Crypto Currency as an Emerging Investment Instrument: The Missing Link…….

Abstract

Cryptocurrency has become an issue that have attracted the attention of individuals, investors and government taking into play that the rate at which it is been patronized online and the media hype its getting. This paper tends to examine cryptocurrency as an investment tool and its missing link. However, the paper identifies the major types of cryptocurrencies, how is it exchanged and measured. It further revealed the benefits of the digital currency as it is secured; transfers are made easier, less processing charges, removing the bottle necks when using banks and other financial institution as intermediary, etc. Despite these benefits, there tend to be a missing links which could affect its operations. Amongst which are lack of government support, transparency issues, subject to loss, theft and fraud, lack of central repository and investors protection clause, etc. The paper concludes that cryptocurrency as an economic innovation is disruptive the way it’s currently managed and if this vacuum is not adequately addressed, it will not survive in the future. The study further recommends that there is need to create a legal & regulatory framework guiding its operations, ensure full disclosure on its transactions, need to be centralized in nature and investors protection clause should be incorporated, etc.