It’s 2030

Cryptocurrencies are now the primary form of exchange and value

Cryptocurrencies and stable-coins have seen volatile yet rapid growth throughout the 2020s 🚀

Global cryptoassets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have grown from roughly $2.3 trillion in 2021 to roughly $50 trillion by August 2030. This growth has been particularly rapid in developing and emerging economies. Following the post-COVID inflationary crisis, which devalued traditional currencies, investors in high inflation countries looked to hedge their investments by investing in cryptocurrencies, further increasing their value.

Unpredictable inflation, fast-moving exchange rates, clunky and expensive banking systems, growth of remittances, financial restrictions, regulatory uncertainty and the threat of capital controls have led to rapid growth in the use of cryptocurrencies as both an investment and as a mechanism of payment.

 

Cyber-attacks are now seen as a possible trigger for the next financial crisis 📉

Cyber-attacks are now seen as a possible trigger for the next financial crisis, but it’s ultimately the subsequent loss of investor confidence in security that could lead to a dramatic and rapid drop in the price of all major cryptocurrencies.

Because most cryptocurrencies operate outside of government or national control, there has also been an increase in the circumvention of governments’ financial oversight and a rise in money laundering, terrorist financing and tax evasion. This sharp increase in shadow banking has in turn led to increased systemic risk for the global financial system. 

Some feel that cryptocurrencies offer more opportunities for financial inclusion 💸

Countries with weak financial infrastructure, poor local investment opportunities, and a high demand for remittances, ranging from Kenya to Bangladesh, have seen a large increase in the adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Since El Salvador recognised Bitcoin as legal tender, several more government tackling economic crisis, such as Ecuador, Lebanon and Zimbabwe, have followed suit. 

 

Could we end up here?

All of these scenarios were designed with the help of signals we’re already seeing across the world. Some are stronger than others, but all of them point to potential futures we could end up in.

Explore the signals here 👉

 

🇮🇳 The search is on for $50m in lost cryptocurrency after two Australian exchanges collapse
Read more.


🇸🇻 Bitcoin Failed in El Salvador. The President Says the Answer Is More Bitcoin.
Read more.


👩🏽‍💻 State-sponsored cyberattacks on cryptocurrency industry to rise in 2022
Read more.

Which future will you visit next?

Time travel is tiring.

When you’ve finished exploring the three scenarios, just click below to head back to the Future of Money page