As of 2021, Bitcoin’s peak value outstripped $60,000. The sums of digital currency flying around have attracted the curiosity of many investors. Inventors and engineers also want to find new things to do with blockchain.

Are you among those interested in making your fortune on a digital currency exchange? Maybe you’re curious where the technology is going and want to get in on the next wave.

Either way, we’ve got something for you. Come with us as we take a look at current blockchain trends.

NFTs as Leading Blockchain Trends

The non-fungible token (NFT) has taken the world by storm. The idea of scarcity in the digital realm, where almost everything can be copied, has caught investor attention.

An NFT serves as a claim of original ownership of a digital item. Collectibles, art, and even sneakers have been offered through the NFT platform.

Despite this high rate of adoption, however, the technology remains young. Predictions for where NFT collectibles are headed remain varied and unclear.

Improved Transaction Speed

One problem decentralized finance has to solve comes from the slowness of transactions on large networks. A sufficiently big blockchain network draws large amounts of power for each transaction. It also takes a long time to crunch numbers.

As networks shift their transaction models, transaction speed should rise. Different networks have experimented with different approaches, such as changing their validation methods or adding sub-networks. Faster transactions should improve the rate of adoption.

New Regulations

Many governments have begun changing the regulations surrounding cryptocurrencies. As crypto becomes a distinct type of asset, governments will tighten regulations and treat it more like any other type of security.

This will likely include greater requirements for crypto holders to declare their assets. Crypto holders may also face additional tax liability as rules change.

Adoption in Traditional Channels

As crypto becomes a more stable investment, you will find more ways to spend your cryptocurrencies in traditional channels. Theater giant AMC intends to offer Bitcoin payments within the year. Transaction handlers like Paypal will allow crypto transactions in the near future.

If a major global company adopts crypto, the effect could snowball. Once someone makes a major move, others will follow. Watch for moves by major companies like Amazon or Chase in the coming year.

Blockchain ID

While this might have only a modest effect on cryptocurrency, the adoption of blockchain identity validation could push the technology forward. Proposed applications include housing purchases, voting, and health records.

These applications provide interesting opportunities for remote identity verification, but security questions remain. Making blockchain networks small enough to manage identification while also durable in the face of hack attacks will be an ongoing challenge.

A Bright Future in Crypto

Assuming even some of these blockchain trends continue, the technology will continue to make an impact in human life for years to come. We’ve only scratched the surface of what this form of verification can do.

Fascinated by new technology? Wondering how it’ll affect the way we do business in the future? Take a peek at our business and money sections for more articles.