Review on Celsius by Kyle Sting
Celsius Network - Industry Leading Crypto Lending Platform
Celsius is the industry leading crypto lending platform featuring the highest interest rates available to date. The project is led by renowned Alex Mashinsky, inventor of the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) which instantly gives it some street credibility.
Beginning in 2018, Celsius allows users to deposit various crypto assets in a similar manner to a savings account at your local bank. Users can choose to earn interest in Cel (the platforms native token) at a premium or in kind at lower rates. Earning interest in Cel allows depositors to earn up to 35% more and reduce loan payments by up to 30% should you choose to take a loan against your crypto assets.
Celsius aims to be as transparent as reasonably possible and offers 80% of their income to depositors making it the most lucrative platform to deposit in to date exceeding the rates of Nexo, Blockfi, Compound, among others. Unlike its competing counterparts, Celsius prides itself in acting in its users best interest and raising the industry standards across the board.
The greatest drawback to Celsius is that it is a centralized platform which is against the spirit of unbanking yourself and going decentralized like many Defi services offer. The coined phrase "not your keys, not your crypto" most certainly applies here and you will need to do KYC to open an account.
In conclusion, Celsius is by far the best interest paying platform in the crypto sphere but comes at the cost of centralization and lack of anonymity. Anythings better than a bank though! ;)
Pros
- Currently the highest interest paying platform in the industry offering 80% of their income to depositors.
- Easy onboarding for new users
- Wide variety of crypto assets
- The first lending platform that allow depositors to earn interest on gold in gold
- Multi layered security and uses Fireblocks for high end cold storage and transfer insurance.
- Project is led by the reputable Alex Mashinsky, inventer of VOIP.
- Built in transfer service via Cel Pay.
- Withdraw crypto assets at any time, no lock down period required.
- Tiered loyalty membership perks for Cel token holders
Cons
- Celsius is a third party custodian which requires putting your trust in them similar to a bank
- Not your keys, not your crypto!
- Requires KYC to use
- Holding assets all in one place poses security risks just like leaving coins on exchanges
