Humaniq has spoken at a gathering of the cryptocurrency world’s key players. It was held to hear findings from an influential Cambridge economist on the increasing impact of the digital money.

The event, held by the Cambridge Network, which brings together academics and entrepreneurs from the city’s booming high-tech sector, heard how cryptocurrency is now worth $40bn globally, and growing. Dr Garrick Hileman, ranked in the top 100 most influential economists in the UK and Ireland, said in the 14th June event’s keynote address that the data shows the significant economic impact cryptocurrency now has.

Hileman, a research fellow at Cambridge’s Centre for Alternative Finance, set out the findings from the first comprehensive worldwide study of cryptocurrency in his keynote, The Growing Significance of Cryptocurrencies, sponsored by Citi Bank.

Dr. Garrick Hileman

He told the entrepreneurs and investors behind startups at the forefront of fintech that an estimated 3 million people now use alternative money, and cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin are gaining traction and increasing market share in the $40bn market.

Dinis Guarda, CEO of Humaniq, another key player speaking on a panel of start-ups, as a cryptocurrency in the top ten by market valuation. He underlined to those gathered the importance of cryptocurrency in supporting new, decentralised, economic activity.

Dinis Guarda

Guarda spoke of Humaniq’s road map for the coming months, and gave a glimpse into the much-anticipated use of the Blockchain: putting it to social good, with measurable impact in opening up banking to the world’s 2 billion unbanked.

Dinis Guarda, CEO Humaniq:

“Blockchain can be considered as the Internet 2.0, it is rapidly changing the way business is conducted, and how people, governments and businesses operate and go about adding value to the daily lives of individuals. It will not be a surprise if practically all areas of daily life are touched by the Blockchain in the near-future.”

Humaniq plans to continue connecting with the fintech sector in Cambridge, with members invited to speak at several more upcoming events, the next at the Judge Business School in July. Humaniq will also be partnering with various networks, institutes and startups on future events around the Blockchain, cryptocurrency and tech for social good and the future of social innovation.