Crypto Basics

ISO 20022 Coins - Are These Coins Good to Invest?

Learn everything about ISO 20022 coins and how it works. Explore the potential of ISO 20022 coins as an investment option in 2023.
S. Vishwa
8 Minutes
MIN

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, staying updated with the latest standards and technologies is imperative. One such development that has gained traction is the adoption of the ISO 20022 messaging standard. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into what ISO 20022 coins are, their significance, and how they're revolutionizing crypto space.

What is ISO 20022?

Definition - ISO 20022 is a global messaging standard adopted by the financial world. It's not just limited to crypto but extends to other financial transactions, including payments, securities, trade services, cards, and foreign exchange. Its goal is to create a universal standard for exchanging financial messages.

Importance in the Financial Ecosystem - By promoting a singular messaging standard, ISO 20022 simplifies global business communication. It reduces errors, lowers operational costs, and promotes seamless integration among different financial systems worldwide.

ISO 20022 and Cryptocurrency

Bridging the Traditional and Digital Worlds - ISO 20022 acts as a bridge between traditional banking and the digital currency world. By integrating this standard, cryptocurrencies can be more widely recognized and accepted by mainstream financial institutions, fostering mutual growth.

Ensuring Data Richness - The messaging standard carries detailed information about transactions, ensuring more transparency and facilitating better compliance with regulations. This is especially critical in the crypto space, often viewed as a 'wild west' of finance.

How Do ISO 20022 Coins Work?

The intricate world of ISO 20022 coins stems from their integration of the ISO 20022 messaging standard, a globally accepted protocol for transmitting financial information. 

But how does this integration manifest itself in the operation of these coins? At its core, ISO 20022 is a comprehensive and versatile framework that uses structured and descriptive messages. 

When cryptocurrencies incorporate this standard, they essentially remodel their transactional messaging to be in sync with this universally recognized protocol. 

This means that every transaction carried out with an ISO 20022 compliant coin is embedded with rich data, encompassing not just the fundamental details like sender, receiver, and amount, but also metadata about the transaction itself. 

The structured nature of these messages significantly minimizes ambiguities and errors. In practical terms, when you're transacting with an ISO 20022 coin, whether you're sending, receiving, or just verifying a transaction, the underlying technology ensures a clearer, more standardized, and detail-rich information flow. 

This doesn't just make the transaction more transparent; it also facilitates easier integration and communication with traditional financial systems that already employ the ISO 20022 standard. 

Hence, these coins act as a bridge, melding the innovative realm of cryptocurrencies with the established world of mainstream finance, making cross-border transactions, trade finance, and global payments more seamless and efficient than ever before.

List of ISO 20022 compliant cryptocurrencies

As of 2023, several cryptocurrencies have notably aligned themselves with the ISO 20022 standard, marking a significant step towards bridging traditional financial operations with the revolutionary world of digital assets:

XRP (XRP): Spearheading the ISO 20022 adoption, XRP, backed by the Ripple company, offers a digital payment protocol more than just a cryptocurrency. 

It specializes in faster, cost-effective cross-border transactions, with its infrastructure designed to facilitate direct transfers between two parties in any form of currency, including other cryptos.

Quant (QNT): Quant's Overledger is renowned for its capability to interlink various blockchains, enabling them to operate harmoniously. By embracing ISO 20022, Quant further amplifies its commitment to connect diverse financial systems seamlessly and efficiently.

Algorand (ALGO): A public blockchain and cryptocurrency project, Algorand focuses on ensuring decentralized agreements and constructing new financial tools. Its adoption of ISO 20022 underscores its mission to maintain a transparent, secure, and speedy transaction system.

Stellar (XLM): Stellar's mission to connect banks, payment systems, and consumers seamlessly finds further strength with its ISO 20022 integration. It's optimized for quick transactions, making cross-border transfers affordable and straightforward.

Hedera HashGraph (HBAR): Distinct from a traditional blockchain, Hedera Hashgraph offers a distributed ledger technology, boasting high-grade security and speed. Their commitment to the ISO 20022 standard highlights their aim for broader financial collaboration and streamlined transactions.

