How to Buy Uniswap in Canada
Learn how to buy Uniswap (UNI) with Canada's first CIRO-regulated crypto platform.
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How to Buy Uniswap in Canada – Your Complete Guide

Looking into buying Uniswap cryptocurrency in Canada? Whether you’re an experienced cryptocurrency enthusiast or you’re just getting started in the exciting world of crypto trading, this guide is for you. We’re excited to teach you about Uniswap itself and answer all your questions about buying, storing, and using it!

What is Uniswap?

Uniswap is one of the biggest platforms for trading ERC-20 tokens, thanks to its smart contract technology. People use Uniswap for two reasons—swapping and providing liquidity. Because Uniswap doesn’t have a central authority, there are no listing fees, and you have complete control over your funds. Anyone can contribute to the platform by providing liquidity, and there’s a wide selection of tokens available for trading. Anyone who has a Web3 wallet and ETH to pay gas fees can supply tokens to liquidity pools. Currently, thousands of tokens are available on the Uniswap protocol, and the most popular trading pairs are stablecoins like WBTC and USDC.

The Uniswap Protocol was created by Hayden Adams and launched on November 2, 2018. He later founded Uniswap Labs, which was the largest on-chain marketplace for digital assets like NFTs and cryptocurrency tokens. Adams was inspired to create the Uniswap protocol when he stumbled upon the Reddit post of Vitalik Butern, the co-founder of Ethereum, on “Automated Market Makers.” He then created “Unipug,” which we now know as Uniswap.  

AMMs use mathematical algorithms to determine the price based on the asset’s supply. For instance, Uniswap uses a constant formula (x⋆y=k) to determine the asset’s price. This system automatically matches buyers and sellers using smart contracts, eliminating the need for brokers and centralized control.  

The Uniswap protocol employs smart contracts on the Ethereum network, allowing the blockchain to execute advanced transactions rather than simply sending cryptocurrency from one person to another. It also uses the “Automated Liquidity Protocol” when trading digital assets. A liquidity pool contains tokens or cryptocurrencies locked in smart contracts. Users who create or supply tokens in a liquidity pool can earn rewards and enable peer-to-peer trading.  

On May 17, 2020, Uniswap released its second version of the protocol, “Uniswap V2”. In the first version, a digital currency must be pooled with ETH. However, with the V2, any ERC-20 standard token can be pooled directly with any other ERC-20 token. For instance, if a user wants to swap BTC for DAI, they must trade BTC for ETH and ETH for DAI. This results in higher transaction fees and more slippage.

This update is particularly useful for users who hold more ERC-20 tokens because they don’t need to use ETH to trade.

The latest version, Uniswap v3, was deployed to the Ethereum mainnet on May 5, 2021. It’s the most powerful version yet, featuring concentrated liquidity, better trading performance, and a stronger infrastructure. LPs provide  

On September 17, 2020, the Uniswap crypto coin “UNI” was launched to divert users from using its rival decentralized exchange, SushiSwap. As a governance token, UNI stakeholders can vote on modifications and developments of the network, how minted tokens should be distributed, and fee structures. Uniswap did not initiate a token sale or initial coin offering. Instead, they gave away 400 UNI tokens for free to 250,000 Ethereum addresses that used the Uniswap protocol before. That’s around 150 million UNI tokens, or 60% of the supply! At the time, the value of 400 UNI was USD 1,400. This unexpected gesture sparked public curiosity about what is Uniswap crypto and how it works.

The Uniswap crypto token has a total and maximum supply of 1 billion. Currently, over 700 million are in public circulation. Once all the tokens have been distributed, there will be an inflation rate of 2% per year to maintain the network.  

Since its launch, Uniswap has led the decentralized exchange (DEX) market and ranked among the top decentralized finance (DeFi) applications worldwide. As of June 2024, Uniswap processed over USD 54.66 billion in monthly trading volume across $6.5 billion in liquidity, earning market makers $89.94 million in fees. The UNI price is USD 7.31 as of August 1, 2024.  

Now, is it worth it to invest in Uniswap?

Based on the UNI price estimates, Uniswap has a promising future. Thus, it might be an attractive and wise investment. However, keep in mind that several factors may affect the Uniswap price, including how many people are trading it, technical developments, and economic changes. Ultimately, the Uniswap crypto price depends on how much people use the Uniswap network.

Quick Start Guide to Buying Uniswap (UNI)

If you’re ready to buy Uniswap crypto, Coinsquare is ready to help. Here’s the fastest (and easiest) way to dive in. Want more information? Skip this section and keep reading below.  

Step 1: Start a Coinsquare account and confirm your identity

You will need to go through a few sub-steps to open your account; verify your identity and answer a few onboarding questions.  

Step 2: Add Canadian Dollars to your account  

You’ll use these funds to buy your Uniswap (UNI)

Step 3: Choose Uniswap (UNI) from the list in the trade section

In this step, you can check the Uniswap price and convert Uniswap (UNI) to CAD or USD as desired.  

