This milestone transformation signals MEXC’s evolution from a traditional exchange into a universal gateway for global markets, built on the two core pillars of “0 Fees” and “Infinite Opportunities”.

The walls between asset classes, crypto, equities, and commodities, begin to collapse into a single, continuous global trading system, yet rising fees and friction have restricted user access.

MEXC directly addresses this imbalance, aiming to make global opportunities more accessible regardless of geography or capital. MEXC prioritized product strength and a “0 Fee” model.

Backed by a team of 2,000 professionals, the platform is advancing its infrastructure through AI-driven tools and enhanced transparency standards, further lowering barriers and expanding access for traders worldwide.

At the center of this brand upgrade is MEXC’s newly introduced logo, a symbol of openness and access. Evolveing from the brand’s core “M” into a simpler and more fluid symbol of the new MEXC. This visual transformation represents four key pillars of MEXC evolution.

• More Possibilities – Its shape echoes infinity, representing MEXC’s commitment to unlocking more assets, more products, more market access, and more possibilities for users worldwide. This reflects MEXC’s belief that opportunity should not be limited by entry barriers, product access, or user stage.
• More Accessible – Its dual form can also be interpreted as two zeros, reflecting MEXC’s 0 Fee philosophy. More than a pricing message, these two zeros symbolize MEXC’s effort to remove barriers and make opportunities more accessible and actionable for every user.
• More Open – The new MEXC logo evolves from the brand’s core “M” into a simpler, more fluid, and more open symbol of the new MEXC. It preserves the brand’s familiar identity while expressing a new stage of growth — one that is more modern, more global, and more user-centered.
• More Connected – At the same time, the logo’s connected and open structure expresses MEXC’s role as a Trusted Global Gateway — a platform built to connect users to broader markets and broader opportunities through a more seamless, user-centric experience, supported by reliable infrastructure across the world.

MEXC believes opportunities should be open to everyone, and has built MEXC to be commended as your 0-fee gateway to infinite opportunities.

• Beyond Pricing: 0 fees is a structural commitment to remove one of the biggest barriers in trading.
• Shared Value: In the past year alone, MEXC 0-fee model has returned more than $1 billion to our users. This is not a short-term campaign, but a fundamental shift in how value is created and shared.
• Unified Access: “Infinite opportunities” means giving users broader, simpler access to global markets. Whether it is crypto, US stocks, MT5-based assets, or prediction markets, users can act on opportunity through one account and one gateway

As the industry enters a new phase where markets converge and access becomes the defining advantage, MEXC is accelerating its mission to become the infrastructure layer connecting users to global opportunities and setting a new standard for exchanges, where trust is as critical as performance, and users remain at the center of the ecosystem.

About MEXC

MEXC is the world’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange, trusted by more than 40 million users across 170+ markets. Built on a user-first philosophy, MEXC offers industry-leading 0-fee trading and access to over 3,000 digital assets. As the Gateway to Infinite Opportunities, MEXC provides a single platform where users can easily trade cryptocurrencies alongside tokenized assets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, and precious metals.

MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

With increasing demand for speed, accuracy, and reliability, users are no longer satisfied with slow withdrawals or unclear exchange rates.

They want a platform that allows them to convert bitcoin to naira instantly, without unnecessary delays or hidden deductions.

Monica Cash has emerged as a strong answer to that demand. Recognised by many users as the best crypto app in Nigeria, the platform has built its reputation on fast execution, transparent pricing, and consistent payouts. In a digital market where trust determines growth, that consistency has become its competitive advantage.

Selling bitcoin should not feel complicated. Users who monitor the bitcoin to naira rate today want clarity before committing to a transaction.

They want to see real-time pricing and know exactly what they will receive before confirming. Monica Cash provides competitive rates that are easy to track, giving users confidence when they decide to convert bitcoin to naira.

The transparency around pricing reduces uncertainty and allows users to make informed financial decisions.

Speed remains one of the platform’s strongest differentiators. Once users initiate a request to sell bitcoin in Nigeria, funds are processed quickly and transferred directly to their Nigerian bank accounts, often within minutes.

In a market where the bitcoin to naira rate today can fluctuate rapidly, fast settlements are not just convenient, they are financially strategic.

