What is Fantom? (FTM)
![What is Fantom? (FTM)](/_ipx/enlarge_true&w_1200&f_webp&q_80/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/08/220808_what-is-FTM_blog_1200x623_tk.webp)
Fantom is a smart contract platform that uses a directed acyclic graph (DAG) rather than a blockchain to support a network aimed at maximizing speed and scalability.
Changes to tick sizes
![Changes to tick sizes](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/08/220802_Ticker-change_FB-TW_1900x1080_tk.webp)
At Bitstamp, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience of our traders. Improving liquidity and narrowing spreads is something we work hard on. For this reason, we’re updating the tick sizes for some pairs.
Bitstamp Registered as Virtual Asset Service Provider in Italy
![Bitstamp Registered as Virtual Asset Service Provider in Italy](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/bitstamp-registered-italy.webp)
We’re delighted to announce that we have registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Italy.
Scheduled maintenance: 27th July 2022
![Scheduled maintenance: 27th July 2022](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/maintenance.webp)
Due to scheduled infrastructure upgrades, all our services and features will be temporarily unavailable on Wednesday, July 27th, for approximately 1 hour.
Scheduled maintenance: 14th July 2022
![Scheduled maintenance: 14th July 2022](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/platform-maintenance-bitstamp.webp)
Due to scheduled maintenance of our support system some of our support services will be temporarily unavailable on Thursday, July 14th, beginning at 2.30 PM UTC (4.30 PM CET).
Bitstamp cancels plans to charge Inactivity Fee
![Bitstamp cancels plans to charge Inactivity Fee](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/220706_No-inactivity-fees_blog-1200x623_tk.webp)
Bitstamp is cancelling the monthly inactivity fee of €10 after listening to the crypto community.
Avalanche AVAX trading is Now Live for US Bitstamp Customers
![Avalanche AVAX trading is Now Live for US Bitstamp Customers](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/avalanche-start-trading.webp)
Avalanche is now available to customers in the US! Customers can now buy, sell, send, receive and store AVAX in all US states and territories*
What is Avalanche (AVAX)?
![What is Avalanche (AVAX)?](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/what-is-avalanche-avax-1.webp)
What is Avalanche? How does AVAX work? Read our guide to the Avalanche blockchain and start trading AVAX on Bitstamp – the original crypto exchange.
US BANK HOLIDAY: July 4, 2022 – USD payments paused
![US BANK HOLIDAY: July 4, 2022 – USD payments paused](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/usa-bank-holiday-bitstamp.webp)
Bitstamp USD payments paused on Monday, July 4, 2022, due to a public holiday in the US.
What is Algorand? (ALGO)
![What is Algorand? (ALGO)](/_ipx/enlarge_true&f_webp&q_50&blur_3&s_10x10/blog.bitstamp.net/bts-img/2022/07/what-is-algorand-algo.webp)
Algorand is a smart contract platform for building decentralized applications (dapps) created with the goal of solving the blockchain trilemma of speed, security, and decentralization.