First conceptualized in 2013 by researcher and programmer Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum blockchain proposed smart contracts - a self-operating software algorithm that executes by itself when predetermined conditions are met. It is also decentralized, meaning it is not affected by downtime, censorship or interference of third-party entities.

The Ethereum platform allows to build DApps, issue new assets and build decentralized autonomous organizations that anyone can freely join, or build on top of, at any time.

Ether, which is Ethereum’s native currency, is also useful as a means of payment as you can transfer it to anyone in the world within seconds.