The Start of Bitcoin and How That’s Important for Investment

August 22, 2022

By Thomas Kinneard

Bitcoin was launched over ten years ago, and it has become a massive opportunity for investors looking for an alternative asset. Looking at how Bitcoin was first launched and the initial fundamental purpose behind it can be helpful in knowing how to treat the cryptocurrency to get the most out of your trading and investment.

Bitcoin was launched in 2008, a year in which the world suffered from a massive economic crisis. In October, a pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto (who’s true identity is unknown) created the cryptocurrency as a “A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” with a white paper outlining the concept, vision, and purpose of the cryptocurrency.

The first block of the Bitcoin network was mined four months after the white paper was released, which officially launched blockchain technology into the world.

The main function of Bitcoin

According to the whitepaper, Bitcoin’s main purpose is to eliminate the need to rely on third parties (such as banks) from transactions by using a peer-to-peer version of electronic cash instead. If you want to send money to another person, Bitcoin’s design lets you do this directly. Bitcoin lets you hold and use your own money without paying a bank or other party to do so.

The key features of Bitcoin

Limited supply

One of Bitcoin’s core features is that it is not intended to be over-printed. To mitigate this and ensure limited supply, there is a limit on the total number of Bitcoins that can ever be created. This means the law of supply and demand won’t let Bitcoin suffer from inflation with too many tokens entering the economic system at once – keeping Bitcoin’s value strong.

Decentralized nature

The way blockchain technology is designed means it is “decentralized” or it does not rely on central authority.

It gives the network much more protection, because it doesn’t rely on the security of one person to operate. With many people across the world controlling Bitcoin, it means there is almost zero chance of the network being hacked.

Global transactions

As the main aim, the “peer-to-peer” nature of Bitcoin is what sets Bitcoin apart from other traditional currencies or investments. It means the network runs continuously. Anyone can join the network from any location at any time and you don’t need to wait for business hours if you want to make a cross-border transaction (like you might need to for a bank).

As a currency that lives purely online, sending Bitcoin across the world is much quicker (it takes around ten minutes, rather than a few business days) and it is much cheaper because you don’t need to pay any bank fees to send the money.

The investment opportunity

Bitcoin’s ROI since it was launched is unparalleled compared to any other asset. Since the price of Bitcoin was monitored, around nine years ago, it has gained a massive 31531.3% of its value. Even during a bear market, the value of Bitcoin is still a hugely profitable asset if you bought it and held it.

As a result, many of the long-term traders are holding their Bitcoin and seeing massive potential for gains with their holdings. Shorter-term holders who decide to keep their Bitcoin will also see gains on their investment when the next bull market kicks in.

As a digital asset to work hand-in-hand with traditional finance, Bitcoin has many benefits. It is hailed by some as the next step in the evolution of money, making it a valuable asset to consider buying sooner rather than later for your future. As an investment, the returns for long-term holding are enormous.

Buying a little now can make you a lot later. Bitcoin Method offers an excellent way for you to buy, hold, and trade without needing to know any of the technical elements of the blockchain-based currency.

Go to top

Five of the Most Profitable Altcoins to Trade Invest in Right Now

August 22, 2022

By Craig Brogan

Altcoin trading is becoming very popular, and it has helped people become millionaires. However, Altcoin trading can be risky and you must understand the market dynamics in order to trade them successfully.

Therefore it is important for you to understand what Altcoins are, how they work and which altcoins promise the most reward.

What is an Altcoin?

An altcoin is a shorthand for “alternative currency (coin)”. It refers to all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. Most of them are designed to offer something other than Bitcoin. Each one is unique, but they all share at least one aspect of Bitcoin’s technology.

Altcoins may have new consensus algorithms. Others aim to improve transaction processing, speed, scalability, speed, token distribution, and so on. Although the history of cryptocurrency is relatively short, there are thousands of altcoins already in existence.

According to reports, there are more than 8,200 cryptocurrencies listed. This is due to a steady delisting of many ‘dead altcoins’ that have been traded over the years. It is obvious that not many of these cryptocurrencies have any real-world applications or inherent value. Also, most altcoins have a relatively short life span.

The Most Popular Altcoins

We’ve taken a pick of some of the most popular altcoins. These are cryptocurrencies that have stood the test of time and that have massive communities behind them.

Ethereum (Ether)

Ethereum is a distributed blockchain platform that creates peer-to-peer networks that securely execute and verify application code. Smart contracts enable participants to transact directly with one another without the need for a central authority. Transaction records are securely distributed across the network and can be verifiable and immutable.

