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In the cryptocurrency world, exchange tokens are special cryptocurrencies that offer users various advantages. OKB coin is one of these exchange tokens we frequently hear about. So, what is the OKB token, how did it come about, and what are its uses? In this guide-like article, we will cover all aspects of OKB, from its history to its technical features.Definition and Origin of OKBOKB is a local cryptocurrency token issued by the cryptocurrency exchange OKX (formerly OKEx). OKX was founded in 2017 by Chinese entrepreneur Star Xu and its headquarters later moved to the Seychelles. Shortly after its launch in 2017, the exchange decided to develop a token for its own ecosystem. To this end, the OKB token was launched by OKEx in March 2018. OKB's goal was to provide various advantages to exchange users and support the growth of the OKX ecosystem. When OKB was first introduced, it was designed as a token operating on the Ethereum blockchain using the ERC-20 standard. Thanks to its use cases within the exchange, OKB quickly gained popularity. Users began taking advantage of opportunities such as discounts on transaction fees, participation in new token sales (launchpads), and staking. Initially launched in collaboration with the OK Blockchain Foundation and OKX, OKB has been positioned as a global utility token.OKB's History: Major MilestonesFrom OKB's inception to the present day, many significant developments have occurred for both the token and the OKX ecosystem to which it is affiliated. Here are some key milestones in the history of OKB:2017: OKEx, an exchange established in China, began operations. Its founder, Star Xu, previously launched OKCoin in 2013. OKEx quickly grew to become a global cryptocurrency platform.2018: OKEx launched its own platform token. When was the OKB coin released? To answer the question, OKB was launched as early as February-March 2018. Initially ERC-20 based, this token was designed to provide various privileges to OKEx users.2019: Major strides were made in the OKB ecosystem. OKX announced its own blockchain project, the OKExChain (OKC) network, to enter the decentralized finance and blockchain space. At the end of 2019, OKEx announced that it was preparing to launch the OKChain testnet, where OKB could also be used. That same year, a regular buyback and burn program was launched for OKB. For example, between September and November 2019, approximately 5.9 million OKB tokens were burned, removing them from the total supply. These developments laid the foundation for the deflationary model that increased OKB's value.2021: The OKEx brand revitalized itself in the global market. The exchange changed its name to OKX and, with this change, unveiled its new vision. The OKX name symbolized the platform's expansion into Web3 areas such as DeFi, NFTs, and wallet services. The rebranding marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the OKEx journey, which began in 2017.2023: The OKB ecosystem expanded further this year. OKX launched a new blockchain network called OKBChain, taking steps to integrate OKB into decentralized applications. OKBChain was designed as a protocol developed by OKX, independent of the existing OKXChain, and the goal was to create an ecosystem focused on DeFi (decentralized finance) and Web3 around OKB. Thanks to this development, OKB began to be used in various blockchain applications, in addition to the OKX exchange. Furthermore, by 2023, the OKB token became a versatile asset, supported by various DeFi protocols and OKX's Web3 wallets.2025: A historic shift occurred in OKB's token economy. In August 2025, OKX announced that it was burning 65 million OKB tokens in one go, dramatically reducing the total supply. This massive burn reduced OKB's total supply from approximately 300 million to 21 million. With this move, OKX aimed to align OKB's supply with a fixed model similar to Bitcoin and permanently disabled new minting operations in the token's smart contract. This development led to a sudden surge in OKB's value, with the token reaching all-time highs in 2025. Timeline of OCD burning. The milestones mentioned above have shaped OKB into its current state. Once only offering advantages for transactions on the OKX platform, OKB has gradually become the center of a broader ecosystem with its own blockchain network, a global community, and diverse use cases. As of September 2025, OKB price is trading at $180. The aforementioned burn caused the cryptocurrency to rise to $255. Why is OKB Valuable?The value of a cryptocurrency is generally related to its benefits and adoption rate. There are a number of factors that make OKB valuable. Let's examine these to better understand OKB.Trading Fee DiscountsOKB offers discounts on trading fees on the OKX exchange. Users who hold a certain amount of OKB can benefit from discounts of up to 40% on commissions paid when trading. The discount rate increases as the amount of OKB held increases. This makes OKB particularly attractive to users who trade in high volumes.Launchpad Participation Opportunity (OKX Jumpstart)Another important use of OKB is its privileges on OKX Jumpstart (launchpad), the OKX exchange's token sale platform. OKB holders receive priority participation in IEOs (initial exchange offerings) of emerging crypto projects. Users who stake a certain amount of OKB have early access to token sales on the platform and can invest. This is a feature that creates demand and adds value to OKB. Currently, Jumpstart has 13 projects. Passive income with stakingOKB also offers passive income opportunities to its users. It is possible to earn interest by staking OKB on the OKX platform or by locking OKB through the OKX Earn program. OKB can also generate yield (yield farming) by investing in some supporting DeFi protocols. These staking and earning opportunities create additional motivation for users who hold OKB long-term.Regular token burns and a deflationary modelOKB coin adopts a deflationary token model. OKX uses 30% of its quarterly transaction fee revenue to buy back OKB tokens from the market and burn them. This OKB burn mechanism aims to increase the scarcity of the token by reducing the circulating supply over time. Indeed, periodic burns have been carried out since 2019, and the model became even more aggressive with the major burn in 2025. This burn strategy is considered a key factor supporting OKB's long-term value, as the value of existing tokens could theoretically increase as the supply decreases. Its Role in the OKX EcosystemWith the expansion of the OKX ecosystem, OKB has become available not only within the exchange but also in various Web3 and decentralized finance applications. On the blockchain networks developed by OKX (OKC and the new OKBChain), OKB can be used in smart contract transactions and decentralized applications. For example, OKB is available as a trading pair on OKX's decentralized exchange and DeFi platforms, and through integration with different protocols, it can be used for inter-wallet transfers or yield farming activities. This versatility also gives OKB a value outside of the exchange. OKB holders also have a say in the periodic voting on the OKX platform, allowing them to vote for newly listed coins.Who is the Founder of OKB?Who issued the OKB token? OKB was developed directly by the OKX Exchange, and the team behind it consists of the founders and developers of OKX. OKX's founder is Chinese entrepreneur Star Xu (Xu Mingxing). Star Xu is a veteran of the cryptocurrency industry, having founded the first cryptocurrency exchange, OKCoin, in 2013 and subsequently launched the OKEx (now OKX) platform in 2017. OKB is also the product of the OKX team led by Star Xu. Star Xu Star Xu and the OKX team launched OKB with the aim of offering a loyalty program and a utility token to the exchange's user base. OKX's