Playing roulette for real money is one of the most exciting and simple casino games available. However, choosing the right online casino can be difficult with so many options on the web today. Suppose you're looking to play bitcoin roulette, crypto roulette, or take advantage of the best crypto live roulette and crypto games roulette sites. In that case, this guide will introduce you to the top 7 Bitcoin and crypto roulette casino sites that deserve your consideration in 2024.

Each site featured has been thoroughly reviewed based on game selection, bonuses, payment options, reputation, and more. By the end of this article, you'll have a good idea of which roulette-focused crypto casino is best for you. So, without further ado, let's get into our list of the best Bitcoin roulette and crypto roulette sites with bonuses for 2024.

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List of the 7 best Bitcoin and crypto roulette sites in 2024:

7BitCasino - Established casino offering over 3,000 games, including 15+ roulette variants

BitStarz - Fast-growing all-crypto casino with 16+ roulette games and great bonuses

BC.Game - Huge selection of 96+ roulette games from top providers

Flush.com - Longtime Bitcoin gambling site with 18+ roulette games and a 200% bonus

Winz.io - Feature-rich Bitcoin casino with 18+ roulette games and anonymous gambling

JackBit - Anonymous crypto casino with 17+ high-quality roulette games

FortuneJack - Established veteran crypto casino with 18+ high-quality roulette variants

How to choose a crypto roulette site

When selecting a site to play live Bitcoin roulette or regular virtual wheel games, there are a few important factors to evaluate:

Licensing and security - Look for sites licensed by reputable jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta to ensure fair gaming and funds security.

Supported cryptocurrencies - Most support Bitcoin, but check if your preferred coin, like Ether or Doge, is accepted for deposits/withdrawals.

Bonus offers - Welcome packages and ongoing promotions can boost your bankroll. Consider wagering requirements.

Game selection - Variety of roulette games, software providers, and whether live dealer options exist.

Reputation - Read reviews online to assess trustworthiness, customer support quality, and payout processing times.

Device compatibility - Can you access games on a desktop, mobile browser, or via a dedicated app? Responsive design is ideal.

The best crypto casinos to play live Bitcoin roulette and win big in 2024

With those factors in mind, let's examine some highly rated crypto roulette sites and their offerings in more detail:

1. 7BitCasino - Great variety of roulette games

Known industry-wide as one of the original and most established crypto casinos, 7BitCasino should be at the top of your list when considering where to play Bitcoin roulette. As implied by its name, 7BitCasino was one of the first online casinos to adopt cryptocurrencies as a payment method way back in 2014 and is widely considered one of the best BTC and crypto casinos.

Since then, it has grown its offerings tremendously while maintaining an impressive reputation for security, variety, and generous rewards. 7BitCasino houses over 3,000 games from nearly two dozen top providers, including live dealer tables, an expansive crypto sportsbook, and a dedicated Live Casino section.

New players can benefit greatly from their industry-leading welcome package worth 5 BTC plus 75 free spins. Meanwhile, faithful customers are crowned VIP members based on real-money wagers, unlocking lifelong perks like personal account managers, customized bonuses, and priority support.

On the Bitcoin roulette front, 7BitCasino caters brilliantly with three live dealer variants as well as several unique in-house creations. Players can enjoy speeds as fast as 5 seconds per spin while soaking in the immersive studio atmosphere from anywhere in the world. It's tough to find a better all-around crypto casino than 7Bit for anyone seeking top-shelf live Bitcoin roulette.

Pros:

Huge library of slots and table games.

Very generous bonuses.

Good reputation as a trusted brand.

 

Cons:

Higher minimum bets of $1-5 compared to some competitors.

The interface needs to be updated.

 

Visit 7BitCasino

2. BitStarz - Popular casino with daily jackpots

Going head to head with the mighty 7BitCasino, BitStarz has quickly established itself as the industry's fastest-growing Bitcoin casino. Focused primarily on slots but with all the classics including live roulette onboard, BitStarz tantalizes newcomers with a staggering welcome package worth 5 BTC plus 180 free spins on registration, in addition to 30 free spins without deposit.

After taking advantage of the generous BitStarz bonus, players are inducted into the site's lucrative loyalty program. Consisting of 20 tiers that scale rewards exponentially with wagering, it's now recognized as the most generous player appreciation system in crypto gambling. Regardless of your bankroll size, there's a rewarding rung on the ladder reserved specifically for you.

Adventurous crypto bettors will feel at ease dipping their feet into Bitcoin roulette at BitStarz thanks to its seamless deposits/withdrawals, round-the-clock support, and sterling curation of live dealer tables from top gaming partners. With limitless buy-ins on all games and a dedicated VIP host to optimize your experience, BitStarz certainly joins 7BitCasino at the Bitcoin roulette peak.

Pros:

Huge weekly tournaments.

Provably fair games.

Wide game selection.

Very generous bonuses.

 

Cons:

The interface feels a bit busy and cluttered at times.

Minimum 0.0005 BTC bets are higher than some competitors.

 

Visit BitStarz

3. BC.Game - Four deposit bonuses for players

Providing a sublime gaming experience since 2017, the Hungary-based BC.Game has developed a cult following among crypto casino connoisseurs seeking diversity and juicy perks. As well as housing 5,000+ top-tier slots and table games, BC.Game has rightfully earned praise, specifically regarding its live Bitcoin roulette.

Newcomers are treated to a 500% bonus up to 5 BTC plus 200 extra spins after making their first crypto deposit of 0.001 BTC or more. The loyalty rewards like weekly raffles and bumper reload bonuses then keep you sticky for the long haul on this magnificently smooth platform.

Players can interact with charming live dealers streaming in high-quality HD video from their purpose-built studios. With a wide range of bet limits starting from just $1, live Bitcoin roulette at BC.Game remains accessible and highly thrilling in equal measure. Its comprehensive VIP program also doles out exclusive perks like personal account managers for high rollers.

Pros:

Enormous roulette game selection.

Regular cash prizes and tournaments.

Slick, easy-to-use interface.

Very generous sign-up bonus.

 

Cons:

No mobile app is available.

 

Visit BC.Game

4. Flush.com - Anonymous crypto gambling

Launched in 2020, Flush.com signaled the entrance of a new breed of crypto casino - one engineered from the ground up for efficiency, cryptocurrency support, and eye-pleasing design. While still steadily growing, Flush already competes with the major players in several key areas.

Most notably, new players collectively receive a 200% bonus on their first four deposits up to 1 BTC. Where Flush truly shines, though, is its razor-sharp live Bitcoin roulette, where games load almost instantly and payouts hit your wallet in mere minutes thanks to blockchain integration.

The casino upholds a reasonable minimum bet of $1 on tables hosted live from state-of-the-art studios. Supported coins include BTC, ETH, LTC, and USDT. Responsiveness, a deep portfolio of third-party games, and generous bonuses make Flush a surefire contender in the crypto roulette space worth a trial.

Pros:

Huge welcome bonus.

Daily cashbacks.

Generous comp point system.

Easy crypto deposits.

 

Cons:

Roulette selection is a bit more limited than competitors.

Higher $50 minimum deposit.

 

Visit Flush.com

5. Winz.io - Advanced cryptocurrency roulette

Despite officially launching in 2019, Winz.io has evolved at lightning speed to join the crème-de-la-crème of online casinos with its comprehensive gaming suite and crypto-optimized business model. Thanks to a clean and minimalist web interface, you can easily access over 3,500 top-shelf games including all the classic Bitcoin roulette variations.

Newbies receive a 100% bonus up to 1 BTC after registering and depositing 0.0005 BTC or more. Meanwhile, loyal players are rewarded through one of the gaming industry's slickest loyalty programs - the WinzPass. Scaling from Bronze to Black, it unlocks increasingly generous bonuses, cashback rates, and tailor-made perks.

Winz keeps things fast-paced with seamless deposit/payout speeds and live tables hosted by real dealers streaming in high-definition from industry-leading studios worldwide. Combined with rock-solid security and 24/7 multilingual support, it's unsurprising Winz climbed the ranks so quickly in crypto casino gambling.

Pros:

Excellent live dealer selection including roulette.

Generous welcome offer.

Competitive rakeback and reload promos.

 

Cons:

The game library is weaker compared to bigger competitors.

Higher 0.0002 BTC minimum bets.

 

Visit Winz.io

6. JackBit - Focus on live Bitcoin roulette

Dating back to 2014, JackBit laid important groundwork as an early pioneer in the Bitcoin gambling industry. While far less flashy than newer competitors, savvy players continue flocking to JackBit for its stringent regulated model and proven track record of integrity over the years.

All games from major vendors like Evolution, Betsoft, and Pragmatic Play can be accessed for free or with real money via a choice of cryptocurrencies. Signup bonuses of 100% up to 1 BTC plus 100 free spins also entice newcomers. Where JackBit may lack style, it makes up for it through sheer reliability and steadfast dedication to crypto roulette bettors.

Both software and live dealer tables are handled immaculately by Isle of Man-based TV studios. With swift payouts, military-grade security, and 24/7 multi-lingual support staff, JackBit continues serving vanilla online casino bliss for discerning crypto bettors preferring substance over flash.

Pros:

Ultra-low minimum table bets start at $0.10.

Large game selection considering site size.

Long-standing reputation as a trustworthy brand.

 

Cons:

The interface needs to be updated.

Game selection is smaller than top competitors.

Higher wagering requirements of 50x on bonuses.

 

Visit JackBit 

7. FortuneJack - Diverse casino with sports betting

In operation since 2014, much like our previous entry, JackBit, FortuneJack has endured as one of the most trusted Bitcoin gambling sites around by upholding high regulatory, technical, and customer service standards. New members receive a reward of up to 6 BTC spread over their first four deposits.

Beyond competitive bonuses, FortuneJack boasts a glistening casino suite, including over 3,000 top-tier games from the crème-de-la-crème of software makers. Players are also privy to its impressive racebook and unique SuperSix prediction game. Most relevant to this guide is that FortuneJack offers multiple variations of crypto roulette that are playable on desktop or mobile.

All betting is seamlessly powered by blockchain for security and convenience. With lightning-fast deposits/withdrawals supported in dozens of coins plus rock-solid safety certification from independent auditors, FortuneJack remains a verified haven for responsible crypto gamblers desiring tried-and-tested Bitcoin roulette action.

Pros:

Excellent live dealer games and specialty titles.

Huge welcome package worth $210k.

The loyalty program returns a significant value.

Top-notch reputation and security.

 

Cons:

The game library could be improved for non-live players.

The interface feels a bit busy at times.

 

 Visit FortuneJack

The bottom line

These seven casinos represent our best recommendations for top-notch Bitcoin roulette and crypto games roulette bonuses, and games right now in 2024. All support fast cryptocurrency payments, enticing new player bonuses and offering a variety of live Bitcoin roulette options alongside trusted reputations and great game selections overall. Whether you prefer anonymous gambling or big reload promos, hopefully, this guide helps you discover your new favorite online crypto casino for supercharged Bitcoin roulette action.

Discover the 7 best anonymous crypto casinos with generous bonuses and a wide selection of games.

DISCLAIMER: Gambling carries financial risks and can lead to addiction. Please gamble responsibly, seek help if needed, and ensure you comply with local laws regarding gambling. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For additional resources on responsible gambling, visit ResponsibleGambling.org.

 

As the digital economy continues to evolve at a rapid pace, business owners are seeking new and innovative ways to accept payments from customers around the world. Crypto payments, in particular, offer merchants exciting opportunities for growth by removing geographic and financial barriers. However, integrating cryptocurrencies can seem daunting to those unfamiliar with the complexities of this new technology.

That's where services like NOWPayments come in. In this NOWPayments review, we'll take a comprehensive look at everything this platform has to offer merchants—from accepting over 300 cryptocurrencies to receiving fiat payments directly. By the end, you'll understand why NOWPayments has become one of the most widely used crypto payment processors on the market.

What is NOWPayments: A best-in-class crypto payment gateway

Founded in 2019, NOWPayments was created by the team behind the popular crypto exchange ChangeNOW to make accepting digital currencies as simple as possible. Merchants can sign up for a NOWPayments account, generate API keys, and begin accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and over 300 other coins within minutes.

