What is Ethereum and how does it work?

Decentralized digital cash like Bitcoin has made cryptocurrency, and by extension the blockchain, a hot topic for discussion, and the cryptocurrency known as Ethereum is one of the hottest. But Ethereum isn’t technically just another cryptocurrency —it’s a whole decentralized computer network powered by a cryptocurrency called Ether.

Is Ethereum a slouch?

While Bitcoin is the top cryptocurrency based on the value of its coins in circulation, Ethereum is no slouch. With a total value of over $230 billion, it’s the second biggest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Here’s how to get started buying Ether, the official name of the token that runs the Ethereum platform.

Is Ethereum a regulated cryptocurrency?

The Ethereum protocol officially launched in 2015 and quickly rose to become the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market value behind bitcoin. Read less... Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in some EU countries and the UK.

Is Ethereum a proof-of-stake?

Ethereum’s transition to the proof-of-stake protocol, which enables users to validate transactions and mint new ETH based on their ether holdings, is part of a significant upgrade to the Ethereum platform. Previously called Eth2, this upgrade is now referred to only as Ethereum. However, Ethereum now has two layers.