Buterin highlighted the potential of cryptocurrencies in emerging economies while expressing concerns about the future of CBDCs and exchanges.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin believes that cryptocurrencies currently offer the greatest utility in emerging economies, according to an interview with CNBC. While developed countries often view cryptocurrencies as speculative investments, Buterin claims that its most meaningful use cases exist in low-income countries.
According to CNBC, Buterin told them that cryptocurrencies can help provide developing countries with basic financial services they currently lack, such as cross-border payments, savings options and access to the international economy. The Ethereum co-founder claimed that he saw higher adoption and more excitement about cryptocurrencies when visiting places like Argentina compared to tech-savvy cities like San Francisco.
Buterin also acknowledged that centralized players like exchanges are essential to attracting users in developing countries. However, he sees an ideal future where people can conduct peer-to-peer transactions directly on blockchain networks. The programmer said blockchains need to become easier to use and more secure to make this vision a reality. He cited goals such as transaction fees below 5 cents, minimizing failed transactions, and highly secure wallet solutions.
Buterin told CNBC that proper on-chain privacy and anonymity tools are essential. He expressed concern about the precedent set by legal action against developers of privacy protocols such as Tornado Cash. Buterin believes that merged proof-of-stake networks such as Ethereum may now be more resistant to government interference than proof-of-work chains and easier to operate anonymously.
Regarding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the Ethereum founder said he was more optimistic five years ago. He claimed that many CBDC projects have strayed from their initial goals such as privacy and transparency. Buterin is concerned that these government initiatives may now become surveillance versions of the existing financial system.
Overall, Buterin remains focused on Ethereum providing value to regular users through improvements like scalability. His goal is to take the network beyond its current experimental phase and into a phase defined by usable applications. Buterin also noted that while he and the Ethereum Foundation played a more prominent role in the past, the ecosystem has become more independent and decentralized now. He believes that even if something happens to him or the foundation is subject to legal action, development will continue unimpeded at this point.
Vitalik Buterin remains one of the most influential figures in the cryptocurrency space given his role in the creation of Ethereum. His perspectives provide insight into the industry sectors currently seeing the most adoption, as well as what trends may emerge in the future. While only time will tell if his vision will come to fruition, Buterin offers an optimistic view of cryptocurrency, creating tangible utility where it is needed most around the world. #CBDC #交易所
