The CHAISE Alliance is inviting organisations to join the alliance as an Associated Partner and to support project goals and outcomes via a Statement of Support. By joining, organisations will be part of a network of some of the finest experts working towards strengthening the development of blockchain skills in Europe. CHAISE is dedicated to […]
Date and time: Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00 – 21:00 IST Location: Dogpatch Labs, Custom House Quay Dublin 1 This after-work event seeks to present informed and engaging perspectives from key actors and influencers in the crypto and defi realm. Come for expert knowledge sharing and networking in the blockchain #Startups and Web3 ecosystem. Guest […]
From TradFi to DeFi and ReFi: the revolution in financial services
The adoption and application of technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT), combined with the next iteration of internet technologies in web3, is driving a new wave of development in financial services. Articles, such as this one in Intelligent CIO Magazine, talk about how Web3 can enable “immutable credit histories” to be built […]
Techbrek – Blockchain and Digital Assets: Harnessing the potential to transform
Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) have steadily developed as a key infrastructure element for many industries, in financial services and beyond. According to the Deloitte 2021 Global Blockchain Survey, the vast majority (80%) of participants say their industries will see new revenue streams from blockchain, digital assets, and/or cryptocurrency solutions. This is to the […]
Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation public consultation
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD opened a public consultation on the exercise of national discretions contained within the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MICAR) (EU) 2023/1114. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation is the first European-level legislation introducing a harmonised and comprehensive framework for crypto-assets, covering issues from the offering to the public of crypto-assets […]
EASA to leverage blockchain tech for tracking aircraft parts
Europe continues its search for new blockchain use cases, with the latest foray coming in its aviation sector as the region seeks to crack down on using unapproved parts, reports Coingeek. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) leads the charge with a new project to leverage blockchain to track aircraft parts and other components. […]
Digital assets recognised as legal property in China
Digital assets are legal property in China, according to a report published by the People’s Court of China, putting China among a cohort of jurisdictions that have explicitly recognised that property rights apply to digital assets in the same way they do any other, reports Coingeek. “Virtual currency is not classified as an illegal item. […]
Ireland – Bridging the gap between Finance and Technology
14 September @ 8:00 am – 11:30 am – Corrig Court, Corrig Rd, Sandyford, Dublin, Join Mark Kelly from AI Ireland and Lory Kehoe from Blockchain Ireland for this event aimed at finance directors and credit managers that want to be more aware of what is coming in the future of the industry. The event […]
What to know about the EU’s upcoming Digital Product Passport
For many regions, it is now a race against the clock in an attempt to reverse environmental damages caused by various industries. Such efforts have become increasingly apparent within the European Union (EU), which has been drastically scraping together an array of legislations over the past year to tackle eco-issues in a bid to right […]
SEC issues first enforcement action targeting NFTs
US regulators ordered a Los Angeles-based company that issued non-fungible tokens to compensate investors who bought the NFTs, arguing that the transactions were illegal unregistered securities offerings. It was the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s first NFT-related enforcement action, reports Coindesk. The SEC’s findings do not suggest regulators consider all NFTs to be securities, limiting […]
During the 2023 Hangzhou Summit in Hangzhou, China, government officials unveiled a new data exchange powered by blockchain technology, reports Cointelegraph. Over 300 enterprises, including Alibaba Cloud and Huawei, participated in the exchange’s debut. According to local news reports, the new Hangzhou Data Exchange will facilitate the trading of enterprise information technology data using distributed […]
Mastercard explores CBDCs, trust and the evolution of money
Central banks have been exploring ways to issue their own digital currencies for years, writes Mastercard. Yet their efforts haven’t captured the public’s attention — for better or, more recently, for worse — like cryptocurrencies have. But central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs — essentially a digital version of fiat currency backed by a government […]
Blockchain Arbitration and Commerce Society report on Travel Rule for Crypto Assets in the EU
A report on European Union Crypto Assets Travel Rule has been released by the Blockchain Arbitration & Commerce Society (BACS) to provide a clear and practical guide to address the main issues triggered by Regulation (EU) 2015/847 in the face of money laundering. The report from BACS, in collaboration with partners BITLAB, is available in […]
