Differences Between the Financial Traditional System and Cryptocurrencies

Kelvin Emmra • March 28, 2020

Over a decade ago, the first cryptocurrency to permit secure transactions ( bitcoin ) changed the fintech world. It is based on cheap peer to peer transactions and is designed to be completely decentralized. 

This digital evolution was set up to get rid of the centralized model of managing finances that monopolized the industry. However, over the years, virtual currency based on blockchain technology has remained in the speculative emerging finance growth category. That means we are still heavily reliant on the traditional financial systems that cryptocurrency seeks to undermine.

The traditional financial industry has evolved from handing gold, silver and paper currencies to trying out digital transfers from credit and debit cards. In all this time, one thing has remained constant, its rigid centralization system for handling money. This need for intermediaries is not only costing us a good penny but has also proven to be a lengthy process to deal with.

Needless to say, we need to keep an eye on emerging technologies, like blockchain, to discover more effective ways to manage our finances. Technology continues to evolve and come up with new systems of management to fix the previous system’s weaknesses. Therefore, it’s imperative to look into the discoveries and not wait for a decade to pass before we make a move.

In that rationale, it is only wise for us to compare traditional financial systems and the cryptosystem.

Every financial system comes with its complexities, benefits, and downfalls. Therefore, we need to evaluate the differences between the two and whether they can coexist or oust each other. In this article, we will look at various features in both systems and compare their functionalities.

Features of Traditional Financial Systems

At the centre of every traditional financial system are money and its consequential trade. The primary goal of an economic system is the exchange of goods and services through trade. A financial system is composed of financial institutions such as banks, tradable assets such as money, and financial services such as stock brokerage.

We can’t possibly talk about traditional financial systems without looking into what money is.

What is Money?

This is a medium of exchange that stores value and is a unit of measure for value. This value only exists because people accept it to represent something and use it to trade.

The national government mostly issues money with each nation having its own ‘fiat’ money such as Euro, dollar or shilling. This means that the stability of the currency relies on the state of the government issuing it. Hence, the stronger the economy of a government, the stronger the value of their money and vice versa.

The financial institutions such as banks are in charge of controlling money transactions with each government having a central bank. The whole economic system of a country depends on trust in its central bank to validate how money is spent. The transactions happen digitally; therefore, the notes, coins and bills are just a representation of value.

Traits of Money

For money to be useful for trade, it should be:

  • Divisible: can be broken down into smaller amounts
  • Non-consumable: cannot be used for purposes other than the exchange of value
  • Portable: easy to carry around
  • Secure: cannot be counterfeited
  • Scarce: cannot be replicated without end
  • Recognizable: accepted as a representation of value
  • Durable: doesn’t depreciate over time
  • Easily transferable
  • Fungible: each piece shares the same value as its equivalent

Now that we’ve covered traditional financial systems let’s see how emerging cryptocurrency systems differ from old money systems.

Difference Between Traditional Financial Systems and Bitcoin

  • Centralized vs Decentralized

The most significant difference between the two is that where traditional financial systems are centralized, cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, use a decentralized network that is outside banks or government control.

Cryptocurrency lacks the need for intermediaries when conducting transactions and does not need to be backed by any government to be considered valuable. This digital currency relies on a decentralized ledger technology that is maintained across several networks.

Whereas central banks in traditional financial systems are responsible for ensuring the same money isn’t spent twice, in cryptocurrency systems, each member of the network is responsible for verifying and validating transactions.

It’s an independent peer-to-peer transaction where all the members of a network are equal, and no one has superiority over the other.

  • Fees and transaction time

The elimination of the need for a centralized body controlling transactions also eliminates the fees charged and prolonged translation times. Banks and other financial institutions charge high prices for operation made and sometimes take days to confirm.

Cryptocurrency transactions are conducted over the internet and charge little to no fees. The time frame for transaction confirmation is also reduced considerably with sanctions coming in almost instantly.

  • Safety

The centralized systems of traditional finance require a third party to manage your finances. If this system is compromised, then the security of your financial data is in jeopardy too. Cryptocurrency opens the doors to safe global and local transactions. As a user, you are in charge of your finances. The peer to peer systems does not depend on any centralized body that can put you at a financial breach risk. The system uses cryptography to protect your assets and hold off hackers.

