Brussels (Eurotoday): Bitcoin, created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, enables people to send money online without relying on banks. Starting at $0.003 in 2010, it surged to over $100,000 in 2024. Companies such as Tesla and nations like El Salvador have embraced it. Despite challenges like the Mt. Gox hack in 2014, Bitcoin remains widely popular, with new investment opportunities anticipated this year.
Bitcoin, a digital currency developed by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, allows users to transfer money online without intermediary banks. After its initial mining in 2009, it remained largely obscure until the launch of its first exchange in 2010, where it was valued at just $0.003. Over time, Bitcoin’s popularity skyrocketed, leading to unprecedented price gains, including a record-breaking peak of over $100,000 last year, spurred by political endorsements and growing corporate adoption.
How did the Mt.Gox hack influence people’s perception and use of Bitcoin?
In 2014, Bitcoin faced a substantial setback when Mt. Gox, the largest Bitcoin trading exchange at the time, was hacked, resulting in the theft of a significant amount of Bitcoin. This incident caused a sharp decline in Bitcoin’s price. However, by 2016, it was revealed that only around 3% of Bitcoin transactions were tied to illegal activities. The digital currency’s credibility began to rebound in 2017 with the introduction of futures trading. By 2021, the approval of the first Bitcoin ETF made it easier for individuals to invest in Bitcoin. This year, new Bitcoin ETFs backed by actual Bitcoin holdings are expected, offering investors a more direct and secure way to invest in the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin continues to gain traction with both major corporations and nations. MicroStrategy and Tesla have made substantial investments in Bitcoin, while El Salvador has even adopted it as legal currency. The U.S. government holds a considerable amount of Bitcoin acquired through asset seizures. Additionally, countries like Bhutan and Ethiopia have joined the Bitcoin movement through buying or mining. Despite its highly volatile price, Bitcoin continues to attract widespread interest as people speculate on its potential role in the future of global finance.
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