The new crypto reality

Cryptocurrencies are a relatively young phenomenon. But they have already been on an arduous journey to get where they are today. They went through a slow and hidden development phase, followed by fame, hype (the first cryptocurrency boom of 2017), followed by a relatively sharp drop and a new wave of distrust. This wasn't the end of the story, though, but rather just another plot twist. Along with new cryptocurrencies, new mainstreams in blockchain technology are emerging. Cryptocurrency exchanges are having IPOs (for example, Coinbase, whose shares began trading on Nasdaq and reached $328 on their first day, which represented a 31% premium on the $250 reference price set by the exchange). Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used as a means of payment, as an exchange instrument, which is not a surprise, given their exceptionally high volatility. Most governments understood and accepted that banning digital currencies is pointless. Finding solutions to use them properly is a way better decision. Cryptocurrencies have become an integral part of our life, and every day they penetrate deeper and deeper into various spheres.