Real-world assets: Shaping the future of digital asset management with tokenisation
Entering the “token era” remains a significant leap into uncharted territory for companies, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Brickken, an up-and-coming tokenising solution, now helps companies to create digital tokens backed by real-world assets –– with zero downtime and instant execution, reports Cointelegraph. Cryptocurrencies dominated the 2010s — and so far, artificial […]
MoonPay Technology Services Limited has been successful in its registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Ireland, with the Central Bank providing approval in August. “Since its inception,” wrote CEO Ivan Soto-Wright, “MoonPay has been steadfast in our resolve to protect our customers from financial crime, fraud, and cyber threats, while ensuring a […]
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail pilots Jameson Travel Wallet in Dublin
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (PRGTR) has completed a three-month initial pilot period for the Jameson Travel Wallet in Dublin Airport, writes the Moodie Davitt Report. The wallet, launched in collaboration with Jameson Irish Whiskey, falls under the company’s ‘Arrive Like a Local’ global travel retail campaign. The Jameson Travel Wallet leveraged Web3 digital blockchain […]
UK move to digitise trade documents could rely on blockchain, says government
A UK initiative to digitise trade documents could make use of technologies that underlie crypto, the government has said. The Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, which officially became law on July 20, stands to reverse centuries-old merchant laws to allow trade documents to be stored and distributed digitally, reports Coindesk. The laws are set to […]
New market report shows growth in verified smart contracts
BNB Chain Innovation reports growth of verified smart contracts despite a bear market in Q2 2023, underscoring the increasing demand for blockchain-based solutions. Takeaways: The report also includes inputs from industry experts and founders of dApps that saw the highest growth in Q2 on BNB Chain, with their thoughts on the development of the Web3 […]
Ireland’s first one-of-a-kind Web3 collaboration: Web3 Creativity Summit 2023
Hosted by Blockchain Ireland’s Start-ups and Web3 Working Group, Web3 Creativity Summit is a one-day knowledge-sharing and demonstration event during the Worlds Collide exhibition of analogue, digital, mechanical and robotic arts, curated by Conan Wynne. Time: Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:00 – 17:00 IST Place: Phase Space Arts, 27 Rathgar Avenue, D06 T0X6 Dublin 6, […]
Blockleaders.io spoke to a young professional who pivoted away from a more traditional career path to move into Web3… Matyushina does not do comfortable. Instead, she enjoys pushing herself in new experiences and challenges. This is reflected in her hobbies where she thrives on extreme activities such as paragliding and parachuting. Next on her bucket […]
‘Fuzzing’ tool from ConsenSys to test smart contract vulnerabilities
Blockchain technology firm ConsenSys publicly released its “Diligence Fuzzing” tool for smart contract testing, according to an announcement. The new tool produces “random and invalid data points” to find vulnerabilities in contracts before they are launched, reports Cointelegraph. Over $2.8 billion was lost in decentralised finance hacks in 2022. According to ConsenSys, these losses are […]
Talk to a bitcoin maximalist – someone who believes that bitcoin is the only digital asset with innate value – and, more likely than not, they’ll tell you the world’s oldest cryptocurrency is, in fact, ‘not crypto’ at all, writes Forbes. The refrain can be confusing: clearly, bitcoin pioneered the use of cryptography – an […]
Deloitte, Chainalysis alliance to give law enforcement a crypto edge
Deloitte is set to boost its clients’ blockchain-tracking capabilities following a strategic alliance with crypto analytics firm Chainalysis, reports Cointelegraph. Announced during a Chainalysis conference in Washington, DC, the tie-up will see Chainalysis’ blockchain data sets, analytics software and training programs assist Deloitte’s clients with their crypto forensic, investigative and compliance needs. A Chainalysis spokesperson […]
Central Bank of Ireland survey: Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation
With the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) in force since 29 June 2023, the Central Bank of Ireland is inviting firms to participate in a short survey to help it: The survey can be accessed here: https://centralbankofireland.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fT3SAJrg5lYYJw The survey is aimed only at firms that intend to perform activities which will be regulated under MiCAR. […]
National Fintech Awards: Crypto, Blockchain or Digital Assets
The National Fintech Awards take place on 14 September 2023 in the Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin. The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of the entire Irish Fintech industry, recognising those who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and growth in this dynamic and constantly evolving sector. There will be a dedicated award for […]
Welcome NoFrixion and Pionew Ireland to Fintech Ireland’s Registered Virtual Asset Service Providers Map v 2.0
