De Beers launches blockchain tracking system Tracr for diamonds to avoid conflict zone gems May 10, 2018 Diamond mining company De Beers has started tracking diamonds on the journey from the mine to the retailer using blockchain in an effort to avoid imposters and conflict minerals. De Beers, which is the world’s biggest producer of diamonds, has developed the blockchain software called Tracr in cooperation with five other diamond manufacturers in an [...]
Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to face probe by UK’s Treasury Select Committee February 22, 2018 The Treasury Select Committee will today launch an inquiry into cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and distributed ledger technology as it aims to walk the line between regulating digital currencies and supporting innovation. MPs will examine the role of digital currencies in the UK, including the risks they pose to consumers, business and the government. They will [...]
Meet the crusader who is trying to convince the world that cryptocurrency is necessary April 23, 2018 Charles Hoskinson is a peculiar protagonist for a revolution. The American does not look much upon introductions. When one envisions a billionaire, an image not dissimilar to a sharp-suited Gordon Gekko of Wall Street ordinarily springs to mind. In Hoskinson’s case, he seems positively the opposite. Softly spoken and unshaven, he wanders to our interview [...]
Bitcoin prices jump as Japan makes the cryptocurrency legal April 3, 2017 Bitcoin prices have surged following Japan’s decision to allow the cryptocurrency as a legal method of payment, marking a major step in its adoption. The price of a bitcoin rose above $1,140 (£909) according to Coindesk’s price index. Just over a week ago one bitcoin was trading below $1,000. Japan’s new law will mean bitcoin [...]
Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend: Arsenal win leaves Emery with conundrum; Spurs fall at fortress Vicarage Road; and Alisson gaffe masks Liverpool progress September 2, 2018 Unai Emery heeded calls to fit both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang into his starting XI today at Cardiff and the move paid off in a breathless 3-2 win. Lacazette was deployed centrally and thrived on the greater degree of involvement, setting up Aubameyang’s goal and smashing the late winner. Aaron Ramsey also revelled through [...]
PSG announce first blockchain partnership to increase fan engagement September 11, 2018 Paris Saint-Germain has today announced a new partnership deal with a blockchain platform, the first of its kind in world football. They have agreed a contract with Socios.com, an online voting website that looks to increase supporter engagement in football clubs while offering teams a chance to monetize their fanbase. The deal is part of [...]
Cryptocurrency regulation: The FCA will publish its cryptocurrency review later this year April 9, 2018 The UK’s markets watchdog is set to publish its review of cryptocurrencies in the third quarter this year after issuing a number of warnings on the controversial digital assets. In its business plan for the financial year ahead, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the review was part of a taskforce with the Treasury and [...]
Venezuela’s ironic cryptocurrency distraction: the flaws of the Petro December 13, 2017 Last week Venezuela’s Maduro regime vowed to finally put an end to the nation’s economic woes by creating a sovereign cryptocurrency, the Petro. Falling oil prices coupled with years of corruption and economic mismanagement have created a toxic mixture of soaring inflation, rampant unemployment and a burgeoning underground economy. The Petro is being touted as [...]
LatteCoin? Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz denies planning a cryptocurrency launch but says there’s “potential” in blockchain January 27, 2018 There is already a whoppercoin for Russian Burger King, a KodakCoin for image rights, and even a cryptocurrency based on Theresa May. But could caffeine fiends soon be using blockchain to pay for their Venti non-fat latte with caramel drizzle at Starbucks? Not just yet, according to the company’s president and former CEO Howard Schultz. [...]
Traders might be misunderstanding the cryptocurrency craze, and it could come back to bite December 19, 2017 There’s no doubt that people are in a frenzy over cryptocurrencies. Not just bitcoin, but ether and litecoin and a number of others have seen huge gains this year. The interest in cryptocurrencies as a whole, and the hundreds of thousands of people signing up to platforms like Coinbase, has led to investors pouring money [...]