OK Blockchain Foundation played a significant role in OKB's development and growth. While initially headquartered in Malta, OKX now maintains its legal headquarters in the Seychelles and operates globally.In short, OKB's founder is not a single individual but the OKX exchange itself. However, the visionary behind this exchange is known as Star Xu. Xu has indirectly influenced both the technical and strategic development of OKB.Technical OverviewTechnically, the OKB token possesses the fundamental parameters and functions of a cryptocurrency. The technical specifications regarding OKB's infrastructure and usage can be summarized as follows:Consensus and BlockchainWhen OKB first launched, it was an ERC-20 token running on the Ethereum network. In other words, it was secured by Ethereum's consensus mechanism (the structure transitioning from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake). Subsequently, OKX developed its own blockchain network, OKExChain (OKC), and OKB began participating on this network. OKXChain was initially an EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)-compatible smart contract platform with a Proof-of-Stake consensus. OKB could be used as a native token in transactions on OKXChain, enabling faster/cheaper transactions than the potentially high fees on the Ethereum network. With the announcement of OKBChain in 2023 and OKX's X Layer 2 solution, which went live in 2025, OKB's infrastructure has been further developed. OKB is now being updated to run on OKX's next-generation blockchain, the zkEVM-based X Layer (OKB's migration from Ethereum to this new network is planned for 2025). Token Symbol and CurrencyOKB's ticker symbol is OKB, identical to its name. For divisibility, 1 OKB, like most other cryptocurrencies, can be divided into 10^-8 units (0.00000001 OKB).Total Supply and CirculationWhen the OKB token was first launched, the total supply target was set at 300,000,000 OKB. Initially, a portion of this supply was released into the market, while the remainder was held in locked reserves and phased release plans. For example, at the beginning of 2020, the circulating supply was 300 million, with an additional 700 million tokens planned to be released in the coming years. However, OKX revised this plan through its burn program, which began in 2019. Millions of OKB coins were removed from circulation through periodic burns between 2019 and 2022. Ultimately, in 2022, the company announced that the total supply would be held at a fixed 300 million tokens and that no additional tokens would be issued. More strikingly, after the major burn in 2025, OKB's supply was reduced to approximately 21 million tokens, a level fixed in the code. This means that OKB's current maximum supply is locked at 21 million. This makes OKB a limited asset, similar to Bitcoin in terms of supply. The entire circulating supply is held by the community and investors; new tokens cannot be minted.Supply DistributionIn OKB's initial distribution, some tokens were allocated to the project team, some to early investors, and the remainder to the public sale. For example, approximately 40% was intended for the founding team and project development, 10% for investors, and 50% for community events and rewards. Over time, this distribution has shifted with the release of locked tokens and burns. Today, the vast majority of OKB is in active circulation, and there is no dedicated pool held for burning in OKX reserves.Use CasesTechnically, OKB's use areas encompass its interaction with smart contracts and its in-platform functions:Transaction Fee Payments and Discounts: OKB can be used to pay transaction fees on the OKX exchange. When users hold OKB in their accounts, the system automatically applies commission discounts. This works by dynamically determining a discount rate based on the OKB balance in the user's wallet through smart contracts.Staking & Lending: OKB is an asset that can be staked via smart contracts. In Earn products on the OKX platform, users lock their OKB for a specified period and receive interest from the protocol in return. Similarly, decentralized lending protocols can borrow or earn interest by using OKB as collateral.Launchpad (OKX Jumpstart): One of OKB's smart contract uses is participating in token sales. When a new project token sale takes place on the OKX Jumpstart platform, users can participate by locking their OKB via a smart contract. Once the sale is complete, the smart contract transfers the newly distributed tokens to participants in proportion to their OKB holdings.DeFi, Web3, and NFT Integrations: OKB finds a place not only in OKX's own applications but also in decentralized applications on various blockchains. For example, OKB can be added to liquidity pools on some DeFi exchanges (DEXs) or used for yield farming. OKX's Web3 wallet, with its multi-blockchain support, has made OKB an asset that users can spend in decentralized applications. There are also examples of OKB being traded on NFT marketplaces. This makes OKB a token that can technically integrate into a broad ecosystem.In summary: OKB, an Ethereum-based token, has evolved to work on OKX's own blockchains. Its limited and burnable supply, compatibility with smart contracts, and broad range of uses position it as a cryptocurrency with a strong technical infrastructure.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Below, you can find answers to any questions you may have about OKX's OKB:When did the OKB coin appear?: The OKB coin first appeared in 2018. The OKX (then known as OKEx) exchange launched OKB as its platform's native token in the first quarter of 2018. Since then, OKB has been traded on the market, and its value has increased over the years in line with the exchange's growth.Who issued the OKB token?: The OKB token was issued by the OKX cryptocurrency exchange. OKX founder Star Xu and the OKX team are behind the project. In other words, OKB was developed collectively by OKX, a major cryptocurrency exchange, rather than by an individual.How does OKB work, and on which blockchain is it located?: OKB was initially a token running on the Ethereum blockchain using the ERC-20 standard. Over time, OKX developed its own blockchain, OKXChain (OKC), and OKB became available on this network. Today, OKB is integrated with OKX's next-generation solutions, such as Layer X, in addition to Ethereum, and can be transferred via various interchain bridges.What is the total supply of OKB?: OKB's initial total supply was 300 million tokens. However, this supply has decreased over time with regular token burns. Following a major burn in 2025, OKB's maximum supply was set at 21 million tokens. This means the current total supply is around 21 million, and no new OKB is planned.What is the purpose of OKB and why is it valuable?: OKB offers various uses, including providing transaction fee discounts on the OKX exchange, enabling participation in new token sales (Launchpad), and generating passive income through staking. Furthermore, it has a deflationary structure because its supply is reduced through a regular burn mechanism, making the token more scarce and potentially more valuable. In short, OKB gains value in the eyes of investors thanks to both its tangible advantages and its limited supply model.How does the OKB burn mechanism work?: OKB's burn mechanism is based on revenue sharing with the OKX exchange. OKX purchases OKB from the market with 30% of its quarterly trading fee revenue and burns these tokens, removing them from circulation. Burning is the process of sending OKB to a special wallet, making them inaccessible. This mechanism aims to support the value of existing tokens by reducing the total supply over time. Indeed, millions of OKB have been burned to date, significantly reducing the supply.Follow the JR Kripto Guide series for more content on OKB and other popular exchange tokens.

