Famed investor Tim Draper predicts both a digital dollar and Chinese DCEP “will bomb”
In an interview with Forkast.News, the billionaire venture capitalist also discusses globalism, regulatory arbitrage, the future of healthcare and why he thinks bitcoin is king.
Zooming from East to West: 10 tips for teaching and public speaking online
Online teaching and presenting are not just for these Covid times, but part of a revolution in how we work and learn. Master these skills for career success.
China will soon have its first bachelor’s program in blockchain. Why isn’t the talent-starved industry more excited?
Blockchain education conundrum: China wants blockchain growth, but its tech labor supply “quality” falls short of high employer demands. A Forkast.News exclusive report on a new program in Chengdu and clues to what might be holding China back.
Ep. 11 | Crypto surges before bitcoin halving. China taps SenseTime for CBDC rollout. BitMEX shuts out Japan.
Other top news: IBM’s Covid medical supply network. China now has over 1,000 blockchain firms. Startups in Japan, India and Singapore.
How FATF’s anti-money laundering guidelines for cryptocurrency are putting the heat on banks and VASPs
David Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace, explains FATF’s global influence and recent enforcement actions that have proven to be expensive for those caught.
Will artificial intelligence replace humans in investing?
AI and big data can crunch more information than ever before. Can technology crush humans in finance the way it already has in the games of chess and Go?
Lessons from Covid: How the blockchain community can rise to its ideals
What can the blockchain industry do to adapt its work to the current crisis? Acknowledging the widening socio-economic divide would be a good start.
How IRS treats crypto staking: tax issues every crypto investor should know
Crypto tax expert Vamshi Vangapally explains the impact on coins like NEO, Stellar, VeChain, Ontology, Tezos and soon, ETH 2.0.
Ep. 10 | Ripple sues YouTube over scam videos. Hong Kong’s first regulator-approved bitcoin fund manager. Hacker messes with dForce.
Other top news: Courier giant YTO forms blockchain logistics lab. 224 more blockchain firms get official thumbs up. VC in Singapore, UK and US.
‘Enormous potential’: institutional investment in cryptos may be boosted by regulator’s approval of Hong Kong’s first bitcoin-tracking fund
Asia’s first regulator-approved digital asset manager opens the door for wider cryptocurrency adoption.
‘Unsettling limbo’: Covid has paralyzed tech investment. How will startups survive?
Companies are holding off investing in emerging technology not only because of economic turmoil, but also structural biases against meaningful change.
Liquidity is the new boss in town: RockTree LEX’s Omer Ozden on investment opportunities as Asia recovers from Covid-19
Venture capital slowed as the coronavirus economy contracted. But out of the turmoil are still investment and fundraising opportunities.
Celebrating Earth Day 2020 — and not letting Covid overshadow the Paris accords and blockchain climate solutions
A co-founder of the original Earth Day urges world leaders to not be complacent about the temporary dip in emissions and lose sight of urgent climate goals.
What is ‘proof of work’ and how does that affect Bitcoin halving?
Forkast.News explains ‘proof of work’ — the DNA of Bitcoin — and and why most of the world’s cryptocurrency miners will soon be sweating a lot more for their coins.
Why central banks are pushing ahead with digital currencies
Central bank digital currencies could change government, the economy, and even society, writes Digivault CEO.
As China’s DCEP approaches launch, Facebook’s Libra pivots
This week has been one where big changes came fast and furious on the opposite sides of the central bank digital currency world. First, alleged screenshots of a mockup of the People’s Bank of China central bank digital currency’s mobile app were published, giving the public a taste of the apparent functionality of the platform […]
Covid is disrupting the global workforce to its core. What will the future of work look like?
Companies are decentralizing into purely digital workplaces to survive the pandemic. What are the long-term implications on the structure of employment and the technologies required for working from home?
