Digital Currency and Blockchain Weekly Round-Up – December 28th, 2018

U.S. SEC’s OCIE includes cryptocurrencies in 2019 examination priorities
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is going to place particular emphasis on digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, coins, and tokens, in the forthcoming year. The SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) last week announced its 2019 examination priorities. The OCIE said it will continue to monitor the offer and sale, trading, and management of digital assets, and where the products are securities, examine for regulatory compliance.

U.S. Department of Defense seeks to improve disaster relief efforts using blockchain
The U.S. Department of Defense sees immense potential in blockchain technology to improve disaster relief efforts. Earlier this month, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support held a meeting, which was part of a two-day event exploring the potential applications of blockchain technology within Troop Support.

Indian authorities mull crypto regulation instead of complete ban
Indian authorities are considering introducing regulation for cryptocurrencies instead of imposing a complete ban, The New Indian Express reported December 26th. “There is a general consensus that cryptocurrency cannot be dismissed as completely illegal. It needs to be legalised with strong riders. Deliberations are on. We will have more clarity soon,” a senior official said.

Korea Customs Service seeks to implement blockchain and AI
The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has announced that it has completed the technology verification of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) for their application in the e-commerce business. For the blockchain application, Korea Center Co., Ltd., CJ Korea Express Co., Ltd. and Lotte Global Logistics Co. participated in the pilot project and conducted the technical verification.

Seoul Metropolitan Government to set up innovation fund with focus on blockchain and fintech
The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday announced its plans to set up a ₩131 billion innovation fund in 2019. According to the official release, the fund will intensively invest in 7 areas such as blockchain, fintech, and biotechnology, among others.

Company News

Wine firm Madison to acquire stake in cryptocurrency startup BitOcean
GMO Internet to stop development, manufacture and sales of cryptocurrency mining machines due to huge losses
Reliance Industries jumps on the blockchain bandwagon with investment in Shell and BP-backed Vakt
Crypto exchange Coinbase expands to six new European markets
Indian media giant The Times Group invests in blockchain-based referral platform Ponder

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives

Crypto derivatives exchange Huobi DM announces support for EOS
Investment robo-adviser Wealthfront allows users to track crypto holdings via Coinbase integration
Facebook to join stablecoin bandwagon? Report suggests new dollar-pegged crypto in the works
National Bank of Kuwait launches RippleNet-powered cross-border payments service
Popula stores complete text of a news article on Ethereum blockchain
Ubitquity introduces blockchain-based lien alert system
Mizuho to launch proprietary cryptocurrency pegged to Japanese yen in March 2019 – Report
Litecoin becomes official cryptocurrency partner of UFC title fight
Waves launches new version of blockchain explorer