Bitcoin. Potentials, Problems and Regulatory Issues of the First Mainstream Cryptocurrency

Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Economics - Monetary theory and policy, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, language: English, abstract: According to conventional wisdom, the cryptocurrency Bitcoin exhibits several improvements compared to the traditional banking system, namely its decentralized structure and a proof-of-work consensus mechanism. However, authors frequently discover problems and propose all kinds of fundamental changes, such as completely new consensus mechanisms by which they want to replace the existing system. That raises the question of how the further development of Bitcoin has to be promoted. We review the most relevant literature concerning Bitcoin’s current role and future potential from different angles. By putting ourselves in the position of involved actors, we find out what they expect from the Bitcoin network and how desirable additional regulatory measures are for them. Although it is generally accepted that appropriate governance can contribute to a more stable and secure currency, cryptocurrencies’ unique characteristics add a new dimension to this idea. That is why we sporadically throw in comparisons to local currency schemes already in existence in order to conclude how the question of regulating a decentralized currency must be addressed.