Cryptocurrency: a gateway to financial freedom

• Cryptocurrencies represent a paradigm shift in the financial industry by providing consumers a new way to achieve financial freedom.
• Cryptocurrencies have grown from digital novelties to trillion-dollar technologies with the potential to disrupt the global financial system.
• Financial freedom through cryptocurrency renders traditional finance unnecessary, lowering transaction costs and giving people liberty over their money.

Cryptocurrency’s rise to mainstream pop-culture phenomenon has undoubtedly transformed the overall blockchain ecosystem for the better. In a few years, cryptocurrencies have grown from digital novelties to trillion-dollar technologies with the potential to disrupt the global financial system.

To their proponents, cryptocurrencies represent a democratizing force, wresting the power of money creation and control from centralized, traditional financial institutions. Many high crypto proponents are developing markets. Vietnam, the Philippines, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Kenya represent some of the significant adoption zones, according to Chainalysis.

Cryptocurrency popularity has grown recently as digital assets have become more accessible. However, these assets are still incredibly volatile. In 2022, rising interest rates caused selloffs in Bitcoin as skittish investors offloaded speculative investments. Bitcoin has recovered somewhat in 2023 but is still well off its all-time high.

Over the last decade, investors have been drawn to cryptocurrency for various reasons — from a potential solution to the economic challenges of the existing fiat economic structure to driving financial inclusion and diversifying portfolios. However, a significant general public views cryptocurrency as a doorway to financial freedom amid rising fiat inflation and geopolitical uncertainties.

Traditional financial institutions have, over the years, served as a tool for centralized authorities to control financial access, especially during economic crises. Most recently, the Russian-Ukraine war offered a perfect example of how cryptocurrencies helped the displaced and the unbanked access funds for necessities.

As intended by the by creators like Satoshi Nakamoto, cryptocurrency seeks to bring power back to the people. No level of regulations, sanctions, or bans can stop the growing preference for digital currencies instead of fiat. Beyond that, proper Bitcoin investments can bring people closer to attaining their dream of financial freedom.

Cryptocurrency qualities ideal for financial freedom

The concept of currency has changed fundamentally in a time of tremendous technological advancement and global connectivity. Cryptocurrency has developed beyond its original function as simple digital money to become a complex phenomenon beyond simple financial exchanges. The swift transition can be attributed to some standout attributes that allow cryptocurrency to offer money liberty and financial freedom.

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Independence and decentralization

Decentralization represents the distinguishing qualities of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies run on decentralized networks known as blockchains. This differs from traditional financial systems that depend on centralized institutions, including banks and government entities. Blockchain, run on distributed ledgers, guarantees transparency, security, and immutability.

Thus, decentralization gives people more control over crypto accounts. This control enables the storage and transfer of digital assets without an intermediary. This financial freedom through cryptocurrency renders traditional finance unnecessary, lowering transaction costs and giving people liberty over their money.

Security and privacy

Compared to traditional financial systems, cryptocurrencies offer greater security and privacy. Although the blockchain records cryptocurrency transactions, personal information is frequently kept private. Consequently, this privacy feature protects individuals better from financial fraud and identity theft.

Furthermore, sophisticated cryptographic techniques form the foundation for the security of cryptocurrencies. Transactions are made tamper-proof and hacker-proof, thanks to blockchain technology. Users have tight control over their digital assets and lower the danger of illegal access by using public and private key pairs.

READ ALSO: Crypto trading in Africa on the rise despite challenges

Trust and self-custody in cryptocurrency

Regarding the long-term holding of cryptocurrencies, the key is not to trust any other third-party entity with the assets’ private keys. Investors who store their digital assets on crypto exchanges unknowingly give away complete control of their assets.

Ever since the FTX fraud came to light, the case of self-custody in cryptocurrency grew stronger. Investors who suffered losses owing to the alleged misappropriation of funds realized the importance of self-custody. Maintaining ownership of the private key — via self-custodial wallets — becomes paramount for those who seek financial freedom through cryptocurrency in its truest sense.

Borderless transactions

Without the restrictions of conventional banking institutions, cryptocurrency has made frictionless cross-border transactions possible. Traditionally, overseas transfers may be sluggish, costly, and reliant on several intermediaries. Cryptocurrencies offer a borderless and immediate means of value transfer, enabling international trade and empowering people in underdeveloped regions with financial freedom.

This way, cryptocurrency enhances financial inclusion. People lack access to fundamental financial services in many regions globally due to a lack of infrastructure or disproportionate costs in accessing the same. Cryptocurrencies can reduce this gap by offering a straightforward and open way to participate in the global financial system.

Investment and wealth creation

Cryptocurrency early adopters have seen their investments grow massively with profitable returns from a wealth of possibilities. The spectacular price growth and consequent success of assets like Bitcoin have received much media attention. Although cryptocurrencies have proven unpredictable, they have produced outstanding returns over the past ten years, allowing people to accumulate wealth.

Moreover, decentralized finance (DeFi) has been made possible by cryptocurrencies. DeFi platforms use blockchain technology to offer cutting-edge financial services, including lending, borrowing, and earning interest on cryptocurrency. These platforms do away with intermediaries and give people access to financial services previously exclusively available to traditional banking clients. DeFi creates new opportunities for making money and achieving financial freedom.

The crypto hodling concept

The immense volatility of cryptocurrencies coupled with investor restlessness is a recipe for instant losses. Many people fail to understand that cryptocurrency is a long—term investment, unlike other common financial assets. Hence, crypto veterans recommend holding crypto during bull markets and buying the dips during bear markets.

With a few exceptions, according to UpMyInterest data, Bitcoin investors saw a mean annual return of 93.8 per cent, which jumped to 302.8 per cent in its best-performing year.

Crypto hodling (crypto jargon for holding assets) has proven challenging for investors, despite its simplicity. Spreading FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) and price swings are two variables that cause rapid Bitcoin selling.

While profiting from cryptocurrency’s volatility makes sense in the short run, a closer observation of the price movements reveals a longer-term stronger incentive in hodling. Furthermore, investors who possess cryptocurrency will always be able to spend it across borders without losing value.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrencies represent a paradigm shift in the financial industry by providing consumers a new way to achieve financial freedom. Cryptocurrencies empower people to take control of their financial lives through decentralization, borderless transactions, investment opportunities, and increased anonymity.

Given the nascency of the crypto ecosystem, investors are advised to focus on the long-term benefits of cryptocurrency while reaping short-term gains in the process. Nonetheless, it is critical to approach cryptocurrency investments cautiously, investigate, and be aware of the risks. Individuals can utilize this revolutionary technology to achieve financial autonomy.

READ ALSO: Challenge of linking crypto to traditional banking

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• Source: https://web3africa.news/2023/09/22/crypto/cryptocurrency-a-gateway-to-financial-freedom/