Cryptocurrency is decentralized digital money built on blockchain technology. The most well-known examples are Bitcoin and Ethereum, but there are over 19,000 different cryptocurrencies in circulation today. These digital assets operate on networks distributed across thousands of computers, which allows them to exist independently of governments and central authorities.

This decentralized design offers several advantages: cryptocurrencies can enable faster, cheaper payments and reduce reliance on centralized systems that can fail at a single point.

Experts believe blockchain and related technologies are set to disrupt industries such as finance, law, and logistics.

At its core, cryptocurrency is a digital, encrypted, and decentralized medium of exchange. Unlike traditional fiat currencies such as the U.S. Dollar or Euro, no central entity manages its value. Instead, the responsibility is shared across a distributed network of users.

While you can use cryptocurrency to buy goods and services, many people treat it as an investment—comparable to stocks or precious metals. However, investing in crypto carries risk, and it's crucial to research each asset and platform before committing funds.

The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was proposed in 2008 by an individual (or group) under the name Satoshi Nakamoto, who described it as a "peer-to-peer electronic cash system" based on cryptographic proof rather than trust.

A blockchain is a type of distributed ledger that records transactions in blocks of data. These blocks are linked together chronologically, forming a permanent chain of transaction history.

Think of it like a digital ledger or checkbook that is replicated across countless computers around the world. Every time a transaction occurs, it’s added to a new block. Once verified, the block is added to the chain and shared with all participants, ensuring everyone’s records are aligned.

To quote Buchi Okoro, CEO of the African crypto exchange Quidax: “Each page is similar to a block, and the entire book, a group of pages, is a blockchain.”

This system ensures transparency, security, and data integrity without requiring a central authority.

Cryptocurrency is more than a trend—it’s a foundational shift in how we store, transfer, and think about value.

A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, such as the U.S. Dollar. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which can fluctuate significantly in value, stablecoins aim to minimize volatility. Popular examples include USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin).

Stablecoins like USDT are backed by dollar-denominated assets that match or exceed the number of coins in circulation. These reserves are held in segregated accounts with U.S.-regulated financial institutions and verified by independent accounting firms.

Most stablecoins operate on widely used blockchains such as Ethereum, which makes them:

They combine the reliability of fiat with the power of crypto: fast, low-cost, secure, and programmable.

Unlike traditional crypto assets, stablecoins don’t swing wildly in price. This makes them ideal for transactions where price certainty is important.

No bank account needed. You can hold, send, or receive stablecoins across the globe—even in areas where dollars are scarce or the local currency is unstable.

Many platforms offer interest on stablecoin holdings, often at rates higher than those offered by traditional banks.

Stablecoins can move large amounts at extremely low cost. For example, users have transferred over $1 million in USDC with less than $1 in fees.

Send stablecoins internationally without delays, intermediaries, or high fees. A wallet and a connection are all you need.

Stablecoins are a powerful bridge between the traditional and digital financial systems—bringing speed, stability, and inclusivity to the world of money.