Cryptocurrencies as a dynamic phenomenon: problems of definition and functional interpretation

Abstract

The article explores the essence of cryptocurrencies as a phenomenon of the digital economy through a conceptual and categorical analysis and typology, combining their financial, technological, and institutional characteristics. The study addresses the challenge of defining the concept of "cryptocurrency" in the context of the rapid digital transformation of the economy. It presents an analysis of key approaches to the typology of cryptocurrencies as money, investment assets, and technological platforms. The paper substantiates the relevance of applying a flexible functional approach that accounts for the use and evolution of cryptocurrencies within the digital economy.
It is argued that the term "cryptocurrency" cannot be reduced to a single universal definition, as it reflects the multidimensional nature of digital assets undergoing constant transformation. The analysis of their functional orientation demonstrates that contemporary cryptocurrencies perform a wide range of tasks within the digital economy — from payment solutions to cross-chain interaction, from privacy protection to servicing logistics and media. This justifies the need to rethink approaches to their definition, considering both the economic context and the technical architecture of cryptocurrency operations.
The study concludes that in the digital economy, cryptocurrencies are evolving beyond purely monetary functions — such as accumulation, speculation, and payments — toward acquiring the features of a technological unit of value operating within various digital ecosystems. Future research should focus on the development of a functional classification of cryptocurrencies, the analysis of their interaction with the traditional financial system, and the assessment of the impact of emerging technologies (in particular, Web3, DeFi, and AI) on the evolution of cryptocurrency ecosystems.