In 2023, we navigated through a rapidly changing market with steady progress, embracing continuous exploration and innovation. Faced with volatile market conditions, where to buy Bitkub Coin remained steadfast in its mission and core principles, committed to delivering exceptional service. Our achievements spanned across key areas such as business expansion, product innovation, enhancing brand impact, and adhering to regulatory standards. Our efforts in security were particularly notable. These included innovative developments in our proof of reserve system, strides in global compliance, and strengthened security technologies.

This Gate.io 2023 annual report offers a retrospective look at our accomplishments and challenges over the past year, as well as an outlook on the opportunities and potential that lie ahead. Join us as we journey through this report, witnessing Gate.io’s ongoing growth and evolution.

Report Summary

- In 2023, Gate.io achieved a remarkable trading volume of $1.72 trillion, with spot trading surpassing $590 billion. The platform’s user base expanded to nearly 15 million.

- The year saw the addition of 362 new tokens, increasing the total offering to 1,871. Notably, over 7 million users participated in complimentary airdrops on Startup, our token launch platform.

- Gate.io was a frontrunner in the BRC20 market, introducing 31 types of In_script_ion tokens. These accounted for an average 33.77% share of In_script_ion tokens held on exchanges, with more than 74% leading in trading volume on CoinMarketCap.

- Gate.io Finance reached the one million user milestone, with an impressive fund accumulation of $768 million USDT. The Lend & Earn platform also saw substantial growth, reaching $690 million.

- Our Proof of Reserve (PoR) program underwent significant upgrades with the integration of zero-knowledge proof technology, resulting in a reserve fund of $4.3 billion and a 115.47% reserve ratio.

- Our Proof of Reserves implementation successfully underwent a rigorous security audit by Hacken, a leading blockchain security firm, earning high commendation.

- Gate Group acquired licenses or completed related registrations in Gibraltar, Bahamas, and Australia, expanding its global footprint.

- The launch of the Gate Web3 Wallet marked a significant step, seamlessly integrating payment solutions (Gate Pay & Gate Card) with on/off-ramp services (Gate OTC & Gate Connect).

- The brand underwent a transformative renewal, exploring and embodying new brand values. This year also marked a significant milestone – the 10th-anniversary celebration with our global user community.

- Gate Charity celebrated its first year, extending its philanthropic reach across 16 countries and positively impacting over 140,000 individuals.

- We actively contributed to the crypto and Web3 community, participating in and hosting over 130 events worldwide, including sponsoring major global summits like Token 2049.

Business Growth

Overall Data Growth

2023 was a year of development and expansion for Gate.io, with spot trading volumes exceeding $590 billion USDT and contract trading volumes surpassing $1.1 trillion USDT. The number of registered users saw a significant increase, with total registrations exceeding 15 million by the end of 2023. In terms of reserve funds, the latest Proof of Reserve (PoR) total assets stood at $4.3 billion. This represents an increase of $1.1 billion from the reserve fund total in November 2023, a growth of 36%.

Traffic Growth

In 2023, Gate.io experienced a significant increase in platform traffic. Data indicates that the average monthly visits surged from 6 million in January to over 15 million by December, an increase of 2.5 times or more than 150%. This remarkable growth not only reflects a substantial rise in user activity but also highlights Gate.io’s continuous efforts to provide an exceptional cryptocurrency trading experience. This commitment not only drove an increase in user numbers but also achieved notable success in user engagement and overall platform activity.

Token Expansion

In 2023, Gate.io significantly expanded its offerings by introducing 362 new tokens, increasing the total to 1,871 listed tokens. This expansion positions Gate.io at the forefront among centralized exchanges for the variety of tokens offered, as highlighted in the TokenInsight 2023 Exchange Report. Notably, the addition of new tokens on our platform closely mirrored the fluctuation trends in Bitcoin prices. Our commitment as a trading platform is unwavering in providing our users with a diverse and extensive range of trading assets, enhancing their trading experience and options.

