Crypto-assets are not money

Abstract

Cryptocurrencies refer to virtual mediums of exchange, which are transferred from one holder to another without the use of a centralised ledger. Originally conceived as an alternative to the official monetary system, cryptocurrencies have failed to realise their intended purpose. Instead, they might be viewed as an asset class of sorts, but only as long as there is a functioning market for them. As such, it is more appropriate to speak of crypto-assets, not cryptocurrencies.