Could be the beginning of a riddle: Why did a new caucus and an incubator show up on Capitol Hill? Trick question, no riddle here: In all of about 48 hours, Washington, D.C. showed that America’s capitol has increased interest in blockchain — through the formation...
On Capitol Hill, it appears that blockchain — and digital currency itself — has arrived. American Banker reported on Monday (Sept. 26) that the Congressional Blockchain Caucus is taking shape, with the goal of examining and educating lawmakers on the payments technology and issues associated with...
Ripple, the provider of financial settlement solutions, announced on Friday (Sept. 23) a number of global banks joining forces to create the first interbank group for global payments based on distributed ledger technology. According to a press release, Ripple said Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Santander,...
IBM and UnionPay are collaborating on a way to use the blockchain for trading loyalty points. In a proof-of-concept reveal, the two firms have unveiled a platform that allows customers to trade their loyalty points (those earned through purchases and other incentivized behavior) with one another....
BNP Paribas Securities Services is looking at letting companies issue mini-bonds on its blockchain technology platform. According to a press release, the mini-bonds are for private company shares. BNP has hooked up with renewable energy crowdfunding companies Lendosphere, Enerfip and Lumo to let private companies issue...
Startups specializing in blockchain may have their eye on disrupting the $15 billion music industry. According to Forbes, the music industry stands to benefit greatly from the use of blockchain technology. In many cases, musicians have to go through deals with several intermediaries, such as...
To be the first to do anything is always a coup. You want first pick in your fantasy football league. Who doesn’t want first pick of the holiday White Elephant gift? Being the first child in the family certainly has its perks. Barclays had...
The U.S. government is showing support for digital currencies and seeing potential advantages to its use. A nonbinding resolution passed on Monday that touts blockchain’s secure processes and its potential in helping the unbanked.
Banks are seeking ways to cut costs and make up for the persisting low interest rates. Blockchain is one item under discussion, which is encouraging banks to work together to render such a system cost-effective and scalable without compromising confidentiality.
