Useful Money and Cryptocurrencies

Abstract

Cryptocurrencies aim at substituting the operations of trusted financial institutions with decentralized operations, including the monetary functions provided by central banks. This article addresses some fundamental questions. Can cryptocurrencies, with no institutions behind them, really function as useful money? Can cryptocurrencies improve our payment system? What are the risks? And how should central banks and other policy makers respond to cryptocurrencies? <b>TOPICS:</b>Currency, portfolio construction, wealth management