According to the Founder, simplicity has been central to the product design. “We understand that when someone wants to sell bitcoin in Nigeria, they want certainty.

They want to convert bitcoin to naira instantly and receive their funds without stress. Our focus has always been speed, transparency, and reliability.”

Beyond Bitcoin, Monica Cash also supports seamless USDT to naira transactions, giving users flexibility to convert stablecoins with the same efficiency.

For freelancers receiving payments in USDT, traders managing market positions, or entrepreneurs handling cross-border transactions, this feature strengthens Monica Cash’s positioning as the best crypto app in Nigeria for users dealing with multiple digital assets.

Security remains a major priority for individuals entering the crypto space. Many Nigerians are cautious about where they choose to convert bitcoin to naira due to concerns around fraud, account restrictions, or platform downtime.

Monica Cash addresses these concerns with secure login systems, protected transaction processes, and responsive customer support. The combination of speed and safety creates an experience that prioritises user confidence.

Another key advantage is convenience. The ability to check the bitcoin to naira rate today directly within the app removes the need to switch between multiple platforms.

Users can monitor rates, execute transactions, and receive funds in one streamlined process. This integration reduces friction and enhances overall trust in the system.

In addition, Monica Cash has positioned itself as more than just a transaction platform. By consistently delivering fast payouts and reliable USDT to naira conversions, it reinforces a reputation built on predictability.

In a volatile market environment, predictability becomes a powerful differentiator. Users return not only because they can sell bitcoin in Nigeria quickly, but because they know the experience will remain smooth each time.

As more Nigerians participate in digital asset markets, the demand for dependable crypto conversion platforms continues to rise.

Being labelled the best crypto app in Nigeria is not simply marketing language. It reflects performance, reliability, and user satisfaction each time someone chooses to sell bitcoin in Nigeria or convert bitcoin to naira.

For traders, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and everyday users who need a reliable way to convert bitcoin to naira quickly and securely, Monica Cash offers a solution built around speed, clarity, and trust.

If you are looking to sell bitcoin in Nigeria, check the bitcoin to naira rate today, process USDT to naira transactions, or convert bitcoin to naira instantly without delay, Monica Cash app provides the fast and secure experience more Nigerians are choosing every day.

The event which kicked off on May 10, 2025, will runs through June 10, 2025. This global celebration brings users a unique trading experience packed with exciting benefits, generous incentives, and the chance to earn up to 550 USDT in rewards.

MEXC DEX+ seamlessly integrates the security and convenience of centralized trading with the asset diversity and early price discovery advantages of decentralized platforms.

Designed to make on-chain trading simpler and safer, DEX+ empowers users to engage confidently in the Web3 space.

To support the growth of the DEX+ ecosystem and reward its global user base, MEXC is launching this event with a three-tiered reward structure, encouraging users to explore decentralized trading while benefiting from early market participation.

Three Reward Tiers—Earn Up to 550 USDT

1. Exclusive New User Reward

During the event, new users who register on MEXC for the first time and complete at least 100 USDT in total trading volume on DEX+ will receive 20 USDT worth of SOL tokens, helping them kickstart their journey into trading on DEXs.

2. Trading Streak Rewards

Existing users can unlock rewards based on their trading activity:

• Trade a minimum of 50 USDT over three consecutive days to earn 10 USDT in bonus rewards.
• Reach a total of 200 USDT in trading volume over seven consecutive days to receive an additional 20 USDT, for a total reward of up to 30 USDT per person.

3. Referral Rewards

Invite friends through your unique referral link and earn 20 USDT per valid referral. Each participant can earn up to 500 USDT in referral rewards.

Additionally, all referrers will enjoy a 40% trading fee rebate based on their referees’ DEX+ trading activity.

“The DEX+ Super Fest is a rare opportunity for crypto users worldwide to explore decentralized exchanges, enjoy innovative features, and unlock meaningful rewards. Whether you’re just beginning your crypto journey or already an experienced trader, this campaign delivers real value.

“Don’t miss your chance to trade smarter, earn more, and explore the future of DeFi. Visit the DEX+ Super Fest page on MEXC and join today.

Founded in 2018, MEXC is dedicated to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Known for its extensive selection of trending tokens, airdrop opportunities, and low fees, MEXC serves over 40 million users across 170+ countries.

