Bitcoin (BTC) was the first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009. It introduced the idea of a digital money that no single company or government controls, with a fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins.
How Bitcoin works
Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public blockchain and confirmed by a global network through a process called mining. Once confirmed, transactions are extremely difficult to alter. There is no central operator — the network is maintained collectively.
Why people talk about it
- It is the oldest and best-known cryptocurrency.
- Its supply is capped, which some people find significant.
- Its price is highly volatile and can change quickly.
Bitcoin is not a guaranteed store of value and is not protected like savings. Understand the risks before considering it.
Crypto is high risk and largely unregulated in the UK. You could lose all the money you invest, and most crypto is not protected by the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is educational information only, not financial advice. Only invest what you can afford to lose.