Australian securities regulator ASIC comes down heavily on deceptive ICOs

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has announced a crackdown on dubious initial coin offerings (ICOs). The announcement follows recent comments from ASIC Commissioner John Price last week when he said that the securities regulator would be updating its ICO guidance in coming weeks.

CFTC chief adds new dimension to define cryptocurrency

CFTC chair strives to define Bitcoin, as the ecosystem around Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies endure to evolve the various regulatory authorities in the US still struggle to define what it is so to create a framework in which it can be controlled. Bitcoin is a synthesis of currency, security, and digital asset according to the head of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Bermuda strives to become regulated hub for blockchain business and digital assets

The government of Bermuda is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to embrace the technology that underpins digital currencies such as bitcoin. From new legislation to govern initial coin offerings (ICOs) to the recent deal with Binance cryptocurrency exchange, the country is trying to position itself as the regulated hub for blockchain business and digital assets.

Dubai announces blockchain business registry project

Dubai government authorities have unveiled a joint blockchain project aimed at enhancing the ease of setting up and operating business in Dubai. Dubbed “Dubai Blockchain Business Registry Project,” the project is a joint initiative between the Department of Economic Development (DED) and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), and developed in collaboration with Smart Dubai and IBM.

South Korean developer records Panmunjom Declaration on Ethereum Blockchain

A South Korean developer has created history by recording the details of the recent peace treaty between North and South Korea on the Ethereum blockchain. Ryu Gi-hyeok, 27, has coded and recorded the peace treaty in both Korean and English versions in two Ethereum transactions, CoinDesk reported.

EAEU member states discuss potential uses of cryptocurrencies and blockchain

The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) organized an international scientific and practical conference in Moscow focused on the potential uses of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The conference was organized by the EEC in collaboration with the Interstate Bank and the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

Uganda’s ICT Ministry to leverage blockchain for service delivery

The Ministry of ICT of Uganda has announced that the governments intends to leverage emerging technologies such as blockchain to improve the efficiency in public service delivery, Daily Monitor reported. “Government is going to use blockchain technology where it is appropriate to provide seamless services to the general public,” ICT ministry permanent secretary Vicente Bagiire Waiswa said.

Ethiopian Government to explore blockchain application in agriculture via IOHK partnership

The government of Ethiopia has partnered with blockchain research and development firm IOHK to explore the applications of blockchain technology in the country. Ethiopia is exploring blockchain potential in the supply chain traceability for coffee, its largest export, among other agricultural technology applications.

Events/Conferences:

MAS to hold Singapore FinTech Festival in November, focus on blockchain, regtech and more

U.S. House Subcommittees to hold hearing on blockchain in supply chain management

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin boycotts CoinDesk’s Consensus 2018 conference

Research Studies:

Majority of CIOs have no interest in blockchain technology: Gartner

Investments/Acquisitions/ Fund-raising:

Blockchain opens fourth office after Tsukemen acquisition

Partnerships/Consortiums:

Innovation Alliance: aelf, Michael Arrington and others collaborate to boost commercial blockchain adoption

Automotive giants BMW, Ford and others form blockchain consortium ‘MOBI’

Agribusiness software provider The Seam joins Enterprise Ethereum Alliance

BankDhofar becomes first Bank in Oman to join Ripple’s blockchain network

SBI Securities announces DLT-focused consortium with 35 participating firms

Blockchain and Digital Currency Initiatives

ASX seeks to switch to DLT settlement system in 2020

Best of both worlds: Scanetchain develops AR Dapp on NEM blockchain

Power Ledger commercially deploys blockchain energy trading platform in US

Canadian blockchain firm to unveil 'Decentral Project' at Consensus afterparty

Huobi Labs to set up $1B blockchain fund

Blockchain Intelligence Group announces risk assessment pilot for crypto-mining client activity

Life science research marketplace Scientist.com launches blockchain platform to ensure data integrity

CryptoUK calls for cryptocurrency market regulation, proposes issuing ‘crypto licenses’

Centrica, LO3 Energy to trial blockchain for energy trading in UK

Beazley, Bitfury and others partner to tap blockchain to manage insurance for mass casualties

IBM and Twiga Foods pilot blockchain-based micro-financing solution in Kenya

ANZ, IBM and Suncorp New Zealand collaborate on blockchain solution for insurance

Korean Credit Data, Dunamu to develop blockchain solution for SMEs

FxWirePro launches Absolute Return Managed Program. For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/invest