#USCryptoWeek Cryptocurrency, or crypto, is a digital form of money built on blockchain technology. It enables secure, decentralized transactions without the need for banks or intermediaries. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, was the first and remains the most well-known cryptocurrency. Since then, thousands of others like Ethereum, Binance Coin, and Solana have emerged, offering various functions from smart contracts to decentralized finance (DeFi). Crypto offers benefits like lower transaction fees, fast global transfers, and financial inclusion. However, it also carries risks such as volatility, regulation uncertainty, and scams. As crypto adoption grows, it continues to reshape how we think about money, ownership, and technology.