On this AEI Events Podcast, Economic policy experts discuss the regulatory challenges that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies pose. A panel discussion, moderated by Alex J. Pollock of R Street Institute, features experts Jerry Dwyer, Bert Ely, AEI’s Paul H. Kupiec, and Hadley Stern.

The rise and fall in the price of bitcoin and competing cryptocurrencies make headlines daily. Are bitcoin and its competitors viable currencies or just a fad that will fade if a speculative bubble bursts? Is the underlying blockchain technology that makes bitcoin possible an important financial innovation? Do cryptocurriencies create economic value, or are they valuable because they hide transactions from governments? Will (and should) governments kill cryptocurrencies or allow them to develop into important major payments systems?

Paul Kupiec kicks off the event (0:58), Alex Pollock takes the stage (3:26), Jerry Dwyer shares his thoughts (12:58), Hadley Stern gives his take (27:43), Bert Ely weighs in (39:05), Paul Kupiec joins the conversation (54:23), additional comments from the panel (1:08:18), and audience Q&A (1:18:02).

This event took place on February 12, 2018.

Watch the full event here.

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