13th September 2023 Digital Bytes

Crypto gaming guilds: encouraging play and a lot more - players are intrigued by GameFi as a unique approach to integrating gameplay dynamics with money systems, primarily as more high-quality, blockchain-powered games are produced. The advent of crypto gaming guilds is a fascinating step forward for the gaming industry providing members with new ways to make money and work together as they play. These guilds also encourage us to recognise that a game can be more than pixels and scores - it can be a path to financial empowerment, community engagement and even a new dimension of self-discovery.

Carbon credits and the role of blockchain - blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize carbon credit trading, potentially driving the Voluntary Carbon Credit market to a $1 trillion valuation by 2037. The technology offers transparency and efficiency, addressing the need for new trading platforms as carbon offset demand surges. Various firms are already leveraging blockchain to track energy generation and create immutable carbon credit records and this innovation aligns with the global push for sustainability, so offering promising intersections between finance, technology and environmental responsibility.

What happens if the US$ is replaced as the world reserve currency? - the US dollar is gradually losing its status as the world's reserve currency which could lead to economic consequences such as reduced capital access and higher borrowing costs in the US. Investors need to consider diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks and, whilst some jurisdictions suggest a desire to reduce reliance on the US dollar, significant hurdles remain. Resultant from this is that digital assets and payments are emerging as transformative forces in this shift, therefore potentially reshaping global finance. Without doubt, adaptability and strategic foresight are crucial as the world navigates these changes.

Embedded finance: the products taking centre stage - “embedded finance” is the integration of financial products into non-financial businesses, fuelled by advancing technology. It includes offerings such as buy- now-pay-later and revenue-based lending. And this trend is expected to surpass $7 trillion by 2026. The concept aims to provide seamless financial solutions and is extending beyond retail; considerations include regulatory compliance, product terms and integration with innovative technologies.