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In just over a decade, cryptocurrencies have gone from digital novelties to trillion dollar technologies that have the potential to upend the global financial system. They’re also used to invest and buy a wide range of goods, from software to digital real estate to illegal drugs.

But while Bitcoin’s roller-coaster prices garner the most attention, there’s much more to the crypto story. It’s a revolution in money and finance that will eventually touch every one of our lives, for better or worse.

Its allure comes from its decentralized nature: It’s digital, borderless and can be transferred instantly across borders without the need for an intermediary. For Blockchain , it also provides an alternative to fiat money. Fiat currencies are subject to government control, which can limit businesses’ access to funds or force them to pay higher transaction fees. Plus, inflation erodes their value over time.

Cryptos have gained popularity as investments because they typically generate high interest rates, often in the double digits. They’re also considered to be a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty, such as a recession. But the sector’s volatile prices have made some investors nervous.

What’s more, cryptocurrency transactions are largely unregulated, making them vulnerable to hacking and a host of other security risks. As a result, it’s difficult to tell if you’re getting a fair deal or not. The rise of blockchain-based “smart contracts” is another factor fueling investor concern. They’re designed to reduce friction and automate business processes, but they can be difficult to manage and interpret.

Still, the crypto industry’s evolution has forced regulators to catch up and begin crafting rules for it. The challenge is to create rules that limit traditional financial risks while allowing for innovation in the space.

But despite volatile highs and lows, some experts believe that crypto is here to stay. For them, cryptocurrencies are a kind of money 2.0 that will democratize finance and power the metaverse.

Cryptocurrency regulation is moving forward at the federal level, led by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Gary Gensler, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. They’ve been tracking the sector for years, although Yellen has often taken a skeptical view of it. Gensler even taught a class on crypto and blockchains at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2018.

Whether you’re buying or selling, it pays to understand what’s behind the price swings. So join CNET as we break down the basics of crypto so you can make smarter money moves. This is part of our Power Money Moves series, where we take a deep dive into the world’s most important money stories. From US politics to Canada’s multiculturalism to South America’s geopolitical rise, we bring you the news that matters. For more on the latest developments, sign up for our newsletter.