Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) came back into the news in 2021, generally falling into two categories: blockchain projects generally centered around the issuance of Ethereum-based tokens, and blockchain-powered crowdfunding ventures for investors. To say that DAOs got off to a rocky start would be something of an understatement. The original DAO, formed in … [Read more...] about DAOs: The Next Blockchain Frontier?
Ethereum
Could Altcoins Surpass Bitcoin?
Another week has closed with another crypto price rally, in what has been a banner year for the market. Bitcoin's been enjoying historic highs - though not without some of its trademark volatility - throughout 2021, and with another climb to $50,000 Friday that trend doesn't look to be ending anytime soon. But Bitcoin's surge wasn't the only story in crypto this week - along … [Read more...] about Could Altcoins Surpass Bitcoin?
FinTech Funding Doubles; Crypto Prices Plunge
Private and public investments in FinTech firms surged in the first quarter of 2021. Research firms are predicting that 2021 will set a record for FinTech funding. Understanding what sectors and regions receive venture funding provides perspective to traditional financial institutions, notes The Financial Brand in its coverage. "Seeing where venture capital money is flowing. … [Read more...] about FinTech Funding Doubles; Crypto Prices Plunge
Banks Increasingly Need Crypto Literacy
As bitcoin prices have exploded upward throughout the beginning of this year, many traditional financial institutions have been forced to one conclusion: cryptocurrency is here to stay. Even if your institution doesn’t plan to deal directly in the space, the need to be knowledgeable about it is becoming an increasing imperative. But it’s a complicated subject – a crowded … [Read more...] about Banks Increasingly Need Crypto Literacy
The Programmable Future of Currency
It’s broadly agreed that the rails that exist for payments – both domestically and globally – are antiquated. While there has been any number of advances and shifts toward digital wrappers and new ways for consumers to move money around, on the backend the payment rails themselves are roughly the same as they were 50 years ago. Those rails have built the backbone for a … [Read more...] about The Programmable Future of Currency
New Bitcoin Offerings and Volatility Reflect Challenges and Promise For Cryptocurrency
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) launched its physically-settled bitcoin futures trading platform, Bakkt, on September 23. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has been doing futures trading in bitcoin for even longer -- since 2017 -- and is now making plans to expand that platform by early next year with a bitcoin options contract. It's a market with promise, but one … [Read more...] about New Bitcoin Offerings and Volatility Reflect Challenges and Promise For Cryptocurrency