Bitcoin is the most famous cryptocurrency, but there are a growing number of other virtual currencies that have become viable options for payments and trading. As more of these currencies gain mainstream acceptance and legitimacy, the number of jobs available to work in the industry is expected to rise.
In addition to jobs that focus on creating or supporting these currencies, there are also careers focused on making financial transactions using digital money easier and cheaper, particularly for cross-border payments and remittances. These roles require workers who are familiar with and enthusiastic about the technology behind digital currency.
Digital currency and blockchain technology are also being adopted by central banks. In a 2021 survey by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 86% of central banks were actively researching CBDC, with many experimenting with or deploying pilot projects. CBDCs can be used to pay people or businesses at retail level (a “retail CBDC”), or between financial institutions to settle trades in financial markets (a “wholesale CBDC”).
A career working with digital currency requires an extensive background and knowledge of the technology behind them. This can include a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, and experience with or familiarity with one or more of the most popular digital currencies. Some employers offer the option for their employees to receive part or all of their salary in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and this is often a popular perk that attracts candidates. Digital Currency Employment