The two major US market regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), have issued a joint statement of critical importance for financial markets. The statement, signed by SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins and CFTC interim Chair Caroline D. Pham, aims to usher in an "era of harmonized regulation," particularly for crypto assets and next-generation financial products.Regulatory harmonization emphasizedThe statement emphasized that the securities and commodity derivatives markets are increasingly intersecting, making it imperative for both institutions to act together. Officials acknowledged that a lack of coordination in the past created "regulatory gaps" and slowed innovation, and announced that this era is now over. Atkins and Pham stated, "Today is a new beginning. The uncertainties that hindered innovation in US markets are history. The SEC and CFTC will act in concert from now on."Will a clear roadmap be released for crypto assets?The two institutions' statement highlighted the joint staff memorandum on spot crypto asset products as a first step. Furthermore, the main areas planned for future harmonized regulation were listed as follows:24/7 Markets: Expanding trading hours in US markets will be discussed, in addition to assets that are currently traded continuously, such as crypto and foreign exchange.Event Contracts: Clarifying investor access to these products, particularly given the growth of prediction markets, is on the agenda.Perpetual Contracts: The possibility of offering future-free derivative products, popular on offshore crypto exchanges, under US regulation may be paved.Portfolio Collateralization: The plan is to increase capital efficiency by netting participants' positions across different markets.DeFi and Innovation Exceptions: Creating safe harbors for decentralized finance protocols is considered critical to keeping innovation in the US.A joint roundtable meeting will be held on September 29.The SEC and CFTC will formalize the process with a "compliance and innovation" roundtable meeting to be held on September 29, 2025. At this meeting, both industry representatives and public authorities will discuss the details of harmonized regulation.The officials aim to re-entice innovative financial products that have been relocated outside the US due to fragmented and contradictory regulations. The statement stated, "For many years, the US was a center of financial innovation. However, recently, products and initiatives have shifted abroad. We are determined to reverse this trend."Judging by the tone of the statement, the two agencies' shared goal is not only to regulate cryptocurrency markets but also to reassert the US's leadership in global financial innovation. The regulators indicate that a clearer, more predictable, and more innovative framework will be created without compromising investor protection and market integrity.

Thumzup Media Corporation (TZUP), backed by Donald Trump Jr., has made a rapid entrance into the cryptocurrency market. In its latest shareholder letter, the company announced that it has purchased $1 million in Bitcoin and has also authorized investments in cryptocurrencies such as DOGE, LTC, SOL, XRP, ETH, and USDC. This move is part of Thumzup's plan to transform from a mere media and advertising technology company into a major player in crypto mining.Starting with 2,500 Dogecoin minersThe company announced that it has signed a definitive acquisition agreement with Dogehash Technologies, a Dogecoin mining company. As part of this acquisition, Thumzup is adding 2,500 mining devices and plans to take delivery of an additional 1,000 by the end of the year. This fleet of 3,500 devices aims to make Thumzup one of the leading Dogecoin miners in North America. According to the company's calculations, at the current DOGE price of $0.22, this operation could generate approximately $22.7 million in annual revenue. If the price rises to $0.50, revenue could exceed $51.6 million, and if it rises to $1, it could exceed $100 million. $50 Million Capital IncreaseTo support this growth plan, Thumzup issued $50 million worth of shares in August 2025. This transaction, priced at $10 per share, strengthened the company's balance sheet and facilitated strategic partnerships with crypto finance experts such as Dominari Securities. The company currently holds more than $50 million in cash on its balance sheet.A New Vision with a "Crypto Treasury Strategy"Thumzup's board of directors plans to incorporate various crypto assets, in addition to Dogecoin, into its long-term treasury strategy. This could include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Litecoin, and USDC. Additionally, thanks to its agreement with Coinbase Prime, the company gained access to Bitcoin-backed loans and institutional-grade custody services.From ad tech to crypto miningThumzup was originally active in social media advertising when it went public on Nasdaq last year. It had developed a platform that allowed Instagram and TikTok users to generate revenue directly from brands. However, the company's focus on crypto demonstrates its shift beyond this business model and the adoption of a completely different growth strategy. Nevertheless, Thumzup emphasized that its ad tech business is growing steadily and that new subscription models are being developed.Heavy competition in Dogecoin miningThe crypto mining sector is rapidly growing. Currently, more than 40 publicly traded crypto mining companies are operating. Leading companies include MARA Holdings ($5.6 billion market capitalization), CleanSpark ($4.5 billion), and Riot Platforms ($3 billion). Thumzup's goal is to become a leader in this competitive market focused on Dogecoin. The company cited the Donald Trump administration's vision of "making the US the crypto capital," stating that it has both US political support and investor interest behind it.

