Arizona blockchain bill enacted into law after Governor’s approval

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed the bill HB 2417 into law on 29th March, thereby recognizing blockchain signatures and smart contracts under state law, CoinDesk reported. Earlier in February, the lower chamber of Arizona’s legislature advanced the bill by a unanimous vote. Senators cleared the bill last month by a 28-1 vote on March 23.

Blockchain’s real value is in authentication, not in distributing digital currency: Philadelphia Fed President

The real value of blockchain technology is in authentication, not in distributing digital currency, Patrick T. Harker, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, said recently. Harker noted the increasing interest in digital currencies but believes that they would not be able to drive out fiat currencies as they are not backed by any government or central bank.

Ubitquity launches blockchain pilot program for official land records in Brazil

Ubitquity, a blockchain-secured platform for real estate recordkeeping, has announced its partnership with a Cartório de Registro de Imóveis [Real Estate Registry Office] in Brazil to create the first-ever pilot program for the region's official land records. The project marks the first such effort for South America and aims to lower costs while improving accuracy, security, and transparency. Using its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, the startup seeks to bring greater accuracy and immutability to property ownership data handled by the land records office.

Japanese retailers Bic Camera and Recruit Lifestyle to start accepting bitcoin payments

After the law recognizing bitcoin as a legal method of payment went into effect in Japan this month, reports suggest two domestic retailers are planning to start accepting the digital currency for payments. Nikkei Asian Review reports that Bic Camera and Recruit Lifestyle are entering into partnerships with bitcoin exchanges to accept bitcoin payments.

Litecoin Foundation officially registered in Singapore

The Litecoin Foundation non-profit organization has been incorporated as a public company limited by guarantee in Singapore. The document posted reveals that the company has been registered in Singapore. The listed activities include software programming and development. This includes development, promotion, protection, and standardization of the Litecoin System.

Conferences/ Events:

San Francisco Blockchain Collective to host Genesis launching event on April 14

Blockchain, IoT, AI to take center stage in DES 2017

Cloud Security Alliance’s annual Boston Summit to focus on blockchain

Dubai Precious Metals Conference to focus on blockchain technology

Digital Currency/Blockchain research studies:

IBM lists three key blockchain adoption principles for c-suite leaders

Lack of blockchain knowledge among payment providers is major barrier to implementation: Capital One - NAPCP Study

77 pct of global financial services companies plan to adopt blockchain in live production systems by 2020: PwC Report

Important deals, partnerships, and more:

Bitcoin mining pool ViaBTC closes Series A funding of ¥20M from Bitmain

Blockchain consortium R3, HQLAX build collateral lending solution for liquidity transfers

WISeKey collaborates to setup Blockchain Center of Excellence in Argentina

Blockchain startup Wyre acquires Chinese payment solutions Remitsy

TaaS partners with cryptocurrency exchange platforms Livecoin and Kuna

Attic Lab, Polybius Bank sign MoU to create blockchain-based digital bank

Blockchain startup Equibit raises $580k in ICO

Ripple announces new features bringing transaction throughput to Visa levels

Blockchain firm Funderbeam to utilize Mistletoe’s funds to expand into Asia Pacific