Significant Aspects: 1. Cryptocurrency, or cryptos, are decentralized digital currencies that operate through a computer network, without central authorities like governments or banks. 2. A sub-category of cryptocurrency called stablecoins might depend on government intervention and legislation to maintain a stable value. 3. Cryptocurrency transactions are recorded and secured in a digital ledger or blockchain, a computerized database using consensus mechanisms such as proof of work and proof of stake. 4. Cryptocurrencies are not regarded as conventional currencies, but rather as a unique asset class, with different legal treatments across jurisdictions (e.g., commodities, securities, or currencies). 5. Bitcoin, first introduced as open-source software in 2009, was the first cryptocurrency. As of June 2023, there were over 25,000 other cryptocurrencies in circulation, with more than 40 having a market capitalization surpassing $1 billion. The total market capitalization for cryptocurrencies was estimated to be $2.76 trillion as of April 2025.