The World Liberty Financial (WLFI) project, backed by the Donald Trump family, made a move that sparked controversy in the crypto market. The project team blacklisted the wallet of one of its biggest supporters, Tron founder Justin Sun, and froze billions of dollars in WLFI tokens. This decision caused a sharp drop in the token's price and sparked debates within the community about decentralization and transparency.Why was Sun's wallet blocked?According to on-chain data, the decision followed a transfer of approximately $9 million worth of WLFI from Sun's wallet. Arkham Intelligence data revealed that addresses affiliated with Sun sent large amounts of tokens to exchanges, fueling allegations of "insider selling" within the community. The price of WLFI plummeted immediately before these developments, falling 24 percent in a single day.While the World Liberty team did not officially comment on the matter, they maintained in a post on Sun X that the transfers were merely "small-scale exchange tests." "We didn't make any purchases or sales. It's impossible for these amounts to influence the market," Sun said, adding that he found the blacklisting decision unfair.Sun: "Our rights are being violated"Sun, one of WLFI's advisors who invested in the project with a $75 million purchase, called on the team to freeze the 540 million unlocked and 2.4 billion locked WLFI tokens. "These arbitrary freezes, which violate investor rights, undermine confidence in the project," Sun said, demanding the decision be overturned. Sun stated:“As an early major investor in World Liberty Financials, I invested not only my capital in this project, but also my trust and support for its future. My goal has always been to grow alongside the team and community and jointly build a strong and healthy WLF ecosystem.However, during this process, my tokens were unjustly frozen.As an early investor, I bought in the same way as everyone else; we all have equal rights and deserve the same rights.I love and respect every member of this community. Tokens are sacred and inviolable—this should be the most fundamental value of any blockchain. This is what makes us stronger and more equitable than traditional finance.I urge the team to respect these principles, unlock my tokens, and move forward together for the success of World Liberty Financials.In my belief, a truly great financial brand is built on fairness, transparency, and trust—not on decisions that unilaterally freeze investor assets. Such actions not only violate investors' legitimate rights, It also risks undermining public trust in World Liberty Financials.” Sun emphasized that he supports the project's future and expects fair governance, stating, “A true financial brand is built on fairness, transparency, and trust, not unilateral decisions.”Growing Concerns in the CommunityWLFI's launch was met with considerable hype. Trading volume exceeded $1 billion in the first few hours, while the price fell from $0.46 to $0.25. However, after Sun's wallet was blacklisted, the price briefly dropped to $0.16, losing half its value. At the time of writing, it was trading at $0.18.There are two distinct viewpoints within the community. One group argues that the development team is taking a justified step to prevent potential manipulation by large investors. The other group harshly criticizes such unilateral decisions for a project promoted with the claim of “decentralization.”

STRK Technical OverviewWhen we analyze the STRK chart, we can see a clear descending triangle pattern. The price has been trapped for a long time between a horizontal support from below and a descending trendline from above. Patterns like this often lead to sharp moves in the direction of the breakout.STRK is currently trading around the level $0.1249. The horizontal base of the triangle is near $0.1200 — a key support level. If the price closes below this level, the first target could be $0.1069, and further down, the $0.09 – $0.08 range may come into play.According to a bullish scenario, the first resistance levels are $0.1378 and $0.1441, aligning with the triangle's upper trendline. If the price holds above this range, it could test $0.1632 first, then move towards the $0.1849 – $0.1933 range. The technical target of the formation points to $0.22 and above. Triangle Structure Summary:Key support: $0.1200 (below this, risk at $0.1069)First resistance: $0.1378 – $0.1441Possible targets: $0.1632 → $0.1849 – $0.1933 → $0.2217Which way the descending triangle breaks will likely determine STRK’s medium-term trend.This analysis is not financial advice. It focuses on potential support and resistance levels that may offer trading opportunities in the short to medium term. Trading and risk management are entirely the user’s responsibility. Using stop-loss orders is strongly recommended.

AR/USDT Technical AnalysisWhen we analyze the AR chart, we can see a falling wedge pattern, similar to the 1INCH chart. Though the price has been moving downward within the wedge for some time, the recent bounce from the lower band has pushed it back toward the upper band. This increases the chances of a bullish breakout.AR is currently trading around $6.52. In the short term, the $6.67 – $6.78 range stands as the first major resistance. A breakout above this zone could pave the way toward $7.08 and then $7.39 – $7.50. If the price can break above $7.50 with strong volume, the $8.50 region becomes the main target.On the downside, the first short-term support is at $6.36. A breakdown below this level may lead to a retest of $6.11. However, due to the wedge structure, buyers are more likely to step in around these areas. Summary:Falling wedge structure remains active.Key resistance: $6.67 – $6.78, then $7.08 and $7.39 – $7.50.Main breakout target: $8.50 if $7.50 gets broken with volume.Supports: $6.36 and $6.11.Technical outlook remains bullish as long as the wedge holds.(This analysis does not provide financial advice. Risk management and stop-loss strategies are strongly recommended.)

