Cryptocurrency is a type of electronic money that anyone can use to conduct business, purchase digital products, and access services online. This type of digital currency necessitates the use of a crypto wallet to hold the encryption information such as secret keys, or passwords to keep them safe. We want to know the newest cryptocurrency news in Australia as interest in the issue grows throughout the world.

This article will explain what cryptocurrency is, why Australians invest in it, and how crypto wallets function. We polled 1,000 Australians who are familiar with cryptocurrencies to gather information for this two-part series. The complete methodology of our survey may be seen at the bottom of this page. Let’s dive into how people invest in cryptocurrency in Australia.

Almost A Quarter Of The Population Own And Utilise Cryptocurrency.

According to our research, all Australians were familiar with bitcoin and understood that it is digital money. In fact, 57% of participants are 'informed' of what crypto is, while 43% are a little familiar with it. As a result, it is not surprising that nearly a quarter of the population actually purchases and utilises cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency may be attractive among enthusiasts because, unlike fiat currencies i.e. Australian Dollar crypto is decentralised, with no middlemen in authority such as the government or banks. It also means that the money of crypto traders is not vulnerable to inflation. Banks can keep printing money, but cryptocurrency relies on various software programs (or hashing algorithms) to generate more.

However, cryptocurrency might be termed a complex and turbulent market. This was underlined by Bitcoin, the first and earliest cryptocurrency. Bitcoin reached its peak i.e. priced at US$64,000 in April 2021 before plummeting by more than half to a value of US$32,000 in only a few months. In October 2021, Bitcoin outperformed itself once more, reaching a market value of almost $66,000 USD. The recovery follows the introduction of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), yet the future of cryptocurrency remains an open question.

Respondents appear to be severely conflicted on the future of digital currency. In sum, 77 percent of survey participants had never purchased cryptocurrency previously, while 33 percent intend to do so.

Bitcoin Remains The Top Cryptocurrency To Invest In Australia

There are already over seven thousand types of cryptocurrencies in circulation. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency that started the crypto industry and entered the market and still is the most valued and hyped cryptocurrency today. This is evident in our study, with 80 percent of Aussies in the crypto category saying they have purchased or want to purchase Bitcoin. Dogecoin and Ethereum followed Bitcoin and attained the second and third positions in the top cryptocurrency list.

Bitcoin is also the most popular cryptocurrency on a worldwide basis. There was no other sort of decentralised digital money available when it began in 2009. Another important aspect of Bitcoin is that it uses blockchain based technology, which was created expressly for it. Blockchain has since accepted other cryptocurrencies such as Dogecoin and Ethereum.

Why Do Australians Invest In Cryptocurrency?

Professional investors are divided on whether investing in cryptocurrency is a smart or bad decision. According to our study results, slightly over half of Australians (52 percent) who acquire cryptocurrency do so to earn a profit, even if they believe it hazardous.This was accompanied by 51% of Australians who enjoy to be part of unique and different, and 44% who like that bitcoin is decentralised.

A total of 57% of poll participants replied they are 'a bit satisfied' (32%), or very satisfied' (27%), with their cryptocurrency investments. The bulk of those that buy cryptocurrency (30%) stated they invest less than 5% of their wealth.

Likewise, 31% of individuals devote less than 5% of their financial portfolio (stocks, property investments, and commodities) to buying and exchanging cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency Is Governed Under Anti-Money Laundering Act

Because cryptocurrencies are not licensed by the central system, many countries and their legal institutions have battled to classify crypto and its application, and eventually its legality, in their own domain.

In Australia, cryptocurrency is governed under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, which was revised in 2017. This policy currently controls cryptocurrency service providers, and it was implemented to reduce the danger of financial fraud such as money laundering, terrorism funding, and cybercrime through DEX.

Although trading is not unlawful, it is subject to a number of restrictions in order to detect, limit, and control cryptocurrencies from a variety of laundering and cybercrimes.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regards cryptocurrencies neither as an Australian nor foreign fiat asset. Instead, the ATO considers cryptocurrencies to be a commodity or asset, and hence liable to taxable profits.

While investments are increasing, authorities have been hesitant to create norms for companies and traders in the cryptocurrency business. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Australia's anti-money laundering agency, now mandates all cryptocurrency exchange platforms in the country to get registered with them.

Furthermore, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has stated that crypto profits are susceptible to the same tax regulations as stocks and must be disclosed to the ATO. Cryptocurrency traders will be liable to capital gains tax. However, because it is still a developing area of tax legislation, Australian investors aren't always sure what their duties are.

Risks of investing in cryptocurrency

Despite the danger, people tend to find the reward justified. The following risk considerations should be considered while investing in cryptocurrency:

• * Cyber assaults and phishing are possible.

• * The market is turbulent.

• * There is fierce rivalry among thousands of blockchain projects.

Regulations for cryptocurrencies

Despite the fact that it is lawful in Australia, crypto is not treated as 'money.' The government has taken a non-interventionist strategy, enabling the industry to expand swiftly and without government restrictions.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) began implementing exchange laws in 2018. This implies that cryptocurrency firms must register with AUSTRAC and fulfil regulatory and compliance requirements. As a result, the danger of illicit activities such as "financial fraud, terrorism funding, and cybercrime" is reduced.

60% of Australians Prefer Hot Wallet Over Cold Wallet To Keep Their Assets

Users must have a wallet to trade using cryptocurrency. A crypto wallet functions similarly to a typical wallet, except fiat currency, it keeps evidence of digital currency. It does not physically hold virtual money but is used by traders to examine, purchase, or sell assets virtually . The wallet contains both the public and private keys that protect the owner's valuables. It also makes it easier to obtain the digital signatures necessary to approve and verify each transaction.

Hot wallets and cold wallets are the two types of crypto wallets.

Hot wallet

A hot wallet is linked to the World wide web, so an investor may access it from any place with an internet connection. Transactions may be completed instantly, however, usage of the internet may expose the user to attackers. Because crypto is autonomous, stealing a user's private keys indicates they will lose all of their assets and will have no way of recovering them.

Cold wallet

A cold wallet is inactive. The main advantage is that cybercriminals cannot reach the owner's property. Physical assault is the only method of stealing that may occur. There are firms that engage in crypto asset cold storage and employ high-security vaults. Cold wallets are typically kept on handheld devices like USB flash drives.

However, because cryptocurrencies are online and necessitate Internet connectivity, an owner cannot exchange coins using a cold wallet. According to our research, 60 percent of cryptocurrency users hold a hot wallet, whereas 34 percent use a cold wallet. Because of its simplicity and ease of access online, the hot wallet may remain the dominant option.

Conclusion

Prices for products and services in Australia are currently calculated in Australian dollars. Businesses all across the world, however, are highly dependent on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for business operations, payments, and other transactions. Cryptocurrency may bring both possibilities and problems for businesses, but it is critical to understand customer sentiments around cryptocurrency, particularly as it becomes more prevalent.

Over the next several years, Australians are likely to begin or grow their investment in cryptocurrency.

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