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CryptocurrencyColloquially known as “crypto,” cryptocurrencies are forms of digital currency that evolved a wide variety of uses in recent years. Advocates of cryptocurrency point to several advantages: instant transfer of funds, protection against inflation, and much more.
Among their key features is decentralization, meaning that unlike traditional money, they generally aren’t controlled by a single authority like a bank or government.
As of early 2025, cryptocurrencies had a cumulative market cap of almost $3.4T, making them worth more than some of the world’s most valuable companies, like Google and Amazon (both valued at roughly $2.3T). A recent survey found roughly 17% of US adults had invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency.
Critics argue cryptocurrencies are susceptible to boom-and-bust cycles, making investments risky for those without a clear understanding of the ecosystem.Explore Cryptocurrency
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DAI is a popular stablecoin backed by cryptocurrency rather than fiat currencyDAI is backed by collateralized debt denominated in several major cryptocurrencies, including ethereum's ether. It was created by Rune Christensen in 2017 with the goal of helping create a credit system that would allow users to take out loans collateralized by cryptocurrencies. KrakenCryptocurrency and data center growth are expected to increase greenhouse gas emissionsAn analysis from the Open Energy Outlook Initiative estimates a 30% increase in emissions through 2030, as growing energy demands in regions where data centers are being built (20%-30%) far exceed the traditional growth rate of utilities in those areas (1%-2%). The emissions spike is expected to equal France's annual carbon output. Carnegie Melon UniversityLack of regulation makes cryptocurrency a hotbed for money launderingCryptocurrency is largely anonymous and widely unregulated worldwide. As a result, crypto-to-cash schemes have become a highly prevalent money laundering tactic that allows criminals to commit financial crimes with crypto accounts and then "clean" the money by selling crypto for cash. International Consortium of Investigative JournalistsA company called Bluprynt is combating counterfeit cryptocurrencyWhile some cryptocurrency advocates might argue that it’s more difficult to counterfeit crypto than physical currency, some estimate that fake cryptocurrencies are losing crypto users at least $1.6B each year. Yahoo FinanceAlternative investments can include everything from cryptocurrency to fine artThe financial assets typically fall outside the scope of traditional investments like stocks and bonds, and they’re often intended to diversify investor portfolios. InvestopediaCrypto ETFs are driving cryptocurrency adoptionIn 2024, the SEC approved ETFs that track the price of bitcoin called spot bitcoin ETFs. These funds have since significantly increased investment inflows into cryptocurrency markets. CoinMarketCapMemecoins are cryptocurrency created around popular 'memes,' or viral internet jokesDogecoin is perhaps the most famous "memecoin." While they tend to be more volatile than other types of crypto (after all, they're often created due to ephemeral trends), that doesn't mean they can't be valuable: Dogecoin is currently one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies in the world. KrakenEthereum is a blockchain-powered operating system known for its cryptocurrency, etherEthereum's underlying blockchain allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) that leverage smart contracts to seamlessly run decentralized financial tools (crypto wallets, exchanges, marketplaces, and more), along with Web3 concepts like non-fungible tokens. CB InsightsMany bitcoin enthusiasts have compared the cryptocurrency to digital goldGold is valued for its stability and reliability, serving as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Bitcoin shares both of these characteristics, but also provides near-instant liquidity and isn’t subject to government regulation. Money17% of US adults said they had invested, traded, or used cryptocurrency in 2023A survey from the Pew Research Center found that 63% of US adults have “little to no confidence that current ways to invest in, trade, or use cryptocurrencies are reliable and safe.” Pew Research CenterSome venture capitalists believe cryptocurrency will revolutionize global financeSome of the brightest minds at Andreesen-Horowitz, one of the country’s leading venture capital firms, believe the cryptocurrency ecosystem will revolutionize global finance in the coming decades. This podcast recounts, through their view, the history of crypto, how it works, and trends they see emerging in the future. Andreessen HorowitzCryptocurrency is reshaping finance, but its environmental impact often sparks debateBehind the scenes, mining operations consume vast amounts of energy, comparable to the emissions of small nations. What drives this surprising environmental footprint, and can the industry evolve? 