US DHS awards $750K to Digital Bazaar to develop blockchain-based ID management solution

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $750k grant to a Virginia-based technology company Digital Bazaar. The project is titled “Fit-for-Purpose Blockchains/Identity and Access Management.” Building on its current platform, Digital Bazaar will develop a standards-based digital credentialing solution coupled with a fit-for-purpose blockchain.

SEC sets up Cyber Unit to check DLT and ICO violations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is going to set up a Cyber Unit to curb violation involving distributed ledger technology (DLT) and initial coin offerings (ICOs). According to the official announcement, the Cyber Unit will focus the Enforcement Division’s substantial cyber-related expertise on targeting cyber-related misconduct.

Port Authority and Municipality of Rotterdam launch blockchain lab

The Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have jointly launched a field lab focused on blockchain technology. The new applied research lab, ‘BlockLab’, is supported by the regional development corporation InnovationQuarter. It will serve as a knowledge center for the regional private sector.

Banco Central del Uruguay to launch digital currency pilot program

The Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU) is the latest central banking authority to consider exploring its own digital currency, CoinDesk reported. Speaking at a seminar on “The Future of Money and the Financial System,” BCU President Mario Bergara said that the digital currency would function like cash.

Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) regulations

ASIC issues regulatory guidance on ICOs

South Korean financial regulator bans ICOs

Events/Conferences:

Accenture and Hyperledger to co-host ‘Blockchain for Good Hackathon’ in Dublin

NEM Foundation to bolster smart blockchain adoption with global webinars

Investments/Acquisitions:

Gaming giant Nexon acquires Korean bitcoin exchange Korbit

Chat platform Kik secures nearly $100M in ICO

Consortium News, Partnerships and More:

Breadwallet bitcoin wallet rebrands as ‘Bread’, launches new iOS app

Rivetz to advance token and blockchain adoption with Chamber of Digital Commerce membership

Chilean banking regulator SBIF joins R3 blockchain consortium

Consulting giant Accenture joins Hashed Health blockchain consortium

Hyperledger blockchain project adds 10 new members

Bosch, BNY Mellon, Cisco and startups launch blockchain IoT consortium

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives:

ASX to reveal assessment on blockchain suitability to replace CHESS in December 2017

Overstock subsidiary to launch exchange for SEC-compliant ICO token trading

South Korea to get new cryptocurrency exchange ‘Upbit’

SEB, Nasdaq collaborate to develop blockchain solution for Swedish mutual fund market

Deloitte, Capgemini to participate in SAP’s blockchain co-innovation initiative

R3, TradeIX develop DLT-based network for open account trade finance

DECENT brings blockchain to SAP via new venture with Venaco Group

Change Healthcare announces enterprise blockchain solution for healthcare

Hitachi, Mizuho team up to build blockchain prototype for supply chain management

Commerzbank completes security transaction via blockchain

Australian utility giant Origin to test blockchain-based energy trading platform

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