In each MeetUp, we at BitBucks deal with a different aspect of the world's most popular crypto currency. Lined with top-class guest speakers, the aim is to give both newcomers and Bitcoin veterans an understanding of the significance of Bitcoin as "Money of the Internet".
This time we had the pleasure of welcoming the most well-known Bitcoin pioneer in the German-speaking region as a contributor: Oliver Flaskämper is not only the founder of bitcoin.de, the first German regulated trading platform for the purchase and sale of Bitcoin, but also founder and CEO of Bitcoin Deutschland AG. In his presentation he focused primarily on the differences and advantages that Bitcoin brings in comparison to other fiat currencies?
Bitcoin - a decentralized and deflationary currency
One of the most distinctive features of Bitcoin is probably its scarcity. As the first purely digital commodity, the maximum number of BTCs ever existing is limited to 21 million. This deflationary character of the world's most famous crypto currency alone distinguishes it from traditional fiat currencies such as the dollar or the euro, for which an inflation rate of two percent and higher is common.
Apart from scarcity, there is another core difference between BTC and other currencies: Bitcoin doesn't belong to anyone. The decentralized payment network set up by Satoshi Nakamoto operates separately from the centralized banking system we are familiar with. Bitcoin is revolutionary and driven by its community. States can pass laws on the use of the crypto-currency, but the currency of the Internet itself cannot be contained.
It is the diversity of Bitcoin that fascinates so many - and now more and more - people about the digital currency: Whether from politics, economics or technology - unlike the classic financial system, Bitcoin does not just employ traders and financial experts - BTC goes beyond that.
Bitcoin and the future of fiat currencies
Although the volume of Bitcoin still appears relatively small compared to the Fiat system and therefore currently has a rather minor impact on the development of major national currencies, this could change rapidly in the future. Due to the Bitcoin Halving, it is not unlikely that the exchange rate fluctuations of recent years will continue to level off. The combination of a smaller increase in supply and stronger demand resulting from the halving has the potential to catapult the price upwards.
However, Bitcoin will only help if the international community also plays along. In view of recent examples from South Korea, India and also Germany, this seems to be the case and strengthens Bitcoin's role in media coverage. The legal situation around crypto currencies is increasingly relaxing worldwide - a clear step towards Bitcoin adoption!
The awareness of Bitcoin is elementary for its future success. In addition to government intervention, the active use of BTC is also likely to lead to greater adoption. We at BitBucks are convinced that Bitcoin as a means of payment is a key to integrating it into the everyday lives of many people around the world. If the purchasing power inherent in Bitcoin finds its use, this should ultimately also increase its popularity. So if you already own the desired coins, you shouldn't just Hodl. It is also worth spending them (Spendl) to strengthen the Bitcoin price and thus your own credit balance.
Buy Bitcoin: This is how it works!
But before you decide what to do with your own Bitcoins - hodl or spendl - you have to go through the purchasing process. However, what do you need to consider when investing in Bitcoin? Fundamental research is probably the most important requirement before investing in Bitcoin. Everyone should have a basic knowledge of crypto-currencies - because if you don't know what to do with terms like wallet, exchange or Blockchain, it will be difficult to use the coins in any way at all.
Once this basis has been established, you should turn to a trading platform that is as "reputable" as possible to protect yourself from fraudulent dangers. Ideally, the marketplace should also be located in your own country, as transfers abroad entail an additional risk. There are now several providers on the German market: In addition to Oliver Flaskkämper's bitcoin.de - which has been the first and so far only marketplace for Bitcoin since 2013 - Bitwala and the Stuttgarter Boerse with their app Bison should also be mentioned. An international guide to buying Bitcoin can be found here.
BitBucks: Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet
From our point of view one thing is clear: Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet and therefore also a means of payment. Even if the deflationary character of the crypto-currency invites you to merely hodl it as a store of value - "digital gold" - payments with BTC in particular should have a positive impact on its popularity and ultimately also on its price development.
As an instant payment app, BitBucks enables fast and easy payment with Bitcoin. Especially in the retail sector, many gastronomes, bakers and Co. could thus find a way to a cost-effective, as well as contactless alternative to cash and card transactions. In our view, payments are the key to adopting the world's most popular crypto currency into everyday life - and we are driving this forward with our Bitcoin Wallet.