F.A.Q

Cryptocurrency is a completely digital, decentralized form of currency. It can be used as a means of payment or exchange (though that’s not a very practical use today), or as a potential store of value. Since it’s a digital currency, you can’t carry Bitcoins around physically in bill or coin form; all transactions take place online. Cryptocurrency is also decentralized, meaning it’s not backed by government authority the way the U.S. dollar, for example, is. Instead, it’s maintained by its users. When you buy, sell, or trade crypto, those transactions are recorded on a decentralized ledger called blockchain, which is a permanent, unchangeable record. Any changes to a blockchain must be approved by a majority of users, which also makes it a highly secure form of record keeping.

If you’re new to investing in crypto, experts say Bitcoin or Ethereum are probably the best cryptos to start with. When you’re ready to buy in, here are a few of the first steps you should take:

1. Choose an exchange: A crypto exchange is the online trading platform you’ll use to buy your crypto. Some details to consider include security, fees, and available coins. 
2. Fund your account: As you would with a traditional investment account, you’ll need to move U.S. dollars into your crypto exchange account. 
3. Place an order: This differs by exchange, but you’ll essentially trade the dollars in your exchange account for the cryptocurrency you want. 

Practice safe storage: Decide whether you want to keep your coins within your exchange account or move them into your own hot or cold wallet. 

Cryptocurrency value can be pegged to underlying asset such as U.S. dollar, central bank digital currencies, privacy coins (senders and receivers are anonymous), governance tokens (gives owners the right to vote in decisions regarding blockchain’s future development), utility tokens, and non-fungible tokens (distinct characteristics from all others). This is from a developer/development side. Of course, there are also investors and speculators who are hoping for appreciation. It is very important you know the intent and functionality of cryptocurrency you own or are considering owning.

Cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on a shared, digital ledger called a blockchain. This is decentralized technology, spread across many computers, that records every transaction. 

No. Blockchain is the technology that allows for cryptocurrencies to work. It is a decentralized and digital ledger of transactions used for cryptocurrencies and other assets/functions. It is important to separate the technology behind cryptocurrencies from the actual cryptocurrencies.

Here’s a brief glossary:

• Crypto — umbrella term for all digital and/or virtual currencies
• Coins — Generally, any cryptocurrency that has its own separate blockchain
• Tokens — Generally, any cryptocurrency that is built on top of existing blockchain, e.g., some companies issue their own cryptocurrencies, called tokens, which can be used to purchase goods or services specifically from issuing company

ICO — Short for Initial Coin Offering, this is analogous to a privately held company going public via an initial public offering (IPO)—a way to raise funds for a new cryptocurrency or expand services for existing coins

The most popular and widely heard of cryptocurrency is Bitcoin. As of early January 2021, the total cryptocurrency market is over $1 trillion, and Bitcoin is around $700 billion. Believe it or not, there are over 18000 cryptocurrencies in existence and growing. The top five, with over 80 percent of the market value, are Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Tether, and Litecoin.

People saw the success of Bitcoin and tried to improve existing functionality and provide new functionality with new cryptocurrencies. Additionally, investors and developers were certainly trying to make money.

Since cryptocurrency operates on a decentralized network that lacks a central authority, it is possible to exchange cryptocurrency without registering an identity. Yes, since the start there have been criminal activities with cryptocurrencies. However, the blockchain publicly records every transaction, and while names are not assigned to addresses, you can trace activity back to a crypto exchange, which knows the end user. The estimates vary for how many transactions are for illegal activities and proponents of cryptocurrency point to illegal activity with traditional currencies.

There are a couple of methods, but the simplest and least expensive is via an online cryptocurrency exchange (OCMX). You establish an account and from there, you transfer in cash and purchase the cryptocurrency of your choice. The exchange will allow you to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency. The user experience, fees, and identification requirements all vary based on the exchange, so it is important to conduct research before you do anything.

Simply put, crypto wallets are places to store digital assets more securely than just on an exchange.  You hold your wallet via an exchange account, custody wallet, or outside of the exchange. You can establish an online or “hot” wallet that is internet connected—to your desktop, table or mobile phone. There is also the option to store on a device that is not connected to the internet (“cold” wallet). Cold wallets are the most secure way to store your cryptocurrency, but they are meant for longer-term holdings as they are not connected to the internet. With cold storage, you must remember your private keys (identifier number for your cryptocurrency).

Depending on who you ask, you would most likely get a different answer. Some investors believe it will be a store of value over time and a hedge against traditional fiat money. Some people just want to speculate and make a quick buck (coin). Some do want to be part of the ecosystem and use it as an alternative to traditional currency—not as an investment per se but a means of transacting. 

Yes, on many exchanges you can place an order at 11 a.m. Sunday or any other day and time. Many cryptocurrencies trade 24 hours a day, seven days a week.