API & plugins

For sophisticated integrations, NOWPayments provides a robust yet simple-to-implement RESTful API that can be used to enable crypto payments on custom software. They also offer major CMS plugins like:

WooCommerce: For WordPress-based stores

Magento 2: Popular e-commerce platform

OpenCart: Flexible open-source option

WHMCS: Billing & invoicing applications

Widgets & buttons

Easier integration comes through customizable payment widgets and buttons that can be dropped into any website or platform. Options include:

Donation button: Accept one-time or recurring donations

Payment button: Add to checkout process

Invoices: Generate customized payment requests

In addition to cryptocurrencies, NOWPayments also lets merchants receive payments directly in the form of fiat currency. This provides flexibility for merchants or customers who aren't yet ready to fully adopt digital currencies.

NOWPayments simplifies what could otherwise be a complex process. Their intuitive dashboard allows businesses to track orders, payouts, and more with just a few clicks. Customer support is also available 24/7 to answer questions—ensuring merchants never miss a sale.

Fast, free, and flexible payouts

One concern that prevents some merchants from accepting cryptocurrency is the perceived delay in withdrawing funds. However, NOWPayments handles payouts with blazing speed by crediting deposits directly to users' wallets. This means funds are at the merchant's fingertips within minutes rather than days.

Unlike other payment processors that take a percentage, NOWPayments provides merchants with a purely volume-based pricing model. The more business you drive through the platform, the lower your fees become—down to as little as 0.5% for top earners. Additional bonuses are also offered every month.

Merchants are given complete control over which coins they wish to support as well. You can enable payments in just Bitcoin if that's your preference, or make your products globally accessible by accepting 300+ currencies. Funds can be withdrawn in whatever coin or stablecoin you like too, like USDC for price stability.

In other words, NOWPayments lets businesses structure crypto payments entirely on their terms—without locking you into unfavorable contracts down the road. Such flexibility is crucial for keeping operational costs low over the long haul.

Generate new leads through NOWPayments affiliate marketing

One way NOWPayments stands out from rivals is its comprehensive affiliate program. Merchants and influencers can earn a generous 25% recurring commission from the processing fees generated by each referral for an entire year. Plus, there's no limit on the number of people you can sign up.

The process works like this: affiliates share their unique promotional links which track referrals in real-time through the NOWPayments dashboard. Every time a new merchant integrates crypto or fiat payments using your link and exceeds the minimum fee threshold for that month, you get paid.

Rather than a one-time payout, affiliates continue earning a portion of fees month after month as long as the referral remains active. Over time, this can turn into a highly profitable passive income stream with no extra effort required beyond the initial promotion.

NOWPayments also makes it dead simple to market their services. Visual tools are provided like custom banners, buttons, and widgets that seamlessly promote the platform on blogs, newsletters, and social media. All an affiliate needs to do is include the embed code on their websites.

Below is a summary table of key aspects of the NOWPayments affiliate program:

  Description Commission % 25% of ALL fees from referred partners Commission Period Limitless referral earnings for 1 year from signups Tracking/Reporting Real-time stats dashboard for affiliates Payment Frequency Monthly payouts of accrued commissions Program Support Dedicated account manager for high-volume affiliates

In a sense, the NOWPayments affiliate program allows innovative business owners to profit from helping other merchants adapt to new digital payment trends. Those forward-thinking enough to get involved early have a chance to build profitable side businesses through referrals alone.

Exemplary security and uptime

Naturally, when processing sensitive financial transactions, security should be the top priority. That's why NOWPayments took steps to become one of the most trustworthy crypto gateways on the market.

Funds are kept fully decentralized and non-custodial—meaning merchants' coins are never stored on NOWPayments servers. Instead, deposits are instantly forwarded to users' personal wallets, which are secured with private keys only they control. This eliminates third-party risks, like the possibility of exchanges getting hacked

NOWPayments also rigorously test infrastructure to ensure optimal uptime. Their systems achieve an industry-leading 99.9% annual uptime specifically to avoid downtime, causing merchants to miss sales. Comprehensive API documentation is likewise provided so integrations can be done securely and smoothly.

Another security feature businesses will appreciate is flexible fraud rules. Merchants can program automatic filters to flag or reject questionable transactions based on amount, location, or other customizable risk parameters. This gives control over protecting revenue without hindering legitimate buyers.

Altogether, these stringent security policies have earned NOWPayments a reputation as one of the most trustworthy non-custodial crypto gateways available. Merchants integrating their services can feel confident customer financial data and funds are kept completely safe.

Creating a future-proof business model

While some merchants may currently view cryptocurrency as an experiment, NOWPayments makes it simple to future-proof businesses for what's inevitably coming. Digital currencies are here to stay and will only gain more global traction and usability in the years ahead.

By integrating NOWPayments from the get-go, companies position themselves on the leading edge of financial innovation. They gain a strategic advantage over lagging competitors by tapping into the growing crypto customer base now rather than later scrambling to adopt new technologies.

Simultaneously, merchants retain the flexibility to maintain traditional fiat operations for the portion of customers not yet comfortable transacting digitally. NOWPayments' multi-currency support creates a hybrid business model protecting current revenue while future-proofing for long-term trends.

Over the long run, those merchants getting involved earliest stand to benefit most as crypto adoption increases worldwide. Network effects will attract new customers who are familiar and comfortable with digital currencies, driving greater sales volumes and market share as legacy payment firms fall behind.

Plus, valuable freelance income can be earned through NOWPayments' appealing affiliate program, which refers to other merchants for crypto integration. The platform essentially pays business owners to help onboard competitors—a surprisingly lucrative opportunity not offered elsewhere.

In building such a comprehensive one-stop solution, NOWPayments essentially removes all barriers for merchants to gain a first-mover advantage in the emerging digital currency economy. Their services level the playing field against bigger retailers by making crypto just as easy and risk-free to adopt right away.

Closing thoughts: NOWPayments nails it for merchants

In summing up this comprehensive NOWPayments review, it's clear this platform delivers everything growing businesses need to start profiting from digital currency payments today. Integration is remarkably simple through an intuitive interface and supported shopping cart plugins.

Merchants retain full control over accepted coins, with ultra-fast payouts sent straight to private wallets. Protections like automatic conversion, fraud filters, and 24/7 support protect revenue streams from any downsides of volatility.

Perhaps most enticing of all is the generous NOWPayments affiliate program. Forward-thinking merchants can get paid to recruit other partners to expand the crypto economy. Meanwhile, new business owners gain a valuable supplemental revenue source promoting an industry-leading solution.

Altogether, NOWPayments succeeds by future-proofing businesses and empowering their growth today through inclusive multi-currency solutions. Any company looking to open their products to the massive cryptocurrency market would be remiss not to consider this best-in-class crypto payment processor. Integration is an easy decision that could pay dividends for years to come.

Gamstop (“GAMSTOP”) is a scheme launched in 2019 by the Remote Gambling Association. Its formation followed the request by the UK Gambling Commission and DCMs to design and introduce a National Self-Exclusion Scheme.

Nevertheless, following the stricter Gamstop guidelines, some casinos are opting out of the scheme, which introduces significant restrictions and limitations for residents from the United Kingdom.

In this article, we will examine the best non-Gamstop casino platform available in the market right now.

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List of the best non-Gamstop UK casinos in 2024:

Jackbit – The best non-Gamstop casino overall

Flush.com – Non-Gamestop casino with attractive welcome bonus

7Bit Casino – A veteran crypto casino for UK players

Mr. Sloty – A leading non-Gamestop casino with fiat and crypto payments

WSM Casino – A new casino powered by the WSM token

Benefits of casinos that don’t support Gamstop

Casinos that don't support Gamstop, a self-exclusion scheme in the UK designed to help people control their gambling, have several perceived benefits. However, it's important to weigh these against the potential risks and ethical considerations. Here are some of the benefits often cited by proponents of non-Gamstop casinos:

Access for international players: Non-Gamstop casinos often cater to a global audience, providing access to players from countries where Gamstop is not relevant or applicable.

Greater freedom and choice: Players have more freedom in choosing where and how they gamble, without being restricted by self-exclusion schemes that they might find too limiting.

Bonuses and promotions: Non-Gamstop casinos often provide generous Welcome Bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs to attract and retain players, which might be more competitive compared to Gamstop-affiliated casinos.

Variety of games: A broader range of games and betting options, including niche or less regulated options that might not be available on Gamstop-supporting platforms.

Less regulatory oversight: Some players prefer the lower regulatory oversight, allowing for potentially higher stakes, faster withdrawals, and fewer restrictions on gameplay.

Privacy and anonymity: Non-Gamstop casinos may offer higher levels of privacy and anonymity, appealing to players who are concerned about data privacy and the sharing of personal information.

The 5 best non-Gamstop casinos in 2024

In the following sections, we are going to examine some of the best crypto casinos in the UK that don’t support Gamstop limitations.

1. Jackbit – The best non-Gamstop casino overall

Jackbit Casino is a prominent non-Gamstop supporting player in the cryptocurrency casino industry, offering an impressive range of games and promotions. As a versatile platform and one of the best crypto casinos around, Jackbit includes a wide selection of slots, live casino games, table games, and Megaways games. Additionally, it features its own sportsbook, allowing users to bet on a variety of major sports and esports events. One of Jackbit's standout promotions includes a special offer for new users: up to 100 free spins upon depositing at least $50.

The registration process on Jackbit is straightforward. New users need to navigate to the Jackbit homepage, register an account, deposit funds, and enter the promo code to access the free spins. These spins are specifically for the Book of Dead game and provide an exciting way to turn free spins into real money rewards​​.

Jackbit supports various cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility and convenience for crypto enthusiasts. The platform also prides itself on fast payout systems, ensuring that players can withdraw their winnings quickly and efficiently​​. With its comprehensive game selection, enticing promotions, and dedicated sportsbook, Jackbit Casino offers a well-rounded and dynamic gaming experience for its users.

Key features:

Wide selection of slots, live casino games, table games, and Megaways games​​

Dedicated sportsbook for major sports and esports betting​​

Supports various cryptocurrencies for flexible transactions​​

Fast payout system for quick and efficient withdrawals​

Visit Jackbit

2. Flush.com – Non-Gamestop casino with attractive welcome bonus

Flush.com Casino is a relative newcomer in the crypto casino market but has quickly established itself as a top choice for players, especially among UK players who don’t want to deal with Gamstop limitations. Known for its modern and user-friendly interface, Flush.com offers a wide range of games, including slots, live casino games, and game shows from reputable providers such as Play'n Go, Evoplay, and BetSoft. The platform supports major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as traditional payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, and Mastercard​​​​.

Flush.com stands out with its impressive welcome bonuses, featuring a two-tier system. New users can receive a 100% bonus on their first deposit between $10 and $200 and a 150% bonus on their second deposit between $200 and $1,000, with a wagering requirement of 35x, which is more favorable compared to many competitors​​​​. The casino also offers a VIP Club for returning players, providing perks like cashback, free spins, and special promotions​​​​.

The platform is designed for quick and hassle-free withdrawals, supporting a variety of cryptocurrencies for fast transactions. Flush.com ensures a secure gaming environment with robust security measures and provably fair games​​​​. This combination of features makes Flush.com a versatile and attractive option for both new and experienced crypto casino enthusiasts.

Key features:

Modern and user-friendly interface​​

Supports major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH) and traditional payment methods (Apple Pay, Visa, etc.)​​

Two-tier welcome bonus with low wagering requirement​​​​

VIP Club with perks like cashback and free spins​

Visit Flush.com

3. 7Bit Casino – A veteran crypto casino for UK players

7BitCasino, established in 2014, is a veteran in the cryptocurrency casino market, known for its extensive game selection and crypto support. The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, making it a versatile choice for crypto enthusiasts. Licensed by the Curacao Gambling Commission, 7BitCasino offers a secure and reliable gaming environment​​​​.

The casino boasts over 4,000 games from top providers such as Betsoft, Endorphina, and PariPlay. This includes a vast array of slots, progressive jackpots, classic 3-reel slots, and innovative new games, alongside table games, live dealer options, bingo, and scratchcards. New players are welcomed with a generous bonus package, including a 100% match on first deposits up to 1.5 BTC and 75 free spins​​​​.

7BitCasino's VIP program rewards returning players with points earned from playing games, which can be redeemed for various benefits. The platform is also known for its fast withdrawal process, typically completing transactions within an hour. Despite the lack of a dedicated mobile app, the casino is easily accessible via mobile browsers on both iOS and Android devices​​​​.

