Stephen Tse: Fixing Crypto’s Silos

It’s a recognized reality the cryptocurrency market is extra fragmented than destroyed glass. Industry supporters have actually long taken advantage of functioning bit-by-bit, approving ever-increasing fragmentation as the rate of a decentralized economic system. But what developments might we attain if we could quit paying it?

At initially glimpse, interoperability appears like a near-impossible objective. According to CoinMarketCap, over 8,000 unique cryptocurrencies presently exist– a 400% increase from 2 years earlier. These numbers audio remarkable in the beginning, nonetheless, the veneer diminishes as soon as you take into consideration the large aggravation that selection postures.

Decentralized applications (dapps) are restricted by the restraints of their house blockchain. If a dapp is improved Ethereum, it can normally just delight in the advantages offered by Ethereum (ex., clever agreement performance). Thus, for every one of the benefits that varied cryptocurrencies may offer independently, individuals might have a hard time to make the most of the multiplicity since the blockchains are not interoperable

Here’s the concern– while occupation cryptocurrency investors might agree to by hand “hunt and peck” across fragmented cryptocurrency exchanges as well as blockchain applications for the attributes as well as solutions they desire, it appears extremely confident to believe that the climbing friend of capitalists will certainly be material with the status. Consider the press in the direction of cryptocurrency normalization we saw in 2020. Three significant fintech companies (Square, MicroStrategy as well as Mode) accepted bitcoin, as well asPayPal recently launched its own cryptocurrency trading service

As an outcome, individuals we see getting in the crypto market aren’t modern technology teachers or programmers, they’re regular customers as well as capitalists that are accustomed to even more structured as well as natural experiences.

“As new users enter the industry, I’ve seen a clear demand for ‘intermediaries’ that mirror the centralized financial entities consumers are used to, improved user experience, and greater liquidity, but I’ve also seen the control and holding of users funds: sacrificing ownership for access,” cryptocurrency professionalAlexey Koloskov recently wrote for Forbes

If the crypto market’s fragmentation stays unaddressed by those within it, Koloskov recommends, there is a danger that traditionally minded gamers will certainly supply remedies that threaten the flexibilities cryptocurrencies were created to offer.

The intervention of centralized powers is frustrating, both for its tacit erosion of trader freedom and because consumers are right to ask for interoperability. They need innovation, they need new interoperability tools – and if innovators who appreciate the philosophy that underpins blockchain can provide it, they stand to not only solve a major UX problem, but also redefine the capabilities of fintech as a whole.  

Consider the work that has already been done with trustless bridges as an example. 

For context, a trustless blockchain bridge is essentially a public blockchain network that allows two technologically different and economically sovereign chains to freely communicate with each other sans permissions. This connection allows for interoperability between two blockchains that would otherwise have no means to conduct mutual transactions or utilize the other’s chain-specific apps. 

Trustless, two-way bridges could provide game-changing fluidity across previously siloed chains, allowing newcomers and blockchain devotees alike unprecedented access and ease-of-use. Assuming future advancement, we can imagine a future version of the cryptocurrency sector, one that upholds interoperability without compromising its commitment to decentralization and individual autonomy.

Beyond enabling smoother transactions and a more cohesive and informed trading experience, such bridges facilitate greater usability. By linking two disparate cryptocurrencies by cross-chain bridges, users can enjoy the best of both, rather than having to pick one over the other. When using a cross-chain bridge between Ethereum and Cosmos, for example, a user could leverage Ethereum’s smart contract functionality and Cosmos’ scalability. 

Imagine that versatility multiplied out over a dozen blockchains. Imagine the functionality we could achieve if end-users and app developers could ultimately cherry-pick the features they wanted in their trading experience. 

We may not be to the point where such fluidity is possible yet, but there’s little doubt that such a reality waits on the horizon. Innovations like cross-chain bridges offer a glimpse of what the future of fintech and crypto could look like – what it might mean to introduce a truly decentralized financial system where consumers finally, truly, have the final say not only on trades, but on their trading experience.

See also: How One Firm Is Addressing the Interoperability Problem Posed by FATF’s ‘Travel Rule’

The blockchain fragmentation trouble is considerable as well as, in the lack of correct debt consolidation devices, increasing. The cryptocurrency market requires to offer remedies that promote blockchain links amongst all individuals as well as any type of economic situation.

Our fragmented as well as siloed status will certainly not function forever. We have the technical methods– as well as the marketplace motivation– to look for interoperability without endangering on decentralization or customer experience. By essentially connecting the silos, we will not simply enhance customer experience, we’ll introduce a brand-new age of economic development as well as imagination.