Can blockchain be used without cryptocurrency?
- March 7, 2023
- 7 min read

Recently, blockchains have gained a lot of notoriety as the underlying technology that power cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. But while most discussions on blockchain typically centre around its cryptocurrency applications, few people realise that it can be used in so many other ways aside from tracking and transferring digital currency. In this post we will discuss how blockchain technology can be deployed without being connected to a specific type of digital asset, outlining the potential benefits and drawbacks for businesses exploring different uses for this revolutionary system.
What is blockchain without cryptocurrency?
A blockchain that doesn’t rely on cryptocurrency can be used to store data related to nonfungible tokens (NFTs), supply chain initiatives, the Metaverse and even more. This distributed ledger is incredibly versatile and convenient for all sorts of applications!
Bitcoin might be the most widely known application of a decentralized ledger or blockchain, but there are still many possibilities to use this technological advancement. For example, it can provide services such as remittances and digital assets while allowing online payments without requiring any third party involved in the process. Blockchain technology has become an essential part of financial operations due to its secure transactions and lack of middlemen fees.
Blockchain technology provides the potential to power revolutionary next-level internet interaction systems, such as smart contracts, reputation systems, public services and security services. Additionally, blockchain is playing an integral role in connecting physical objects with digital networks through its application of the Internet of Things.
Blockchain technology is a revolutionary form of digital recordkeeping that involves distributed databases across multiple users. As an incorruptible source, it can maintain records related to cryptocurrency transactions or election voting data – which cannot be modified or eliminated post-entry – with absolute precision and security.
Blockchain technology has so much more potential than just being limited to cryptocurrencies. It is particularly powerful for the decentralisation and storage of data as well as reaching a consensus on digital assets, which may or may not be explained in terms of cryptocurrency. The question remains: what can’t blockchain do?
Blockchain technology has the incredible potential to revolutionize existing business models that require third-party intermediaries and centralized systems for building trust. For instance, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) debuted on Ethereum in late 2017 – using blockchain as a platform to influence intellectual property beyond cryptocurrencies. Yet keep in mind the risks and rewards associated with NFT investments before you decide if it’s right for you!
Does a blockchain need cryptocurrency to work?
While cryptocurrency is essential for public blockchains to operate, private ones do not require it.
There are two distinct types of blockchains: public and private. Public blockchains promote decentralisation by allowing anyone to access the network, while on the other hand, private networks require invitation only and are operated solely by one organisation. Therefore, with a private blockchain you lose out on that critical aspect of decentralisation.
Permission-less blockchains such as the Bitcoin blockchain incentivise network participants often referred to as miners, by awarding them with a native token for solving complicated mathematical puzzles. This reward serves not only as motivation for the system overall but also acts as an effective way of reaching consensus.
Bitcoin mining is a lucrative venture, prompting thousands of computers to participate. If the cryptocurrency rewards are abolished, however, this incentive will also vanish and thus reducing the security against crypto heists since fewer nodes would be available for running consensus mechanisms.
Private blockchains, such as Hyperledger and Corda, are ideal for businesses looking to implement secure commercial transactions. Developed by The Linux Foundation, the Hyperledger project utilises private blockchain technology to create distributed ledgers with confidential records. Meanwhile, R3 created the permissioned blockchain platform called Corda; it allows companies to construct networks of interoperable decentralised operations behind a firewall of privacy. As these are operated by centralised corporations there is no need for cryptocurrencies or other forms of rewards within their framework.
Can you invest in blockchain without buying cryptocurrencies?
There is no direct way to invest in a blockchain. However, investing in blockchain-based startups is one way by which you can explore blockchain beyond cryptocurrency investments.
The world of blockchain is full of possibilities when it comes to making corporate processes faster, more secure, and more transparent. Investing in companies like Microsoft or IBM that offer Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) can be a great way to gain an understanding of the technology while reaping financial rewards as well. By utilizing BaaS solutions offered by these companies, users and organizations alike can benefit from improved efficiency, shorter transaction times and better security than ever before.
For those averse to cryptocurrencies, you can still reap some of the advantages offered by blockchain technology through investing in stocks of companies actively developing distributed ledger solutions. This way, you benefit from blockchain without having to directly invest any money into digital currencies. The versatility and potential benefits of this revolutionary technology extend far beyond merely supporting cryptocurrency!
Blockchain technology is a powerful force in the supply chain industry, offering ultimate transparency and traceability – from farm-to-table to waste picker. As an example, you can track a particular crop back to its origin using blockchain’s immutable records of every transaction. The production process all the way through transportation and delivery of recycled items can be tracked with distributed ledgers for maximum accuracy. What’s more, investors have now been presented with incredible opportunities by investing in companies operating within this space.
Whether you’re investing directly or indirectly in blockchain-based startups, familiarise yourself with the potential risks such as technical errors, hard forks and human mistakes. Always bear in mind to not stake more money than what you are comfortable losing when taking part in any investments.
Can smart contracts exist without blockchain?
The utilisation of blockchain technology is essential for the successful implementation of smart contracts, as it provides a secure platform that allows automated agreements to take place without requiring third-party participation.
Although both database systems and smart contracts have self-automated components like triggers and stored procedures, they do not offer immutable security as administrator rights can be used to undo transactions or even eradicate transaction logs. Therefore, blockchain is absolutely paramount for any smart contract that needs to remain secure since Bitcoin – the most widely adopted cryptocurrency – does not currently support complex smart contracts.
If it weren’t for blockchain, no other current technology would let us use smart contracts on a large scale. Yet, to access external data not stored in the distributed ledger at certain times, smart contracts depend on oracles that link the two environments together. Although they offer an effortless way to connect with off-chain assets, both parties involved have to enter into an agreement with another entity which can counterbalance some of the decentralisation advantages of using automated agreements.
Moreover, it can set off a chain of failures. For example, an oracle may fail to deliver the necessary data due to errors in its systems, present inaccurate information, or abruptly cease operations. Therefore, before they are embraced on a larger scale across industries, smart contracts must solve these issues first.
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