Is death of the STO an exaggeration – or market reality?
Despite all signs that interest just isn’t there for STOs, and ICOs are too tarnished by scams to be a legitimate investment vehicle, this investor thinks there’s life left in both.
Asia has ‘crypto groove’ – and Korea’s mom and pop shops are helping lead the way
Asia’s blockchain and cryptocurrency projects have more vitality than other regions, says the chairman of the Cardano Foundation. But he also notes the variations within the region. How does Hong Kong differ from Vietnam and Singapore?
Blockchain in telecom: ‘blockchain phones’ need to evolve to be taken seriously
In the third installment of this special three-part Forkast.News series, we look at some phones on the market that bill themselves as ‘blockchain’ but are only doing a disservice to the industry.
Ep. 3 | Top blockchain news on China, France and S. Korea – and a new Ethereum protocol. What’s next for India?
What’s up with South Korea’s new blockchain regulations? And where is bitcoin now legal tender? (Mai oui!) Other headlines around the world: a storm over STEEM, the new Baseline protocol for privacy, HTC’s Exodus 5G Hub, and how the coronavirus has affected blockchain firms in China.
How bitcoin is helping African migrant workers and their families save money
Blockchain technology now offers hope to radically transform the African remittances industry in favor of migrant workers and their families.
IRS crypto summit airs many questions
Specific identification, hard forks and mainstream use: U.S. crypto investors are scrambling to figure out how new guidelines will affect their tax returns.
Crypto has the potential to revitalize India’s economy
The uncertain legal status of cryptocurrencies is under the microscope in India.
What does the future hold for blockchain in India?
Blockchain has had an interesting, albeit slightly paradoxical journey in India. On one hand, the technology itself has seen great support from the startup ecosystem as well as the Government. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies have faced huge regulatory hurdles in India, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issuing a directive to ring-fence regulated entities like banks from the risk of trading virtual assets.
Are PewDiePie, Manny Pacquiao and Spencer Dinwiddie riding the blockchain wave?
As bold-face names in entertainment and sports like PewDiePie, Manny Pacquiao and Spencer Dinwiddie dabble in blockchain technology, their use of cryptocurrency signal a growing shift toward grassroots financing and cutting out traditional middlemen. But some celebrities are finding a legal minefield.
As coronavirus infections skyrocket, blockchain speeds up health care claims and maps out epidemic
Xiang Hu Bao policyholders use Alipay to claim a 100,000 yuan disbursement through a blockchain-powered system, demonstrating the technology’s potential in health care.
Swiss Bankers Association wants to help blockchain firms do business
The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) is seeking ways to bridge the traditional financial sector to new blockchain-related industries, including ways to open bank accounts, says said SBA deputy CEO August Benz.
How Swiss banks seek to link traditional finance to blockchain
The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) is seeking ways to bridge the traditional financial sector to new blockchain-related industries, including ways to open bank accounts, says said SBA deputy CEO August Benz.
Ep. 1 | Spencer Dinwiddie, SEC on IEOs and Bitwise investor bulletin
Welcome to The Current Forkast series with Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau and Brian Lio, CEO of blockchain research group Smith + Crown. In this episode we talk about: NBA player Spencer Dinwiddie’s token release, SEC’s warning on Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), Bitwise investor bulletin
‘Crypto Congressman’ ex Rep. Jason Hsu: Taiwan is losing momentum in blockchain
Taiwan’s cryptocurrency evangelist and former congressman says the island is falling behind in STO guidelines, fintech regulations and forming a tech hub.
How Hedera Hashgraph’s decentralized tracker could stop censorship in coronavirus reporting
Distributed ledger technology could be used by front-line health care responders dealing with the coronavirus epidemic to submit information in real-time around the world regardless of censorship. HashLog, a dashboard designed to publicly track coronavirus developments via distributed public ledger Hedera Hashgraph, could mitigate political influence involved in spreading information, according to Hedera Hashgraph cofounder and CEO Mance Harmon.
Could blockchain have prevented the Iowa caucus debacle?
IowaReporterApp developed by Shadow Inc. failed to deliver timely results of the Iowa Democratic caucus. Blockchain-enabled voting systems could mitigate similar mistakes.
