See More

The exponential growth of blockchain cannot be overstated, as it has rightly been touted as the backbone of the next wave of technology. Among the several solutions it offers, easy and faster financial transactions have particularly received acclaim. 

The payment industry is rapidly adopting potential applications of blockchain to solve cross-payment problems. As a result, many platforms in the space seem keen to test out what efficiencies can be extracted from this emerging technology in the fastest and most disruptive way possible. Among several industries harnessing this technology is COTI. Tagged as “Currency of the Internet,” it explores the potential of blockchain technology and allows companies to build their own payment solution.  In this guide, you’ll learn everything about COTI.

What is COTI?

COTI, a short form for “currency of the internet,” is a layer 1 blockchain platform that offers decentralized payment solutions, enabling businesses, organizations, and governments to issue their own coins. For instance, users can build branded stablecoins to improve payment options for customers. 

As stated on the website, COTI is an enterprise-grade platform that embodies the next generation of digital currencies. Furthermore, it is claimed to be a payment system that is simple, transparent, reliable, fast, and scalable.

Just as seen with platforms in different sectors like Airbnb in the lodging industry and Uber in the transportation industry, COTI came up with a payment network that seeks to solve underlying problems in the fintech space. It aims to improve the online payment experience for both buyers and sellers. 

Ultimately, COTI brings common standards of the traditional financial industries into the blockchain space. These standards include financing, remittance, loyalty programs, and cross-platform payments with the basic use cases of DeFi. The network also has its own unique staking variant called Proof of Trust (PoT), a combination of PoW and DAG — to achieve consensus.

The platform has also introduced bank accounts and VISA debit cards to offer a direct and transparent connection between the fiat space and the crypto world. Among several partnership deals COTI closed is Cardano. The team has invested about half a million dollars into COTI, and it accepts ADA Pay with integration into many fiat currencies. 

The history of COTI

COTI was founded in Jun. 2017, and it’s headquartered at Line Wall Road in Gibraltar. COTI has a team of experienced experts who hail from various professional backgrounds but are united by a shared interest in blockchain, decentralization, and privacy. The team includes engineers, developers, bankers, and researchers from other relevant industries.

COTI has since committed to solving the problems associated with traditional trading services, including regulations, security issues, high-energy consumption, and a lack of broad trust in blockchain technology. It does this with its DAG-based protocol and a scalable framework that is fast and exclusive. As of Oct. 2021, the platform hit 10,000, and it seeks to process over 100,000 transactions per second (TPS).

How does COTI work?

As stated earlier, COTI was founded with the aim of building a decentralized payment network that allows businesses to attain maximum efficiency. It is made of components that put it to work, including Trustchaim, Multi DAG data structure, Node clusters, and Proof of Trust to reach consensus.

Trustchain is the underlying technology for the COTI ecosystem and products. This revolves around a unique agreement algorithm based on machine literacy. This significantly reduces transaction costs and boosts transaction speed, tagging trust scores to data and grouping it in chains. 

The network’s whitepaper indicated that Trustchain is based on a multi-directed acyclic graph (DAG) data structure, more like a graph than a blockchain. Multi DAG has been known to facilitate scalability. Unlike blockchain technology, Multi DAG is a data modeling or structuring tool that records transactions on top of one another; that is, multiple nodes can occur simultaneously.

Overall, the COTI platform combines infrastructure, services, and network layers to build a comprehensive payments solution that is customizable.  

Proof of Trust (PoT) consensus

COTI uses Proof of Trust as a consensus algorithm. Unlike Bitcoin’s PoW algorithm, Proof of Trust is energy efficient. As with PoW, instead of mining, Proof of Trust works by allocating each network user a Trust Score and using DAG to attain effective scalability. 

The aim of using Trust Score is to enhance good network behavior, reduce transaction fees, and improve good network service. For instance, with Bitcoin, an increase in scalability automatically means increased energy consumption. COTI uses multi DAGs to solve this issue. It names this cluster and tags each transaction to the user’s trust score. So to be a participant in the network, you need to be connected to prior transactions with the same Trust Score threshold.

As opposed to PoW, which linearly approves transactions, multiple transactions can occur simultaneously with PoT. This solves the scalability issue.

MultiDAG layer

To better understand this, let’s compare it to Ethereum’s MultiDAG. First, it’s vital to note that both are common decentralized infrastructure that serves as a gateway to many tokens and smart contracts while using one native token to run transactions.

/Related

More Articles

COTI utilizes MultiDAG to enable token issuers to brand their product and set their own rules according to their needs and use cases. COTI MultiDAG gives token issuers overall control over their network, they set up their own rules. This gives room for unlimited instances and tokens without any network degradation. 

