The rapid proliferation of cryptocurrencies has been matched by massive swings in their value relative to traditional currencies. This means that cryptocurrency holders can never be certain of their purchasing power. Enter stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency that is backed by traditional currencies (such as the Swiss franc or US dollar), or other assets such as gold or oil.
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I write about the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technology and its possible impacts on society.
Originally from England, I spent some time at the BBC in London before moving to Switzerland to join SWI swissinfo.ch.
My work is focused on making videos and podcasts about science and technology topics. I specialize in developing explainatory video formats for mobile viewing, mixing animation and documentary styles.
I studied filmmaking and animation at Zurich University of the Arts and began working as a video journalist at SWI swissinfo.ch in 2004. Since then I have specialised in creating different styles of animation for our visual products.
I have a wealth of experience as a journalist working in Switzerland and enjoy producing videos, articles and podcasts on a range of subjects, recently focused mainly on politics and the environment.
Born in the UK, I studied law at Nottingham University, then went on to attend the first-ever post-graduate radio journalism college in London. After working as a radio journalist in the UK and then Switzerland from 1984 to 1995, I returned to the UK to complete a post-graduate diploma in film at Bournemouth Film School. I have been working as a video journalist ever since.
Cryptocurrencies are run on Distributed Ledger Technology systems like blockchain. This gives people direct control over their money and the means to transact it more efficiently than the standard financial infrastructure.
This could be particularly useful for people in countries with a weak banking infrastructure. Cryptocurrencies don’t need banks, just an internet access.
The arrival of cryptocurrencies has spooked many governments and central banks who fear losing control over their national currencies if people switch to the new form of private digital cash.
Many central banks around the world are therefore researching their own response to cryptocurrencies – Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which they hope will appeal to citizens more than upstart newcomers like bitcoin.
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