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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.

Inside China’s vision to globalize its currency

The central bank’s digital currency efforts, ironically, would give it more control over the economy.

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.

Facebook’s Libra will push regulators to take a stance, says R3 chief David E. Rutter

And that’s a good thing for legitimizing blockchain and paving the way to tokenize real assets across industries, the enterprise blockchain creator said at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019.

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.

Hong Kong Exchange chief says city is a springboard for tech, blockchain opportunities

Despite prolonged social and political turmoil a slowing economy and record cash outflows, Hong Kong continues to serve as an important technology and financial hub, says Hong Kong Stock Exchange CEO Charles Li.

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.

India vs. the people: The battle over cryptocurrency ownership continues

Public support in India is strong for cryptocurrency ownership. But regulators’ blanket ban may lead to a gray market, increasing the chances of fraud.

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.

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 […]

President Xi Jinping Endorses Developing Blockchain Technology in China

President Xi Jinping emphasized the development of blockchain technology and called for more research, investment, and regulations for it on October 24. “Blockchain plays a core role in the next round of technological innovation and industrial transformation,” said Xi according to comments recorded by news agency Xinhua during a meeting with members of the Communist […]

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 […]

Behind the Scenes Conversation with: Ashley Alder, CEO of Securities and Futures Commission

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission has announced that they will issue licensed for digital trading platforms in the city, a move which is sure to shake up financial services in Asia. Forkast.News’ Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau had a brief behind-the-scenes interview with Ashley Alder, CEO of the regulator moments before he made the announcement at […]

Opinion | Crisis in Lebanon Highlights Benefits of Digital Currencies

The imminent economic collapse in Lebanon which the Lebanese Central Bank Governor has warned of may be averted as Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation amid the country’s largest protests in 15 years. These protests were in response to Hariri’s government announcing austerity measures which included a tax on WhatsApp calls. Protesters demanding Hariri’s […]

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 […]

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 […]

Food suppliers are adopting tech to meet growing demand for food safety

Startups are aiming to apply blockchain technology to help everyday consumers track the meat they buy at supermarkets back to the source.

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 […]

Forkast.Focus | HKFinTechWeek: Tandem Bank’s Efforts to Improve Banking

The innovation behind Tandem Bank involves using apps to help its users save money. The “neo-bank” provides all types of traditional services including personal banking, savings accounts, and credit cards. However, their use of emerging technology is what sets it apart from conventional banks, and helps attract users. “Last year we hit 500,000 customers when […]

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.

Harnessing Blockchain’s Potential to Eradicate Modern Slavery

An estimated 40.3 million people in the world are being forced to work against their will, trapped in modern slavery. But instead of locks and chains holding these people captive, today they are being held by debts that are impossible to pay off, threats of violence and withholding of documents such as passports, visas and […]
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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. […]
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Opinion | Why France Doesn’t Innovate and Probably Never Will

On Sept. 13, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire gave a rousing speech about innovation and technology at the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum in Paris.  It was a robust defense of the role of government not only in regulating and taxing technology, but having a strong say in how it is developed. Among the […]

Is the World Ready for a Federated Currency?

Incorruptible. Improved funds flow. Transparency and traceability. These are all promises of blockchain / digital technology to help the modern-day issues of cash-based economies. But should this responsibility be held by companies or governments? David Shrier, author of upcoming book from MIT Press in November 2019, “Trusted Data,” dives into the debate of a digital […]

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 […]

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 […]

Opinion | The Future of Money Isn’t Libra or Chinacoin, it’s Federated

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney recently called for a global digital currency, expressing a desire to move beyond the US dollar hegemony as the world’s reserve currency, but also avoid having another national currency, such as China’s renminbi (or their newly announced digital currency), replace it. While some might point to private sector initiatives such as Libra […]

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 […]

WATCH: OECD: The Next Big Thing — Major Developments in DLT from Industry & Governments in the Year Ahead

To celebrate the end of 2020, here is a Forkast.News editor favorite from our archives — a story that still rings fresh, true and — in a world now measured in nanoseconds — timeless. What is holding back mainstream adoption? What role do governments need or want to play? The Next Big Thing plenary panel […]

A Blockchain-Enabled SIM Card? How This Could Change Our Mobile Experience As We Know It

Distributed, Decentralized, Disintermediating While still in its infancy with regards to proven capabilities and real-life adoption, blockchain technology remains one of the looming threats for a lot of traditional business models. Its ability to directly connect third parties which can engage in exchanges of assets, data or sharing of resources, blockchain is seen as a […]

It’s All in the Nuance: French Blockchain Investor Translates Le Maire’s Libra Remarks

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire spoke at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Blockchain Policy Forum on September 12, 2019. He offered a spirited defense of French and European technology policies and spoke frankly about the deep difference in values over the regulation challenging French relations with the U.S. and China. In his […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Testing 2 Month Plus Descending Triangle Resistance

