Blockchain is a groundbreaking technology with the potential to transform how we store, verify, and transfer cryptocurrency data without relying on central intermediaries.
In a new explainer by Visiting Fellow Yaya J. Fanusie and Research Assistant Kelly Grace Richardson, we break down the fundamentals of blockchain technology, from Bitcoin to smart contracts, as well as the growing list of real-world applications, from supply chain transparency to intellectual property protection via NFTs.
Whether you are crypto-curious or policy-focused, this piece offers a concise, practical overview of:
- How blockchain works
- Why it matters
- Where it is headed
- And the regulatory questions that still need answers