Bitcoin is the first and most widely held cryptocurrency. It is a digital asset that runs on a global network of computers instead of a single bank.

Why people pay attention to it

• It has a fixed maximum supply (21 million coins), which some investors see as a hedge against inflation.
• It can be sent person-to-person without a bank in the middle.
• It is the most established crypto, with the longest track record.

What beginners should know

Bitcoin's price can swing dramatically. It is not insured like a bank deposit, and if you lose access to your wallet you can lose your coins. Treat it as a small, high-risk part of a plan.