Participants have full ownership of transaction data. Transmitting and receiving transactions are done through user-created Ethereum accounts. To process transactions on the Ethereum network, a sender must sign transactions, and then spend Ether (Ether’s native cryptocurrency).

Litecoin

Litecoin was among the first “altcoins”. In this Bitcoin Smarter review it states that “Litecoin, the second-oldest cryptocurrency was reportedly forked from Bitcoin protocol in 2011”. It was designed to allow for quick, secure, and low-cost payments. Think of it as a Bitcoin spinoff.

Litecoin’s launch was intended to make Bitcoin more secure. The developers created a new algorithm for hashing Litecoin’s Scrypt (pronounced Scrypt). This simpler algorithm allowed for faster transaction speeds with Litecoin. Bitcoin processes transactions at a slow rate of five transactions per second. It can take around 10 minutes to generate new blocks on Bitcoin’s blockchain.

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple, the company behind XRP is a payment settlement network and currency exchange network that can handle transactions worldwide.

The network acts as a trusted agent and can quickly verify that the transaction went smoothly. Ripple allows exchanges of fiat currencies as well as cryptocurrencies such Bitcoin.

Every time users use the network to make a transaction, the network takes a small amount XRP (a cryptocurrency) as a fee.

TRON(TRX)

TRON (CRYPTO.TRX) is an open source blockchain platform that can run smart contract and be used to build decentralized apps (dApps). It has similar functionality to Ethereum (CRYPTO ETH) and started as a token on Ethereum before switching to its own blockchain.

TRON’s goals are diverse, but all of them come back to the central goal of decentralizing web.

TRON has always been focused on changing the entertainment industry. It plans to use blockchains to create a content-sharing platform and eliminate the middleman. Creators of content would be able connect directly with consumers to sell their products.

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot, a blockchain-based platform that is relatively new, also competes against Ethereum. It allows cross-blockchain transfers of data and assets, beyond tokens. It is highly scalable, and users can create custom blockchains with their Substrate framework.

It also has a sophisticated governance structure that allows all stakeholders to have a voice. Polkadot enjoyed a tremendous growth rate in recent years, making it a very popular choice.

The DOT token is its native cryptocurrency and is currently one of the 10 most valuable coins according to market capitalization. Many projects are built using the Polkadot Blockchain.

Altcoins are more risky than traditional investments but can still prove lucrative. Do your research before investing in any cryptocurrency.

You shouldn’t invest in something just because it’s $0.01 or “only” $0.1. Always remember, that many altcoins don’t have any real-world value.

Go to top

Understanding Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake

August 22, 2022

By Hannah Parker

The legacy of Bitcoin is growing stronger with the rise of cryptocurrency in 2020-2022. A growing number of people are interested in learning how these new technologies work as institutions continue to invest in Bitcoin. If a curious user of crypto comes across mining, it’s likely that they will come across the terms Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake.

Let’s take a look at how these mechanisms were created in order to better understand cryptocurrency.

What is Proof-of-Work (PoW)

Bitcoin and other networks use a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism. Consensus mechanisms allow the entire network to agree on its current status. They require participation from miners, who act as transaction validators, and individual nodes, to enforce consensus rules. To be considered “in consensus”, it is essential that each node has the same ledger copy and enforces the identical consensus rules.

The network may not work if one computer node runs one version of the Bitcoin protocol and another has a slightly different version. Because Bitcoin and other blockchain protocols record every transaction on a digital ledger permanently, having a different consensus about how the digital ledger functions would render the functionality useless. To make the blockchain valid, each computer must be in agreement.

Decentralization means that you are not subject to any central authority. This is because the laws that govern any blockchain project must adhere to math and code. A centralised authority can dictate how a protocol works. There are some drawbacks to this alternative. For example, entities can abuse their power over a protocol. Consensus algorithms are key in achieving a functionally viable system that is trust-minimized.

“PoW uses energy and computation as a security mechanism to defend the network from attacks”, according to the developers of Bitcoin Smarter. PoW uses cryptography, hashes and complex puzzles to make sure that the digital ledger is unalterable. One would need to have a lot of computational power and hardware capable of solving complex algorithms in order to alter the blockchain. This is why Proof-of-Work blockchain networks are so secure.

What is Proof-of-Stake (PoS)?

Proof-of-stake is a consensus mechanism that uses cryptocurrency to process transactions and create new blocks on a blockchain. A consensus mechanism is used to validate entries in a distributed database. It also helps keep the database safe. The database in cryptocurrency is called a “blockchain. Therefore, the consensus mechanism protects the blockchain.

