Trump picks bitcoin and blockchain enthusiast Mick Mulvaney as Budget Director

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Mick Mulvaney, a conservative Republican congressman from South Carolina and bitcoin enthusiast, as the U.S. Budget Director. According to CryptoCoinsNews, Mulvaney is the first member of the Congress to accept bitcoin donations. In addition, he has been instrumental in establishing a bipartisan Congressional Blockchain Caucus dedicated to the advancement of sound public policy toward cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based technologies.

CryptoValley Zug to continue accepting bitcoin payments, to explore blockchain technology

The City Council of Zug, Switzerland, also known as Crypto Valley, has announced that the bitcoin pilot project that kicked off in July will be made permanent. Announced in May 2016, the pilot project allowed local residents to pay for public services using bitcoin with payments initially limited to an equivalent of 200 francs.

Banque de France performs interbank blockchain experiment

The Banque de France, the central bank of France, has announced that it is conducting an interbank blockchain experiment. The French bank said in the release that earlier in July, it tested the blockchain technology on SEPA creditor Identifier, one of the distributed ledgers that it manages. This trail was the first publically acknowledged blockchain trial by the bank.

Chinese Blockchain Application Sub-Committee to explore blockchain in logistics and supply chain

Chinese Blockchain startup, logistics companies, and financial institutions have formed Blockchain Application Sub-Committee that was previously initiated by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing last week at the 2016 Fintech Global Summit. The Sub-Committee aims to focus on the promotion of blockchain technology in logistics

Philippines central bank considers regulatory framework for bitcoin

With the increasing volumes of bitcoin remittances, the Philippines central bank is considering introducing digital currency regulations to protect consumers. Bloomberg reports that as the number of overseas Filipinos using bitcoin and other digital currencies to send money home is increasing, the government is ramping up efforts to protect users.

Central Bank of Nigeria, NDIC set up committee to study bitcoin

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has set up a committee to study digital currency bitcoin, Nigeria Today reported. The committee will study the advantages and disadvantages of bitcoin as well as its potential as a payment method.

Hungarian National Bank rewarns against cryptocurrencies

The Hungarian National Bank (MNB) has once again issued a warning against cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, after it received numerous complaints from users, Budapest Business Journal reported. The bank said that digital currencies or cryptocurrencies do not fall under the regulation of any central banks or any regulatory authorities. Emphasizing on the risk posed by cryptocurrencies, the MNB clarified that it does not approve, nor does it register, such currencies whether being used for the purpose of making payments or investments.

Digital Currency/Blockchain research studies:

Healthcare organizations to set pace for blockchain adoption in 2017 – IBM Institute for Business Value

Conferences/ Events:

Ethereum European Development Conference to be held in Paris in February 2017

The North American Bitcoin Conference announces January event in Miami

Innovation Ignition Competition invites blockchain projects for healthcare

Important deals, partnerships, and more:

Royal Canadian Mint joins fintech company Goldmoney’s blockchain platform

Coinify and Bcash join forces to ease bitcoin purchases

OpenBazaar integrates with ShapeShift to accept payments in any cryptocurrency

EasyBit, Bitcoin Vietnam partner to operate bitcoin ATM machines in Vietnam

Bitcoin startup Purse further expands in India, partners with Coinsecure

Global Advisors Bitcoin Investment Fund lists on CISE

Blockchain firm Axoni raises $18M in Series A funding

Hyperledger blockchain consortium welcomes Swisscom