MultiDAG instances retain all the inherent features of the COTI ecosystem, including low fees, speed, consistency, privacy, scalability, and regulatory compliances. So, when a transaction occurs on this MultiDAG, fees are in COTI, increasing the demand for the COTI coin and improving the value of the network.

MultiDAG 2.0

Following the release of Trustchain 2.0, the platform is already working on an improved version of MultiDAG tagged MultiDAG 2.0. The main feature of this is that users will be able to issue their tokens on the trust chain and at the same time transact using the tokens across multiple wallets such as COTI pay and other supported networks.

COTI for business

One of the main objectives of COTI is to offer optimized financial solutions to businesses. Through its COTI Pay, companies and organizations can process all types of payments. Also, COTI Pay can handle payments with stablecoins, credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and native coins.

With the new release of COTI Pay Business, users will also be able to use the new COTI Native assets as a funding method across retail and company transactions.

What makes COTI unique?

ido

COTI network seems to be different in multiple ways. First, it’s regarded as the first global platform built to create a stablecoin with stable prices, allowing users to issue their stablecoins and also have full control over their data.

Privacy is another distinct feature of COTI. The platform prioritizes data protection, as transactions cannot be tracked to a certain user. It does this by creating several addresses with a one-way hash for each sale.

COTI also seems secure, as users must go through Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and follow Anti Money Laundering rules to join the ecosystem.

Use cases of COTI

Processing tools

COTI platform is designing tools that will allow businesses to start processing payments from COTI Pay wallet holders. These tools will enable merchants to send invites to consumers who visit COTI Pay-based merchants’ websites but do not hold COTI Pay wallets. 

Also, merchants will be able to decide if they want to integrate their websites and payment method with COTI Pay through an API or iFrame. The integration process will be supported by major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, eBay, and Magento.

Debit cards

For an easy integration process, COTI Pay is giving users access to debit cards that connect directly to COTI Pay wallets. The idea behind this is to ease the payment process through COTI Pay wallets when dealing with users not using COTI Pay yet. 

COTI Pay users will be able to choose their preferred currency upon creating a virtual debit card. Also, the COTI-X feature helps users in dealing with different currencies. When a transaction is made using a card connected to a currency that does not match the payment currency, COTI-X values the currency and converts it to the equivalent amount of the card-linked currency. This improves transparency and removes the need for middlemen exchange fees.

Wallets

Another use case of COTI is offering a multi-currency wallet that gives fast and seamless access to COTI Pay. These wallets are compatible with many consumer payment methods. 

Peer to peer transactions

COTI Pay users will be able to make quick and safe transfers to their peers who hold COTI Pay wallets. Notably, these transfers come with negligible fees (depending on the users’ Trust Scores and the chosen currency).

Nearby wallet-to-wallet transactions

COTI Pay wallet holders will also be able to transfer funds securely and instantly to other COTI Pay wallet holders via near physical proximity.

Safe storage of digital and fiat currencies

Like bank accounts, COTI Pay users can use their COTI Pay wallets to save funds in digital and fiat currencies. In addition, they will be able to deposit funds into their COTI Pay wallets using cards, bank wire, and popular cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum.

The COTI Treasury: deposit and earn

COTI Treasury incorporates rewards from COTI’s ecosystem products and services into one platform. Similar to other lending platforms, users can deposit COTI in a pool and get incentives for their stake via the Treasury. Launched in Feb. 2022, over 330 million COTI tokens have been deposited into the Treasury. The pool keeps growing from the money collected from the COTI product ecosystem.

You can stake by depositing your COTI into the Treasury pool and add to your active deposits with more tokens any time you wish. Deposits will earn an APY in Treasury rewards (COTI) based on the deposit multiplier and the lock period. Furthermore, deposits give users a right to the ecosystem and a share of the overall treasury pool. 

After you have deposited your COTI coins, you can add more of them and withdraw the deposits and rewards. Once the set locked period has elapsed, you can set a new lock period, which is usually 30 days, three months, six months, or a year.

What is the COTI token?

the COTI token

COTI is the native currency of the COTI ecosystem. COTI uses Proof of Trust to secure the network, so it’s energy-efficient. The token operates on three different mainnets: Trustchain, Ethereum, and BNB Chain.

  • Trustchain: COTI’s native mainnet
  • Ethereum: COTI supports the ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network. As a result, it’s traded on major exchanges and wallets. 
  • BNB Chain: COTI also exists on BEP-2 and BEP-20.  

Tokenomics

Currently, COTI is trading at $0.109, with a circulating supply of 1.05 billion tokens and a 2 billion total supply. The platform’s present market cap is about $115 million.

