Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

Software Provider (the Company) supports and sells computer software. The Company accepts cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ether, Ripple) as payment for the sale of its computer

Software Provider (the Company) supports and sells computer software. The Company accepts cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ether, Ripple) as payment for the sale of its computer software. The Company holds its cryptocurrencies partially for investment (e.g., expectation that they will appreciate in value) and partially to use in the future to purchase goods or services.

Cryptocurrency is a new type of value and payment method that is different from fiat currency (e.g., U.S. dollars and foreign currencies). Presently, cryptocurrencies have no government backing or recognition by a central authority as legal tender. Their value is only supported by supply and demand.

Cryptocurrencies do not have a physical form but exist as immutable distributed ledgers (electronic records) maintained on public blockchains. They are different than electronic instances of cash, such as an online bank account, in that they are not linked to a physical currency.

Bitcoin and other similar coins use cryptography (e.g., use of codes to secure communications) to control the security and creation of these coins, which led to the term cryptocurrencies.

There are other crypto-assets that are not cryptocurrencies, such as tokens. It is important to distinguish between cryptocurrencies and tokens.

Cryptocurrency is a unit of value that is native to a blockchain. It is a means of exchange within the blockchain to incentivize the network of participants to use the blockchain. The sole purpose of a cryptocurrency is for exchange of value, and it has limited functionality beyond that.

A token is a piece of business logic (i.e., smart contract) coded into an existing blockchain. A token can have a functionality beyond an exchange of value it can represent any asset or functionality desired by the developer for use on a platform. Tokens may be an interest in an entity (e.g., security token), an interest in a specific asset (asset token), or a right to a future product or service (utility token).

Cryptocurrencies are usually obtained by purchasing or receiving them on a peer-to-peer basis. That is, they can be received directly from a counterparty in exchange for an asset or service or they can be purchased in exchange for a fiat currency, often from an exchange that specializes in cryptocurrencies.

For a cryptocurrency to function as a means of peer-to-peer exchange, a ledger needs to be maintained for tracking ownership of the cryptocurrency. For cryptocurrencies, this electronic ledger is maintained using blockchain. There are many copies of this ledger and many ledger keepers. Distributing the processing allows many users to each play a small part in the maintenance of the ledger system; this means that the security of the system does not rely on a few individuals.

The amount of coins for a particular cryptocurrency that are in circulation is tightly controlled. For example, for Bitcoin there is a limit on the number of coins that can exist. New Bitcoins are only created as payment to processors (called miners) for providing the service of validating and distributing an electronic ledger of these transactions to those involved in maintaining the blockchain.

Required:

Should the Companys holdings of cryptocurrency be classified as cash equivalents, financial asset other than cash, or intangible assets under GAAP?

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image_2

Step: 3

blur-text-image_3

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

The Chief Value Officer Accountants Can Save The Planet

Authors: Mervyn King, Jill Atkins

1st Edition

1783532939, 978-1783532933

More Books

Students also viewed these Accounting questions

Question

b. What groups were most represented? Why do you think this is so?

Answered: 1 week ago

Question

3. Describe phases of minority identity development.

Answered: 1 week ago

Question

5. Identify and describe nine social and cultural identities.

Answered: 1 week ago