Digital Currency and Blockchain Weekly Round-up – September 7th, 2018

U.S. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce calls for dedicated web page on ICOs, cryptos, and distributed ledger

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has called for a web page devoted to questions and comments about ICOs, tokens, distributed ledger, and other crypto concepts to offer more clarity in these areas. “I recommend that the SEC set up a web page devoted to questions and comments about ICOs, tokens, distributed ledger, and other crypto concepts,” she said.

Japan’s FSA upgrades screening process for cryptocurrency exchanges - Report

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has introduced a stricter screening process for companies seeking to become registered cryptocurrency exchanges, according to Japan Times. The FSA has now reportedly raised the number of questions in the screening process by four times to about 400 items, sources said.

Japan’s National Police Agency plans to roll out crypto transaction tracking software next year

Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) is going to develop software for tracking cryptocurrency transactions in the wake of rising crimes related to cryptocurrencies, ETH News reported referring to a report from local outlet NHK. The agency is reportedly adding around 35 million yen (or around $315,000) to its 2019 fiscal budget, which will be used to fund the project.

PBoC's Digital Currency Institute seeks to expand reach, establishes new research center in Nanjing

The People's Bank of China’s (PBoC) Digital Currency Research Institute is planning to set up new centers across the country in collaboration with research and development institutions and industries. Referring to a report from local news source Securities Times, CoinDesk stated on September 5th that a fintech center has been established in Nanjing, the capital city of the eastern Jiangsu province.

South Korea begins training of first batch of blockchain specialists

The government of South Korea has commenced the training of its first batch of blockchain specialists, The Next Web reported referring to a report from local outlet Kinews reports. A batch of 42 candidates has been selected for the course through a series of applications and interviews.

China's apex court legally recognizes blockchain-based records as evidence

Electronic data recorded on a blockchain can now be submitted as evidence in legal disputes in China, the Supreme People’s Court announced on September 6. The apex court has announced new rules, which come into effect today, September 7, address a number of issues relating to how internet courts should deal with legal disputes in the country.

India’s markets watchdog SEBI conducts overseas study tours on cryptocurrencies and ICOs

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) collaborated with regulatory authorities in Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom to study cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (ICOs).

Acquisition/funding/Investments

Temasek denies involvement in Bitmain IPO

Partnerships/Consortiums

TokenPost and Investing.com sign business agreement for strategic partnership

Crypto exchange operator QUOINE inks agreement with Blockchain Intelligence Group

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives

ZEN Investment Trust: Grayscale launches eighth single-asset investment vehicle

Blockchain smartphone maker Sirin Labs partners with Scanetchain to create new paradigm for mobile

New startup taps IBM Blockchain to build app for personal data property rights management

Tech startup led by former Deloitte Executive announces blockchain supply chain solution ‘SUKU’

TransferGo rolls out real-time remittance transfers powered by Ripple blockchain

IBM Blockchain World Wire: IBM quietly introduces Stellar-powered cross-border payments solution

China’s largest bank ICBC explores blockchain, AI and big data to maintain competitive edge

Deutsche Börse Group establishes new blockchain and crypto-assets unit

People's Insurance Company of China seeks to tap blockchain via DNV GL and VeChain partnership

Web browser Firefox to block crypto mining malware

Nasdaq to list cryptocurrencies in 2019 - Report