Blockchain is a decentralized general ledger. It is a computer network that has an identical copy of the database and changes its status (records) to a common agreement based on pure mathematics. All this means that there is no need for any central server or any entity we trust (e.g. central bank, notaries, banks, Paypal, etc.). The blockchain is the technological basis for all cryptocurrencies, whether Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger, etc.
An important part of the blockchain is the smart contracts, a piece of code that is stored in the blockchain network (in each participant's database). It basically defines the conditions to which all parties using the contract agreement. Therefore, if the required conditions are met, certain actions are executed. Because the smart contract is stored on all computers on the network, everyone must run it and get the same result. This way users can be sure that the result is correct.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts open many doors to new decentralized businesses and eliminates the need for expensive third parties. Many new companies are now working on this technology, and large companies are testing it in closed networks to collaborate directly with each other without the need for intermediaries. Moreover, another main reasons why cryptocurrencies are more fashionable is because we know that traditional banks, as modern as they want to be, have an old-fashioned culture and mentality. Beyond the typical financial instruments, they have only evolved to provide some online services. Now, with the emergence of DeFi (decentralized finance), a world of financial instruments is opening up, accessible, open and without permissions for anyone with a cell phone or a computer connected to the Internet. It is a movement that takes advantage of decentralized networks to transform old financial products into transparent protocols that work without intermediaries.
For that reason, there is a lot of projects that are starting to use this new technology. However, not all of them are worth it. We have to read well what each project is dedicated to, what is its whitepaper, its qualified advisors, etc. As I said, blockchain technology has gained popularity due to the hype about cryptocurrencies which has shaken many startups to launch their own cryptocurrencies even without convincing fundamentals. This trend has emerged because new entrants have been more agile in adopting emerging technologies compared to incumbents who are hampered by legacy systems. However, this competitiveness and this advantage enjoyed by the new players may be short-lived, as no economies of scale are taken into account.
Moving on, the project I'm going to present you is Aurix(https://www.aurix.exchange), a new project that will power the payments pillar and support trading and other decentralized financial services products. In more detail, Aurix (https://www.aurix.exchange) is a self-sustaining financial services ecosystem, fully built on the principles and technology of decentralized finance that provides high-tech solutions in order to enable the use of cryptocurrencies. The main objective is to solve the low liquidity and speed of transactions, inherent complexity, high or hidden fees and insecurity and lack of trust, so that a transparent and easy-to-use cryptoworld can be created.
