LedgerX approval could reduce bitcoin volatility

Bitcoin's first regulated derivatives clearinghouse? - Chinese exchanges raise fees - Abra rollout - Cars on the blockchain View this email in your browser January 23rd, 2017 "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." – Mark Twain Got this from a friend? SUBSCRIBE HERE How can a derivatives exchange make bitcoin less volatile?   LedgerX hopes to be able to show us. The New York-based startup recently raised an undisclosed sum from trading services company Miami International Holdings, which could put it one step closer to securing approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.   If approval is granted, LedgerX will become the first federally regulated bitcoin derivatives exchange and clearinghouse. Founder Juthica Chou spoke to CoinDesk about the legitimacy this would bring to the sector, opening it even further to institutional participants.   Chou explained that if that happens, the increased liquidity could lower the volatility of bitcoin's price. In addition, she stressed the potential value of better data on volatility that could result from the launch of new options products.   Read the whole story Tweet Share Only one week to go!!! Come and join us at our first developer conference CONSTRUCT, in San Francisco, USA on January 30-31. We have an impressive line-up of founders, CTOs, CEOs and other really smart people for two days of workshops, panels, demos and networking. 😎 REGISTER NOW 😎 Wait, there's more: China's Bitcoin Exchanges End No-Fee Trading China's three largest bitcoin trading platforms – BTCC, Huobi and OKCoin – will end no-fee trading effective tomorrow, introducing a 0.2% fee for bitcoin and litecoin trades. CoinDesk spoke to several China-based traders and market representatives, who focused on the positive aspects of this move, including the potential positive impact on "real" trading volumes, and a greater alignment between exchanges and regulators. Read more. Is Bitcoin App Abra Finally Ready for Its Big Debut? Abra has announced the gradual rollout starting next month of its bitcoin-based remittance service. Aiming to solve the problem of the "last mile", it uses a hybrid system of exchange partners and human tellers to send and deliver cash around the world. In conversation with CoinDesk, the company's CEO stressed the competitive cost and usability of the service, while skeptics expressed doubt as to whether the model can scale effectively. Read more. Why a New Small Business Blockchain is Actually a Big Deal *Opinion piece*: While most blockchain-based trade finance projects focus on large enterprises, a recently announced proof-of-concept has a different target: small and medium-sized businesses. What makes this interesting is not only the potential scope, but also what it says about the changing nature of trade finance. Read more.   Blockchain Wallets Are Coming (Maybe Soon) to a Car Near You CoinDesk spoke to one of the leads of the Car eWallet project on the potential of autonomous cars on the blockchain. The project aims to create a blockchain-based network to facilitate payments such as tolls, parking, electric charging and leasing. Read more.     Blockchain for Journalism: How a Big Idea is Starting Small The application of blockchain technology to the media industry is opening the door for creative business models that hope to solve the problem of journalism funding. CoinDesk spoke to some of the sector's thinkers and doers for their take on opportunities and obstacles for innovation in this area. Read more.   Hong Kong Stock Exchange Considers Blockchain Upgrades According to remarks by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong's chairman, blockchain technology may end up forming part of its planned upgrade of trading and post-trade systems. Read more.   EU Watchdog: Blockchain Security Should Be Concern For Finance Firms The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) has published a report highlighting security vulnerabilities of enterprise blockchain implementation, and offering good practice recommendations. Read more. Deloitte Officially Opens Dublin Blockchain Lab The team, based in Dublin's "Silicon Docks", will form part of a broader network of blockchain development hubs. Read more.   Go to CoinDesk BTC: $926.20 +0.1%  ETH: $10.78 +1.0% @10:00 EST - More price details WHAT DO YOU THINK? Will blockchain disrupt venture capital? Is the lack of legal framework a barrier? Do you think they're safe? We would really appreciate your feedback for our forthcoming State of Blockchain 2016 report. 🎉 TAKE THE SURVEY 🎉 PRESS RELEASES   23, Jan - Press Release: The Blockchain Event Invites Industry Leaders to Speak at Fort Lauderdale Event 23, Jan - Press Release: CD Key retailer CJS CD Keys now Accepting Bitcoin 20, Jan - Press Release: ERP Integration to Distributed Ledger and Blockchain It's Monday! And we hope to make your week even more interesting by delivering original blockchain and cryptocurrency news right to your inbox.  Do you think the blurbs summarizing our articles are useful? Would you rather they were shorter, or longer? Copyright © 2017 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 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list