Payment systems based on blockchain technology have been gaining popularity in recent years, with many seeing them as the future of finance. However, according to Anton Kobyakov, an advisor to the President of Russia, these systems should not be considered as real money, but rather as financial surrogates.
Kobyakov’s statement has sparked a debate among experts and enthusiasts in the cryptocurrency and blockchain community. Some argue that blockchain-based payment systems, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have all the characteristics of real money, while others agree with Kobyakov’s view that they are simply financial surrogates.
So, what exactly are financial surrogates and how do they differ from real money? Financial surrogates are essentially any form of payment that is not backed by a physical asset or government guarantee. This includes cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies, and even traditional forms of digital payment like credit cards and online banking.
The main difference between financial surrogates and real money is the lack of a central authority or institution that guarantees their value. Real money, such as fiat currencies like the US dollar or the Euro, are backed by governments and central banks, making them a reliable and stable form of payment. On the other hand, financial surrogates rely on the trust and acceptance of their users to determine their value.
This is where blockchain technology comes into play. Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. It is the technology behind most cryptocurrencies and allows for secure and transparent transactions without the need for a central authority.
However, the lack of a central authority also means that the value of cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based payment systems can be highly volatile. This is due to the fact that their value is determined solely by supply and demand, making them susceptible to market speculation and manipulation.
Kobyakov’s statement highlights the need for caution when it comes to using blockchain-based payment systems. While they offer many benefits, such as faster and cheaper transactions, they also come with risks. The lack of government backing and the volatile nature of their value make them a risky investment and not a reliable form of money.
But does this mean that blockchain-based payment systems are not a viable option for the future of finance? Not necessarily. Many experts believe that with proper regulation and oversight, these systems can become a legitimate form of money. In fact, some countries, like Switzerland and Japan, have already started to regulate cryptocurrencies and recognize them as a legal form of payment.
Moreover, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the financial industry in other ways. It can be used to streamline and automate processes, reduce costs, and increase transparency. This has led many financial institutions to invest in blockchain technology and explore its potential uses.
In conclusion, while blockchain-based payment systems may not be considered as real money at the moment, they have the potential to become a legitimate form of payment in the future. However, it is important to approach them with caution and to understand the risks involved. With proper regulation and oversight, these systems can bring about positive changes in the financial industry and offer new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
