$BTC

Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first decentralized digital currency, introduced in 2009 by the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a peer-to-peer blockchain network, Bitcoin eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, enabling secure, transparent, and censorship-resistant transactions. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is designed to be deflationary, contrasting with traditional fiat currencies that can be printed indefinitely. Its value derives from scarcity, adoption, and utility as both a store of value ("digital gold") and a medium of exchange. Bitcoin has faced volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and environmental debates over its energy-intensive proof-of-work mining, yet it remains the dominant cryptocurrency by market capitalization, influencing global finance, institutional investment, and monetary policy discussions. Major corporations, hedge funds, and even countries now hold BTC as part of their treasury strategies, signaling growing mainstream acceptance. Despite challenges, Bitcoin continues to evolve with layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network improving scalability, solidifying its role as a transformative asset in the digital age.