Cryptoassets (which might also be referred to as 'tokens' or 'cryptocurrency') are cryptographically secured digital representations of value or contractual rights1.
This article provides a list of the key terms associated with cryptoassets. For the definition of cryptoassets and cryptoasset transactions, see C6.103–C6.104.
For an overview of the tax implications of transactions in cryptoassets, see C6.105.
Key terms
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the key terms used in cryptoasset transactions:
| Cryptoasset terminology | Familiar alternative | Meaning |
| Airdrop | Freebie | This is a giveaway of free tokens that are allocated to the owner of a blockchain (perhaps as part of a promotion). |
| Blockchain | Ledger | A series of units of information (such as tokens) held in a database. |
| Blockchain forks | Exceptional action | A fork in the distribution ledger (DL) which allows for action that is different to the transactions in the blockchain consensus mechanism. |
| Bridging | Swap | Transfer of asset on a blockchain to another blockchain. It usually requires conversion to make |
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Web page updated on 17 Mar 2025 16:46