1440Bitcoin is the oldest and most popular cryptocurrencyBitcoin is a digital cash alternative introduced in 2009 that rapidly grew in popularity and now boasts a global user base. Enthusiasts point to bitcoin’s decentralized nature—meaning it is not created or controlled by any central government—lending it several potential advantages. 1440Cryptocurrency acts as a store of valueTraditional money, dating back to its first known uses in ancient Babylonia, has many uses—it reduces friction in transactions by providing a common denominator of value (unit of account), acts as a single item accepted by many vendors (medium of exchange), and holds wealth as a store of value. Bitcoin MagazineTwo Papa John’s pizzas were the first real-world transaction involving cryptocurrencyIn 2010, a programmer Laszlo Hanyecz made the first real-world transaction involving cryptocurrency—purchasing two Papa John’s pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins. While the transaction was lauded as a milestone for cryptocurrency, it has also become a tongue-in-cheek cautionary tale—the value of the purchase price exceeded $620M at bitcoin’s all-time high. 60 MinutesWorldcoin: the cryptocurrency collecting biometric dataAn ambitious project launched by OpenAI's founder Sam Altman, Worldcoin aims to provide a global financial and identity network based on proof of personhood through biometric scanning of individuals' irises. IEEE SpectrumThe benefits of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologyAt the root of cryptocurrencies' allure is blockchain technology, an innovation bringing profound transformations to industries, especially the financial industry. This simple article breaks down the difference between cryptocurrencies and blockchain as well as the benefits of each. MakerDAOCryptocurrency wallets for beginnersCryptocurrency wallets come in many types. Here, we present the details, comparing the wallets’ features so that you can choose the best crypto wallet for your needs. GeminiWorldwide cryptocurrency heists trackerA look at the biggest cryptocurrency heists, be they from an exchange, smart contract, or a business, including amounts, methods, reparations, and consequences. ComparitechUsing cryptocurrency to turn traditional financial arrangements on their headCryptocurrency is poised to drastically change everything in the financial world, including financial arrangements. Decentralized finance makes it easier for virtually anyone to take advantage of financial markets without the need for a bank. However, there are new risks involved as well. Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics Kevin Werbach, an expert on Bitcoin and blockchains discusses it all in detail in The Conversation. The Conversation USThe cryptocurrency equivalent of going publicAn initial coin offering (ICO) is cryptocurrency's version of an initial public offering (IPO). Similar to the way a company offers shares on the stock market for the first time, ICOs occur when a cryptocurrency company seeks to raise funding for a new coin, app, or service. If you're entering the field, get the details on how it all works. InvestopediaA list of major companies that accept cryptocurrency as paymentHave a fistful of Bitcoin? SpendMeNot provides a fascinating infographic that shows which companies currently accept the cryptocurrency. If you want to know where you can engage in Bitcoin transactions, this extensive resource directs you to the right merchants. Food, jewelry, banks, travel services and more are all represented here. SpendMeNotWant to begin trading in cryptocurrency? Check out these exchangesExplore the current cryptocurrency market. CoinMarketCap tracks 242 spot exchanges where various cryptocurrencies are traded. Newbie and experienced traders will find timely exchange ranks and scores charted according to traffic, liquidity, and trading volumes. CoinMarketCap promises legitimacy in all trading volumes reported. CoinMarketCapWhy cryptocurrency matters from Andreesen Horowitz general partnerIn this hourlong video, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) General Partner Chris Dixon discusses “Crypto Networks and Why They Matter,” giving an overview of the cryptocurrency space, the transformative implications of its technology, and the potential for cryptocurrency networks to lead a new wave of innovation. YouTubeThe different types of stablecoins include algorithmic