We think of money as bank balances and notes, but currency is really a product of marketing and the trust we have in governments, banks and other institutions.
In this fascinating TED talk, Paul Kemp-Robertson uncovers a new generation of currency, supported by that same marketing, but on behalf of private brands.
Kemp-Robertson lists Nike Sweat Points, bottles of Tide and Bitcoin as examples of the non-bank future of currencies.
For fintech startups this presents both challenges in terms of trust and opportunities in thinking of their own currencies.