Promising blockchain project Cardstack wants to use blockchain to make the app industry less isolated and fragmented.
Cardstack
Apps are astoundingly popular. The Google Play store alone features around 2.8 million apps, and in 2017 there were an estimated 178.1 billion app downloads worldwide. These are impressive stats for such a young market. But they aren’t really surprising – we’ve all been witnesses to the explosive growth in the app market over the last few years.
Apps represent a new era of tech and software. They’ve changed our lives in countless ways and will continue to do so, but they’re also bound to experience some growing pains.
There isn’t much integration between separate apps, and developers can find it tough to make money from their software. Let’s take a deeper look at these issues, and why they’re becoming a problem.
Some issues to work through
Apps right now are isolated from each other. They often don’t support combination and integration of software, forcing users to manage lots of different subscriptions and handle a collection of entirely separate apps.
That’s time-consuming and frustrating, with the result that most users stick to just a handful of regular and familiar apps. They’re unwilling to bring in much new tech, as the burden of managing so many different applications isn’t worth it.
That’s demanding enough for tech people, but it could be a deal-breaker for the typical user without much grounding in blockchain technology. And if dApps want to hit the mainstream and become a serious market, they need to target typical users.
Users aren’t the only ones losing out from this current model – developers are also taking a hit. That’s because people have become accustomed to getting their apps for free; almost nobody is prepared to pay money for an app download unless it’s delivering serious value. That makes it hard for developers to make money from one-off app downloads.
As we’ve moved to a cloud-based subscription model, new problems have arisen. People aren’t happy managing multiple subscriptions and find it annoying and frustrating. This means passionate and talented app developers are finding it hard to monetize their work.
Fortunately, there is a solution to all of these issues. It involves fighting against the centralization in the app industry and bringing traditional apps into contact with dApps. Many people think blockchain technology could be crucial to this process.
Blockchain can bring apps and dApps together
Promising blockchain project Cardstack wants to use blockchain to make the app industry less isolated and fragmented. Blockchain is perfect for this kind of job, as it’s well suited to building decentralized networks with no reliance on a third party or central point.
Cardstack are building a platform where users can mix and match between apps and also dApps. They can combine the best features of apps and move easily between different ones without the difficulties currently required.
By grouping apps together this way, it makes life much easier for users. They no longer have to juggle multiple subscriptions and downloads and can draw on the benefits of more apps with less effort.
“What we’re building is the user experience layer of the decentralized internet, the human layer. Crypto is so hard to use, and there is a big blind spot within the blockchain industry. we need to make crypto more friendly, usable and also empathize with the users, and build things that allow people to use this amazing technology without necessarily the need the cryptography getting in the way. We’re trying to make it easy and fun to use crypto” says Chris Tse, founder of Cardstack.
Chris Tse, Founder of Cardstack
The platform will run on CARD tokens, which users spend to access apps. This currency is then distributed to the app developers based on which software was most popular — ensuring they get fairly compensated for creating apps that people like.
Through Cardstack’s Tally software, some transactions that would normally be carried out on-chain are instead dealt with off the blockchain. In simple terms, this means the strain on the Ethereum blockchain (that dApps rely on) is greatly reduced. That brings more speed and efficiency and allows dApps to do a lot more.
These kinds of changes are necessary if dApps are to really hit the mass market. It makes them more user-friendly and encourages wider use of blockchain technology.
By solving the problems with apps, and making dApps more accessible to the average person, blockchain could be the perfect tool to help this industry break through its stumbling blocks and hit new levels of growth.
Disclaimer: This is a contributed article and should not be taken as investment advice
Apps are astoundingly popular. The Google Play store alone features around 2.8 million apps, and in 2017 there were an estimated 178.1 billion app downloads worldwide. These are impressive stats for such a young market. But they aren’t really surprising – we’ve all been witnesses to the explosive growth in the app market over the last few years.
Apps represent a new era of tech and software. They’ve changed our lives in countless ways and will continue to do so, but they’re also bound to experience some growing pains.
There isn’t much integration between separate apps, and developers can find it tough to make money from their software. Let’s take a deeper look at these issues, and why they’re becoming a problem.