With a focus on accessibility and efficiency, its advanced trading platform appeals to both new traders and seasoned investors alike. MEXC provides a seamless, secure, and rewarding gateway to the world of digital assets.

But in 2025, this tradition may be past its expiry date. Why? Because our over-reliance on passwords is becoming the very risk we seek to avoid.

According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report (2024), 81% of breaches still involve weak or stolen passwords.

As threat actors evolve and AI becomes part of their toolkit, even the strongest passwords can be broken in minutes, not months. It’s time we ask — are we clinging to an outdated security method that’s holding us back?

The Problem with Passwords Today

The data is damning. According to Nordpass, the weak password of “123456” persists in being used as a password, easily cracked within 1 second by hackers.

An online security survey by Google and Harris Poll in February 2019 found that at least 65% of people reuse passwords across multiple, if not all, sites, exposing them to credential-stuffing attacks at scale.

Newer threats are only accelerating this risk. Brute-force attacks have moved from CPUs to high-speed GPUs — some capable of guessing over a million password combinations per second meaning what once took years to crack can now be done in minutes using AI-enhanced tools.

The Dark Side of Passwords: A Cybercrime Economy

The underground market for stolen credentials is vast and lucrative. It’s estimated that over 24.6 billion username-password combinations are currently circulating across cybercriminal marketplaces — although the true scale is difficult to verify due to repeated resale of stolen data.

In bulk, these credentials are even cheaper — as seen in the Booking.com scam, where thousands were sold for just $2,000 with new credentials offered every month, depending on breaches and leaks.

The most valuable logins include banking, email, cloud, crypto, corporate VPNs and social media accounts, which are commonly reused for phishing, identity theft, malware campaigns, and business email compromise.

Behind these thefts are some of the world’s most sophisticated threat groups, including Kimsuky (North Korea), MuddyWater (Iran), and APT28/29 (Russia) — often using malware like Lumma and MaaS platforms, targeting MFA tokens and crypto wallets, spreading over Telegram bots, that make infostealing scalable and profitable. It was reported that in 2024 alone, 3.9 billion credentials were compromised via malware infections across 4.3 million devices.

Even multi-factor authentication (MFA), while crucial, is being challenged by tools like EvilProxy, which can intercept MFA tokens.

This growing cybercrime economy is not just a technical threat — it’s a geopolitical and economic ecosystem as these threats now can come from anywhere at all thanks to MaaS and Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platforms.

Together with infostealer-as-a-service and phishing kits for hire, these attacks are no longer limited to state actors — they’re available to anyone with a Bitcoin wallet.

The Rise of Passwordless Authentication

In contrast, passwordless security is becoming not only possible — it’s practical. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Shopify are rolling out Passkeys — encrypted cryptographic keys tied to biometric or device-based authentication.

Microsoft wants its more than one billion users to stop using passwords to log into their Microsoft accounts while Gartner predicts that 60% of enterprises will eliminate passwords for most use cases by 2025.

In sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, hardware tokens, multi-factor logins, and biometric identification are taking over.

Even in countries like Singapore and India, government-backed digital identity systems are accelerating passwordless adoption for banking, insurance, and healthcare access. This is driven by a desire to enhance security, improve user experience, and streamline digital interactions.

In Singapore for instance, Singapore’s National Digital Identity (NDI) system built on Singpass, connects over 700 government agencies and private businesses.

Options like facial recognition, digital ID cards, and QR codes confirm user identities quickly and are more secure than traditional passwords.

India’s Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric system supports secure digital identity verification via OTPs and biometrics, while Australia’s Digital ID roadmap is investing in federated, passwordless frameworks

Behavioural Resistance: Why We Still Cling to Passwords

Despite security advances, people still trust what they know — and passwords feel familiar. But that familiarity comes at a price. Passwords are easily guessed, forgotten, shared, or stolen.

Check Point notes that poor password hygiene — such as reusing passwords, writing them down, or using personal data — continues to be a major weak link in corporate and personal security.

Even worse, phishing attacks — many AI-generated — continue to steal login credentials at scale, despite the presence of two-factor authentication (2FA). The rise in AI-powered phishing and deepfake attacks only makes password-based systems more vulnerable.

