Cryptocurrencies

In short: Cryptocurrencies are digital means of payment based on cryptographic methods and usually a decentralised blockchain.

In more detail: There is no central bank. The network confirms transactions together, every change is publicly traceable.

In Depth

Types

• Currency coins: Bitcoin.
• Platforms with smart contracts: Ethereum, Solana and others.
• Stablecoins: pegged to the euro or dollar.
• Privacy coins: for example Monero.
• Memecoins: often highly speculative.

Technology

Blockchain, wallets with a private key (private key), consensus methods (proof of work, proof of stake, see crypto mining).

Risks

Price swings, fraud (scam), lost keys. In the EU the MiCA regulation governs providers.

See also: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto Mining, Scam