Some issues to work through
Apps right now are isolated from each other. They often don’t support combination and integration of software, forcing users to manage lots of different subscriptions and handle a collection of entirely separate apps.
That’s time-consuming and frustrating, with the result that most users stick to just a handful of regular and familiar apps. They’re unwilling to bring in much new tech, as the burden of managing so many different applications isn’t worth it.
That’s demanding enough for tech people, but it could be a deal-breaker for the typical user without much grounding in blockchain technology. And if dApps want to hit the mainstream and become a serious market, they need to target typical users.
Users aren’t the only ones losing out from this current model – developers are also taking a hit. That’s because people have become accustomed to getting their apps for free; almost nobody is prepared to pay money for an app download unless it’s delivering serious value. That makes it hard for developers to make money from one-off app downloads.
As we’ve moved to a cloud-based subscription model, new problems have arisen. People aren’t happy managing multiple subscriptions and find it annoying and frustrating. This means passionate and talented app developers are finding it hard to monetize their work.
Fortunately, there is a solution to all of these issues. It involves fighting against the centralization in the app industry and bringing traditional apps into contact with dApps. Many people think blockchain technology could be crucial to this process.
Blockchain can bring apps and dApps together
Promising blockchain project Cardstack wants to use blockchain to make the app industry less isolated and fragmented. Blockchain is perfect for this kind of job, as it’s well suited to building decentralized networks with no reliance on a third party or central point.
Cardstack are building a platform where users can mix and match between apps and also dApps. They can combine the best features of apps and move easily between different ones without the difficulties currently required.
By grouping apps together this way, it makes life much easier for users. They no longer have to juggle multiple subscriptions and downloads and can draw on the benefits of more apps with less effort.
“What we’re building is the user experience layer of the decentralized internet, the human layer. Crypto is so hard to use, and there is a big blind spot within the blockchain industry. we need to make crypto more friendly, usable and also empathize with the users, and build things that allow people to use this amazing technology without necessarily the need the cryptography getting in the way. We’re trying to make it easy and fun to use crypto” says Chris Tse, founder of Cardstack.
Chris Tse, Founder of Cardstack
The platform will run on CARD tokens, which users spend to access apps. This currency is then distributed to the app developers based on which software was most popular — ensuring they get fairly compensated for creating apps that people like.
Through Cardstack’s Tally software, some transactions that would normally be carried out on-chain are instead dealt with off the blockchain. In simple terms, this means the strain on the Ethereum blockchain (that dApps rely on) is greatly reduced. That brings more speed and efficiency and allows dApps to do a lot more.
These kinds of changes are necessary if dApps are to really hit the mass market. It makes them more user-friendly and encourages wider use of blockchain technology.
By solving the problems with apps, and making dApps more accessible to the average person, blockchain could be the perfect tool to help this industry break through its stumbling blocks and hit new levels of growth.
Disclaimer: This is a contributed article and should not be taken as investment advice
Panda Trading Systems Marks Its 20th Year as a Diamond Sponsor of iFX EXPO 2026
Featured Videos
FM Daily Brief – 9 June 2026
FM Daily Brief – 9 June 2026
FM Daily Brief – 9 June 2026
FM Daily Brief – 9 June 2026
Today’s Tuesday, the 9th of June 2026, and these are our main stories: eToro’s customer assets climbed back above $20 billion, Prop trading model in prediction markets, and Leverate launched a new AI assistant for brokers and traders.
Today’s Tuesday, the 9th of June 2026, and these are our main stories: eToro’s customer assets climbed back above $20 billion, Prop trading model in prediction markets, and Leverate launched a new AI assistant for brokers and traders.
Today’s Tuesday, the 9th of June 2026, and these are our main stories: eToro’s customer assets climbed back above $20 billion, Prop trading model in prediction markets, and Leverate launched a new AI assistant for brokers and traders.
Today’s Tuesday, the 9th of June 2026, and these are our main stories: eToro’s customer assets climbed back above $20 billion, Prop trading model in prediction markets, and Leverate launched a new AI assistant for brokers and traders.
War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