Ep. 8 | Reddit crypto awards, Ripple coupling with BoA, blockchain boozes up in China, and more
Also: Dozens of crypto firms sued in 11 class-action lawsuits. Bitcoin mining company Canaan bleeds red ink. Fintech funding in India, and more.
Why invest in Bitcoin when global markets are still a hot Covid mess?
Bitcoin’s tumbling prices during the coronavirus pandemic may be an opportunity to buy the dip.
How a tokenized digital dollar could modernize the American financial system
The U.S. backed away from a digital dollar in its coronavirus relief package. But a tokenized dollar would be better for America — and bring us closer to a true central bank digital currency, says a director of the Digital Dollar Project.
Why Canaan’s red ink illustrates the big challenges now facing crypto mining
Aside from concerns about mismanagement, what else is causing Canaan to flounder? Forkast.News analyzes Canaan and the many storms — including the Covid economy and the next Bitcoin halving — now rocking the world of crypto mining.
How healthcare uses blockchain to wage a smarter war against the coronavirus pandemic
Distributed ledger technology can help flatten the curve of Covid-19 through telemedicine, supply-chain security, rapid payments and more.
Ep. 7 | Binance buys CoinMarketCap, Toilet Paper Token skunks Bitcoin, China pulls ahead in patent race, and more
Other top news: Blockchain in TV and film. Going Dutch on Covid. Nodle’s new network. BMW tracking auto parts. House rentals in new intelligent city
VC deals are slowing in Covid-19 headwinds. Will we see bigger disruption?
Investment totals are down, but deals are still being inked and alternative fundraising methods are flourishing. What kind of investments will thrive? And which ones will likely flop?
Why South Korea’s new law against bitcoin and other crypto could damage its DeFi sector
The financial watchdog’s ruling would prevent cash from being loaned out for bitcoin and other cryptocurrency. Forkast.News analyzes its likely impact on the sector.
Safe havens like bitcoin and gold are sinking in this pandemic economy. Where can investors find shelter?
As Covid-19 roils markets and currencies, next-generation algorithmic stablecoins may offer a smoother ride.
How China hot-housed a new technology and 35,000 ‘blockchain’ companies bloomed
China is trying to grow its blockchain industry, but are all these startups for real? Forkast.News dives into the data to find the truth behind the numbers.
Ep. 6 | New blockchain arsenal to fight Covid-19, Zoom cancels Facebook, coronavirus wipes out Digital Farms, and more
Other top headlines from around the world: Microsoft wants to power mining with brain waves. Crypto exchanges Huobi and OKEx under fire. China shifts to digitally sweep ancestral graves.
How the FATF’s travel rule could push cryptocurrency into the mainstream
How are crypto companies complying with the travel rule, and what does it mean for decentralization and privacy? In a Forkast.News exclusive, industry experts analyze FATF’s impact on regulations around the world and what to expect next.
Video conferencing in style in these turbulent times: a TV anchor’s guide to how to shine on Zoom
Covid-19 has made online video meetings a career necessity. What are the do’s and don’ts for your next Zoom call? “We’re all television anchors and presenters now,” says Forkast.News editor-in-chief Angie Lau.
Bitcoin’s ‘black swan event’ — should investors worry?
BTC’s recent tumbles and movements with the rest of market may be an anomaly and opportunity for investors.
Ep. 5 | U.S. weighs digital dollar, Coinbase top lawyer joins Treasury, and more
In this newsletter and podcast, we bring you top headlines around the world, including: A new proposal to create a digital dollar. Coinbase’s legal chief heading U.S. Treasury. A Bitcoin-Red Cross coronavirus fundraiser in Italy. Universal basic income’s revival. Steem’s hard fork into Hive, and more.
Analysis: Are the ‘digital dollars’ in the $2 trillion stimulus plan the first step toward an American CBDC?
Coronavirus’ impact on the U.S. economy might hasten the creation of a digital dollar.
Coronavirus prevention tips for the long haul: face masks, social distancing, hand wipes and more
Coronavirus fears spread panic as well as infection. Face masks, hand washing and social isolation are best practices.
