Analyzing the barriers and factors of adoption of digital currencies among students in higher education

Abstract

In recent years, there have been significant increases in the holding, buying, selling and transacting of digital currencies, in some parts of the world. These currencies present many advantages over fiat currencies. Yet, for many individuals there are barriers that prevent them from using digital currencies, proven by e.g., the low cryptocurrency adoption percentage in Portugal (<2,5%). This study, which is built on a Business Project for Mastercard about Smart Cities and Digital Currencies, aims to identify the barriers and factors of adoption of digital currencies in Portugal, by analysing a group of the fastest adopters – students in higher education.