Key features:

Over 4,000 games from top providers like Betsoft and Endorphina​​​​

Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and more​​

Generous welcome bonus: 100% match on first deposits up to 1.5 BTC and 75 free spins​​

Fast withdrawal process, typically within an hour​

Visit 7Bit Casino

4. Mr. Sloty – A leading non-Gamestop casino with fiat and crypto payments

Mr. Sloty is a top-rated non-Gamstop casino owned by MRSL NV, ensuring a secure environment with a valid license. The user-friendly dashboard makes navigating the extensive selection of casino games and sportsbook markets easy and enjoyable.

Mr Sloty Casino offers strong customer support with 24/7 availability via email, phone, and live chat, along with advanced SSL encryption for player safety. The welcome package is highly attractive, offering bonuses across the first five deposits: 400% up to €2,000 on the first deposit, 200% up to €1,000 on the second, 150% up to €1,000 on the third, and 100% matched bonuses up to €1,000 on the fourth and fifth deposits.

For transactions, Mr. Sloty supports Visa, MasterCard, Webpayz for deposits, and Bank Transfer and Bitcoin for withdrawals, with 24-48 hour processing times. The casino accepts multiple currencies, including EUR, GBP, AUD, and more.

The game library is impressive, featuring titles from top providers like Amatic, Apollo, and NetEnt. Players can easily filter games by provider, name, or type, with categories including slots, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. All games are mobile-optimized for instant play via mobile browsers.

Key features:

User-friendly interface

Generous welcome package across five deposits

Flexible payment options, supporting multiple currencies

Extensive, mobile-optimized game library from top providers

Visit Mr. Sloty

5. WSM Casino – A new casino powered by the WSM token

Wall Street Memes Casino is a newcomer in the cryptocurrency casino market but has quickly distinguished itself with a unique blend of features and promotions. The platform offers a vast array of games, including slots, live casino games, table games, game shows, and crash games. Additionally, it includes a dedicated sportsbook where players can bet on major sporting events, from traditional sports to esports​​.

A notable feature of Wall Street Memes Casino is the WSM Dashboard, which allows players to easily track their wagering activity across all games and sports betting sections. This feature integrates seamlessly into the broader Wall Street Memes ecosystem, powered by the WSM token. The WSM token is central to the platform's loyalty program, serving as the native betting currency and providing additional perks to token holders, such as 200 free spins upon deposit and staking rewards​​.

New players are welcomed with a substantial 200% signup bonus of up to $25,000. Furthermore, the platform has announced a $1 million WSM airdrop to be distributed across four seasons (the first one started in April 2024)​​. Wall Street Memes Casino supports both fiat (including Visa and Mastercard) and cryptocurrency payments, enhancing its accessibility and flexibility for users​​.

Key features:

Offers slots, live casino games, table games, game shows, and crash games​​

Dedicated sportsbook for traditional sports and esports betting​​

Uses WSM token for betting currency and loyalty program benefits​​

Substantial 200% signup bonus up to $25,000 and a $1 million WSM airdrop​​

Visit WSM Casino

The bottom line

The casinos featured in this article should provide a great gambling experience to players who are sick and tired of the limitations and restrictions imposed by the Gamstop scheme. If you are playing to use any of these casinos with crypto, we suggest you set up one of the crypto wallets that are suitable for UK users.

If you are particularly interested in playing slots, you’re probably interested in the best online slot sites in the UK.

Key takeaways

dWallet Network integrates Zero Trust Protocols (ZTPs) with Aptos.

It enables seamless multi-chain transactions without bridging or wrapping.

Enhanced DeFi and gaming ecosystems on Aptos with robust security and low-cost infrastructure.

dWallet Network, a pioneer in native multi-chain technology, is integrating its Zero Trust Protocols (ZTPs) with Aptos, a leading Layer-1 blockchain known for its security and efficiency. This partnership aims to revolutionize the DeFi and gaming ecosystems on Aptos by enabling secure multi-chain transactions. Users will be able to interact with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchains without the need for traditional bridging or wrapping methods.

Dwallet Labs Aims to Bring Scalable MPC To Web3 With Tiresias

Aptos is recognized for its high throughput and low-latency capabilities. It uses the Move smart contract language which provides developers with a robust and secure platform for building sophisticated applications. With the integration of dWallet’s Zero Trust architecture, Aptos developers can create ZTPs with native, decentralized dWallets, allowing for multi-chain interactions across Web3.

Zero Trust Protocols and multi-chain capabilities

The integration of dWallet Network’s ZTPs on Aptos is particularly significant for DeFi initiatives. It offers the unprecedented ability to include native BTC and ETH transactions, marking a milestone in blockchain interoperability and functionality. dWallets use cryptographic signatures to authenticate blockchain networks. This makes a dWallet-generated signature indistinguishable from a regular user’s signature. This capability extends even to non-smart contract networks like Bitcoin. It enables the creation of ZTPs that operate across networks without bridging or wrapping.

"We are excited to bring our decentralized, noncollusive dWallet building block to the fast and secure Aptos blockchain to enable ZTPs. Doing so broadens horizons for DeFi and gaming protocols within the Aptos ecosystem and represents a significant leap towards realizing our vision of a seamless, Zero Trust, and multi-chain future."—Omer Sadika, Co-Founder of dWallet Network

To implement the dWallet’s Zero Trust primitive, dWallet Network utilizes 2PC-MPC, a state-of-the-art threshold protocol developed by its team. This industry-first MPC protocol enables the generation of an ECDSA signature in a noncollusive way, requiring participation from both the end-user and a large number of validators.

Impact on DeFi and Gaming

The integration of dWallet Network’s Zero Trust architecture with Aptos will significantly improve the flexibility, security, and interoperability of multichain DeFi and gaming applications.

“The dWallet team led pioneering cryptography research to introduce the innovative 2PC-MPC protocol, enabling multi-chain Zero Trust. I’m excited about developers in the Aptos ecosystem being able to develop ZTPs that operate seamlessly across all of Web3 in a cryptographically secure way.”—Professor Benny Pinkas, a researcher at Aptos

The integration promises to catalyze innovation and accelerate adoption.

Conclusion

The partnership between dWallet Network and Aptos is set to revolutionize the DeFi and gaming ecosystems by enabling secure and seamless multi-chain transactions. This collaboration will offer unprecedented blockchain interoperability and innovation for Web3 applications.

The leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance has announced IO.NET as the next project featured on their Binance Launchpool staking platform.

Until June 10, you can earn IO.NET tokens on Binance simply by staking your BNB or the FDUSD stablecoin. You can withdraw the coins you’ve staked at any time and keep the NOT token rewards.

You can earn IO tokens on Binance Launchpool between June 7 (00:00 UTC) and June 10 (23:59 UTC). The amount of token rewards you earn will depend on how many coins you stake.

Earn IO Tokens on Binance

Binance plans to distribute 4% of the initial total IO token supply to users on Launchpool. This translates to 20 million NOT tokens out of an initial total supply of 500 million IO tokens. The token's maximum supply is defined at 800 million. 

85% of these rewards will be distributed to BNB stakers, while the FDUSD staking pool will receive 15%. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will earn more IO if you stake BNB rather than the stablecoin. It all depends on how big your stake is relative to the size of the entire staking pool. 

In addition to featuring the IO token on its Launchpool platform, Binance will also be listing the token for trading on the Binance exchange. The token will be available for trading starting on June 11 at 12:00 UTC in trading pairs against BTC, USDT, BNB, FDUSD, and TRY. 

It is worth noting that Binance will be listing IO with the “Seed Tag”, which is used to label crypto projects that are still very early in their development. Cryptocurrencies with this tag were previously known in the “Innovation Zone.” The purpose of the Seed Tag is to let users know that the cryptocurrency might be more volatile and risky compared to most other cryptos listed on the exchange.

What is IO.NET (IO)?

IO.NET is a decentralized platform designed to provide computing power for use in AI (artificial intelligence) applications. The IO.NET platform sources GPU power provided by users across the globe who are compensated in return for connecting their GPUs to the network. The payments are settled on the Solana blockchain, which provides almost instant and low-cost transactions.

IO.NET is designed to tackle the limited availability and high cots which are currently plaguing companies that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The network aims to reduce costs and increase availability by tapping into underutilized sources of GPU power (examples include independent data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and networks such as Render). The system is facilitated by a DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network).

The IO.NET platform features the Solana-based IO token, which is the medium for payments and transaction fees in the IO.NET ecosystem. The IO token can also be staked, either directly or through delegation, to boost the IO.NET network's security and earn rewards in return. In addition, the token has a governance function by providing access to governance in the IO Grants DAO.

How to earn IO tokens on Binance Launchpool

If you want to earn IO.NET farming rewards, you’ll need a Binance account.

Create Binance Account

Please keep in mind that only users who complete an identity verification process with Binance are eligible to participate in IO token farming on Binance Launchpool.

Once your account is ready, you’ll need some BNB or FDUSD tokens to stake. If you already own these tokens, you can deposit some to your Binance account. Otherwise, Binance offers plenty of ways to buy them with crypto or fiat. 

After your account is verified and loaded with BNB and/or FDUSD, go to the menu on the top side of the Binance interface and select "More." Then, go to "Launchpad & Launchpool."

Then, find the available IO.NET farming pools. Depending on which tokens you want to stake, select the FDUSD Pool or BNB Pool. Then, follow the instructions provided by the exchange. 

Please note that the following image shows the interface for a previous project featured on Binance Launchpool (Renzo), since the Binance hasn't yet updated their site to display the IO.NET Launchpool campaign.

As a final note, here’s a quick breakdown of key dates and information about the IO.NET Launchpool campaign:

  IO.NET Launchpool Start Date June 7, 2024, 00:00 UTC End Date June 10, 2024, 23:59 UTC BNB Pool Daily Rewards 4.25 million IO FDUSD Pool Daily Rewards 750,000 IO Listing Date June 11, 2024, 12:00 UTC

With Binance's recent announcement about the upcoming MiCA rules implementation that will impact customers from the European Economic Area (EEA), many crypto users are naturally wondering what this will mean for stablecoins like Tether, USDC, DAI, and others.

According to EU legislators, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) aims to ensure that legislative acts on financial services are fit for the digital age and support the use of innovative technologies, including distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain.

When it comes specifically to stablecoins, the rules introduce a set of regulations aimed at companies offering stablecoins in the EEA. These rules, which we’ll discuss in more detail below, go into effect on June 30, 2024.

Key highlights:

MiCA aims to ensure financial services regulations support innovative technologies like DLT and blockchain, with new rules for stablecoin issuers effective June 30, 2024.

MiCA classifies stablecoins as either e-money tokens (EMTs) or asset-referenced tokens (ARTs), each with specific regulatory requirements for issuers.

Significant stablecoins, like Tether and USDC, face stricter oversight due to their large market impact, with higher capital and liquidity requirements.

While Circle's USDC appears more compliant with MiCA regulations, Tether and MakerDAO's DAI face uncertainties regarding their authorization to operate in the EEA post-MiCA implementation.

What requirements does MiCA introduce?

MiCA introduces a broad selection of requirements that stablecoins issuers will have to abide by if they want to service the EEA market. We’ve collected the most important and relevant information from the MiCA regulation to give you a quick rundown.

Stablecoin classifications

MiCA classifies stablecoins into two main types: e-money tokens (EMTs) and asset-referenced tokens (ARTs):

E-money tokens: These are crypto-assets that aim to stabilize their value by referencing a single official currency. They function similarly to electronic money. Fiat-backed stablecoins like Tether and USD Coin fall within this category. 

Asset-referenced tokens: These stablecoins aim to stabilize their value by referencing multiple assets, such as a basket of currencies, commodities, or other crypto assets. Decentralized stablecoins or algorithmic stablecoins fall within this category.

Requirements for stablecoin issuers

Issuers must ensure the reserve assets are securely and adequately managed, segregated from the issuer's own assets, and not pledged as collateral. There are additional requirements for different types of stablecoins:

E-money tokens: Issuers must provide holders with a claim against the issuer at any time and at the same value as the currency referenced by the tokens. Issuers of e-money tokens must be authorized as credit institution or as an electronic money institution (EMI).

Asset-referenced tokens: Issuers must maintain a reserve of assets to back the value of the tokens. This reserve must cover market and currency risks. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens must obtain authorization from the relevant authority and have their white paper approved before offering tokens to the public.

Significant stablecoins

Stablecoins that meet certain criteria, such as having a large customer base, high market capitalization, or a large number of transactions, are deemed significant. While the regulation doesn’t specifically name which stablecoins are significant, we can assume that this part of the legislation is targeting stablecoins with a high market cap, like Tether and USD Coin.

