A Step Back in History May Answer the Question, Is Fiat’s End in Sight?
Naeem Aslam, Contributor to Forbes has looked to history in an attempt to answer the question, will cryptocurrency ever replace fiat as the standard currency, reports Forbes.
At the recent Money 20/20 Conference held this month in Amsterdam, the panel discussions between major banks’ representatives were all of the opinions that wouldn’t be the case. During a panel discussion, representatives from Swiss National Bank, the Bank of Lithuania, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Canada took turns in expressing their views on the topic.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/a-step-back-in-history-may-answer-the-question-is-fiats-end-in-sight/
Topic: BitcoinNews: #1 In Blockchain News - page 38. (Read 4531 times)
Homes Sold in Montenegro for 420 BTC, Part of a Global Real Estate Trend
Three luxury apartments located in Budva Montenegro were purchased this week using Bitcoin to the equivalent of 3.2 million USD, according to Bitcoin.com.
The 420 BTC sales were made according to Notary Office and the firm Astra Montenegro Investment Association (AMIA), which has been promoting cryptocurrency use locally.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/homes-sold-in-montenegro-for-420-btc-part-of-a-global-real-estate-trend/
Three luxury apartments located in Budva Montenegro were purchased this week using Bitcoin to the equivalent of 3.2 million USD, according to Bitcoin.com.
The 420 BTC sales were made according to Notary Office and the firm Astra Montenegro Investment Association (AMIA), which has been promoting cryptocurrency use locally.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/homes-sold-in-montenegro-for-420-btc-part-of-a-global-real-estate-trend/
Brazil Accepts Crypto Payments For Cross-Country Transportation
Two Brazilian public transportation companies Viação Garcia and Brasil Sul have become the first of their kind in the country to offer a cryptocurrency payment option. Both bus companies are owned by GSB Group.
Currently, just Bitcoin is accepted, although the buisnesses are looking to expand into offering Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin payment options by July.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/brazil-accepts-crypto-payments-for-cross-country-transportation/
Two Brazilian public transportation companies Viação Garcia and Brasil Sul have become the first of their kind in the country to offer a cryptocurrency payment option. Both bus companies are owned by GSB Group.
Currently, just Bitcoin is accepted, although the buisnesses are looking to expand into offering Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin payment options by July.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/brazil-accepts-crypto-payments-for-cross-country-transportation/
Richest Bitcoin Wallets Hold Over 1 Billion USD Each
The top two richest Bitcoin wallets have over 1 billion USD. As of this writing, the Bitfinex cold wallet holds 172,236 bitcoins worth 1.27 billion USD and Binance, about 158,779 bitcoins worth 1.17 billion USD. Binance is the most active cryptocurrency exchange in the world with well over 1 billion USD in volumes per day, while Bitfinex is the largest USD to Bitcoin exchange.
In 3rd place is Bittrex’s cold wallet with 117,203 bitcoins worth 860 million USD, Huobi is in 4th place with 98,042 bitcoins worth 719 million USD, and Bitstamp’s cold wallet is close behind at 97,848 bitcoins worth 718 million USD. As the data show, the top 5 richest Bitcoin wallets are held by the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/richest-bitcoin-wallets-hold-over-1-billion-usd-each/
The top two richest Bitcoin wallets have over 1 billion USD. As of this writing, the Bitfinex cold wallet holds 172,236 bitcoins worth 1.27 billion USD and Binance, about 158,779 bitcoins worth 1.17 billion USD. Binance is the most active cryptocurrency exchange in the world with well over 1 billion USD in volumes per day, while Bitfinex is the largest USD to Bitcoin exchange.
In 3rd place is Bittrex’s cold wallet with 117,203 bitcoins worth 860 million USD, Huobi is in 4th place with 98,042 bitcoins worth 719 million USD, and Bitstamp’s cold wallet is close behind at 97,848 bitcoins worth 718 million USD. As the data show, the top 5 richest Bitcoin wallets are held by the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/richest-bitcoin-wallets-hold-over-1-billion-usd-each/
US Regulators Subpoena Coinbase, Kraken and Bitstamp in Bitcoin Probe
The US Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC) has subpoenaed Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp, and ItBit in an ongoing Bitcoin manipulation probe started last month, reports Coingape.