Token allocation

  • Token sale: This covers both private and public sales, with a locked-up period of up to 24 months. It accounted for 30% of the total token supply.
  • Reserve: The platform kept 22% of the total token supply in reserve. It will be used to boost the growth and stability of the network. In addition, COTI holders may be able to purchase tokens released from the reserve later in the future. 
  • Team: The team will be given tokens as incentives for early involvement and continuous effort in stabilizing the network. The token is locked up for the first six months, then released every quarter over 24 months. Also, they get 15% of the total token supply. 
  • Partners and Advisors: They get 10% of the total supply in recognition of the resources they provide to develop COTI projects
  • Validators and users: 13% of the token supply goes to the network validators to recognize their early participation.
  • Liquidity: 10% of the total token supply is also given to provide liquidity to the thriving COTI market.

Primarily, COTI is used to transact within the ecosystem. This includes fees and staking. The network also offers a wide range of potential payments and other applications to boost token utility and stability. Likewise, COTI holders can deposit funds to the treasury pool for DeFi staking and earn rewards. Asides from payment, COTI holders can also use a bridge to transact between two different blockchains. 

Token governance

To run a Full Node, users must stake 100,000 COTI for each node and set the fee they are willing to charge per transaction. 

Likewise, they can stake 250,000 COTI to run an Advanced Node and get a 25% APY.

COTI node operators are rewarded for their services in a fair, efficient, and flexible manner. The rewards are based on fee distribution mechanisms and staking requirements.

Roadmap

COTI ecosystem was founded in Jun. 2017 and released its whitepaper three months later in Sep. 2017. The following briefly details the roadmap. 

  • Token 1 Sale – Jun. 2018
  • Test net release – Dec. 2018
  • Mainnet – Jun. 2019
  • IEO – Jun. 2019
  • Staking – Mar. 2021
  • Main net upgrade – Jun. 2021
  • Launch of Treasury- Sep. 2021
  • COTI Mainnet 2.0 – Nov. 2021

It has also announced its plans for 2022, including MultiDAG 2.0, Coin As A Service, Treasury Upgrades, and Djed launch.

Price and price prediction

COTI price
COTI price: TradingView

Several trading experts have made predictions on COTI prices in the crypto space. For example, in May 2022, Wallet Investor’s COTI price prediction predicted that the coin would trade at $0.38 in May 2023 and then cancel the zero and trade at $1.1 in 2027.

Another price prediction from Gov Capital shows that the price will go from $0.83 in 2023 to about $5.1 in 2027.

It’s, however, important to note that the crypto marketer is volatile, and nothing is assured. Therefore, before buying any coin, you must do your own research and follow your trading plan. Furthermore, you should never invest more than you can afford to lose.

How to buy COTI

crypto buying Visa crypto payments increasing in Q1 2022 - beincrypto.com

COTI is listed on many popular exchanges, including Binance, BinanceUS, and Coinbase. Follow these steps to buy COTI on Binance.

  1. Register or log in to your Binance account if you already have an account. 
  2. Click on the market tab: This is down on the homepage beside the Home button. Upon clicking, it will bring out many available coin pairs, and search for COTI. It will also display relevant coins COTI is paired with. Choose one based on your preference.
  1. Click COTI/USDT: Upon doing this, you will see the price chart, then you can use different order types, such as a Limit, Stop Limit, and Market order. 
  1. Click Buy.

Insert the amount you wish to buy, and you will be credited.

What is the future of COTI Like?

COTI’s targeted market is the fintech industry. This is a huge market need, as many projects have not been able to solve the cross-border issues and other problems in the payment industry. 

The project might have a good market share and be a good payment service provider. However, the platform is still very young and for it to achieve complete scalability, full adoption of merchants, market makers, and mediators needs to be achieved.

Frequently asked questions

Is COTI a good crypto?

What is COTI in crypto?

Can I buy COTI crypto?

What is COTI used for?

Top crypto platforms | April 2024

Trusted

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, the educational content on this website is offered in good faith and for general information purposes only. BeInCrypto prioritizes providing high-quality information, taking the time to research and create informative content for readers. While partners may reward the company with commissions for placements in articles, these commissions do not influence the unbiased, honest, and helpful content creation process. Any action taken by the reader based on this information is strictly at their own risk. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

Ayotomiwa-Oladotun.jpg
Ayotomiwa Oladotun
Ayotomiwa is a tech writer and marketer focused on blockchain, crypto, DeFi, the metaverse, and NFTs. Ayotomiwa works with a number of emerging tech startups and crypto exchange platforms, including being the content manager for BeArt LLC. Ayotomiwa holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
READ FULL BIO
Sponsored
Sponsored