How American investors are gobbling up booming bitcoin

Bitcoin, the biggest and original cryptocurrency, soared to a record $19,918 on Tuesday, buoyed by demand from investors who variously view the virtual currency as a "risk-on" asset, a hedge against inflation and a payment method gaining mainstream acceptance.

LONDON/HONG KONG: Bitcoin has grabbed headlines this week with its dizzying ascent to an all-time high.

Yet, under the radar, a trend has been playing out that could change the face of the cryptocurrency market: a massive flow of coin to North America from East Asia.