U.S. Energy Department explores blockchain for P2P energy transactions

The U.S. Department Of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is partnering with blockchain startup BlockCypher for peer-to-peer (p2p) energy transactions facilitated via blockchain. NREL and BlockCypher aim to demonstrate how energy transactions involving distributed energy resources (DER) can be settled across multiple blockchains and integrated technologies. This would mark the first blockchain and energy technology agnostic solution.

SEC, CFTC vow to clamp down on cryptocurrency fraud

In a joint statement, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have vowed to clampdown on the fraudulent activities in the field of virtual currencies and tokens.

South Korea’s FSC sets the date to ban anonymous cryptocurrency trading

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has set the date for barring cryptocurrency trading using anonymous accounts. Effective January 30, the new rule will require users to have a bank account under their real name at the same bank with cryptocurrency exchanges for making cryptocurrency transactions. Those failing to fulfill this criterion would only be allowed to withdraw money from their existing bank account.

UN announces blockchain coalition initiative for enhanced climate action

The UN Climate Change secretariat has announced a Climate Chain Coalition which will aim to explore and use blockchain technology in support of climate action. Last month, multi-stakeholder group of 25 organizations working on distributed ledger technology (DLT) agreed to establish the coalition. The global initiative currently counts 32 members and is open to more sign ups.

Propy launches blockchain pilot in Vermont

Californian blockchain startup Propy has launched a pilot project in collaboration with the City Clerk's Office of South Burlington, Vermont to record real estate conveyance documents using blockchain technology.

National Research Council of Canada trials Ethereum blockchain for government contracts

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has announced the launch of the first-ever live trial of Ethereum blockchain for the transparent administration of government contracts. The trial is being conducted through NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). The initiative also includes the participation from Canadian blockchain startup Bitaccess and funding from Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP).

Research Studies:

Worldwide blockchain spending likely seen at $9.2B in 2021: IDC

Conferences/Meetings:

Hyperledger blockchain project to hold inaugural global forum in December 2018

Bengaluru to host first 'Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference India' on February 22

ECB President to answer queries on cryptocurrencies and blockchain

Investments/Acquisitions/ Fund-raising:

Ripple investor Greg Kidd invests $57.5M in Uphold

Bitcoin-powered social network Yours.org secures $1.5M in Series A

Tokyo Electric Power Company invests in UK-based blockchain energy startup Electron

Virginia Beach Development Authority grants $500k for cryptocurrency mining facility

Partnerships/Consortiums:

Vnesheconombank's Blockchain Commune joins Crypto Valley Association

Hyperledger blockchain project adds 27 new members

Cryptocurrency startup Coinbase partners with Trading Technologies International

Microsoft, Hyperledger join digital identity initiative ID2020 Alliance

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives:

Certification giant DNV GL to tap blockchain to improve efficiency of supply chains

MercuryFX, IDT partner with Ripple for low-cost global payments

Arsenal Football Club inks cryptocurrency partnership with CashBet Coin

NTT DATA, Skuchain partner to develop blockchain-based supply chain solution for enterprises

Vizitech Solutions, Chaintope join forces to set up Blockchain R&D Center in India

Canadian VersaBank to develop blockchain-based vault to store digital property

Dash partners with Mercury Cash to boost accessibility in US and South America

BTL announces second phase of blockchain-based energy trading project

Opera rolls out anti-bitcoin mining feature for mobile users

Dreyfus, Bohi and banks complete first blockchain-based agricultural commodity trade

Shinhan Financial Group to launch blockchain-based integrated authentication service