Fintech Ireland has updated its Registered Virtual Asset Service Providers Map to version 2.0, with the inclusion of newly registered NoFrixion and Pionew Ireland. It reports that, on 12 April 2023, together with Susan O’Neill of SuLu Solutions and Peter Oakes of Fintech Ireland, issued the first Registered Virtual Asset Service Providers – Ireland Map. […]
Curious about blockchain? Want to upskill and elevate yourself? We’ve curated a list of full-time and part-time blockchain courses in Ireland, so you can make the most of your summer by exploring your options and preparing for your learning journey. * Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet:– Postgraduate Certificate in Blockchain for Leaders – Certificate in Emerging Digital Technologies – MSc in […]
BlackRock files for bitcoin ETF in push into crypto
BlackRock, the world’s biggest asset manager, has filed for a bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) that would allow investors to get exposure to the cryptocurrency, as the asset class comes under intense regulatory scrutiny, reports Reuters. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust will use Coinbase Custody as its custodian, according to a filing with the US Securities and […]
Ripple, crypto industry score partial win in SEC court fight over XRP
Ripple scored a partial victory in its fight with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in a court ruling that brought a modicum of regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, reports Coindesk. The sale of Ripple’s XRP tokens on exchanges and through algorithms did not constitute investment contracts, the US District Court of the Southern […]
EU blockchain sandbox unveils first 20 use cases after wave of applications
According to the European Commission, 20 projects have been selected in the first cohort to receive legal advice and regulatory guidance, reports Cointelegraph. Plans to set up a regulatory sandbox for blockchain technology were announced by the European Commission and the European Blockchain Partnership in 2020. The goal, according to the Commission, is to foster […]
BIS releases contrasting reports on CBDCs and crypto
In anticipation of the meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub (BISIH) released two significant reports on cryptocurrency and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on 11 July. These reports present divergent perspectives on the technologies involved, reports MSN. The shorter of the two reports, spanning […]
Parliamentary report recommends Canada recognise, strategise about blockchain industry
A Canadian House of Commons committee report has recommended that the country “recognise blockchain as an emerging industry” and take all the steps that entails, reports Cointelegraph. There are a lot of steps needed, it said. The report was released by the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology after a study […]
The EU is set to take the next crucial step towards launching a digital version of the euro, a controversial project that has come under attack from the public, politicians and banks before it even exists, reports RTE News. From China to the United States, Jamaica to Japan, dozens of central banks worldwide are exploring […]
EU reaches agreement on crypto asset regulations in banking
The European Union (EU) has reached a political agreement on changes to the Capital Requirements Regulation and Directive, including new regulations for crypto assets, reports Yahoo Finance. This move comes in response to lawmakers’ calls for stringent rules to prevent “unbacked cryptocurrencies” from infiltrating the traditional financial system. The announcement of this agreement was made […]
Sony Network invests in Web3 start-up to spur mass adoption
Sony Network Communications, a subsidiary of Sony, and Japanese Web3 infrastructure tech company Startale Labs, have revealed a new business collaboration and a $3.5 million investment to build a foundation for the widespread adoption of Web3, reports Cointelegraph. The partnership will push Startale’s development of Web3 services and products, including its mission to create all-in-one […]
The Atlantic Technological University (ATU), in association with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, is now offering its Higher Diploma in Business in Finance & Technology (Level 8 – 60 Credits), which is a conversion course into the FinTech Industry. It is a one-year course, delivered exclusively online, designed to equip people with the core knowledge, skills […]
Investing in Web3 is a ‘hedge against disruption’ — Corporate VC
The crypto space has been facing waves of uncertainty in recent months, with looming regulations from authorities worldwide and a lingering market downturn. Despite the state of the industry, investors are still backing new ventures in the space. Data shows that in 2022 alone, European decentralized finance startups experienced increased venture capital (VC) funding of […]
European Investment Bank taps blockchain for Climate Awareness Bond
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has issued a blockchain-based digital bond powered by environmentally-incentivised node infrastructure, reports Cointelegraph. An announcement from the financial institution outlined the key points of a “digital native green bond” denominated in Swedish krona. The 1 billion krona bond is set to offer a 3.638% fixed rate over two years to […]
Survey: the impact of blockchain technology adoption on the business models of small and medium enterprises
