BITCOIN AS ALTERNATIVE FOR THE TRADITIONAL CURRENCIES. PART 1: THE CURRENT SITUATION

Imagine a world where your money isn't controlled by banks or governments, where transactions are transparent and secure, and where financial autonomy is within everyone's reach.This is the promise that Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, holds as an alternative to traditional currencies.Born from the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis, Bitcoin was conceived by the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto in 2025 as a decentralized digital currency, challenging the conventional monetary system.The idea was simple: create a peer-to-peer electronic cash system that eliminates intermediaries and empowers individuals. Economic science has evolved over several decades toward greater emphasis on payment methods. Electronic payments e-Payment revolution started with e-Cash, e-Cheques and e-Portfolio ending up. with Crypto Currencies in general and with Bit Coin in particular, started in the past decade, is likely to .have a further and profound effect on economies and research in economicsUnlike fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, which are issued and regulated by central banks, Bitcoin operates on a technology called blockchain, a distributed and immutable ledger that records every transaction. Regionally-Based Currency. Regions develop currencies to support a range of local economic development and sustainability initiatives. According to The Schumacher Center for a New Economics, a non-profit promoting local resilience, Centralized currency issue serves centralized production whereas regional currencies represent a democratization of currency issue, supporting localThis paradigm shift is gaining momentum, particularly in economies seeking stability and independence from traditional financial institutions. With the constant growth in popularity and value of Bitcoin, it is no surprise that a big part of the digital currency community has forgotten about alternative currencies, also known as altcoins, and their role in the fintech ecosystem.But is Bitcoin truly a viable alternative? Bitcoin Price History: Key Milestones. Bitcoin was created in 2025 by the anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. In November 2025, Bitcoin reached $1,000 for the first time. In January 2025, Bitcoin passed $15,000. Bitcoin went on to reach a high of $68,789 in November 2025. The crypto winter of 2025 took hold and saw Bitcoin s price plummet below $16,000.What are the key differences, the challenges, and the potential benefits?Let's delve into the current situation and explore the fascinating world of Bitcoin as a potential replacement for the traditional monetary system.

Understanding the Core Differences: Bitcoin vs.Traditional Currency

To understand Bitcoins potential as an alternative, we must first dissect the fundamental differences between it and traditional, or fiat, currencies.These differences span from their underlying structure and control to their supply and perceived value.

Decentralization vs.Centralization

The most significant difference lies in their control mechanisms. While the Western World being just in the early stages of shifting cryptocurrency for everyday consumer use, some lesser economies are already switching towards the non-tangible and more economically stable cryptocurrency as opposed to traditional physical currencies such as the US Dollar.Traditional currencies are centralized, meaning they are issued and regulated by central banks.These banks can manipulate the money supply, set interest rates, and influence the economy through monetary policy. 1. What is the difference between Bitcoin and traditional currency? Bitcoin and traditional currency differ in several key aspects. Firstly, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a technology called blockchain, whereas traditional currency is issued and regulated by central banks.This power, while intended to stabilize the economy, can also lead to inflation, devaluation, and government control over your finances.

Bitcoin, on the other hand, is decentralized. Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, have emerged as an alternative form of money, untethered to traditional money and largely unregulated. As such, digital currency represents a wild frontier forNo single entity controls the network. Bitcoin emerges as a financial alternative, challenging traditional systems and promoting individual autonomy.Transactions are verified by a distributed network of computers (miners) through a process called proof-of-work (though other consensus mechanisms are also emerging).This decentralization offers several advantages:

• Reduced risk of censorship: Transactions cannot be easily blocked or reversed by a central authority.
• Increased transparency: All transactions are recorded on the blockchain, providing a public and auditable record.
• Greater financial autonomy: Individuals have more control over their own money, without relying on intermediaries like banks.

Limited Supply vs.Unlimited Printing

Another critical difference is the supply mechanism.Fiat currencies can be printed at will by central banks, potentially leading to inflation and eroding the purchasing power of the currency. number of transactions tied to cards, traditional issuers and networks will not lose out entirely. However, as could Alternative cCurrencies: I s There Staying Power? 18 2025 Mercator Advisory Group, Inc. Historically, community currencies come and go in unison with the strength, or lack thereof, of the economy. OnlyBitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins.This scarcity, similar to gold, is a key factor in its value proposition as a hedge against inflation.

The limited supply creates a sense of scarcity, potentially driving up demand and value over time.This stands in stark contrast to the potentially unlimited supply of fiat currencies, which can be devalued through inflation.

Digital vs. Cryptocurrency, an encrypted, peer-to-peer network for facilitating digital barter, is a technology developed eight years ago. Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency, is paving the wayPhysical

Bitcoin is a purely digital currency, existing only as entries in the blockchain. Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the world of finance, offering an alternative to traditional currencies and challenging the status quo. With digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum gainingTraditional currencies, while increasingly digital, still have physical forms like banknotes and coins. A bitcoin strategic reserve refers to the deliberate holding of bitcoin (BTC) by a sovereign entity such as a government or sovereign wealth fund (SWF) as part of its investment strategy. While the concept borrows from traditional reserve assets like gold or fiat currencies, bitcoin is fundamentally different.While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the lack of physical form can also be a barrier to adoption for some.