It is thought that the investigation has been initiated due to the distorted prices in the futures market.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/us-regulators-subpoena-coinbase-kraken-and-bitstamp-in-bitcoin-probe/
The US Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC) has subpoenaed Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp, and ItBit in an ongoing Bitcoin manipulation probe started last month, reports Coingape.
It is thought that the investigation has been initiated due to the distorted prices in the futures market.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/us-regulators-subpoena-coinbase-kraken-and-bitstamp-in-bitcoin-probe/
Wall St “Crypto King” Bullish on New Market Jump Start, Needs Clarity
Bart Smith, the head of digital assets at Susquehanna International Group, once crowned “Wall Streets Crypto King” claims that institutional investors will re-stimulate the cryptocurrency market once more regulatory clarity is provided, according to CCN.
Smith, who launched a crypto desk which buys and sells millions of dollars in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, asserts that regulatory clarity will allow institutions to be more active in the crypto space, given their distrust of an uncertain market.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/wall-st-crypto-king-bullish-on-new-market-jump-start-needs-clarity/
Bart Smith, the head of digital assets at Susquehanna International Group, once crowned “Wall Streets Crypto King” claims that institutional investors will re-stimulate the cryptocurrency market once more regulatory clarity is provided, according to CCN.
Smith, who launched a crypto desk which buys and sells millions of dollars in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, asserts that regulatory clarity will allow institutions to be more active in the crypto space, given their distrust of an uncertain market.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/wall-st-crypto-king-bullish-on-new-market-jump-start-needs-clarity/
Thailand’s SEC Issues Cryptocurrency Rules
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand announced new cryptocurrency laws on 8 June 2018. This can be viewed as a positive step to legalize cryptocurrencies in the Southeast Asian nation, in contrast to other countries such as nearby China which has banned cryptocurrency trading activity.
These rules issued by the SEC come just a month after Thailand’s government decided that cryptocurrencies are digital assets and they must be regulated, and they decided that the SEC would be in charge of cryptocurrency.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/thailands-sec-issues-cryptocurrency-rules/
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand announced new cryptocurrency laws on 8 June 2018. This can be viewed as a positive step to legalize cryptocurrencies in the Southeast Asian nation, in contrast to other countries such as nearby China which has banned cryptocurrency trading activity.
These rules issued by the SEC come just a month after Thailand’s government decided that cryptocurrencies are digital assets and they must be regulated, and they decided that the SEC would be in charge of cryptocurrency.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/thailands-sec-issues-cryptocurrency-rules/
Cryptojacking Figures Heading Down, Say Cybersecurity Researchers
Cryptojacking incidents are on the decline after possibly hitting their peak, according to a recent report by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes.
The research shows that a sharp decline has been noted, due in part, says the company, to the current slump in the value of cryptocurrencies making the activity far less attractive.
The report shows that in March 2018, the number of detected illegal crypto-mining software on the public’s desktop computers was around 5 million, although there were possibly more undetected. The new figures have seen these dropping significantly to around 1.5 million in June of this year.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/cryptojacking-figures-heading-down-say-cybersecurity-researchers/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0c8gX_6LGo
Cryptojacking incidents are on the decline after possibly hitting their peak, according to a recent report by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes.
The research shows that a sharp decline has been noted, due in part, says the company, to the current slump in the value of cryptocurrencies making the activity far less attractive.