  • Anonymity and Access

Centralized financial institutions offer credit or debit cards that have the owners personal information attached. These cards are used to track your spending and activities and when in the wrong hands, lead to identity theft.

Cryptocurrency transactions, on the other hand, are entirely anonymous with no personal information (unless you add them). There’s little to no chance of identity theft happening, and your privacy is respected.

Digital currency exists on the internet and is easily accessible at any time in any place, whereas traditional currency requires a set time to access financial institutions.

Author’s Note

Cryptocurrency is bridging a gap that traditional financial systems have yet to try and fix. However, people are still hesitant to pick it up as a monetary system, so the conventional financial system is in the monopoly.

Cryptocurrency is the right step in the evolution of banking and financial management. As the technology evolution continues, we are hopeful that hybrid models of the two systems take centre stage in the financial industry.

Disclaimer: This is not trading or investment advice. The above article is for entertainment and education purposes only. None of the content on Crypto Folds is investment advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified financial planner. Please do your own research before purchasing or investing into any cryptocurrency.  

Echo – Financial Security and Web3: Protecting Assets Through Offshore Structures

By Press Release • April 17, 2025
The launch of Echo Exchange introduces not just a new trading venue but a broader architecture for digital asset management. The project combines yield generation, community governance, and structured custody into a unified ecosystem.  As part of this infrastructure, Echo brings forward a solution designed to address one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: asset security in uncertain jurisdictions. Echo is backed by its legal designation as a Virtual Asset Service Provider under the Isle of Man’s regulatory regime. The ecosystem integrates a Protected Cell Company (PCC) structure called Echo Elite. This is an optional but pivotal component for users seeking structured digital asset custody tied to enforceable legal protections. What Echo Is Announcing As of May 2025, the Echo Exchange will be live. This launch will include: EchoX, a centralized exchange focused on accessibility and onboarding Echo’s real-yield model, distributing platform fees to token holders in USDC The initial release of Echo Elite, a PCC-based framework for asset custody The public sale of the ECHO Token, the ecosystem’s native governance and yield-bearing asset While many exchanges emphasize front-end interfaces or token incentives, the Echo’s strategy is different. The announcement centers on the full-stack design of its ecosystem - particularly how legal infrastructure underpins user protections. Introducing Echo Elite: Structured Custody Echo Elite is Echo’s most compliance-centric module. It introduces Protected Cell structures, a mechanism traditionally used in finance to isolate client assets legally and operationally. Within the Echo ecosystem, user accounts can opt into a custody model that offers greater legal clarity and jurisdictional insulation. PCCs enable the separation of Echo’s own operating capital from user funds. This becomes increasingly important as tokenized asset classes enter the platform’s offerings in later phases. This also applies to real-world asset (RWA) representations like stocks or real estate. The approach reflects a broader theme: Echo’s attempt to bridge blockchain functionality with traditional financial safeguards. Real Yield and Exchange Fee Sharing Security is only one part of Echo’s user-facing model. The ECHO Token acts as the backbone of a real-yield mechanism, wherein: 50% of all trading fees from both EchoX and Echo Pro are distributed daily to token holders in USDC. 10% of platform revenue on a daily basis will be used for buying and burning ECHO tokens. The strategy aims to gradually decrease circulating supply. This model will be non-inflationary. There will be no staking rewards of synthetics or emission of tokens. Yield will be linked straight to the platform's actual usage. This feature will make the yield more predictable and sustainable than most incentive designs in the digital asset ecosystem. Participation is simple: users activate yield by transferring tokens into a dedicated savings account inside their Echo dashboard. Funds remain liquid and accessible. The Token