Proof-of-stake decreases the computational effort required to verify transactions and blocks that keep the blockchain and cryptocurrency secure. Proof-of-stake alters the process by which blocks can be verified by the machines of the coin owners. To validate blocks, owners can offer their coins as collateral. Validators are coin owners who have staked their coins.

PoW vs PoS

Mainstream media tends to exaggerate the power required to produce Proof-of-Work, but Bitcoin mining still needs significant amounts of energy. Bitcoin consumes 0.5% of the world’s energy, which is equivalent to one megacity like Las Vegas. However, its supporters claim that a lot of Bitcoin’s hash rate comes either from renewable energy sources or from stranded energy. Another criticism of Proof-of-Work is that it favours miners with more resources since people with lots of money can buy entire buildings full of mining tools and mine cryptos. Proof-of-Stake is a different system. The protocol’s chance of validating blocks depends on how much currency you have. There is a minimum amount of resources that you will need. This is the amount of crypto you must “stake’ in order to validate or prove the network. It also includes the hardware requirements. Proof-of-Stake is an alternative to mining. It works on validator nodes that are run by users who validate and verify the network.

Proof-of-Stake can lead to other problems, such as a blockchain being taken over. PoS is a way to compromise the network if a group of people suddenly takes over 51% or a single powerful person buys more than half of the protocol’s stake. Although theoretically possible, it is difficult to do in practice. This and other issues mean that some protocols might use Proof-of-Work ideas in conjunction with Proof-of-Stake.

Go to top

Are NFTs Here to Stay?

August 22, 2022

By Hannah Parker

The Wall Street Journal published an article at the beginning of May that shook up the NFT market: “NFT sales are flatlining: Is it the beginning of the death of NFTs?” This has caused some concern and raised questions about where the market is heading and if NFTs can still be a viable source of income.

What are NFTs?

In short, NFTs can be described as unmodifiable digital assets. They can represent artworks, music pieces, or real-life objects. Recent claims of NFT sales falling have been widely refuted. On-chain data from Dune Analytics’s dashboard shows that the NFT market remains strong due to ongoing developments in their utility. This data also shows that NFT transactions and users are significantly higher than reported by Nonfungible (the resource used in the WSJ Article).

Are NFTs Valuable?

NFT collections have three main pillars that help to build their value: community, culture, and utility. NFT collections can have multiple aspects or one aspect. The most famous examples are some of the best. Bored Ape Yacht club is the best example of an active community. Both CryptoPunks and Generative art (Artblocks), have promoted NFTs within the cultural sphere. The utility of gaming NFTs is a great indicator of how innovation can happen in this space.

Although the NFT market is volatile, there are still opportunities. Investors can use volatility to create strategies such as buy low, sell high which could lead to astronomic returns. As stated by the developers of the reputable automated crypto trading tool, Bitcoin Method, “A volatile market is a great place to filter out the weakest holders and projects”.

NFT creators recognize that customers are the most important part of marketing and have begun to create more engaging utilities. Entertainment and travel companies that sell NFT tickets are a prime example. Customers can easily exchange tickets with them without needing to contact customer service.

NFTs Depend Heavily on Interoperability

NFTs are a great tool because they can create community and offer access to perks both online and in person. As metaverses and NFTs become more complex, interoperability among metaverses will become as important as their utility in real-life.

Interoperability is key to the success of the metaverse, which mirrors the real world. The metaverse, which is the integration of virtual worlds without borders, aims to create fluid socio-cultural interactions beyond our physical world. The metaverse is more inclusive and will provide more variety and utility. Interoperability will increase the utility and bring a seamless experience to users.

Are NFTs Here to Stay?

NFTs offer a platform that allows people who don’t have the financial skills to become wealthy and enter the formal financial system. This is evident in NFTs that are based on play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity. They are growing in popularity.

The future of NFTs will go beyond gaming and art. NFTs can be used as proof of ownership, licenses, social status, exclusive access and certificates of authenticity.

There are pros and cons to trading and investing in NFTs. There are many arguments in favor and against them. However, one thing is certain: they will not be going away. So expect the NFT market size to increase, but don’t fall for the hype.

You need to decide how much you are willing to expose yourself to NFTs. Experts agree that long-term investors are better off limiting their exposure to NFTs to less than 5% and not at the expense of meeting other financial goals.

