Digital assets (i.e. “cryptoassets”) in combination with ‘Distributed Ledger Technology’ (DLT) allows for peer-to-peer (P2P) value exchange without the need for a ‘Trusted Third Party’ (TTP), it automates trust which is programmed into the software itself. 

Digital assets and DLT have various potential use cases and can be defined in multiple ways; it can represent a medium of exchange like cash, a store of value like gold, a new investment class like commodities, a mechanism to align incentives in an ecosystem or an immutable shared database to maintain rules, rights and ownership. It will open up a new era of digital asset & data market places, create trust in digital ecosystems, reduce friction and inefficiencies in the economy and allow for financial inclusion in developing countries. 

Navigating this uncharted territory is challenging and requires a combination of research, risk management and different (academic and professional) backgrounds.