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US CFTC seeks to better understand Ethereum Blockchain
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking to better understand the technology, mechanics, and markets for cryptocurrencies, with a particular focus on ether and its use on the Ethereum Network. On these lines, the CFTC has published a Request for Information (RFI) in order to gather public feedback on a range of questions related to the underlying technology, opportunities, risks, mechanics, use cases, and markets, related to Ether and the Ethereum Network.
Vermont state agencies establish blockchain working group
Four state agencies in Vermont have come together to establish a working group to look into the opportunities and challenges presented by blockchain technology. Participating agencies include the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), the Secretary of State, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), and the Attorney General’s Office.
Growing use of cryptocurrencies and mobile payments forces EU to strengthen rules on criminalisation of non-cash payment fraud
The European Union is going to strengthen the rules to combat fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash means of payment. According to an official release dated December 11, “The European Parliament and the Council reached political agreement on the Commission's proposal to strengthen rules to combat fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash means of payment – such as bank cards, cheques, mobile payments and virtual currencies.”
UK intends to regulate cryptocurrency exchange providers under EU’s AMLD 5: FATF
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has noted the efforts by the UK government to implement a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency exchange providers. The FATF last week announced that it conducted an assessment of the UK’s AML/CFT system which involved a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the country’s measures and their level of compliance with the FATF Recommendations.
Ontario Securities Commission seeks crypto and blockchain experts for fintech advisory committee
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has announced that it is seeking applications for membership on its Fintech Advisory Committee (FAC). The FAC advises OSC LaunchPad staff on developments in the fintech space and the challenges faced by startups in the securities industry. It will consist of up to 15 members and will meet quarterly, with additional meetings as required.
UAE, Saudi central banks to co-develop cryptocurrency for cross-border transactions
The Central Bank of the UAE, in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) is embarking on a joint project to develop a blockchain-based digital currency which would be used in cross-border transactions between the two countries, Gulf News reported. Mubarak Rashed Al Mansouri, Governor of Central Bank of the UAE, made the announcement at a high-level meeting for the Arab region on global banking standards and regulatory and supervisory priorities.
Acquisition/Fundraising/Investment
- LINE Plus acquires GrayHash to boost security of fintech and blockchain services
- Crytpo exchange Kraken plans private listing at $4B valuation: Report
- UNICEF Innovation Fund backs blockchain-based projects focused on emerging markets
- Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital Ventures, Fidelity and others invest $4M in crypto lender BlockFi
- Neo Global Capital backs decentralized blockchain computing platform Ultrain
- San Francisco-based security token platform TokenSoft invests in SEC-registered broker-dealer
- South Korean internet giant Kakao pumps $15M in Israeli blockchain startup Orbs
Partnerships/Consortiums
- Alibaba Cloud, Citi and others join Hyperledger blockchain project
- Kakao’s blockchain platform Klaytn announces eight new partners
- CULedger latest to join R3 blockchain consortium
Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives
- Boerse Stuttgart Group partners with solarisBank to develop crypto trading venue
- Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange insures listed assets through Callaghan Insurance
- Currencies Direct taps blockchain startup Ripple’s xCurrent for real-time remittances to India
- UAE Exchange, Ripple to launch cross-border remittances to Asia by Q1 2019
- IBM Research, Hello Tractor collaborate to bring AI and blockchain to agribusiness
- State Farm trials blockchain solution to accelerate auto claims subrogation process
- Coinone Transfer launches blockchain-powered remittance service ‘Cross’
- Australia’s NTI joins blockchain trial on end-to-end beef traceability
- South Korea’s Shinhan Bank adopts blockchain technology for Interest Rate Swap transactions
- Barclaycard partners with blockchain startup Evernym on self-sovereign identity
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company taps IBM Blockchain for oil and gas production
- Bitwala launches crypto banking services in Germany
- Opera launches new browser for Android with built-in crypto wallet
- Maersk, Heidmar and others to trial blockchain-based seafarer certification system
- Indian telecom regulator TRAI completes blockchain pilot with IBM
- PwC Russia partners with Bitfury to launch accelerator for blockchain projects
- Porsche taps BBVA blockchain platform for acquisition term loan
- Finablr’s Swych introduces blockchain-based global gifting and shopping platform using Stellar Network
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