Go to top

Analysing the Bull and Bear Markets in Cryptocurrency Trading

August 22, 2022

The cryptocurrency sector is highly volatile and subject to numerous factors, trends, and demand and supply principles. When it comes to trading, there are two patterns to take into account: uptrends and downtrends, both vital elements of the cryptocurrency market cycles.

Interestingly, uptrend and downtrend conditions are often described by the terms “bull” and “bear”, commonly used in the stock market. We should note that these two terms are associated with the way both animals attack. While the bull will thrust its horns high, the bear will swipe down.

Knowing if values are appreciating or depreciating in the cryptocurrency marketplace is vital, so learn more on how to analyse the bull and bear markets in cryptocurrency trading.

Bull Markets

When we talk about bull markets, we mean that the market is doing well, and values are expected to grow. This is typically accompanied by favourable investment moves.

Whenever the value of a coin keeps increasing for more than a couple of days, that is said to be in a bullish trend. It’s when many beginners and even experienced investors seek assistance from apps like Bitcoin Profit or Binance to connect with brokers in order to buy well-performing digital assets.

Bear Markets

In essence, a bear market is contrary to a bull market, or when crypto values keep declining. This generally occurs after a bullish trend, when supply exceeds demand. As stated on CoinTelegraph: “a bear market is one in which the value of cryptocurrencies has fallen by at least 20% and is continuing to fall. An example includes the famous cryptocurrency crash in December 2017, when investors saw Bitcoin fall from $20,000 to $3,200 over the course of a few days.” Note that during a bear market, economies may slow down and result in unemployment.

Investing in a bear market can be riskier as assets decrease in value, and strategies such as short selling may be needed to achieve potential profits.

Aspects Influencing Bull and Bear Market Dynamics

From interest among celebs to regulatory restrictions, there are different factors affecting crypto markets. Supply and demand principles perhaps have the most significant influence on the price of a digital coin: when consumption increases, the price rises, while when supply increases, the price drops.

Trading psychology and investor confidence also affect markets. Naturally, market sentiment is negative during a bear market.

Note that it is not only unique events or unexpected social turmoil or health crises that can affect markets. Investors should have a broader picture: how markets will perform in the long term should also be considered. Given the complexities of investing, beginners unsure about their trading options should always consult a financial professional.

Conclusion

Due to the volatility of Bitcoin and other cryptos, bearish and bullish trends keep changing. One should learn how to read trading signals, spot reversing patterns, and keep up to date with the latest news.

Interestingly, while many buy during bearish markets to make a profit, buying during bullish markets can boost the uptrend and benefit investors. Either way, cryptocurrency trading remains risky, and one risks losing their entire capital.

That said, the cryptocurrency sector is highly lucrative and keeps attracting more and more people. People who are excited to see who will win: the bear or the bull!

Go to top

Financial & Legal Aspects of Serious Injuries: 4 Facts to Understand

August 22, 2022

This blog will take you through the financial and legal aspects of serious injuries. It will help you understand what you need to do as well as what to avoid. By having a better understanding of these topics, you will be able to make better decisions.

You Need to Find Good Legal Representation

Serious injuries can mean a lot of things. Whether it’s a car accident, a work injury, or a slip and fall, you might have a lot of questions as to what steps you should take next. When you have serious injuries, it’s important to find good legal representation. You should find a lawyer who can guide you through the process. Luckily, Los Angeles has an abundance of personal injury attorneys to review and choose from. To find a good legal representative, it’s recommended that you use a lawyer referral service to find one.

When you speak with a lawyer, you should find out what their experience level is. You should also find out if they have any experience with representing clients who have suffered serious injuries. You should also find out what the average cost of representation is. If you’re looking for a lawyer in your area, you might want to check out the National Center for State Courts.

Emotional & Physical Trauma and Financial Loss

When someone is seriously injured, it can be a traumatic experience. That’s why it’s important to know what happens next.

Here are some key facts to know about the financial and legal consequences of a serious injury.

The emotional and physical trauma of a serious injury can take a physical toll on the individual who has been injured. This can lead to the victim being unable to work.
Serious injuries can lead to permanent physical and/or psychological injuries. A victim may need to pay for expensive and extensive long-term medical care.
The victim of a serious injury may have to make a claim or lawsuit to recover damages.
The victim of a serious injury may be entitled to compensation from their employers due to the employer’s liability for the injuries.

