Let’s be real—the world of crypto is highly intimidating, like walking through a literal minefield. Then, you listen to stories of people who become overnight millionaires and just as scary, stories of people who lose everything. So don’t discount it all the way just yet. Here, we take on some of the most costly myths that might be standing in your way of a transformative financial future — one, especially for those who have been excluded for generations.

Crypto Is Only for Criminals?

This one's ancient history. The notion that Bitcoin is just the currency of the dark web is as tired as dial-up internet. Absolutely, in its early days, crypto provided an anonymity that brought in bad actors. Today, blockchain analysis is incredibly sophisticated. Today, law enforcement agencies are using these tools to track illegal activities. With cash, they can do this much more efficiently than ever before.

Think of it this way: cash can be used for illegal activities, does that mean cash is inherently evil? Of course not. Making crypto work for communities Crypto, like any technology, is a tool. But painting the entire ecosystem with a broad brush like this is just wrong. It’s tremendously unjust to the millions who depend on it for legitimate uses, like sending remittances to family overseas or accessing financial services that traditional banks refuse them. It's a new financial frontier, not a pirate's cove.

Crypto Is Way Too Complicated, Right?

Okay, I get it. Blockchain, DeFi, NFTs…the buzzwords are enough to make anyone’s head spin. Here's the thing: you don't need to understand the intricate details of the engine to drive a car. In the same way, you don’t have to be a coding whiz to take part in the crypto economy.

User-friendly platforms seem to be launching on a daily basis, making it easier than ever to buy, sell, store and manage your crypto assets. Imagine Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken – these exchanges have user-friendly platforms, myriad educational offerings and are developed with novices in mind. On top of that, the competition is brutal – which forces them to be ever more innovative at creating an incredible user experience.

Let's be honest, the traditional financial system isn't exactly a walk in the park either. Ever been able to read the fine print on a mortgage contract? After all, crypto in many ways is more transparent and more accessible than the dark corridors of Wall Street. That complexity is eroding, opening up huge new possibilities. This transition is a huge win particularly for the communities that have long been pushed out of the conventional financial system by red tape.

You Need to Be Rich To Invest?

This is, sadly, the most discouraging myth of them all. It also continues the myth that financial benefits are only available to the uber wealthy. Rubbish! You can begin investing in crypto with just $10 on their platform. Seriously. Fractional ownership makes it easy to purchase a fraction of a Bitcoin or Ethereum, putting the investment within the reach of almost anyone.

Consider this: investing small amounts consistently over time is far more effective than waiting until you have a lump sum. That’s the magic of compounding, and it’s open for business to anyone, no matter how little capital they have to start. Think of it as planting seeds. One small investment might not seem like much, but all added together, every seed planted has the potential to grow into a mighty oak. It’s not about getting rich quick. At its best, crypto can be a revolutionary tool for wealth creation. But it is about creating a more equitable financial future, one small investment at a time.

Crypto Is Just One Big Scam?

Yes, scams exist in the crypto world. Just as they do in all other industries from used car sales to housing. Please don’t throw out the whole asset class with the bathwater because of a couple of bad apples. That would be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater!

The key is to do your research. Do your best to stay on well-known exchanges. Watch out for any promises of guaranteed returns, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. We all know the mantra, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

The increased oversight of the crypto industry is already flushing out scammers. This move, combined with the other rule changes, makes the shift a significant step towards protecting investors. Now, governments around the world are starting to realize the true power of blockchain technology. They are pushing the envelope to actively hash out regulatory frameworks that promote innovation, while providing consumer protections.

Instead, don’t be scared off by the attack of the fraudsters to the detriment of legitimate opportunities out there.

It's Too Late to Get In Now?

Absolutely not! To be sure, those who were the first to adopt Bitcoin have made most of the money, but the crypto revolution is just getting started. In fact, most would probably tell you that we’re still in the first few innings.

Imagine the internet just after it was opened up to commercial use in the early 90s. Were folks telling you that it was too late to participate. Of course not! If the internet revolutionized every other industry and aspect of our lives, then blockchain will do the same.

Almost every day new cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based applications are introduced, creating new investment opportunities. In addition, the growing institutional adoption of crypto is perhaps the surest indicator that it’s not going anywhere. Innovators such as Tesla, MicroStrategy and PayPal are just a few examples of companies starting to adopt crypto into their core business strategies.

The game really has changed, and the rules of the new game are still being determined. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the smart financial industry of the future.

Artist Martin Kersels’ inflatable installation Floating Garden. It was, for centuries, ruled by galleries and auction houses, gatekeepers that managed access and set prices. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are disrupting the model. They give creators the tools to build relationships with their audience and sell creations directly, bypassing the need for third-party distributors. It’s creating a more democratized art market, leveling the playing field for artists and collectors. Equally, artists are using blockchain to establish new sources of income and avoid the choke point of record labels. It’s financial empowerment through creativity.

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. The crypto market is volatile. It’s true that prices can change by hundreds of dollars in a day, and there’s risk, of course. But that’s exactly why it is critical to understand what you’re doing and invest wisely. Lesson #2 Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. So diversify your portfolio and only invest what you are prepared to lose. Remember the risk warning: Cryptocurrency investment is volatile and speculative. Only invest what you can afford to lose.

Crypto isn't just about making money. It’s about doing the work of creating a more equitable and inclusive financial system. It’s about democratization, leveling the playing field for everyone, particularly those that have been left behind by legacy institutions.

So, I want to heartily welcome all of you to the wonderful world of crypto, but please do it safely and responsibly. Register on a secure exchange such as Coinbase or Kraken, only invest what you can afford to lose and use the resources available to educate yourself. And don’t hesitate to dig and find out the truth.

Join us in creating a future in which all people encounter and enjoy the tools, services, and resources they need and deserve to achieve financial independence. This is more than just an infrastructure investment, it’s an investment in a new future that works for all of us.

Crypto isn't just about making money. It's about building a more equitable and inclusive financial system. It's about empowering individuals, especially those who have been marginalized and underserved by traditional institutions.

So, I encourage you to explore the world of crypto, but do so safely and responsibly. Sign up on a reputable exchange like Coinbase or Kraken, start with small amounts, and do your research. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek out reliable information.

Let's build a future where everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to achieve financial freedom. This is not just about investing; it's about investing in a better future for us all.