| | DECEMBER 7th, 2016
"The history of the world is none other than the progress of the consciousness of freedom." – GW Hegel
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There's been a shake-up at Circle.
Announced yesterday, the startup is no longer allowing users to buy and sell bitcoin directly. It now plans to focus on enhancing the messaging functions of its blockchain-based payment app, rolling out a new proprietary protocol called Spark, and expanding into new geographical areas.
Does this mean that the founders have lost their enthusiasm for bitcoin? They insist that they still believe in their initial vision: that the blockchain can change the way money works. However, this move reveals shifts in the sector’s priorities, as well as the advantage of being flexible in terms of the underlying technology. (Read the full story).
Wait, there's more:
· You don’t say. Denmark’s Saxo Bank recently published “Outrageous Predictions for 2017”, in which it hypothesizes that the price of BTC could soar to $2,100 over the next year. The surge would be supported by a turbulent US economy, and by greater acceptance of a decentralized means of exchange. Read more.
· Blockchain token guidelines. Coinbase has released a legal framework for the issuance of blockchain tokens. Produced in collaboration with Coin Center, Consensys and Union Square Ventures, the document aims to educate developers about potential issues in a complicated regulatory environment. Read more.
· Zcash slump. The price of Zcash’s native currency ZEC fell below $50 for the first time yesterday, on relatively modest trading volume. Read more.
· Big Four investment. Deloitte has made its first investment in a blockchain startup, at an undisclosed amount. SETL focuses on payments and settlements, and is currently collaborating with Deloitte on the development of a contactless payment card for Metro Bank. Read more.
· Central bank research. The European Central Bank and Japan’s Central Bank are partnering to explore the potential use of distributed ledger technology on market infrastructure. It’s too soon to think about actual implementation, however. Read more.
· Crypto theft. Hackers have stolen and liquidated over $300,000 of REP and ETH from Bo Shen, founder of blockchain investor Fenbushi Capital. Augur has reached out to users via email and their blog with a list of additional security steps. Read more.
· Russia waiting. Russia’s finance ministry may delay the introduction of a bill regulating cryptocurrencies until autumn of next year, according to comments made by an official during a recent interview. Read more.
· The winners are... Austria’s Erste Bank has awarded prizes to two ethereum projects in its Blockchain Startup Contest. Etherisc is an automated insurance tool, and Status is an ethereum browser for mobile phones. One of the main objectives of the initiative was to identify consumer-facing blockchain applications. Read more.
BTC: $764.28 +0.7%
ETH: $7.84 +12.5% at 10:00am EST more details
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