Structure Echo’s tokenomics are deliberately conservative. Key figures include: Total supply: 1 billion ECHO Burn target: 500 million (deflation ends at this point) Public sale allocation: 2% Community Foundation: 30% (non-transferable and permanently locked) Team allocation: 20% (long vesting schedule) Liquidity allocation: 15% Remaining tokens divided across marketing, seed investors, and gamified whitelist initiatives Importantly, the Community Foundation - which holds the largest share - operates under a binding legal obligation to never sell its tokens. Rather, it only exists on yield, which gets invested in governance-sanctioned ecologics like education, collaborations, and product development. The design intends to discourage speculation as a first point. Also, it aims to encourage long-term alignment between platform success and the fate of the token holders. A Platform Built for Traders Echo’s design consists of two interfaces: EchoX, a consumer-friendly exchange, focuses on simplicity, pair trading using stablecoins, and seamless execution. It addresses first-time users and inexperienced traders not interested in complicated trading schemes. Echo Pro, launching in Phase 2 (Q3 2025), provides advanced features for trading: charting tools, stop-loss, leverage, and API connectivity for institutional and power users. Both sites, in spite of their varying user interfaces and user bases, share a common Scala-based matching platform. This tech is optimized for concurrency, throughput, and speed. They also share backend infrastructure written in Go, with front-end deployment via Next.js for a responsive and consistent user experience. The Technology Behind the Custody Security isn’t limited to user-facing features. Echo’s wallet architecture employs: Multi-Party Computation (MPC): for distributing key control among several parties Tiered wallet models: hot, warm, and cold storage Hardware wallet compatibility Biometric access and passkey authentication AML/KYC procedures are managed by Amazon Cognito, which simplifies user identity verification. The goal is to maintain high compliance standards without degrading onboarding speed. In fact, the latter is a known bottleneck in exchanges that rely on manual reviews. Together, these systems support Echo’s goal of creating an ecosystem where users can interact securely without compromising on usability. Governance and Jurisdiction Governance within Echo relies on both ownership of the tokens and clear jurisdictions. Token holders are able to: Voting on how funds are spent in the Community Foundation. Develop and rank new product features. Approve partnerships and listings of tokens through a formal proposal procedure. But what distinguishes Echo from other projects is that it relies on legal entities to enforce these institutions. It doesn't utilize symbolic DAOs for governance or soft consensus. Rather, decisions, particularly those regarding funding of the ecosystem, are carried out by a foundation. This entity possesses a well-defined charter and binding fiduciary responsibilities. The approach emphasizes establishing trust with those who are not willing to engage with DAO-based systems that lack enforceability. Echo’s Roadmap Rollout for Echo is phased deliberately to maintain product stability: Phase 1 (May 2025): During this phase, there will be the EchoX launch, the ECHO token ICO, and the soft launch of Echo Elite. Phase 2 (Q3, 2025): Following this, there will be efforts to accomplish the full Echo Pro launch. We must include mention of trading bot implementation, community governance platform, and IEO launch. Phase 3 (2026): Derivatives trading, social trading, inclusion of real-world assets, tokenized mutual products, and securities Phase 4 (2027): Full RWA brokerage capabilities, integrated neobank products, and payment rails. All the phases leverage the preceding one by adding platform sophistication. Bottom Line Echo’s product lineup combines high-frequency trading, user real yield, and solutions that take jurisdictions into account. Echo sees itself as a platform where economic incentives and legal architecture converge. With its rollout, Echo joins a small group of initiatives that are geared towards developing new tools for trading. The team is focused on reconsidering the function of regulation and structure in crypto asset custodianship. The project’s official website is a good source of information to learn more about Echo and its growing ecosystem. You can follow the team on the social media pages if you wish to follow Echo’s development: X (Twitter) | Telegram | Discord .

