Explained by Mercuryo #32

The 32th edition of our curated newsletter.

In today’s newsletter we look at:

• Connecting Blockchains

• Participation Goals

• OpenSea Executive Exposed
• Uniswap’s Auto Router
• Binance Under Investigation

Bridges and Swaps

The Future of Interoperability

With the rising number of blockchains and interoperability projects, routing between chains is about to become a part of the routine. Moreover, since dozens of billions are locked in bridges, the projects have started fighting for the market share. 

However, interoperability solutions can be quite different, with each project having its trade-offs. The article follows two categories for such protocols — bridges and swaps – and predicts the industry’s future.  

Crypto After-Party

Join the Money20/20 After-Party

Follow Mercuryo on Twitter

Minimum Viable Participation in Crypto

Games, Costs, & Accessibility

Cryptocurrency is often viewed as a cycle of wealth creation and redistribution. Moreover, people tend to understand that growing the network is not only about enriching the current members, but also requires new recruits to participate. 

Take a look at Ethereum. First, it attracted people with DeFi; then, everyone got hooked on NFTs. Chances are, more diverse ways to participate are already on their way. This piece explores the current and future state of crypto participation. The author analyzes what affects participation, from capital gains and earning a place at the table to the simple act of having a wallet. 

OpenSea Wipe-Out 

Executive Used Insider Knowledge When Buying NFTs

Only a few years ago, OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace, had a handful of listings. Today it offers over 20 million tokens to choose from. Apparently, one of OpenSea’s executives, Nate Chastain, purchased NFTs that he knew would be displayed prominently, but Twitter users immediately caught him redhanded.

OpenSea’s Head of Product used secret Ethereum wallets to snap up the platform’s front-page NFT drops before general release. His actions have been likened to frontrunning or insider trading, and the marketplace had to let him go. 

Uniswap Necommer

Introducing the Auto Router

Uniswap has just released a new feature for optimizing the trading experience. Auto Router uses an advanced smart order routing algorithm to find better prices for Uniswap app users. The feature includes split routes to execute trades across multiple pools and a more powerful algorithm that considers a larger data set for bigger transactions and better prices.

Besides, it uses gas cost awareness to ensure that every added step is net positive. Lastly, if a better trade is available on Uniswap v2 after accounting for gas costs, the Auto Router will automatically switch to v2.

Binance Probe Expands

Insider Trading Allegations

Bloomberg reports that US investigations into Binance have expanded. Now, authorities are checking possible insider trading and market manipulation. Officials are looking into whether Binance profited by taking advantage of its customers. 

The review involves Commodity Futures Trading Commission investigators, who have been reaching out to potential witnesses in recent weeks. Binance, in turn, replied it has a “zero-tolerance” policy for insider trading and a “strict ethical code” to prevent any misconduct that could hurt its customers or the crypto industry.

Something You Could Have Missed

• Legal Round-Up (13/09-17/09)
• Gate In, Gate Out: Crypto Deposits and Withdrawals Security

This is a weekly newsletter curated by our Blockchain Lead Vyacheslav Akhmetov. We cover the most sparkling events in the industry and sharing more about our journey.