Ethereum Classic (ETC) is a cryptocurrency platform that emerged from the split in the Ethereum community following the DAO attack in 2016, maintaining the original Ethereum blockchain. In other words, Ethereum Classic is the pre-fork state of the Ethereum network and aims to preserve the blockchain's history unchanged by embracing the philosophy of "code is law." This open-source platform, which continues to support smart contracts, operates with a Proof of Work consensus mechanism, allowing Ethereum Classic coins to be mined. In this guide, we will address frequently asked questions such as "What is Ethereum Classic? When did it come about? How did it come about? Who founded it? What is the purpose of ETC?"Definition and Origins of Ethereum ClassicEthereum Classic is the original fork of the Ethereum network following the 2016 attack on the DAO smart contract. In this massive attack, which took place in June 2016, a hacker exploited a vulnerability in The DAO to transfer approximately 3.6 million ETH (approximately $50 million) to his own account. This incident created a deep divide within the Ethereum community. While most advocated for a blockchain rollback (reversing transactions through a hard fork) to return the stolen funds, others opposed it because they believed it violated the blockchain's immutability principle. As a result, in July 2016, the Ethereum network split in two: The new chain, supported by the majority, reversed the effects of the attack and became Ethereum (ETH); the original, unforked chain, maintained by the minority, continued as Ethereum Classic (ETC). Ethereum Classic, adhering to the principle of "Code is Law," refused to erase the consequences of the hack from the blockchain records and preserved history intact. In this respect, Ethereum Classic emerged as an ideologically distinct branch of Ethereum. In short, the emergence of Ethereum Classic is a product of the community's efforts to protect the original chain after the DAO attack, as they sought to adhere to the principles of decentralization and immutability.The History of Ethereum Classic: Major MilestonesThe history of Ethereum Classic dates back to the inception of the Ethereum project and the critical events that followed. Below are some notable milestones in the history of Ethereum Classic:2015: The Ethereum mainnet was released. Launched on July 30, 2015, with its "Frontier" version, the Ethereum platform emerged as an innovative blockchain supporting smart contracts under the leadership of figures such as Vitalik Buterin and Gavin Wood. Ethereum Classic's roots naturally lie in this first Ethereum chain.2016: The DAO attack and hard fork. As mentioned above, approximately $50 million worth of Ether was stolen as a result of the DAO hack in June 2016. Following the voting and discussions held in July 2016, the Ethereum community split in two. With the hard fork that took place on July 20, 2016, the chain to which the stolen funds were returned was renamed Ethereum (ETH), while the original chain, which did not undergo the hard fork, was named Ethereum Classic (ETC). This split marked a significant milestone in crypto history. The actual release date of Ethereum Classic is July 2016.2017 - 2020: The independence of the ETC developer community. After the fork, Ethereum Classic began to chart its own course without the support of the Ethereum Foundation. For example, the "difficulty bomb" mechanism, designed by Ethereum for the future transition to Proof of Stake, was removed from the Ethereum Classic network. The "Die Hard" update in early 2017 postponed the difficulty bomb, but a fork in 2018 completely neutralized it, and the ETC network declared it would permanently remain on Proof of Work consensus. During this period, Ethereum Classic also reviewed its monetary policy, limiting the maximum supply to approximately 210 million ETC in December 2017 (ECIP-1017 update). Developers adapted some of Ethereum's innovations to the ETC network with updates such as Atlantis, Agharta, and Phoenix in 2019-2020, striving to keep the network current. These processes demonstrated that Ethereum Classic had established its own technical community and governance independent of Ethereum. 2020: Network security issues and consecutive 51% attacks. The Ethereum Classic network suffered several 51% attacks in 2020. Malicious miners leased sufficient hashing power to gain majority control of the network and execute double-spend transactions. The multiple 51% attacks, occurring within two weeks of each other in August 2020, posed a significant security concern for the ETC network. As a result of these attacks, exchanges were cautious about ETC transactions for a while, and developers took steps to strengthen the network. For example, the Ethash mining algorithm was modified with the "Thanos (ETChash) update," aiming to make it more difficult to share hashing power with Ethereum. ETC hashrate'indeki değişim. Kaynak: BitInfoCharts 2022: Ethereum's transition to PoS and the rise of Ethereum Classic. In September 2022, the Ethereum mainnet switched to Proof of Stake consensus with "The Merge" update. Following this development, Ethereum Classic emerged as the largest Proof of Work-based smart contract platform capable of processing transactions. While Ethereum miners sought alternatives for their devices with the transition to PoS, some shifted their hashing power to the Ethereum Classic network. This significantly increased the total processing power (hashrate) of the ETC network, and its security improved significantly. After 2022, Ethereum Classic became one of the largest Proof of Work cryptocurrencies, along with Bitcoin.2024: Spiral and 5M20 Era 5 update. In February 2024, the Ethereum Classic network successfully implemented a protocol update called Spiral. In May of the same year, 5M20 Era 5 (a 20% reduction in the block reward for block 20 million) went into effect. This was a significant step in supporting ETC's deflationary supply policy and reinforced the limited supply of the coin.2024: ETC Cooperative structures and PoW Summit. ETC Cooperative, which supports the Ethereum Classic community, announced the 2024 POW Summit and continued to provide resources for the platform's development. Additionally, some personnel changes were announced in the management and organizational structure at the end of the year.2025: Hashrate increase. ETChash network security is strengthening. Ethereum Classic continues to mine with the ETChash algorithm, and by 2025, the network's total hashrate exceeded 300 TH/s. This represents a significant increase in network security, comparable to Ethereum's hash rate during the DeFi era. Meanwhile, as of September 2025, the ETC price hovered around $20. Why Is Ethereum Classic Valuable?Several key features and principles make Ethereum Classic valuable. This value stems not only from technical details but also from the philosophy behind the project. Its commitment to the "code is law" principle, coupled with its secure and transparent Proof of Work-based operation, are among the elements that distinguish Ethereum Classic from other networks. Furthermore, its continuation of the original Ethereum chain, its limited supply, and its support for smart contracts give ETC both historical and practical significance. Generally, we can consider the following points regarding ETC's value:Being the Original Ethereum ChainEthereum Classic is a historical blockchain that continues its path without reverting any transaction history. Because it retains the original ledgers after the 2016 fork, some users consider it the "real Ethereum." This historical continuity adds ideological value to the project and attracts investors.Proof of Work-based Mining ModelThe ETC network, like Bitcoin, is secured by Proof of Work (PoW). Miners verify blocks of transactions using the Ethash algorithm and receive rewards in return. With the Ethereum mainnet now transitioning to PoS, Ethereum Classic has become a uniquely positioned mining platform for major cryptocurrencies. This fixed-supply PoW model offers a Bitcoin-style approach to digital scarcity and security, making it particularly appealing to investors focused on decentralization and security.Decentralization and ImmutabilityEthereum Classic, due to its founding philosophy, distances itself from the intervention of central authorities. As seen in the DAO, it advocated that smart contract code should not be altered "regardless of the consequences." This immutability principle is crucial, as it also underscores the blockchain's foundation of trust and transparency. Furthermore, because the project is not governed by a large foundation or leader but rather operates with a community focus, it strives to maintain as decentralized a structure as possible. In this respect, Ethereum Classic is valuable to users who believe that "code is law."Continued smart contract and dApp