The Cork University Business School at University College Cork is carry out research on the impact of blockchain technology adoption on the business models of small and medium enterprises. According to leader researcher, Zainab AlShabeeb, PhD student in the Business Information Systems programme, the results from the research will contribute to understanding the potential impact […]
Blockchain Ireland Week 2023 wrapped in fine style with a social event in Café en Seine, Dublin, the highlight of which was the Blockchain Ireland Awards. Recognising outstanding achievements and contributions to the ecosystem, seven winners received the acclaim of all in attendance. The categories broadly reflected the areas of the respective working groups, covering […]
Trinity Business School venue sees vibrant networking, lively debate and expert presentations for the fourth annual event, with significant announcements Thriving growth and development best describes the blockchain, crypto and Web3 community in Ireland, as characterised by the success that was Blockchain Ireland Week 2023. The fourth run of the now annual conference saw an […]
Citi confirmed as platinum sponsor for Blockchain Ireland Week 2023
Blockchain Ireland is delighted to announce financial giant Citi as platinum sponsor for Blockchain Ireland Week 2023. In recognition of the maturing technologies that have driven business and financial transformation, Blockchain Ireland Week will explore how blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) have merged the increasing digitalisation of business and finance as the foundation for […]
Minister of State Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill meets Blockchain Ireland
Blockchain Ireland was delighted to meet Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for further discussions, having submitted its blockchain, crypto, and Web3 strategy to government in 2022. Blockchain Ireland was represented by chair, Dave Feenan, and co-founder Lory Kehoe. Focusing on making Ireland a friendly and welcoming place for […]
26th – 28th May 2023 | Dogpatch Labs, The CHQ Building, Dublin 1 ETH Ireland is hosting ETHDublin to engineer Ireland’s tech culture at Dogpatch Labs – Ireland’s number 1 startup hub. As the first of its kind on the emerald isle, this hackathon brings an international pool of Web3 developers together with Ireland’s domestic technical talent. This […]
Blockchain:Revolutionising Fashion in the Metaverse
With Paula-Marie Kilgarriff – Fashion Retail Lecturer @ Technological University Dublin, Web3 and Metaverse Activation Strategist, and Paula Kelleher BlockW. When and where:Wed, 10 May 2023 17:30 – 19:30 IST The Little Museum of Dublin 15 Saint Stephen’s Green D02 Y066 Dublin 2 Get ready to step into a new dimension of fashion with the […]
European banks launch ‘sustainable’ blockchain platform for digital bonds
Two banks from Sweden and France announced the launch of a new digital bond platform built on blockchain technology, reports Cointelegraph. The platform will enable institutional clients to issue, trade and settle bonds digitally, providing a more efficient and secure process than traditional methods. The platform is a joint project of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) […]
CBI updates investment limits for QIAIF exposure to digital assets
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has published revised investment limits for qualifying investor alternative investment funds’ (QIAIF) exposure to digital assets. In a LinkedIn post, Catharine Dwyer, senior policy advisor, Markets Policy Division, CBI, highlighted the key points as: 1. up to 20% of NAV for open-ended QIAIFs, 2. up to 50% of NAV […]
This BlockW /ICS webinar on Smart Cities will be presented by Dr Irina Tal, Assistant Professor at Dublin City University (DCU), and Moderated by Professor Joyce O’Connor, Founding Member and Chair of BlockW. The rapid urbanisation of the world’s population (e.g. 75% of the European Union – EU population lives in the cities) causes significant […]
Consider DLT use when judging money laundering risks, EBA advises supervisors
European Union supervisors should consider whether crypto-style distributed ledger technology (DLT) is in use as a specific factor when judging money laundering risks, the European Banking Authority has suggested in published draft guidance, reports Coindesk. The guidance suggests banks and payment providers will be under pressure to enhance scrutiny of crypto companies when considering a […]
An overview of fake product detection using blockchain technology
Cointelegraph has produced a comprehensive article on how blockchain and DLT is leveraged to detect fake products and components in various forms of production. Addressed under a number of headings, the article puts forward various arguments for why blockchain can provide the transparency that is “crucial in preventing the circulation of fake products.” Supply chain […]
Blockchain’s transparency and traceability can aid sustainability and reduce carbon emissions for climate change, writes Cointelegraph. With rising temperatures, melting ice caps and more frequent and intense extreme weather events, the effects of climate change are becoming more and more obvious. There is an urgent need to prevent climate change, and numerous technologies and methods […]
It’s time for real-world assets to get real! Be part of the new frontier in business liquidity
