Buy Bitcoin
A deflationary store of value, the first cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and highest-valued digital asset of the cryptocurrency market.
Created in January of 2009, it is a decentralised currency popularly utilised as a deflationary store of value; only 21 million units will ever be available once all coins are successfully mined. Bitcoin’s software is intangible and incorruptible, making it impossible to be modified by any individual or organisation. It differs from Ethereum, created as a communal blockchain blueprint for countless tokens and centralised services.
With Zerocap’s OTC services and custody, our clients buy the underlying asset with post-trade settlements under clear assurance that the bitcoin are fully insured and secure through our multi-party computational and cold storage wallets.
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Definition
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central authority or intermediary. It was first proposed in 2008 by an individual or group of individuals using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto in a white paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” The first Bitcoin software was released as open-source code in January 2009, and the first bitcoins were created through a process called “mining” later that year.
Bitcoin is based on blockchain technology, which is a decentralized ledger that records all transactions on the network. The blockchain is maintained by a network of nodes, or computers, that work together to validate and process transactions. This allows for a trustless system, where transactions can be verified and processed without the need for a central authority.
Bitcoin uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism, which means that new bitcoins are created through a process called mining. Miners use specialized software and hardware to solve complex mathematical problems, and in return, they are rewarded with newly created bitcoins. This process also helps to secure the network and validate transactions.
One of the main use cases for Bitcoin is as a store of value and a means of exchange. Since it is decentralized and not controlled by any government or institution, it allows for cross-border transactions with low transaction fees and without the need for a third party intermediary. It also allows for greater financial privacy and can be a hedge against inflation.
Another use case for Bitcoin is as a form of digital gold. Like gold, Bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million bitcoins, and it is a scarce asset that can’t be easily manipulated. This makes it a potential alternative to traditional safe-haven assets, such as gold or government bonds.
However, Bitcoin has also been criticized for its association with illegal activities, as it can be used for money laundering or other illicit transactions due to its anonymity. Additionally, its volatility can make it a high-risk investment, and the lack of regulation in the crypto space can make it a target for fraud and scams.
In summary, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central authority. It was first proposed in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto and is based on blockchain technology. It has several use cases such as store of value, means of exchange, digital gold, and it has been criticized for association with illegal activities and its high volatility.