Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that creates a peer-to-peer network for the secure execution and verification of special code called “smart contracts.” Smart contracts allow participants to transact directly with each other without a trusted central authority. Records of these transactions are immutable, verifiable, and securely distributed across the network, allowing participants to retain full ownership and visibility of the transaction data. Transactions are sent and received by Ethereum accounts that users create. The sender must sign the transaction and spend Ether, a special cryptocurrency that operates on the Ethereum network, to process the transaction on the network.