While cryptocurrency has been hailed for its potential in the financial sector of the developed world, one of its greatest applications has been virtually overlooked. In nations that lack dependable economic systems or governance, digital currency may offer hope. Access to finances, security and privacy of funds, and faith in a common medium of exchange can aid many across the globe.
Government-sponsored virtual currency does not afford the protections of non-fiat virtual currency. Conceivably, a government could control wallets, coin distribution (and taxes), and even entire blockchains. Bowing to the auspices of conventional political structure is not the goal here. Otherwise, the digital world faces the same constraints as its tangible counterpart (paper money).
All populations, especially those that are disadvantaged, need a way to maintain access to their wealth from anywhere in the world. Imagine if a refugee was able to access a bank account even after being displaced from their home country. This could help maintain the refugee’s dignity and hopefully diminish the extreme poverty caused by this terrible upheaval.
This is the unrealized potential of virtual currency. In a nation where political activists are jailed, or inflation runs rampant, non-fiat virtual currency may offer an escape.