Cryptocurrencies are as divisive as ever. Supporters disagree on whether crypto should remain true to its anti-establishment roots or integrate into the mainstream financial system, while the financial authorities are unsure if crypto should be extinguished, ignored or harnessed for good.
Regardless of how that plays out, cryptocurrencies are set to leave a fine legacy. Before crypto, the infrastructure of the financial system, the plumbing that is so essential and usually ignored, was a niche area of study. While that suited the incumbents and the financial authorities, it also meant a highly inefficient payment system and significant rent extraction.