Serious injuries can devastate your finances as well. There are many different financial and legal implications that come with a serious injury. In order to understand the financial aspects of serious injuries, you must first understand what is included in the term “serious injury.” The term includes any injury that requires hospitalization, any injury that requires surgery or medical treatment for a period of time, and any injury that requires a period of time off of work. Some of the financial impacts include loss of income, medical expenses, and property damage.

Types of Serious Injuries

Serious injuries are not just injuries that result in hospitalization or require surgery. They can also involve long-term rehabilitation and recovery, which can have a significant financial impact. To start, you need to understand the different types of serious injuries.

There are four types of serious injuries:

Life-threatening injuries,
Catastrophic injury,
Permanent impairment, and
Emotional suffering.

When the injury is due to the negligence of another, the injured person may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual. Serious injuries can be devastating for the injured person and their loved ones. This is why it is important for people to understand the various types and their implications.

The Probability of Success

There are many issues that arise when someone is seriously injured. They may be unable to work, be injured for a long period of time, have to spend money on medical bills, and suffer from some effects of their injury.

One of the most important things to understand is the probability of a successful outcome in the case of a serious injury. A successful outcome could mean a return to the same level of function, a return to a different level of function, or no function. The probability of a successful outcome depends on a number of factors, and one of them is the severity of the injury. The severity of the injury is measured on a scale of 1 to 4. If the severity of the injury is a 4, the likelihood of a successful outcome is very low.

Most people don’t know the different financial and legal implications of a serious injury, so we are here to help you out! Some of the most common causes of serious injuries are car accidents, falls, and even medical errors. With the information provided in our article, you will be able to feel confident in your decision to seek medical attention.

Go to top

The Rise in Civil Fraud Cases

August 21, 2022

By Syed Rahman

The number of civil fraud cases heard in the courts has undergone a 50% rise. And while it can often be argued that statistics do not always tell the full story, in this case they are certainly telling enough for us to recognise a definite trend.

The big question at this stage is just how long this trend will last. Or is it actually less of a trend and more of a sign of how things will be from now on? The answer can only be found by assessing the causes of the rise.

Given that the figures being cited for the rise are for the years 2019 and 2020, we have the chance to employ some degree of hindsight when it comes to them. Looking back, we can see that this period was when Covid-19 started to make its presence felt. The economy took a pounding as the pandemic took hold.

But while pandemic-related economic hardship leading to more fraud being recognised is certainly a factor for the rise in civil fraud cases coming to court, it cannot be the only one. There are other factors at play – factors that are likely to maintain and probably increase the case numbers we are currently seeing.

Perhaps the first factor is the rampant inflation that is gathering momentum. Inflation can equal hardship, which can then result in the increased likelihood of fraud. It is a simple equation that will not accurately reflect every single situation. But it is likely to be the case for some people, as the cost of living eats into their finances and their sense of security.

Tighter controls due to monetary policies are set to have a similar effect. There is little doubt that when money is scarce fraud can flourish. And the fact that we are seeing interest rates rising is good news for those who are sitting on savings and waiting to gain a good rate of return on their funds. But for the rest of the population, any increase in interest rates is one more squeeze on their finances – and a possible reason to resort to fraud.

When it comes to fraud, we are often talking about investment fraud. There is – and will – always be those individuals who are looking to separate innocent investors from their money. This happens at any given time, regardless of the economic circumstances facing particular people or the nation as a whole. Yet the reasons I have already outlined may give an extra impetus to investment fraud, as may the stock markets exhibiting more extreme volatility. Those who may have lost funds through the markets may be less than scrupulous in how they look to claw it back. Meanwhile, market unpredictability may make it easier than normal for them to hoodwink others into parting with their cash to pursue what is sold to them as a safe bet with unbelievable returns.

As the sheer scale of fraud linked to government financial support for businesses in the pandemic has been well documented, there is little point in repeating here what has been said many times. But on a micro level, the impact of Covid-19 has been profound. Changes to working practices have provided ample opportunity for fraudsters. The move to working from home saw large sections of business often functioning without the protection of safety measures that are normally implemented in the office.

While it would be wrong to say companies were operating without their usual safeguards, there were – in many circumstances – opportunities for individuals to take advantage of the reduced levels of scrutiny they were facing. For some people, those opportunities will have been impossible to ignore. And yet not all such opportunists will avoid detection. Many of them will find themselves swelling the numbers of those forced to defend themselves in court against civil fraud claims.

Unfortunately, for the reasons I have covered here, the rise in such claims is unlikely to be a short-lived occurrence. The conditions which favour fraud have now been present for too long for such an increase to drop off in the very near future.

