Blockchain-focused ‘Crypto Valley Association’ launches in Switzerland

A new non-profit association focusing on the development of blockchain and cryptographic related technologies and businesses launched in Switzerland on 01 March 2017. Called ‘Crypto Valley Association’, the initiative is being backed by a number of leading companies and startups. Founding members include PwC, Luxoft, UBS, ConsenSys, Thomson Reuters, Lucerne University, Lykke Corp, Monetas AG, iprotus GmbH, Inacta AG, bacademy, Canton Zug, Lakeside Business Center AG, Lakeside Partners AG, Leon Partners and the City of Zug.

Tech titans, banks and startups officially launch Enterprise Ethereum Alliance

The collaborative effort that aims to augment Ethereum and enable it to serve as an enterprise-grade technology, the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, has been officially launched. The launch event was held at J.P. Morgan's offices in Brooklyn. The founding members of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance rotating board include Accenture, Banco Santander, BlockApps, BNY Mellon, CME Group, ConsenSys, IC3, Intel, J.P. Morgan, Microsoft, and Nuco. Additional founding members include AMIS, Andui, BBVA, brainbot technologies, BP, Chronicled, Credit Suisse, Cryptape, Fubon Financial, ING, The Institutes, Monax, String Labs, Telindus, Tendermint, Thomson Reuters, UBS, VidRoll, and Wipro, among others.

Canadian Securities Administrators’ regulatory sandbox initiative open to digital currency and blockchain ventures

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) last week announced the launch of a regulatory sandbox, an initiative that supports businesses seeking to offer innovative products, services and applications. The CSA regulatory sandbox is open to business models that are truly innovative from a Canadian market perspective. This includes cryptocurrency or distributed ledger technology based ventures, business models using artificial intelligence for trades or recommendations, and more.

Arizona blockchain bill advances with unanimous vote

In a unanimous vote, the lower chamber of Arizona’s legislature has advanced a bill that seeks to protect blockchain signatures and smart contracts under state law, CoinDesk reported. Introduced by state representative Jeff Weninger, the bill HB 2417 has been submitted to Arizona Senate, after the House voted 59-0 to pass it last week.

Bahrain and Singapore plan to build blockchain pilot project

According to an Arabian news media, Bahrain has had talks with the central bank of Singapore in a plan to build a pilot blockchain project in the Gulf state. Bahrain is planning to become a pioneer in the burgeoning ‘fintech’ space and is looking for the adoption of blockchain technology, Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of inward investment agency Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), stated during the GCC Financial Forum in Manama.

Conferences/ Events:

CoinAgenda brings first bitcoin and blockchain investor conference to Caribbean region

FTC’s Fintech Forum to focus on AI and blockchain

Important deals, partnerships, and more:

Bitcoin exchange Kraken acquires Cryptowatch

AlphaPoint completes blockchain proof of technology with Canada’s Scotiabank

Over 40 Japanese banks complete pilot implementation of Ripple blockchain

PwC creates blockchain proof of concept for London insurance market

Hyperledger blockchain project welcomes 11 new members

Dash partners with Wall of Coins to facilitate cryptocurrency exchange for cash

Blockchain firm Bloq acquires Skry to develop analysis tools

DTCC, Digital Asset complete first phase of blockchain PoC for repo transactions

Chamber of Digital Commerce and Structured Finance Industry Group officially announce blockchain partnership

IOHK announces blockchain collaboration with universities in Scotland and Tokyo