The nature of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as both asset and currency has led to some debate regarding its best use.
Some have argued that Bitcoin is in the asset class, with store of value potential as the greatest use. Others have argued that Bitcoin is best used as a currency, with increasing liquidity as its best use.
The store of value aspect of Bitcoin has been evident for some time, but investors and hedge fund managers have begun to take notice and leverage Bitcoin as an investment vehicle. The increase in Bitcoin value has created new crypto millionaires, as holders have been rewarded for their patience.
The currency aspect of Bitcoin is just beginning to be explored. Debit cards connected to digital wallets have made headway and are growing in popularity.
However, other real world use cases do not require the use of a middle man. As the popularity of Bitcoin rises, the digital economy has created some excellent systems for Bitcoin as a liquid currency.
New ways to use Bitcoin in real time
Financial institutions are creating new ways to use Bitcoin in real time. All these systems create real world micro transactions which add liquidity into the Bitcoin ecosystem and create stability for the cryptocurrency. Much more remains to be done, but the increasing values of Bitcoin will continue to give rise to new real world use cases for increasing liquidity.
MyBit, for example, has created a system which allows companies to purchase and invest in pooled large-scale investments like solar grids and revenue creating machines. The financing instrument shifts Bitcoin out of digital wallets and into functional uses, increasing liquidity directly rather than through third parties.
The music industry is also getting into the act. The OPUS Foundation has made a platform allowing users to access content, while diverting 97 percent of the profits directly to the artists, decentralizing content production. Users can use Bitcoin directly for music access, bypassing centralized concepts like Apple Music. At the same time, providing a direct source for Bitcoin use increases liquidity.
Direct payment options are also flourishing. BitPay has created a platform where retailers can accept Bitcoin payments, and receive payment directly into bank accounts without price volatility. Coinbase and Stripe have similar platforms.