This paper analyzes and defines issues related to virtual currencies. The paper deals with the whole topic of virtual currencies, ie the meaning of virtual currencies is defined. Issues related to the appearance of virtual currencies, that is, their impact on the work of financial institutions. The authors' particular attention was given to the impact that the emergence of decentralized technologies such as the Blockchain technology on which virtual currencies were based would have on the operations of credit institutions, the implementation of monetary policy and the operation of central banks. The aim of this paper was to approximate the meaning of the term virtual currencies, to explore how virtual currencies function, to analyze the benefits, characteristics, and risks associated with the term virtual currencies. The possibility of implementing virtual currencies for economic development, as well as the overall impact on the economy, was also analyzed. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the use of virtual currencies is increasing in today's globalized world. Virtual currency and virtual money are gaining in importance, and with their appearance and evolution, they are beginning to influence the world market through the monetary policy of individual countries. The result of this research is that at the time of writing this paper, virtual currencies have minimal impact on the work of financial institutions.