Why have cryptocurrencies become important?
Main advantages
. Fast and cheap transfers, especially in international transactions.
. Protection from inflation; some like Bitcoin have a limited supply (only 21 million coins).
. Investment and returns; their rising value has made them an attractive investment tool.
. Decentralized finance (DeFi): lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries.
Challenges and risks
. Extreme volatility; their prices can change significantly in a single day.
. Hacking: some platforms have been hacked.
. Legal regulations: some countries ban them or regulate them strictly.