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What are the advantages and disadvantages of blockchain? 

The advantages and disadvantages of blockchain vary depending on the context of use. For some projects, disadvantages may turn out to be advantages, and vice versa. Here is a detailed list of the main advantages and disadvantages of blockchain: 

 
Key benefits:   

  • Decentralization: With no central control authority, data is stored on a distributed network of computers known as “nodes”. Each node represents a participant in the blockchain. Each node holds a copy of the database (the blockchain). So, when a node fails, the network and its operation remain unaffected. It is resistant to censorship, manipulation and attack.  
  • Enhanced security: Cryptography secures the information stored on the blockchain. The use of cryptographic hash functions to create the blockchain ensures the immutability of the chain and the data on it. Consensus mechanisms make data modification virtually impossible.  
  • Transparency: All transactions are recorded and visible to all users. 
  • Traceability: all data is stored, organized chronologically and linked by cryptographic evidence.  
  • Speed and efficiency: fewer intermediaries, instantaneity and automation make transactions faster and less costly than in a traditional centralized process. 

The disadvantages:  

  • Complexity: blockchain technology can be difficult to understand for widespread adoption.  
  • Immutability: once data has been added to the blockchain, it is very difficult to modify. This can be an advantage for some uses, but is not always suitable for others. 
  • The private key issue: Every user needs a private key to access ownership of their crypto-currencies (crypto-assets or digital assets). If the user loses his or her private key, there is no procedure for recovering it, unlike a conventional password, which is easily recoverable. Access to funds is therefore lost. 
  • High initial investment: Because of its complexity and innovative nature, blockchain technology is facing a shortage of specialized software engineers. This scarcity of talent leads to high costs in both the development and maintenance of blockchain-based applications. 
  • Energy costs: Some blockchains require a great deal of computing power, which means they consume a lot of energy. 
  • Storage: The data stored by blockchains has been growing ever larger since their inception. This growth poses a challenge, as it makes it difficult for individuals to download or store this data. As a result, some network participants, known as “nodes”, can be lost. These nodes are actually every connected computer or device that plays a crucial role in validating and storing transactions on the blockchain. When individuals can no longer store and participate, this has repercussions on the overall robustness and security of the blockchain. 

Cryptocurrencies or digital currencies are terms commonly used in the crypto ecosystem. However, the terminology favored by regulators (ACPR and AMF) is crypto-assets or digital assets. This distinction arises because, although often referred to as cryptocurrencies, these assets do not qualify as currencies in the legal sense. They are virtual resources based on blockchain technology, whose value is determined solely by supply and demand.

None of the information contained in this FAQ constitutes investment advice, tax advice, legal advice, or any other type of advice, nor does it serve as an invitation to engage in any form of financial transaction.

Investing in digital assets carries risks and may not be suitable for all investors. It is the responsibility of investors to educate themselves about the risks associated with different digital assets. In particular, it is noted that digital assets can exhibit significant volatility, and investments in digital assets involve a risk of capital loss. Accordingly, it is important to remember that the past performance of digital assets, as might be indicated on Banque Delubac & Cie’s website or in documents provided to investors, is not indicative of future performance. Investors should familiarize themselves with the technologies underlying each digital asset and their associated risks, including vulnerabilities, defects, hacks, errors, protocol failures, or attacks on the protocol. Banque Delubac & Cie cannot be held liable for any misunderstanding of the risks associated with digital assets or for any losses investors may incur due to errors in wallet addresses attributable to the investor.

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