Bitcoin and Blockchain News May 4, 2016

Consensus 2016 Livestream

If you can't make the event in person, you can still watch all of the action using our livestream.

Dueling Blockchain Visions Face Off in Consensus 2016 Day Two Finale -

The founders of banking consortium R3CEV and bitcoin mining firm 21 Inc provided a rare opportunity to members of the Consensus 2016 conference yesterday. In a prompt by Wall Street Journal reporter Paul Vigna, the two laid out in clear terms the shortcomings of private and public distributed ledgers.

Michael del Castillo / May 04, 2016 01:53 am

21 Inc Unveils Plan to Make Every Computer a Bitcoin Computer -

Balaji Srinivasan, co-founder and CEO of 21 Inc., announced the launch of the 21 software package at the Consensus 2016 blockchain conference, allowing anyone with a computer to receive bitcoin in a multitude of ways. Srinivasan argued for the ability to enable machines to be able to pay other machines.

Jacob Donnelly / May 03, 2016 11:41 pm

Larry Summers: Blockchain Can Succeed Without Bitcoin -

Former US Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers took part in a fireside chat at Consensus 2016 where he discussed blockchain and bitcoin yesterday. Moderated by Alan Murray of Fortune, the session found Summers weighing in on why he believes blockchain as a concept is likely to outlive the technology that created it.

Pete Rizzo / May 03, 2016 10:23 pm

Shoot for the Moon or Take It Slow? Tech Giants Talk Blockchain -

Is it better to take an incremental approach to blockchains or aim for paradigm-shifting concepts? Speaking on a panel at Consensus 2016 in New York, leaders from IBM, Microsoft, Blockstream and Cognizant discuss how technology companies can best reimagine their products by building with the technology.

Michael del Castillo / May 03, 2016 06:59 pm

What's Encouraging Blockchain R&D? Barclays, Citi and More Weigh In -

During the morning session, members from large financial institutions discussed the ways that they promote blockchain development internally. On the one hand, they want to have ambitious goals for the future, but simultaneously, they are looking for short-term wins.

Jacob Donnelly / May 03, 2016 05:33 pm

Craig Wright 'Will Move Bitcoin' to Prove He's Satoshi Nakamoto -

A representative for Craig Wright – the Australian academic who in recent days has sought to prove that he is bitcoin's elusive creator 'Satoshi Nakamoto' – says that he will soon provide further evidence of his assertion by moving bitcoins.

Stan Higgins / May 03, 2016 04:43 pm

Settlement Experts Predict Three Fates for Blockchain at Consensus 2016 -

Digital Asset, itBit, Nasdaq and CME Group gathered at the Consensus 2016 conference to discuss three possible paths ahead for blockchain within financial institutions. The takeaway message? Incumbent institutions should not take a wait and see approach this time round.

Michael del Castillo / May 03, 2016 04:04 pm

Post-Trade Distributed Ledger Group Grows to 37 Members -

The Post-Trade Distributed Ledger Group has taken steps to formalize its operations and make clear its members and structure. The PTDL Group said it now has 37 financial institutions as members, with its organization committee being composed of CME Group, Euroclear, HSBC, the London Stock Exchange and UniCredit.

Pete Rizzo / May 03, 2016 03:18 pm