What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is digital money that exists only online. Instead of being issued by a bank or government, it is created and tracked by computer networks using cryptography — special maths that keeps transactions secure.
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Cryptocurrency, explained simply
Eight essential topics to build your understanding of digital finance.
How does cryptocurrency work?
When you send crypto, the transaction is broadcast to a network of computers. They verify it and record it on a shared public ledger. Nobody can secretly change the record, so everyone can trust who owns what.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin (BTC), launched in 2009, is the first and largest cryptocurrency. Only 21 million bitcoins will ever exist, which is why many people call it 'digital gold'.
What is Ethereum?
Ethereum (ETH) is a blockchain that runs programs called smart contracts. These power apps for lending, trading, digital art (NFTs) and more. Ether is the coin used to pay for activity on the network.
What is blockchain?
A blockchain is a chain of data 'blocks', each linked to the one before it. Copies are held by thousands of computers, making the history transparent and extremely hard to tamper with.
What is crypto mining?
Mining is how some blockchains, like Bitcoin, confirm transactions. Powerful computers compete to solve puzzles; the winner adds the next block and earns new coins. Other networks, like Ethereum, use 'staking' instead.
What are crypto wallets?
A wallet stores the keys that prove you own your crypto. 'Hot' wallets are apps connected to the internet; 'cold' wallets are offline devices. Never share your seed phrase or password with anyone — not even us.
What are the risks of cryptocurrency?
Prices can rise or fall sharply in hours. Scams, hacks, lost keys and changing regulations are real risks. Only invest what you can afford to lose, research carefully, and be wary of anyone promising guaranteed returns.