Journal of Information System and Technology Auditing

Journal of Information System and Technology Auditing

A Model for the Implementation of a National Cryptocurrency in Iran: A Multi-facted Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting, Shandiz Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Ph.D Student in Financial management, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The aim of this study is to design a model for the implementation of a national cryptocurrency in Iran using a grounded theory approach. The research is exploratory–developmental in nature and seeks to identify and explain the key components influencing the establishment of a national cryptocurrency. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 experts actively involved in the cryptocurrency domain who possessed direct practical experience. The extracted components were analyzed through a systematic coding process, and to enhance validity, the classical Delphi method was employed to confirm these components with independent experts. Subsequently, based on data gathered through a researcher-designed questionnaire administered to the target population, the paradigmatic model of the study was developed. The findings indicate that the causal conditions for implementing a national cryptocurrency include decentralization, higher security compared to conventional forms of money, increased transaction transparency, greater speed and ease of exchange, portability, and higher durability. The core category of the study encompasses the national cryptocurrency, blockchain technology as the underlying infrastructure, and smart contracts. The proposed strategies and actions for successful implementation involve the development of hardware, software, legal, and socio-cultural infrastructures. The implementation of a national cryptocurrency leads to several consequences, including the elimination of financial intermediaries, enhanced transparency and security of financial assets, inflation control, reduced financial costs, facilitation of international transactions under sanction conditions, and environmental impacts. The results underscore the macroeconomic importance of implementing a national cryptocurrency, while identifying high energy consumption and environmental consequences as the most significant challenge.
Keywords

Subjects


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Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
September 2026
Pages 160-198

  • Receive Date 13 December 2025
  • Revise Date 03 January 2026
  • Accept Date 10 February 2026
  • Publish Date 23 September 2025