Since significant stablecoins pose greater risks to financial stability and monetary policy, they are subject to more rigorous oversight. Issuers of significant stablecoins must abide by higher capital requirements, liquidity management policies, and interoperability requirements.

Here are some of the most important notes about significant stablecoins, as defined by MiCA:

The number of token holders is greater than 10 million.

The market cap is higher than €5 billion.

The average daily transactions number is higher than 2.5 million.

The average daily transaction volume is higher than €500 million. 

Currently, only three stablecoins tick all the boxes: Tether, USD Coin, and Multi-Collateral DAI.

What does the MiCA regulation mean for major stablecoins?

At the moment, there’s not much information available on which stablecoin issuers have filed for a license in the EEA or what the authorities’ view on them is. However, we can gather a lot of information from comments made by executives at major stablecoin companies and from the actions taken by cryptocurrency exchanges regarding the MiCA regulation in recent months. 

Tether

Tether (USDT) is by far the largest stablecoin in the sector, commanding a $112 billion market cap (out of the total stablecoin market cap of $157 billion). At the moment, it’s not exactly clear which exchanges will continue to support USDT after MiCA comes into effect at the end of June. It’s also not clear whether Tether has applied for the EMI license, which would give it the ability to operate in the EEA.

Speaking to The Block, one of the leading crypto news sites, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino explained that they have been “actively involved in regulatory technical standards consultations over the past months” and are convinced that MiCA in its current form contains “several problematic requirements.” Ardoino did not clarify whether Tether has applied for an EMI license.

It’s worth noting that one of the top crypto exchanges, OKX, has already ceased supporting US dollar-denominated USDT spot pairs in Europe. However, according to the official announcement, the exchange still lists euro-denominated USDT pairs. Meanwhile, Kraken is holding internal discussions on whether to stop supporting USDT in EEA member states. 

Given what is currently known, it’s not too far-fetched to assume that major exchanges could stop supporting USDT in some capacity by June 30. However, it’s worth reiterating that a lot can happen in the coming weeks, and we are not privy to discussions taking place between Tether, exchanges, and regulators behind closed doors, so we definitely can’t say what’s going to happen with a high degree of confidence.

USD Coin

USD Coin (USDC) is the second-largest stable digital currency in the market with a total valuation of $32.6 billion as of this writing. USDC is a stablecoin managed by Circle, a financial technology company. Circle partnered with Coinbase to create USDC. The collaboration resulted in the establishment of the Centre Consortium, which governs the issuance and redemption of USDC. 

It wouldn’t be too far off to say that Circle is considered more transparent and prepared to work with regulators than Tether. As such, Circle has applied for an EMI license and is currently awaiting the result. It’s worth noting that Circle secured an Asset Service Provider license in France in December 2023, which could give it a leg up over when securing the EMI license. At the time, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire hinted at that possibility, saying: 

“The issuance of this conditional DASP registration in France marks a significant early milestone as we work toward establishing our European regulatory platform.”

The CEO also said that their goal is to bring their products and services into full compliance with the impending MiCA rules. One bit of information that could speak to USDC’s compliance, or rather, eventual and timely compliance with MiCA rules, is the fact that OKX didn’t cease supporting USDC pairs when they decided to limit USDT support back in March.

DAI

Multi-Collateral Dai (DAI) is a decentralized stablecoin that maintains its value and dollar peg by referencing several different assets, including Ethereum, USD Coin, and US treasuries. There’s little information available regarding how the EU legislators will handle DAI or whether Maker, the company that issues DAI, has made any effort toward complying with regulations.

According to the MiCA regulation, issuers of asset-referenced tokens (decentralized or algorithmic stablecoins) should have a registered office in the EU. In addition, issuers who want to offer stablecoins to the public must have their white paper approved and must be “authorized” by the “competent authority.”

Which stablecoins are currently regulated?

According to a report from CoinDesk, only three European companies are issuing fiat stablecoins under the EMI license. These “authorized” issuers are Monerium (with its stablecoin EURe), Membrane Finance (with its stablecoin EUROe), and Quantoz Payments (with its stablecoin EURD).

All of these stablecoins are very small, and it’s unreasonable to expect that they could shoulder the liquidity requirements of the entire stablecoin trading volume in the EEA. 

The bottom line

Lately, we’ve seen a notable push from the regulators to introduce rules for stablecoins and cryptocurrencies. MiCA regulations pertaining to stable digital assets will go into effect by the end of June, while the remaining regulations will step into effect by the end of 2024. 

The European Union is not the only entity that’s expedited its crypto regulation efforts. Last year, we saw US regulators renew their stance toward crypto securities and go after exchanges like Binance and Kraken. On the flip side, we also saw the regulators approve spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, which speaks to their willingness to accept cryptocurrencies.

As for MiCA, it’s worth noting that many experts have already expressed their doubts about the EU’s enforcement capabilities. Currently, it’s unclear in what capacity the EU authorities will go after stablecoin issuers that don’t follow the new rules.

In addition, we also don’t know which stablecoins will be deemed unauthorized when the June 30 deadline comes around. At the moment, USD Coin issuer Circle seems likely to receive the EMI license, whereas USDT issuer Tether and DAI issuer MakerDAO seem less likely to obtain the license. 

JP Morgan and Fidelity are two major financial services players that that are focused on different business segments. Fidelity is primarily known as a brokerage firm and asset manager, while JP Morgan is best known for its banking services. In this article, we'll compare JP Morgan vs. Fidelity to help you choose the best option for your personal finance and investing needs.

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase is the world’s largest bank by market capitalization and the fifth largest by total assets. The company's operations are divided into six main segments: asset and wealth management, commercial banking, consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, corporate functions, and technology.

JPMorgan Chase operates through two main subsidiaries: J.P. Morgan and Chase. J.P. Morgan provides financial services to governments, corporations, institutional investors, and high net worth individuals, covering areas such as asset management, commercial banking, investment banking, payments, private banking, and wealth management.

On the other hand, the Chase subsidiary focuses on consumer and commercial banking services, offering products like checking and savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, home and auto loans, and investment products.

Fidelity

Fidelity is a major financial services company that had $4.9 trillion in assets under management (AUM) as of 2023. Fidelity’s services include stockbroking, ETFs, mutual funds, retirement planning, cash management accounts and more. One of the company’s most notable products are the Fidelity Zero mutual funds, which have no investment minimums and no expense ratio. 

In 2018, Fidelity launched a subsidiary called Fidelity Digital Assets, which specializes in providing crypto asset services to institutional investors. Fidelity is one of the leaders in cryptocurrency adoption among large financial industry funds.  

Although Fidelity is not a bank, it does offer a cash management account, which is a brokerage account that’s specialized for spending and cash management. In practice, this product can fulfill many of the functions of a checking account while providing significant interest on deposits. 

JP Morgan vs Fidelity – Which one should you pick?

A notable difference between the two companies is that JPMorgan Chase trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol JPM, while Fidelity is a privately held company. According to Fidelity, being privately owned allows the company to make decisions based on long-term benefits, instead of focusing on short-term benefits to satisfy stockholders.

In terms of investing, JPMorgan Chase offers a product called J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, which allows users to buy stocks and other securities. The product charges no fees for stock, ETF and mutual fund trades, and a flat $0.65 fee per contract for options trades.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing can be a solid choice for investors, allowing customers to start investing with as little as $1 and offering most trades commission-free. It's especially convenient for Chase bank customers, as the investment platform can be accessed directly from the banking app. However, it may not be suitable for all investors. The app is relatively simple and offers fewer resources compared to some of its key competitors, including Fidelity.

Fidelity's brokerage service provides low-fee (or zero, depending on the asset) stock and options trades and offers a wide range of Fidelity’s mutual funds and ETFs, many available at no commission. It also features a solid selection of research and investment tools, along with a an excellent mobile app for those who prefer to invest from their phones or tablets.

Generally, Fidelity is more suitable for experienced investors and those interested in mutual funds and ETFs issued by Fidelity itself.

If you are specifically interested in trading services and want to open an investment account, we recommend you pick Fidelity over JP Morgan, as the company has an overall stronger offering for investing in stocks and other assets. JPMorgan Chase is better suited for banking services, although Fidelity’s cash management account product also deserves some consideration.

If you are looking to learn more about investing in stocks, make sure to take a look at our list of the best stocks to buy now.

Key takeaways

Solv Protocol and Binance Web3 Wallet launch a joint campaign to boost Bitcoin's DeFi adoption.

Participants can earn a share of 150,000 SOLV tokens.

SolvBTC provides top Bitcoin yields and integrates with multiple DeFi ecosystems.

Solv Protocol, a leading platform in decentralized finance (DeFi), has teamed up with Binance Web3 Wallet to launch a new marketing campaign. This collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi). The campaign offers participants a chance to earn from a pool of 150,000 SOLV tokens, which is 0.15% of Solv’s governance token supply.

Solv Protocol is at the forefront of integrating Bitcoin into the DeFi ecosystem. The core of its offering is SolvBTC, a unique asset designed to maximize Bitcoin yields. By partnering with key industry players like Babylon and Ethena, Solv Protocol provides users with various yield-generating opportunities. SolvBTC also facilitates Bitcoin liquidity across multiple blockchains. Currently, over 15,000 Bitcoin are staked on Solv

SolvBTC and Binance Web3 Wallet integration

Binance Web3 Wallet offers a secure and user-friendly platform for managing cryptocurrencies. It seamlessly integrates with Binance exchange and the BNB Chain ecosystem, providing an efficient gateway for Bitcoin to enter the DeFi world.

The joint campaign between Solv Protocol and Binance Web3 Wallet aims to build a vibrant community around Bitcoin in DeFi and unlock its potential worth trillions of dollars, representing new opportunities within the DeFi landscape.

Participants in this campaign can earn rewards by engaging with the Solv Protocol and Binance Web3 Wallet ecosystems. Here’s how to get started:

Create a Binance Web3 Wallet

Stake Bitcoin on Solv Protocol

Earn SOLV Tokens

Conclusion

The partnership between Solv Protocol and Binance Web3 Wallet aims to revolutionize Bitcoin’s role in DeFi. Their joint campaign aims to create a robust BTCFi community and unlock new opportunities for Bitcoin users. This collaboration will be imperative for the integration of Bitcoin into decentralized finance.

JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are two key financial industry players and play an important role in both the U.S. and global economy. Although both companies are household names, JPMorgan Chase is substantially larger than Goldman Sachs in terms of market capitalization and revenue. Another important difference between the two is that JPMorgan Chase has a bigger focus on retail banking compared to Goldman Sachs.

Before we compare JP Morgan vs. Goldman Sachs, let’s quickly introduce both companies and the business areas they operate in.

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase is the world’s largest bank by market capitalization, and the world’s 5th largest bank in terms of total assets. The company’s activities can be divided into six main segments: asset and wealth management, commercial banking, consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, corporate functions and technology.

JPMorgan Chase operates through two main subsidiaries: J.P. Morgan and Chase. J.P. Morgan provides financial services to governments, corporations, institutional investors, and high net worth individuals. Meanwhile, the Chase subsidiary offers consumer and commercial banking services.

The J.P. Morgan subsidiary operates in various segments, including asset management, commercial banking, investment banking, payments, private banking and wealth management. Meanwhile, the Chase division offers consumer banking services such as checking and savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, home and auto loans, as well as investment products.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is one of the most successful banks in the world and commands a market capitalization of $146 billion as of early June 2024. Let’s go through a quick overview of the main business segments that Goldman Sachs participates in.

Asset and wealth management

In this segment, Goldman Sachs offers asset management, financial planning, consumer banking products and private wealth management services. Goldman Sachs offers traditional asset management, as well as asset management focused on alternative investments and sustainability.

Global banking and markets

The global banking and markets segment at Goldman Sachs covers FICC and equities, investment banking for corporations, institutions and governments, as well as market intelligence and analytics services.

Platform solutions

In the platform solutions segment, Goldman Sachs offers technologies that allow companies to offer financial services to their customers, transaction banking services, as well as an ETF accelerator designed to simplify the process of launching ETFs for institutional clients.

Global investment research

The global investment research division at Goldman Sachs is focused on providing fundamental analysis for clients in various markets, including equities, currency, commodities and fixed income.

Goldman Sachs also offers a consumer banking platform called Marcus, which is available in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Marcus platform features an online high-yield savings account and CDs (certificates of deposit).

