The history of cryptocurrencies stretches back further than people often realize, overshadowed by the headline-grabbing phenomena of Bitcoin and the wave of digital currencies that ensued. The birth of cryptocurrencies signifies the dawn of a new era in the financial world. Not only revolutionary in nature due to its decentralization, these digital assets provided a shift from traditional transaction systems.

Historical Significance

Cryptocurrencies emerged as a side product of another invention. Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous inventor of Bitcoin, the first and still most important cryptocurrency, intended to develop a "peer-to-peer electronic cash system". His goal was to invent something that many had failed to do before - digital cash.

The most significant feature of Bitcoin was that it solved the issue of ‘double spending’ and removed the need for a central server or authority. Satoshi managed to build a decentralized digital cash system, marking the birth of cryptocurrency on 31st October 2008.

Fast forward to today, we find that these digital assets have transformed the financial ecosystem and redefined transaction norms. It has encouraged rapid technological advancement, contributed to the global economy and posed a disruptive force in reshaping the financial sector.

Key Features of Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies distinct themselves from traditional currency with several noteworthy features:

1. Decentralized: Cryptocurrencies are not controlled by any central authority, such as a central bank or government. This feature implies that users have complete ownership of their digital money and transactions do not have to undergo third-party institutions.

2. Anonymity: Although all cryptocurrency transactions are public and traceable, the identities of the parties involved remain anonymous. This characteristic enables privacy and security in an increasingly transparent world.

3. Limited Supply: Most cryptocurrencies have an upper limit to prevent inflation. For instance, the total number of bitcoins that will ever exist is capped at 21 million.

**4. Encrypted Transactions:**Transactions made with cryptocurrencies are encrypted using cryptographic techniques which ensure safety and traceability.

5. Global Transactions: With cryptocurrencies, transactions can be sent directly between parties across borders, without delay irrespective of the amount involved.

6. High Liquidity: Due to active trading in digital currency markets, cryptocurrencies are highly liquid investments.

Despite their volatility, cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular as a new asset class. They offer a promising and revolutionary change to economic structures and are contributing to reshaping the future of finance. While they present risks due to their unregulated and unpredictable nature, their potential benefits are too significant to ignore. Incorporating digital currencies into economic systems presents vast opportunities for global economic growth and increased financial inclusion. Cryptocurrencies have firmly secured a place in our society and signify a new direction in the world of finance.