stablecoinsIn addition to fiat-backed stablecoins, commodity-backed stablecoins, and cryptocurrency-backed stablecoins, algorithmic stablecoins use smart contract-based mechanisms to maintain a stable value by responding to supply and demand. KrakenCollaterized by crypto, BitUSD is considered the first stablecoinIt was created in 2014 with the intention of making cryptocurrency less volatile. While BitUSD lost its peg to the US dollar in 2018 and never recovered, Tether was created soon after it in 2014 and has had more longevity and success. TradingViewDonald Trump's Truth Social social media platform is launching a prediction marketNamed "Truth Predict," the cryptocurrency-based prediction market will allow users of the Truth Social social media platform to place crypto bets on the outcome of certain events (think: sports games, the economy, and political races). Truth Social is primarily owned by President Donald Trump and his family. WIREDAs of 2025, an estimated $3.2B in annual revenue flows through dark web platformsThe untraceable cryptocurrency Monero is used in about 60% of transactions across more than 37 active marketplaces that sell copyrighted materials, private information, and phishing kits—tools that help bad actors more easily create fake sites to steal users' data—for financial fraud. SQ MagazineVisualizing the world's $261T in investable assetsNearly half of the world's portfolio of stocks and bonds originate in the US. Roughly 1% of all investable assets are in the form of cryptocurrency. Visual CapitalistThe story of a bitcoin loophole that gave one man millionsJames Parker discovered a glitch in an Australian cryptocurrency exchange that would allow him to cash in credits worth over $20M and make big gifts to his friends. Like most loopholes, the authorities found out, but not before his life was transformed. The first in a six-part series. GlobalCathie Wood is one of the most famous modern figures in ETF investingCathie Wood is the fund manager and stock picker behind Ark Invest and its flagship Ark Innovation ETF. Her strategy centers around disruptive technology, and she’s made bold bets on cryptocurrency and companies like Tesla, Robinhood, and Nvidia. Wood has a loyal following of retail investors who watch her daily trades religiously. CNBCThe SEC recently approved bitcoin ETFs in landmark investing decisionIn January 2024, the US Securities and Exchange Commission made history when it decided to allow fund issuers to launch bitcoin ETFs. This new class of exchange-traded fund tracks spot bitcoin prices, essentially allowing investors to hold bitcoin without actually having to buy the crypto. CoinDeskCrypto history's is full of bizarre storiesDigital currencies based solely on misspellings of former President Joe Biden’s name have skyrocketed, and backers of a token based on a Shiba Inu wearing a hat raised $690K to get their logo on the Las Vegas Sphere. The DefiantThe similarities and differences between bitcoin and ethereumEthereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap behind Bitcoin. Usually, that comparison just scratches the surface of the overall market cap. Instead, a visual pits the tokens up against each other on a per-token basis and shows how and why the Ethereum/bitcoin ratio has fluctuated over time. Visual CapitalistTop Ethereum dAppsThousands of decentralized apps (dApps) run on Ethereum, including marketplaces, financial platforms, and social networks. Top apps include Uniswap, a decentralized exchange for buying and selling cryptocurrency, and OpenSea, the biggest marketplace for buying and selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs). New apps are built on Ethereum all the time, facilitating billions of dollars worth of transactions. Explore the biggest ones here. Dapp RadarEthereum is a blockchain-powered platform for building decentralized software and appsAmong crypto enthusiasts, ethereum is known for the cryptocurrency it uses to facilitate transactions: ether, or ETH. It's often compared to an app store. The underpinnings of ethereum's blockchain include dApps, which operate using automated scripts called "smart contracts." InvestopediaeCash paved the way for today’s popular crypto investmentsBitcoin is typically cited as the first decentralized cryptocurrency. But some argue that back in the 1990s, eCash was technically the first cryptocurrency, although it wasn't decentralized. InvestopediaVenture firm a16z's crypto canonAndreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a leading venture capital firm with deep expertise in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. For 10 years, the firm has built its internal knowledge in the area, and archived a wide range of explainers exploring everything from fundamentals to emerging crypto trends, and much more. a16z cryptoBitcoin's founder has always remained anonymousA pseudonym used by the person or group of people who created bitcoin—the first decentralized cryptocurrency—the real identity of Satoshi Nakamoto has baffled millions of enthusiasts for years. 