JPMorgan vs. Goldman Sachs – What are the key differences?

According to JPMorgan’s Q1 2024 results, the company brought in $17.6 billion in revenues from its consumer and community banking segment. $10.3 billion of that revenue came from banking and wealth management services, $6.1 billion came from card and auto services, and $1.1 million came from the bank’s home lending business. The company’s asset and wealth management segment generated $4.7 billion in revenue, while its corporate segment brought in $2.3 billion.

Meanwhile, JPMorgan’s corporate and investment bank segment brought in $13.6 billion in revenue, with markets and securities services accounting for $9.1 billion and banking services accounting for $4.4 billion. 

If we take a look at the Q1 2024 results of Goldman Sachs, we can see that the company made the majority of its revenue with its global banking and markets division ($9.7 billion). Meanwhile, the bank’s asset and wealth management segment generated $3.7 billion in net revenue, and the platform solutions segment brought in $698 million. 

  JPMorgan Chase Goldman Sachs Ticker JPM GS CEO Jamie Dimon David Solomon Market cap $568 billion $148 billion PE ratio (TTM) 11.94 17.97  EPS (TTM) 16.57 25.68

Data as of June 5, 2024

The bottom line

Although both banks are major players in the financial industry, JPMorgan Chase is a significantly bigger company than Goldman Sachs. In terms of market capitalization, JPMorgan Chase is more than three times larger than Goldman Sachs. When it comes to revenue in Q1 2024, JPMorgan Chase brought in $42.5 billion, while Goldman Sachs generated $13.9 billion.

When comparing the two companies based on the services they offer, there’s a lot of overlap, although JPMorgan Chase puts significantly more focus on retail banking than Goldman Sachs.

If you are looking to learn more about the banking sector, make sure to take a look at our list of the best banks in the world.

If you’re a foreigner looking to find dedicated banking services in France, then this article is a great place to start. We’ve collected 6 of the options available for 2024, breaking down each bank’s core offering for expats and students and comparing the key features side-by-side.

Something that’s worth bearing in mind before reading on, is that French banks typically offer tailored products to both expats and students. Expatriate accounts often come with reduced overseas transaction costs, and student accounts usually offer favorable interest rates.

Without further ado, here are the 6 best banks in France for expats and students.

List of the best banks in France for foreigners:

BNP Paribas — One of France's largest banks with a wide branch network

Société Générale — A major French bank with expat banking services

LCL — The leading French retail bank

Crédit Mutuel — Caters to expats and offers affordable student accounts

CIC — Expat banking packages with multi-currency options

Boursorama — An online bank owned by Société Générale

Key considerations

Expats and students in France have access to a broad selection of banks, with many of the options providing tailored services and preferential features.

Expats should look out for multi-currency banking support, as this can help to reduce the cost of overseas money transfers and foreign exchange. On the other hand, students can often get reduced interest rates from top French banks, especially with regard to an arranged overdraft and student loans.

Here are some other key considerations to make when choosing the right banking option if you’re an expat or student moving to France:

English language services

Affordable fees

Online/mobile banking options

Ability to open an account remotely

The 6 best banks in France for expats

This section will compare and contrast key features from some of France’s top banks for expats and students. The following banks are known for providing tailored options to expats and students alike, with each tailored account coming with its own set of perks.

1. BNP Paribas — One of France's largest banks with a wide branch network

BNP Paribas is one of the largest banks in France and one of the top 50 largest banks in the world, offering several key services that are tailored for expats and students. Its International Expatriate Account is a multi-currency account that offers online banking in multiple languages, including English. The account can be opened remotely before arriving in France, and it offers dedicated expat advisory services from over 2,000 branches spread across the country.

BNP Paribas’ Free Student Package offers no monthly fees for students under 28. This account includes a debit card and overdraft protection, in addition to tailored in-app services such as budgeting tools and discounts on transportation. Students also receive preferential rates on loans and student credit cards.

Key takeaways

Multi-currency account for expats

Multi-lingual support

Tailored banking services for students

2. Société Générale — A major French bank with expat banking services

Société Générale is another major French bank that offers tailored services to expats and students.

Société Générale’s International Package offers international money transfers and foreign exchange from a dedicated multi-currency account for expats. The account can be opened before arrival in France, and the bank’s website supports English for easy navigation. Likewise, expats can find multilingual staff if they ever need banking support online.

The bank has a large network of branches across France, with students often choosing Société Générale for its mix of convenience and favorable student offerings. Students can access an interest-free overdraft allowance and a mobile app that has in-built budgeting tools. The Student Package is completely free to open and it comes with no fees for students under 29.

Key takeaways

Expats can open an account remotely

Investment options tailored for expats

Credit options tailored for students

3. LCL — The leading French retail bank

LCL (Le Crédit Lyonnais) is a major retail bank in France that is part of the Crédit Agricole group. It offers a Non-Resident Package that comes with multi-currency support by default, which has proven popular among many French expats. LCL allows expats to access investment products like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and it also offers multilingual support through the app.

The LCL Student Package includes free banking with no monthly fees for students under 26, along with a checking account, debit card, and online banking access. It has an interest-free overdraft allowance and provides budgeting tools for students from its convenient mobile banking application.

Key takeaways

Expats can open an account remotely

Affordable student packages

Extensive network of local branches

4. Crédit Mutuel — Caters to expats and offers affordable student accounts

Crédit Mutuel is a large cooperative banking group in France that provides several key offerings tailored for expats and students. Accounts can be opened online with convenient document uploads, allowing expats to create a multi-currency account that can be opened before they arrive in the country.

Crédit Mutuel’s International Package offers international money transfers, foreign exchange, and insurance products to all expats, in addition to investment services like non-resident trading accounts.

For students, Crédit Mutuel offers a free account with no fees which comes with an interest-free overdraft agreement by default. Students can also access preferential rates on loans and credit cards, and Crédit Mutuel has many branches that are located near university campuses in cities across France.

Key takeaways

Multi-currency account for expats

English language banking services

Extensive network of local branches

5. CIC — Expat banking packages with multi-currency options

CIC (Crédit Industriel et Commercial) is part of the Crédit Mutuel-CIC banking group in France. It has a tailored offering for expats called CIC ExpAtrio Account. It is a multi-currency account that can be opened remotely before arriving in France, and it offers direct access to a network of more than 2,000 local branches afterward.

The CIC Student Package is free for students under 29. It comes with a digital banking app with built-in budgeting tools, and CIC has many branches and ATMs that are located directly on French university campuses. Like other banks on this list, CIC offers preferential interest rates for students and and various credit products including student loans.

Key takeaways

Expats can open an account remotely

Student-focused mobile app that offers discounts

Extensive network of local branches

6. Boursorama — An online bank owned by Société Générale

Boursama is an online bank owned by Société Générale that is popular among expats and students for several key reasons. Firstly, Boursama’s multi-currency checking accounts offer free overseas money transfers and low-cost currency exchange. In addition to providing a more affordable alternative for expats, it provides access to investment products from within the application.

Students can open a free student checking account with no monthly fees with Boursama as long as they’re under the age of 26. This option provides a free debit card and access to over 5,000 ATMs in France, and it has very low fees compared to traditional banks. It’s also one of the easiest student banks to open in France, supporting remote applications with just proof of student status.

Key takeaways

Fully digital banking option for expats and students

Multi-lingual support

Integrated with Société Générale’s investment products

The bottom line

France’s banking options for expats and students are extensive, with people often finding the remote application process to be both convenient and simple to complete. Additionally, each of the banks on this list provides a tailored offering for expats and a tailored offering for students, so the ideal pick for you will likely come down to personal preference.

If you’re a student or expat looking to travel abroad, you can also check out our article on the best banks in Germany.

Expats and students looking to move to Spain may be wondering how to go about opening up a new bank in a foreign country. This is an important part of preparations, and the prospect of opening a foreign bank account across language barriers can be pretty daunting.

Luckily, Spain makes it easy. The country houses a variety of banking options for expats and students alike, with foreigners being able to open a bank account online both quickly and easily and with English language support.

This article will compare and contrast the top 6 best banks in Spain for foreigners in 2024.

List of the best banks in Spain for expats and students:

Banco Santander — One of the largest banks in Spain

BBVA — Tailored services for expats and students

CaixaBank — Spain's largest domestic bank

Sabadell — Remote banking options for expats

Bankinter — Great customer service reviews from expats

N26 — An online-only bank popular among younger expats and students

What are the key things to consider for foreigners looking for banking options in Spain?

Expats typically want to know whether there are multi-currency capabilities if they are opening a local bank. This helps them to save foreign exchange costs if they frequently travel. For the same reason, flexible mobile banking options are typically sought out as well.

It’s important to do your own research when choosing a new bank, as each one provides unique perks to its account holders that may or may not be best elsewhere. Truth is, it’s largely a matter of opinion.

That said, some of the major factors to consider before choosing a bank are as follows:

Multilingual banking support

Multi-currency capabilities

Affordable fees

The 6 best banks in Spain for expats

This section will discuss the standout features of the 6 best banks in Spain for foreigners

1. Banco Santander — One of the largest banks in Spain

Banco Santander is one of the largest banks in Spain and one of the best banks in the world, offering specific services that are tailored towards expats and students. The bank’s stock market performance speaks for itself, as the SAN stock gained more than 50% in the past 12 months alone.

For expats, Banco Santander offers a non-resident account that enables banking services pre-arrival. All an expat needs to do is share identification and proof of Spanish address, and multi-currency banking options will be made available.

Santander’s student offering in Spain provides free online banking and no account fees for students under 30, as well as an interest-free overdraft allowance up to a predetermined limit. Students can also get discounts on loans and credit cards, and the Santander University Life app provides budgeting tools to help students manage their cash flows.

Key takeaways

Multi-lingual support

Multi-currency banking options

Tailored services for both expats and students

2. BBVA — Tailored services for expats and students

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, (trading under the stock ticker BBVA) is another major Spanish bank that offers several key services for expats and students in Spain. Its expat offering includes a checking account designed for non-residents, with multi-currency capabilities and online banking available by default. Likewise, expats can open a bank account remotely before they arrive in the country.

The BBVA Online Student Account offers free online banking, a debit card, and no fees for students under 30. This account offers preferential interest rates for its overdraft, in addition to discounts on various credit services, including loans and insurance.

On balance, BBVA offers a popular banking solution for expats and students in Spain owing to its tailored offerings and broad branch network within the country.

Key takeaways

Expats can open an account remotely

Favorable student overdraft facilities

Extensive physical branch network and online banking tools

3. CaixaBank — Spain's largest domestic bank

CaixaBank is Spain’s largest domestic bank, and it offers several key offerings that are tailored for expats and students.

The CaixaBank Expatriate Account is a multi-currency account that allows transfers in Euros and other major currencies. The account can be opened before an expat arrives in Spain, and Caixa offers an English language website to break any language barriers during the application process.

For students, CaixaBank’s Student Account is a free account with no fees for students under 26. This includes a debit card and an overdraft allowance with preferential interest rates, and CaixaBank has formed agreements with various universities to provide special offers for account holders from within the mobile banking application.

Key takeaways

Expats can open an account remotely

Affordable student accounts

Extra perks for students including special offers in-app

4. Sabadell — Remote banking options for expats

Banco Sabadell’s Expatriate Account offers multi-currency support by default, and like other expat accounts on this list, it can be opened remotely before someone arrives in the country. The Expatriate Account supports international banking services including money transfers, remittances, and foreign exchange.

The Sabadell Student Account, meanwhile, offers various perks for students. It has an online mobile banking app that comes with budgeting tools and provides tailored student loans in collaboration with Spanish universities. The account is completely free for students, comes with its own debit card, and offers reduced interest rates on its overdraft allowance.

Key takeaways

Multi-lingual support

Investment products available to expats

Credit products available to students

5. Bankinter — Great customer service reviews from expats

Bankinter is a smaller bank in Spain, but it is well renowned for providing beneficial services to expats and students alike. For expats, BankInter’s Non-Resident Account can be opened remotely with just a passport and proof of address, offering multi-currency capabilities and investment products to all non-residents once the application is approved.

Despite BankInter having a reduced branch network in Spain compared to the major banks on this list, it has around 300 branches spread across the country’s biggest cities. Since many of these cities house large universities, this makes it a popular choice for students in Spain.

BankInter’s Student Account is completely free, and offers no fees whatsoever. The overdraft allowance also comes with reduced interest fees and the bank has formed some agreements with universities around the country to provide tailored financial services.