IOTA (MIOTA): Rather than a blockchain, IOTA employs a directed acyclic graph called Tangle to manage its transactions. The ISO 20022 compliance attests to IOTA's dedication to evolve and sync with the globally accepted financial standards, amplifying its suitability for microtransactions and IoT implementations.

XDC Network (XDC): This enterprise-ready hybrid blockchain solution, specifically designed for Trade and Finance, optimally aligns with the ISO 20022 standard. XDC stands out in terms of interoperability, efficiency, and ease of integration into legacy systems, making it a prime choice for global finance operations.

Are ISO 20022 Compliant Coins Good to Invest?

Navigating the vast cryptocurrency market for sound investments often hinges on spotting trends anchored in real-world utility. ISO 20022 compliant coins, given their alignment with a global financial messaging standard, inherently possess a competitive edge.

Their integration with this standard signifies a commitment to transparency, interoperability, and regulatory compliance. For investors, this can translate to a higher degree of trust and potential for mainstream adoption. 

While all investments come with risks, the strategic position of ISO 20022 coins in bridging traditional finance with digital assets makes them a compelling consideration for a diversified crypto portfolio.

Future Outlook and Possibilities

As we move further into the digital age, the adoption of universal standards like ISO 20022 becomes increasingly important. This trend suggests a brighter future for compliant coins, with the potential for wider mainstream acceptance and more robust investment opportunities. 

Already, we're seeing financial institutions, payment providers, and regulatory bodies taking interest in these coins, signaling their growing relevance. 

As more sectors of the financial world adopt the ISO 20022 standard, these cryptocurrencies could become the go-to options for transactions that require speed, transparency, and a high degree of compatibility with existing financial systems.

Benefits of ISO 20022 Coins

Enhanced Interoperability - These coins can communicate effortlessly with banks and other financial entities using the same standard, eliminating potential barriers.

Advanced Compliance - With detailed transaction information, it becomes easier for these coins to adhere to regulatory standards, instilling more trust among investors and institutions.

Cost-Efficiency - A universal standard cuts down on transaction discrepancies, reducing the cost of resolving such issues and ensuring smooth operations.

Challenges and Considerations

Integration Overhead - Adapting to ISO 20022 can be cumbersome for some projects, given the need to overhaul existing systems.

Rapidly Evolving Crypto Landscape - While ISO 20022 is a robust standard, the world of crypto is ever-changing. Coins must ensure that this adoption doesn't stifle innovation or flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What triggered the need for a standard like ISO 20022 in cryptocurrencies?

While cryptocurrencies are revolutionary, their acceptance and integration into the broader financial system require standardized communication. ISO 20022 provides this standard, ensuring smooth, error-free transactions with traditional financial entities.

Q2. How does ISO 20022 impact cross-border transactions?

ISO 20022 streamlines and simplifies cross-border transactions, ensuring they're faster, more transparent, and compatible with varying regional financial systems.

Q3. Does ISO 20022 compliance mean a cryptocurrency is more secure?

While ISO 20022 enhances transaction clarity and standardization, it doesn't necessarily correlate with heightened security. Each cryptocurrency's security is based on its underlying technology and protocol.

Q4. How does ISO 20022 influence transaction fees?

By standardizing transaction messaging, ISO 20022 can potentially reduce errors and discrepancies, which might lead to reduced costs. However, transaction fees are also influenced by other factors, such as network congestion.

Q5. Will more cryptocurrencies adopt ISO 20022 in the future?

Given the standard's growing importance in the financial world, it's likely that more cryptocurrencies will consider ISO 20022 adoption to increase interoperability and acceptance among traditional financial institutions.

Q6. How can I check if a cryptocurrency is ISO 20022 compliant?

Usually, cryptocurrency projects that adopt ISO 20022 will announce it through their official channels. Investors can check the project's whitepaper, official website, or community forums for such information.

Q7. Are there any drawbacks for cryptocurrencies adopting ISO 20022?

While the standard brings many benefits, adoption might mean a significant overhaul of existing systems for some cryptocurrencies. This can be resource-intensive and may temporarily divert focus from other developmental priorities.

Q8. Can ISO 20022 adoption influence a cryptocurrency's price?

Market sentiment is influenced by various factors, including adoption of global standards. While ISO 20022 compliance might be seen as a positive development, it's just one of many factors that can impact a coin's price.