The report shows that in March 2018, the number of detected illegal crypto-mining software on the public’s desktop computers was around 5 million, although there were possibly more undetected. The new figures have seen these dropping significantly to around 1.5 million in June of this year.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/cryptojacking-figures-heading-down-say-cybersecurity-researchers/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0c8gX_6LGo
IBM Partners With Stronghold for USD Anchor Stablecoin
The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has partnered with Stronghold to launch USD Anchor, a “stablecoin” like Tether (USDT), with a couple of key differences. USD Anchor uses the Stellar blockchain, unlike Tether which uses the Bitcoin blockchain via the Omni Layer protocol. Additionally, USD Anchor will be 100% insured by the United States’ Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Dollar reserves for USD Anchor will be controlled by Nevada-based Prime Trust.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/ibm-partners-with-stronghold-for-usd-anchor-stablecoin/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6zncTEv-xI
The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has partnered with Stronghold to launch USD Anchor, a “stablecoin” like Tether (USDT), with a couple of key differences. USD Anchor uses the Stellar blockchain, unlike Tether which uses the Bitcoin blockchain via the Omni Layer protocol. Additionally, USD Anchor will be 100% insured by the United States’ Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Dollar reserves for USD Anchor will be controlled by Nevada-based Prime Trust.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/ibm-partners-with-stronghold-for-usd-anchor-stablecoin/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6zncTEv-xI
Lufthansa Sets World’s First Aviation Blockchain Challenge
German national flier Lufthansa has announced what it is calling “the world’s first Aviation Blockchain Challenge” in order to promote its service through blockchain technology, writes the EconoTimes.
The main focus of the challenge is to examine solutions that may improve or impact overall traveller experiences flying with the airline, such as enhancing existing supply chains and updating maintenance at airlines.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/lufthansa-sets-worlds-first-aviation-blockchain-challenge/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_o99g48GW0
German national flier Lufthansa has announced what it is calling “the world’s first Aviation Blockchain Challenge” in order to promote its service through blockchain technology, writes the EconoTimes.
The main focus of the challenge is to examine solutions that may improve or impact overall traveller experiences flying with the airline, such as enhancing existing supply chains and updating maintenance at airlines.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/lufthansa-sets-worlds-first-aviation-blockchain-challenge/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_o99g48GW0
Bitmain Expanding Israeli Blockchain and AI Research
Bitmain is tripling the size of its Israeli development center located in Ra’anana, adding 40 programmers, engineers, and marketing experts to the pre-existing team of 15 people. Bitmain’s Israeli development center was established in 2016, and focuses on operating the ConnectBTC mining pool, developing blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/bitmain-expanding-israeli-blockchain-and-ai-research/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6ao0M4ZBx8
Bitmain is tripling the size of its Israeli development center located in Ra’anana, adding 40 programmers, engineers, and marketing experts to the pre-existing team of 15 people. Bitmain’s Israeli development center was established in 2016, and focuses on operating the ConnectBTC mining pool, developing blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/bitmain-expanding-israeli-blockchain-and-ai-research/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6ao0M4ZBx8
Ex-Genesis Singer Peter Gabriel to Finance Blockchain Startup
British musician Peter Gabriel has invested in a new blockchain startup to create better food chain transparency in the industry.
Best known for his role as lead singer and songwriter in college band Genesis, reaching world prominence in the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Gabriel is also an ardent fundraiser for humanitarian causes and a supporter of the British Labour Party to which he has made significant donations.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/ex-genesis-singer-peter-gabriel-to-finance-blockchain-startup/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZeSTAXo5P4
British musician Peter Gabriel has invested in a new blockchain startup to create better food chain transparency in the industry.
Best known for his role as lead singer and songwriter in college band Genesis, reaching world prominence in the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Gabriel is also an ardent fundraiser for humanitarian causes and a supporter of the British Labour Party to which he has made significant donations.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/ex-genesis-singer-peter-gabriel-to-finance-blockchain-startup/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZeSTAXo5P4
Avenue Capital CEO Marc Lasry: Bitcoin Could Touch $40,000
Billionaire and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, Marc Lasry, told CNBC’s Squawk Box on Wednesday that the growing accessibility of trading cryptocurrencies may well push the price of Bitcoin up to USD 40,000.
As well as becoming easier to trade, Lasry sees Bitcoin’s growing mainstream acceptance as a driving force for a huge price increase. With more markets allowing cryptocurrency trading to take place freely, he sees this as a significant indicator for his prediction. Citing the huge profits many traders have experienced, he told CNBC he has seen individual gains of 500% to 1,000% in just five years.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/avenue-capital-ceo-marc-lasry-bitcoin-could-touch-40000/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9vAvYt6vwg
Billionaire and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, Marc Lasry, told CNBC’s Squawk Box on Wednesday that the growing accessibility of trading cryptocurrencies may well push the price of Bitcoin up to USD 40,000.
