Systematic review of the global impact of cryptocurrencies: adoption factors, challenges, environmental effects and cyber risks

Rosalynn Ornella Flores-Castañeda (), Sandro Olaya-Cotera (), Giancarlo Sánchez Atuncar () and Orlando Iparraguirre-Villanueva ()
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Rosalynn Ornella Flores-Castañeda: Universidad César Vallejo
Sandro Olaya-Cotera: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Giancarlo Sánchez Atuncar: Universidad César Vallejo
Orlando Iparraguirre-Villanueva: Universidad Nacional Tecnológica de Lima Sur

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2025, vol. 59, issue 6, No 19, 5377-5396

Abstract: Abstract Nakamoto, the creator of cryptocurrencies, did not estimate the impact it would have on the global financial ecosystem. In this literature review, we searched for manuscripts related to cryptocurrencies published between 2021 and 2025 in four databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis and Springer. The Prisma methodology was used for the analysis and systematization of the manuscripts found. The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of cryptocurrencies in the global financial ecosystem, identifying the main factors that favor their adoption, the challenges associated with their integration, regulation and environmental impact. As a result of the analysis, factors that determine the adoption of cryptocurrencies were identified: geographic decentralization, market sentiment, monetary instability, anonymity, among others. Secondly, the challenges associated with their adoption were found: volatility, cryptographic crashes, cybersecurity, among others. Thirdly, the impacts on the environment were found: carbon footprint, massive electricity consumption, obsolescence and technological waste, among others. Fourthly, it was found that cyber-attacks can be carried out using cryptocurrencies: Ponzi scheme, ransomware, phishing, among others. Finally, it is concluded that this research contributes to the existing knowledge on cryptocurrencies by integrating various theoretical approaches related to their adoption, environmental impact and cyber risks, thus providing a solid foundation for future research and informed decisions in this field.

Keywords: Cryptocurrencies; Challenges; Environmental effects; Cyber risks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02225-4

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