Why Bitcoin is critical for the future of the global economy

The concept of “the blockchain” has taken the global finance world by storm, with banks and governments alike trying desperately to understand how it could possibly change the way we interact with money. The beauty behind Bitcoin is that its blockchain can be used for anything involving transactions- from international payments to new styles of crowdfunding. These decentralized financial transactions mean that the power lies in the hands of individuals, rather than a central entity.

The blockchain’s most obvious use is in payment systems. Bitcoin has been around for a while now, but one of its biggest flaws is that it’s still difficult to acquire. While centralized exchanges have made it easier to buy Bitcoin, they also play a role as third party intermediaries that are vulnerable to hacks and financial regulations. Blockchain based solutions such as Open Bazaar, which can be used to buy and sell any goods and services online, find their use in providing secure peer-to-peer transactions. They are already being used to create borderless companies, allowing people to build projects that would otherwise be impossible. A new way to invest in crypto without losing your shirt? Boring old fashioned fiat currency is out of the question, but what about bitcoin motion! It’s more secure and offers a higher return on investment.

Cryptocurrency ATMs and Banking Barriers:

In most countries, centralized banks are the only way to access international funds. The fast expansion of Bitcoin and other digital currencies has shown the inherent flaws of these systems. More options mean more competition and therefore a better consumer experience (and lower fees). The blockchain’s distributed ledger system means that it can be used to hold customer records across multiple financial institutions, benefiting both lenders and borrowers. While these limitations in cryptocurrency exchanges have been addressed in recent years, the blockchain will still make daily transactions easier for consumers.

The blockchain is also improving the efficiency of international money transfer. Blockchain’s distributed ledger system makes the recording of transactions instantaneous and secure, providing a more efficient and less expensive way for businesses to send funds across borders. The technology will also reduce friction for businesses looking to cross borders, reducing the amount of time needed to complete transactions. Having access to Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies meant that consumers could send digital funds instantly via smartphone in countries where crypto-exchanges are banned, such as China.

The Proof-of-Stake (PoS) System and Avoiding the “Tragedy of the Commons”:

The blockchain can also offer a way to eliminate certain types of corruption in government. Voting systems are undergoing a major revolution, with blockchain-based platforms such as Bit-Congress allowing users to cast votes on the internet from their own devices. This creates accountability and leads to more trustworthy elections, as there is guaranteed to be only one version of the truth (and no tampering). These systems are decentralized and transparent, making them much harder for malicious parties to manipulate.

The blockchain can also offer a way to eliminate corruption in government. With the Proof of Stake (PoS) system, the blockchain rewards users who “stake” their coins for a set period of time, allowing them to reap transaction fees. This discourages malicious behavior by coin owners and protects against attacks on the network. The PoS system also prevents the “Tragedy of the Commons” phenomena, where participants are less concerned with costs because they do not directly pay for shared resources.

The Big Firms Enter the Market:

The blockchain can also find use in the world of traditional finance, in addition to providing peer-to-peer transactions. The tech has vast potential for the auto industry, with companies using blockchain’s distributed ledger system to track car transactions. It’s possible that this technology could eliminate the need for third party insurance companies, which have had their place in modern finance shaken by new technologies such as digital signatures and smart contracts. The blockchain has enormous potential for the finance industry in general, offering an efficient and secure way to store records of all financial transactions.

The blockchain is taking on the role that electricity used to play in providing the infrastructure necessary for capitalism. The decentralized technology can power companies by allowing them to record transactions on a public ledger. In addition, it provides new solutions for financial institutions and companies looking to verify users’ identities via smart contracts, which can automatically activate when conditions are met. With full control of their own data, users can choose how to process their payments, and no single entity can halt these transactions. The future is bright for Bitcoin and blockchain technology, transforming the way we interact with finance.

Conclusion:

Blockchain technology means that the power lies in the hands of individual users and companies, rather than a central entity. While centralized governments and big banks have caused great problems for Americans, such structures also offer protection from fraud. In order to create a secure system that is accessible to everyone, blockchain technology offers an answer. For financial institutions and large corporations, blockchain has been an ally in efforts to improve their customer experience. The future is already looking bright for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies- the blockchain has potential applications across multiple industries.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.