The Bottom Line

In an ecosystem as dynamic as cryptocurrency, the adoption of ISO 20022 presents a seismic shift, setting a new benchmark for financial messaging standards. 

By integrating this globally recognized standard, these coins are not just pioneering a new frontier of transparency and efficiency but are also forging a stronger alliance with the mainstream financial world. 

Whether you're an investor or simply interested in the future of digital assets, ISO 20022 compliant coins warrant your attention. 

Also remember, Cryptocurrencies exhibit significant volatility. Before committing to any investment decisions, it's crucial to conduct thorough research or seek guidance from a financial advisor.

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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What Is the MCP Server? Exploring Token Metrics’ Model Context Protocol API and Integrations

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In today’s fast-moving crypto market, one truth has become clear: data is not enough—intelligence is everything. Traders, developers, and crypto-native builders are overwhelmed with fragmented tools, inconsistent APIs, and incompatible formats. That's where the Token Metrics Crypto MCP Server changes the game.

In this article, we’ll explore what the MCP Server is, how Token Metrics MCP services work, and how this innovative platform is integrated with leading tools like OpenAI Agents SDK, Windsurf, Cursor AI, Zapier, QuickNode, and Cline. If you’re building in crypto, this guide will show you how to unify your stack, streamline development, and unlock the full power of AI-powered crypto analytics.

What Is the Token Metrics MCP Server?

The MCP Server stands for Model Context Protocol—a lightweight gateway designed by Token Metrics to solve one of the crypto industry’s most persistent problems: tool fragmentation.

From ChatGPT-style agents to desktop dashboards, IDE assistants, and CLI tools, every crypto developer or trader juggles multiple keys, schemas, and inconsistent API responses. The MCP Server solves this by acting as a single interface that translates requests from any client into one canonical crypto data schema—all while sharing the same API key and authentication.

In Simple Terms:

  • Paste your key once.
  • Every tool—OpenAI, Claude, Windsurf, Cursor, Cline—gets access to the same data.
  • No more rewriting requests, managing multiple schemas, or troubleshooting mismatched results.

Why Use the MCP Server Instead of Separate APIs?

Here’s why Token Metrics MCP is a breakthrough:

This is more than a convenience—it’s a productivity multiplier for any serious crypto developer or trader.

Token Metrics API: Intelligence Beyond Price Charts

At the core of the MCP Server lies the Token Metrics Crypto API—an industry-leading data source used by funds, traders, DAOs, and builders worldwide.

Key Features:

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  • Bullish/Bearish Signals: Predictive entries and exits, generated using real-time market conditions.
  • Quant Metrics: Sharpe Ratio, Value at Risk, Volatility Scores, and more.
  • Support & Resistance Levels: Updated dynamically as markets move.
  • AI Sentiment Analysis: Tracks social, on-chain, and momentum signals across narratives.

The API covers 6,000+ tokens across chains, sectors, and market caps—providing both raw and AI-processed data.

MCP Server Integrations: Powering the Future of Autonomous Crypto Tools

Here’s how MCP connects seamlessly with today’s top tools:

1. OpenAI Agents SDK And Token Metrics MCP

OpenAI’s Agents SDK is a new developer-friendly framework for building autonomous AI workflows—like trading bots and research assistants. When integrated with MCP, developers can:

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Result: An end-to-end autonomous crypto agent powered by real-time, AI-grade intelligence—without needing a full backend.

2. Windsurf And Token Metrics: Live Dashboards with AI Signals

Windsurf is an automation-first IDE that allows instant deployment of crypto dashboards. Using MCP, Token Metrics powers:

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The real power of MCP comes from its multi-client coordination. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Step 1: Analyst asks Claude or ChatGPT:
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Pricing, Tiers, and $TMAI Savings

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If you want to:

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The future of crypto intelligence is here—and it’s multi-client, AI-powered, and real-time.

Research

Altcoin Season Delayed? 2025 Crypto Market Cap Trends Explained

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In 2025, much of the altcoin market remains subdued. Prices for many tokens are still down more than 90% from their all-time highs. Despite sporadic rallies and renewed interest in certain sectors like meme coins or AI, a broader altcoin season has yet to materialize. The question facing many crypto investors now is: why?

