Cryptocurrency

Facebook’s Libra Cryptocurrency Faces More Withdrawal of Support for the Project

As U.S. legislators and regulators continue to scrutinize Facebook’s planned launch of its Libra cryptocurrency, six (6) other financial backers of the project have announced withdrawal of their support.

Wary of becoming involved in a financial project that has yet to present proof that it is capable of meeting and complying with regulatory requirements, major credit card companies Visa and Mastercard, decided not to pursue plans of becoming founding members of the Libra Association.

Other companies that withdrew pledge of financial support and membership from the Libra Association, include eBay, Stripe, Booking Holdings and Mercado Pago. This recent development came after PayPal formally announced the company’s withdrawal a week ago.

As a result, the Libra cryptocurrency will only have Netherlands-based PayU on board as payments processor. However, it is purported the PayU is not accessible in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in some areas in the Middle East and Africa.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says that it is necessary for the Libra cryptocurrency to meet financial regulatory standards, which up to now is not up to par.

Moreover, Secretary Mnuchin warned that if Facebook’s Libra launches while not meeting the anti-money laundering standards and the standards set by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the Treasury Department would take enforcement actions against Facebook and its proposed governing body, the Libra Association.

Remaining Libra Associates Still Optimistic about the Libra Cryptocurrency Project

Despite the mounting pressure to comply with financial regulatory requirements, and the rising number of partners withdrawing as Libra Associates, the remaining partners held an inaugural meeting in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday (October 14, 2019).

Reuters reported that the remaining 21 members, out of the original 28 previously named as Libra Associates, reaffirmed their support for the cryptocurrency undertaking. The group formed and voted on the 5-member board, whilst agreeing to an interim articles of association, developed in accordance with Swiss Laws.

Making up the 5-member board are Facebook Executive David Marcus, and representatives of PayU, Andreessen Horowitz, Xapo Holdings Limited and non-profit organization Kiva Microfunds.

Posted by Madelina Feliks in Cryptocurrency

Equity Release : An Option Available to Seniors in Boosting Financial Security and in Managing Effects of an Imminent Recession

As fears of economic recession are slowly creeping in across the U.S. and the UK, making preparations to boost one’s financial security will prove to be a wise move. Leaders arriving at solutions for different political issues, such as the ongoing U.S. trade wars and the No-Brexit deal in the UK, seem far from happening.

In asmuch as forecasts of global economic conditions present dim and cloudy possibilities, making preparations for the future can help ease the impact of a recession especially among seniors. After all, most senior citizens live off on pensions upon retirement. If ever economic recession transpires, the value of those pensions might not suffice to meet their basic needs.

Consider the Benefit of Cashing Out on a Property by way of Equity Release

If you are aged 55 or above, a sensible proactive move is to take out the potential wealth afforded by your real property by way of equity release. That way you can bolster your financial security as a senior citizen, whether or not recession happens. There is no harm in taking advantage of an equity release as soon as you become eligible, since you do not have to worry about repaying the principal and interest during your lifetime.

To help you decide, find out how much cash you can take out by getting hold of an online equity release calculator. Moreover, explore the different methods and the terms offered by lenders before agreeing to an equity release transaction.

What is an Equity Release

An equity release furnishes a no-worry type of getting hold of money using your real estate as collateral. Although similar to a mortgage, money taken out by equity release and the related interests, become due only upon your death or once you move in to a nursing home.

This denotes that the property you collateralised will be used as a means of settling the financial obligation contracted via an equity release arrangement. However, there is a likely possibility that the value of the estate you will leave behind as legacy, will be lower. That being the case, do not fall prey to enticements about investing your equity money on shady schemes, or on risky investments like cryptocurrency.

Why Investing In Cryptocurrency is Risky

Investing your money in cryptocurrency, presents great risks. First off, the blockchain platform supporting cryptocurrency transactions is still a young technology, which so far, has not developed into a sturdy infrastructure. Introduced about ten years ago, cryptocurrency operations have been hit with a number of unsolved cases of fraud and cyber theft.

More importantly, the cryptocurrency market operates on a volatile environment that is reliant on technology not supported by government regulations. Since there are no clear and specific rules governing cryptocurrency exchanges, there is always the risk of losing money. This is especially true if unscrupulous individuals manipulate exchanges in order to create a bubble economy; or introduce new applications that can circumvent guardrails securing the blockchain platform.

Even if touted as a safer alternative to carrying cash around, or for shielding your financial activities from prying eyes, only a few establishments accept cryptocurrency as mode of payment. As senior citizens, money acquired from equity release is best used for keeping your life as comfortable as possible from golden, to sunset and eventually, to twilight years

Posted by Madelina Feliks in Cryptocurrency, Finance

Cryptocurrency: A Worthwhile Investment

When you get into an automobile accident, you have to straighten out car accident claims and settlement. Such incident could deplete your finances, which is why there are companies that offer loans to avoid financial strains. For instance, the American Pride Legal Funding or APLF could provide you with car accident settlement loans, and could be issued within 24 hours of approval.

There are, however, other contemporary ways of taking out a loan for settlements as well as for other purposes, such as consolidating debt, home improvement, education, or medical bills to name a few. For cryptocurrency holders, a crypto loan is a possibility.

What is a Crypto Loan?

Any kind of loan that have to do with cryptocurrency or digital currency is a crypto loan. They could refer to loans in cryptocurrency or to loans that are backed by cryptocurrency as a collateral. Even though some lenders offer loans in different kinds of crypto, they label and market these digital currency loans as “bitcoin loans.”

Why Invest in Cryptocurrency?

Subsequent to the sudden upsurge of value of certain kinds of digital currencies, cryptocurrency has generated an atmosphere of delight and excitement, even for those who aren’t familiar with cryptocurrency. It has become a trend that people worldwide invest in cryptocurrencies for real and open-minded reasons, and they have benefited from it in unbelievable and incredible ways.

So, why are cryptocurrencies a worthwhile investment? Here some reasons:

SAFE AND TRUSTED

Today, cryptocurrency is preferred by many because it is safe and trusted. With the world full of fraudulent individuals, a safe and trusted way for us to trade and make transactions is needed. With cryptocurrencies, it provides us that assurance making them a valuable source of investment at present and as well as the future.

DIRECT TRANSACTIONS

When it comes to cryptocurrency, a third-party to complete a transaction is eliminated. This means that you make direct transactions, hence you personally handle your finances and have that reassurance of safety. Since cryptocurrencies removes the need for a go-between, you could make transactions anytime and anywhere.

ZERO TO LOW-COST TRANSACTIONS

When transacting with cryptocurrency, transaction costs are quite low. You don’t have to cough up a huge sum of money so as to exchange cryptocurrencies. What you basically need to complete a transaction is your mobile device, such as smartphone, a specific crypto software as well as a rudimentary knowledge of digital currencies.

SAFE STORAGE

Cryptocurrencies are stored in a safe wallet. Storing your digital currencies in these wallets allows you to easily transfer your funds in your account. Furthermore, theirs is no cost so as to store your crypto in these wallets.

HAVING CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES

The quantity of money that you intend to invest is up to you. Moreover, with cryptocurrencies, you have the option to purchase them in fractions. For instance, if you think one bitcoin is excessive, you have the choice to divide it and purchase one-third or half of it. This trims down the rate for you and doesn’t necessitate you to expend beyond your limits. Utilizing a crypto converter, you would be able to know the value of any crypto in your nation’s currency, hence you could invest correctly.

Posted by Ned Queen in Cryptocurrency, Finance