Cryptocurrency (Electronic Cash) As New Financial Institution

In: Moscow University Economics Bulletin; 6-2018, Heft 6-2018, S. 79-96

Abstract

In this article, the authors review and analyze the features of functioning and development of a new financial market segment - the cryptocurrency market or electronic cash (specific digital assets). At present, the cryptocurrency segment (and digital financial assets at large) cannot be recognized as a formal institution, since there is no legal framework in this area, and informal interaction regarding the creation and circulation of cryptocurrencies is not an established social and financial-economic phenomenon. The analytic comparison using discount methods allows to a certain extent to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of e-cash issuance from the viewpoint of physical persons. The authors identify the main directions in institutionalizing the cryptocurrency segment of the financial sector of the national economy and substantiate the need for legal recognition of cryptocurrencies in the status of digital goods, which in turn involves the need to improve the Russian Federation legal framework.