.
  • Creator Incentive: The creator of the memecoin is also rewarded with 0.5 SOL when this milestone is hit, a small incentive to reward them for building a successful project on the platform.

Why is this important? This automated process transitions the memecoin from Pump.fun’s bonding curve environment to a broader, more established trading venue (Raydium). It provides increased liquidity, visibility, and legitimacy for the token. The burning of LP tokens removes any lingering concerns about the creator’s ability to manipulate the liquidity pool. This method is also designed to manage token supply and potentially bump up the memecoin’s price as a reward for hitting this milestone.

In Summary: A Secure and Transparent Ecosystem

Pump.fun’s innovative use of bonding curves, fair launches, and automated DEX listing creates a more secure, transparent, and user-friendly environment for memecoin creation and trading. By removing technical barriers and mitigating common risks, Pump.fun empowers a wider range of users to participate in the exciting, albeit volatile, world of memecoins.