Crypto Basics

Crypto Lending Explained - Benefits, Risks and Top Lending Platforms in 2023

Learn everything about crypto lending and get an overview of the top lending platforms of 2023, in this descriptive guide.
Sumit Meghani
8 Minutes
MIN

Are you looking for a new way to invest your cryptocurrency? Or perhaps you're in need of a loan, but tired of dealing with traditional financial institutions. If so, you may want to consider crypto lending.

Crypto lending is a relatively new phenomenon that's gaining popularity among investors and borrowers alike. It's a form of peer-to-peer lending where individuals or institutions can lend or borrow cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, using a decentralized platform.

In this article, we will cover a comprehensive overview of crypto lending, including its functionality, benefits, risks, and the leading platforms for crypto lending in 2023.

What is Crypto Lending?

Crypto lending is a service within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem that enables investors to lend out their cryptocurrency holdings to borrowers. As a lender, you earn regular interest payments on your crypto deposits, similar to how you would earn interest in a traditional savings account.

Image Resource: www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-is-crypto-lending

Crypto lending platforms can either be centralized or decentralized, and they offer varying interest rates depending on the platform and other factors.

On the other hand, borrowers can use cryptocurrency lending platforms to obtain cash loans by collateralizing their crypto holdings. By posting collateral, borrowers can access funds without having to sell their crypto holdings, which can be beneficial during market downturns. 

How Does Crypto Lending Work?

To participate in crypto lending, you'll need to find a reputable platform that offers this service. There are several platforms out there, such as Nexo, BlockFi, and Celsius Network, to name a few.

Once you've found a platform you trust, the process is fairly straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to how crypto lending works:

Step 1: Create an Account - The first step in crypto lending is to create an account on the platform of your choice. This usually involves providing some personal information (KYC), such as your name and email address, and creating a password.

Step 2: Deposit Cryptocurrency - Next, you'll need to deposit cryptocurrency into your account. This will be the cryptocurrency that you use to lend or borrow funds.

Step 3: Choose a Lending or Borrowing Option - Once your account is set up and your cryptocurrency is deposited, you can choose whether you want to lend or borrow funds. If you're looking to lend, you can select a lending option that meets your needs. This may involve choosing the cryptocurrency you want to lend, the interest rate you want to charge, and the length of the loan term.

If you're looking to borrow, you can select a borrowing option that meets your needs. This may involve choosing the cryptocurrency you want to borrow, the interest rate you're willing to pay, and the length of the loan term.

Step 4: Wait for Approval - Once you've selected your lending or borrowing option, you'll need to wait for approval. This may involve a credit check or other verification process, depending on the platform you're using.

Step 5: Receive Funds - If you're approved, you'll receive the funds in your account. If you're lending, the borrower will receive the cryptocurrency they've borrowed. If you're borrowing, you'll receive the cryptocurrency you've borrowed.

Step 6: Make Payments - If you're borrowing, you'll need to make regular payments to repay the loan. This will usually involve paying interest on a monthly basis. If you're lending, you'll receive regular payments from the borrower, which will include the interest you've charged.

Step 7: Close the Loan - Once the loan term is over, you'll need to repay the full amount of the loan, plus any outstanding interest. If you're lending, you'll receive your cryptocurrency back, along with the interest you've earned. If you're borrowing, you'll need to repay the cryptocurrency you've borrowed. 

How to Make Money with Crypto Lending?

Crypto lending can be an effective way to earn passive income with your cryptocurrency holdings. Here are some important things to know, to make money with crypto lending:

  • Choose a reputable crypto lending platform: Selecting a reliable platform is crucial for successful crypto lending. Look for platforms with a proven track record, solid security measures, and transparent lending terms.
  • Determine your lending strategy: Decide on the amount of crypto you want to lend out and for how long. Longer lending periods often yield higher returns, but also carry more risk.
  • Set competitive interest rates: Set an interest rate that's competitive with other lending platforms. A higher rate may attract more borrowers, but also increases the risk of defaults.
  • Manage your risk: Conduct thorough due diligence on potential borrowers and keep a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk. Additionally, consider collateral requirements and loan-to-value ratios when selecting borrowers.
  • Reinvest your earnings: Reinvesting your earned interest can compound your returns over time, increasing your overall profits.

By following these tips, you can effectively make money with crypto lending while managing your risk and ensuring a stable return on your investment.

Also Read: How to Make Money with Cryptocurrency in 2023

Best Crypto Lending Platforms in 2023

Identifying the ideal lending platform that caters to your requirements can be a daunting task, given the vast number of options available in the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of the best crypto lending platforms that you can consider in 2023.

