Bitcoin and Blockchain News Apr 20, 2016

Insurance Giant John Hancock Begins Blockchain Tech Tests -  Insurance provider John Hancock has begun work on proofs-of-concept using blockchain in partnership with ConsenSys Enterprise and BlockApps. Today, the applications don't actually deal directly with insurance, but the company said it is working to rethink how the technology could help it deliver essential services. Michael del Castillo / Apr 20, 2016 02:02 pm Bitstamp Close to Securing European License for Bitcoin Exchange -  One of the world's largest bitcoin exchanges is reportedly close to an announcement with the Luxembourg government that would enable it to launch regulated and licensed services across Europe. Such a move would come nearly two years after Luxembourg first opened dialogue with the industry. Pete Rizzo / Apr 20, 2016 12:15 am How MIT is Using Ripple to Push Blockchain Research Beyond Theory -  MIT has moved its blockchain research from the theoretical to the real world with a project announced earlier this week with Ripple. This is just the latest effort by the educational institution to help grow the body of research around the blockchain industry. Michael del Castillo / Apr 19, 2016 10:06 pm IBM Joins Consensus 2016 As Exclusive Four Block Sponsor -  IBM is officially joining Consensus 2016 as the conference's exclusive Four Block sponsor. With the news, IBM joins Consensus 2016 title sponsor Deloitte, as well as other major sponsors including CME Group, ConsenSys, Santander and Symbiont. CoinDesk / Apr 19, 2016 08:30 pm Once-Hyped UK Digital Currency Hullcoin Hijacked By Chinese Scammers -  A group of Chinese investors has reportedly been defrauded after being pitched on a cryptocurrency launched in 2014 by a local UK government body. Alleged scammers sol investors on Hullcoin, an effort to use cryptocurrencies to fight the problem of regional poverty. Stan Higgins / Apr 19, 2016 07:48 pm French Central Bank Urges More Research On Blockchain Impact -  France's central bank has released a new report on financial stability in an era of digitization, a publication explores the implications of virtual currencies and blockchain technology. The report calls for more research and oversight of the technology. Stan Higgins / Apr 19, 2016 05:45 pm Deutsche Bank Seeks Real-World Impact With Blockchain Strategy -  How is one of the world's 10 largest banks investigating the potential of blockchain tech? Deutsche Bank chief digital officer Ed Budd talks about the investment bank's blockchain strategy and why it is now pursuing trials that explore its real-world use. Pete Rizzo / Apr 19, 2016 03:59 pm Read More News, Features and Analysis → Join 1000+ Others at Consensus 2016 Not got your ticket? Discover why you should attend: Check out the latest multi-track agenda Over 100 our incredible speakers Network with over 1000+ others! Get further involved with the following: Vote in the 2016 Blockchain Awards Apply for a hackathon place - it's free,and there's still room!  Sponsor the conference (Contact bordes@coindesk.com for details on what is still available or possible!). We've got less than 85 tickets remaining for Consensus 2016 at the current price. Use the following code to get 20% off!  SAVE 20% Use code 'C16DAILY' Industry Press Releases 11 Apr - Two-Way Bitcoin ATM Opens at the National Harbor Near Washington, D.C. 06 Apr - Syscoin Releases Final 2.0 Beta, Begins Development Fund & Reduces Total Number of Coins by More Than Half 05 Apr - Delaware Governor Jack Markell to Deliver Keynote at Consensus 2016 Read More Press Releases → Share this email Copyright © 2016 CoinDesk, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you subscribed for updates on our website. Our mailing address is: CoinDesk 636 Avenue of the Americas New York City, NY 10011 Add us to your address book view in browser / unsubscribe / update subscription Advertise on CoinDesk