This first event promises to be informative and engaging, future-facing and disruptive, with insights direct from the marketplace in real-world asset tokenisation. Come for expert knowledge sharing and networking in the blockchain #Startups and Web3 ecosystem. Guest speakers will share their diverse perspectives on crypto, Defi and real-world asset-backed lending. Moderated by: Fiona Delaney | Chair […]
Web3 a SXSW hot topic despite bear market and declining NFT interest
Giant rabbits wearing trendy outfits situated alongside cartoon characters with rainbows flowing out of their mouths lined the streets of South by Southwest (SXSW) last year. This is because two nonfungible token (NFT) projects — Doodles and Fluf World — dominated SXSW 2022, reports Cointelegraph. Yet these projects were nowhere to be found at SXSW […]
Liberland and Web3 Foundation have jointly announced that the Liberland Blockchain Team received a grant from Web3 Foundation (W3F), reports Blockleaders.io. The topic of the grant was the setup of the minimally viable version of the Liberland Blockchain: the first public blockchain to run a state government. Liberland will be the first country to run […]
Blockchain gaining adoption in more than just DeFi, says report
Anyone familiar with the blockchain industry knows that decentralised finance (DeFi) is one of the sector’s most prominent use cases with the most substantial adoption, writes Cointelegraph. Recent issues in the banking sector, it argues, like those surrounding Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse, have caused many to take a second look at Bitcoin and […]
ECB’s Lagarde says digital euro has key role in payment autonomy
A digital euro has a key role to play in safeguarding European payment autonomy, according to European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde. According to Business Times, she warned that it’s very unhealthy to rely on a single source for critical aspects of daily life. This was highlighted by Russia’s decision to weaponise energy supply following […]
Despite 2022’s crypto market collapse, writes Forbes, dozens of enterprises around the world are still investing in blockchain, the distributed-database technology that underpins the entire sector because it helps their businesses operate better, faster or cheaper. Crypto is in the toilet, Forbes asserts. Even after a January rally that saw prices jump by a third […]
IoT project turns smartphones into blockchain nodes to broaden connectivity
A new project aims to use the Internet of Things to let smartphone users establish nodes, providing connectivity to IoT smart devices, report Cointelegraph. Smartphones could become an integral part of blockchain networks, powering connectivity between smart devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. Nodle is the firm behind a connectivity platform that incentivises […]
RMS Titanic artifacts to be tokenised as NFTs in new partnership
Artifacts recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic will be tokenised using blockchain technology through a partnership driven by the company that acts as steward of the sunken vessel, reports Cointelegraph. A three-way partnership involving the company RMS Titanic (RMST), Hong Kong-based Venture Smart Financial Holdings and Web3 firm Artifact Labs will begin tokenising precious […]
Hundreds of blockchains at risk of ‘zero-day’ exploits, warns security firm
More than 280 blockchain networks are at risk of “zero-day” exploits that could put at least $25 billion worth of crypto at risk, according to cybersecurity firm Halborn. Cointelegraph writes a 13 March blog post from Halborn warned of the vulnerability it dubbed “Rab13s” — adding it has already worked with some blockchains, such as […]
Crypto bros are quite literally becoming bankless and unbankable, writes Bloomberg. By abruptly bundling crypto-friendly Signature Bank — one of the last of its kind — into receivership amid an extraordinary weekend operation to backstop the US banking system, regulators are sending a message that volatile tokens and decentralised finance need to be kept far […]
Signature Bank shutdown caused by ‘crisis of confidence’ in leadership, says NYDFS
Signature Bank was not shut down for crypto-related reasons, the New York Department of Financial Services has said, rejecting claims that the regulator took over the bank to send an “anti-crypto message.” NYDFS took over Signature over the weekend (11/03/2023), reports Coindesk, turning it over to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The move followed […]
World’s first Irish Pub in the metaverse launches in The Sandbox
The world’s first Web3 metaverse Irish pub, the Irish Shebeen, is launching in The Sandbox, a decentralised gaming virtual world, on March 17, St Patrick’s Day. It will be live for 12 days, reports Blockleaders.io. People will be able to visit, undertake quests, mint NFTs, see local artists and find a treasure trove of Irish […]
Pakistan banks agree on blockchain-based KYC system development
The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), a group of 31 traditional banks operating in Pakistan, has signed off on developing a blockchain-based Know Your Customer (KYC) platform, reports Cointelegraph. On March 2, the PBA signed the project contract to develop Pakistan’s first blockchain-based national eKYC banking platform, as reported by the Daily Times. The move aims […]
AI artist Claire Silver to show NFT collection at Louvre
