Cryptocurrency 101

CryptoCurrencies, Blockchain, Hash Generator, BTC, Ethereum … If you weren’t sure if this was English, you are not alone. While Bitcoin is one of the biggest stories in today’s world, many still don’t understand what it is or how it works. To try and demystify this complex topic that has cemented itself within the daily news cycle, we have broken down some of the most commonly used jargon from this new technology:

Blockchain – a shared database, often viewed as a ledger, where the summation of all transactions in the network are recorded.

Node – A computer connected to the blockchain network who, jointly with all other nodes, maintain the blockchain

Miner – Special nodes where the computer does complex computations to compete to be the one who creates the next block (entry) in the blockchain. They are rewarded when their computer is the one who is able to create the next block.

Coin – The reward for being the miner who completes a block often takes the form of a coin or token. Because this coin can be hard to earn, some view it to hold value and so it’s called a cryptocurrency. It’s secured through a key (password/identifier).

Bitcoin (BTC) – Largest cryptocurrency by market cap.

Ether (ETH) – Next largest cryptocurrency. It is the reward/currency on the blockchain Ethereum. It differentiates itself through the ability to use “Smart contracts” or programmable money that automatically transacts or transfers ownership when agreed upon conditions are met.

Now the next time you hear the word Bitcoin on your nightly news or it appears on your newsfeed, the jargon won’t be so intimidating. While Bitcoin and blockchain are exciting developments in technology, they are still in their infancy. Many are uncertain about the future of the technology and what regulations or pitfalls may await. Also due to its unusual nature, valuating such an asset has proved difficult as can be seen by its drastic price movements. Much of the current discussion regarding this technology is speculation of what it may be and how it may be used.

Will I see Bitcoin as an investment option in my employer’s retirement plan? For now the answer is: No. The vast majority of participants do not have the knowledge or expertise to make an informed and prudent allocation to this sector. The volatility that is seen in the sector can lead to a bumpy participant ride and poor participant outcomes. This level of volatility is not the ride you want.