Key takeaways

Expats can open an account remotely

Favorable student overdraft facilities

Student-focused offerings in major cities around Spain

6. N26 — An online-only bank popular among younger expats and students

N26 is an online-only bank based in Germany, but it operates across Europe, including in Spain. As a digital bank, N26 offers some key features that appeal to expats and students.

Expats can open a multi-currency account online for a greater level of convenience, and this account is fully operational across Europe with low-cost money transfers between countries. It supports a mobile app that allows banking from anywhere as long as the user has an internet connection, and it offers virtual debit cards that are available instantly after an account is opened.

While the student-specific offering from N26 is limited compared to alternatives on this list, it still offers a free standard bank account with a debit card and no maintenance fees. The mobile app has in-built budgeting and analytics tools and students can temporarily or permanently freeze their debit card from within the mobile app if they ever lose it on a night out.

Key takeaways

Convenient multi-currency accounts

Budgeting features available

No-fee cash withdrawals worldwide

The bottom line

Choosing the right bank for you comes down to personal choice, but there are certainly a variety of great options for expats and students in Spain. Almost every bank on this list offers tailored products to expats and tailored products to students, with each kind of account coming with its own unique set of perks.

If you’re a student or expat looking to travel abroad, you can also check out our article on the best banks in Germany.

Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase are two financial industry titans that we often hear about in the news. However, it’s common for people to be confused about the difference between the two companies, perhaps because they both have “Morgan” in their name. In this article, we’ll quickly explain the differences between Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase.

Even though there is a lot of overlap between the services offered by Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase, the main difference between the  two is that Morgan Stanley does not have retail banking operations. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase has significant retail banking operations under the brand Chase.

Morgan Stanley vs. JPMorgan Chase – A quick comparison

  Morgan Stanley JPMorgan Chase Ticker MS JPM CEO Ted Pick Jamie Dimon Market cap $156 billion $569 billion PE ratio (TTM) 17.52 11.98 EPS (TTM) 5.50 16.57

Data as of June 4, 2024.

Although both companies are very large, JPMorgan is significantly larger than Morgan Stanley. With a market cap of $569 billion, JPMorgan Chase is the world’s largest bank by market cap and ranked 13th among all companies globally. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley’s market cap of $156 billion makes it the 85th largest company in the world as of early June 2024. 

The “Morgan” in Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase is not a coincidence

Although Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase are two completely separate companies today, they do share a common history. Both companies trace their roots back to J.P. Morgan & Co., an American bank founded by wall Street titan J.P. Morgan in 1871.

In 1933, J.P. Morgan & Co. split into three companies – J.P. Morgan & Co. (the predecessor to JPMorgan Chase), Morgan Stanley and Morgan Grenfell. This was because of the Glass-Steagall Act, which barred corporations from offering investment banking and commercial banking business as a single holding entity.

Morgan Stanley vs. JPMorgan Chase

Now, let’s take a look at a quick overview of Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase to better understand the similarities and differences between the two companies.

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a major investment bank and financial services firm that is considered systemically important by the FSB (Financial Stability Board). The company’s operations can be divided into three main business segments.

Institutional securities

The company’s institutional securities business serves major clients such as corporations, governments, other financial institutions, as well as ultra high net worth individuals. It offers services such as investment banking, financial advisory services, and market-making activites in equities, fixed income products, foreign exchange and commodities.

Wealth management 

The wealth management business provides brokerage, investment advisory services, wealth planning, insurance, credit and other services for individuals and SMEs.

Investment management

Morgan Stanley’s investment management business provides asset management, merchant banking and real estate investment services to  government entities, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations and other institutions.

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan is the world’s largest bank by market capitalization, and the world’s 5th largest bank in terms of total assets. The company’s activities can be divided into six main segments: asset and wealth management, commercial banking, consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, corporate functions and technology.

JPMorgan Chase has two main subsidiaries: J.P. Morgan and Chase. J.P. Morgan is focused on providing financial services to governments, corporations, institutional investors and high net worth individuals. Meanwhile, the Chase subsidiary offers consumer and commercial banking services.

The bottom line

When comparing Morgan Stanley vs. JPMorgan Chase, it quickly becomes apparent that the main difference between the two financial institutions is that JPMorgan Chase caters to both institutional investors (J.P. Morgan subsidiary) and retail customers (Chase subsidiary), while Morgan Stanley is primarily focused on institutional investors and high net worth individuals, largely forgoing retail banking.

If you are looking to learn more about the banking sector, make sure to take a look at our list of the best banks in the world.

Key takeaways

Mandala Chain is introducing IDCHAIN

It's projected to onboard over 10 million new wallets in Indonesia.

The initiative integrates government, enterprise, and public sectors on a secure blockchain platform.

Mandala Chain and its vision

Mandala Chain is a Polkadot parachain aiming to integrate government and enterprise applications with the public and retail sectors. The project focuses on creating real-world utility and fostering adoption, particularly in Indonesia. As a secure Layer 1 blockchain, Mandala Chain plans to revolutionize various sectors and plans to onboard over 10 million new wallets through its inaugural use case, IDCHAIN.

IDCHAIN and its impact

IDCHAIN is a digital identity solution built on Mandala Chain, in collaboration with the entity managing Indonesia's top-level .id web domain. This initiative is set to transform digital identification in Indonesia as it, offers users the ability to store identity documents securely and interact with government and enterprise portals. This development is significant since there are over 100 million active users of Indonesia’s second-level domains, such as .go.id and .co.id.

Pilot projects and future use cases

Mandala Chain has already secured several pilot projects leveraging its technology stack for various dApps and Layer 2 solutions. Key sectors include banking, healthcare, tokenization of gold, infrastructure,  and product authenticity.

Mandala Chain is strategically focusing on Indonesia due to its growing market. With a young population mostly aged under 30 years and a government prioritizing blockchain in its Digital Vision 2045 framework, Indonesia is the ideal place for blockchain adoption. Indonesia is projected to be the fourth-largest country by 2040 with total GDP just behind China, India, and USA.

Mandala Chain secured a Polkadot parachain in April 2024, with over $1.2M bonded by the public during the auction. The testnet is set to go live in June, with a token generation event planned for September 2024. Mandala Chain will also be a co-title sponsor at Coinfest, one of Southeast Asia’s largest blockchain conferences.

Conclusion

Mandala Chain's integration of IDCHAIN marks a significant step in Indonesia's digital transformation. Mandala Chain aims to be a leader in the blockchain space in Southeast Asia, driving adoption and creating real-world utility for millions. As the project progresses, it will surely set a new standard for blockchain applications in the region.

Key takeaways

Binance launches its first-ever World Championship with a record-high $4.2 million prize pool.

The championship includes three trading tournaments and three exclusive promotions.

Events aim to engage both new and experienced traders.

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the launch of its inaugural Binance World Championship. This event features the largest rewards pool in Binance's history, totaling over $4.2 million. The championship is designed to celebrate Binance's global community of users, encouraging participation from both new and seasoned traders.

Open Binance Account

The Binance World Championship is inspired by global sporting events and combines the excitement of competitions with the opportunities that are offered by the cryptocurrency market. The event kicks off today at 00:00 am UTC and will run for three weeks. During this period, participants can showcase their trading skills and knowledge through various activities and earn attractive rewards from the $4.2M+ pool.

Tournaments and promotions

The Binance World Championship features three skill-based tournaments and three exclusive promotions across Binance’s ecosystem:

Tournaments

Spot Trading: Complete spot-related tasks and compete in trading volumes to earn a share of the $1.2 million prize pool.

Futures Trading: Participate in the Futures Grand Tournament, which includes solo and team competitions, for a chance to share up to $3 million in rewards.

Convert Trading: Study and trade the next day’s top-performing assets to share a daily 500 USDC reward pool, with a total of 12,000 USDC available.

Promotions

Earn: Subscribe to Simple Earn’s Flexible and Locked Products to share up to $100,000 in rewards.

Buy Crypto: Complete your first crypto purchase or fiat deposit with the ‘Buy Crypto’ feature to share 15,000 USDT in rewards.

Cross-Product: Trade at least $100 on Convert, Spot, and Futures each for a chance to win 1 BNB.

“With the launch of the first-ever Binance World Championship, we are excited to be celebrating our users and uplifting community excellence. Echoing the camaraderie and competitive spirit integral to sports, this championship aims to offer engaging and enriching experiences to all our users - from novices to the veterans of the crypto world. We are not only giving our community a chance to enhance their understanding of crypto but also recognizing their unwavering support through rewarding opportunities."—Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance

Conlan also added that as the championship unfolds over the coming weeks, they look forward to seeing users showcase their skills and knowledge, hoping they will further discover and unlock the expansive possibilities of crypto during this process.

About Binance

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency exchange, trusted by almost 200 million users in more than 100 countries. It is known for its industry-leading security, transparency, and trading engine speed. Binance offers a comprehensive portfolio of digital asset products and services. The platform is dedicated to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem for people worldwide.

Sign Up on Binance

About BNB

BNB (Binance Coin) is a cryptocurrency issued by Binance, used to pay fees on the Binance Exchange, participate in token sales, and power the Binance Chain ecosystem. It can be used for transaction fees on the Binance Smart Chain. BNB is currently trading near its all-time high.

 In recent years, the decentralized finance (DeFi) space has seen incredible growth and innovation. However, many challenges still need to be addressed that are preventing widespread adoption. One of the biggest issues plaguing both investors and projects is the need for more security and quality control on launch platforms. It's all too easy for scams and rug pulls to slip through the cracks, undermining trust in the entire ecosystem.

Enter XPADPRO, a new player aiming to completely disrupt the launchpad model and set a new gold standard for security and governance. Through their proprietary Xpad Protocol and a unique DAO structure, XPADPRO looks to eliminate the risks that have held DeFi back while opening up new opportunities for investors.

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at what makes XPADPRO so compelling. We'll discuss the problems they aim to solve, how their technical solutions work, and why their tokenomics give investors strong upside potential. By the end, you'll understand why XPADPRO just may become the premiere home for launching the next generation of top crypto projects.

Image: Highly utilitarian XPADPRO system using the $XPP token

Solving DeFi's biggest woes

As the saying goes, "one bad apple spoils the bunch." Unfortunately in DeFi's Wild West days, there have been more than a few "bad apples" in the form of exit scams, rug pulls, and other nefarious activities. This has understandably scared many would-be investors away from the entire industry.

Launch platforms themselves haven't always helped matters either. While the biggest names do launch some solid projects, they still don't have foolproof ways to weed out potential scams during the listing process. There's also no recourse once a project does rug pull and steal funds.

It's this lack of accountability and quality control that XPAD aims to solve at its core. Their mission is to restore trust in the DeFi ecosystem by establishing the safest possible environment for both projects and investors to thrive.

Using their proprietary XPad Protocol smart contracts coupled with DAO community governance, XPAD creates an "unhackable" system of checks and balances. Projects have to meet stringent criteria to even be considered, and funds are locked and released incrementally per pre-set terms. This eliminates the risk of projects dumping tokens immediately after launch.

For investors, it means feeling secure that their funds won't disappear overnight if a project turns out to be a scam. XPAD essentially acts as a guarantor that the terms of any project launch will be faithfully carried out. No more worrying about falling victim to the next big "rug pull" that makes headlines.

Through their next-gen security models and community oversight, XPAD looks to solve DeFi's biggest lingering problem standing in the way of mainstream adoption. It creates the sort of trust and accountability the space has long needed.

How Xpad Protocol works its magic

The key to XPADPRO's value proposition lies in its groundbreaking Xpad Protocol. This proprietary smart contract system forms the backbone of how the entire platform operates securely.

At the same time, tokens allocated to investors and the team themselves are also locked via smart contracts. They are released gradually per a pre-arranged schedule agreed upon by all parties.

It prevents "rug pulls" by not allowing teams immediate access to funds. Money is only released as the community votes milestones are complete.

It stops "pump and dumps" by incrementally releasing tokens over long periods like six months to a year.

All activities are transparent on-chain and regulated according to the terms programmed in at launch.

Perhaps most importantly, this system is completely "unhackable" due to running entirely on-chain. No third parties or centralized entities can interfere once terms are set.

Thanks to the Xpad Protocol, projects get fairness while investors enjoy unprecedented security. No other launch platform can claim such ironclad protections against the risks still plaguing DeFi.