Digital commerce leader ‘gravely concerned’ over U.S. losing edge in tech, global reserves
The Chamber of Digital Commerce is “gravely concerned” about how the U.S. Government is addressing technological challenges and opportunities posed by blockchain according to founder and president Perianne Boring. The U.S. could be ceding technological leadership as well as the dollar’s reserve currency status to other nations including China if it does not revamp policies toward emerging blockchain innovation.
Will China’s digital currency or Facebook’s Libra challenge Ripple’s cross-border money transfers?
As China, Singapore, Canada and other countries develop digital currencies in part to facilitate cross-border transactions, Ripple’s managing director of South Asia and EMEA Navin Gupta said these currencies would primarily only be used domestically.
Bored by blockchain? China’s tech talent lured to AI, gig economy
Not enough startups and young talent are as gung ho about blockchain as they are about hotter categories such as such as AI, media or the sharing economy.
How Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent aim to disrupt Chinese health care
China hopes to provide affordable basic health care to all its citizens by 2020. Now that the private sector has joined public initiatives, the country is starting to see medical care efficiencies thanks to blockchain implementation.
Chinese telecoms are racing to add blockchain to mobile services
Telecom operators are using blockchain technology for digital identity management, more efficient roaming and combating fraud.
China’s used-car market is revving into blockchain solutions
Around the world, the used-car industry is notorious for being one of low trust and high incidences of fraud. That also makes it an industry ripe for innovation as it has not adopted effective enough technology to prevent fraud and contain costs.
Can blockchain guarantee food safety in China?
Having a high standard in food safety and security demands that the food is of good quality, free from disease or infection, and safe for consumption. Keeping up with this standard is a matter of international concern and the responsibility of food producers and governments.
Data privacy is forever changed. Zero-knowledge proofs are enterprise’s solution | Opinion
Innovations in privacy-enhancing technology can address the challenges confronting enterprises from a regulatory, security and competitive perspective, writes Jonathan Rouach, CEO and cofounder of QEDIT.
5 blockchain trends in 2020: Bitcoin halving, Libra, security tokens and more
Smith + Crown focuses its attention on headlines and projects it considers as key developments likely to prove influential in determining the course of blockchain events in 2020.
After China’s digital currency, Indonesia may blueprint its own in 2020
As China’s digital currency is said to be “progressing smoothly,” Indonesia is also working on releasing their own white paper this year, according to Indonesian Blockchain Association cofounder Pandu Sastrowardoyo.
Indonesia’s decentralized island society makes blockchain a must-have | Opinion
Indonesia is a country of 17,508 islands and 260 million people, including 171 million internet users. It’s a huge market, dominated by the digital economy that’s ripe for blockchain disruption.
Can Hong Kong hold as glue between China and West? HK Exchange is key, says CEO
As protests continue to rock Hong Kong and China’s economy slows, concerns are rising about the Special Administrative Region’s future as Asia’s premier financial hub.
Swiss stock exchange SIX wants to democratize digital assets
SIX Digital Exchange’s blockchain-based digital assets platform and distributed central securities depository are designed to democratize investment. The digital exchange platform is a subsidiary of leading Swiss stock exchange SIX.
Switzerland is a blockchain haven, but government lags behind, says Trust Square CEO
Although Switzerland’s Crypto Valley may seek to become a global blockchain hub, its government is too slow to adopt the technology even as Facebook’s Libra incorporates in the country, according to Trust Square cofounder Daniel Gasteiger.
Kaleido CEO: How ConsenSys’ blockchain provider tackles production hurdles and data silos
Getting blockchain right is hard enough – not to mention building
consortium, says Steve Cerveny, founder and CEO of Kaleido, a Consensys Enterprise Business that offers blockchain as a service.
Cross-border transactions key to connecting a fragmented region | Opinion
Blockchain technology and digital assets have the potential to change the entire finance industry. These blockchain-powered payments networks enable cross-border payments to be hassle-free by having a standard set of technical specifications and standards – reducing confusion and ensuring that all members of the network have access to the same technology, says Ripple’s Navin Gupta.
Privacy doesn’t equal anonymity on blockchain, says Concordium CEO
Identification on a protocol level could help blockchain become mainstream for blue-chip companies like MasterCard, Volvo and Geely if international regulations are met. Anonymity is “exactly what is hindering wider use of blockchain,” said Concordium CEO Lone Fonss Schroder.
