Cryptocurrencies part of financial system being built under noses of traditional firms

The impact of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, which is experiencing renewed interest from investors as it hovers near all-time highs, extends far beyond their status as “digital gold” or as alternatives to conventional fiat currency.

In fact, the blockchain technology on which cryptocurrencies are based, is also being used by a new generation of tech-savvy investors to build an entirely new, alternative financial system — and it’s happening right under the noses of traditional financial services firms...