A DAO-powered launchpad

Behind the scenes, engineering XPADPRO's innovative model is a world-class team of serial entrepreneurs, top engineers, and crypto/DeFi heavy hitters. But they don't believe their vision of security and accountability ends with the protocol alone.

That's why XPADPRO takes the additional step of establishing itself as a DAO, or Decentralized Autonomous Organization. This creates a self-governing community that has real decision powers over how the platform operates.

With a DAO structure, it's the investors and users themselves who assess project applications, vote on listings, and have a say in how funds are allocated and features prioritized long term. No single entity maintains unilateral control.

Some key ways the DAO is involved:

Review all potential projects using objective criteria before allowing listings.

Can blacklist teams that break terms or act against community interests.

Votes on platform treasury budgets and initiatives like marketing/development.

Elects representatives to act as board members who govern major decisions.

By decentralizing control, XPADPRO ensures decisions will always align with the interests of its community rather than any company. With governance literally in users' hands, trust is maximized that the platform will remain fair and uncensored long term. 

Top-tier project pedigree

When a platform aims to only list quality, blue-chip crypto projects, it had better have a rock-solid track record for delivering itself. Thankfully, XPADPRO's pedigree gives investors strong reassurance that only the best of the best projects will gain access.

The founders behind XPADPRO include serial entrepreneurs who have launched numerous tech startups successfully. They also have extensive connections throughout the crypto industry's top venture funds, exchanges, and influencers who will guide assessments.

More importantly, the engineering team behind Xpad Protocol has years of experience having developed other popular DeFi platforms, like decimalchain, bitteam, polylastic. They understand the intricate requirements of building robust, scalable blockchain infrastructure.

With such heavyweight resumes involved, you can rest assured they'll only let the cream of the crop through the doors. In other words, while access will still be competitive, in XPADPRO's curated launch pool you'll avoid worrying about whether something is a low-grade cash grab. Only true blue-chip potential will get the community stamp of approval.

XPP tokenomics - Upside for investors

Of course, no platform would be complete without an integral utility token powering its workings. For XPAD, the XPP token plays several important roles:

It's Used for Platform Fees: All service costs like trading and governance participate will require XPP. This creates constant organic demand.

Unlocks Private Sale Access: To buy into project token private rounds, users will need XPP holdings. Very exclusive early bird privileges.

Powers Staking Rewards: For those that stake their XPP long-term, lucrative yield incentives will be earned from protocol income streams.

Supports Referral Rewards: Invite new users or projects and earn a cut of the trading volume they generate transacting on XPAD.

Enables Governance: As a DAO platform, XPP holders can vote on treasure allocation and feature priorities.

Now here's why the tokenomics themselves make XPP an intrinsically valuable investment proposition beyond just platform usage:

Limited total supply: Only 1.9 billion will ever exist, creating strong scarcity over time.

Deflationary burning: A portion of fees are destroyed forever, continuously reducing the circulating supply.

Strong use case upside: As XPAD grows its user base and project listings, so too will demand for the various utilities that XPP provides.

With this mix of utility functions, limited emission, and high long-term user retention rates projected, it's easy to foresee XPP gaining in value significantly as the platform expands globally. For patient investors and those willing to stake long-term, it presents a highly compelling opportunity.

Getting in early - Referral bonuses

For ambitious users willing to put in a bit of legwork, XPAD wants to reward them handsomely through its generous referral program structure.

Earn 15% of their purchases after they register. The invited person receives a gift of 100 XPP when they purchase through your link.

With compensation uncapped and paid out in perpetuity as long as your referral stays active, the potential to generate significant recurring rewards is very real. It lets ambitious community members earn like marketers and affiliates without heavy lifting.

The bottom line: A deep dive into XPADPRO's vision and game plan

XPAD has all the makings of a true game-changer in launchpad ecosystems. Its unique Xpad Protocol establishes unprecedented security, while perks like Pre-Buy unlock premium access for the masses. With a limited, in-demand XPP token fueling platform utility and passive income, you've got an investment proposition as compelling as it gets.

Keep your eyes glued to their innovative roadmap and top-tier partners list like Gotbit. This is undoubtedly one of the most promising projects to emerge in the crowded launchpad space.

Key takeaways

Fhenix raises $15 million in Series A funding led by Hack VC.

The Helium testnet is live, enabling confidential smart contracts.

Fhenix leverages Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) for enhanced data privacy.

Fhenix is an Ethereum Layer 2 network focused on data confidentiality and a blockchain platform that leverages Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) to enable confidential on-chain computations on Ethereum that allow end-to-end encrypted smart contracts.

In a recent Series A funding round, Fhenix has raised $15 million, bringing their total funding to $22 million, with participation from Dao5, Amber Group, Primitive Ventures, GSR, Collider Ventures, and Stake Capital.

1/ Today marks an important milestone in our mission to bring confidentiality to Ethereum through the first L2 powered by fully homomorphic encryption (#FHE). We're excited to announce we've raised $15M in Series A funding and released our initial testnet: Helium. pic.twitter.com/6de3EQeg1f

— Fhenix (@FhenixIO) June 4, 2024

What is Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE)?

Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) is a cutting-edge technology that enables computation on encrypted data without decrypting it. This means that data can be processed while still encrypted, ensuring end-to-end privacy and security. Fhenix’s use of FHE sets it apart from other similar solutions, as it provides a more comprehensive and secure approach to data privacy.

Fhenix Secures $7 Million in Funding

Helium Testnet launch

Fhenix has also announced its open testnet, Helium (previously planned to be named Renaissance). This testnet allows developers to deploy confidential smart contracts on the Fhenix Layer 2 network. Utilizing FHE, Fhenix ensures that data remains encrypted even during processing. This feature is crucial for applications requiring high levels of privacy in a lot of areas, including :

confidential voting

blind auctions

decentralized identity

DeFi, AI, and gaming

Fhenix encourages developers to join its testnet and explore the potential of confidential smart contracts.

"After scaling, confidentiality is the next major hurdle Ethereum needs to solve in order to reach mainstream adoption. FHE is the most elegant solution to the problem of encryption because, unlike existing confidentiality solutions based on zero-knowledge technology, it allows for end-to-end computation of encrypted data."—Guy Itzhaki, co-founder and CEO of Fhenix

Fhenix plans to launch its mainnet in the first quarter of next year. The mainnet will bring even more advanced features and broader adoption of FHE technology. Fhenix has also partnered with EigenLayer to develop an FHE co-processor, which will provide FHE services to other Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks with minimal modifications.

Revolutionizing blockchain confidentiality

Conclusion

Fhenix spent years in the cryptographic and blockchain space researching the ideal solution to to securely safeguard confidential data on Ethereum. It has finally found the solution in fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). With it, Fhenix is poised to transform the blockchain landscape on data confidentiality. The $15 million Series A funding and the launch of the Helium testnet mark significant milestones in achieving their vision. With this funding round, Fhenix will increase its efforts to offer a robust solution for secure and private data processing on the blockchain.

The best banks in Italy share many of the same characteristics, providing reliable financial services to customers and convenient online banking as well. Expats and students looking to open a new bank in Italy can find some great options as a result, with the top banks often providing tailored services to foreigners.

This article will explore the key differences between some of the best banks in Italy for foreigners, highlighting core offerings for students and expats and comparing each bank’s perks.

List of the best banks in Italy for expats and students:

UniCredit

Intesa Sanpaolo

Banca Nazionale del Lavoro

Monte dei Paschi di Siena

Fineco

Banca Sella

What are the main factors to consider for expats and students opening a new bank account in Italy?

Expats and students should look out for banks that provide multilingual customer support, especially if they’re still learning how to speak Italian with any level of fluency. Luckily, there are many banking options in Italy that provide multilingual customer service in addition to tailored banking services for different kinds of customers.

Expats may also want to consider the cost of international financial services, including remittance fees and foreign exchange rates. On the other hand, students can often access discounted interest rates through tailored credit products while they’re in university, which could be a key consideration here.

Other important things to consider are:

Multi-currency capabilities

Online banking support

Accessible network of branches and ATMs within Italy

The 6 best banks in Italy for expats

This section will compare and contrast some of the best banking options for students and expats in Italy. The best Italian banks for foreigners often provide tailored services and convenient ways to open an account, including, at times, remote applications through online banking.

1. UniCredit

UniCredit is one of the largest banks in Italy, and it offers a range of services tailored to meet the needs of various customer bases including expats and students. UniCredit offers Genius-branded bank accounts, including the Genius Account and Genius Teen, that offer low-cost options for students and expats alike.

For expats, UniCredit offers multilingual support and international transfers at a competitive rate. Overall, the bank’s international money transfers enable financial management across borders, and it allows for remote account opening prior to arriving in Italy.

For students, UniCredit has a fee-free structure that includes zero maintenance fees and reduced interest rates on overdraft allowances. Additionally, the bank hosts workshops and seminars that are designed to educate people about financial management, which has proven popular among students.

Key takeaways

Specialized low-cost accounts under the Genius branding

Robust digital platforms with multilingual support

Tailored loan products for students

2. Intesa Sanpaolo

Intesa Sanpaolo provides a range of financial services tailored to expats and students. The XME Conto account is a flexible current account that has been found to be particularly beneficial for students, while the Conto Corrente Base is a low-fee current account that offers a no-frills banking service for expats.

The Sanpaolo mobile banking application provides a convenient method for non-residents to open a bank account in Italy, and it also supports various financial services after the fact including international money transfers and integrated bill payments.

Overall, Intesa Sanpaolo’s robust digital banking services, multilingual support, and extensive branch network make it a popular pick for foreigners seeking a banking option in Italy.

Key takeaways

Tailored loan products

Remote banking applications

Investment services available to expats

3. Banca Nazionale del Lavoro

Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) is one of the major banks in Italy. It provides a range of account types, with BNL Conto Pratico being popular for foreigners as a convenient and versatile option. Another top pick is BNL’s Conto Smart, which is specifically targeted at students via low-cost money transfers and no maintenance fees.

Expats will find that BNL provides multilingual support to its customers through the mobile banking application, competitive rates for international money transfers, and a simple process for opening accounts that supports remote applications.

Students, meanwhile, can benefit from student-specific offerings that provide zero-fee banking with no maintenance fees, and BNL has partnered with various universities across the country to provide discounts on essential services such as transport and groceries.

Key takeaways

Flexible banking options for expats

Student-specific accounts available

Multilingual customer support

4. Monte dei Paschi di Siena

While Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) is one of the oldest banks in the world, it has fully modern banking amenities available for expats and students who are looking to move to Italy.

The Conto Italiano Giovani is aimed specifically at young people and students, offering no maintenance fees and low-cost borrowing options. Credit lines can include student loans and arranged overdrafts, with MPS’ student account proving popular for this reason.

Alternatively, expats may prefer to open Conto Italiano Expat. This account is specifically designed for expats and offers key features such as lower fees on international transfers and multilingual customer support. Additionally, Conto Italiano Expat allows foreigners to access a variety of investment products once they land in Italy.

Key takeaways

Low fees and convenient banking solutions for foreigners

Extensive branch network

Multilingual customer support

5. Fineco

FinecoBank is a leading Italian bank that provides tailored services to students, as well as favorable remote banking for expats traveling to Italy. Fineco offers customer service in multiple languages, making it easier for expats to manage their banking, and the process for opening an account can be done online.

The Fineco Current Account is a versatile account that offers low fees, a fully digital experience, and a wide range of banking services. It’s suitable for both expats and students since it’s both affordable and easy to use. Another option is Fineco Young, which is aimed specifically at younger customers and students. This account offers reduced fees and benefits that cater to students.

Key takeaways

Flexible banking options for expats

Multilingual customer support

Fee-free accounts for students

6. Banca Sella

Banca Sella offers a variety of current accounts with different features and benefits, international transfers at an affordable cost basis with competitive exchange rates as well. Expats can open a bank quite easily via the digital banking application, and students receive a variety of perks, including fee-free accounts and discounts on educational resources.

Expats can access Banca Sella’s investment products after moving to Italy, which might appeal to expats who are interested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other key investment products. Students get discounted credit options through Banca Sella, including favorable interest rates on overdrafts and student loans.

Key takeaways

Flexible banking options

Digital banking available

Comprehensive suite of financial services

The bottom line

Expats and students looking for the best bank in Italy have a lot of great options available. Each bank on this list provides favorable rates for students and flexible accounts for expats. 

If you’re a student or expat looking to travel abroad, you can also check out our article on the best banks in Germany.