Step 4: Select a currency you’re using to buy Uniswap (UNI). You’ll be able to see the list of currencies Coinsquare accepts on this list.  

Step 5: Purchase Uniswap (UNI)

Welcome to Uniswap ownership! The currency is now yours to hold or trade!  

Why Buy Uniswap (UNI) Through a Canadian Platform?  

When you’re considering investing in something novel like Uniswap (UNI) cryptocurrency, you might automatically think of big trading platforms in the USA or Europe. Here’s why it’s smart to buy from a Canadian source:  

Crypto trading platforms that sell Uniswap (UNI) in Canada are just as active as the platforms in any other country or international platform. You don’t need to worry that you’re missing out on key opportunities or that you won’t get the best rates or prices.  

Platforms registered with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) are subject to local regulatory oversight and accountability. Always check with the CSA and CIRO for their list of registered crypto trading platforms as well as their banned platforms.  

Customer service operates within Canadian time zones and provides service in both official languages to answer any questions about your Uniswap (UNI) transactions.

Uniswap (UNI) transactions can be done in CAD, which saves money on currency exchange rates and makes it less complicated to see the value of your assets.  

Local funding options like Interac e-transfers can be used to purchase Uniswap (UNI). There’s no need to set up offshore accounts or use payment services that you’re not familiar with.  

There are no deposit fees when you use local banks and local payment methods like Interac e-transfer, giving you security and peace of mind that your money isn’t going through offshore financial institutions.  

Deposit and withdrawal times are faster because you’re not relying on international transfers. You want your valuable assets working for you full-time without delay!  

Legal recourse and dispute resolution are easier. It’s much simpler to research Canadian regulations and laws concerning your crypto assets and to find local representation for your concerns.  

Tax reporting of your Uniswap (UNI) profits is simpler, and the platform you use may help you with reporting requirements. You only have to concern yourself with Canadian taxation rules.  

How to Use Your Uniswap (UNI) Crypto Assets

Now that you’ve got them, what do you do with them? Here are some common uses for cryptocurrency:

Remittances and Transfers Using Uniswap

If you need to transfer money internationally, you may be able to do it more quickly and with lower fees compared to going through your bank. Peer-to-peer transactions can also be simpler with Uniswap (UNI) cryptocurrency.  

Making purchases with Uniswap

Some online retailers might accept Uniswap (UNI) along with other cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services, and some physical stores also accept crypto. You may also be able to pay utility bills, rent, or other recurring expenses, as well as use Uniswap cryptocurrency for travel expenses.

Additionally, you might be able to use cryptocurrency for in-game purchases and other digital assets in some platforms, such as NFTs.

Investment and Trading

It’s become mainstream for investors to hold cryptocurrency in anticipation of a price increase, the same way you might hold stocks or bonds. This requires knowledge and familiarity with the way crypto markets work, including their inherent and dynamic risks.  

You can also trade Uniswap (UNI) for other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin and many other crypto coins. These transactions are straightforward on the Coinsquare platform.  

 

Participating in DeFi with Uniswap Cryptocurrency

Decentralized finance (DeFi) involves financial services and applications that operate on blockchain networks without relying on traditional financial organizations such as banks or individuals like brokers.

As cryptocurrencies become increasingly accepted as currency, their uses will continue to grow. If you’re a cautious investor, you can always start small and continue to educate yourself on the ins and outs of trading Uniswap (UNI) and other cryptocurrencies. Coinsquare offers you the opportunity to get into crypto investing and trading in an easy, accessible way, with plenty of support!  

Where to Buy Uniswap (UNI)

You have plenty of options for buying Uniswap (UNI) cryptocurrency. Here are some places you can make your first purchase:

Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms

There are Canadian-based platforms as well as international ones. Some international crypto platforms offer support for Canadian dollar transactions; check on this before you sign up if you plan to use Canadian funds. Look for a platform that has a user-friendly interface high security, and that allows you to make your purchases in the currency of your choice. Keep in mind that transacting on non-Canadian platforms can involve additional fees and mark-ups on exchange rates, as well as investor protection risks. Choosing a Canadian platform like Coinsquare means that you can avoid these currency exchange fees and mark-ups, and make sure that your accounts are safely maintained to the highest security standards as any other financial institution in Canada.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Platforms

P2P platforms allow you to buy, sell, and trade digital assets like Uniswap (UNI) crypto directly with other people without the involvement of an intermediary like a bank or a centralized platform.

To use a P2P platform for trading cryptocurrencies like Uniswap, you may need to invest time to learn how they work, and you should be prepared to spend more time on each transaction due to the manual work involved.  

Cryptocurrency ATMs

You can find cryptocurrency ATMs in major cities across Canada. You can use these machines to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using cash or debit. There are numerous websites and smartphone apps that you can use to locate these machines.

