# Cryptocurrency

Also called virtual currency, **cryptocurrency** is a form of currency that exists only digitally and has no central issuing or regulating authority above it - it is controlled by the community. It uses blockchain technology to authenticate transactions.

**Blockchain** is a **decentralized technology** spread across numerous computers, that manages and records transactions. As such, it does not rely on banks to verify transactions, but is used as a **peer-to-peer** system enabling users to send and receive payments from and to anywhere in the world.

In 2020, the **global cryptocurrency market size was valued at $1.49 trillion**, and is projected to reach **$4.94 trillion by 2030**, growing at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2021 to 2030.