Cryptocurrencies are gaining traction in the business world, with some companies actively investing in this area. But as with all emerging technologies, there are both risks and rewards associated with this area of investment. The key is to understand the basics of cryptocurrency before taking the plunge.
A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses blockchain technology to secure and verify transactions. Its value is determined by supply and demand. Proponents of cryptocurrencies argue that they are more resistant to manipulation by central banks than traditional fiat currencies. In addition, because they are decentralized, they are considered immune to government interference.
There are many different types of cryptocurrencies, but they all share some basic characteristics:
They are designed to make transferring funds between two parties easier and faster without the need for a third-party intermediary. They also offer different forms of incentive systems to encourage people to transact on the network.
For example, Bitcoin is created by “miners,” who run computers that solve complex cryptographic puzzles to verify other transactions on the network. As a reward for their efforts, miners receive new Bitcoins. The energy consumed by these computers can be significant, and has been a source of controversy. Some cryptocurrencies use less-energy-intensive methods to create and distribute tokens.
Cryptocurrencies can be used to buy goods and services, as a store of value, or as an investment. Many people who buy cryptocurrencies are hoping that their price will go up over time, with the idea that they can sell them later for more than they paid. Others view them as a hedge against inflation, as the supply of cryptocurrencies is fixed (unlike the supply of fiat currencies, which can be expanded by central banks).
Regulatory risks: The legal status of many cryptocurrencies remains unclear. This could change as the sector matures, but for now it means that investors face a greater risk of losing their money.
Counterparty and management risks: Many people rely on exchanges or other custodians to store their cryptocurrencies. If these third-parties lose or hack them, it can have a significant impact on their financial well-being. And because the cryptocurrency market is unregulated, there are few protections against deceptive or unethical management practices.
Beware of scams: Never respond to an unsolicited text, email, or social media message that asks you to pay with cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never request this. And don’t click on any links in a text or email that asks you to transfer your cryptocurrency to an online investment account, even if it appears legitimate. These are likely to be phishing attempts, and can lead to the loss of your cryptocurrency. In addition, the anonymity of many cryptocurrencies can make them an attractive tool for illicit activities such as terrorism and sanctions evasion.