Go to top

About the Author

Syed Rahman’s great depth of experience in serious fraud, financial crime and multi-jurisdictional investigations has earmarked him as a robust solicitor. He is proficient in both civil and criminal cases, where there is an allegation of corporate wrongdoing. Syed has substantial experience in advising corporate entities and their directors and officers in relation to investigations conducted by all the major enforcement agencies.

Blockchain – a Driver for Sustainability?

August 21, 2022

By Simon Tribelhorn

In public discourse, blockchain technology is often reduced to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. However, the technology not merely offers the financial sector significant advantages, but can also open up unimagined horizons in the field of sustainability.

Blockchain technology has further digitised financial services processes. But the fact that it is capable of much more than simply safeguarding the security of Bitcoin makes it a decidedly interesting instrument for additional fields of application. In simple terms, blockchain records all transactions chronologically and seamlessly. It can map and store all types of assets digitally. New transactions are represented in the form of blocks. The blocks subsequently form a chain – hence the name blockchain. The big advantage of this technology: Each new block contains references to previous blocks and needs to be approved by existing network members. This makes manipulation and fraud effectively impossible.

Megatrend sustainability

How do blockchain and sustainability go hand in hand? The sustainable approach to our environment and society has also found its way into the field of investment. For example, the EU has defined regulatory framework conditions (EU taxonomy) for sustainable investments on the basis of ESG guidelines. ESG stands for Environment, Social and Governance and lays down requirements both for conserving resources and reducing emissions and for social aspects such as compliance with employment rights or diversity, along with respect for corporate governance and ethics. The Oil Profit App is a computerized trading system specifically designed to help traders maximize their profits by analyzing and managing their investments in oil markets.

Current regulations based on ESG criteria still leave (too) much room for manoeuvre, and this is also a source of criticism. At the same time, this is precisely where the strengths of blockchain technology could come into play – as, inter alia, it can check compliance with ESG criteria without manipulation and thus prevent “greenwashing” by issuers. This means the technology is more or less predestined to be deployed within the context of sustainable finance in future, placing the topic of sustainability on sound technological foundations.

Blockchain and sustainability

Critics, however, contend that blockchain and the ESG Directive are not reconcilable. Firstly, the substantial energy consumption of blockchain networks is a point of contention. Secondly, there is a risk that blockchain could be instrumentalised for money laundering. Thirdly, compliance and good governance cannot be ensured in a system that has no central intermediary.

In actual fact, however, blockchain technology is an essential lever for all three dimensions – the “E”, “S” and “G” – of sustainability. It is important to note that while publicly accessible blockchains such as Bitcoin do indeed consume a great deal of energy, this is not true to the same extent for private or hybrid solutions. Since blockchains need to be understood as shared databases that are decentralised on the internet, any inconsistencies are detected immediately, as all participants within a network have access to the same data resources in real time. Because it is absolutely traceable, tamper-proof and transparent, the technology therefore has the effect of countering money laundering. These advantages can also be used within the context of ethical governance, for example when it comes to building and operating secure global supply chains and value chains. More than almost any other technology, blockchain can increase the trustworthiness as well as the data protection of business processes, especially as its integrated cryptology also defends against cyber-attacks.

Opportunity for the financial centre

The Liechtenstein financial centre has long recognised that digital innovations such as blockchain technology can improve business processes, create new business models, alter client requirements and consequently change the entire sector. With the “Blockchain Act” that was introduced in 2020, Liechtenstein assumed a pioneering global role in the token economy and created the regulatory framework for internet-based transactions using blockchain. The new act also places the Liechtenstein financial centre in pole position when it comes to further exploring the potential of this technology within the context of sustainability. This lead needs to be preserved and expanded. Using blockchain for sustainable asset investments is not merely a possible step in this direction, but also a logical move.

The original version of the article written in German was published by Volksblatt.

Go to top

About the Author

Simon Tribelhorn is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Liechtenstein Finance, Managing Director of the Liechtenstein Bankers Association and a Swiss lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in banking, capital markets and international and European financial market regulation. Simon has proven strengths in banking and financial centre strategic issues with a strong focus on and passion for sustainability and sustainable investments as well as in communications, stakeholder and issue management and public relations. He also has a good network of contacts with decision-makers in politics, business and the media, particularly in Switzerland, neighbouring German-speaking countries, the UK and Brussels. Simon also has several years of part-time work on various committees of non-profit organisations.

Liechtenstein Finance e.V. is an association organised under private law, whose members are the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Liechtenstein financial centre associations. The purpose of the association is to raise the profile of the Liechtenstein financial centre at home and abroad by providing information on the special features and strengths of the financial centre.

