@Friendlys 31 May 2020

The future of Cryptocurrency

A **cryptocurrency** is a digital currency that is created and managed through the use of advanced encryption techniques known as cryptography. Cryptocurrency made the leap from being an academic concept to (virtual) reality with the creation of **Bitcoin** in 2009.1 While Bitcoin attracted a growing following in subsequent years, it captured significant investor and media attention in April 2013 when it peaked at a record $266 per bitcoin after surging 10-fold in the preceding two months. Bitcoin sported a market value of over $2 billion at its peak, but a 50% plunge shortly thereafter **sparked** a raging debate about the future of cryptocurrencies in general and Bitcoin in particular.2 So, will these alternative currencies eventually supplant conventional currencies and become as ubiquitous as dollars and euros someday? Or are cryptocurrencies a passing fad that will flame out before long? The answer lies with Bitcoin. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cryptocurrency.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bitcoin.asp https://www.forbes.com/sites/kitconews/2013/12/10/2013-year-of-the-bitcoin/#73794446303c The Future of Cryptocurrency Some economic analysts predict a big change in crypto is forthcoming as institutional money enters the market.3 Moreover, there is the possibility that crypto will be floated on the Nasdaq, which would further add credibility to blockchain and its uses as an alternative to conventional currencies.4 Some predict that all that crypto needs is a **verified exchange traded fund** (ETF).5 An ETF would definitely make it easier for people to invest in Bitcoin, but there still needs to be the demand to want to invest in crypto, which might not automatically be generated with a fund. https://www.investopedia.com/tech/what-are-legal-risks-cryptocurrency-investors/