For a few years now, “blockchain” and “cryptocurrency” have gone hand-in-hand. The blockchain concept is somewhat complicated and involves constant-growth record lists linked together and secured through cryptography. Each block of the chain envelops a hash pointer relating to the previous block, as well as transaction data and a timestamp.

In this lecture at Gresham College, Professor Martyn Thomas explains cryptocurrencies, the blockchain and why a new British Government report says that the technology has the potential to be radically disruptive to financial services, healthcare, real estate, public services and much more.