Echo Sets May 15 as the Global Launch Date for its Centralized Crypto Exchange

By Press Release • April 15, 2025
Echo , a groundbreaking centralized cryptocurrency exchange, has announced that it will officially launch globally on May 15, 2025. The much-expected event is set to be a pivotal occasion for digital asset trading as Echo aims to establish a new industry standard. The community-centric platform promises a seamless user experience, institutional-grade security, and an ecosystem-driven approach.  On the same date of the launch, Echo will conduct a public sale of its native ECHO token, with 2% of the total token supply available exclusively through the platform. The proceeds should boost the project’s development following successful early funding rounds that already secured $2.5 million in support from strategic investors. Echo stands out from other centralized crypto exchanges through its ecosystem-focused model. More precisely, it is designed to thrive on users' participation, who, in turn, benefit directly from the platform's growth and activity. The exchange proposes a transparent and intuitive environment for retail and professional traders to navigate safely and efficiently. Sam Dorrer, Chief Executive Officer at Echo, commented on Echo’s community-driven approach: "Our mission is to create a cryptocurrency exchange that truly prioritizes its users. Echo is designed to be more than just a trading platform—it’s a dynamic ecosystem that fosters long-term engagement and participation." Built for Traders by Traders The rapidly evolving digital asset landscape may seem daunting to newcomers. That’s why Echo provides easy navigation features, deep liquidity, and high-speed trade execution to simplify crypto trading for its growing community. Echo does not set entry barriers and accommodates traders of all skills and experience. Beginners can start on EchoX, the platform’s user-friendly centralized exchange. Thanks to the platform's intuitive interface, they can enjoy a smooth initiation to crypto trading. Meanwhile, institutional and seasoned investors can access Echo Pro and its advanced trading tools. The platform's modular design provides real-time analytics, market insights, and strategies to help traders make better-informed decisions. Lastly, Echo charges minimal fees of only 0.1% per transaction, ensuring all casual or high-frequency traders benefit from a competitive fee structure. The ECHO Token The ECHO token is a foundational element of Echo's unique ecosystem. It is designed as a real-yield token on Ethereum and features robust tokenomics, including a fixed total supply of 1 billion tokens. The platform employs a deflationary mechanism for the ECHO token, allocating 10% of the daily revenue from both EchoX and Echo Pro to repurchasing tokens on the open market. It then “burns” the repurchased tokens from circulation to enhance scarcity and potentially ECHO’s value in the long term. ECHO token holders enjoy fee discounts, premium trading tools, and early access to new services. Moreover, they get governance rights. Therefore, they can participate in platform decision-making, such as fund allocation for the Echo Foundation. The latter will be a pool dedicated to funding growth, strategic partnerships, and other governance initiatives. Echo has allocated 2% of the total ECHO token supply for the public sale taking place on May 15, 2025. This controlled release should create scarcity and support upward price momentum while meeting public demand without diluting the token’s overall value. Revenue and Yield Generation Echo Exchange stays true to its community-focused mission by returning some trading fees to ECHO token holders. The platform distributes 50% of the fees generated from EchoX and Echo Pro as stablecoin (USDC) yields. This feature is a fundamental part of the Echo ecosystem, aligning fee generation with user rewards and ensuring the Echo community grows and thrives together with the platform. Security and Compliance Echo employs the industry’s highest security standards, including multi-layered encryption, biometric authentication, robust KYC/AML checks, and institutional-grade wallet infrastructure. These features guarantee maximum protection for Echo users and their assets. Echo operates as a designated business for convertible virtual currency under the Regulatory Framework of the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. This status enables the platform to provide tax advantages to its EchoElite Traders under the Isle of Man PCC Structure, which means 0% capital gains tax and 0% corporate tax for crypto investments. EchoElite Traders get to keep more of their gains, accelerating the ability to compound their portfolio. The Echo Roadmap The Echo Exchange is set to follow a 3-phase development path plus a series of future integrations: Phase 1 The Launch of EchoX for basic trading and Echo Elite, with the latter providing asset custody under The Isle of Man’s PCC (Protected Cell Companies) structure. The ECHO token public sale takes place on May 15, 2025, simultaneously with the Echo exchange launch. Echo will also launch the Echo Journal to start building helpful content for its community. Phase 2 The introduction of Echo Pro for advanced trading with cutting-edge tools, such as enhanced liquidity and professional-grade functionalities. This phase will also see the expansion of yield generation models, the integration of trading bots, and additional digital asset services. Phase 3 Echo will expand into Real World Assets (RWAs) trading, leveraging tokenization to unlock traditional asset classes. At this stage, the platform will reach full integration of advanced protocols (e.g., peer-to-contract) to enhance collateralized borrowing and lending capabilities. Other planned features and integrations include: Neobank Rails will enable seamless fiat-to-token conversions with integrated banking services. Fractionalized Assets & Multi-Class Asset Choices, such as tokenizing commodities, stocks, and real estate. Collateralized and decentralized lending and borrowing capabilities through the platform’s peer-to-contract protocol. Offshore & Digitized Trust Structures will expand custody solutions via the Echo Elite framework. An Integrated Launchpad supports onboarding promising new projects to further diversify and strengthen the Echo ecosystem. About Echo Echo operates as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) for custody and exchange under the Regulatory Framework of the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. The platform aims to reshape the crypto trading landscape through a user-driven digital asset ecosystem. Echo’s long-term goal is to establish itself as a leader in digital asset management at the intersection of traditional finance and the emerging blockchain-based economy. Echo aims to deliver a community-first trading experience that includes traders of all levels. The platform seeks to empower its members through a robust fee-sharing model, advanced financial tools, daily rewards for token holders, and maximum security for their assets. The ECHO token public sale will occur on May 15, 2025, exclusively on Echo's official platform. The organizers urge interested participants to register in advance via the Echo’s website . Since the sale follows the “first-come, first-served” rule, early registration allows investors to purchase ECHO tokens before they sell out. Those who miss out may have to resort to secondary markets, where prices will vary. For ongoing updates and community engagement, follow Echo on X (formerly Twitter) , Discord , and Telegram .