Inside China’s plans to protect user privacy in its smart cities
Using blockchain and encrypted computing in smart cities can protect user privacy as China builds out a new data infrastructure, says Vincent Wang, chief innovation officer at Wanxiang Group.
‘China’s developers aren’t most creative,’ but there’s power in numbers to excel
China’s enormous market of 1.4 billion people means there is a large pool of human resources that can drive blockchain development and adoption, especially in the wake of endorsement from President Xi Jinping.
Blockshine founder and CEO Layla Dong explains how China’s burgeoning market can boost blockchain development.
China’s blockchain talent is driving an investment boom
Investment in Chinese blockchain projects reached USD$367.7 million in the first half of 2019. Blockchain Global CEO Sam Lee says Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent have fueled a breadth of tech talent.
A.I. has fallen short of its promise. But quantum computing can change how machines ‘think’
Alternative AI founder Eberhard Schoeneburg speaks with Forkast.News at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019 about how artificial intelligence should adapt to quantum technology.
AI giants are exploiting your data. A new system can help you take back control
Building artificial intelligence is a game of “surveillance machine learning” that exploits common users’ data. But blockchain technology systems promise to help compensate users for it.
Will China’s digital currency disrupt remittances? Not so fast, says TransferWise’s CEO
The PBOC’s new token could wipe out the need for remittance services like TransferWise. But if the eurozone is any foreshadowing, uniting several countries with a single currency is a complicated endeavor.
More traditional investors are eyeing cryptocurrency to diversify their portfolios
Traders use commodity trading adviser funds to reduce risk of custody or money laundering, says Jan Brzezek, founder of Crypto Finance AG.
Giving patients power over data builds trust in health care, says Blockdoc’s Alan Chiu
Using blockchain to handle patients’ data can lay the groundwork for genetic tests, telemedicine and AI.
How blockchain can save A.I.
There has been a resurgence of AI during the last five to six years. I use the word resurgence because we have had previous eras when AI was seen as being imminent. Alan Turing devised the eponymous Turing Test in 1950 and brought mainstream attention to the possibility of machines that could think. The Dartmouth […]
How to make blockchain development code-agnostic, with Digital Asset CEO Yuval Rooz
Digital Asset aims to provide a uniform developer experience, regardless of the technology you’re using.
ConsenSys, R3 and Digital Asset execs say enterprise blockchain is changing finance world
From supply chain to finance, implementation of the technology is building trust, efficiency and new opportunities.
ConsenSys founder Joseph Lubin says Ethereum can be a trust layer for the planet
Ethereum has amassed a nearly unbeatable network effect, but regulatory compliance is still a major hurdle.
Gibraltar is pioneering creation of blockchain ecosystems, says FM
“We want to keep at the forefront of the regulatory framework to make sure that what we’ve got is fit for purpose and works well for our stakeholders.”
