Bitcoin boffins gather for RDS summit

The much-maligned digital cash Bitcoin is on course to revolutionise global trading in the same way email, MP3s and digital photography flipped lifestyles and industries on their head, supporters have claimed.

Key players in the world of online payments will be in Dublin this week to debate why and when people will start moving to the divisive virtual payment system.

Much of the commentary and criticism of the radical currency has focused on its volatility, and its massively upward curve in value — it went from $14 (€10) in January 2013 to more than $1,100 late in the year before collapsing to $400 in April this year. It now trades at around $600 .