Bitcoin as an example of cryptocurrency – current state and perspectives

Abstract

<jats:p>The idea of anonymous digital money existing outside of traditional banking system lasts at least 40 years. It appeared as soon as technological solutions, which such a system requires, became available. The article analyses the genesis of the crypto-currencies and technological solutions implemented into the Bitcoin digital currency. The article shows current state of the Bitcoin market and changes in its price, market capitalisation and number of transactions during last decade of operations of the crypto-currency market. Although there are difficulties in using Bitcoins, which include technical background and resulting from the high volatility of prices of this currency, the continuing upward trend of the Bitcoin price and the average daily number of transactions shows that interest in this currency is growing. Bitcoin features that attract new users are a large dose of anonymity, security of funds guaranteed by the extremely high computing power of the Bitcoin network, the speed of transactions and their low cost associated with the exclusion of a financial intermediary. The features of this money and data from the market allow to expect that Bitcoin will gain more individual and institutional users.</jats:p>