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What is cryptocurrency? 

Cryptocurrency, also known as crypto, cryptoassets or digital assets, is a form of “virtual currency”. However, a crypto-asset is not a currency from a legal point of view. It is a new financial system based on blockchain technology that enables secure, decentralised electronic transactions. These digital assets use cryptography to secure transactions, operating without the issue or regulation of a central authority such as a bank in the case of traditional currencies. They operate within a decentralised system, exploiting blockchain technology, a public and decentralised register of all transactions, as well as an encrypted computer protocol. 


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.

Most frequently asked questions

How do crypto-assets work? 
Cryptocurrencies are forms of value that exist in the digital world. They are based on cryptography, a mathematical science that makes transactions secure and limits the risk of unauthorised access. However, it is important to note that despite these security measures, challenges remain, including the potential risk of cryptojacking and [...]
Cryptocurrencies are forms of value that exist in the digital world. They are based on cryptography, a mathematical science that makes transactions secure and limits the risk of unauthorised access. However, it is important to note that despite these security measures, challenges remain, including the potential risk of cryptojacking and [...]

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What does a cryptocurrency's market cap really represent? 
Market Cap, the market capitalization of a cryptocurrency, is a financial indicator that measures the total value of that currency on the market.   Calculating a cryptocurrency's market cap  To calculate it, you multiply the current price of one unit of the cryptocurrency by the number of units that are in circulation.  Market [...]
Market Cap, the market capitalization of a cryptocurrency, is a financial indicator that measures the total value of that currency on the market.   Calculating a cryptocurrency's market cap  To calculate it, you multiply the current price of one unit of the cryptocurrency by the number of units that are in circulation.  Market [...]

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What is cryptocurrency mining?
Cryptocurrency mining is the process by which new transactions are added to the blockchain, the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies. This mining process is a bit like panning for gold in a mine, but in the digital age. The term mining was chosen in reference to the similarity of extracting resources [...]
Cryptocurrency mining is the process by which new transactions are added to the blockchain, the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies. This mining process is a bit like panning for gold in a mine, but in the digital age. The term mining was chosen in reference to the similarity of extracting resources [...]

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What is blockchain? 
Blockchain is a technology for storing and transmitting information. It is a complete database, containing the entire history of exchanges between users since its creation. Each block is a list of transactions containing a cryptographic fingerprint of the previous block, creating a continuous chain of chronologically linked blocks. The blockchain [...]
Blockchain is a technology for storing and transmitting information. It is a complete database, containing the entire history of exchanges between users since its creation. Each block is a list of transactions containing a cryptographic fingerprint of the previous block, creating a continuous chain of chronologically linked blocks. The blockchain [...]

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Why is blockchain unforgeable? 
Blockchain is often regarded as impossible to falsify, thanks to the fact that it is based on a specific technological process. Blockchain is like a ledger in which each page is a block.  Each page contains a kind of unique fingerprint, linked to the previous page, called a "hash". So [...]
Blockchain is often regarded as impossible to falsify, thanks to the fact that it is based on a specific technological process. Blockchain is like a ledger in which each page is a block.  Each page contains a kind of unique fingerprint, linked to the previous page, called a "hash". So [...]

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