Risks of Staying with Passwords in a Post-AI World

The evolution of AI is making password-based authentication obsolete:

• Deep learning models are trained on billions of leaked passwords and can predict common patterns faster than ever.
• Voice- and video-based impersonation attacks using deepfakes can bypass even multi-factor authentication if based on weak identity layers.
• Cloud-based GPUs are democratising the power to break passwords at scale, enabling ransomware groups and script kiddies alike to compromise systems rapidly.

In short: the longer we wait to go passwordless, the more we expose ourselves.

What Organisations Should Do Now

• Pilot passwordless systems using biometrics, tokens, or Passkeys.
• Use tools like Check Point Harmony to prevent password reuse and phishing.
• Enforce Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions and Zero Trust architectures.
• Educate teams not just on stronger passwords — but on phasing them out altogether.

Check Point emphasises password length, diversity, and uniqueness but is also aligned with the need to explore post-password approaches.

World Password Day shouldn’t just be about creating stronger passwords. It should be a prompt to imagine a future without them.

The tools exist. The threats demand it. The only thing missing is our willingness to let go.

Inflation has gone beyond biting to gnawing through wallets, bank accounts, and goals. Naira is doing what it does best: tumbling on Mondays and dancing by Friday. And the average Nigerian? Well, we’ve mastered the art of survival with vibes, data bundles, and a suspicious relationship with digital investments.

But in the midst of all these, there’s always a hunt for what will actually yield returns. While we wade through another great year, some of us are wondering what the top and smartest trades as well as investment strategies in 2025 are.

Let’s take a look at the numbers in all honesty, with a keen eye on the dynamic ground beneath our feet.

The 2025 Economic Forecast

We’re working with shaky pillars. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Nigeria’s GDP growth at 3.2%, a figure that doesn’t keep up with population growth. Inflation sits above 24% — yes, twenty-four — which means that by the time your salary reflects in your account, it’s already lost value in the market.

The exchange rate continues its romantic tango with fluctuations — officially hovering around ₦1,500 to the dollar, but on the black market? Let’s just say some prayers are best whispered.

Meanwhile, the government says subsidies are gone, yet petrol prices are suspiciously tame. CBN’s monetary tightening continues, leaving businesses struggling to access credit, and the average consumer unsure whether to save, spend, or move to Rwanda.

So, with all of these, where are the cracks of opportunity?

Sector Breakdown: What’s Hot, What’s Heating Up

1. Agriculture & Agro-Processing

Forget tech for a minute. With food inflation galloping at over 24%, agriculture is no longer a poor man’s trade — it’s survival’s last stronghold. But it’s no longer about hoe-and-cutlass farming.

The money is in value chains — cassava into starch, maize into ethanol, palm oil into packaged exports. Add a decent warehouse and solar drying facility? You’re in business.

Q4 2024 data: Agriculture contributed 25.59% to GDP. It’s growing — not because we planned it well, but because hunger forced our hands.

Caveat: Security challenges in rural areas make physical farm investment risky. But agritech platforms are springing up, providing lower-risk entry.

2. Tech & Digital Services

The layoffs made headlines, but tech isn’t dying, but morphing. Fintechs are consolidating, and those that survive are now solving problems. Going from offline payment terminals in rural areas to AI-lite customer support tools, this space is bolstering productivity.

And let’s not ignore the digital boom outside Lagos. Kano, Port Harcourt, even Ilorin are birthing developer communities and small hubs.

ICT’s GDP share? A solid 17.68%, and climbing.

Digital infrastructure, healthtech integrations, logistics apps, and SME support tools. If you can build, support, or scale a solution — even on WhatsApp — you’re in.

3. Real Estate: Not Dead, Just Disguised

With rent in major cities hitting absurd highs, short-let spaces and co-living apartments are hot. But the sweet spot isn’t in the Lekki bubble anymore. It’s on the outskirts: Mowe, Ibafo, Apo, Lokogoma — places that offer land at human prices and still touch the urban grid.

But then, the new trend isn’t ‘build and sell’ — it’s ‘build and service’. More investors are offering shared workspaces, student pods, and semi-permanent accommodation.

Just don’t expect overnight ROI — construction costs are high, and cement doesn’t accept prayers as payment.