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) continued consolidating this past week just above the psychologically key 10k whole figure level, and appears to be near completion of a descending triangle (on the daily and weekly chart).  The daily and weekly chart triangle can be described as being a part of a bull flag about to resume higher, with any […]

WATCH: Why is China’s Central Bank Launching a Digital Currency? Chicago Booth Economist Explains the Impact

Key Highlights “[A central bank’s digital currency is] a huge database using the hash function, chain technology. There’s no distributed ledger portal.” “[The People’s Bank of China] have been working on CBDC for about four years now.” “One of the areas where I really think blockchain could help is on trade finance. When I say […]

What Regulators Think at OECD and Why it Matters; R3’s Regulatory Head Says Adoption Relies on Governments

What are the rules? For most blockchain companies and projects, the complex landscape of regulation and policy creates business risk, which impacts not only innovation but also ultimately, mainstream adoption.  But at OECD’s second Global Blockchain Policy Forum, regulators are increasingly becoming aware of the need for concerted efforts at every government and agency levels. […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Still Consolidating Despite Weekly MACD Negative Cross

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) spent the past week back above the psychologically key 10k whole figure level, continuing an ongoing 2 month plus consolidation around 10k.  BTCUSD is increasingly close to resuming a bull flag (on its weekly and daily chart), with any resumption of the bull markets since the November low likely coinciding with Ripple (XRPUSD) […]

Forkast Talks Tech | Agnostic Code and Cloud Storage: NEO is Accessible to Everyone, While Sharing Your Data With No One

NEO is a cross-platform, code-agnostic blockchain revolutionizing the sector starting with distributed storage. We sit down with Hongfei Da to chat about the technology and where it’s going.  In any sort enterprise deployment, or even in a software stack, different protocols and standards need to co-exist. One way to ensure this cross-compatibility is through APIs […]

Opinion | What Other Big Companies Might Follow Facebook In Adopting Cryptos?

Facebook executives announced not long ago that they would launch their own cryptocurrency, Libra, next year. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has likened his vision for the ease of peer-to-peer cash transfers to sending photos, and now it seems as if the company may be able to bring that vision to life with cryptocurrency. And beyond […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Daily MACD Trying to Positively Cross

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) spent the past week continuing an ongoing 2 month plus consolidation around the psychologically key 10k whole figure level.  While bulls see BTCUSD resuming an upchannel or bull flag (on its weekly and daily chart), they should closely monitor Ripple (XRPUSD) and Ethereum (ETHUSD) in their ability to reclaim (after breaking several weeks […]

When Democracy Is Not Enough: How Blockchain is Revolutionizing Latin America

2019 is proving to be a challenging year for central banks and financial institutions across the globe. Global economic growth is slowing and a whirlwind of macroeconomic factors like the US-China trade war, diminishing demand for commodities and global monetary easing are casting a shadow over the economic health of the global financial sector.  To […]

Ethereum (ETHUSD) Daily Chart Descending Wedge Nearing Completion

Ethereum (ETHUSD) spent this past week just below the psychologically key 200 whole figure level.  Bulls should get reprieve any day though as hinted by the bottomish daily RSI, Stochastics and MACD, and the descending wedge nearing completion (on the daily chart).  The rally could quickly flatten the still slightly downsloping weekly Stochastics.  A decisive […]

LISTEN: Could the Global Economy Push Bitcoin to an Inflection Point?

In this episode of Word on the Block, Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau sits down with Kevin Kelly of Delphi Digital to explore the recent trends in the market has seen for Bitcoin given monetary policy. Kelly recently published a piece, The Perfect Storm for Bitcoin. Is the global macroeconomic environment creating an opportune moment for cryptocurrency? […]

LISTEN: Why Blockchain Compares to the Rise of the Internet, with Steven Nerayoff

Key Highlights Digital currencies on the blockchain can only go global if transactions can be expedited Mass adoption could yield micro-economies, where millions of public businesses could theoretically take off Blockchain technologies are in their infancy, but are projected to yield a 17 trillion-dollar economy when combined with AI and the Internet of Things In […]

WATCH: Why Blockchain Compares to the Rise of the Internet, with Steven Nerayoff

Key Highlights Digital currencies on the blockchain can only go global if transactions can be expedited Mass adoption could yield micro-economies, where millions of public businesses could theoretically take off Blockchain technologies are in their infancy, but are projected to yield a 17 trillion-dollar economy when combined with AI and the Internet of Things In […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Continues 2 Month Consolidation Near Key 10k Level

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) has reclaimed the psychologically key 10k whole figure level (as part of its ongoing 2 month consolidation) after some profittaking last week.  While bulls see BTCUSD resuming an upchannel or bull flag (on its weekly and daily chart), they should closely monitor Ripple (XRPUSD) and Ethereum (ETHUSD) in their ability to reclaim (after […]