If you are regularly trading crypto and living in Italy, check our guide on Italian crypto taxes.

Key takeaways

Polkadot Blockchain Academy started its fifth cohort in Singapore on May 20, 2024.

The program offers around 184 lecture hours on various blockchain topics.

PBA introduces synchronous remote learning for global accessibility.

Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), a top institution in blockchain education, has announced the start of its fifth cohort in Singapore, the largest to date, commencing May 20, 2024. PBA aims to nurture developer talent and advance the Polkadot ecosystem through its comprehensive educational programs.

Since its beginning, PBA has been dedicated to training developers to become leaders and innovators in web3. Following the program, many graduates have gone on to join teams within the Polkadot Ecosystem, fellowship programs, Web3 Foundation, Parity, or have launched their own projects.

In response to community demand, we are expanding the Academy this session, welcoming our largest group yet with both in-person and remote participants. 

The fifth cohort of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy, the biggest yet, kicks off today ? PBA is a pioneering educational program that equips developers and entrepreneurs w/ the knowledge and skills necessary to build and lead innovative projects within the Polkadot ecosystem. https://t.co/MZOccDNwc2

— Polkadot (@Polkadot) May 20, 2024

The new cohort in Singapore is designed to provide participants with a deep and enriching learning experience. Supported by 18 experienced instructors, students will receive top-tier instruction and personalized guidance throughout the program. This initiative builds on the success of PBA's previous programs and promises to deliver valuable knowledge and skills to aspiring blockchain developers.

Forging the future of Web3

With the fifth cohort, PBA is responding to the community's request to scale the Academy. It will feature approximately 184 lecture hours, covering a wide range of topics essential for blockchain development. It includes modules on Economics, Governance, Smart Contracts, and Polkadot-SDK. This extensive program ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of the Polkadot ecosystem.

Pauline Cohen Vorms, CEO and Co-Founder of Polkadot Blockchain Academy, highlighted the significance of the program's location in Asia.

"Asia is such a dynamic market for blockchain and especially for Polkadot. Some of our strongest projects, contributors, developers, and founders are based in Asia. It’s an important region that is ideally suited to the establishment of PBA’s fifth cohort to educate, seed knowledge, and help graduate a new wave of talent.”

In addition to the on-site in-person program, PBA is pioneering a synchronous remote learning experience. This innovative approach will ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all as it allows students from around the world to participate in it.

Conclusion

The launch of the fifth cohort by Polkadot Blockchain Academy in Singapore marks a significant step in nurturing blockchain talent in Asia and other parts of the world. It builds towards the PBA goal — to enrich the ecosystem with knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can propel the technology forward. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and commitment to global accessibility, PBA continues to support the growth and success of blockchain technology.

The cryptocurrency market, known for its volatility and rapid changes is no different in 2024 than in 2021 with all bets off as to where the market will head next, it’s an unpredictable short term as ever.

As of mid-2024, the industry has seen mixed innovation, regulation, and uncertainty combined into a wild cocktail. We delve into the current state of the market, exploring amongst other focal points the role of launchpads.

Of course, launchpads are not new, they were around in 2020 and 21, but what is shifting is the compulsory KYC and reliability from those IDO offerings such as Ape Terminal, where vetting of those launching IDO’s has become more elaborate and sophisticated.

Market Trends and Performance

In 2024, the crypto market continues to be highly dynamic, with significant fluctuations in the prices of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin, the flagship cryptocurrency, has experienced notable price swings, reflecting both market speculation and broader economic factors. including its key halving event and ETF approval. Despite its volatility, Bitcoin remains a preferred asset for institutional investors seeking a hedge against inflation and economic instability, something you wouldn’t have even spoken of with a serious face in 2021.

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has seen robust growth due to its foundational role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The Ethereum network's transition to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, known as Ethereum 2.0, has been a critical development, aiming to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency as well as news of its ETFs. This could see a major run for the blockchain.

Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, altcoins such as Solana, Cardano, and Binance Coin have shown significant potential while low-cap projects launched on Ape Terminal have left investors buoyed by returns.

Regulatory Landscape

Regulation remains one of the most influential factors shaping the crypto market. In 2024, global regulatory approaches vary significantly, with some countries adopting stringent regulations while others seek to create a more accommodating environment for crypto innovation.

The United States has taken steps to clarify its regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are working on creating a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure market stability and protect investors. However, the lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes a security versus a commodity continues to create uncertainty for crypto projects.

In Europe, the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation aims to provide legal clarity and foster innovation. MiCA's introduction is seen as a positive step towards harmonizing regulations across EU member states, reducing barriers for crypto businesses, and enhancing consumer protection.

Meanwhile, countries like China have maintained a stringent stance, banning most crypto-related activities while focusing on developing their own central bank digital currency (CBDC). On the other hand, regions like Singapore and Switzerland continue to position themselves as crypto-friendly hubs, attracting startups and investors with favorable regulations and infrastructure.

Technological Advancements and Adoption

Technological advancements are at the heart of the crypto market's evolution. The rise of Layer 2 solutions, such as the Lightning Network for Bitcoin and rollups for Ethereum, aims to address scalability issues and reduce transaction costs. These solutions are crucial for enabling mass adoption and making blockchain technology more accessible.

DeFi platforms have continued to gain traction, offering financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries. Innovations in DeFi are expanding, with projects focusing on improving security, interoperability, and user experience. The growth of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) further exemplifies the shift towards community-driven governance and decision-making in the crypto space.

NFTs remain a significant trend, transforming the way digital art, collectibles, and intellectual property are monetized. While the initial hype around NFTs has subsided, the market is maturing, with more sustainable and utility-driven applications emerging. From virtual real estate to gaming assets, NFTs are poised to play a vital role in the digital economy.

Challenges and Risks

Despite the positive developments, the crypto market faces several challenges and risks. Market volatility is a primary concern, with prices subject to sudden and severe fluctuations. This volatility can deter potential investors and hinder the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies as stable financial assets.

Security remains a critical issue, as the decentralized nature of blockchain technology makes it a target for cyberattacks. Hacks and exploits of DeFi platforms and exchanges continue to result in significant financial losses. Improving security measures and establishing robust insurance mechanisms are essential to build trust and resilience in the market.

Regulatory uncertainty is another major challenge. The lack of consistent global regulations creates a fragmented landscape, making it difficult for crypto businesses to operate across borders. Moreover, regulatory crackdowns and legal actions against crypto firms can impact market sentiment and investor confidence.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the crypto market's future prospects are intertwined with technological innovation, regulatory developments, and market adoption. The continued integration of blockchain technology into various industries, including finance, supply chain, and healthcare, will drive growth and diversification in the crypto ecosystem.

The development and adoption of CBDCs by central banks worldwide could also influence the market. CBDCs have the potential to coexist with cryptocurrencies, offering a bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset economy. How CBDCs are designed and implemented will significantly impact their relationship with existing cryptocurrencies.

Furthermore, the maturation of the crypto market will likely lead to greater institutional participation. As regulatory frameworks become clearer and security measures improve, institutional investors are expected to increase their exposure to crypto assets, bringing more liquidity and stability to the market.

In conclusion, the current state of the crypto market in 2024 reflects a complex interplay of innovation, regulation, and volatility. While challenges remain, the continued advancements in technology and growing interest from institutional investors suggest a promising future for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. As the market evolves, stakeholders must navigate the risks and opportunities to shape a more sustainable and inclusive digital financial ecosystem.

Moving to another country requires extensive planning, and it’s often a good idea to open a local bank account if you’re planning on staying for a while. Expats and students can often find tailored banking services in countries around the world, and Portugal’s, in particular, has proven popular.

The best Portuguese banks for foreigners often share similar characteristics, enabling expats and students to set up low-cost accounts with flexible terms, without reducing access to additional features such as investment services and lines of credit. This article will evaluate the 5 best banks in Portugal for students and expats.

List of the best banks in Portugal for expats and students:

Millennium BCP – One of the largest banks in Portugal with a wide branch network

Novo Banco – Dedicated products for foreign residents

Caixa Geral de Depósitos – State-owned bank with expat banking packages

BPI – Allows foreigners to open a bank remotely

ActivoBank – A modern digital-first bank

Key considerations

Expats and students looking to open a bank in Portugal are met with an endless list of features and a lot of financial jargon, which can be especially challenging when trying to do it through language barriers. Luckily, Portugal’s top banks often provide tailored services to foreigners, and they sometimes provide multilingual customer support.

Some of the key factors to consider before choosing the right bank as a foreigner are whether it provides dedicated support channels for foreign speakers and whether it has specific product offerings for customers like you. For expats and students in particular, here are some of the top things to think about before making a final decision:

Ability to open a bank account remotely

Foreign exchange rates and international transaction fees

Accessibility of the local branch network

The 5 best banks in Portugal for expats

This section will explore the key benefits of Portugal’s top banks for foreigners.

1. Millennium BCP – One of the largest banks in Portugal with a wide branch network

Millennium BCP (Banco Comercial Português) is one of the largest banks in Portugal, offering a variety of banking services tailored to expats and students. The Mundo 123 Account is aimed at expats, offering benefits like cashback on certain purchases, preferential terms for loans, and an integrated digital banking experience.

Millennium BCP also offers a Student Account that provides low-cost banking services. Along with zero monthly maintenance fees, students can access discount interest rates for an arranged overdraft and student loan options with favorable borrowing costs.

Key features

Multilingual customer support

Financial literacy programs for students

Convenient online banking solutions

2. Novo Banco – Dedicated products for foreign residents

Novo Banco is another prominent bank in Portugal, known for providing financial services tailored to expats. The NB Expats Account provides assistance for opening accounts abroad, enabling customers to register and apply for an account before they enter the country. On top of this, Novo Banco provides multilingual customer support for expats and can provide a dedicated relationship manager.

Some of Novo Banco’s branches are specially equipped to cater to the needs of expats, providing dedicated services and support and a loyalty points program that can provide various perks. The bank also offers a tailored student account which comes with no maintenance fees and in-app financial management tools.

Key features

Comprehensive suite of banking services

Tailored services for expats and students

Multilingual customer support

3. Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) – State-owned bank with expat banking packages

CaixaBank offers specific banking solutions for expatriates, including assistance with opening accounts from abroad and managing finances while residing in Portugal. The bank offers investment services to expats, with a full range of products available to foreigners, including stocks, retirement plans, and other useful services.

Tailored loan products and investment services make it easier for expats and students to manage their finances effectively, and CaixaBank is able to offer a suite of financial services regardless of residency status. As with many other student offerings, CaixaBank provides favorable interest rates for students who are looking to open a line of credit.

Key features

Broad range of financial services

Extensive network of local branches

Dedicated services for expats

4. BPI – Allows foreigners to open a bank remotely

BPI (Banco Português de Investimento) is a major bank in Portugal that allows expats to open multi-currency accounts remotely. Dedicated expat advisory services help foreigners to find their footing after touching down in Portugal, with BPI’s tailored services designed to help people set up their accounts and get all the relevant documents in place.

Likewise, BPI offers a tailored student bank account with low fees that offers exclusive deals and discounts on entertainment and travel from within the mobile app. Like many other tailored student accounts, BPI provides reduced interest rates for students, an arranged overdraft, and various educational resources that can help students to manage their finances.

Key features

Full digital banking experience popular among expats

Open an account remotely both quickly and easily

Fee-free accounts for all customers

5. Activobank – A modern digital-first bank

Activobank is a digital bank in Portugal that is part of the Millennium BCP group. It offers a range of services tailored to modern customers, including digital nomad expats and students looking for a change of scenery. ActivoConta is a versatile account with no maintenance fees that offers free domestic and international transfers, in addition to a wide range of banking services available directly through the mobile app.

While Activobank does not offer a tailored bank account specifically for students, the standard account’s fee-free structure and digital-first approach still makes it a popular choice. The mobile app allows students to manage multiple accounts, make money transfers, pay bills, and access various financial planning products that can help them to manage their cash flows effectively.

Key features

Full digital banking experience popular among expats

Open an account remotely both quickly and easily

Fee-free accounts for all customers

The bottom line

Opening a bank in Portugal as a foreigner has never been easier, with the top options often providing dedicated support channels in addition to enabling expats to open an account remotely. While there are definitely some strong picks, choosing the right bank for you is ultimately a personal decision that could depend on a variety of factors.

If you’re a student or expat looking to travel abroad, you can also check out our article on the best banks in Germany.