Startup Launchpad

Gate.io Startup, the world’s largest blockchain launchpad, offers users a unique opportunity to explore emerging projects, participate in airdrop sub_script_ions, and receive project tokens for free.

In 2023, Startup introduced 277 projects, distributing a total of $16,211,300 in airdrops to over 7 million participants.

The range of project categories was diverse and included BRC20, In_script_ions, Memes, DePIN, AI, Metaverse, Layer1, Layer2, GameFi, DeFi, NFT, Infrastructure, Protocol, and Platform. Notable projects within the In_script_ions category included Ordinals (ORDI), SATS (SATS), MultiBit (MUBI), Pepe (PEPEBRC), and Sols (SOLS).

This year marked a significant enhancement in the user experience for Startup. We streamlined the operational process, substantially lowering the entry threshold. Now, anyone with as little as $10 in spot assets can effortlessly participate and qualify for free airdrops. Additionally, VIP users benefit from increased sub_script_ion rights, with higher VIP levels offering more extensive sub_script_ion options. Our commitment is unwavering in making token airdrops more accessible to a broader audience and in contributing robustly to the growth of the industry.

In_script_ion Infrastructure

In 2023, Gate.io was the first centralized exchange to integrate BRC20, leading the development of the In_script_ion market. In terms of data, we listed over 30 In_script_ion tokens, with an average 33.77% share of In_script_ion tokens held on exchanges. The 24-hour trading volume reached an impressive 23,361,700, with over 70% of these In_script_ion tokens ranking first in trading volume on CoinMarketCap. In product development, we continued to innovate in the In_script_ion segment, launching two new products: In_script_ion Navigator and In_script_ion Launchpad, providing a wide range of trading options for blockchain innovators and investors.

In_script_ion Navigation

In_script_ion Navigation is a one-stop on-chain data aggregation platform covering the Ordinals and In_script_ion ecosystem. It offers the latest data, extensive charts, and comprehensive information in an intuitive format. This tool helps users save time when searching and accessing In_script_ion markets, tokens, and information.

In_script_ion Launchpad

Focusing on the issuance and sub_script_ion of In_script_ion projects, In_script_ion Launchpad utilizes a fair distribution mechanism to ensure project transparency and security. It effectively prevents front-running by bots, mass inscribing, and monopolization by whales. This solution addresses the challenge of fair distribution. Users can participate in sub_script_ions at no cost, choosing to retrieve distribution when the project matures or when gas fees are low, without worrying about high fees or complex tasks. This enables easy participation in hot project launches in the Ordinals and In_script_ion ecosystems. We support multiple on-chain protocols, such as BRC20/DRC20/LRC20, and plan to extend support beyond the BTC and ETH ecosystem to include Litecoin, Dogecoin, and more.

In_script_ion Market

Currently, the In_script_ion Market fully supports In_script_ions on Bitcoin and Ethereum and will gradually include Dogecoin, Litecoin, and TON blockchains. We offer comprehensive trading services for BRC20 tokens and BTC NFTs, including purchasing, selling, deploying, minting, and transferring.

Gate.io Finance

In 2023, Gate.io significantly enhanced its financial products, introducing Lend & Earn, adding 14 Dual Investment markets, and launching new features like Rapid Fixed Investment, Extra Reward Pools, and Multi-Term Fixed Finance. This led to a user base of one million in financial products, with the annual fund volume reaching $768 million USDT.

Lend & Earn

Lend & Earn demonstrated robust performance this year, funds allocated by users on Lend & Earn reached $690 million and a cumulative deposit of USD 2.89 billion. Supporting over 500 types of cryptocurrencies, it launched new features like API integration, automatic reinvestment of interest, and immediate redemption, significantly improving user experience and asset utilization.

