Crypto prices are often quoted against fiat. Stablecoins are typically pegged to fiat, and “on-ramps” and “off-ramps” describe moving between fiat and crypto.
Key takeaways
- Fiat currency is government-issued money, such as the pound, euro or dollar, that is not backed by a physical commodity.
- Its value rests on public trust and government backing rather than on gold or another asset.
- In crypto, "fiat" usually refers to traditional national currencies as opposed to digital assets.
Fiat Currency — frequently asked questions
What is fiat currency?
It is money issued by a government that holds value through trust and legal status rather than commodity backing.
How is fiat different from cryptocurrency?
Fiat is issued and regulated by governments, while most cryptocurrencies are decentralised and issued without a central authority.
This definition is educational and not financial advice. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.
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