As well as becoming easier to trade, Lasry sees Bitcoin’s growing mainstream acceptance as a driving force for a huge price increase. With more markets allowing cryptocurrency trading to take place freely, he sees this as a significant indicator for his prediction. Citing the huge profits many traders have experienced, he told CNBC he has seen individual gains of 500% to 1,000% in just five years.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/avenue-capital-ceo-marc-lasry-bitcoin-could-touch-40000/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9vAvYt6vwg
WEX Exchange Halts Withdrawals, Raising Exit Scam Fears
WEX cryptocurrency exchange has halted withdrawals of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Dash for an entire week, raising fears among its users that the exchange has become insolvent. Further, WEX is still allowing deposits, so users that have not seen the warning that withdrawals are halted will find out the hard way that their money is frozen.
This is made even worse by the fact that the warning is not prominently posted on the WEX website. Instead, it is in a Twitter post that has been buried by other posts on their news feed. This has raised the suspicion that WEX is conducting an exit scam.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/wex-exchange-halts-withdrawals-raising-exit-scam-fears/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYNwzLfazAA
WEX cryptocurrency exchange has halted withdrawals of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Dash for an entire week, raising fears among its users that the exchange has become insolvent. Further, WEX is still allowing deposits, so users that have not seen the warning that withdrawals are halted will find out the hard way that their money is frozen.
This is made even worse by the fact that the warning is not prominently posted on the WEX website. Instead, it is in a Twitter post that has been buried by other posts on their news feed. This has raised the suspicion that WEX is conducting an exit scam.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/wex-exchange-halts-withdrawals-raising-exit-scam-fears/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYNwzLfazAA
SEC Receives Numerous Comments in Favor of BZX Bitcoin ETF
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recorded numerous comments from the public after opening up an ETF application for public feedback. The comments are largely in favor of the ETF approval.
VanEck and SolidX have partnered to create the VanEck SolidX Bitcoin Trust which will issue shares of the BZX exchange traded fund (ETF), if it is approved by the SEC. If approved, BZX would be listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and would be available on all major stock trading platforms, making it easier than ever before to buy Bitcoin.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/sec-receives-numerous-comments-in-favor-of-bzx-bitcoin-etf/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Rd5799RXk
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recorded numerous comments from the public after opening up an ETF application for public feedback. The comments are largely in favor of the ETF approval.
VanEck and SolidX have partnered to create the VanEck SolidX Bitcoin Trust which will issue shares of the BZX exchange traded fund (ETF), if it is approved by the SEC. If approved, BZX would be listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and would be available on all major stock trading platforms, making it easier than ever before to buy Bitcoin.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/sec-receives-numerous-comments-in-favor-of-bzx-bitcoin-etf/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Rd5799RXk
South Korea Revises Tax Rules for “New-Growth Technologies”
Major advances are being made in South Korea, the nation’s financial watchdog is planning an organization-wide reshuffle, creating a new bureau to look at financial innovation policies and announcing a reduced tax policy for “new-growth technologies”.
New bureau for financial innovation
On Tuesday, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) published a press release which reveals intentions to “better protect” its domestic financial consumers and make preparations for the financial innovation due to arrive with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/south-korea-revises-tax-rules-for-new-growth-technologies/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rvZosCbJeY
Major advances are being made in South Korea, the nation’s financial watchdog is planning an organization-wide reshuffle, creating a new bureau to look at financial innovation policies and announcing a reduced tax policy for “new-growth technologies”.
New bureau for financial innovation
On Tuesday, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) published a press release which reveals intentions to “better protect” its domestic financial consumers and make preparations for the financial innovation due to arrive with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/south-korea-revises-tax-rules-for-new-growth-technologies/
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rvZosCbJeY
Buda Cryptocurrency Exchange Loses All of Its Colombian Bank Accounts
The Buda cryptocurrency exchange has lost all of its bank accounts in Colombia, effectively disabling its cryptocurrency operations in the South American nation. Bancolombia, BBVA, and Davivienda simultaneously closed Buda’s bank accounts on 7 June 2018.