Claire Silver, an artist who utilises artificial intelligence across her non-fungible token (NFT) projects, is set to debut her new collection at the Louvre Museum in Paris later this month, reports Coindesk. Her new collection, titled “can i tell you a secret,” is an “autobiographical series of 100 post-photography pieces created with AI,” Variety first […]
According to sources, Visa and Mastercard will delay the launch of new blockchain partnerships until market conditions improve and a clearer regulatory framework is established, reports Cointelegraph. According to a Reuters report published on 28 February, American payment processors Visa and Mastercard have delayed the launch of new partnerships with crypto firms due to high-profile […]
In Nigeria, citizens have taken to the streets to protest the nation’s cash shortage, further objecting to their government’s implementation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), writes Nicholas Anthony, at Coindesk. The shortage came about due to cash restrictions aimed at pushing the country into a 100% cashless economy. Yet, instead of adopting the […]
We don’t want to stifle crypto, says Fed Reserve Chairman
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has made it clear that the central bank doesn’t want to prevent crypto innovation but warned that the industry is still replete with fraud and risks, reports CryptoNews. Powell has testified on Capitol Hill before the Senate Banking Committee, and when asked about the cryptocurrency space, he said that the […]
Crypto firms brace for ‘carpet-bombing moment’ in US as Europe beckons
Crypto lobbyists have a new cudgel in their intensifying battle with US regulators: Europe wants their business, writes Politico. Industry leaders are increasingly making the trans-Atlantic juxtaposition to argue for clearer regulations as US agencies begin to enforce decades-old rules for trading and banking in the crypto world. Congress is nowhere near the point where […]
Breaking barriers: protocol to bring interoperability, easy swaps across chains
Interoperability remains a persistent issue in the world of gazillion blockchains and interesting protocols and projects. The need for interoperability leads to many practical problems, one of which comes down to token liquidity and crypto swapping between blockchains, writes Cointelegraph. Moving tokens from one blockchain to another has become a crucial part of the DeFi […]
EU Commission opens regulatory sandbox for blockchain
The European Commission has launched the European Regulatory Sandbox for Blockchain, a controlled environment where companies can test products and services while engaging with relevant regulators. “The sandbox will provide legal certainty for decentralised technology solutions including blockchain by identifying obstacles to their deployment from a legal and regulatory perspective and providing legal advice, regulatory […]
Blockchain 2023: BlockWeb – New horizons, challenges and opportunities
BlockW, the female led organisation that aims to raise awareness of Blockchain and Web 3.0, is holding its first event of 2023 on 9 March. When: 17.30 09/03/2023 Where: KPMG Platform X, Harbourmaster Place, Dublin 1 Click here for more details.
Forbes writes: We see the stories every day. Feds charge 21 people in global crypto money laundering bust. FTX not only filed for bankruptcy, but hackers allegedly stole customer assets. Cryptocurrency investors have lost more than $2 trillion in the past year. Given such headlines, one can be forgiven for viewing cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency trading […]
TechBrek: Enabling open source innovation in Ireland
The return of the popular TechBrek series will explore how open source is powering innovation in Ireland today, on 28 February from 08:30 in Baggot Street, Dublin. Clare Dillon, co-founder of Open Ireland Network, will share an overview of global open source trends, including results from a recent survey on open source usage and the […]
Siemens issues $64m digital bond on a public blockchain
German engineering and technology giant Siemens has become one of the first companies in Germany to issue a digital bond on a public blockchain, reports Cointelegraph. It’s worth €60 million ($64 million) and has a maturity of one year, in accordance with Germany’s Electronic Securities Act. According to the 14 February announcement, the bond was […]
Solving the Bitcoin Capacity Problem – Blockchain Ireland @ Dogpatch
When and where: Date and time Thu, 23 February 2023, 18:00 – 20:30 GMT Location Dogpatch Labs Custom House Quay Dublin 1 This event is for anyone looking to learn more about how we can solve the Bitcoin scaling problem. Enter: The Lightning Network. This is a layer 2 protocol that enables the Bitcoin network to handle […]
Gonzalo Faura takes the chair of Developer Working Group
Founder and CEO of Swappsi Software, Gonzalo Faura, has taken the chair of the Blockchain Ireland Developer Working Group. Faura has more than 20 years’ experience in the software industry through his background as a software developer and business analyst. As well as his role in Swappsi Software, Faura is also founder of Chainzie Blockchain […]
SIMBA Chain wins $30m US Air Force tech initiative
