What is cryptocurrency?¶

Cryptocurrency is digitally recorded value whose transfers are governed by a blockchain or similar distributed-ledger network. Network records can expose movement while leaving the people behind addresses unidentified.

Keys and custody determine control¶

Cryptographic keys authorise transactions under network rules. A user may control keys directly through software or hardware, or a custodial exchange may control them for many customers. The person using an account can differ from its verified customer.

Assets and tokens with similar names can exist on different networks, and applications or smart contracts can change what a transfer means.

Identify asset, network and transaction¶

Preserve the asset and network, complete addresses, transaction hash, amount, network time, provider and account identifiers. For tokens, include the contract address. Separate asset quantity from its changing market value.

Describe network-recorded movement precisely and use exchange, wallet, endpoint and contextual records for attribution.