In the eleventh episode of Fintech Fridays Special Edition with Binance Africa titled,"Crypto 101: Understanding the Basics of the Blockchain and Crypto", we explore:

• The world of cryptocurrency and the basics of digital currencies and blockchain
• Why decentralization and transparency are game-changers for finance.
• Why Decentralized finance, NFTs, and central bank digital currencies are reshaping the landscape

A special thanks to our sponsors, Binance Africa, for supporting this episode.

About Binance

Binance is the world's leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider with a financial product suite that includes the largest digital asset exchange by volume. Trusted by millions worldwide, the Binance platform is dedicated to increasing the freedom of money for users and features an unmatched portfolio of crypto products and offerings, including trading and finance, education, data and research, social good, investment and incubation, decentralization and infrastructure solutions, and more. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4gbOtZR

Disclaimer: For the avoidance of doubt, the use of the terminology of depositing or withdrawing does not mean that Binance receives, holds, or releases any fiat currency through its platform nor does it contemplate any deposit taking, remittances or similar activity by Binance.

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Episode Agenda

Basics of Cryptocurrency

• Definition and security through cryptography.
• Introduction of Bitcoin as the first and most well-known cryptocurrency.
• Overview of the thousands of cryptocurrencies with unique features.

Key Characteristics of Cryptocurrencies

• Decentralisation: Operating without a central authority.
• Transparency: Transactions recorded on a public ledger.
• Security: Cryptographic techniques ensuring transaction integrity.
• Peer-to-peer transactions: Direct transfer of funds without intermediaries.

How Cryptocurrency Works

• Operation on blockchain technology: Decentralised ledger.
• Transaction process:
• Initiation of transaction by a user.
• Verification process by network of computers.
• Validation of transaction through algorithms.
• Grouping of verified transactions into blocks.
• Permanent addition of blocks to the blockchain.

Blockchain Technology

• Foundation of cryptocurrencies.
• Description as a chain of blocks with transactions.
• Key features:
• Decentralization
• Transparency
• Immutability
• Consensus mechanisms (e.g., proof of work, proof of stake)

Types of Cryptocurrencies

• Coins: Cryptocurrencies with their own blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
• Tokens: Operate on existing blockchains (e.g., ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum).

Acquiring Cryptocurrency

• Purchasing on exchanges like Binance.
• Mining through solving complex puzzles (financial and labor intensive).

Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrencies

• Pros:
• Decentralization and autonomy.
• Potential for high returns.
• Fast and cheap international transfers.
• Increased financial inclusion.
• Cons:
• High volatility.
• Regulatory uncertainty.
• Potential for illegal activities.
• Environmental concerns.

Future of Cryptocurrency

• Evolution with developments in:
• Decentralized finances (DeFi)
• Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
• Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
• Improved scalability and energy efficiency
• Discussion on the uncertain yet potentially revolutionary future.

Timestamps

00:00 Fintech Friday explores African blockchain and cryptocurrency.

04:44 Cryptocurrency: Decentralised, high returns, fast transfers.

08:21 Digital currencies' future impact on cryptocurrencies uncertain.

References

Binance - https://bit.ly/4gbOtZR

Binance Charity - https://www.developafrica.org/how-cryptocurrency-can-aid-development-education-africa

Investing in Crypto : https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/cryptocurrency

What is cryptocurrency and how is works: https://cointelegraph.com/learn/articles/what-is-a-cryptocurrency-a-beginners-guide-to-digital-money