http://www.diplomaticourier.com/news/topics/economy/2359-future-funds-the-latest-on-bitcoin-and-cryptocurrencyDecentralized, virtual, and anonymous—cryptocurrencies continue to grow in use and in popularity. Bitcoin, the first of its kind to achieve notoriety, was created in 2009 by an unknown person with the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. Transactions occur instantaneously through mobile apps or computers, thereby avoiding banks, credit card companies, and miscellaneous fees. Bitcoin boasts a market cap of about $8,000,000,000—considering the 13 million bitcoins in circulation, the value works out to over $500 each. In the past year, the number of bitcoin transactions per day has ranged from 40,000 to 100,000. Due to the anonymity and scope of the bitcoin economy, policymakers and corporations are beginning to take notice.