HODL & Earn

HODL & Earn experienced strong growth this year. The platform introduced over 140 new cryptocurrency financial products, with an average coin-based return rate of 150% and a fixed USDT return rate of 8%, offering users a diverse range of coin-based finance products. Catering to different financial needs, we launched multi-term mainstream cryptocurrency finance products, ranging from as short as 3 days to as long as 90 days, offering more flexibility in annualized terms. Additionally, the automatic reinvestment feature allows for hassle-free compounding returns, enhancing the potential for higher returns.

Auto-Invest

Auto-Invest offers a flexible asset ratio method, with automatic, time-saving investments that average out costs and accumulate wealth over time. In 2023, this approach achieved significant success, with an average return rate of 30.78% and over 60,000 investment strategies. To improve trading efficiency, we introduced a Rapid Fixed Investment function, aiding users in more precise spot trading decisions and strategy formulation.

Dual Investment Product

In this fiscal year, the sub_script_ion amount for Dual Investment Product neared $100 million. Not only did we launch short-term products to enable more flexible market participation, but continuous reinvestment also strengthened the compounding effect, accelerating asset appreciation. Currently supporting up to 16 types of cryptocurrencies, Dual Investment has opened new avenues in wealth management for our users.

Asset Security Solution

Proof of Reserve (PoR)

This year, we significantly advanced our Proof of Reserve (PoR) program by implementing Zero-Knowledge Proof technology (zk-SNARKs). Gate.io has been utilizing the Merkle Tree PoR approach since 2020, regularly presenting users with independently verifiable reserve amounts and ratios to ensure the security of their funds. In January 2024, we successfully passed an extensive security audit by Hacken, with our current wallet balance holding $4.3 billion in digital assets and a reserve ratio of 115.47%, indicating an excess deposit of $584 million.

The latest PoR report encompasses over 170 digital assets, the most of any exchange, with each maintaining a reserve ratio exceeding 100% of user balances. Users can also visit our 100% Proof of Reserves webpage to independently verify their account, reserve data, and access more detailed stats and information.

Collaboration with Hacken for PoR Security Audit

In 2023, Gate.io expanded its partnership with the blockchain security firm Hacken to bolster platform security and smart contract audits. Hacken conducted regular penetration tests to thoroughly assess vulnerabilities in various Gate.io applications, while maintaining the integrity of the platform’s security mechanisms. These initiatives aimed to further enhance user confidence and protection, assisting Gate.io in improving the safety and transparency of its Proof of Reserve (PoR) scheme.

Hacken’s latest report highlights Gate.io’s PoR as excelling in cryptographic frameworks and code organization. The upgrades implemented in 2023, along with the third-party audits of the PoR scheme, signify Gate.io’s innovation in digital asset security and transparency. This not only sets new standards of safety and clarity for the industry but also actively contributes to the development and progress in the digital asset domain.

Security, Compliance, and Collaboration

Global Licensing and Registrations

Reflecting on 2023, the Gate Group successfully acquired digital currency-related licenses and completed VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) registrations in multiple jurisdictions. These achievements included obtaining a DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) license in Gibraltar, approval from the SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) for digital asset operations, and completing VASP registrations in Australia and other regions. Gate Group is committed to further expanding its compliance across more countries and business areas. Our progress in global compliance and business development underscores our firm belief in the value and potential of cryptocurrency. Gate Group will continue to adhere to local laws and regulations, offering safe, transparent, and reliable digital asset services to users worldwide.

Local Compliant Offices

Gate Group has established local compliance stations in Malta, Hong Kong, Lithuania, and Turkey, among others, providing secure and compliant digital asset services to local users. We plan to continue expanding the coverage of our local compliance stations, offering high-quality cryptocurrency services to more countries and regions.

Collaboration with Sumsub in KYC/AML

where to buy Bitkub Coin has partnered with Sumsub, a leader in customer verification (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML), and transaction monitoring solutions for virtual asset services. Utilizing Sumsub’s AML screening, KYC, and Travel Rule solutions, Gate.io has streamlined the user onboarding process while complying with global cryptocurrency AML regulations. This partnership brings a truly secure and seamless onboarding experience to cryptocurrency users worldwide.

