CRYPTOCURRENCIES AS A MEANS OF PAYMENT

Ovaj završni rad istražuje kriptovalute kao sredstvo plaćanja. Rad pruža pregled povijesti kriptovaluta, definiciju kriptovaluta i njihovih osnovnih karakteristika te razloga rasta popularnosti. Također, analizira se tehnologija iza kriptovaluta, uključujući blockchain tehnologiju i različite konsenzus mehanizme. Raspravlja se o prednostima i nedostacima kriptovaluta kao sredstava plaćanja te ih se uspoređuje s tradicionalnim sredstvima plaćanja. U sklopu istraživanja provodi se anketiranje fizičkih osoba o njihovom prihvaćanju kriptovaluta kao sredstva plaćanja, analiziraju se dobiveni podaci te se uspoređuju s globalnim trendovima. Rad također razmatra budućnost kriptovaluta kao sredstva plaćanja, uključujući tehnološki razvoj, potencijalni utjecaj na globalno gospodarstvo i financijski sektor te moguće promjene u regulatornom okruženju.This master's thesis explores cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. The thesis provides an overview of the history of cryptocurrencies, the definition of cryptocurrencies and their basic characteristics, and the reasons for their growing popularity. It also analyzes the technology behind cryptocurrencies, including blockchain technology and various consensus mechanisms. The advantages and disadvantages of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment are discussed and compared to traditional payment methods. As part of the research, a survey is conducted among individuals regarding their acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, and the collected data is analyzed and compared to global trends. The thesis also explores the future of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, including technological advancements, potential impact on the global economy and financial sector, and possible changes in the regulatory environment