Xcel Token

An atomic swap is a  smart contract   technology that empowers the exchange of one cryptocurrency for an alternative cryptocurrency without using central intermediaries, such as exchanges.  Atomic swaps can take place unswervingly amid blockchains of different cryptocurrencies , or they can be conducted off-chain, away from the foremost blockchain. They first came into prominence in September 2017, when an atomic swap between Decreed and Litecoin was conducted.  Since then, other start-ups and decentralized exchanges have allowed users the same facility. For example, Lightning Labs, a start-up that uses bitcoin’s lightning network for transactions, has conducted off-chain swaps using the technology. Cryptocurrencies and decentralized exchanges, such as 0x and Altcoin.io, have also incorporated the technology.  Atomic Swaps Break Down As it occurs today, the process for switching cryptocurrencies is time-consuming and complex. This...

Charitable giving is on the rise, mostly due to resilient economic conditions in North America and Europe over current years.  According to Giving USA , 2017 was the first year that contributions from the US crossed the $400 billion mark, a rise of five percent over the preceding year.  While contributing to charity may deliver us with a warm glow, few people stop to consider exactly where their donations end up. Charity fraud is a global issue, creating a risk that donated funds end up being siphoned off through scams or corruption.  What can Blockchain do for Charity? Blockchain technology is creating waves in many sectors such as supply chain due to its functionality in providing a secure, unalterable record of value transfers. This makes blockchain the ideal technology to bring transparency to the distribution of charitable donations. Using an open public ledger, a charity or NGO could collect donations in a digital currency. Each unit collected ...

Much has been made about blockchain’s utility across different industries. Critics oppose the technology is mere hype, that the alterations it makes is marginal and not worth spending money on. Supporters, on the other hand, willingly acknowledge that blockchain is not the answer being trumpeted in some corners, but also identify that there are use cases where it essentially makes sense. This is why noteworthy resources are being devoted to the study of the blockchain system/technology by some of the world’s major establishments. Insurance is one such industry, but in fact, blockchain is exactly what’s required to inoculate some revolution into an industry that has not transformed much in decades. From global insurers down to start-ups, we are seeing a wave of new goods and services, everything from flight delay insurance to enhanced risk modelling. What we need to understand what it is about blockchain that makes sense for the industry, if you want to know more, then read o...