Mark Tencaten - Advantages of Cryptocurrency

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual money that is protected by encryption and virtually hard to duplicate or counterfeit. Blockchain technology, a distributed record enforced by a dispersed network of computers, is the foundation of many cryptocurrency-decentralized networks. In general, cryptocurrencies are not issued by any central agency, making them theoretically resistant to government intervention or manipulation. This is a distinguishing characteristic of cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies: Are They Legal?

Governments or financial institutions are the sources of fiat currency authority. But neither a public nor a private entity is backing cryptocurrencies. As a result, it has been challenging to argue for their legal standing in many financial jurisdictions across the globe. The fact that cryptocurrencies have generally operated outside of the majority of the current financial infrastructure does not assist the situation. Their legal status impacts the usage of cryptocurrencies in regular transactions and trading. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) suggested in June 2019 that the Travel Rule, which mandates AML compliance, be applied to wire transfers of cryptocurrencies.

Mark Tencaten has highlighted instances from several nations regarding the government's ownership of cryptocurrencies.

For example, the Payment Services Act of Japan classifies Bitcoin as a legal asset. Exchanges that deal in cryptocurrencies in the nation are required to gather client data and wire transfer information.

Cryptocurrency mining and trading are not permitted inside Chinese territory.

A framework for cryptocurrency was reportedly being developed in India.

The European Union has legalized cryptocurrencies. The usage of cryptocurrencies in derivatives and various other products must meet the definition of "financial instruments."

Crypto derivatives, including Bitcoin futures, are offered on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in the US, the world's largest and most complex financial market.

Advantages of cryptocurrencies

Mark Tencaten says that the goal of the introduction of cryptocurrencies was to transform the financial system. But there are costs and benefits to every change. A decentralized system with cryptocurrency is the theoretical ideal, and its actual execution diverges significantly at the current level of cryptocurrency development.

1.      In terms of money, cryptocurrencies represent a brand-new, decentralized paradigm. In this system, transactions between the two sides are governed by trust rather than by centralized middlemen like banks and financial organizations. As a result, a system based on cryptocurrency eliminates the chance of a single point of failure, such as a major bank, causing a chain reaction of global crises, like the one brought on by the failure of American institutions in 2008.

2.      With the use of cryptocurrencies, it is simpler to transfer money between two individuals without the need for a reliable third party, such as a bank or credit card firm. Public keys, private keys, and other incentive schemes, such as proof of labor or proof of stake, are used to secure such decentralized transfers.

3.      Cryptocurrency transactions between two dealing participants can be faster than traditional money transfers since they do not employ third-party middlemen. A great illustration of such decentralized transfers is flash loans in decentralized finance. These loans may be completed instantly and are utilized in trading since they are done without supporting collateral.

4.      Investments in cryptocurrencies can be profitable. Over the past ten years, the value of cryptocurrency markets has surged, reaching approximately $2 trillion at one time. Bitcoin had a market value of over $450 billion as of January 2023.

5.      One of the most well-known use cases for cryptocurrencies is being tested in the remittance industry. At the moment, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin act as intermediary currencies to speed up international money transactions. As a result, fiat money is transformed into Bitcoin (or similar cryptocurrency), transported across international boundaries, and then converted back into the target fiat currency. This technique simplifies and lowers the cost of the money transfer process.

What Purpose Does Cryptocurrency Serve?

Mark Tencaten claims that cryptocurrencies represent a brand-new approach to money. They pledge to accelerate and reduce the cost of the current financial architecture. Additionally, their technology and design decentralize current monetary systems and enable parties engaged in transactions to exchange value and money without the need for third parties like banks.

Mark Tencaten concludes that cryptocurrency is a type of digital asset that is protected by encryption. They are very speculative because it is a comparatively new technology; therefore, knowing what risks are involved before investing is crucial.