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Decentralized Versus Centralized Money

Decentralized Versus Centralized Money

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Data security and data privacy are the two most important aspects of online money transactions. The future of cryptocurrency is so attractive and risky. There seem no sure-shot solutions.

The above sentences are the comment I recently wrote in an article on the security and anonymity of cryptocurrencies.

The difference between the decentralized and centralized nature of cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies is the deciding factor as to why common citizens may not adopt cryptocurrencies in their lives.

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The central banks of the governments regulate fiat currencies

The central bank of a country governs the currency notes. The government is solely responsible for regulating a fiat currency of a nation. The central bank prints currency notes and manufactures metallic coins.

The central bank controls the value of fiat currencies, and it also depends on the international market.

The industrial growth and business of a nation determine its economic growth. The market value of a fiat currency is directly proportional to the economic status of a country.

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Cryptocurrencies are owned by respective crypto groups or companies

Separate cryptocurrency groups or companies own cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized digital assets based on particular Blockchain protocols. The total numbers of cryptocurrencies are preserved at the time of launching.

The cryptocurrency transactions are validated by solving a computational puzzle called mining, such as proof of work for Bitcoin, over a decentralized computing network infrastructure. All transactions are written on immutable ledgers distributed over the network. The network participators are rewarded for solving the computational puzzle (called mining) to carry out each validated transaction.

The value of cryptocurrencies is volatile. Price tags of cryptocurrencies may go up or come down arbitrarily. Sudden news may affect the cryptocurrency market without any clue or logic.

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Fiat currency is a centralized asset

Every fiat currency is regulated by a centralized agency, i.e., the respective nation's central bank.

If there is an anomaly or issues with fiat currencies, the customers can get proper customer support and help from the banks.
Suppose a customer loses their transaction and login passwords and PINs. In that case, the customer can recover or reset new sets of passwords and PINs from the online utility of the bank or by visiting a physical branch office of the bank.
If there is an error in a currency transaction, the customer can enter a service ticket or complain to the bank's customer service.
Suppose the online banking service or the ATM services are temporary down. In that case, customers can visit the parent branch office of the bank to withdraw money and carry out banking transactions at the teller counters of the bank's physical branch.
Transfer of inheritance of bank accounts is streamlined with standard rules.

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Cryptocurrency is a decentralized asset

Every cryptocurrency is a decentralized asset. There is no centralized agency, server, or office to cater to customer care or help.

If you lost your cryptocurrency wallet's private key and all the recovery pass-phrases and your private key, you lose your crypto asset for good. This problem is known as Blockchain's private key-loss conundrum
If you have any errors in the crypto transaction, there is a central office or customer care number to complain about it.
If there is a mass hacking of the crypto wallet, there is no central office to report a complaint.
Transfer of inheritance of accounts is not available as a service.

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Conclusion

Fiat currencies and fiat currencies are entirely different in use and effects.

The centralized nature of fiat currencies has one clear advantage for the customers: resetting passwords/PINs, well-structured customer support, and transferring ownership to heirs.

Cryptocurrencies have one specific advantage of carrying out peer-to-peer money transactions without recourse to any central agency or bank.

Both fiat currency and cryptocurrency will remain to offer different sets of services.

Common citizens may still prefer fiat currencies over cryptocurrencies.

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