In Conversation with Da Hongfei, Neo: China-Born Digital Asset Protocol
Chinese blockchain companies received a substantial windfall following President Xi Jinping’s bullish support for the development of the technology, and Shanghai-based Neo was one such enterprise. Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau sits down with Da Hongfei, Co-Founder of Neo to find out about the technology and how it will affect various industries in China. Key Highlights […]
Blockchain is key to realizing the digital industrial revolution
Over the past few decades, the internet boom has been helping fill the information gap in our society. Online businesses such as those in e-commerce and social media emerged to help the world share information more efficiently, allowing for the digital transformation of traditionally “offline” industries. Despite the many years of effort, however, this digital […]
Creating a Decentralized Silicon Valley in Switzerland
Switzerland is positioning itself to become a crucial hub for the global blockchain industry as investment group Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CVVC) reports that the top 50 blockchain-related companies in the country are valued over US$40 billion in 2019. CVVC Founder and CEO Mathias Ruch told Forkast.News’ Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau that the country’s regulation and […]
Exclusive Interview with CEO David Gurle: $1B Messaging App Symphony Partners with WeChat
Cloud-based messaging startup Symphony announced a partnership with Internet giant Tencent to integrate their services with WeChat, a massively popular messaging application in China. The California-based startup is aimed to serve professionals in the banking and investment industry, and is positioning itself to be a cheaper means of communication and information sharing than alternatives like […]
Forkast.Focus | HKFinTechWeek: SFC Aims to Regulate Digital Asset Trading Platforms
Speaking from the main stage of Hong Kong FinTech Week, Securities Futures Commission (“SFC”) CEO Ashley Alder said the SFC will publish a new regulatory framework that would allow it to regulate virtual asset trading platforms. In a highly anticipated keynote speech at Asia’s largest global financial technology conference, Alder noted the new regulations will […]
Forkast.Insights to Launch the “China Blockchain Report” Following HK FinTech Week
Forkast.Insights, the research vertical of Forkast.News, will be releasing the “China Blockchain Report” in its new report series about blockchain technology in countries around the world. The report, which has been months-in-the-making, will be released off the heels of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent endorsement of the need to accelerate the development of this technology […]
Forkast.Focus | HKFinTechWeek: Startups Capitalize on Cryptography in Medicine
The increasing use of big data in the medical industry has left some concerned regarding their rights to privacy, though some companies are working on blockchain and cryptography applications to address the issues. California-based startup blockdoc is one such digital health and security company that is using advanced cryptography. Another is Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance, […]
WATCH: How Cryptocurrencies are Becoming an Asset Class: Marc P. Bernegger, Crypto Finance
Cryptocurrencies have become a new target for investors shying away from politically volatile alternatives. As an on-going trade war between the United States and China and the U.K.’s exit from the European Union threatens the stability of conventional markets, more and more traditional investment entities have started experimenting with decentralized assets. Forkast.News’ Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau […]
Opinion | China Moving Full Speed Ahead with Digital Currency and Regulating Blockchain
While many other countries have been taking a back seat and waiting to decide how exactly they should approach blockchain technology, China has been proactively exploring its application in decentralized finance. This week China announced a certification system to regulate a broad range of fintech products. China is clearly priming itself to become a leader […]
WATCH: In Conversation with Emma Cui: Incubating Blockchain Startups Around the World
Blockchain-related startups have dealt with a fair share of challenges and skepticism, especially throughout a tumultuous year where volatility in cryptocurrencies has shaken people’s confidence in the industry. However, investment in blockchain projects has seen continued growth, and incubators like LongHash have sought to harness that potential. Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau sits down with Emma […]
In Conversation with Vitalik Buterin, Co-Founder of Ethereum: On Eth 2.0, Finance, and China
With Ethereum 2.0’s release just around the corner, co-founder Vitalik Buterin has been busy talking about what to expect from the new system and its use of proof-of-stake validation. Ethereum 2.0 is meant to address a number of issues that the current system has. It is billed as improving scaling, security, and other issues in […]
WATCH: Balancing Innovation and Regulation in Blockchain: Ronald Tucker
Ron Tucker, Founder and Chair of the Australian Digital Commerce Association, describes his long-running involvement in the industry and the reasoning behind his faith in the technology. As the head of a crypto exchange, Tucker has been involved in navigating and advising the regulatory steps that institutions such as FATF are taking. Contrary to concern about these new policies stymying the growth of the industry, Tucker asserts that the regulation is necessary in providing a safe environment for cryptocurrency to grow.