Brokerage Services

Cryptocurrency brokerage services serve as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. They provide services for both beginning traders, experienced traders, and everything in between.

Brokerage companies are designed to be user-friendly, and many of them provide educational resources such as tutorials and customer support. They can be a valuable resource for people who are short on experience, knowledge, or time.  

These services also offer custodial functions such as storage and insurance for assets they hold for their clients. They may also offer portfolio management, similar to other investment service providers.

Unsurprisingly, it can be more expensive to use a brokerage than to trade directly on a trading platform. Users also relinquish some control over their funds and their private keys.  

Crypto Apps

Crypto apps are smartphone applications that give you access to trading platforms but also provide additional functionalities to help you manage your holdings and stay up to date when you’re on the go. Many of these apps also have desktop versions for your convenience. Some of the additional functions of crypto apps are wallet services, portfolio management, and news alerts.  

Cryptocurrency ETFs

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are pooled investments that can be bought and sold the same way stocks can. ETFs are not actively managed the way mutual funds are because their function is to track the performance of the underlying group of assets rather than trying to outperform it. You might think of it as similar to an index fund, but ETFs can be traded throughout the day, whereas index funds can only be traded once a day after the market closes.

Crypto ETFs use one or more cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum or Bitcoin, as the underlying asset. They are traded on regular stock exchanges and, therefore, subject to the same regulatory oversights as other assets traded on that exchange.  

Although you don’t directly own the cryptocurrency when you invest in an ETF, the additional liquidity, ease of tax reporting, regulatory oversight, and added security make them an attractive option for many investors.  

As of August, 2024, Uniswap is not approved for ETFs. Fortunately, there’s always Coinsquare when you want to purchase UNI in Canada.

How to Store Your Uniswap Holdings

Storing cryptocurrency securely is crucial for protecting your digital assets from theft, hacking, and loss. With the increasing use of cryptocurrencies, these threats are ever more prevalent.  

Storage Basics

When you store cryptocurrency yourself, you are given two keys. The first is your public key, which is used to generate your public address. This key can be shared with others, like an account number. The second key is your private key, a secret alphanumeric code that allows you to access your cryptocurrency. Your private key is similar to a password. The private key is what you are safeguarding in storage because access to your private key means access to your funds.

Coinsquare Wallet  

Storing your Uniswap in your Coinsquare wallet is easy and straightforward. Coinsquare does all the heavy lifting in terms of security and keeping your crypto safe in cold storage. You’ll even benefit from a comprehensive insurance policy on your crypto holdings.

Hot Wallets  

Hot wallets store private keys on devices that are connected to the Internet. Hot wallets are suitable for frequent transactions, but they are more vulnerable to hacking and malware and should not be used exclusively. Hot wallets can be web-, app-, desktop- or hardware-based (held on an external storage device such as a USB).  

Cold Wallets

Cold wallets are offline and, therefore, more secure. They are also called offline wallets or hardware wallets. In general, the safest way to transact with your Uniswap holdings is to keep them in a cold wallet and transfer the amount you need to a hot wallet just before you plan to use it. A special type of cold wallet is the paper wallet, which entails recording your private key manually on a piece of paper (carved in a rock, engraved in a ring, etc), but this has obvious vulnerabilities. Paper wallets should be securely stored in multiple locations.

Custodial Wallets

Custodial wallets are provided by third-party services that store your cryptocurrency on your behalf. Custodial wallets make it easy to buy, sell, and store your Uniswap cryptocurrency, but it means giving a third party your private key. You must be certain of the security measures the third party uses before storing your cryptocurrency with them.  

Non-custodial wallets, in contrast, are wallets that don’t involve a third party. Non-custodial wallets can be either hot or cold.  

Best Practices for Storing Your Uniswap Cryptocurrency

If you choose not to store your UNI in your Coinsquare wallet where it is protected in cold storage and insured, there are a few things you’ll need to do to increase the security of your digital assets.  

Here are some important tips that will help keep your Uniswap holdings safe and secure:

  • Use a combination of hot and cold wallets to give you both flexibility and security. Keep small amounts in a hot wallet for daily transactions and larger amounts in a cold wallet.
  • Back up your private keys early, often, and in multiple places, including on a removable device.
  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.  
  • Stay up to date on the latest security practices and threats in the cryptocurrency space.

Coinsquare Meets All Your Uniswap Cryptocurrency Needs

Ready to dive in with your first Uniswap purchase? Coinsquare offers a user-friendly platform that gives you access to over 53 cryptocurrencies, no fee deposits, free withdrawal options, and unmatched customer support. We are the most trusted crypto trading platform in Canada, built by Canadians for Canadians.

With the Coinsquare trading platform, you can start transacting with cryptocurrency in as little as five minutes. Download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play today and join the exciting world of cryptocurrency trading!