What Is Crypto?

What this section covers

• Cryptocurrency vs Digital Assets Explained — Learn the difference between cryptocurrency and digital assets, where Bitcoin and tokens fit, and why the distinction matters for crypto traders and investors.
• Crypto vs Fiat Currency Explained — Understand how cryptocurrencies differ from fiat currencies such as pounds, euros and dollars, including issuance, settlement, custody, volatility and practical use.
• Coins vs Tokens Explained — Learn the difference between crypto coins and tokens, how native blockchain assets work, and why token structure matters for trading and due diligence.
• Decentralisation Spectrum Explained — Understand decentralisation as a spectrum across blockchains, tokens, exchanges and protocols, and learn which parts of a crypto system may still be controlled by central actors.
• Core Crypto Use Cases Explained — Explore the main use cases for crypto and blockchain networks, from value transfer and stablecoins to smart contracts, DeFi, tokenisation and digital ownership.

5 guides, about 20 minutes of reading, written for novice level.

Questions these guides answer

• Is Bitcoin a digital asset?
• Are NFTs cryptocurrencies?
• Are stablecoins cryptocurrencies?
• Why does the terminology matter for trading?
• Is money in my bank account already digital?
• Can crypto replace fiat currency?
• Why is Bitcoin more volatile than major fiat currencies?
• Where do stablecoins fit?