Blockchain solutions provider SIMBA Chain has been selected for a $30 million Strategic Technology Focus Initiative (STRATFI) by the United States Air Force (USAF), reports Cointelegraph. The initiative is focused on identifying and advancing technologies that could secure the future dominance of the USAF. According to an announcement, the investment will be used to develop […]
Uncertainty and a lack of diversity among findings in Blockchain Gaming Alliance Survey
A report from the Blockchain Gaming Alliance Survey for 2022 has offered insights into the challenges and trends facing the future of blockchain games, reports Blockleaders.io. It includes a survey of more than 300 members, including gaming studios, blockchain protocols, and individuals within the community. Many believe that blockchain gaming is a key factor driving […]
Dr Trevor Clohessy takes the Education, Skills, and Innovation Group chair
The Blockchain Ireland Education, Skills, and Innovation Working Group has a new chair, Dr Trevor Clohessy. Dr Clohessy is a lecturer of more than 20 year’s experience, with University of Galway, the Atlantic Technological University, and private institutes such as Blockdaemon, City Colleges and Chartered Accountants Ireland. Dr Clohessy has also more than 15 years […]
Blockchain technology has revolutionised the way we think about data storage and transactions, but it can also be a complex field for developers to navigate. One tool that can help simplify the process is ChatGPT, a large language model created by OpenAI, writes Alive Ivey for Cointelegraph. A language model is a type of artificial […]
2023 is the year of real world asset growth, according to Fiona Delaney, co-chair at BCIRL Start-ups and Web3. In particular in her field of agri-Web3, this means land-backed asset creation and agri-DeFi. With this in mind, Delaney has selected some of her ‘most wanted’ speakers on the agenda from an interoperability and regulatory assurance […]
Cardano ecosystem to expand with custom-built sidechains
The team behind the Cardano ecosystem is set to release a software toolkit later this month to enable developers deploy custom-built sidechains on Cardano, aimed at improving the ecosystem, reports Cointelegraph. The news was announced on 12 January Input Output Global (IOG), a blockchain engineering company founded by Charles Hoskinson and formerly known as Input […]
Global businesses adopting blockchain technology, finds survey
A new survey from CasperLabs found that despite education gaps, enterprise adoption of blockchain technology in the US, UK and China is set to increase in the next year, reports Cointelegraph. The crypto and blockchain space has had a turbulent past year, but that is not stopping users and enterprises from looking into the industry. […]
AWS partners with Avalanche Blockchain to accelerate enterprise adoption
In an official blog post published on 11 January, Ava Labs confirmed that they have partnered with Amazon Web Services to drive Enterprise adoption of blockchain technology, reports Blockcleaders.io. The Global ecommerce giant and leading cloud storage provider also confirmed the news on their official platform with a thought leadership article from Emin Gün Sirer […]
Using blockchain technology to combat retail theft
The retail industry is one of the most important sectors of the United States economy. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has left the trillion-dollar retail sector vulnerable to in-store theft, writes Rachel Wolfson in an editorial for Cointelegraph. Findings from the National Retail Federation’s 2022 Retail Security Survey show that retail losses from stolen goods increased […]
DeepSquare: A beacon for decentralised high-performance cloud computing
At a recent event, Diarmuid Daltún and Florin Dzeladini, the respective Co-Founder and Blockchain Lead at DeepSquare spoke to Blockleaders.io. As a sustainable, decentralised cloud ecosystem, DeepSquare is on a mission to enable high-performance computing centred around a blockchain protocol, it reports. Alongside high-performance computing, DeepSquare is a non-profit organisation that has a strong focus […]
Decentralised solutions for climate change are key as COP disappoints
Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues in the modern world with mounting pressure on companies to develop and implement climate strategies. Politicians around the globe have also been actively involved, with several nations pledging to go carbon-neutral in the next couple of decades, reports Cointelegraph. Amid all the initiatives and conferences […]
Algorand to support bank and insurance guarantees platform in Italy
Layer-1 blockchain platform Algorand has been chosen as the public blockchain to support an “innovative digital guarantees platform” to be used in Italy’s banking and insurance markets, reports Cointelegraph. The Algorand-supported platform is expected to launch in early 2023. According to Algorand’s announcement, this is the first time a European Union member state will use […]
Report outlines reasons why stakeholders are against CBDC
The American Banking Banking Association highlighted that a CBDC issued by the US Federal Reserve lacks “compelling use cases,” reports Cointelegraph. While some countries like Nigeria are aggressively pushing the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), a new report summarised why a number of private stakeholders are against the idea of a CBDC. The […]
Avalanche to power Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure services in Asia
