Origin Dictionary / OD-036

Crypto

"I own crypto" tells you less than it sounds like.

01Dictionary Meaning

Crypto is a broad label for digital assets and systems using cryptography and distributed ledgers to record holdings, transfers or other activity.

02What People Think

"They are all versions of the same investment."

03What’s Underneath

A network's native coin, a token targeting a currency value and a token carrying governance rights can sit in the same wallet. Their economic promises are different.

One may be needed to use a network. Another depends on an issuer maintaining reserves and redemption. Another may provide only a limited vote, without a claim on profits.

Shared technology does not create shared rights, cash flows or risk. Even custody arrangements can change the practical position of someone holding exposure to the same asset.

04The Game

What does this particular asset let its holder do, what gives others a reason to want it, and who must keep a promise?

05One Line

"Crypto" is a category. Your money is exposed to a specific arrangement.

Related terms

Explore M3 Library

M3

Crypto Investor Consciousness

Identify the different systems inside the label.

References 1
← Back to Dictionary