Bitcoin Daily: Daimler Completes Pilot Blockchain Transaction; Bitcoin Payments Coming To Starbucks Via Fold App

Automaker Daimler has completed its first transaction on the blockchain-based Marco Polo network.

The firm used the network to process the data required to exchange payments with engineering firm and parts builder Dürr, according to CoinDesk. German bank Landesbank Baden-Württemberg was also involved in the trade.

In other news, Lloyds Bank revealed that it is partnering with blockchain platform Komgo “to enable quicker international commodity trade finance.”

“The process of trading a single commodity can take over 100 days, involves many players, considerable paperwork, and risk. Trade is particularly onerous for our commodities clients, where faster turnaround times and a streamlined channel are key requirements,” Gwynne Master, managing director for Lloyds Bank commercial banking, said, according to Cointelegraph.

She added that working with Komgo will help the bank with “significantly streamlining and digitizing the process.”

Mobile shopping app Fold announced that it has raised $2.5 million.

In addition, Fold’s editor, Will Reeves, wrote in a blog post that users can now spend both fiat currency and bitcoin at online and in-store retailers by synchronizing their credit card or Lightning wallet.

“Available on iOS and Android, Fold users can now spend fiat or bitcoin and get up to 20% cashback in bitcoin at retailers like Amazon, Uber, Starbucks, Hotels.com, and many more. It’s simple: sync your credit card or lightning wallet and spend via Fold at select retailers online, in-store or in-app, earning bitcoin on every purchase, instantly,” he stated.

And the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) has banned a forex broker offering bitcoin options.

The CVM warned that XM Global Limited can no longer operate in Brazil or do business with customers residing there, and ordered the immediate suspension of investment offerings in the forex or derivatives space. A firm that fails to comply will be fined 1,000 reals ($239) per day, according to Cointelegraph.