XDC is the native utility token of Exchange Infinite (XinFin), an open-source ‘hybrid’ blockchain that describes itself as the “next generation of the global computer network.”
XinFin’s Mission
The current system for cross-border payments still largely involves a web of outdated, bureaucratic software systems and multiple intermediaries (e.g. banks). Together these make for an inefficient and time-consuming payment process; simple cross-border payments can take up to 3-5 days.
The main goal of the XinFin ecosystem is to solve cross-border payment inefficiencies and other issues that are hindering the development of global trade and finance. How? By utilizing blockchain technology to create a platform that facilitates secure, transparent, and fast transactions between cross-border parties.
The XinFin network
XinFin blockchain is powered by the XDC01 Protocol. This smart-contract protocol is a fork of Quorum (a permissioned, i.e. private blockchain) which is, in turn, a fork of Ethereum (permissionless, i.e. public blockchain).
This ‘hybrid’ architecture means that XinFin has two kinds of network states: public and private. The public state is accessible to everyone and is where users can create wallets/accounts to buy, sell, and trade on XinFin.
Additionally, private sub-networks can be hosted by institutional participants (e.g. enterprises). These networks are only accessible to authorized members and can be used by enterprises to exchange sensitive/private data and build decentralized apps (dapps). Although the messaging and transaction activity on these sub-networks is not visible to the public state, an unchangeable record of smart-contract activity is logged on the public state.
Low-cost and Energy-efficient
XinFin is secured using a Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism. If you’re not already familiar with what DPoS is and how it works, you can check out our guide here. However, the main thing to note about DPos is its high energy efficiency and quick transaction speeds. Because of this, transactions on XinFin take less than 2 seconds to reach finality and cost almost zero fees.
Developer Friendly
Being a fork of Ethereum, XinFin is Ethereum virtual machine (EVM) compatible, meaning that projects built on Ethereum can be easily migrated over to XinFin.
If you’re not already familiar, Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a processing engine and software platform. It’s often referred to as the “heart of Ethereum,” as it’s responsible for executing smart contracts and computing the state (e.g. transactions and account balances) for each new block that is added to the Ethereum blockchain. The EVM is also what enables developers to create and launch Ethereum-based dApps.
The protocol is also compatible with ISO20022, the standard messaging format for financial institutions. This allows enterprises to easily integrate XinFin into their current banking systems. So far, XinFin has been utilized for peer-to-peer trading, blockchain-powered insurance, end-to-end land registry record management, and more.
The XDC token
As mentioned, XDC (or Xinfin Digital Contract) is the native utility token of the XinFin platform. XDC is mainly used as a currency to settle transactions for XinFin-based dApps. It can also be traded, and is listed on exchanges like KuCoin and Bitfinex.
XDC has a total supply of 100 billion tokens. The token allocation is as follows:
- 25%: Founders and core team. This supply is locked, and a max of 1% of the holder supply is released per year.
- 15%: Ecosystem development pool. The tokens from this pool are used to fund corporations that support XinFin ecosystem development. Again, this supply is locked and a max of 2.5% of this supply can be released each year.
- 10%: Token offerings.
- 32.5%: Ecosystem participation incentives. This percentage serves as a reward pool for validators who help to secure the network.
- 10%: Hedge pool.
- 5%: Philanthropic and social causes.
- 2.5%: Contingency fund. An insurance account used to meet any unforeseen expenses.