supportEthereum Classic maintains compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) because it maintains the original Ethereum codebase. This means that smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that can run on Ethereum can also run on Ethereum Classic at a basic level. While the developer ecosystem is not as large as Ethereum's, token issuance, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and similar applications continue to be possible on the network. This allows ETC to maintain its value as a platform with a wide range of uses.Technical SpecificationsThe main technical features and parameters of the Ethereum Classic (ETC) network can be summarized as follows:Consensus mechanism: Proof of Work. Ethereum Classic uses the PoW algorithm called Ethash, and miners verify transactions on the network using GPUs or ASICs.Token (cryptocurrency): The Ether Classic token, symbolized by the ETC symbol, is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum Classic network. The currency of Ethereum Classic is traded with the ticker symbol ETC, equivalent to "ETH" in Ethereum. Total supply: Limited to approximately 210 million ETC. A 2017 decision set Ethereum Classic's maximum supply at approximately 210.7 million. The fact that no new coins will be issued beyond this amount makes ETC similar to Bitcoin in terms of inflation. The current circulating supply is around 150 million as of 2024. Block rewards will be reduced by 20% every 5 million blocks (fifthening mechanism), eventually reaching a fixed supply. Smart contract support: Thanks to its Ethereum-compatible EVM infrastructure, smart contracts can be run. This means that Solidity-based smart contracts on Ethereum can also be run on Ethereum Classic with the necessary adjustments. This allows decentralized applications (dApps) to run on the ETC network.Block time: Average 13–15 seconds. The time it takes to create a new block on the Ethereum Classic blockchain is approximately 15 seconds, similar to Ethereum's legacy PoW era. This allows the network to maintain a transaction confirmation rate of approximately 10–20 transactions per second (Ethereum Classic faces similar scalability limitations to Ethereum).Use cases: The Ethereum Classic network can be used for value transfer, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. The ETC token is used to pay transaction fees (gas fees) on the network and can be considered a store of value. Developers can leverage Ethereum Classic's EVM compatibility to develop applications such as issuing tokens (e.g., ERC-20-like tokens), creating NFTs, or simple DeFi protocols. However, Ethereum Classic's ecosystem is more limited in size than its parent Ethereum counterpart.In summary, Ethereum Classic's value stems largely from the combination of its ideological stance (fidelity to the original chain and immutability) and its technical features (PoW mining, limited supply, smart contract capabilities). Its ability to offer a different path than Ethereum's current vision may be particularly appealing to investors who want to remain in the Ethereum ecosystem but are looking for something different.Who is the Founder of Ethereum Classic?Ethereum Classic doesn't have a single founder. It began life as an open-source blockchain maintained by a community of people who split from Ethereum's core team and disagreed with the fork decision. The original Ethereum project was founded by Vitalik Buterin and Gavin Wood, and Ethereum was launched in 2015 under their leadership. However, following the DAO crisis in 2016, Buterin and the majority of his team updated Ethereum with a hard fork, while Ethereum Classic was adopted by independent developers and miners who left this team. Therefore, it's more accurate to describe Ethereum Classic as a community movement that initially remained committed to its mission, rather than a single founder.After the fork, Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum Foundation continued to focus on the Ethereum (ETH) chain, while Ethereum Classic established its own volunteer ecosystem. Today, the ETC network is developed by non-profit organizations (such as groups like the Ethereum Classic Cooperative) and independent contributors. The Ethereum Classic protocol, managed by an open-source community, has no CEO, president, or official leader.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)We've covered much of what you need to know about this established altcoin project. However, despite all this, you may still have some questions. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers:When and why did Ethereum Classic emerge?: Ethereum Classic emerged in July 2016 following an attack on a smart contract called The DAO. To recover the funds stolen in this attack, the majority of the Ethereum community chose to reclaim the blockchain and perform a hard fork; however, some members disagreed with this decision. As a result of this disagreement, the original chain, which did not implement the hard fork, split off under the name Ethereum Classic and continued on its path with the principle of "code is law." In short, ETC was born from the split of Ethereum in 2016.What is the difference between Ethereum Classic and Ethereum?: While Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum (ETH) share the same origins, there are both technical and philosophical differences between them. The most significant difference is the decision made after the 2016 DAO attack: Ethereum reversed the effects of the attack by hard forking, while Ethereum Classic continued the original chain unchanged. Therefore, Ethereum Classic maintained its Proof of Work consensus, while Ethereum gradually transitioned to Proof of Stake. Furthermore, while Ethereum's token supply is unlimited, Ethereum Classic has a total supply limited to approximately 210 million. In short, ETH has a more popular and developed ecosystem, while ETC maintains the original structure with a more conservative approach.Who founded Ethereum Classic?: Ethereum Classic has no single founder; the project was started collectively by a segment of the Ethereum community. Ethereum founders Vitalik Buterin, Gavin Wood, and others created Ethereum in 2015, but after the 2016 fork, Ethereum Classic has been built and maintained by independent developers and miners who did not participate in the fork decision. Today, the ETC network is governed by the open-source community (i.e., development teams and volunteer contributors guide the project), not by a formal company or CEO. This makes Ethereum Classic a truly decentralized project.How does Ethereum Classic work?: Ethereum Classic is technically based on the original version of Ethereum. The network operates using a Proof of Work mechanism: Miners solve mathematical problems to validate transactions and add them to blocks, receiving ETC rewards in return. This process ensures the security of the network. Smart contracts can be run on the Ethereum Classic network using the EVM, allowing the network to function like a distributed computer. In other words, the ETC network serves both as a ledger recording cryptocurrency transfers and as a platform where developers can run code. Users can send and receive ETC through wallets, interact with smart contracts, and use dApps.Is Ethereum Classic limited, and what is its maximum supply?: Yes, Ethereum Classic's supply is limited. The maximum ETC supply is set at 210.7 million coins. This decision was implemented with an update in December 2017 and places Ethereum Classic in the category of limited-supply cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The current amount of ETC in circulation is approximately 150 million, and the minting of new coins is gradually slowing down, with a model where the block reward is reduced by 20% every 5 million blocks (fifthening). The final coin supply will reach around 210 million, and ETC will not be produced above this limit. Is Ethereum Classic secure?: Ethereum Classic is a blockchain whose security relies on Proof of Work mining. The network has experienced security issues at certain points in its history, particularly a series of 51% attacks in 2020, which raised concerns. Following these attacks, developers implemented some measures and began efforts to increase the network's hash rate. After Ethereum's transition to PoS in 2022, ETC's hash rate increased significantly, and the network became more secure with the participation of more miners. However, Ethereum Classic still doesn't have as large a mining network as Ethereum (ETH). Therefore, greater caution may be necessary in terms of security. As a result, the ETC network is currently considered reasonably secure and maintained by a large community, but given past events, it's important for users to monitor network security.Follow the JR Crypto Guide series for more content on Ethereum Classic and other important crypto projects.

