The cryptocurrency paradigm was heralded by the launch of Bitcoin (BTC) in 2008, inspiring a new technological and social movement. The goal of cryptocurrencies is to provide a medium for global, peer-to-peer transaction settlement that preserves privacy and financial security.

A cryptocurrency monetary policy is enforced through a unique blend of software, cryptography and financial incentives rather than the whim of trusted third parties such as central banks, corporations or governments. Cryptocurrencies are powered by cryptographically secure, verifiable transaction databases called blockchains, which provide their security and transparency.

A cryptocurrency network consists of a global community of stakeholders, including the validators that secure the network while adding transactions to the blockchain, the traders who speculate on these radically market-driven assets, and the builders working to onboard people to this new financial paradigm.