In this analysis, we explore the macro and structural reasons for altcoin underperformance, unpack the liquidity bottleneck, and discuss what might change this narrative going forward.

The Data: Altcoins Still Deep in the Red

By mid-2025, most altcoins remain far below their PEAQ valuations from the last cycle. While Bitcoin and a few select large caps have recovered or even set new highs, the broader altcoin ecosystem continues to lag. This decoupling is not new—it happens every cycle—but the magnitude and persistence this time are notable.

A combination of market structure changes and supply-side dynamics are likely responsible.

Why Liquidity Hasn’t Returned

The most critical variable is liquidity. In previous bull runs, altcoin rallies were fueled by large inflows of new capital. This fresh money—often speculative—moved quickly through different sectors, inflating valuations across the board.

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Instead of every token catching a bid, capital is rotating selectively, often into Bitcoin, a few meme coins, or tokens associated with highly visible narratives.

Token Supply Has Exploded

One major shift is the sheer number of tokens now on the market. Since the last bull run, the number of tradable crypto assets has increased significantly—perhaps by an order of magnitude. Many of these tokens have little to no trading volume, real users, or sustained community.

This oversupply of assets creates a fragmented market where attention and liquidity are spread thin. As a result, the days of altcoin beta—when nearly every token would rally simply because “the market is up”—may be over.

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Sector Rotation Dominates

Rather than broad-based rallies, the market is experiencing sectoral rotations. Capital flows aggressively between narratives: from meme coins to AI tokens, then to DePIN, and perhaps next to RWAs or perpetual DEXs.

This “hot potato” behavior means even when a sector performs, it's often short-lived. Many traders chase the next hype wave rather than allocating with conviction. The result is volatility without trend sustainability, and thin liquidity across most altcoins.

Institutions Are Still Focused on Bitcoin

Another reason altcoins lag is that institutional interest remains centered on Bitcoin—and to a lesser extent, Ethereum. This is particularly true in 2025, as the regulatory landscape slowly becomes more defined and risk appetite stays muted.

Bitcoin continues to benefit from a macro narrative that positions it as a hedge against inflation, fiat instability, and geopolitical risk. With potential for further escalation in global conflicts and economic uncertainty, BTC is often the first and only crypto asset to attract serious inflows.

Until altcoins can offer a comparable use case or risk-adjusted return, institutional capital will likely remain concentrated in BTC.

What Needs to Change

There are several potential catalysts that could eventually bring altcoins back into focus. These include:

  • Improved Liquidity: More capital entering crypto markets through new ETFs, stablecoin infrastructure, or sovereign adoption.
  • Macro Stabilization: A return to risk-on environments globally could expand investor appetite for high-beta crypto assets.
  • Real Usage: Tokens that can demonstrate strong on-chain revenue, user growth, or ecosystem traction may attract sustained demand.
  • Narrative Shifts: New technological breakthroughs or mass adoption events (e.g., consumer applications, financial integrations) could lead to renewed enthusiasm.
  • Token Burn and Scarcity: Projects that reduce supply through burns or buybacks may outperform in a low-liquidity world.

Avoiding the “Musical Chairs” Risk

An important takeaway from the current market environment is the growing risk of holding underperforming assets too long. The metaphor of “musical chairs” applies here—when the music stops, not all tokens will have a place.

Just as the dot-com bubble led to a major culling of internet companies, the crypto market may be undergoing a similar filtering process. Those with product-market fit, sustainable economics, and user adoption will likely survive. Others may not recover.

Bitcoin as the Benchmark

Bitcoin has become the benchmark asset for crypto, both in terms of performance and narrative. It remains the asset most closely tied to global macro conditions and institutional flows.

Its relative strength has made it a measuring stick for evaluating the rest of the market. Many altcoins are now being judged not just in fiat terms, but in BTC-relative performance. If they can’t outperform Bitcoin on a risk-adjusted basis, they may struggle to justify their place in portfolios.

Long-Term Outlook: Selective Optimism

Despite short-term underperformance, we remain open to altcoin opportunities—but with greater caution and selectivity. The current environment favors a “barbell strategy”: holding a core position in Bitcoin while selectively allocating to altcoins with verifiable traction.

