European Commission to crackdown on cryptocurrency fraud

The European Commission (EC) has proposed a number of measures to build strong cybersecurity in the European Union (EU). In order to combat fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash means of payment, the EC has also proposed boosting deterrence through new measures. “The proposed Directive will strengthen the ability of law enforcement authorities to tackle this form of crime by expanding the scope of the offences related to information systems to all payment transactions, including transactions through virtual currencies”.

US Senate Defense Bill calls for blockchain study

The US Senate has passed a $700 billion defense bill this week that includes a mandate to prepare a report on cyber applications of blockchain technology. CoinDesk reported that the bill includes an amendment, proposed by Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, which, if the bill is passed, would call for a blockchain study.

Australian government introduces bill to end bitcoin double taxation

The Australian government has introduced a legislation to remove the double taxation of digital currency. The legislation has been introduced months after the government removed goods-and-services tax (GST) on digital currency purchases in its national budget 2017-18, effective 01 July 2017. The bill, if passed, would make it easier for new innovative digital currency businesses to operate in Australia.

Japan’s FSA approves Coincheck’s application for bitcoin exchange registration

The Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) has approved Japanese bitcoin exchange Coincheck’s application for digital currency exchange registration. CryptoNinjas reported that the FSA received 50 exchange registration applications in August alone for compliance review. Coincheck’s application was accepted as one of the well-known companies in the country.

Chinese cryptocurrency exchanges to stop trading operations amid regulatory crackdown

Recent reports suggest that Chinese authorities have given verbal directives to domestic cryptocurrency exchanges to voluntarily shut down their services as they are operating without a formal license. According to the leaked documents on Chinese social media, the authorities have outlined the steps that these exchanges must follow during the shutdown process. A number of Chinese cryptocurrency exchanges have started issuing statements on how they plan to pull the plug on their operations.

Malta appoints taskforce to guide on National Blockchain Strategy

The government of Malta has set up a Blockchain Taskforce that will make recommendations for the National Blockchain Strategy roadmap, Times of Malta reported. Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved the National Blockchain Strategy by the Cabinet. This was followed by a call for proposals by the Parliamentary Secretariat for the digital economy from seven financial services advisory companies.

Events/Conferences:

SEC Investor Advisory Committee to discuss implication of blockchain for securities market

Research Studies and Reports:

Blockchain technology will support innovation and productivity across the economy: Australian Government

Deutsche Bundesbank explores blockchain potential for payments and securities settlement

BIS explores central bank cryptocurrency concept in a new report
IBM beats Microsoft and Accenture as blockchain technology leader: Juniper

Investments/Acquisitions:

Blockchain solutions company DigitalX to invest $3M in Etherparty

Bitcoin startup Luno secures $9M in Series B round, expands to Europe

Blockchain finance solution Bankera raises €25m in Pre-ICO

doc.ai to transform healthcare system using blockchain and AI, raises $2.3M in pre-sale

Blockchain real estate startup Propy raises $15M in ICO

Consortium News, Partnerships and More:

Wall Street Blockchain Alliance adds BlockEx and RiskSpan as corporate members

New initiative ‘Token Alliance’ to promote best practices for ICOs

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives:

Telecom giant Swisscom establishes new blockchain subsidiary

WISeKey unveils blockchain-powered digital-ID platform 'CertifyID'

China Construction Bank (Asia) and IBM announce blockchain-based bancassurance solution

SEI, Coinfirm partner to transform asset transfer market using blockchain

AXA trials blockchain-based platform for late flight compensation

SETL, French asset management firms launch blockchain-based fund record-keeping platform

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