GT Token Burn Report

In 2023, Gate.io enthusiastically embraced Web3 development, strategically expanding into the Web3 ecosystem and constructing a suite of rich Web3 services. These include wallets, decentralized trading, financial management, mining, and other high-quality products, all supported by GT (GateToken), the utility and gas fee token on the GateChain public blockchain.

Since the launch of GateChain in 2019, GT has been consistently burned (removed from circulation), reducing its total token supply from the initial 300 million to 140 million (~53%), with ongoing reductions. In 2023, a total of 7,384,578.6502212 GT tokens were burned, accounting for approximately 7.1% of the effective circulating supply. We are committed to continuing our token burn policy in a legal and compliant manner.

GT burn data can be tracked and verified on Etherscan. Our ongoing execution of the GT burn policy is aimed at maintaining the token’s value stability and providing users with high-performance, low-cost Web3 solutions. In the future, transaction transfers on GateChain will become more frequent and efficient, bringing added convenience and value to our users.

Ecosystem Innovation

Gate Web3 Wallet

In 2023, Gate Web3 made significant strides in the decentralized services sector. The Gate Web3 wallet supports 43 mainstream blockchains and tens of thousands of token assets, offering users the convenience of multi-chain asset management and optional one-click cloud backup. The cloud backup feature encrypts all sensitive account information with multiple layers of security and stores it in the cloud. When users switch devices, they can easily restore all their data simply by entering their cloud backup password. The Gate Web3 wallet added 1,755,902 new on-chain wallets, reflecting a high level of user trust and acceptance for decentralized wallets.

Gate Web3 Startup brought users over 120 innovative projects from various fields, with a total airdrop fund of $220,000 and more than 350,000 participants. This enabled users to be involved in early-stage projects. Additionally, the Gate Web3 Wallet integrates multiple innovative features such as multi-platform use, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace, decentralized perpetual futures, quick swap, passive earning, and airdrops. These features allow users to easily explore and engage with the diverse possibilities of the Web3 world.

Payment Services: Gate Pay and Gate Card

Gate Pay is a cryptocurrency payment platform actively collaborating with popular merchants globally. It’s dedicated to integrating digital currency into real-world scenarios, advancing the widespread adoption of digital asset payments. In 2023, Gate Pay achieved remarkable success, attracting over 1.5 million user visits and its merchant network reaching a user base of over 7.5 million. This growth underscores our commitment to enhancing the practical use of digital currencies in everyday transactions and broadening their acceptance across various sectors.

Gate Pay Business Partners

In 2023, Gate Group introduced the Gate Card, a cashback Visa debit card, aiming to provide users with a seamless cryptocurrency payment experience. Gate Card has successfully integrated with Google Pay, offering cardholders a more convenient payment option. Cardholders can effortlessly use their mobile device to pay at any location that supports Google Pay / Wallet, eliminating the need for a physical card.

Gate Card functions as a cashback Visa card, allowing online and offline spending at millions of Visa merchants worldwide. Cardholders earn a 1% USDT cashback on eligible transactions. Users can easily manage their card’s transaction history and balance within the Gate.io app and seamlessly add Gate Card to the Google Pay / Wallet app. This integration enhances the user experience and expands the convenience of cryptocurrency across various scenarios.

This year, Gate Group announced the launch of the new Gate Visa debit card in Europe to further enhance the cryptocurrency experience for users. The Gate Visa debit card supports seamless payments at 80 million Visa merchants worldwide, making it easier for users to convert and use their cryptocurrency assets. It continues to integrate with the associated Gate Card application, offering user-friendly features for tracking and managing expenses. This innovative solution aims to create broader financial inclusion for users, integrating cryptocurrency into their daily lives.

