Crypto assets, also known as crypto, refer to digital assets that include cryptocurrencies, coins or tokens. These assets digitally represent ownership of a value or rights over something specific. It is important to note that they may or may not be backed by physical assets.

Cryptocurrency is considered a high-risk investment due to its volatile nature. The value of cryptocurrencies often undergoes significant fluctuations in a short period of time.

Encryption is a method of data security and protection

Crypto-assets, also known as crypto, are digital assets that include cryptocurrencies, tokens and coins. They do not have a physical existence like conventional banknotes or coins, but rather like digital tokens stored in a digital wallet.

Digital tokens rely on cryptography and technology such as blockchain for security and other features. Importantly, the cryptocurrency may or may not be associated with a real asset.

The Reserve Bank of Australia website contains information about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, including an explanation of how it works and the mining process.

Cryptography is widely used in payment systems, in the execution of automated contracts and programs. Importantly, anyone can create a crypto asset, which means that the circulation of these assets can reach thousands at any given time.

Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile due to a number of factors

The price of cryptocurrencies can be extremely volatile and is often subject only to market speculation. Several factors can influence the value of these digital currencies, such as:

The media focuses on public announcements and influential individuals on social media who own large amounts of crypto assets. When buying crypto assets, it is important to consider the possibility of losing the entire amount invested.

Buying and storing cryptocurrencies

It is possible to buy or sell cryptocurrencies on a trading platform using cash. Alternatively, it is also possible to buy or sell directly.

The cryptocurrency is stored in a unique digital wallet, called “hot”, or in a hardware wallet, known as “cold”. Each type of wallet has unique private keys that are used to authorize transactions on the blockchain network.

Types of crypto assets

Each cryptocurrency has its own unique characteristics. It is important to emphasize that most of them were not developed with the purpose of being treated as investments.

While there are several categories of crypto assets, there is no universal consensus on the definition of each one. While I can list some common categories below, it is important to note that this list does not include every cryptocurrency out there.

Investing in cryptocurrencies is considered high risk due to market volatility

It is important to note that some cryptoassets and digital assets are not considered traditional financial products. For this reason, it is possible that the platform on which you carry out transactions for buying and selling cryptocurrencies is not subject to ASIC regulation. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware that your protection may be compromised if the platform fails or is the target of hacker attacks.

The value of something is directly linked to popular opinion

The decision to invest in crypto assets must be taken with caution, as this modality is highly speculative. The market value can suffer significant fluctuations in short intervals of time. These oscillations are influenced by factors such as media coverage and investor opinion.

Your money can be stolen

We inform you that it is important to be aware that there is a possibility that a hacker may steal the contents of your digital wallet.

Thanks to cryptographic systems, users can enjoy a certain level of anonymity and there is no centralized database. However, if your cryptocurrency is stolen by a hacker, the chances of recovering it are very slim.

Understanding crypto assets can be a challenging task

Typically, there isn’t a statement or prospectus that clearly explains how encryption works in a product. Developers can provide a ‘white paper’ to describe it, but these documents can vary in format and information made available.

The code for a cryptocurrency may be unavailable for review or written in an obscure computer language. In addition, the underlying encryption code can change over time.

Cases of crypto-related fraud are on the rise

Fraudulent individuals use cryptography as a way to make transactions more difficult to recover and limit oversight. Money can be sent overseas quickly, making it extremely difficult to track.