Digital Currency and Blockchain Weekly Round-up – August 31st, 2018

California legislature passes bill to set up blockchain working group

California state legislature has passed a bill that calls for the establishment of a working group focused on blockchain technology. The bill, AB 2658, has passed both houses of the legislature and will now be sent to the governor for approval.

CSIRO’s Data61 announces Australian National Blockchain for legal compliance

Data61, Australia’s leading digital research network, has announced a new initiative aimed at creating the country’s first cross-industry blockchain platform for smart legal contracts. In collaboration with law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and tech giant IBM, Data61 has formed a consortium – the Australian National Blockchain (ANB).

Chinese regulators issue joint statement against crypto-related fundraising activities

In a joint statement, Chinese regulatory authorities have issued a warning against illegal fundraising and trading activities in the name of blockchain. The warning has been issued by the Banking Regulatory Commission, the People's Bank of China, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission.

China’s NIFA allows public to report illegal token sales

The National Internet Finance Association of China (NIFA), a self-regulatory organization in the field of internet finance, has implemented a feature on its platform to help governmental authorities in their clampdown of illegal initial coin offerings (ICOs).

Singapore and Dubai strengthen fintech ties, to collaborate on blockchain and big data

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has signed a FinTech Agreement with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The authorities have agreed to work on joint innovation projects on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as digital and mobile payments, blockchain and distributed ledgers, big data, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Some cryptocurrency trading may shift to peer-to-peer mode, says Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) this week released its Annual Report 2017-18 which includes a section on “Cryptocurrency: Evolving Challenges.” While discussing the aftermath of its April circular, the RBI said, “Developments on this front need to be monitored as some trading may shift from exchanges to peer-to-peer mode, which may also involve increased usage of cash.

Reserve Bank of India sets up new blockchain and AI-focused unit

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a new unit to ramp up its efforts in the area of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, according to The Economic Times. Sources familiar with the latest development told the news giant that the unit will research, possibly draft rules, and supervise new emerging technologies in the future.

Hong Kong government seeks blockchain talent

The government of Hong Kong is seeking blockchain talent in its efforts to support the economic development of the country. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday issued a “Talent List” which aims to “attract quality people from around the world in a more effective and focused manner to support Hong Kong's development as a high value-added and diversified economy.”

Iran works on national blockchain platform and cryptocurrency

Iran is developing a national blockchain platform which will enable the country to build a money transfer network with its allies, an official at the Central Bank of Iran was recently quoted saying.

Events/Conferences

OECD to host international blockchain conference in September

Research Studies

Coinbase survey reveals growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and blockchain among students

Trust and regulatory uncertainty biggest hurdles to blockchain adoption: PwC Survey

Acquisition/Fundraising/Investments

Cryptocurrency exchange Huobi acquires Hong Kong-based Pantronics Holdings for $70M

Crypto industry’s who’s who pump $32M into new stablecoin project 'Terra'

Deutsche Boerse buys minority stake in HQLAx to advance blockchain efforts

CULedger on track to raise $10M in Series A for credit union-focused DLT platform

Peer-to-peer crypto exchange AirTM raises $7M in Series A led by BlueYard Capital

Rakuten to acquire crypto exchange to meet growing demand from forex customers

Partnerships/Consortiums

Israeli blockchain startup Orbs establishes Seoul headquarters, partners with Kakao’s subsidiary Ground X

Dash expands cryptocurrency ecosystem in Latin America via Kripto Mobile partnership

The Associated Press inks two-part deal with blockchain-based journalism startup Civil

Indian IT giant Wipro joins Blockchain in Transport Alliance

Blockchain and Digital Currency Initiatives

Standard Chartered, Siemens and TradeIX collaborate to digitize bank guarantee process

Lloyd’s of London insures Kingdom Trust’s crypto custody platform

Morgan Creek Digital, Bitwise launch Digital Asset Index Fund for institutional investors

BankSign: Samsung SDS announces blockchain-based co-verification platform for banks

Microsoft, Tech Mahindra collaborate to curb spam calls menace in India using blockchain

Gazprom Neft, S7 Airlines automate aviation refuelling using blockchain technology

World Bank raises A$110M via blockchain-based bond transaction

PwC seeks to boost employees’ digital skills, launches training program on blockchain, AI and drones

Asian internet giants ramping up blockchain and crypto efforts: Baidu, Kakao and LINE in focus

Yahoo Finance enables cryptocurrency trading