On/Off-ramp Services: Gate OTC and Gate Connect

In 2023, Gate OTC achieved significant milestones. The comprehensive integration of the proprietary fiat gateway marked a significant advancement in the OTC sector. This expansion of services covered multiple emerging markets worldwide, offering users a broader range of investment options. Gate OTC’s diversified approach has strengthened its global competitiveness, and it plans to continue obtaining licenses in different regions to provide self-operated crypto/fiat gateways in a legal and compliant manner. In terms of technology, Gate OTC has continually enhanced the platform’s security and stability. It successfully upgraded the automated trading system, supporting over 60 currency pairs and providing users with a more intelligent trading experience.

Gate Connect is another convenient and efficient crypto on/off-ramp service. Users can quickly and securely buy or sell digital currencies through bank transfers or credit/debit cards. Gate Connect complies with regulatory requirements in various countries and regions, with some restrictions in place. As of the end of 2023, it has supported multiple fiat currencies, including EUR, USD, and GBP, among others. Bank transfers are available for EUR and GBP, while credit/debit cards support all fiat currencies.

Brand Highlights

Brand Revamp

In 2023, Gate.io underwent a comprehensive brand upgrade, showcasing a more professional, innovative, and engaging brand image in the digital asset and Web3 services space. This upgrade encompassed four aspects: visual identity, user interface, product offerings, and core values, injecting fresh vitality into the brand story and delivering a higher-quality experience to users.

The new core brand values focus on integrity, insight, innovation, knowledge, and collaboration, guided by the action-oriented motto of “Exploring Together, Growing Together” to create more value for users. The updated visual style primarily incorporates shades of blue and green, conveying the brand’s vitality and innovative spirit. The redesigned logo serves as both a symbol and a representation of Gate.io’s mission and values, driving the evolution of the brand culture.

Gate.io’s 10th Anniversary

Celebrating a decade of innovation and trust, Gate.io marked its 10-year anniversary in 2023, a milestone in an industry brimming with change and opportunities. Throughout this decade, Gate.io has consistently provided a secure, fast, and reliable trading platform for its users. We’ve continually introduced innovative products and features, striving to deliver services and experiences of greater value. To express gratitude for our users’ support and trust, Gate.io organized a series of exciting activities, offering extraordinary experiences and generous rewards.

Reflecting on a decade of passion, challenges, and achievements, our founder, Dr. Han Lin, has remained devoted to his belief in Bitcoin and his commitment to users. He has been dedicated to creating a safe and secure trading space for everyone who believes in Bitcoin. Prioritizing the security of user assets, Gate.io has continuously enhanced its system architecture and risk control mechanisms, providing robust protection for user assets.

Staying abreast of industry developments, Gate.io actively explores new technologies and solutions, supports a broader range of cryptocurrencies, and provides a user-friendly interface with timely and effective customer service, creating a comprehensive trading environment. It is this unwavering dedication to our founding principles that has earned Gate.io the trust and acclaim of users worldwide, establishing us as one of the most trustworthy trading platforms globally.

Gate Charity Philanthropic Initiatives

In its inaugural year, Gate Charity set a new standard in global philanthropy. We successfully conducted 123 charity events across 16 countries and regions, reaching from remote villages in Africa to urban areas in Asia, embodying a wide-reaching and inclusive philanthropic philosophy. Through relentless efforts, Gate Charity aided over 141,000 beneficiaries worldwide, with activities spanning material donations, educational support, and medical assistance.

Charity NFTs: Empowering Philanthropy with Blockchain Technology

Gate Charity harnessed blockchain technology to issue charitable NFTs for groups and organizations in need, pioneering a new model of social good through innovative technology. In 2023, Gate Charity launched 38 NFT charity projects, drawing attention to the immense potential of NFTs in philanthropic endeavors. The funds raised were effectively used to support initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger, promoting education, and providing disaster relief, thus expanding the scope and social impact of charitable organizations.