4. Forex, Crypto & Commodities: Risky, but Addictive

For many, the FX market isn’t an investment but a personality trait. Everyone’s cousin now trades dollars on Telegram. But some are making real profits, particularly in commodities.

Gold, lithium, and soybeans are becoming alternative asset classes — especially with global instability keeping dollar assets unpredictable.

Crypto is back on the radar, with coins like ETH and SOL bouncing again. But thanks to regulations, trading platforms now walk a thin line between innovation and shutdown.

Zooming in:

• The U.S. dollar is still topping the chart, strengthened by monetary policy and economic resilience. Carry trades have surged, as investors borrow in low-yielding currencies — like the Japanese yen — to invest in high-yielding assets such as the Mexican peso or South African rand.
• With inflation dynamics changing and central banks recalibrating their viewpoint, currency pairs like USD/JPY are moving sharply. The Bank of Japan’s cautious tightening has left room for strategic positioning.
• Strategy tip: Watch interest rate differentials and macro indicators to stay ahead of movements.

On the crypto aspect, Bitcoin’s post-halving surge is gathering institutional momentum, helped by the growing impact of spot Bitcoin ETFs. Projects focusing on sustainable mining practices and the emergence of real-world utility tokens are impacting investor behaviour.

• Strategy tip: Track layer-2 innovations like Polygon, and monitor new altcoins tied to physical infrastructure or ESG-linked goals.

5. The Carbon Trade & Green Economy

Nigeria says it wants $2.5 billion from carbon credits by 2030. Most people don’t even know what that means yet — and that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.

With global pressure increasing on climate commitments, carbon farming, green certifications, and renewable energy leasing are rising areas. Early investors could be sitting on tomorrow’s goldmine.

Strategy? Partner with agritech startups offering data-backed green reporting or explore carbon trading cooperatives.

This change is focused on the surge of sustainable finance. Green bonds, ESG-rated stocks, and carbon-neutral corporate policies are changing investor calculations.

• Companies that align with environmental benchmarks are outperforming long term.
• Strategy tip: Look into ESG-screened ETFs or solar energy-linked stocks. The green wave is no longer hype — it’s real capital movement.

The Risk Map: What Could Go Wrong? (Plenty)

We need to understand that Nigeria isn’t investor-friendly unless you’re friends with someone in Abuja. You could wake up to a new policy, a frozen app, or a “compliance” fine nobody saw coming.

• Crypto? Still under tight watch.
• Tech? FIRS and NCC are hunting down platforms they don’t understand.
• Real estate? The land registry remains a maze. Beware of omo-onile and ghost titles.
• Agri? Bandits don’t accept letters of intent.

A rational investor must mix ambition with caution. Risk isn’t the problem — ignorance is.

My Strategy? Simple but Uncompromising

• Diversify — I’m not betting the farm on one trade. Even Jesus fed the people with five loaves, not one.
• Stay liquid — In this country, you may need to run. Figuratively, or literally.
• Learn daily — Markets move, governments lie, and apps crash. Keep updating your lens.
• Invest in people — Skilled collaborators, loyal staff, and trustworthy partners remain priceless.

Conclusively, You’re the Asset. Invest Accordingly.

The Nigerian economy is what it is — unstable, unreliable, but not without opportunity. If you’re looking for perfect conditions, you’re better off daydreaming. But if you want to build, grow, or pivot? Now is the time to act — carefully, but decisively.

2025 won’t hand you anything. You either take calculated risks — or watch others take them while you stay in “research mode.”

So, what’s your next move?

While the Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC), the token’s developer, has initiated discussions with Roqqu and Yellow Card, neither platform has committed to listing it.

Despite cNGN’s approval under Nigeria’s SEC Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP) and its availability on Busha and Quidax, its wider adoption hinges on securing listings on platforms with a pan-African reach. Without that, the stablecoin’s use in remittances and cross-border transactions is still not certain.

Jason Marshall, chief operating officer of Yellow Card, acknowledged ASC’s regulatory approval but stressed that listing decisions require more than compliance. “We have a lot of respect for any project that has been admitted to Nigeria’s SEC Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP); we take it seriously,” he said. However, he noted that Yellow Card is selective, with a focus on demand, financial reserves, and compliance.