6 Benefits of Using High-Quality Sunglasses More Frequently

August 21, 2022

Sunglasses are more popular during the summer season. They’re essential as they offer more comfort and safety against the sun’s UV light that can hurt your eyes.

The effects of UV rays on our skin are quite evident, but most people don’t know that the rays are a risk to our eyes.

The summer season brings exciting outdoor activities, warmer weather, and clear skies. And we all can’t resist going out and having a good time.

So it’s essential you invest in high-quality prescription sunglasses during this period. Prescription sunglasses will help you keep up with the summer trend and protect your eyes.

But it’s advisable to wear your sunglasses even on a cloudy day. Ensure that the sunglasses you buy provide 100 percent UV protection.

High-quality sunglasses can help protect your eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Using prescription sunglasses ensure you don’t experience painful squinting or suffer from severe eye disorders.

So if you’re looking to invest in sunglasses, here are reasons why you should invest in high-quality sunglasses.

1. Helps to Avoid Migraines and Severe Headaches

Do you experience migraines or headaches after being under the sun for a long time? The migraines and headaches often result from the sun’s brilliance.

So as you hydrate, you need to find better ways to avoid migraines. And yes, the best way to do that is by investing in high-quality prescription sunglasses that can protect you from the sun’s brightness.

You need to frequently use quality sunglasses to prevent the agony and discomfort of a migraine.

For an outdoor or athletic guy, the Oakley prescription sunglasses with dark lenses can come in handy. This choice will make you look trendy and safe from harmful sunrays. The sunglasses will help you go about your adventures without worrying about migraines.

Also, ensure the lenses are high quality with the correct prescription to address your vision needs. Quality sunglasses gives you confidence that your eyes are safe from the harsh UV rays.

2. Sunglasses Give You Clear and Crisp Vision

Sunglasses shield us from migraines and headaches and instantly reduce glare and brightness from the sun once you put them on. Being out in the glaring, harsh sun is uncomfortable without wearing sunglasses.

Quality sunglasses have many benefits for our eyes. For instance, you’ll have clear and crisp vision whether you’re strolling in the park, watching your baby play sports, or skiing down a snowy mountain.

You can leverage polarized lenses to significantly enhance your eyesight by reducing glare from the sun that reflects off horizontal surfaces like sand, ocean, snow, or sidewalks.

High-quality glasses can help you see color and contrast as it eliminates glare. This helps to enhance your vision and increase your enjoyment while outside.

Moreover, wearing quality sunglasses gives you a better outdoor experience and helps you perform better when practicing sports.

3. High-Quality Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays and Debris

It’s natural to dress according to the occasion or event. For instance, swimwear is necessary while at the pool and beach wear when visiting the beach. And the same applies when you’re going for a run, cycling, or water or snow skiing.

But one thing you shouldn’t miss is your Oakley sports prescription sunglasses.

You should leverage quality and cool prescription sunglasses that completely filter the sun’s harmful UV rays. By doing this, you will be protecting your eyes from damage while engaging in enjoyable, fun outdoor activities.

Foregoing high-quality sunglasses can lead to harmful instances. Snow blindness, for instance, is a temporary vision loss due to excessive UV radiation reflected off snow and ice. For instance, snow is less abrasive but reflects the harsh UV sun rays into your eyes. Failure to wear high-quality sunglasses while on the snow for long hours can result in snow blindness.

So ensure you invest in high-quality sunglasses to prevent you from slow blindness. Besides, this will allow you to spend more time on the slopes.

Apart from the harmful UV rays, sunglasses protect your eyes from other elements. They are a physical barrier to shield your eyes from sand, wind, flying grit, and other airborne particles. These elements can irritate your eyes or scratch the cornea, causing permanent damage.

4. Protects Yourself From Future Sun-Related Problems

While it’s almost impossible to predict the future, great possibilities are supporting prolonged exposure is dangerous to your vision over time.

The sun’s harmful UV rays risk cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye disorders that can impair your vision.

Cataracts cause the natural lens of the eye to become yellowish. It often leads to light sensitivity and blurred vision. When the center part of your retina macula starts to deteriorate, it will affect your vision. It is responsible for your detailed, up-close vision, such as reading.

Moreover, the UV rays can result in eye cancer and pterygium, a disorder in which extra tissue grows on the eyeball.

So using high-quality sunglasses daily when you’re outside helps your eyes stay healthier and longer, reducing the risk of future sun diseases.

