Why is there all of this talk about cryptocurrencies, and should we be listening? Bitcoin began 2017 worth $1,000 per coin, but closed the year at more than $19,000. Other so-called cryptocurrenciesdigital currency that is sent and received electronicallyare also soaring in value. There are over 1,000 cryptocurrencies in existence. The perceived value of one cryptocurrency over another is based on the notion that the holder of the digital currency gains exclusive access to a given type of blockchain technology, says Mark Williams (Questrom93), a Questrom School of Business master lecturer in finance and executive-in-residence. Blockchain uses a volunteer computer network, controlled by no one, to record cyber-currency transactions that while public, link to just an electronic address. Enthusiasts foresee blockchain technology being applied to stocks, bonds, contracts, and other assets. Some speculators view this as a lottery ticket, and if the market adopts your blockchain type, the