How Blockchain Fights Modern Slavery: Mark Blick, Diginex
It may be jarring to consider, but there are currently more slaves in the world now than at any other point in history. According to figures from the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Walk Free Foundation, there were about 40.3 million people who can be considered modern slaves in 2016. That means […]
Opinion | Brexit Uncertainty Triggers Forex Shifts
Facing mounting uncertainty surrounding Britain’s looming departure from the European Union, the British pound has experienced a period of considerable turbulence. As is commonplace with fiat currencies, political events often have a substantial impact on the value of the pound sterling (GBP). Recent developments in British politics are no exception. Recently on Sept. 24, the […]
Explaining Blockchain to Unwilling Enterprises: Accenture’s David Treat
As the Managing Director, Global Blockchain Lead at consulting firm Accenture, David Treat spends his days engaging with enterprise leaders across various industries about blockchain, from understanding the topic until implementation. Forkast.News spoke with Treat on the sidelines of OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum to find out how these conversations play out, and how Treat […]
Opinion | How ForEx Volatility Can Exacerbate The Fallout From Climate Events and Natural Disasters
There are a multitude of factors that influence the value of currencies –- from rising political tensions, wars, major economic policy announcements, civil upheaval, and foreign trade to confidence in government. One consideration which is often overlooked is the potential effect of natural disasters. Floods, tornados, wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes not only put a country’s […]
Making it Rain in Bahrain – Joseph Dallago talks Cryptocurrency in the Middle East
What is the world of cryptocurrency like in the Middle East? How does it differ from other markets, and what challenges and opportunities arise from dealing with the industry in that region? Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau sits down with Joseph Dallago, Co-Founder and CEO of Rain, the first Bahrain-based digital currency exchange, in order to […]
How Catalonian Minister Jordi Puigneró is Using Blockchain to Change Governance
Catalonian Minister of Digital Technology and Policies Jordi Puigneró talks regulation, popular appeal, and what blockchain can do for a country. As a member of an elected public administration, Puigneró believes that he has the obligation to serve the people. In the case of blockchain, Puigneró expects that the technology will create a new class […]
Ethereum (ETHUSD) Daily MACD Trying to Positively Cross
Ethereum (ETHUSD) continued an ongoing bottoming effort this past week just below the psychologically key 200 whole figure level, trying to position for a more sustainable bounce as hinted by the bottomish weekly and daily RSI, Stochastics and MACD. Nevertheless, before bulls get excited, most will want to first see ETHUSD reclaim the September high. […]
Opinion | Cloud Mining: An Alternative Investment Vehicle for Bitcoin Exposure
As institutional interest in crypto grows, most investors are entering the digital asset space through OTC trading or investing in digital asset index funds. However, many institutional investors are seeking new ways of exposure to this nascent asset class that secure predictable returns without the extra steps and volatility that traditional digital assets investments involve. […]
Ethereum (ETHUSD) Weekly MACD Still Trying to Positively Cross
Ethereum (ETHUSD) slid this past week back below the psychologically key 200 whole figure level, but remains well positioned for a more sustainable bounce as hinted by the bottomish weekly and daily RSI, Stochastics, and MACD. Nevertheless, before bulls get excited, most will want to first see ETHUSD reclaim the September high. Any successful break […]
In Conversation with Joseph Lubin, Founder of ConsenSys: Blockchain is a Paradigm Shift for the Planet
What is the next big thing? As far as Joseph Lubin, Founder of Consensys, is concerned, we are already experiencing it as you read this. Lubin shares how blockchain is already a killer app, being used globally as a new database technology. He notes cryptocurrency is already enabling cross-border transactions that help facilitate trade and […]
Who Will Win the Race to Rule Crypto Payments?
For many people, cryptocurrencies remain an abstract idea removed from everyday life. Most people aren’t even aware of the technology. But one application that can push cryptocurrencies into the mainstream is payments. Making it easy and safe for consumers and businesses to pay bills, buy and sell stuff, and deposit and withdraw funds offer significant […]
WATCH: Top Takeaways from OECD Global Blockchain Policymakers — What is Coming in 2020
In just one year’s time, it appears that global policymakers and regulators have woken up to blockchain in a serious way. Caroline Malcolm, new in her role as Head of OECD Blockchain Policy Center, shares key highlights from this second global blockchain policy forum held by OECD in Paris, Sept. 12-13, 2019. In this candid […]
Ethereum (ETHUSD) Weekly MACD Trying to Positively Cross
Ethereum (ETHUSD) bounced this past week back above the psychologically key 200 whole figure level. Bulls are beginning to feel emboldened as seen by the bottomish weekly RSI, Stochastics and MACD, but should watch out for a bit more healthy profit-taking in the next day or so as hinted by the drooping daily equivalents. Further […]
China Telecom Introduces its Blockchain SIM Card Project
In anticipation of China Telecom’s new blockchain SIM card project, Director of its Blockchain Research and Development Departments, David Wei Liang, peaks to Angie Lau, Editor-in-Chief of Forkast.News, about the reasoning behind embarking on the project, the product’s uses and implications, and the timeline of its adoption. The time is ripe for telecom companies to […]