This is no longer a market where every token rides the same wave. Success in 2025 likely comes from identifying the few that can break out due to clear product value, strong teams, and real-world adoption.

Conclusion

The altcoin market in 2025 reflects a maturing, more fragmented crypto ecosystem. The free liquidity and speculative exuberance of previous cycles have given way to a more competitive, filtered environment.

For investors and builders alike, this isn’t a reason to despair—but a reason to be more focused. As the market resets, those who adapt their frameworks to the new reality may find long-term success. The next wave of winners may already be building—quietly, under the surface.

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Token Metrics Launches $200K Grant Program to Back Crypto Builders

Token Metrics Team
8 min
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In an era where crypto is moving faster than ever, the next generation of innovation will be driven by bold builders who fuse AI with blockchain. Whether it’s a project that analyzes sentiment across the market, scores tokens with precision, or generates real-time trading signals—Token Metrics is here to fund the future.

That’s why we’re excited to announce the Token Metrics $200K Grant Program — a bold initiative to empower crypto innovators at any stage.

💾 Why We’re Launching This Grant

Crypto innovation has always thrived on open experimentation. But we know firsthand how tough it can be to go from idea to product. You need the right tools, data, support, and—yes—capital.

We’re opening the doors to all Web3 builders, researchers, hackers, and startup teams with one goal: to supercharge the creation of AI-powered crypto tools that change the game.

If you're building anything in:

  • Crypto market intelligence
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  • AI trading bots
  • On-chain analytics
  • DeFi strategy tools


then this program is for you.

🎁 What You Get

Here’s what each selected project receives:

✅ Up to $5,000 in Grants

No strings attached. We’re offering non-dilutive microgrants to help you push your project forward—whether it's hosting costs, engineering hours, or marketing.

✅ Free Access to Token Metrics API

You’ll get direct access to our AI-powered crypto data platform, including investor and trader grades, signal alerts, technical indicators, and more. Build with institutional-grade tools.

✅ Technical Support and Mentorship

Our engineering and product team is on standby to help you with integration, use cases, and product guidance. Get real feedback from people who live and breathe crypto trading and AI.

✅ Community of Builders

You’ll join a thriving ecosystem of developers, analysts, and AI tinkerers who are all solving similar challenges. Share feedback, collaborate, and level up together.

🛠 Who Can Apply?

The grant is open to all stages of projects:

  • 💡 Idea Stage – Have an idea and a plan to build? You’re eligible.
  • đŸ§Ș Beta/Prototype – Already building and testing? Let’s accelerate you.
  • 🚀 Launched Product – Need support to scale? We’re here for it.
  • 💰 Paying Users – Time to expand? We can help you get there faster.

No matter your background, location, or company size—if you’re building something innovative at the intersection of crypto + AI, we want to hear from you.

🌐 What You Can Build with the Token Metrics API

The possibilities are vast. Some ideas we’d love to see:

  • AI-powered Token Rating Tools – Use our Trader and Investor Grades to generate insights.
  • Crypto Sentiment Dashboards – Analyze and visualize market sentiment.
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Want to create something we haven’t thought of? Even better.

📆 Timeline & Application

The $200K will be distributed over multiple rounds across 2025, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply once and you’ll be considered for current and upcoming rounds.

Deadline: First batch review begins July 15, 2025.

👉 Apply here now

đŸ€ Why Build with Token Metrics?

At Token Metrics, we believe the future of investing is intelligent, data-driven, and decentralized. That’s why we’re opening up our core infrastructure—so you can build tools that make crypto smarter for everyone.

We’ve spent years perfecting our AI models, data pipelines, and trading signals. Now, we’re putting that power in your hands.

Whether you’re a student hacking on weekends, a startup looking for product-market fit, or a solo dev with a bold vision—we want to help you win.

🚀 Let’s Build the Future

This isn’t just a grant—it’s a launchpad.

With $5K in non-dilutive funding, direct access to cutting-edge crypto data, and a community of top-tier builders, you’ll have everything you need to bring your project to life.

The next breakthrough tool might be yours. All it takes is one application.

🔗 Ready to apply? Click here → https://forms.gle/T3WGexLdGr9nF1hj9

Let’s build the future of crypto—together.‍

The Token Metrics Team

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