In "Easy Money," crypto's central premise is put to the test

Jul 18, 2023
The cryptocurrency industry seeks to create a decentralized, peer-to-peer means of exchange, but is it really just a speculative bubble?
"Cryptocurrencies are not currencies, economically speaking, because they don't do what money does," says actor and author Ben McKenzie.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Regulate crypto? Sure. But how? 

Jul 14, 2023
Both regulators and crypto bros cheer a ruling on Ripple Labs. Many call the regulatory framework governing digital assets outmoded.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

What's behind the SEC lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance?

Jun 6, 2023
Are cryptocurrencies securities like stocks and bonds? There isn't consensus, but the answer would make a huge difference to the crypto industry.
The SEC is accusing crypto exchange Coinbase of trading cryptocurrencies that the agency says should be registered as securities.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

At bitcoin's annual convention, few feel the chill of crypto winter

May 31, 2023
Attendance was down from last year at Bitcoin 2023 in Miami, but faith in the cryptocurrency held on strong.
The Bitcoin Bazaar at Bitcoin 2023 in Miami Beach, where true believers in the cryptocurrency and critics of "centralized anything" gathered.
Matt Levin/Marketplace

How a mathematician and an entrepreneur took a bite out of crypto crime

Apr 24, 2023
The blockchain has a secret: It contains all the clues needed to connect underground purchases to people in the real world.
Some people are using the blockchain to track criminals who deal in cryptocurrency.
Geoffroy van der Hasselt

What would happen if paper money became obsolete?

Apr 21, 2023
A large number of Americans have gone cashless, but many still have to rely on it.
Cash is still here to stay.
OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Despite a recent rough stretch for crypto, Wyoming still wants its business

Apr 7, 2023
Wyoming is continuing its efforts to bring cryptocurrency into the mainstream, but some are questioning whether that’s a good idea.
Caitlin Long, CEO of Custodia Bank, said that crypto has helped Wyoming diversify its economy.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Has the banking crisis been a boon for crypto?

Apr 3, 2023
Bitcoin and other digital currencies are riding a wave of momentum that started last month after tumult in the banking industry.
Bitcoin came into being after the Great Recession. Its price rallied after recent bank turmoil.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Federal regulators warn banks on crypto: Be careful

Feb 24, 2023
Three agencies aim to keep traditional banks from getting too involved in cryptocurrency, which has lost value and seen corporate meltdowns.
Although the Federal Reserve and other agencies are not imposing new regulations on  cryptocurrency, their joint statement highlights liquidity risks.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Crypto marketing attracted a disproportionate number of Black investors. Here's why.

Feb 3, 2023
Black Americans were more likely to be involved in cryptocurrencies than white Americans, with many using crypto as their first foray into investing.
Attendees at a promotional event called “The Future of Blockchain Is Here!” in Bowie, Maryland.
Kimberly Adams/ Marketplace