$BTC is the most well-known cryptocurrency and the pioneer in the world of decentralized digital currencies. Launched in 2009 by an anonymous entity or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin operates on a distributed ledger technology called blockchain. This means that it is not controlled by any central bank, government, or financial institution, which gives it an autonomous and transparent nature.
Each Bitcoin transaction is recorded on the blockchain, a public and immutable database. The "miners" are computers in the network that verify and add these transactions to new "blocks", competing to solve complex cryptographic problems. In doing so, they are rewarded with new Bitcoins, up to a maximum limit of 21 million units, ensuring its scarcity and value.
Initially conceived as a peer-to-peer payment system, BTC has evolved to become an important class of investment asset and a financial tool. Its volatility is well known, with significant fluctuations in its value over time. Despite the inherent risks of investing in crypto assets, its adoption continues to grow, with companies and even some countries exploring its use and holding.
Would you like to know more about how the blockchain technology behind Bitcoin works or its uses beyond investment?
