Bitcoin and blockchains: The future of money explained with ancient stones on the tiny Pacific island of Yap. Ethereum, Bitcoin and other blockchains are being called the future of money. This decentralized, digital money aims to replace physical cash and middlemen like VISA or your bank. But is this really such a new idea? We travelled to the remote Pacific island of Yap, where an ancient form of stone money has more in common with the future than you'd think.