Bitfinex Shifts Its Banking Business to Hong Kong-Based Bank of Communications

Cryptocurrency trading platform Bitfinex has reportedly shifted its banking business to the Hong Kong-based Bank of Communications, the Block reported Oct. 16. A source familiar with the matter reportedly said that Bitfinex appears to be banking with the Bank of Communications through the private account “Prosperity Revenue Merchandising Limited.” According to the Block, Bank of Communications — which is partly owned by HSBC — has been using U.S.-based Citibank as the intermediary bank for U.S. dollar wire transfers to Bitfinex. The Block speculates that HSBC — with whom Bitfinex previously…

Apple Pioneer Steve Wozniak Joins Blockchain Fund as Co-Founder

Steve Wozniak, the tech entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Apple, has joined EQUI Global, a venture capital fund built using blockchain technology, as a co-founder. In a Medium post published by the company, Wozniak said that he will scout for technology companies to find the “tech stars” of the future. He also said that he receives innovative pitches regularly; however, this is the first time, after Apple, that he has agreed to join a company. Wozniak added that he believes technology has the power to modify and improve businesses. EQUI…

Toyota Uses Blockchain Tech to Reduce Fraud in Digital Advertising Campaigns

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has partnered with blockchain advertising analytics firm Lucidity to cut down on fraud when buying digital ads, according to a press release published Oct. 16. Formerly known as KR8OS, Lucidity was founded in 2017 in Los Angeles and offers an Ethereum blockchain solution to track supply chain payments, so advertisers can monitor how their funds are allocated. Through the new partnership with Lucidity, Toyota and global ads agency Saatchi & Saatchi are reportedly looking to attain transparency in Toyota’s digital ad campaign buys and eliminate wasted…

$194 Million was Moved Using Bitcoin With $0.1 Fee, Potential of Crypto

On October 16, a Bitcoin user moved 29,999 BTC worth $194 million with a $0.1 fee, a transaction which with banks would cost tens of thousands of dollars. An often pushed narrative against cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum is that it is expensive to clear transactions due to fees sent to miners. However, the $194 million payment on the Bitcoin blockchain demonstrates the potential of consensus currencies to optimize cross-border payments significantly. $1 Million Through a Bank Costs $10,000+ Transferwise is a UK-based multi-billion dollar firm that eliminates hidden fees…

Europe Surpasses US and Asia in Cryptocurrency Token Sales

Europe is rapidly becoming the world’s cryptocurrency hub, with a significant amount of EUR funding being directed into cryptocurrency projects. So far this year, the value of token sales in Europe is close to exceeding that of Asia and the U.S. combined. Fabric Ventures, a venture capital fund investing in blockchain and decentralized network projects, released a report detailing the possible reasons behind the surge in European ICO funding in 2018. It cited positive regulatory revelations, the separation of economies in the European Union, and increasing development activity. According to the…

Abu Dhabi Ports Subsidiary Tests International Blockchain Pilot with Port of Antwerp

A subsidiary of the major U.A.E. seaport operator Abu Dhabi Ports has launched an international blockchain pilot with the Port of Antwerp, global shipping news agency Hellenic Shipping News reports Oct. 15. Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Abu Dhabi Ports subsidiary Maqta Gateway and the Port of Antwerp, the companies will run a pilot of a blockchain project called Silsal. According to the project, both entities will handle international trade documentation by deploying distributed ledger technology (DLT). The Silsal project is expected to provide full cargo visibility,…

Top Coins Today | Tezos and DigixDAO Lead the Pack

According to coinmarketcap.com, there are two top coins today. In the top 100, leading the pack and standing out for their double-digit gains are Tezos and DigixDAO. In 24 hours, both coins have increased almost 17%. So what’s going on with these two? Top Coins: Tezos and DigixDAO This morning, Tezos began listing on European exchange Kraken. The news has seen the coin increase nearly 17% in the 24-hour period. That is some gain. The 18th largest coin by market cap, Tezos (XTZ), began trading at 11:00 ET. To allay…

Tezos and DigixDAO Lead the Pack

According to coinmarketcap.com, there are two top coins today. In the top 100, leading the pack and standing out for their double-digit gains are Tezos and DigixDAO. In 24 hours, both coins have increased almost 17%. So what’s going on with these two? Top Coins: Tezos and DigixDAO This morning, Tezos began listing on European exchange Kraken. The news has seen the coin increase nearly 17% in the 24-hour period. That is some gain. The 18th largest coin by market cap, Tezos (XTZ), began trading at 11:00 ET. To allay…

HTC’s Blockchain Phone ‘Exodus’ Will Launch Next Week: Report

Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC will finally launch its blockchain powered smartphone Exodus in a week. The company shared details of the launch on its Instagram page (now deleted) via a teaser video. As expected, the video didn’t reveal much on the features to be expected from Exodus, but it revealed the suggestive numbers “10.22,” meaning the product would debut on Oct. 22 — next Monday. Exodus is a brainchild of HTC Vive creator Phil Chen, who said the device will target a niche audience and could be priced as high as…

Cointext’s Bitcoin Cash via SMS Wallet Launched in Argentina and Turkey

Cointext began offering its new SMS-based bitcoin cash wallet service on Oct. 15 in Turkey and Argentina, two countries in which cryptocurrency use has been rising sharply in response to dire economic conditions. Also read: Binance Launches Fiat-to-Crpto Exchange in Uganda Mobile Wallet HandlesBCH Transactions by Text Message “Bitcoin is better money,” Vin Armani, founder and chief technology officer of Cointext, said in an online statement. “Many Turks and Argentinians already understand this due to high inflation. We are excited to provide tools to help them use cryptocurrency.” The U.S. fintech startup…