Facts for marketing about cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is “digital money” (a means of payment) that isn't controlled by any single entity (eg a bank or a government). This gives people and organisations using it more anonymity than normal online payments, the payment experience is simple, with few / no fees or middleman.

Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency (created in 2009), there are now 1,000+ of them, all tryng to get market share. Eg Dash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Monero.

Most cryptocurrencies work using blockchain technology: essentially an encrypted ledger of transactions simultaneously kept and updated by a very large number of peer-to-peer computers in a decentralized network, based on a set of cryptographic rules.

Not relying on a single certification authority, means that blockchain can be sure that every cryptocurrency unit can only be spent once and transactions can't be forged.

One way to create cryptocurrency units is mining: people use powerful computers to solve complex cryptographic puzzles (complex mathematical equations).
Blockchain is important beause the underlying concept has potential for many more valuable business uses. No one can change data stored in a blockchain so it's always a “single source of truth”
Possible applications of blockchain are many and it's currently in the very early stages.

Some possible ways that blockchain will affect business:

• Frictionless transactions – faster and easier buying experience, with less fees and delays. Sellers get immediate cash flow, full transaction value (no fees to a middleman), and no the possibility of chargebacks and fraudulent credit card transactions. 
• Greater customer privacy – cryptocurrency transactions don't have to reveal the customer’s identity. So Marketing might not automatically get the data they get today.
• Fewer data breaches – with cryptocurrency transactions, seller deosn't store any personal payment details that could be stolen in a data breach. 
• Micropayments – consumers paying small amounts for things like consuming content - so publishers and vendors could earn revenues, without using ads. Cryptocurrencies may finally make micropayments viable (maybe). 

Why to consider accepting cryptocurrencies now:

• To attract customers who prefer to pay using cryptocurrencies such for privacy or who are attracted to more tech-savvy businesses. 
• To get experience with this new payment method. 
• Media coverage if it's new in your industry

Risks and issues
Volatility in the value of cryptocurrencies, due to no government backing
Limted circulation, newness, high-risk investment vehicle
Some major companies accept Bitcoin now (eg Microsoft, Amazon, Apple App Store, Home Depot, Victoria’s Secret, Dell, Expedia) but they are large enough to take the volatility risks
Volatility may or may not disappear with maturity,