A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where users buy, sell and exchange digital assets at market prices. It brings buyers and sellers together and handles the settlement of trades.

BitStamp is one of the oldest and largest cryptocurrency exchanges, known for high trading volumes and its work with fiat currencies. The platform focuses on reliability and regulatory compliance.

BitPay is a payment service that allows merchants to accept payments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, acting as an intermediary between buyer and seller.

A Bitcoin Investment Trust is a company that invests funds in Bitcoin and takes on its purchase and storage, sparing the investor the technical complexities.

Bitcoin is the world's first decentralized digital currency, running on blockchain technology without a single issuer or intermediaries. It is the foundational asset of the entire cryptocurrency market.