Celsius Network: With over $20 billion in crypto assets under management, Celsius Network is a trusted and well-established platform for crypto lending. It offers competitive interest rates, ranging from 2.5% to 13.99%, depending on the cryptocurrency you lend and the loan duration.

BlockFi: BlockFi is another leading crypto lending platform that offers interest rates ranging from 0.5% to 8.6%, depending on the cryptocurrency and loan terms. It also provides additional services such as crypto-backed loans and a Bitcoin rewards credit card.

Nexo: Nexo is a popular platform for instant crypto loans, and it allows users to earn up to 12% interest on their crypto assets. It also provides a range of other features, such as crypto-backed loans and a credit card.

Crypto.com: Crypto.com is a leading cryptocurrency platform that offers interest rates of up to 8.5% on a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins. It also provides other features such as a crypto debit card and an exchange platform.

When choosing a crypto lending platform, it's essential to consider factors such as the interest rates offered, the loan terms, and the platform's overall reputation and security measures. By selecting a reliable and trustworthy platform, you can ensure that your crypto lending investments are safe and profitable.

Benefits and Risks of Crypto Lending

Crypto lending has been gaining significant traction lately due to the potential benefits it offers to both lenders and borrowers. However, like any financial activity, there are also some inherent risks involved. 

Lets understand the benefits and risks associated with crypto lending in detail.

Crypto Lending Benefits

Here are some benefits of crypto lending:

High returns: One of the most significant advantages of crypto lending is the potential for high returns. Many lending platforms offer APYs upwards of 10%, which is significantly higher than traditional savings accounts.

Diversification: Crypto lending provides an opportunity for diversification in your investment portfolio, which can help mitigate risks.

Flexibility: Crypto lending platforms offer more flexibility than traditional financial institutions, with features such as short-term lending, early withdrawal options, and customized loan terms.

Risks Associated with Crypto Lending

Here are some risks associated with crypto lending:

Volatility: The crypto market is known for its volatility, which can impact the value of your investments and potentially lead to losses.

Counterparty risk: When lending your crypto assets to borrowers, there is always a risk that they may default on their loan, leading to a loss of your funds.

Security risks: Crypto lending platforms are not immune to hacking attempts, which can result in the loss of your funds.

The Bottom Line

Overall, crypto lending provides a win-win solution for both lenders and borrowers in the DeFi ecosystem. Lenders earn passive income on their crypto deposits, while borrowers can access much-needed funds without liquidating their cryptocurrency investments.

In conclusion, the crypto lending industry is rapidly expanding, and there are plenty of great options available for investors looking to earn passive income on their crypto holdings. Whether you choose Celsius Network, BlockFi, Nexo, YouHodler, or Crypto.com, it's crucial to conduct your due diligence and select a platform that meets your specific needs and goals.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Top Strategies for Managing Crypto Risk in 2025: Stay Profitable in a Volatile Market

Token Metrics Team
8 min
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Introduction: Why Risk Management Matters More Than Ever

Cryptocurrency has always been volatile, but in 2025, the stakes are even higher. With billions flowing into AI‑driven tokens, real‑world asset (RWA) projects, DeFi protocols, and meme coins, the crypto market is more complex than ever.

While the potential for profits is enormous, so are the risks. Poor risk management can quickly turn promising portfolios into catastrophic losses. To succeed, you need structured strategies and AI‑powered insights from platforms like Token Metrics to help you make smarter, data‑driven decisions.

This guide explores the top strategies for managing crypto risk in 2025 — helping you stay profitable even in turbulent markets.

1. Diversify Across Assets and Narratives

Don’t put all your crypto in one basket.

Diversification reduces your exposure to individual asset failures. In 2025, this means spreading across:

  • Large‑Caps (e.g., BTC, ETH): Lower risk and strong liquidity.
  • Mid‑Caps (e.g., Polygon, Arbitrum): Balanced growth potential.
  • Small‑Caps (e.g., Token Metrics AI (TMAI)): High‑risk, high‑reward narrative plays.
  • Stablecoins (e.g., USDC): For liquidity and hedging against market crashes.

Pro Tip: Use Token Metrics’ portfolio optimization tool to create a diversified, AI‑recommended allocation aligned with your risk tolerance.

2. Set Clear Position Sizes

Position sizing determines how much of your portfolio is allocated to a single asset.

Key Rule: Never risk more than you’re willing to lose.

  • Allocate smaller percentages to volatile small‑caps and larger percentages to proven, stable coins.
  • Adjust sizing based on AI‑driven asset ratings from Token Metrics, which score coins by fundamentals and risk factors.

