Trustless
By CoinGecko | Updated on Mar 03, 2020
A defining aspect of cryptocurrencies is that is it now possible to complete a monetary transaction without need to assume trust in a third party. In traditional finance, a monetary transaction on the internet requires trust in a facilitator such as central banks, commecial banks, agents, or financial service provider without the universal access to audit their ability to faciliate the transaction. Sending money online is more akin to writing a cheque than paying in cash as the issue of decentralization without double spending remains unsolved until the emergence of bitcoin.
When a party makes a transaction with cryptocurrencies, they can verify publically and mathematically that a transaction has been completed. This is in contrast to taking the "transaction completed" notification from a facilitator at face value.
Related Terms
Bakkt
Bakkt is a company developed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), owner of the New York Stock Exchange. It specializes in Futures/Options contracts for cryptocurrencies.
Peer to Peer
A communication protocol that does not require a central hub
Ring Signature
A type of digital signature performed in a group where it becomes impossible to determine which member's key in the group were used for the digital signature.
Shitcoin
A coin with no obvious potential value or usage.
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