Coin98
About Coin98
Coin98 is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform and non-custodial wallet solution for multiple crypto assets and blockchains. The platform aims to build a multi-chain world and provide comprehensive DeFi services including swap, staking, yield farming, and more.
Launched in 2018 by two Vietnamese co-founders, Coin98 has quickly become a leading DeFi gateway in both the global and Vietnamese crypto market. It has over 3 million users as of 2024 and provides support for 13 blockchains including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Polygon, BSC, OEC, Arbitrum etc.
Coin98 offers easy and secure access to DeFi for both beginners and advanced crypto traders and investors. Its non-custodial Coin98 Wallet supports a wide range of crypto assets and enables various DeFi transactions and services under one platform. The unique value proposition has made Coin98 a popular choice in the growing DeFi space.
History and Background
Coin98 Finance came into existence thanks to the efforts of Thanh Le and Nguyen The Vinh, who established the company in 2017. Nguyen has taken on the role of CEO at Coin98 Finance, the entity responsible for the cryptocurrency token named Coin98 (C98). The platform officially began its operations in January 2020. According to data from CoinMarketCap, there is a total supply of 1 billion C98 coins, with approximately 216 million of these currently in circulation.
Key Features of Coin98
The Coin98 ecosystem is designed with several key features that set it apart from other platforms in the DeFi space. These include:
- Multi-chain Compatibility: Coin98 operates across multiple blockchain networks, ensuring users can interact with various DeFi products and services without being limited to a single chain.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform prioritizes ease of use, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users in the DeFi space.
- Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Aggregator: Coin98 integrates several DEXs across different networks, offering users the best possible rates for their swaps.
- Cross-chain Bridge: Facilitates the seamless transfer of assets between different blockchain networks, enhancing liquidity and connectivity in the DeFi ecosystem.
Products and Services
Coin98 offers a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to cater to the diverse needs of its users. These include:
- Coin98 Wallet: A multi-chain wallet that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies across various blockchains, providing users with a one-stop solution for managing their digital assets.
- Coin98 Exchange: A decentralized exchange aggregator that enables users to swap tokens across different chains at the best rates.
- Space Gate: A cross-chain bridge that allows for the seamless transfer of assets between different blockchain ecosystems.
- Coin98 Labs: An innovation hub that focuses on developing new tools and services to further enhance the DeFi ecosystem.
C98 Token and Tokenomics
The utility and governance token that powers Coin98 ecosystem is called C98 token. It is deployed on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain as ERC-20 and BEP-20 token respectively.
The key utilities that make C98 valuable within the ecosystem are:
- Protocol fee reduction: C98 holders can use the token for a discounted fee on transactions like trading, cross-chain transfers etc. across Coin98 products
- Staking Yields: C98 can be staked on the platform for up to 150% APY yields. It also provides fee share model and governance rights.
- Pay gas fees: C98 can be used to pay for the gas fees instead of ETH or BNB when transacting on Ethereum or BSC blockchains.
There is a maximum supply cap of 1 billion C98 tokens. The initial circulating supply at launch was under 100 million tokens which the founders say will increase slowly over coming years based on product adoption and revenue yet keeping supply optimal.
Competitor Analysis
The decentralized wallet and DeFi gateway solutions space has seen innovation with key competitors like MetaMask, SafePal, TokenPocket, MathWallet etc. having unique value propositions.
Being the market leader, MetaMask sets standard on features like permissionless token swaps, third-party dApp integrations and self-custody for Web3 applications. However, Coin98 differentiates itself through focus on multi-chain rather single chain like Ethereum.
Asia centric wallets like SafePal, TokenPocket and MathWallet have gained adoption owing to localization and mobile-first approach. Coin98 balances both global and specific appeal especially across Vietnam & Southeast Asia markets.
Feature wise, Coin98 aims to provide a comprehensive DeFi experience directly in its wallet avoiding need for multiple platforms. The multi-chain swaps, staking dashboard, aggregated DEX/AMMs liquidity are key advantages.
Risks and Critiques
While Coin98 brings innovation into DeFi wallet solutions, there are certain critique around its tokenomics design and centralization risks.
The C98 token use cases are still developing with staking/fees reductions currently limited in utility value. Also supply control by the founding team has faced criticism by few as going against decentralization ethos.
Security remains paramount for wallets and incidents like private key risk can damage trust. Coin98 claims robust infrastructure yet being self-custodial, user diligence is equally important. There is also dependency risk with underlying blockchain vulnerabilities.
The competing landscape is seeing rapid innovation so Coin98 would need to differentiate itself on wallet features as well as token circulating supply management as adoption grows globally.
Conclusion
In summary, Coin98 brings a comprehensive multi-chain wallet solution with integrated DeFi services for both retail and institutions. Its non-custodial approach balancing security, decentralization and usability has driven adoption especially across Asia.
If Coin98 continues innovating features across chains while decentralizing token distribution and platform governance, it can cement its position as a leading gateway to the emerging multi-chain DeFi world.