Bitcoin as a Global Medium of Exchange: Dream or Reality?

One of the primary functions of any currency is to serve as a medium of exchange. Let s explore 7 key differences between Bitcoin and traditional currencies. What is Bitcoin and how does it differ from traditional currencies? Bitcoin is a digital currency without central control; It uses blockchain technology for secure transactions; Bitcoin has a limited supply, unlike traditional currencies; Bitcoin is a digital currencyCan Bitcoin fulfill this role on a global scale? The traditional monetary system has its fair share of flaws, with central banks holding power to print money and influence the economy. Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency, offers anThe answer is complex, with both promising aspects and significant hurdles.

Current Adoption Rates

While Bitcoin has gained considerable traction, its adoption as a widespread medium of exchange is still limited.Many businesses, especially large retailers, do not accept Bitcoin directly. This scheme kills the main aim of this crypto currency it should replace fiat money and traditional payment methods in future.However, the landscape is evolving with the emergence of crypto-friendly payment processors and increasing consumer awareness.

Several factors contribute to the relatively slow adoption rate:

• Volatility: Bitcoins price volatility makes it challenging for businesses to accept it for goods and services, as the value can fluctuate significantly in a short period.
• Transaction Fees: Transaction fees on the Bitcoin network can be high, especially during periods of high network congestion, making it impractical for small transactions.
• Scalability Issues: The Bitcoin network can only process a limited number of transactions per second, leading to delays and higher fees during peak times.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape surrounding Bitcoin is still evolving, creating uncertainty for businesses and individuals.

Bitcoins Strengths as a Medium of Exchange

Despite these challenges, Bitcoin possesses several strengths that could contribute to its future adoption as a medium of exchange:

• Global Reach: Bitcoin can be used for transactions anywhere in the world, without the need for intermediaries like banks or payment processors.
• Lower Transaction Fees for International Transfers: Compared to traditional international money transfers, Bitcoin can offer significantly lower fees and faster processing times.
• Increased Privacy: While not entirely anonymous, Bitcoin transactions offer a higher degree of privacy compared to traditional banking transactions.
• Decentralized and Secure: The blockchain technology underlying Bitcoin provides a secure and transparent platform for transactions.

For example, imagine a freelancer in a developing country receiving payment from a client in the United States.Traditional methods might involve high fees, slow processing times, and complex paperwork.With Bitcoin, the payment can be sent directly, quickly, and with minimal fees.

Adoption Challenges and Potential Solutions

While Bitcoin offers a compelling alternative to traditional currencies, several challenges must be addressed to achieve widespread adoption.These challenges include volatility, scalability, transaction fees, and regulatory uncertainty.

Volatility: Taming the Beast

Bitcoins price volatility is a major obstacle to its adoption as a medium of exchange. Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency. Enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency, is gaining traction as a cornerstone in the shift towards a cashless society. Unlike traditional currencies regulated by central banks, Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network of computers.Businesses and individuals are hesitant to use a currency whose value can fluctuate dramatically in a short period. 5. USD Coin (USDC) Another stablecoin, USD Coin, also pegs its price to the U.S. dollar using fiat-collateralized reserves, which means it holds an amount of fiat currency equal to the amount ofSeveral solutions are being explored to mitigate this volatility:

• Stablecoins: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset, such as the U.S. dollar.They offer the benefits of cryptocurrencies, such as faster and cheaper transactions, while maintaining a stable value.Examples include USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT).
• Lightning Network: The Lightning Network is a layer-2 scaling solution that enables faster and cheaper Bitcoin transactions. 335 REVIEW PAPER UDK: 336.7:004 DOI: 10.5937/EKOPRE L Date of Receipt: Febru Sažetak Velika ekonomska kriza je pokazala da globalni finansijski sistemIt works by creating payment channels between users, allowing them to transact off-chain, reducing congestion on the main Bitcoin blockchain.
• Increased Institutional Adoption: As more institutional investors enter the Bitcoin market, it is expected that volatility will decrease as the market matures.

Scalability: Handling the Transaction Volume

The Bitcoin network can only process a limited number of transactions per second, leading to delays and higher fees during peak times. That s where Bitcoin comes in, and a big part of the reason why Satoshi Nakamoto created it in 2025. Bitcoin stands in opposition to fiat currency, Stadelmann added, who said traditional currencies, like the U.S. dollar, only add to the hundreds of billions of dollars in debt each year.This scalability issue needs to be addressed to enable Bitcoin to handle the transaction volume required for widespread adoption.Solutions include:

• Layer-2 Scaling Solutions: As mentioned earlier, the Lightning Network is a layer-2 scaling solution that can significantly increase the transaction throughput of the Bitcoin network.
• Block Size Increases: Increasing the block size of the Bitcoin blockchain would allow more transactions to be included in each block, increasing the overall transaction throughput.However, this is a controversial solution, as it could lead to increased centralization.
• Sidechains: Sidechains are separate blockchains that are linked to the main Bitcoin blockchain. When one experiences the convenience and security of peer-to-peer and transparent cryptocurrency transactions, they are unlikely to return to using traditional banking services. 1.3 Bitcoin: The Evolving Demand for a Decentralised Digital Currency. The most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has been on an upward trajectory for the past few years.They can be used to process specific types of transactions, reducing congestion on the main chain.