3. Use Stop‑Loss and Take‑Profit Orders

Crypto markets move fast — sometimes too fast for manual reactions.

Stop‑Loss Orders:

  • Automatically sell assets when they drop to a pre‑set level, limiting downside losses.

Take‑Profit Orders:

  • Lock in gains when a token hits your target price, avoiding the “ride it back down” mistake.

Why It Works: These orders enforce discipline, removing emotional decision‑making from the equation.

4. Hedge with Stablecoins

Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are essential for risk management.

  • Protect against sudden market drops by keeping 5–15% of your portfolio in stablecoins.
  • Use stablecoins for buying dips without needing to sell other holdings at a loss.

Platforms like Token Metrics help track the optimal balance between stablecoins and risk assets for your portfolio.

5. Manage Leverage Carefully

Leverage amplifies both gains and losses.

  • Avoid over‑leveraging in a volatile market.
  • If using leverage, keep it low (1–3x) and apply strict stop‑loss rules.

AI‑powered insights from Token Metrics can help you assess volatility before taking leveraged positions.

6. Use Dollar‑Cost Averaging (DCA)

DCA means investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of price.

  • Helps smooth out volatility by buying over time.
  • Reduces emotional trading decisions.

Pairing DCA with Token Metrics’ trend analysis ensures you’re accumulating assets with strong AI‑verified fundamentals.

7. Actively Rebalance Your Portfolio

Markets shift quickly. Rebalancing keeps your portfolio aligned with your goals.

Rebalance when:

  • An asset grows disproportionately large.
  • AI‑driven insights suggest a narrative is weakening.

Token Metrics’ portfolio tracker helps monitor your allocations and signals when adjustments are needed.

8. Stay Ahead of Market Narratives

Narratives drive capital flows in crypto — AI tokens, DeFi 2.0, RWAs, and more are shaping 2025.

Why It Matters:

  • Early identification of narratives allows you to capitalize on growth sectors.
  • Exiting fading narratives reduces losses from declining trends.

Token Metrics’ narrative detection tools help you spot these shifts early.

9. Secure Your Assets

Even the best portfolio is useless if it’s hacked.

  • Use hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger, Trezor) for long‑term storage.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on all exchange accounts.
  • Avoid storing large sums on centralized exchanges.

10. Stay Informed

Crypto moves at lightning speed. Staying informed reduces surprises:

  • Follow regulatory updates: Rules are evolving globally in 2025.
  • Track on‑chain data: Use Token Metrics to monitor wallet activity, token burns, and developer engagement.
  • Join crypto communities: Gain insights from experienced traders and analysts.

Practical Example: A Risk‑Managed Portfolio for 2025

  • 40% Bitcoin & Ethereum: Stability and staking income.
  • 30% Narrative‑Driven Assets: AI tokens like TMAI, Layer 2 solutions, and DeFi protocols.
  • 15% Stablecoins: Hedge against volatility and provide liquidity.
  • 10% Yield‑Generating Assets: Staking and liquidity pools.
  • 5% High‑Risk Plays: Speculative small‑caps or meme tokens.

‍

This portfolio balances security, growth, and liquidity.

Common Risk Management Mistakes

  • Overexposure to hype tokens: Avoid allocating heavily to meme coins.
  • Ignoring exit strategies: Always have profit targets.
  • Emotional trading: Stick to AI‑guided data, not fear or FOMO.

Conclusion

Managing risk in crypto isn’t about avoiding volatility — it’s about embracing it intelligently.

By combining diversification, automated trading tools, hedging, and AI‑driven insights from Token Metrics, you can protect your capital and position yourself for consistent growth in 2025.

In crypto, survival is success — and with the right risk management strategies, you can turn survival into long‑term profitability.

Crypto Basics

Understanding Zero Knowledge Proofs: Securing Privacy and Verification

Token Metrics Team
4
MIN

Introduction

Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) represent a groundbreaking cryptographic concept that enables one party to prove knowledge of specific information to another party without revealing the information itself. This technology is rapidly gaining traction within blockchain ecosystems and privacy-focused applications, offering novel approaches to verification and security without compromising sensitive data.

Basics of Zero Knowledge Proofs

At its core, a Zero Knowledge Proof is a method by which a prover demonstrates to a verifier that a given statement is true, without revealing any additional information beyond the validity of the statement. Introduced in the 1980s, ZKPs rely on complex mathematical algorithms to ensure that knowledge can be proven without disclosure, preserving confidentiality.

