I’ve combed through hundreds of articles and research papers on Bitcoin and blockchain and selected the most important ones to help you improve your understanding of these topics.
#0 Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System by Satoshi Nakamoto
The one and only original white paper that got it all started. An absolute must read for anyone that is interested in Bitcoin.
A purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.
#1 Cryptocurrencies: A Guide to Getting Started by World Economic Forum
This is a community paper that speaks about cryptocurrency (digital assets and digital infrastructure such as Bitcoin and Ethereum) that are open sourced and public. It does not address private or permissioned blockchains, or their related digital assets. A good read to get started in the world of cryptocurrencies.
As cryptocurrencies transform how we trade, transact and interact online, it has become more important than ever for technology leaders to have experience with these innovations.
#2 Our Thoughts on Bitcoin by Bridgewater Associates
Ralio Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates has written a white paper on their thoughts about Bitcoin. An absolute must read for anyone interested in Bitcoin as a financial asset and its long term outlook.
I believe Bitcoin is one hell of an invention. To have invented a new type of money via a system that is programmed into a computer and that has worked for around 10 years and is rapidly gaining popularity as both a type of money and a storehold of wealth is an amazing accomplishment.
#3 The rise of Bitcoin by UBS
A team of researchers from UBS has answered some of the most common questions around Bitcoin such as “Should I buy?” and “Who is buying’”. They provide a set of recommendations on the way forward, definitely a good read for anyone thinking about purchasing Bitcoin. Another good read for anyone interested in investing in Bitcoin.
Investors in cryptocurrencies must therefore limit the size of their investments to an amount they can afford to lose. We also suggest thinking about an exit strategy.
#4 Engaging Today’s Fans in Crypto and Commerce by VISA
NFTs are unique tokenized representations of digital files that are exchanged on public blockchains. With more than $1.5B in NFT transactions generated in the first quarter of 2021, NFTs are gaining momentum through collections of digital-first memorabilia from fan-favorite athletes and memorable moments in games. A must-read for anyone interested in NFTs.
When COVID-19 restrictions put a swift and definitive pause on live sports and entertainment, digital technologies led the way in connecting fans worldwide to the brands, teams, and personalities they love. In this context, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have emerged as a promising medium for fan engagement.
#5 Crypto: a new asset class? by Goldman Sachs
In this article a team from Goldman Sachs explores cryptocurrencies as a new asset class and provide an overview on related risks and opportunities. A really good read if you are interested in the future of cryptocurrencies.
With cryptocurrency prices remaining extremely volatile even as interest in cryptos from credible investors has been rising, and legacy financial institutions — including ourselves — have been launching new crypto products and services, crypto is undoubtedly Top of Mind.
#6 Rising Bitcoin Adoption Tide by Bloomberg
Bloomberg covers Bitcoin on a daily basis, in this article the go through the rising Bitcoin adoption and it’s future.
Even with speculative excess in the broader crypto market, we believe Bitcoin is less prone to a sustained trip up. The imminent launch of Bitcoin-oriented U.S. exchange-traded funds is another bullish underpinning.
#7 So, You Want to Be a Crypto Bank? by Deloitte
Crypto based lending is not yet fully established or mature, with some remaining uncertainty around lien perfection, collateral, tax treatment and margin regulatory expectations. This is a good read on what it takes to be a crypto bank.
With increasing regulatory interpretation for existing license type and permissible activities, and broader industry adoption, many FinTechs and banking organizations are moving rapidly into the crypto banking space and exploring what products and services to offer.
#8 Measuring Global Crypto Users by crypto.com
This is a study on the global crypto users trends based on-chain metrics. A good read to understand global crypto adoption.
Likely events that drove crypto adoption was the huge growth of DeFi last summer, PayPal’s opening up crypto services, and massive institutional adoption and facilitation of cryptocurrencies.
#9 Market Manipulation in Digital Assets by Deloitte
Market manipulation has existed for as long as tradable assets have existed and cryptocurrencies are no exceptions to it. A great read if you are interested in the risks of market manipulation in the crypto space.
Digital assets, a relatively new asset class, have been touted as the catalyst for change in financial markets, but with innovation comes a renewed concern for investor protection that needs to be addressed.
#10 Banking blueprint for the crypto world by KPMG
This paper aims to help business and technology leaders in the banking industry capitalize on opportunities in the growing crypto market by evolving operations and delivering new crypto services and solutions that are trusted, transparent, and auditable. A great read if you are interested in the impact of crypto in the banking industry.
How banks compete in the digital world has forever changed due to growing market acceptance of cryptoassets, the rapid advancement of cryptocurrency technology, and the at-scale participation of financial institutions in the crypto market.
Image from Alesia Kozik from Pexels