There is much speculation in mainstream and social media about cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and the future of the new technologies. The big financial institutions are tentatively dipping a toe in the muddied waters, but the old school establishment are FUDding for all their life is worth. What some people envision as the Fourth Industrial Revolution will probably progress, though, as did the First, Second and Third - by initial small increments, protests and rebellion, and eventual mass adoption.

The first moves are likely to come from China (which has led most of the cryptocurrency advances so far). Despite their recent decisions to regulate the market, they have shown greater willingness to explore the new technology, and are more likely to perceive its potential rewards. It may be that one of the blockchain supply chain systems will gain sufficient headway to make cryptocurrency viable in business, or that more consumers adopt digital payment systems.

America may well follow suit once China has done the leg-work, and they are assured that the tech is fully functional and secure. They will probably make a rapid adoption based on the opinion of mainstream media, financial institutions and social promotion. Finally, the smaller markets will follow the two world leaders in adoption, though the European Union might already be ahead of the game.