Cryptocurrencies: the issue of scalability

Perhaps the most fundamental challenge for the future of cryptocurrencies is the issue of scalability: How can one dramatically increase transaction rates without sacrificing the security of the blockchain?

In this talk Andrew Lewis-Pye will start by giving an overview of the fundamentals of cryptocurrencies (a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank), with a focus on analysing protocols from a game theoretic perspective. Then he will go on to discuss possible solutions to the scalability issue.

Andrew Lewis-Pye is Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at LSE.

Jan van den Heuvel (@JanvadeHe) is Professor of Mathematics at LSE.

LSE's Department of Mathematics (@LSEMaths), located within a world-class social science institution, aims to be a leading centre for Mathematics in the Social Sciences. We have a stimulating and active research environment and offer a wide range of degree programmes and courses.

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LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.