1440Bitcoin explained and made simpleBitcoin, the most popular and well-known example of a cryptocurrency, came on the scene around 2010, with its evangelists proclaiming it would eventually displace government-backed traditional cash. While the concept of a digital currency may seem straightforward, the details can be deceptively simple. This quick video overview provides the foundation for a deeper dive into the world of decentralized currency. The GuardianA look at the biography of Sam Bankman-Fried by author Michael LewisMichael Lewis released a book, "Going Infinite," on the day the subject of the book began his high-profile fraud trial. The book delves into the life of Sam Bankman-Fried, a young billionaire in the cryptocurrency world. Find out what the bestselling author discovered over two years and 100 interviews with Bankman-Fried. CBS NewsPhotos of Sam Bankman-Fried's $35M Bahamas homeSam Bankman-Fried, the 31-year-old founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, traded his luxury Bahamian penthouse for a courtroom and jailhouse. As part of his trial, the prosecution looked into his multimillion-dollar home in the Bahamas he... CNBCDissecting the legend of Sam Bankman-FriedSam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange, rose to fame as a crypto visionary and was hailed as a genius. But he had a quick downfall in late 2022 when reports surfaced, implicating him in massive fraud. Financial TimesVisualizing the financial troubles of FTX at the time of its bankruptcyJust before Sam Bankman-Fried declared FTX bankrupt in November of 2022, he sought to raise funds quickly to try to save the cryptocurrency exchange. As part of that attempt, he sent around a glimpse of the exchange's current balance sheet, which showed the company had liabilities of $9 billion with only $900 million in liquid assets. Check out the visualization here. Visual CapitalistSpellcaster: the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-FriedThe rapid collapse of FTX, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, in late 2022 shocked the world. At the center of the fiasco was Sam Bankman-Fried, a 29-year-old wunderkind who had entranced politicians, journalists, financiers, and others with his melding of altruism and digital currency. The sordid details revealed as the empire fell captured public attention—venture into the death spiral with this in-depth podcast from Bloomberg. BloombergA definitive guide to crypto and blockchainThe concept of cryptocurrency emerged more than a decade ago, with a famous whitepaper on bitcoin. To fully understand the rise of bitcoin, Bloomberg’s Matt Levine developed this comprehensive four-part series exploring the broader crypto and blockchain ecosystems, where they came from and how they work (subscription required). BloombergWhy blockchain applications are worth investing and buildingChris Dixon is a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. In this hourlong podcast episode, Dixon shares his overall thesis for investing in the cryptocurrency space, the opportunities and limitations of blockchain applications, and why this is the most interesting area for investing and building over the next 10 years. ColossusOnly 21 million bitcoin will ever be created—what happens then?Bitcoin is a popular cryptocurrency with a finite supply, and the issuance of new bitcoins is currently offered as a reward for verifying the transactions on the blockchain. Experts say the currency won't reach its limit until the year 2140, and miners may ultimately rely on transaction fees. InvestopediaRead the original white paper from Satoshi NakamotoSatoshi Nakamoto's original introductory paper "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System," is required reading for anyone who wishes to understand the cryptocurrency. Bitcoin.org provides assorted translations. While Nakamoto's identity remains a mystery, his ideas are neatly laid out here, along with supporting documentation. Nakamoto InstituteCryptocurrencies are forms of digital currencyCryptocurrency's key feature is decentralization. Unlike traditional money, they generally aren't controlled by a single authority. As of early 2025, cryptocurrencies had a cumulative market cap of almost $3.4T, making them worth more than some of the world's most valuable companies, like Google and Amazon (both valued at roughly $2.3T). Investopedia
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