Link copied China’s NDRC considers banning crypto mining activities
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), a macroeconomic management agency under the Chinese State Council, is considering eliminating bitcoin mining activities in the country, Reuters reported. The state planner is seeking public opinion on a revised list of industries that it intends to encourage, restrict or eliminate.
G20 leaders to agree on crypto AML/CFT regulations in June: Report
G20 member countries are going to discuss international cryptocurrency Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulation at the Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors meeting on June 8 and 9 in Fukuoka, Japan, Cointelegraph reported referring to a report from Kyodo. The finance ministers and central bank governors of the member countries are expected to reach an agreement on the new regulations at the meeting.
Financial Stability Board published crypto-assets regulators directory
The Financial Stability Board (FSB), an international body monitoring the global financial system, has published a Crypto-assets regulators directory. In a press release dated April 05, the FSB said: “The purpose of the directory is to provide information on the relevant regulators and other authorities in FSB jurisdictions and international bodies who are dealing with crypto-asset issues, and the aspects covered by them.”
US Energy Department’s NETL kick off second phase of blockchain power plant security project
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory system, has announced that it has commenced the second phase of a project that aims to prevent cyberattacks on power plants using blockchain technology. The $1 million research project will be carried out with Colorado-based Taekion, formerly Grid7.
South Korea mulls revising cryptocurrency regulations
The South Korean government is considering revising the regulatory framework on cryptocurrencies, Cointelegraph reported referring to local media outlet ZDNet Korea. At a recent conference, top government officials have reportedly said that it was about time to re-evaluate cryptocurrencies policies to encourage the growth of this emerging market.
South Korea’s Internet agency announces 12 blockchain pilot projects for 2019
The Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA) has announced the 12 projects selected for '2019 Blockchain Public Pilot Project' that will aim to innovate public services and discover best practices by applying the blockchain technology. Focus areas include disaster prevention and response service, defense, medical and healthcare, part-time worker rights protection, food safety management certification service platform, carbon credits history management system, and renewable energy certificate (REC) service, among others.
Mauritius FSC publishes regulatory guidance on security token offerings
The Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) has published regulatory guidance on security token offerings (STOs). The document states, ““Securities tokens” are “securities” as defined in the Securities Act 2005, represented in digital format.”
Research Studies/Surveys
- Tax, finance execs keen on automating routine tasks, but unsure about blockchain: KPMG Poll
- FxWirePro Poll: Ethereum’s fortune to get better in 2019, hit $500 by end of the year
Company News
- Bermuda’s Ministry of Finance gives green light to Velocity Ledger ICO
- NYDFS rejects crypto exchange Bittrex’s BitLicense application
- NYDFS grants nineteenth BitLicense to US subsidiary of Bitstamp cryptocurrency exchange
- Facebook seeks $1B in venture capital for crypto project: Report
- More insurers and reinsurers join blockchain insurance startup B3i’s latest funding round
- Blockchain startup EnergyXchain receives $225k grant from National Science Foundation
- Crypto payments startup Flexa raises $14.1M ahead of public launch
- New blockchain development firm Horizen Labs launches with $4M seed round
- Canadian crypto exchange QuadrigaCX to file for bankruptcy
Partnerships/Consortiums
- Japan-based Resona Bank backs out of Ripple-powered Money Tap app
- Albertsons Companies to pilot IBM Food Trust blockchain-based food traceability solution
Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives
- Edge allows selling cryptocurrency to credit cards via Simplex partnership
- Coinbase-backed Securitize launches new initiative to simplify token issuance and management
- Coinbase rolls out crypto Visa debit card for UK customers
- Opera launches desktop browser with built-in crypto wallet
- Binance’s decentralized exchange to launch this month
- TCS’ Quartz Blockchain powers cross-border securities settlement Maroclear and Kuwait Clearing Company
- South Korea’s DAPA to build blockchain platform for transparency in defense acquisition projects
- ISDA teams up with Digital Asset to standardize derivatives data
- Aviva, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson join blockchain-based data sharing platform Ocean Protocol
- Indian city of Bengaluru to trial blockchain-based complaint redressal system in June
- Thomson Reuters patents blockchain-based identity management system
- Telecom operator Orange joins initiative to fight fake news using blockchain
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra collaborate to enhance security for online transactions: Report
- Japanese bank MUFG to launch yen-pegged stablecoin this year
- Société Générale-owned Kleinwort Hambros launches actively managed blockchain note
- AR blockchain platform developer Scanetchain releases new dapp "Inxight"
- International Chamber of Commerce inks agreement Singaporean startup Perlin to explore blockchain technology