1INCH/USDT Technical AnalysisAnalyzing the 1INCH chart, we can see a clear falling wedge pattern. The price of the coin has stuck between the upper and lower trendlines of the wedge for a long time. Such patterns usually end with an upside breakout, with a technical target equal to the height of the wedge.1INCH is currently trading around $0.25. Key short-term levels to follow are:$0.245 → first support level.$0.258 → aligns with the wedge’s upper trendline, acting as the nearest resistance.$0.275 and $0.297 → key resistance zones above. Falling Wedge Formation If an upward breakout happens according to a bullish scenario, the target—based on wedge height—points to the $0.34 area. Before reaching that level, the price must break above the intermediate resistances at $0.28 and $0.31.If the $0.245 support is lost according to a bearish scenario, the price may pull back to $0.23 and then $0.22. However, such retracements would not invalidate the wedge structure, and in fact could make the potential for an upward breakout even stronger.Overall, the pattern remains valid, and the $0.34 region stands out as the main technical target if the wedge breaks upward.(This analysis does not provide financial advice. Risk management and stop-loss strategies are strongly recommended.)

Japan is preparing new and stricter regulation for the cryptoasset market. The country's financial regulator, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), published a report proposing that cryptocurrencies be removed from the current Payment Services Act and regulated under the Financial Instruments and Exchanges Act (FIEA). This step aims to place crypto assets more in the same category as securities and strengthen investor protection.A clear message from the FSA: "Crypto issues are similar to securities"The report noted that many of the problems experienced in the crypto market are similar to those encountered in the securities market for years. The main problems highlighted by the FSA were vague white papers, inaccurate or incomplete information, unregistered activities, fraud cases, low risk tolerance, and exchange security vulnerabilities.Therefore, the agency stated that it would be appropriate to apply the same oversight and enforcement mechanisms currently offered by the FIEA to crypto. However, it should be noted that this report is not yet binding. The document in question is a draft of an idea submitted by the FSA secretariat to the Financial System Council. The final decision will be made by the government.Crypto on the rise in JapanThe report also highlights the growing economic importance of crypto assets in Japan. The total number of accounts opened on crypto exchanges in the country has surpassed 12 million. The total value of user deposits has exceeded 5 trillion yen (approximately $33.7 billion). This figure means that nearly one in 10 people has a crypto account.Meanwhile, the vast majority of investors in Japan engage in small-scale transactions. More than 80% of individual accounts have balances below $675. Furthermore, 70% of crypto investors are middle-income earners, and 86% are investing with the expectation of long-term price appreciation.Supportive messages from the governmentJapanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato also drew attention last month by stating that crypto assets could be included in diversified portfolios. While acknowledging high volatility, Kato emphasized that with proper regulations, the crypto market could become a safe haven for investors.What new rules might entail?If crypto is included in the FIEA:Issuers will be required to disclose detailed information in public offerings and secondary market transactions, similar to securities.Brokerage firms and brokers will be subject to stricter licensing and oversight.Strict measures will be implemented against unfair transactions and manipulation.Courts will be able to issue swift injunctions and preliminary injunctions against unregistered activities.

All eyes are on the US labor market this week. The ADP Employment Change report, which measures private sector employment, is expected to show that 68,000 new jobs were created in August. The data, to be released on Thursday, could directly impact not only the employment landscape but also the interest rate decision of the Federal Reserve (Fed), the US central bank. The data is expected to be released around 3:30 PM Turkish time.A critical threshold after July's shockWeak nonfarm payrolls (NFP) data released in July shook markets, sharply depressing the dollar and raising questions about the Fed's ability to maintain its tight monetary policy. The unexpected decline even led to the dismissal of a senior official at the Department of Labor. Therefore, investors will be more sensitive to the ADP's projections.Expectations point to a job gain of only 68,000 in August, following a 104,000 increase in July. This downward trend could reinforce signs of a cooling in the US economy.Fed and Trump PressureThis data will be the final employment report before the FOMC meeting on September 16-17. Chairman Jerome Powell had signaled that inflation is relatively easing and the impact of trade tariffs will be limited. This has increased the likelihood of a rate cut.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continues to harshly criticize the Fed for cutting interest rates more rapidly. According to data from the CME Group's Fed Watch Tool, markets are pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut in September at over 90%. A second cut before the end of the year is also a possibility.If the ADP data falls short of expectations, the Fed could consider a more aggressive rate cut. In this scenario, selling pressure on the US dollar could intensify. Conversely, while stronger-than-expected data may support the dollar in the short term, it appears unlikely the Fed will change its policy direction on its own. Markets will be determined by the nonfarm payrolls (NFP) data, to be released on Friday.How might cryptocurrencies be affected? Labor market data is also indirectly critical for cryptocurrency markets. A Fed interest rate cut could suppress the value of the dollar and increase the appetite for risky assets. This could strengthen liquidity flows in cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, very weak data could increase concerns about an economic slowdown and reduce risk appetite. In such a scenario, crypto markets could also be negatively affected by volatility.Ultimately, the ADP report will shape both the Fed's short-term roadmap and global market risk appetite. On the crypto side, the impact will be felt not directly, but through the dollar's course and investor psychology.