“Before we would consider a coin most times, they would have raised the equivalent of ₦50 billion ($32.5 million) in capital reserves and have an accounting firm sign a document saying it validates those reserves,” Marshall explained. “We would expect them to be well-capitalised to back the coin.”

The main challenge for cNGN isn’t just getting listed, but proving that users actually want it. In Nigeria, digital transactions via traditional banking channels are already fast and cheap. This makes some exchanges sceptical about the stablecoin’s domestic relevance. 

“For domestic use cases within Nigeria, I’m not sure because the Naira is already digital,” Marshall admitted. “The Nigerian bank transfer system is very advanced; transfers are instant and low-cost, but we’re open-minded to domestic use cases—we’re just unsure as of yet.”

Roqqu’s CEO, Eseoghene Onomor, also confirmed talks with ASC but noted the same concerns. “These things take time,” he said. “It’s not enough to list a coin or token on your platform. It has to be something that people want. Not everyone is seeing the value of the cNGN right now, because adoption is low, but I see its value.”

This brings a catch-22 for ASC: without exchange listings, cNGN’s adoption will be slow, however, exchanges want evidence of demand before listing it. 

While the stablecoin’s likelihood to enable seamless swaps between African currencies exists, its immediate viability is still questioned Unless it gains stronger institutional backing or a clear market need emerges, Nigeria’s first compliant stablecoin could remain on the sidelines of Africa’s crypto economy.

Techeconomy gathered that the Bill signed into law by President Tinubu clearly recognises digital assets such as crypto and investment contracts as securities.

Described as landmark legislation, the President’s action has been hailed by stakeholders as a major boost to the capital market.

Industry players also believe it will strengthen the legal framework of the Nigerian capital market, enhances investor protection, and introduces critical reforms to promote market integrity, transparency, and sustainable growth.

The enactment of the ISA 2025 reaffirms the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the apex regulatory authority of the Nigerian capital market.

The new Act empowers the SEC to regulate the market to ensure capital formation, the protection of investors, maintenance of a fair, efficient and transparent market and reduction of systemic risks.

The Act also introduces transformative provisions to further align Nigeria’s market operations with international best practice.

Some of the salient provisions of the Act is that it expressly prohibits Ponzi, and other unlawful investment schemes and also prescribes stringent jail terms for promoters of such schemes.

The new law equally addressed existing restrictions vis-a-vis raising of funds from the capital market by states to allow for greater flexibility in this regard.

The law shows President Tinubu -led administration now recognises virtual/digital assets such as cryptos and investment contracts as securities.

As of 9:55 am WAT, Bitcoin rose 3.71% to $87,480, while Ethereum gained 4.05%, trading at $2,093, buoyed by positive investor sentiment despite concerns over upcoming U.S. tariffs and key economic data releases later this week.

The global cryptocurrency market capitalisation increased by 2.94% in the past 24 hours, reaching $2.84 trillion.

Other notable performers included XRP, Cardano, and Dogecoin, which posted gains of 3%, 2%, and 3.8%, respectively. Chainlink, Avalanche, Hedera, and Stellar recorded growth ranging from 3% to 10%.

“Bitcoin is holding above $86,000, registering a 3% gain today. The key resistance level to watch is $86,700; a breakout could pave the way for $90,000,” said Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus.

Bitcoin’s market capitalisation surged to $1.727 trillion, with dominance rising to 60.73%. Its 24-hour trading volume soared by 93% to $18.2 billion, while stablecoin transactions accounted for 94.74% of total crypto trading, reaching $57.58 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.

Solana (SOL) emerged as a standout performer, surging over 7% in the past 24 hours to trade above $139.

The rally was fueled by reports suggesting that President Trump’s April 2 tariffs may be more targeted than initially feared, easing market concerns.

Solana’s momentum aligns with unprecedented acceptance rates. DeFiLlama reported that Solana’s total value locked (TVL) reached 54.87 million SOL, its highest level since June 2022. Ali Charts revealed that a record 11.09 million addresses now hold SOL, underscoring growing adoption.

Additionally, over $72 million in assets have recently been bridged from Ethereum to Solana. Solana’s weekly active addresses (17 million) significantly exceed Ethereum’s (1.8 million), while Binance’s rising SOL wallet balances point to fresh accumulation following recent selling activity.

