Sectors in which cryptocurrency is being adopted
When the largest ever Bitcoin transaction took place in early September, no sooner had the news of it reached the media than speculation began about who was involved. The single transaction consisting of 94,504 Bitcoins was the equivalent of $1 billion (at its then price) and represented around 0.5% of all of the cryptocurrency currently in circulation.
As an aside, it’s also worth noting that this is only the biggest transaction of its kind when measured in its dollar value. Back in 2011, a transaction of 550,000 Bitcoins was recorded but, at the time, this was only worth around $1.6 million.
While the identities of the parties involved in this latest transaction must remain shrouded in anonymity, it has thrown up some interesting suggestions that cryptocurrencies, or at least the blockchain that facilitates they use, may be the way ahead for a number of sectors who need to transfer money quickly and securely.
The benefits of using cryptocurrencies are often overshadowed by the reputation they have for not being totally above-board and legitimate; a reputation that is hardly enhanced by incidents such as thefts from currency exchanges in which the perpetrators are just as hard to locate as the parties in this latest, legitimate, transaction.
But it’s this combination of anonymity added to the speed at which transactions can be made that makes cryptocurrencies a potentially very interesting proposition. So interesting, in fact, that even Facebook is set to launch its own cryptocurrency called Libra.
Facebook has pushed forward the development of #Libra #cryptocurrency and reportedly revealed the percentage breakdown of a basket of global currencies that will underpin Libra. (Source: https://t.co/xHGTNn6tLq) pic.twitter.com/SpyYIgIpdD
— DigiFinex Exchange (@DigiFinex) September 24, 2019
So, let’s take a look at three particular sectors that could potentially benefit a great deal if they started to make at least some of their transactions via crypto or blockchain tech.
Banking
It’s certainly no secret that, while initially being extremely skeptical about cryptocurrencies, the banking industry has been quick to see the potential in using blockchain technology not just for currency transfer, but for all kinds of information exchange. It’s thought that more than 40 of the world’s leading banks are actively developing blockchain solutions attracted by the lower costs, greater security and increased speeds that they promise to deliver. Another leading financial institution that is known to be embracing blockchain is JP Morgan who have published several research papers on the subject.
Online Gaming
Online gaming has been one of the fastest-growing sectors of the last couple of decades and whose revenue is projected to almost double in size from a 2017 figure of $45.8 billion to $94.4 billion by 2024. It’s a sector that has been driven by innovation and the embracing of new technology, so there’s every reason to suppose that cryptocurrency transactions could become the norm for many of the operators. Already some of the bigger operators offer a huge range of payment options to players, including digital options like PayPal and Neteller. But, particularly for fast-paced games like online roulette and blackjack, the speed of blockchain transactions could be of real benefit for players and hosts alike.
Real Estate
Anyone who’s ever bought or sold real estate will agree on one thing; it’s a process that’s slow, complex and often frustrating. It’s calling out for something that’s going to streamline the whole process for the buyer and seller alike. Step forward blockchain. This ticks all the boxes, whether it’s for the quick and secure transfer of legal documents or the paying of funds in a trusted and secure way.
Buying and selling are also processes in which many agents and intermediaries seem to want to take their cut along the way while unfairly providing a slow-moving service. Both are issues that could disappear at a stroke, although the intermediaries in question may not be too happy about it.
However, while all these examples may seem like the ideal candidates for cryptocurrency and blockchain transactions, there are also several considerations. For example, the fluctuating value of the cryptocurrencies will always be a concern until they eventually stabilize. There’s also the question of the dubious reputation the currencies have, but with wider acceptance, this will surely change. Furthermore, the fact that established financial institutions are also coming around to the benefits of blockchain transactions can only help in this respect.
So, expect to see more and more transactions of the kind, although possibly not of this size, that are sure to soon be hitting the headlines. And, before long, you might even be making one yourself.
Anyone who’s ever bought or sold real estate will agree on one thing; it’s a process that’s slow, complex and often frustrating. It’s calling out for something that’s going to streamline the whole process for the buyer and seller alike. Step forward blockchain. This ticks all the boxes, whether it’s for the quick and secure transfer of legal documents or the paying of funds in a trusted and secure way.
Buying and selling are also processes in which many agents and intermediaries seem to want to take their cut along the way while unfairly providing a slow-moving service. Both are issues that could disappear at a stroke, although the intermediaries in question may not be too happy about it.
However, while all these examples may seem like the ideal candidates for cryptocurrency and blockchain transactions, there are also several considerations. For example, the fluctuating value of the cryptocurrencies will always be a concern until they eventually stabilize. There’s also the question of the dubious reputation the currencies have, but with wider acceptance, this will surely change. Furthermore, the fact that established financial institutions are also coming around to the benefits of blockchain transactions can only help in this respect.
So, expect to see more and more transactions of the kind, although possibly not of this size, that are sure to soon be hitting the headlines. And, before long, you might even be making one yourself.
Leave a Reply