Crypto Assets and Blockchain: Fad, Threat, or New Normal?

Executive Summary

Crypto tokens–—often referred to as cryptocurrencies by originators–—have a notional market value of more than $2 trillion today and are on pace to expand exponentially. But what are they? Where did they come from? What is the technology that supports them? Is it a fad, or like the internet, is it here to stay? How do governments and central banks view these technologies? How might businesses use the technology and/or the assets? What are the risks and benefits of adopting them? We answer these questions and more to help firms weigh how they might enjoy the fruits but also avoid the pitfalls of this burgeoning new phenomenon.

Key Questions Answered

• What is the history of crypto tokens (i.e., cryptocurrencies)?
• What are distributed ledger technologies, and blockchain, their most well-known variation?
• What are crypto assets? What types are there?
• What are crypto tokens (cryptocurrencies)?
• Are crypto tokens actually currencies/money?
• Who issues crypto assets and who uses them?
• How are businesses using DLT and digital assets?
• What are the challenges/risks to the broad adoption of crypto assets?
• What should businesses think about before adoption?