noncryptocurrency

Noncryptocurrency refers to money and digital assets that are not cryptocurrencies. It includes traditional fiat currencies issued by governments (for example, the U.S. dollar, euro, and yen) and their electronic forms, such as bank deposits and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). It also covers electronic money and stored-value products issued by private entities.

Unlike cryptocurrencies, noncryptocurrency systems typically rely on centralized control or regulation. They do not use a public, permissionless distributed ledger or rely primarily on cryptographic security to manage ownership and transactions. Value, issuance, and settlement are determined by governments or private issuers rather than by decentralized networks.

Examples include cash, checking and savings accounts, and other digital representations of fiat money used in payments. CBDCs are digital forms of fiat money issued by central banks. Private electronic money or stored-value cards and loyalty programs may also be considered noncryptocurrency when they do not operate on blockchain networks.

Overall, noncryptocurrency money remains the mainstream medium of exchange and store of value in most economies, characterized by regulatory oversight, legal tender status, and centralized settlement infrastructure, in contrast to the decentralized and cryptographically secured nature of cryptocurrencies.