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, the largest institutional buyer of leading altcoin Ethereum (ETH), announced its new acquisition. The company purchased $65 million worth of ETH for its Ethereum treasury. This marked the first purchase of September.BitMine Continues Ethereum AcquisitionBitMine, which continued to add assets to its Ethereum treasury in September, completed this acquisition in six transactions. According to tracking data from Arkham Intelligence, these transactions were finalized through Galaxy Digital's over-the-counter services. BitMine's acquisition comes at a particularly interesting time, as Ethereum reserves on centralized exchanges have fallen to their lowest levels in three years. It's also worth noting that Ethereum supply on exchanges has eroded by 38 percent since 2022. This is believed to be driven by institutional treasury purchases and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). BitMine shares are also being affected by these developments. The company's shares have gained 540% since the beginning of the year, rising 5.58% to $44.86 at the latest close. However, the shares have also declined approximately 67% since their peak in July.Other companies are also buying ETHCrypto-focused consulting firm Etherealize announced that it has closed a new $40 million investment round as part of its efforts to introduce Ethereum to Wall Street.The investment round was led by leading crypto venture capital firms such as Electric Capital and Paradigm. With this funding, Etherealize aims to develop tools and infrastructure to increase Ethereum's institutional adoption.Founded in January with the support of the Ethereum Foundation and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, the company argues that the financial world, in particular, is still insufficiently informed about ETH and blockchain technology. The company plans to provide training, consulting, and technical infrastructure solutions to address this gap. Danny Ryan, co-founder of Etherealize, stated that Ethereum has evolved from an experimental project into "the world's most tested open finance network" over the past decade. Ryan stated that with the funds they have raised, they will work to make the traditional financial system more secure and globally accessible.Year-end ETH forecast: Is $6,000 possible?Nick Forster, founder of crypto options platform Derive, argues that these developments could have a significant impact on the ETH price. According to Forster, if a rate cut is made in the near term and institutional buying continues, the probability of ETH reaching $6,000 by the end of the year could be as high as 44%.Similarly, Tom Lee of Fundstrat argues that ETH could reach $60,000 in the long term. Lee believes that Ethereum's integration with institutional finance could be a significant turning point, similar to the economic transformation of 1971.

OP/USDT Technical OutlookAnalyzing the OP chart, we see that a falling wedge pattern has already broken upward. Yet, after this breakout, the price did not gain strong momentum and is now moving sideways. We can state that this sideways consolidation is not negative – it often prepares the ground for a stronger move upward.OP is currently trading around the level $0.70. The nearest resistance is in the $0.84 – $0.91 zone. If this area breaks, the next targets are $1.12 and then $1.39 – $1.50. The $1.39 – $1.50 zone is very important since it overlaps with both horizontal resistance and the long-term downtrend line. If the price breaks this area with volume, medium-term targets could extend to $1.89 and even the wedge target at $2.77.On the downside, the first support is $0.66. If this level is lost, the decline could deepen toward $0.55.In short, the outlook for OP remains positive. As long as consolidation continues above support and resistances are broken step by step, the potential for a stronger rally is high. Falling Wedge Fracture These analyses, not offering any kind of investment advice, focus on support and resistance levels considered to offer trading opportunities in the short and medium term according to the market conditions. However, the user is responsible for their own actions and risk management. Moreover, it is highly recommended to use stop loss (SL) during the trades.

MAV/USDT Technical Analysis Dish Formation Analyzing the MAV chart, we see a clear cup pattern formation, the target of which points to the marked resistance area on the chart. MAV has strong potential to rise toward this target if a breakout occurs from here.After completing the cup, the price could make a short pullback to form a handle according to another possible scenario. In this case, the pattern would turn into a cup-and-handle, which often leads to even stronger bullish momentum after the breakout.In summary, the breakout zone should be watched closely. If an upside confirmation happens, a strong move toward the target can be expected.These analyses, not offering any kind of investment advice, focus on support and resistance levels considered to offer trading opportunities in the short and medium term according to the market conditions. However, the user is responsible for their own actions and risk management. Moreover, it is highly recommended to use stop loss (SL) during the trades.

ID/USDT Technical AnalysisThe ID chart has been moving inside a descending channel for a long time. Though the price has tested the upper band of the channel several times, no clear breakout has happened yet. Overall, the structure still shows that the price is in a downtrend. Falling Channel Formation Current price: $0.158Nearest resistance: $0.166Bullish scenario:If the price holds above $0.166, it could move towards $0.190 – $0.198.Breaking this zone would increase the chance of an upside breakout from the channel.Next targets could be $0.223, and if the breakout is confirmed, the price may reach $0.30 – $0.36 (measured by channel height).Bearish scenario:First support: $0.148Below that: $0.134 → $0.117 → $0.102Losing these levels could accelerate the downtrend.Overall, the chart suggests that the probability of an upside breakout is higher.These analyses, not offering any kind of investment advice, focus on support and resistance levels considered to offer trading opportunities in the short and medium term according to the market conditions. However, the user is responsible for their own actions and risk management. Moreover, it is highly recommended to use stop loss (SL) during the trades.

EDU/USDT Technical AnalysisThe EDU chart still shows a symmetrical triangle pattern on the daily timeframe. Price is moving between the falling resistance line above and the rising support line below. This structure usually signals strong moves once a breakout happens. Narrowing Triangle Structure Current Price: $0.1319Triangle middle support: $0.1286 (price is trying to hold above this)Key Resistance: $0.1338 (upper band of the triangle)Bullish Scenario: If price breaks and holds above $0.1338, momentum could increase.First target: $0.1496Next targets: $0.1674 – $0.1742If broken, price could extend to $0.1970Medium-term triangle target: $0.24Bearish Scenario:If price loses support:First support: $0.1286Next supports: $0.1200 → $0.1136If broken, price could fall to $0.10The symmetrical triangle is still valid, so traders should watch closely for breakout direction.These analyses, not offering any kind of investment advice, focus on support and resistance levels considered to offer trading opportunities in the short and medium term according to the market conditions. However, the user is responsible for their own actions and risk management. Moreover, it is highly recommended to use stop loss (SL) during the trades.