The three essential properties that characterize zero knowledge proofs are:

  • Completeness: If the statement is true, an honest verifier will be convinced by an honest prover.
  • Soundness: If the statement is false, no dishonest prover can convince the honest verifier otherwise.
  • Zero-Knowledge: The verifier learns nothing other than the fact the statement is true, gaining no additional knowledge about the actual information.

Types of Zero Knowledge Proofs

There are several approaches to implementing ZKPs, each with its trade-offs and applications. Two of the most significant forms include zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs.

  • zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge): These are compact proofs that require minimal data for verification and do not require back-and-forth interaction between prover and verifier after setup. zk-SNARKs are widely used in privacy-oriented blockchains such as Zcash.
  • zk-STARKs (Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge): An evolution of zk-SNARKs, zk-STARKs remove the need for a trusted setup and improve scalability and transparency, although generating proofs may be more computationally intensive.

Applications in Blockchain and Cryptography

Zero Knowledge Proofs have considerable implications for enhancing privacy and scalability in decentralized systems. Key applications include:

  • Privacy Encryption: ZKPs enable private transactions by allowing users to confirm transaction validity without revealing participant identities or transaction details.
  • Identity Verification: Users can prove attributes such as age or citizenship without disclosing personal data, reducing risks associated with data leaks and identity theft.
  • Secure Voting Systems: Ensuring the legitimacy of votes while keeping individual votes confidential.
  • Scalability Solutions: By verifying computations off-chain with ZKPs, blockchain networks can reduce on-chain data processing, improving throughput and efficiency.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite their potential, Zero Knowledge Proofs face notable challenges that require careful consideration in practical deployment:

  • Computational Overhead: Generating zero knowledge proofs can be resource-intensive, particularly for complicated statements or large data sets.
  • Trusted Setup Concerns: Some ZKP systems, such as zk-SNARKs, require an initial trusted setup, which poses risks if compromised.
  • Implementation Complexity: Developing robust zero knowledge protocols demands advanced cryptographic expertise and rigorous security auditing.

Role of AI in Zero Knowledge Proof Analysis

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have begun to complement cryptographic research, including the exploration and utilization of Zero Knowledge Proofs. AI-driven analytical tools can assist researchers and developers by:

  • Optimizing cryptographic algorithms for efficient proof generation.
  • Performing advanced pattern recognition on blockchain data enhanced by ZKPs to uncover usage trends without compromising privacy.
  • Supporting risk management frameworks by assessing protocol security based on integrated cryptographic parameters.

Platforms such as Token Metrics leverage AI-driven research to analyze emerging cryptographic technologies, including zero knowledge protocols, offering quantitative insights into technological developments and ecosystem dynamics.

How to Research Zero Knowledge Proof Projects

When evaluating projects that incorporate zero knowledge proofs, consider the following research aspects to obtain an objective and thorough understanding:

  1. Technical Documentation: Review whitepapers and technical specifications to understand the ZKP implementations and cryptographic assumptions.
  2. Community and Development Activity: Assess active developer engagement and community support to gauge project viability and ongoing innovation.
  3. Security Audits: Verify results from third-party security audits focused on ZKP mechanisms to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
  4. Use Cases and Partnerships: Investigate real-world applications and collaborations that demonstrate practical utility of zero knowledge proofs.
  5. Analytical Tools: Utilize platforms like Token Metrics for comprehensive project ratings that incorporate AI-enhanced data on technology and ecosystem health.

Future Outlook and Research Directions

Zero Knowledge Proofs are poised to become foundational in advancing privacy and scalability in decentralized systems. Future research continues to focus on:

  • Improving efficiency of proof generation to enable wider adoption in resource-constrained environments.
  • Developing trustless and transparent protocols to eliminate the need for trusted setups entirely.
  • Expanding integration with emerging technologies such as secure multi-party computation and homomorphic encryption.
  • Enhancing interoperability between ZKP implementations across different blockchain platforms.

Continued innovation in this domain is supported by cross-disciplinary collaborations, including cryptography, computer science, and AI research.

Conclusion

Zero Knowledge Proofs offer a powerful paradigm shift in cryptography, enabling privacy-preserving verification without information disclosure. Their adoption within blockchain and related fields supports the creation of secure, efficient, and private systems. Utilizing AI-powered platforms like Token Metrics can assist in analyzing and understanding the evolving landscape of zero knowledge proof technologies.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or endorsements. Readers should conduct their own research and consult professionals before making decisions related to cryptographic technologies or blockchain projects.

