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.
China is leading the global blockchain patent race
China has received the largest number of patent applications globally. Intellectual property applications themselves are a revenue source for the government, which generated $35 billion in fees paid for using IP rights.
China’s enterprise blockchain policy backs government aim to lead industry
China’s blockchain policy for enterprises is similar to that of the public sector: provide more efficiency and disintermediation. What’s different about enterprise policy is the added element of competitiveness.
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.
Q&A with CEOs of Digital Asset & R3: China, US aren’t in tech arms race
After their panel on how blockchain technology is changing the world of finance and enterprise at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019, Digital Asset cofounder and CEO Yuval Rooz and R3 CEO David Rutter answered follow-up questions.
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.
China’s blockchain education shortage curbs its global ambitions
Universities simply haven’t caught on to the need for blockchain education as they grapple with teaching other emerging technologies, such as big data or AI.
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.
China’s blockchain vision focuses on efficiency, not cryptocurrency
The Chinese government has identified blockchain technology development as an issue of national importance, along with other emerging technologies such as AI, deep learning and IoT. President Xi Jinping has outlined the importance of blockchain technology to China’s industrial maturity, urging continued development so China can lead the way in defining international standards.
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.
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.
Chainlink among top crypto performers in October—Fintech Advisory Services report
The Fintech Advisory Services monthly report details the main crypto-metrics and indicators for the past month: News, Market Performance, Networks, Mining Activity, Public Sentiment, and Academic Publications. The report also covers the latest “Hot Topics” in the crypto space. This month: Facebook’s Libra, Telegram’s TON, China’s CBDC, and quantum computing.
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.
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.
Binance’s corporate registration in China lapsed in 2018
The crypto exchange has a presence in China, but not an official registration.
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.
A China central bank exec is leading a cryptocurrency course on app De Dao
Mu Changchun, the Deputy Director at the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), launched an online audio course about Libra and digital currency in a popular Chinese education app De Dao on August 4, 2019. It is not the first time Mu talked about Facebook’s cryptocurrency Libra and digital currency. After Facebook announced Libra in June […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Forkast.Focus | HKFinTechWeek: How TransferWise is Shaking up Remittances
TransferWise is designed to facilitate the growing market of global remittances by reducing costs the cost of sending money internationally. Instead of sending money at high transaction fees to other countries through banks or other third parties, TransferWise internally exchanges currency to be sent using real market rates from Reuters or Google exchange rates. By […]