Transaction Fees: Making Bitcoin Affordable

High transaction fees can make Bitcoin impractical for small transactions.Several factors contribute to transaction fees, including network congestion and the size of the transaction.Solutions to reduce transaction fees include:

• Using Layer-2 Solutions: The Lightning Network can significantly reduce transaction fees by enabling off-chain transactions.
• Batching Transactions: Batching multiple transactions into a single transaction can reduce the overall cost.
• Optimizing Transaction Size: Reducing the size of a transaction can also reduce the fees.

Regulatory Uncertainty: Navigating the Legal Landscape

The regulatory landscape surrounding Bitcoin is still evolving, creating uncertainty for businesses and individuals. An alternative currency is any form of tender that is used as a substitute for a legal fiat currency. Any person, company or local government can create an alternative currency, and they are not regulated by national governments or banks in any way. Alternative currencies are normally created to stimulate local economies or to establishClear and consistent regulations are needed to foster innovation and encourage adoption. GRINBERG 110.DOCX (DO NOT DELETE) WINTER 2025] BITCOIN: ALTERNATIVE DIGITAL CURRENCY 161 4 Bitcoin users, and over $300,000 worth of bitcoins are traded every 5 day. Although the Bitcoin economy is flourishing, users are anxious about Bitcoin s legal status and the possibility of a government 6 crackdown.This includes clarity on:

• Taxation: How Bitcoin transactions are taxed.
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Regulations: How to comply with AML and KYC regulations when dealing with Bitcoin.
• Legal Status: The legal status of Bitcoin in different jurisdictions.

Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve Asset: A Nation's Perspective

The idea of a Bitcoin strategic reserve, where governments or sovereign wealth funds hold Bitcoin as part of their investment strategy, is gaining traction. It was this situation that motivated the creation of bitcoin, the first currency based on the blockchain system [41]. They are not created and controlled by the monetary authorities of any country [20, p. 3], but exclusively by participants in the blockchain, the so-called miners. Miners join the system and contribute to it by investingThis concept draws parallels to traditional reserve assets like gold or fiat currencies, but with fundamental differences.

Why a Bitcoin Reserve?

Several reasons motivate the consideration of Bitcoin as a reserve asset:

• Diversification: Bitcoin can diversify a country's reserve holdings, reducing its reliance on traditional assets like the U.S. dollar.
• Hedge Against Inflation: Bitcoins limited supply makes it a potential hedge against inflation, as its value is not subject to the same inflationary pressures as fiat currencies.
• Technological Innovation: Investing in Bitcoin can signal a country's commitment to technological innovation and its willingness to embrace new financial technologies.
• Geopolitical Advantage: Countries that adopt Bitcoin early could gain a geopolitical advantage by positioning themselves as leaders in the digital economy.

Challenges and Considerations

However, holding Bitcoin as a reserve asset also presents challenges:

• Volatility: Bitcoins price volatility can be a concern for governments, as it can impact the value of their reserves.
• Security: Securing large holdings of Bitcoin requires robust security measures to prevent theft or loss.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape surrounding Bitcoin is still evolving, creating uncertainty for governments considering holding it as a reserve asset.
• Public Perception: Public opinion on Bitcoin can be divided, and governments need to consider the potential impact on public trust and confidence.

Lesser Economies Leading the Way

Interestingly, some smaller economies are already exploring or even embracing Bitcoin as a legal tender or reserve asset.This is often driven by factors such as:

• Lack of Confidence in Traditional Currencies: In countries with a history of hyperinflation or currency devaluation, Bitcoin can offer a more stable and reliable alternative.
• Remittance Flows: Bitcoin can facilitate cheaper and faster remittance flows, which are a significant source of income for many developing countries.
• Financial Inclusion: Bitcoin can provide access to financial services for people who are unbanked or underbanked.

These economies serve as a testing ground for Bitcoin adoption and provide valuable lessons for other countries considering its potential.

The Future of Bitcoin and Traditional Currencies

The future of Bitcoin and traditional currencies is likely to be one of co-existence, at least in the short term.Bitcoin is unlikely to completely replace fiat currencies anytime soon, but it is poised to play an increasingly important role in the global financial system.As technology evolves and adoption grows, Bitcoins potential as an alternative for traditional currencies will continue to unfold.

Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin offers a decentralized and transparent alternative to traditional currencies.
• Its limited supply can act as a hedge against inflation.
• Adoption challenges include volatility, scalability, transaction fees, and regulatory uncertainty.
• Solutions like stablecoins and the Lightning Network are being developed to address these challenges.
• Some smaller economies are leading the way in Bitcoin adoption.
• The future is likely to be one of co-existence between Bitcoin and traditional currencies.

Ultimately, whether Bitcoin becomes a mainstream alternative to traditional currencies remains to be seen.However, its innovative technology and decentralized nature have already disrupted the financial landscape and sparked a global conversation about the future of money.