ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a history of the blockchain in order to give some background as to how the different cryptoassets have emerged. It identifies the gap in existing categorizations and explains why a more detailed study is required. The chapter provides some more details in each category and any subcategories. It outlines financial characteristics of different cryptoasset categories and help users better asses the risks and uses for each asset. The chapter presents the major classifications of cryptoassets, namely cryptocurrencies, utility tokens and security tokens. It examines the origins and key features of each category to enable the reader to compare these cryptoassets to traditional assets in a more informed way and to identify the similarities and differences. Cryptocurrencies may have important macroeconomic consequences in a wide range of areas such as unit of account for trade and investments, developments in financial surveillance and the stability of financial system.
