In not so recent past, I was introduced to a social network which incentivizes its user for engagement by giving them a bit of the bitcoin. I was really fascinated with the idea and really wanted to implement the solution back in my homeland but sadly due to some genuine restrictions, I had to let go of this passionate idea.

That whole facade brought my attention to this phenomenon of Crypto Currencies majorly focusing on Bitcoins, that are no doubt a huge buzz in the digital world these days. Before we further talk about it, let’s come back to the social network and talk about how these guys are doing such awesome thing over the internet. Like I said, the core objective of the network is to incentivize consumer by giving them bitcoins for their engagement. Also, they opened channels for brands to come and give consumers discount vouchers or even sell the brand over the social network via bitcoins. In short, the consumer is not just earning but spending on the same social network. The whole ecosystem of supply and demand is so fascinating that it attracts consumers and brands on its platform automatically. However, not a lot of brands are able to understand the true essence of Bitcoins and some of them were really reluctant to get onboard due to certain reasons.

To my luck, within my circle, I got to meet Syed Hassan Talal, who is part of a team that is doing in-depth research on cryptocurrencies and its future in Asia, and as per him “Bitcoins are one of the most beautiful amalgamations of math and tech ever”.

Now for brands, let me share my experiences by starting with the basics:

WHAT IS BITCOIN?
It is a “decentralized” Virtual Currency which is distributed, open source & math based peer to peer Cryptocurrency. In simpler words, a new mechanism of digital transactions in business via online / peer to peer & networks that are open source, secure but has no central administration that can keep track of it.

THE BLESSING
Since it is a peer-to-peer system that preserves the anonymity of its users, Bitcoin eliminates the role of the central authority, as its self-sustaining and self-regulating cryptographic algorithm not only launches new ‘coins’ (digital coins) but also authorizes transactions; prevents the inclusion of counterfeit bitcoins; and distributes the coins to its Miners.

Its universal recognition makes it even more convenient for consumers/organizations. Also, there is almost no transaction fee involved (yet) which makes it even better option than usual online payment methods. Singapore’s recent steps towards “Project Ubin”, in which they are using “Ethereum” to digitize their national currency. Although their focus is more towards building a concrete “interbank payment” system as of now. But the level of trust that cryptocurrencies get after this will open new avenues for people in financial sector and brands to use them effectively.

THE ANATHEMA
With all its ease and advantages. It does have some problems. Since this whole phenomenon is disruptive and is reshaping the financial and payment industry. Bitcoin has proved itself to be a challenge for global regulatory authorities. The market capitalization of this non-guaranteed, un-backed, decentralized virtual currency is soaring. Although the number of users, the avenues, and business opportunities are growing. But the overall regulation puts a huge limit on its scope and also raises questions about its legal status in several countries.

The recent ransomware incident also raised a lot of questions by several authorities where they titled it as “Currency for Cyber Criminals”. Such issues are raising a lot of eyebrows for the not just regulations but the brands to either utilize it for the brand awareness, building or even promotion side.

BITCOIN AND BRANDS…THE POSSIBILITIES
Although this area is still unexplored and we can do wonders with it. But in my humble opinion, I personally foresee it focusing more towards rewarding loyal consumers by building brand eco-system around consumer world. Big brands like Walmart, Ikea or any chain that offers points- based system can utilize cryptocurrencies and reward consumers with them via bitcoins. Not just sharing but also giving them opportunities to use and avail several products in form of digital voucher will ensure consumers use them as often as possible.

Another opportunity that was also initiated by BitLanders is to work closely with brands during research phase where they engage with consumers and ask them questions, in return, they incentivise consumers with bitcoins and also give them opportunities to utilize them and purchase items online. This just not makes consumer interested but also the response time with opinions increases.

Although there is a lot to discuss, debate or even negate about cryptocurrencies. But at the back of our mind, we all know it’s an inevitable future and we need to further experiment, customize and adapt it swiftly to ensure we can use the best of it within due time. Maybe one day we will get an opportunity to have a digital wallet that can carry bitcoins as well and we can use it universally on all brands and enjoy cryptocurrencies over multiple platforms.

Danish Ejaz is a Brand Evangelist at penumbra, a digital media agency at the intersection of branding, strategy, technology and culture. He can be reached on email@danishejaz.com