Bitcoins and Block Chains: what they are, how they work, why they matter

This talk addresses what Bitcoins are and how they work, including a (non-technical) review of how transactions are digitally signed and how the block chain is maintained. Advantages and risks: finality, reliability, confidentiality and fraud are also discussed in the talk, along with legal issues, particularly in the areas of property rights, security, insolvency and financial regulation, and other practical commercial applications, such as asset registration and smart contracts.