The Financial Supervisor of Colombia sent out a letter in February indicating that cryptocurrency exchanges in Colombia were under surveillance and that banks are not authorized to facilitate any cryptocurrency activity. The CEO of Buda in Colombia, Alejandro Beltran, said that he thought this letter was a recommendation and the banks had no official obligation to comply. However, the wording in the letter is very strong, and Colombian banks are now clearly complying.
Read out full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/buda-cryptocurrency-exchange-loses-all-of-its-colombian-bank-accounts/
The Buda cryptocurrency exchange has lost all of its bank accounts in Colombia, effectively disabling its cryptocurrency operations in the South American nation. Bancolombia, BBVA, and Davivienda simultaneously closed Buda’s bank accounts on 7 June 2018.
The Financial Supervisor of Colombia sent out a letter in February indicating that cryptocurrency exchanges in Colombia were under surveillance and that banks are not authorized to facilitate any cryptocurrency activity. The CEO of Buda in Colombia, Alejandro Beltran, said that he thought this letter was a recommendation and the banks had no official obligation to comply. However, the wording in the letter is very strong, and Colombian banks are now clearly complying.
Read out full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/buda-cryptocurrency-exchange-loses-all-of-its-colombian-bank-accounts/
Apple Bows to Public Pressure over Crypto-Unfriendly Apps
Apple has made a number of store revisions in order to loosen its guidelines for crypto apps, reports Investing.com. A group known as the Developers Union had recently made requests to Apple to allow every app on the platform to free trials before July 2019, among suggestions for other improvements.
The union is an unofficial body which says that its aim is to “bring developers and supporters together for better App Stores for all”. It currently only has 400 members but hopes to stretch its membership to 20,000 this month according to The Register.
It appears that the IT multinational has been listening given its recent announcements, also noting how its apps are currently:
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/apple-bows-to-public-pressure-over-crypto-unfriendly-apps/
Apple has made a number of store revisions in order to loosen its guidelines for crypto apps, reports Investing.com. A group known as the Developers Union had recently made requests to Apple to allow every app on the platform to free trials before July 2019, among suggestions for other improvements.
The union is an unofficial body which says that its aim is to “bring developers and supporters together for better App Stores for all”. It currently only has 400 members but hopes to stretch its membership to 20,000 this month according to The Register.
It appears that the IT multinational has been listening given its recent announcements, also noting how its apps are currently:
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/apple-bows-to-public-pressure-over-crypto-unfriendly-apps/
Canadian Draft Law Requires Crypto Exchanges to Report “Large Virtual Currency Transactions”
In Canada, an official draft of new regulations on crypto exchanges and payment processors has been released by the government, says a Canada Gazette reports.
The draft will tackle areas identified by a 2015-16 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluation, principally strengthening Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime (AML/ATF). The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that develops policies to combat money laundering.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/canadian-draft-law-requires-crypto-exchanges-to-report-large-virtual-currency-transactions/
In Canada, an official draft of new regulations on crypto exchanges and payment processors has been released by the government, says a Canada Gazette reports.
The draft will tackle areas identified by a 2015-16 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluation, principally strengthening Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime (AML/ATF). The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that develops policies to combat money laundering.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/canadian-draft-law-requires-crypto-exchanges-to-report-large-virtual-currency-transactions/
Women’s Crypto Interest Has Doubled This Year, Millennials Lead the Way
The number of women showing an interest in investing in cryptocurrencies has gone from 6% to 13% over the last six months, reports City AM.
The report, conducted by cryptocurrency firm London Block Exchange, showed that cryptocurrency is most popular with women in the millennials group. Another survey conducted by Reddit at the end of 2017 indicated that one out of five women had considered investing with a huge 96% of Ether users being males.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/womens-crypto-interest-has-doubled-this-year-millennials-lead-the-way/
The number of women showing an interest in investing in cryptocurrencies has gone from 6% to 13% over the last six months, reports City AM.
The report, conducted by cryptocurrency firm London Block Exchange, showed that cryptocurrency is most popular with women in the millennials group. Another survey conducted by Reddit at the end of 2017 indicated that one out of five women had considered investing with a huge 96% of Ether users being males.
Read full article at https://bitcoinnews.com/womens-crypto-interest-has-doubled-this-year-millennials-lead-the-way/
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