Turkish Disaster Relief: Rapid Response and Compassion for the Affected

The earthquake in Turkey posed a serious test of agility and effectiveness. Gate Charity demonstrated admirable responsiveness in crisis situations. Utilizing the speed and transparency of blockchain technology, we quickly mobilized resources and provided aid. Our efforts in the “Rebuilding Homes for Children Affected in Turkey” project not only offered emergency assistance but also raised over 1.5 million Turkish Lira to create safe and sustainable living conditions for the affected children.

Engaging in Offline Events to Empower Community

In 2023, Gate.io actively connected with the global Web3 community and cryptocurrency users by participating in or hosting 134 industry summits, seminars, and Web3 events across 24 countries and regions, including Turkey, Singapore, Portugal, India, the UK, and Dubai. These events spanned continents, reaching audiences in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Africa.

Coinfest Asia 2023

On August 24th and 25th, 2023, Gate.io sponsored and participated in the Coinfest Asia 2023 summit in Bali, Indonesia. As a pivotal event in the Asian Web3 sphere, it attracted over 2000 crypto enthusiasts, investors, entrepreneurs, and tech experts. Gate.io set up a booth to share insights into the Web3 ecosystem and engaged in discussions about the dynamics of the crypto market. Richard, the Global Business Development and Institutional Head at Gate.io, contributed to a panel discussion, offering an in-depth analysis of crypto market trends.

Istanbul Music Festival, Turkey

The Istanbul Music Festival, one of Turkey’s most historic and prestigious musical events since 1973, is held annually across various historical sites in Istanbul, drawing numerous international and local musicians and enthusiasts. In 2023, Gate.io participated in this 17-day festival, sharing the allure of music and blockchain with attendees from diverse countries and regions. This event not only enhanced recognition and trust in Gate.io but also demonstrated our active role in advancing global cryptocurrency development.

Token2049, Singapore

As a sponsor of Token2049, Gate Web3 participated in Asia’s most significant blockchain and digital asset summit on September 13-14, 2023. We engaged in meaningful dialogues and exchanges with outstanding global projects, investors, tech experts, and industry leaders, gaining insights into the latest technological advancements, innovative trends, and industry directions. Beyond the summit itself, we meticulously organized two exclusive side events for attendees: the C-Suite & VIP Whiskey Night and Gate Web3 Night of the Future. These events allowed us to share our products and services with our users, gather feedback, and actively showcase the brand image and values of Gate Web3.

Advancing Cryptocurrency Education with Gate Learn

Gate Learn is a pioneering platform dedicated to disseminating knowledge about blockchain technology and culture. In 2023, Gate Learn expanded its educational offerings, adding 598 original articles, 73 new courses, and 220 high-quality syndicated pieces. To date, it has published 1668 articles and offers 105 courses covering over a dozen market hotspots and various industry-specific areas. Gate Learn has fostered a vibrant Web3 knowledge community through initiatives like creator columns, video creation contests, and quiz challenges.

Throughout 2023, Gate Learn collaborated with experienced tutors to regularly conduct online classes, sharing the latest in technology and projects. The platform also partnered with campus ambassadors across different regions, bringing cryptocurrency and Web3 culture into educational settings. In 2024, Gate Learn aims to continue providing high-quality content for users and the Web3 world. We welcome more Web3 creators to join Gate Learn in our mission to spread blockchain knowledge and culture.

Closing Remarks

Since its inception in 2013, Gate.io has navigated a decade-long journey, steadfastly adhering to our founding ethos of liberating wealth. As a preferred exchange for digital assets, we are dedicated to creating a safer, more dependable, and transparent cryptocurrency environment, fostering the advancement of cryptographic technologies. Moving into 2024, we are committed to continuing our collaboration with users and industry partners, delving deeper into and realizing the vast potential and value of the blockchain world.

Author: Global Marketing Mason
This article represents only the views of the researcher and does not constitute any investment suggestions.
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