Why Blockchain is worth far more than cryptocurrencies

Pocketful of Dirhams

It’s hard to pick up a newspaper these days without some reference to cryptocurrencies on the pages. But for some, the world of crypto assets and Blockchain technology seems like another language. Since Bitcoin was first created after the 2008 financial crash, cryptocurrencies have multiplied, along with their value.

While the rise and fall of crypto assets has been well documented with some investors making vast sums and others losing their life savings, scepticism from central bankers is rife. European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde has warned of the link between crypto assets and money laundering, while Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey told investors to only buy cryptos "if you're prepared to lose all your money". So with so much uncertainty around the future of cryptocurrencies, how viable are they and do they really have a place in the investment world?

Host Alice Haine is joined by Raša Karapandža, visiting professor of economics at New York University Abu Dhabi, who shares his insights on the misconceptions surrounding the technology.