$0.8036

Qtum is a blockchain network that runs smart contracts through the Ethereum Virtual Machine while using Bitcoin's UTXO model and proof-of-stake consensus. This hybrid design allows it to incorporate updates from both major projects. The network is fully decentralized, with no delegated staking or masternodes; anyone can validate transactions by running a node. Block times average 32 seconds, with block sizes up to 8000kb, and SegWit support enables around 1100 transactions per second. If needed, Layer2 solutions like Lightning could scale throughput significantly. Qtum also supports multiple token standards, including its own version of ERC-20.

Qtum aims to address four key issues in Bitcoin and Ethereum: interoperability, governance, rigidity, and the high costs of proof-of-work. Its two main innovations are the Account Abstraction Layer (AAL) and Decentralized Governance Protocol (DGP). The AAL merges Bitcoin's UTXO system with Ethereum's smart contract layer. The DGP allows network parameters like block size and gas fees to be changed via smart contracts without hard forks. Governance involves QTUM holders, developers, and stakers voting on proposals, enabling the network to self-manage and evolve.

The initial supply of QTUM was 100 million coins, all created before launch. In March 2017, 51 million were sold via ICO, 8 million went to early investors, and 12 million were reserved for the team with a four-year lock-up. The remaining 20 million were allocated to the Qtum Chain Foundation for business development, plus 9% for research and promotion. The supply is not fixed; new coins are mined with block rewards halving every four years, starting at 4 QTUM per block. After seven halvings, the maximum supply will be 107,822,406 QTUM by 2045.

Qtum uses a modified proof-of-stake consensus called MPoS, based on PoS 3.0. Users lock their coins to stake and participate in block validation, with rewards proportional to their stake. Unlike earlier PoS systems, block rewards are constant and not based on coin age. To protect against junk contract attacks, 10% of the block reward is split between the current block producer and nine previous ones, while the remaining 90% is delayed by 500 blocks. This system is less costly and more environmentally friendly than proof-of-work.

QTUM is available on many cryptocurrency exchanges, with trading pairs against Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins, and fiat currencies. Major platforms include Binance, Huobi Global, OKEx, HBTC, and Hydax Exchange. For a broader list, you can refer to our crypto exchanges page.