Introduction to Digital Assets

Digital assets, sometimes called tokens, are poorly understood. Here's an outline of digital assets based on the book - Blockchain Revolution and Blockchain Research Institute Taxonomy of Cryptoassets.

1. Cryptocurrencies
The native cryptographic asset of a particular blockchain protocol, designed and intended to 'serve as a general-purpose store of value or medium of exchange.' Eg, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Z-cash

2. Protocol/Utility Token
Utility tokens are intended to provide digital access to an application or service. After the application is completed, utility tokens may give holders perks such as access to the network or voting rights. Eg, Gas cost - Ethereum in DApps

3. Security Token
Physical assets represented in digital form i,e, backed up by tangible assets. This allows for an investor to have ‘fractional’ ownership of an underlying asset. Eg, Land, Shares, Stocks tokenize

4. Commodity Token
Natural Asset Tokens represent tangible goods in established markets (like gold, oil, natural gas, base metals) or in frontier markets (like carbon, water, air). This can help manage externalities by providing automated contracts of internal governance. Eg, Carbon credits tokenize

5. Collectible/Non-Fungible Token
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have unique properties, meaning they can be
distinguished from one another and cannot be duplicated. Eg, Cryptokitties

6. Stable Coin
Introduced to address the high price volatility of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other altcoins Eg, Tether, USD Coin, Central Bank Digital Currency

You can buy the book here.

You May Also Like

Nepal Banned Crypto for Good Reasons

Think about it: if we had banned the internet in the 90s because of "spam," or if we outlawed AI today because of "fake news," where would we be? Would we be safer? NO, we’d just be obsolete. Innovation needs to thrive through regulation. When we criminalize the tool instead of the crime, we don't stop the risks, we only ensure our brightest minds find a future elsewhere.

Read Details
Nepal's Digital Economy: Payment Hurdles

The $2,500 Wire Transfer: Why Nepal's Restrictive Payment Laws Are Strangling the Digital Dream

Read Details
How Open Source Is Empowering the Next Billion Innovators

Open-source software (OSS) has significantly transformed the landscape of global innovation. By eliminating obstacles, fostering collaboration, and enhancing transparency, OSS equips the next billion innovators—particularly those from underrepresented communities—with the necessary resources to address real-world issues and develop scalable solutions. It is essential to examine how open source is propelling this global initiative, promoting sustainability, and motivating the upcoming generation.

Read Details