CRYPTOCURRENCIES: ECONOMIC IMPACT AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES

The rise of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, has stimulated international discussions over how the banking system will look in the future, especially by showing its important connection to issues of bank stability, interest rates, and monetary policy. This research paper delves into the numerous ways that cryptocurrencies affect the traditional financial ecosystem, basing its findings on central studies investigating their economic, legal, and environmental implications. The paper explores the potential for cryptocurrencies to disrupt conventional banking systems, monetary policies, and regulatory structures through an analysis of the challenges and opportunities posed by decentralization. Also, it looks at cryptocurrency mining from an environmental perspective, paying attention to sustainable practices and technological advancements required to minimize ecological outcomes. This study comprehensively examines how digital currencies intersect with traditional financial systems, among which some insights are given as regards to coexistence of different types of money in current monetary frameworks that may lead to more inclusive finance systems having higher efficiency levels as well as stability. Finally, it stresses that while benefiting from them on one side, there is also a need for an equilibrium approach that addresses the risks inherent in these currencies together with their surroundings.