Big cryptocurrencies bounce back, but smaller rivals lie in wait May 20, 2019 For users and proponents of cryptocurrencies, the stamp of approval from online auction giant eBay set the seal on a powerful comeback during this year so far. Bitcoin and some other selected cryptocurrencies are to be accepted as a form of payment by eBay. This doesn’t only greatly expand the “network effect” by which a [...]
The Crypto circus is back in town! This year’s star attraction? DeFi (Part 2) September 8, 2020 When the gas escaped from the ICO bubble market in early 2018, speculators and developers scrambled to find a new way to generate the huge funds and rampant growth previously offered by now collapsed initial coin offerings. DeFi is just the latest in the line of new, and ultimately self defeating attempts to bring back [...]
The US OCC clears path for banks to custody crypto July 23, 2020 As the great State of Wyoming leads the way in the USA for crypto and blockchain friendly banking (thanks to the tireless efforts of Caitlin Long, Tyler Lindholm and Jared Olsen) and with Texas saddling up to follow suit, huge news came out of the US as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency [...]
Crypto AM shines its Spotlight on NAYMS May 12, 2020 NAYMS is building the world’s first insurance market that allows Institutional crypto-holders to underwrite cryptocurrency risk. “In 1686, individuals called ‘names’ came together to cover risk of all varieties by pledging capital in return for a yield. The Lloyds of London marketplace was born. It’s now 2020, and NAYMS is bringing together capital markets and [...]
Brits curious about cryptocurrencies but still keen on cash, survey finds September 18, 2019 Members of the public are curious about the possibilities offered by cryptocurrencies, but cash is likely to remain king for the foreseeable future with the vast majority consumers wanting it to remain in use, a new study has found. Just 20 per cent of British people would prefer it if cash no longer existed, according [...]
Strong, Mad, Credible. July 14, 2020 I was asked to write an article for City A.M.’s Crypto A.M. about blockchain, crypto and digital assets. I was honoured, the only people to ask me to write for them were my teachers! I asked how many words, 1000 words I was told. I was unsure if I could write that much about blockchain, [...]
Wirex achieves profitability by maintaining 3 million registered customers in 130 countries April 7, 2020 As the sun shines down on the deserted great City of London and the presses stay silent during this unprecedented lockdown with the NHS diligently fighting COVID-19, the crypto markets remain open demonstrating that the digital economy will play a vital role going forward. It strikes me that if we had had a Central Bank [...]
Bitcoin was just the beginning of the imminent blockchain era June 12, 2018 Mention “blockchain”, and most people still immediately think of bitcoin – or ethereum, or ripple, or other cryptocurrencies. That’s not surprising, given that bitcoin was the first expression of blockchain technology. As the values of cryptocurrencies have soared and fallen, speculation has risen that the “bitcoin bubble” is about to burst. However, it is the [...]
A new economy: how a blockchain breakthrough is challenging the subscription economy April 28, 2020 Today, the subscription economy now covers everything from virtual spin classes to clothing, and even pet food. The business model has exploded because it offers recurring revenue streams and long-term customer relationships. 10 million people signed up for Disney+ within 24 hours of its November debut, giving some illustration of this model. Yet, ironically for [...]
Johanna Kyrklund: Is retail investor surge cause for caution? June 15, 2020 With a combination of resurgent markets, seemingly ebullient retail investors and a bleak economic outlook, it may be prudent to tread carefully. It’s an old investment cliché that when your taxi driver starts giving you share tips, it’s time to sell. As someone who has been on the receiving end of cabbie investment advice during [...]