Blockchain for Bananas? Why Technology Will Transform Food Traceability and Supply Chain

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to be a complete game-changer for many industries, including supply chain. With the rise of globalization, supply chains are now much more complex than ever before in history. Consequently, the time is ripe for a disruption of this process; blockchain is one possible instigating factor. With distributed […]

LISTEN: From Myanmar to South Korea: Breaking Down Blockchain’s Future in Asia with Paul Ulrich, GSMA

Key Highlights “For the blockchain technology itself, there’s universal acceptance. I haven’t come across one government either in person or having read about any that are at all negative about the underlying technology. They are ambivalent about a key application, which is financial cryptocurrencies, because of certain things that have happened over the last two […]

WATCH: From Myanmar to South Korea: Breaking Down Blockchain’s Future in Asia with Paul Ulrich, GSMA

Key Highlights “For the blockchain technology itself, there’s universal acceptance. I haven’t come across one government either in person or having read about any that are at all negative about the underlying technology. They are ambivalent about a key application, which is financial cryptocurrencies, because of certain things that have happened over the last two […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Trying to Resume Rally Since December

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) pushed higher for the 2nd straight week last week as it appears close to completing its month plus consolidation, and resuming its uptrend since December.  Nevertheless, while bulls see BTCUSD resuming its upchannel or bull flag (on its weekly and daily chart), they should closely monitor Ripple (XRPUSD) and Ethereum (ETHUSD) as they […]

Blockchain Adoption Starts with Gamification — Yat Siu, Animoca Brands, on the Future of Crypto

Key Highlights “So, right now, I look at the state of blockchain very similar to Internet in ’96 and ’97… And so I think at this point, but much like Internet in ’96 and ’97, blockchain is a word you’ve heard. It’s something you know. Everyone’s talking about it in the context of the future, […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Month Plus Consolidation Nearing Completion

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) has decisively reclaimed the psychologically key 10k level in the past week and appears close to completing its month plus consolidation.  Significantly, BTCUSD is attempting to resume its upchannel or bull flag (on its weekly and daily chart), with broader crypto sector strength seen by the inability this past week of bears to […]

Paris Blockchain Week Summit (Part I) — Leading Financial Regulators Shed Light on the Universal Struggle to Regulate Cryptocurrency

Key Highlights From a regulatory standpoint, there is ample reason for governments and institutions to be interested in the cryptosphere. Giles Ward references how it stands to pose “investor protection and market integrity risks.” Marius Jurgilas, Board Member of the Bank of Lithuania, thinks about the potential for blockchain technology to be used in the […]

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Retesting 4 Month Uptrend Support

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) appears to be struggling to find support after the Saturday plunge, but on the shorter 4hr timeframe chart (not shown) is showing tentative signs going into the European Sunday morning of bottoming.  BTCUSD’s break below upchannel support (on the weekly and arguably on the daily chart) seemingly suggests stronger selling this week, but […]

LISTEN: Government vs. Technology – Bitcoin.com CEO on Why Governments Fear Blockchain, the Threat That Regulators Pose, and the Likely Outcomes

Key Highlights “There is, from an enterprise standpoint, a desire to engage in this new technology and in this ability to move money globally without any barriers at a very efficient cost basis. Speed is what the market is looking for, particularly as we move towards a global organization. Governments are still trying to regulate […]

Government vs. Technology – Bitcoin.com CEO on Why Governments Fear Blockchain, the Threat That Regulators Pose, and the Likely Outcomes

Key Highlights “There is, from an enterprise standpoint, a desire to engage in this new technology and in this ability to move money globally without any barriers at a very efficient cost basis. Speed is what the market is looking for, particularly as we move towards a global organization. Governments are still trying to regulate […]

LISTEN: Why Blockchain is the Hot Topic at Asia’s Leading Event for Next-Gen Technology

It wasn’t even on the agenda last year. Ling Wu, Founder and CEO of TBCASoft, tells us why blockchain is taking the Shanghai Mobile World Congress 2019 by storm. Wu is the Chairman of the Carrier Blockchain Study Group (CBSG) Consortium, an initiative between TBCASoft and SoftBank to build a cross-carrier blockchain platform with leading global telecom operators. […]

Why Blockchain is the Hot Topic at Asia’s Leading Event for Next-Gen Technology

It wasn’t even on the agenda last year. Ling Wu, Founder and CEO of TBCASoft, tells us why blockchain is taking the Shanghai Mobile World Congress 2019 by storm. Wu is the Chairman of the Carrier Blockchain Study Group (CBSG) Consortium, an initiative between TBCASoft and SoftBank to build a cross-carrier blockchain platform with leading global telecom operators. […]