Research

Understanding Web3 Wallets: Your Guide to Secure Crypto Asset Management

Token Metrics Team
4
MIN

Introduction to Web3 Wallets

As the blockchain landscape evolves, the term "Web3 wallets" has become fundamental in discussions around decentralized finance and digital asset management. Web3 wallets act as a gateway for users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), access blockchain networks, and securely manage their digital assets without reliance on centralized intermediaries.

This article explores the concept of Web3 wallets, their types, core features, and the security considerations essential for users. It also highlights how analytical platforms like Token Metrics can aid in understanding the complexities surrounding these wallets and blockchain technologies.

What Are Web3 Wallets?

Web3 wallets are software or hardware tools that enable users to store, send, receive, and interact with cryptocurrencies and tokens on blockchain networks. Unlike traditional digital wallets, Web3 wallets are designed primarily to facilitate decentralized interactions beyond simple transactions, such as signing smart contracts and accessing dApps.

They come in two main forms:

  • Custodial wallets: Where a third party holds the private keys on behalf of the user. This category offers convenience but introduces counterparty risk.
  • Non-custodial wallets: Users retain full control of their private keys. This type aligns with the ethos of decentralization, offering enhanced security but requiring users to take responsibility for key management.

Types of Web3 Wallets

Understanding the various types of Web3 wallets helps users select options that fit their security posture and use cases.

  • Software Wallets: Installed as browser extensions or mobile apps, these wallets offer easy access and integration with dApps. Examples include MetaMask and Trust Wallet.
  • Hardware Wallets: Physical devices that store private keys offline, significantly reducing exposure to hacks. Examples include Ledger and Trezor.
  • Smart Contract Wallets: Wallets deployed as smart contracts allow for programmable control over funds, including multi-signature functionality and customizable security policies.

Key Features and Functionalities

Web3 wallets provide a suite of functionalities tailored to decentralized ecosystems:

  1. Private Key Management: Safe handling and storage of private keys, either locally or hardware-backed, is central to wallet security.
  2. Transaction Signing: Wallets enable users to approve blockchain transactions through cryptographic signatures.
  3. dApp Integration: Seamless interaction with Web3 applications via standardized protocols like WalletConnect.
  4. Multi-Chain Support: Ability to interact with different blockchain networks within a single interface.
  5. Token Management: Displaying and organizing various tokens compliant with standards such as ERC-20 or BEP-20.

Security Considerations for Web3 Wallets

Security remains paramount for Web3 wallet users due to the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions and increasing cyber threats:

  • Private Key Confidentiality: Exposure of private keys or seed phrases can result in total asset loss. Users should store these securely offline.
  • Phishing Attacks: Malicious actors may use fake websites or apps to steal credentials; exercising caution and verifying authenticity is critical.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Keeping wallet software updated and using reputable wallets can minimize risks related to bugs or exploits.
  • Hardware Storage: Hardware wallets mitigate online threats by keeping keys offline but require physical safeguarding.

Leveraging AI Tools for In-Depth Analysis

The complexity of blockchain ecosystems has led to the emergence of AI-driven analytical platforms that assist users and researchers in understanding market trends, token metrics, and network behaviors. Token Metrics is an example of such a tool, providing data-backed ratings and insights that can complement wallet usage by offering research capabilities on tokens and market conditions.

These platforms can support educational efforts by:

  • Providing fundamentals and trend analysis based on on-chain and market data.
  • Offering scenario analysis to understand potential developments in blockchain protocols.
  • Enhancing security posture by informing users about project credibility and token performance metrics.

Practical Steps to Choose and Use Web3 Wallets

Choosing the right Web3 wallet is a process that balances ease of use, security, and compatibility needs:

  • Research Wallet Types: Understand differences between custodial and non-custodial options.
  • Assess Security Features: Review if the wallet supports hardware integration, multi-factor authentication, or multisig capabilities.
  • Confirm dApp Compatibility: If interaction with decentralized platforms is important, ensure smooth integration.
  • Backup Procedures: Follow recommended practices for seed phrase storage and wallet backup.

Additionally, engaging with AI-driven platforms like Token Metrics can provide analytical depth during the research phase and support ongoing management of crypto assets.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

Web3 wallets represent a critical component of the decentralized internet, empowering users to control their digital assets and participate in blockchain ecosystems securely and effectively. By understanding wallet types, functionalities, and security measures, users can navigate this complex space with greater confidence.

Tools like Token Metrics serve as valuable resources for educational and analytical purposes, enabling deeper insight into token fundamentals and network dynamics.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consider their risk tolerance before engaging with any cryptocurrency or blockchain technology.

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