Is Covid-19 universal basic income’s moment?
Robotics and blockchain will unleash massive job losses as workers struggle to adjust. Should society offer UBI to ease the economic pain?
Complying with anti-money laundering regulations is a growing need for crypto companies
FATF is setting international standards, shifting the crypto world from a “wild west” mentality to a more compliant space, says CoolBitX CEO Michael Ou.
Ep. 4 | Bitcoin’s wild ride, Robinhood in tough times, Covid-19 hacks Ethereum event
Also: Blockchain voting after the Voatz debacle, IOTA limps back after cyber attack, smart cities in China, and Forkast.News insights to help you make sense of the top headlines.
Can blockchain voting break the cycle of elections fraud in Africa?
A decentralized, digitized and secure voting system could make elections more transparent, honest and trusted. But can blockchain voting also stem violence against voters — and overcome stains from the Voatz debacle?
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.
Going for gold amid coronavirus recession fears
Gold bars are unwieldy. Gold futures and ETFs carry risks. Can gold-backed crypto, or tokenized gold, be a safer hedge during the current market tumult?
Coronavirus and the challenge of reporting timely and accurate medical data
CEO of Hedera Hashgraph explains how distributed ledgers can help front-line doctors and scientists in the battle against Covid-19, and how the emerging techology may be the future of international disaster relief.
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.
India crypto leader calls Supreme Court victory against central bank ‘game changer’ for industry
India’s crypto sector saw a major boost after its Supreme Court ruled to lift a ban on crypto trading, paving the way for more blockchain development.
Tokenized gold: smart investment as coronavirus fuels economic turmoil?
Coronavirus fears are sending markets tumbling. Could tokenized gold, or gold-backed crypto, be the next-generation investment in times of economic trouble?
Blockchain and telecom: HTC’s blockchain phone isn’t what you think it is
Blockchain phones aren’t yet able to offer the ability to provide total security for your data.
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.
How blockchain can defend against data heists and cyber attacks
As increasingly useful and potentially destructive data migrates onto the internet, more and more countries will deploy cyber weapons. Could blockchain provide a defense against future incursions?
Here’s how blockchain can — and can’t — disrupt the world’s telecom industry
In this first article of a three-part Forkast.News series, we will examine how blockchain can — and can’t — disrupt the world’s telecom industry, and take a closer look at where efforts are falling flat.
Ep. 2 | Lightning Loop, SEC’s crypto safe harbor, Zcash vote on mining rewards
In this episode: Lightning Loop as the Visa of bitcoin, SEC’s crypto safe harbor, and Zcash voting to give 20% of funds to developers
Mask Hysteria: Face mask do’s and don’ts for the coronavirus
What are the best face masks to wear to protect against Covid-19, and how to wear them? Which masks are the worst and could increase your risk of illness? A medical doctor and face mask researcher explains all.
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.
Tokenized health care? How Hedera Hashgraph could improve data transparency in medicine
Public health coins could motivate more people to interact honestly with the health care system during crises like the coronavirus epidemic.
Vitalik Buterin: Ethereum 2.0 promises better privacy, scalability in 2020
Smart-contract platform Ethereum’s new version is set to operate on a Proof of Stake system that may be released in 2020 according to Andrew Keys, co-founder of ConsenSys Capital. Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum explained that Ethereum 2.0 will provide added capacity for users through sharding and scaling, privacy features and more alongside the new Proof of Stake system.
Vitalik Buterin explains how Ethereum 2.0’s launch would unfold
In a 2019 speech, the visionary creator and co-founder of Ethereum describes Eth2’s launch in phases, including proof of stake, data sharding and scaling.
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.
Tech is making Chinese charities more transparent
The modern convenience of Alibaba enables rapid, on-demand consumerism that’s worth tens of billions of dollars. So what if Alibaba — and its competitors — turned the technological might that it used to develop modern Chinese consumerism over to developing modern Chinese charity?
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.