Institutional acceptance of Solana continues to grow, with Volatility Shares launching two Solana futures ETFs (SOLZ and SOLT) on Nasdaq on March 21.

Major asset managers, including Franklin Templeton and VanEck, have also applied for spot Solana ETFs, signalling increased interest in the cryptocurrency.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes expressed optimism about Bitcoin’s trajectory, stating, “The Fed’s policy orientation could help Bitcoin achieve $110k before it retests $76.5k.”

But here’s the thing: these cycles aren’t random. In fact, they closely mirror traditional economic cycles, as described by hedge fund legend Ray Dalio.

Understanding these patterns is the key to turning crypto’s chaos into long-term gains. Let’s break it down.

Market cycles: the Boom, the Bust, and the Comeback

Every financial market – stocks, real estate, and yes, crypto – moves in cycles. Here’s how they typically unfold:

1. Accumulation Phase: Prices are at rock bottom. Smart investors quietly buy in while everyone else panics.
2. Bull Market: Enthusiasm grows, prices soar, and FOMO (fear of missing out) takes over. Even your uncle starts asking about Bitcoin.
3. Distribution Phase: Early investors cash out, prices become unstable, and uncertainty creeps in.
4. Bear Market: The hype dies down, prices drop, and weak hands sell at a loss. But this is where smart money gets back in.

Sounds familiar? Crypto follows this same rhythm – just at turbo speed.

Why crypto moves differently (and faster) than traditional markets

Unlike the stock market, which is influenced by earnings reports and interest rates, crypto is shaped by:

• Investor Sentiment: Social media hype can send prices soaring (or crashing).
• Technological Innovation: New developments in blockchain can trigger bull runs.
• Regulatory News: A government crackdown? Prices tumble. A pro-crypto policy? The market rallies.
• Liquidity and Leverage: More trading, more volatility. When leverage is too high, markets correct fast.

In 2021 Bitcoin dropped by over 50% when China banned crypto mining. But within months, it rebounded as adoption grew elsewhere. Savvy crypto users are able to track what’s happening in one part of the world and establish correlation with other markets.

Timing the market? Good luck. Understanding Cycles? Now That’s Smart.

Trying to buy at the lowest point and sell at the peak? Nearly impossible. Even the pros don’t get it right every time.

What works? Recognizing the signs of each phase:

• Bear Markets = Buying opportunities (when everyone else is scared – check crypto fear and greed index)
• Bull Markets = Smart profit-taking (before euphoria turns into a crash).

The key? Long-term thinking. The S&P 500’s average annual return is around 10%. Bitcoin’s 10-year return? A mind-blowing 1,576%. Even after downturns, crypto has consistently rebounded faster than traditional assets.

Stablecoins: your secret weapon against volatility

For those who want to stay in crypto but avoid wild swings, stablecoins offer a solid middle ground. These digital assets are pegged to stable currencies (like the US dollar), providing:

• Financial stability in regions with currency devaluation.
• Lower remittance costs – traditional services charge up to 8%, while stablecoin transfers cost cents.
• Fast, borderless transactions without banks or restrictions.

Stablecoins such as USDT can provide a safe way to store value in countries where currency devaluation is a real concern.

Big players are getting in – should you?

The days of crypto being a niche asset are over. Major institutions are now fully engaged:

• MicroStrategy, Tesla and BlackRock hold billions in dollars. MicroStrategy holds over $27b, Tesla holds over $1.076b and BlackRock owns about $56b.
• PayPal and Visa now support stablecoin payments
• Central banks are exploring digital currencies

If the biggest names in finance are taking crypto seriously, it’s not just speculation – it’s the future.

The winning strategy: stay calm, stay invested

The crypto market will always be volatile, but that’s not a bad thing. For those who: Understand market cycles Use stablecoins for stability Avoid panic-selling Think long-term.

Recognizing market cycles, leveraging stablecoins for stability, and understanding the broader macroeconomic landscape all contribute to a well-rounded investment approach. The rewards can be massive.

Cryptocurrency isn’t just a trend – it’s reshaping global finance. Those who stay the course will not only survive the volatility but thrive in it.

*Kola Omobusola is a crypto analyst based in Lagos.

Aimed at bringing more oversight to the country’s growing digital asset market while ensuring stronger consumer protection, the decision follows the introduction of the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP) in June 2024, which has already granted provisional licences to two Nigerian crypto platforms, Quidax and Busha. 

