Digital Currencies and Their Influence on the Global Economy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

The growing interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has generated an in-depth analysis of their impact on the global financial system. These cryptoassets promise to transform the sector through greater security and efficiency in transactions. In particular, blockchain brings reliability and integrity to financial processes, positioning cryptocurrencies as a potential alternative to traditional systems. However, their adoption faces multiple challenges, among them a lack of public understanding, technical challenges in implementation, and the absence of a clear regulatory framework. Furthermore, the level of trust these technologies generate and awareness of their risks determine acceptance and growth. The analysis is justified by the need to better understand factors that favor or limit adoption, thus contributing to a clearer view of their potential for financial innovation. The content is organized as follows: first, the theoretical framework on cryptocurrencies and blockchain is presented; then, the most relevant studies are presented; third, findings on benefits and methodologies are discussed; finally, conclusions and recommendations are presented. This SLR aims to analyze the impact of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology on the financial system, identifying both benefits and barriers to integration, and analyzing various methodologies used to measure the volatility of these cryptocurrencies.