220 221
PERSONAL FINANCE
Money in the digital ageTIMELINE OF DIGITAL MONEY
TIME (YEARS)Digital currency
Money that can be traded on
exchanges directly between
individuals using a computer
or mobile device that is
connected to the internet.
Digital currency can also
be bought and sold using
conventional currencies.
See pp.222–225Peer–to–peer lending
Loans arranged by online
agencies who match would-
be borrowers with lenders.
Peer-to-peer lending is usually
subject to fewer regulations
than conventional lending.
Borrowers are screened for
risk, which is reflected in the
interest rate they pay. See
pp.228-229Crowdfunding
A way for individuals and
groups to raise donations
from donors over the internet,
bypassing banks, charitable
organizations, or government
institutions. It is managed via
an online intermediary who
takes a percentage as a fee.
See pp.226–227Bitcoin
introduced
October 2008Highest value of
Bitcoin to date
29 November 2013Eretheum
released
August 2015Since the technology for digital money was perfected, many cryptocurrencies
have been released − although Bitcoin remains the largest. Now even central
banks have begun investigating the potential of digital money.First Bitcoin
transaction
May 2010Ripple
launched
September 2013Mazacoin
introduced
February 2014Bank of England
announces RSCoin
March 2016220-221_OV_Money_in_digital_age.indd 221 13/10/2016 16:10