Traditional banks across Africa are beginning to show newfound interest in cryptocurrency, shifting away from their previous reluctance to engage with digital assets.

Chris Maurice, CEO of Yellow Card Financial Inc., recently noted that financial institutions that once avoided crypto discussions are now reaching out to explore opportunities in the space. He attributes this shift partly to the recent inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who is perceived as crypto-friendly.

Maurice believes this change in the U.S. could increase regulatory clarity across Africa, encouraging governments to move faster in defining their crypto frameworks.

With Nigeria ranking first globally in stablecoin usage and second in overall crypto adoption, there is a growing belief that clearer regulations will further boost the market, hence, aligning with SEC speeding up crypto licensing in the country.

At a recent workshop in December 2024, an insider revealed to TechCabal that the SEC intends to “move a lot quickly” in issuing more licences in the coming year.

Nigeria is one of the most active cryptocurrency markets globally, with individuals and businesses using digital assets to shield themselves from inflation and foreign exchange volatility. However, the absence of clear regulations has left many investors and users uncertain about the risks involved.

A survey by Busha found that nearly half of 1,500 respondents—both crypto users and non-users—highlighted security issues as a big reason for hesitating to adopt digital assets. Many worry about losses from trading errors on centralised exchanges, high transaction fees, and the increasing number of scams in the market.

Among the most common scams are rug-pulls, where creators inflate the value of a new token and sell off their holdings, leaving investors with massive losses. 

“Scammers thrive the most in the crypto space; if you find ways to take advantage of those who don’t know what they’re doing, that’s where you make the most money,” said Chibunna Kingsley, a crypto trader based in Lagos. “It’s right for people to feel unsafe.”

Nigeria’s regulatory journey with crypto has been long and evolving. The SEC first introduced a framework for digital assets in September 2020, enhancing it further in 2022 to define how cryptocurrencies should be classified under securities laws. By March 2024, updated guidelines mandated all virtual asset service providers to register with the SEC.

The ARIP programme, launched in June 2024, allows crypto startups to obtain provisional licences while regulators assess their compliance and consumer protection measures. The programme is a diversion from Nigeria’s previous anti-crypto stand, which saw banks prohibited from engaging with crypto companies until the ban was lifted in December 2023.

Even with this progress, banks are hesitant about working with crypto businesses. Some financial institutions offer services to crypto startups under the guise of “investment companies,” avoiding direct recognition of their involvement in digital assets. 

A banker who requested anonymity explained, “The challenge is that banks don’t directly associate with crypto companies. They simply work with them as investment companies.”

The Licensing Process and Industry Expectations

Under the ARIP, both local and foreign crypto startups—including Quidax, Busha, Yellow Card, Borderlesspay, and Bitnob—have applied for licences. The application process involves paying a ₦200,000 assessment fee and a ₦2 million non-refundable processing fee.

One of the applicants, Quidax, was the first to secure a provisional licence in August 2024 after a thorough review by the SEC. Tobenna Igweonu, a lawyer representing Quidax, described the process: “We answered questions on the SEC’s e-portal, paid the application fee, and participated in a demo where we demonstrated how funds flow through our platform.” 

SEC officials also evaluated their security protocols, focusing on fraud prevention and suspicious transaction monitoring.

Once licensed, companies are expected to transition to full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) status after a year, provided they meet all compliance requirements.

What’s Next for Crypto in Nigeria?

The plan of the SEC to accelerate crypto licensing in 2025 could strengthen investor confidence and encourage institutional participation in the crypto space across Nigeria. Again, clearer regulations may ensure crypto taxation, a policy the Nigerian government has been considering since 2022.

Experts believe that Nigeria’s approach to crypto regulation is among the most ambitious in Africa. “The ARIP remains one of the boldest efforts by any regulator in Africa to oversee the crypto sector,” said Chuta Chimezie, a member of the Nigerian Blockchain Committee.

However, concerns remain about overregulation potentially driving crypto businesses to relocate to jurisdictions with more favourable policies. In Nigeria, the SEC is ready to maintain a balance between consumer protection and industry growth through speeding up the crypto licensing approval process, though how this balance will be achieved remains uncertain.