NOWNodes Comes to the TOKEN2049 Dubai Event - And You Are There with Us to Share the Journey

By Press Release • April 10, 2025
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AW8 Pro The New Upgrade of Online Casino Singapore

By Press Release • April 10, 2025
AW8 , one of the leading online casinos in Singapore, proudly announces the launch of AW8 Pro — its most significant platform upgrade to date. This milestone marks a new era of gaming excellence, offering an expanded game library, enhanced rewards, and a seamless user experience. Since its founding in 2019, AW8 has rapidly grown to over 300,000 active players by 2025, solidifying its position as a leader in the online gaming industry. Exceed 1,000 New Games  AW8 Pro has a comprehensive suite of new features that will delight loyal AW8 players and new users. The upgrade includes over 1,000 new games, expanding the already rich selection of slots and live casino games at AW8. Moreover, it includes games from trending and high-quality providers, thus enhancing the overall gaming experience. Enhance Game’s RTP Another essential upgrade is the enhanced game RTP (Return to Player) rates, now as high as 99.8%. This improvement offers players significantly better winning odds while reinforcing AW8’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and a secure gaming environment for all users. Increase Daily Rebate In addition, AW8 Pro introduces an upgraded daily rebate system, offering players up to 3% rebate automatically credited to their accounts. This enhanced feature is designed to reward players consistently, regardless of the game outcome. By putting value back into the hands of its users, AW8 reinforces its player-first approach—ensuring that every bet, win or lose, contributes to even greater long-term rewards. Upgrade VIP Program AW8 is renowned for its extensive care and appreciation of loyal users. It is an integral part of the latest AW8 Pro update through an enhanced VIP Program. More precisely, the VIP Program has been extended to include 12 levels with numerous incremental perks for those climbing the VIP ladder. For instance, the platform rewards players with an exclusive VIP Upgrade Bonus of up to SGD 5,888. Furthermore, AW8 has lowered the thresholds to enable easier access to VIP benefits. New UI/UX An improved UI/UX gives AW8 a sleek, modern design for smoother gameplay that is designed to elevate the overall user experience. The AW8 Pro upgrade also delivers faster, more intuitive navigation that will help new users find their way across the platform without any hassle. Additionally, the enhanced transaction system offers faster, more secure deposits and withdrawals, ensuring a streamlined and hassle-free gaming experience from start to finish. Overall, the AW8 Pro upgrade provides an enhanced user experience with more rewards and entertainment for new and seasoned AW8 users. The platform now ensures smoother gameplay across all devices. Users can easily switch between desktop and mobile without missing any fun. The upgrade also makes it easier for loyal members to progress and earn, thanks to the lower thresholds in the VIP program. About AW8 AW8 is a modern, all-inclusive online gaming and betting center based in Singapore. The platform has a rapidly growing user base that is attracted by the casino's player-centric approach, large selection of games, and enticing VIP program. AW8 Pro is the casino's most recent and significant update, aiming to set a new standard in the online gaming industry. The upgrades reflect the platform's inclusive mission by catering to seasoned players and newcomers. The update has improved all aspects of the AW8 casino, building towards a uniquely rewarding gaming experience. AW8 Pro is now live for anyone ready to experience the future of online casinos in Singapore.
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