5. Can Help Protect Your Eyes as They Heal

It is quite common for people to have corrective eye surgery. It can either be a LASIK procedure for vision enhancement or remove cataracts.

Therefore, the eyes must have enough time to recuperate after these treatments. So ensure you protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays during healing for them to recover fully.

Using high-quality sunglasses will guarantee your eyes ample time to heal. Besides, the sunglasses protect your priceless vision.

6. Look and Feel Trendy

We know prescription sunglasses safeguard your long-term eye health and enhance your appearance.

Investing in high-quality Oakley prescription sunglasses improves your vision and makes you look fantastic.

Ensure you pick a pair of beautiful frames that look great, make you feel great, and protect your present and future vision.

Final Thoughts

The only way to protect your vision clarity is by finding ways to shield your eyes from the sun. You should consider getting prescription sunglasses if you’ve struggled with migraines and headaches.

By doing this, you’re not only addressing the short-term effects of the UV rays but also long-term sun-related diseases. Besides, high-quality sunglasses helps your eyes to heal after surgery.

So you need to buy prescription sunglasses to enjoy the summer without worrying about your eyes. Also, high-quality sunglasses enhance your appearance.

Go to top

Executive Search: Recruitment Beyond Borders

August 20, 2022

Today’s global economy, by necessity, needs a global workforce, and this is especially relevant at senior and executive levels in all sectors of industry and business.

Organisations hoping to compete and succeed within an increasingly globalised economy can now extend the search beyond borders to source the very best candidates available. This is why many organisations are turning to executive search specialists who have a pool of specialised knowledge, extensive contacts at a global level and years of industry experience. This gives them the best chance of access to brand-enhancing top talent.

Competition for Top Talent is Intense

With unemployment rates around the world at historic low levels and falling in some cases, it is vital that international and domestic organisations alike create and maintain an effective global recruitment strategy. But when the largest world economies – China, the US, Canada and the UK – are competing heavily to attract the best candidates, this can be a major headache for CEOs.

The most sought-after executives are virtually able to take their pick of locations, especially in the fields of technology where remote working is made possible by good internet connections. London, for example, is among the most attractive locations for executive workers with its abundance of desirable properties, good schools and transport links and cultural diversity.

What are the Challenges in Global Recruitment?

There have always been issues and stumbling blocks to filling executive and top-level posts, and in an increasingly globalised world, these have undoubtedly diversified. Brexit, followed by the Covid19 pandemic, provided a temporary halt to the recruitment of overseas workers. Language and cultural barriers must be taken into consideration. It is always an advantage for executive and senior level personnel to be multilingual. Even though the English language is widely spoken and understood around the world, where English speakers are engaging on an international level, they should also be expected to be able to adequately communicate in a local language.

It is also a distinct advantage to be familiar with local customs and cultures in order to not only avoid inadvertently causing offence but also to uphold the company or brand name and reputation.

Work visas are another challenge which must be overcome in good time, and it is vital to keep up to date with visa requirements. The most popular destinations around the world for ex-pat workers are the UK, US, Hong Kong and Singapore, and these all have different visa requirements. A prospective employer should strive to take care of any visa requirements for new executives and their families.

A strong, efficient and preferably not drawn-out end-to-end experience is essential to find the right candidates, so this means easy to understand and complete applications, good communication and expertly written job descriptions and employment terms. Studies have shown that new recruits are more likely to stay with a company if they experience a great recruitment process and a seamless move.

Advantages of Using a Global Recruitment Expert

An experienced executive search recruitment partner can be invaluable in the global search for top talent where their extensive experience and knowledge can make all the difference. With global recruitment comes the opportunity to choose from a huge talent pool with the right skills and a diverse workforce to improve and enhance the company brand. As technology and communication develop, employers are looking to hire those with relevant future skills to keep them ahead of the competition.

A globally diverse workforce is the key to increasing creativity and cultural concord in the workforce, as well as a sense of community with diverse language skills to advance a brand reputation.

Go to top

1...599600601...1,127 Page 600 of 1,127

FOLLOW US!

EDITOR'S PICK OF THE WEEK

CFO's new mandate. CFO explaining the presentation

The Performance and Transformation Orchestrator: The CFO’s New Mandate in the Age of AI

Anglea 0

By Terence Tse CFOs are evolving into AI-driven transformation orchestrators, balancing finance, technology, and strategy while upskilling teams, managing risks, and driving measurable business value. A key insight from this year’s AI for CFOs event, organized...