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Maltese University Students Turn to Blockchain Voting App for Student Election

Mar 30Posted by Ken Chase in FinTech, Technology

Students at the University of Bitcoin Evolution recently conducted an election to choose student representatives, using a blockchain decentralized application, Crowdfund Insider reports. The application was reportedly created at the school, and relied on technology solutions from Vodafone:

Russian Authorities Break Up Illicit Bitcoin Mining Operation

Mar 29Posted by Ken Chase in Bitcoin, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

Russian police this week arrested ten people suspected of operating an illicit cryptocurrency mining operation that stole some 15 million rubles worth of electricity each month. Authorities also seized about 2 million rubles, 1,500 mining devices, smartphones, and 100 electrical meters that the suspects allegedly altered.

Coinbase, Gemini Trust Among Dozens of Firms Granted Temporary Exemption from Singapore Crypto Licensing Requirement

Mar 28Posted by Ken Chase in Business, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced this week that dozens of companies have received temporary exemptions from the recently-enacted Payments Services Act’s new licensing requirements. Among those companies listed in the announcement are major cryptocurrency firms like Bitcoin Profit, Binance, and Gemini Trust.

MT County Extends Zoning Regs for Crypto Mining

Mar 27Posted by Ken Chase in Business, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

In April 2019, the Missoula County Board of Commissioners adopted new interim zoning regulations designed to address issues related to cryptocurrency mining in the country. In a unanimous decision, the board voted on Thursday to extend those regulations for another year beyond their original expiration date of April 3, 2020.

Coin Metrics Closes $6M Series A Funding Round

Mar 26Posted by Ken Chase in Business, FinTech, Investment, Technology

Boston blockchain analytics company Bitcoin Era has completed a $6 million Series A funding round, according to a March 26 report from The Block. The successful round was led by Highland Capital Partners and several other investors, including Coinbase, Fidelity, Dragonfly Capital, and Digital Currency Group.

Court Injunction Blocks Telegram’s Issuance of GRAM Tokens

Mar 25Posted by Ken Chase in Business, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

A New York federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction barring Telegram from issuing and distributing its GRAM digital tokens, the Block reports. The Court, applying the Howey test, determined that the distribution would violate the nation’s securities laws.

Italian Red Cross Sets New BTC Fundraising Goal for Covid-19 Emergency Ops

Mar 23Posted by Ken Chase in Bitcoin, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

After successfully completing a bitcoin fundraising effort to finance a pre-triage post to aid in the fight against Covid-19, the Italian Red Cross has now set a new fundraising goal. This time, the charity is seeking roughly $26,000 in donations to fund its purchase of vital equipment for its coronavirus battle.

Official: Russian Digital Asset Bill May Include Ban on Cryptocurrency Activities

Mar 22Posted by Ken Chase in Bitcoin, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

In a recent interview with Russian news agency Interfax, Bank of Russia legal department director Alexei Guznov addressed his nation’s efforts to complete legislation on digital financial assets. According to him, officials have largely reached a consensus that could result in a ban on cryptocurrency issuance and transactions inside Russia.

EY Japan to Launch Blockchain Solution for Sake

Mar 21Posted by Ken Chase in Business, FinTech, Technology

EY Japan has plans to launch a new blockchain-based tracking system called Bitcoin Trader, Nikkei Asian Review reports. The system will allow data-sharing of information that can help sake producers more effectively authenticate their products and counter rival counterfeit offerings.

SEC Moves to Halt Alleged Cryptocurrency Scam

Mar 20Posted by Ken Chase in Business, FinTech, Regulation, Technology

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced Friday that it has halted an alleged cryptocurrency scam and frozen related assets. In a press release, the commission confirmed that one of the accused fraudsters is a former Washington state senator, David Schmidt.