Galapagos Syndrome

Trends from Construct - Travel blockchain - Gemini bypasses congestion - UAE not banning bitcoin - IBM's government report - Bitcoin donations - Swiss sandbox - Bitcoin Q4 volumes View this email in your browser February 2nd, 2017 "The simplification of anything is always sensational." – G. K. Chesterton Got this from a friend? SUBSCRIBE HERE Blockchain could be the solution to Japan's tech diversity problem.   In conversation with CoinDesk, Yoichiro Hirano – the founder of Japan's Blockchain Collaborative Consortium (BCCC) ­– highlighted the importance for blockchain technology companies to overcome the country's so-called "Galapagos Syndrome" and promote more interaction with the outside world.   A policy of unique standards and investment that prioritizes differentiation gave Japanese tech innovations an advantage in the domestic market, but put them at a disadvantage in terms of international acceptance, something that BCCC wants to help blockchain startups avoid.   Although less than a year old, the BCCC already has 120 members, including Microsoft and New York-based blockchain developer ConsenSys. The consortium's goal is to encourage blockchain neutrality and the development of projects that go beyond geographical boundaries, as well as promoting education around the tech among Japan's development community.   By linking up with other international consortia, BCCC hopes to boost the Japanese blockchain sector's presence on the global stage, as well as to encourage interoperability and network effects that will benefit the sector worldwide.   Read the whole story Tweet Share WHAT DO YOU THINK? Will blockchain disrupt venture capital? Is the lack of legal framework a barrier? Do you think ICOs are safe? We would really appreciate your feedback for our forthcoming State of Blockchain 2016 report. 🎉 TAKE THE SURVEY 🎉 Wait, there's more: Experts Ask 'How Long Until Private Ledgers Go Live?' *Construct 2017*: Leads from several projects tied to Hyperledger took the stage over our two-day conference to discuss their contributions and roadmaps. Reps from major blockchain initiatives predicted that we will see production-scale blockchains within a year or two, and that enterprises may end up using both private and public blockchains. Read more. Webjet's Travel Bookings Blockchain Will Move to Pilot in 2017 *Construct 2017*: Technical leads at Microsoft took the stage to talk about the firm's proof-of-concept with Australian online travel agency Webjet, which aims to facilitate travel bookings via a blockchain platform. They expect the project to move to the next stage within a few months. Read more.  9 in 10 Government Execs Plan to Invest in Blockchain By 2018 In a new report, IBM surveyed 200 government executives from 16 countries on their plans to use blockchain technology. The overwhelming majority see potential in the application of the blockchain to the management of assets, identity, contracts, financial transactions and compliance. Read more. UAE Central Bank: We Are Not Banning Bitcoin As a clarification of the digital payments framework released on January 1 that prohibited "virtual currencies", the UAE has confirmed that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will not be impacted. Read more.   Gemini Speeds Up Deposits to Bypass Network Congestion New York-based digital currency exchange Gemini is doing away with transaction confirmations for approved customers, rather than wait for the usual interval before crediting an account. Read more.   Switzerland Wants to Open a Sandbox to Attract More Blockchain Startups The government is proposing that firms that accept less than CHF 1m in deposits be classified differently than other institutions, giving them more freedom in which to explore new technologies. Read more. Bitfinex's 'Hack Credit' Token Reaches All-Time Price High The price of BFX tokens reached an all-time high yesterday of $0.765, more than 50% up from its recent low in December. Read more.  Fidelity's Charity Arm Raised $7M in Bitcoin Donations in 2016 Fidelity Charitable launched the donation option in late 2015, using Coinbase as a payment processor to handle bitcoin-to-dollar conversions. Read more.   459M Bitcoins: Exchange Volume Reached Peak Levels in Q4 Bitcoin trading volumes were up 206% vs Q4 2015, and 275% since Q3 2016. Going forward, it's still unclear what the impact of the shift in fee strategies at China's largest exchanges will be. Read more.   Go to CoinDesk BTC: $992.81 +2.5%  ETH: $10.67 +0.8% @10:00 EST - More price details JOB LISTINGS GENESIS TRADING - Sales Marketing Associate The Sales and Marketing Associate is a sales-support position, responsible for identifying and contacting prospects, with the expectation of bringing revenue-producing clients into Genesis' digital currency business lines. More info. GENESIS TRADING - Research Associate The Research Associate will support the continued growth and expansion of the business, and will proactively assess new market opportunities and products within the digital currency space. More info. PRESS RELEASES   30, Jan - Press Release: CoinDesk Acquires Lawnmower, Accelerating Growth in Research Offerings 25, Jan - Press Release: Bitcoin Faucets become the new entry points for Bitcoin in developing countries 25, Jan - Press Release: Wall Street Blockchain Alliance Adds OTC Exchange Network as Corporate Member So have you noticed our new section of JOB LISTINGS? Early days yet, but we think it will end up being useful.  If you're looking for talent (and who isn't?) and want our audience to know about it, drop us a line (just hit "Reply") and we'll send you more info.  Copyright © 2017 CoinDesk, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you subscribed for updates on our website. 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