From barter to blockchain

A special type of cryptocurrency designed to keep its value steady. Most do this by linking each coin to a traditional currency like the US dollar or Swiss franc, though some use other assets or algorithms to try to hold their price steady. But they are not risk-free. Sometimes, stablecoins can lose their link to the currency or asset they’re supposed to follow, especially if there are problems with the company or technology involved.

It may also soon find its way into our wallets: digital francs, for example, that work only for groceries or for public transport, or for government aid that remain valid during a specific date range. While that introduces new functionality, it also raises critical questions about privacy and control.

This is another blockchain based innovation. It enables people to borrow, lend and invest without traditional banks. While it opens new possibilities, it also raises serious questions about oversight and risk. If lending and investing happen directly between people, traditional banks and regulators may have to take a back seat – and then it’s not clear who’s driving.

Cryptocurrency is digital money like Bitcoin that typically isn’t issued or controlled by governments, running instead on shared networks and letting you send and store value without needing a bank. In practice, however, most people still rely on platforms for crypto transactions, and governments and central banks are exploring their own state-backed digital currencies. Crypto prices can be highly volatile and they are not widely accepted for everyday payments in Switzerland.

This serves as a digital ledger that provides a secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant record of transactions. It’s like a digital notebook that everyone can see but no one can erase or change. Because copies are stored on thousands of computers around the world, it’s hard for anyone to mess with the records. That’s what makes blockchain technology trustworthy and important for cryptocurrencies.