Hard fork starts creating new cryptocurrency ‘Bitcoin Gold’

A hard fork of the bitcoin blockchain has created a new cryptocurrency, Bitcoin Gold. According to CoinDesk, the recent hard fork follows a process that started in July this year aiming to address the problem that miners as a group have significant leverage over the direction of the bitcoin network. The technical team behind the project has taken a “snapshot” of the bitcoin blockchain, thereby creating the new cryptocurrency at block 491,407 on the original blockchain.

I see no basis for wanting to regulate cryptocurrencies: MAS Chief

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) doesn’t plan to regulate digital currencies such as bitcoin, the head of the central bank said recently. In an interview reported by Bloomberg, MAS Managing Director Ravi Menon said: “As of now I see no basis for wanting to regulate cryptocurrencies.” Rather, the central bank’s focus is to “look at the activities surrounding the cryptocurrency and asking ourselves what kinds of risks they pose, which risks would require a regulatory response, and then proceed from there.”

HKMA, MAS collaborate on blockchain trade finance initiative

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced its collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) aimed at fostering the healthy development of fintech ecosystem in Hong Kong. According to the official release, the first collaborative initiative will be a joint project on trade finance. The project involves seven Hong Kong-based banks working on the commercialization of an HKMA-led, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-based, trade finance proof-of-concept into a production system, dubbed Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform (HKTFP), to digitise and share trade documents, automate processes and reduce risks and fraud.

French financial regulator launches ICO-focused UNICORN program

French financial regulator Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is seeking to develop a regulatory framework for Initial Coin Offering and has announced “UNICORN” program on these lines. The AMF is now considering different approaches, which includes promoting guidance on ICOs on an ongoing basis or proposing new rules altogether. In this context, it is seeking consulation from the public and is accepting submissions until December 22, 2017.

BitGo to integrate blockchain startup’s Civic’s ID verfication service for RMG trial

Blockchain digital identity startup Civic has announced the expansion of its partnership with leading multi-sig bitcoin wallet provider BitGo. Initiated by The Royal Mint (Her Majesty's Treasury) and CME Group in 2016, RMG is a new, innovative gold investment product that is digitally traded using blockchain technology. It aims to transform the way gold is traded, executed, and settled by making it available for trade with a transparent ledger of ownership and lowering costs.

Research Studies:

Under 1 in 10 post-ICO tokens in active use: Token Report

Events/Conferences:

Tokyo Metropolitan Government to hold blockchain accelerator program

Investments/Acquisitions:

Startup seeking to build regulated ICO platform attracts $2.7M in seed funding

MicroMoney Raises 5 Millions with Token Distribution Event Set for the Final Phase Today

Blockchain startup Proof Suite decentralizes traditional financial markets, raises $1.7M in token pre-sale

Bitcoin startup Abra secures $16M in Series B round

Jaguar-backed blockchain startup DOVU raises $6.2M in token sale

Blockchain-based solar energy marketplace Sun Exchange raises $1.6M seed investment

Consortium News, Partnerships and More:

Symbiont joins Wall Street Blockchain Allaince

AICPA collaborates with Wall Street Blockchain Alliance

Law firm Gowling WLG launches Blockchain and Smart Contracts Group

Ledger bitcoin wallet collaborates with Intel

Bosch, Wipro, NAFCU join Hyperledger blockchain consortium

Wirex, SBI Holdings collaborate to launch cryptocurrency payments card in Japan

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives:

Energy companies E. ON and ENEL test blockchain trading marketplace

VMware unveils blockchain proof-of-concept at Money 20/20

BitGive announces beta launch of blockchain-powered donation tracking platform GiveTrack

MIT issues digital diplomas using blockchain technology

ICTC to create blockchain ecosystem in Canada

Mastercard opens access to blockchain payments solution

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