Alibaba Cloud, or Aliyun, a subset of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has announced an integration with Avalanche blockchain to power the company’s Node-as-a-Service initiatives, reports Cointelegraph. Avalanche’s partnership with Alibaba Cloud will see the development of tools that enable users to launch validator nodes on Avalanche’s public blockchain platform in Asia. The integration will allow […]
Minister Donohoe gets second term as Eurogroup president
Paschal Donohoe, the current Minister for Finance, has been re-elected for a second term as the president of the Eurogroup of Finance Ministers. In a unanimous vote at a meeting of the Eurogroup, Minister Donohoe was elected after no other candidate declared. “I am enormously privileged that my colleagues have entrusted me with a second […]
BlockFi tells US bankruptcy court it is ‘the antithesis of FTX’
BlockFi, the first direct casualty of crypto exchange FTX’s collapse, has told a US bankruptcy judge that the US cryptocurrency lender was “the antithesis of FTX” and that it would seek to return customer funds as quickly as possible, reports Reuters. BlockFi filed for Chapter 11 protection on Monday, citing FTX’s collapse and volatility in […]
The “questionable practices” at now collapsed crypto exchange FTX would not have been allowed to happen under European Union rules that need to be finalised urgently, a senior European Commission official, reports RTE News. The crash in bitcoin led to a “crypto winter”, which saw the collapse of crypto exchange FTX, and earlier this week […]
A glance at the speaker list for the European Blockchain Convention 2023, from 15-17 February in Barcelona for which Blockchain Ireland is a proud to partner, reveals a host of financial institutions. The likes of the London Stock Exchange, Banco Santander, JPMorgan Chase, Société Générale Securities Services, and Scotiabank are joined by that venerable publication, […]
W3bstream, a MachineFi project, is using Web3 technology to decentralise the Internet of Things, reports Cointelegraph. We live in houses that are capable of monitoring and controlling a wide range of internal processes — from heating and cooling to security and surveillance mechanisms, says Cointelegraph. Our cars keep track of external conditions and are well […]
Global Energy Sector: Blockchain application to hit $6.29b by 2024
BIS Research has presented a new market intelligence report entitled ‘Global Blockchain in Energy Market – Analysis and Forecast, 2018-2024.’ It reveals that blockchain application in the energy market was worth $518.6 million in 2018 and its value will reach $6.29 billion in 2024, reports Blockchain.news. The market growth witnessed is primarily linked to the […]
FTX fallout: BlockFi reportedly mulling bankruptcy, SALT pauses withdrawals and deposits
In an official update sent to clients on 14 November, BlockFi admitted to having “significant exposure” to FTX and its affiliated companies but insisted it had “the necessary liquidity to explore all options,” reports Cointelegraph. The news came as somewhat of a surprise since on Nov. 8, BlockFi’s founder and chief operating officer, Flori Marquez, […]
Sustainable blockchains arrive at UN Climate Change Conference COP27
The UN Climate Conference COP27 took place in in Egypt, where leaders gathered to discuss climate action, propose solutions to the current crisis and explore how technology can help to tackle some of the biggest issues facing the planet, reports Blockleaders.io. Blockchain project, Unique Network partnered with leading climate organisations, teamed up to present the […]
The European Blockchain Convention returns for 2023, from 15-17 February in Barcelona. Blockchain Ireland is proud to partner with the event. Described as three events in one, some 3,000 attendees across start-ups, investors, developers, and corporates, will hear from more than 200 speakers on a variety of panels, keynotes, workshops, and fire-side chats on the […]
Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs raises $70m in expanded Series B round
Blockchain-based intelligence company TRM Labs has announced a $70 million expansion to its Series B funding round, bringing the total raised to $130 million, reports Cointelepgraph. Among the world’s largest private equity firms, Series B investor Thoma Bravo manages more than $122 billion in assets. The round was led by Thoma Bravo, with Goldman Sachs […]
After widespread reports that troubled crypto exchange FTX was set to be rescued by rival Binance, various outlets are now reporting that deal has fallen through. Binance had said it has signed a letter of intent to acquire its most formidable rival FTX, delivering a surprising twist to days-long public spat between the world’s two […]
Restoring trust in the eyes of the Hodler! Can banking use bitcoin to reclaim its authority?
Is the current retail banking system broken? Many would say yes. Can it be fixed? Probably and here are some reasons why Bitcoin and blockchain may offer a lifeline to the banking identity crisis, argues Blockleaders.io’s Lisa Gibbons. With recent support for Bitcoin coming from the major digital banks like Revolut and German bank N26, […]
Open Metaverse Alliance starts operations, challenges Meta on the future of internet
The Open Metaverse Alliance (OMA3), a collaboration of Web3 metaverse platform creators, was officially launched on 1 November, and now is offering its memberships across two tiers, sponsors and creators, reports Blockchain.News. Initially disclosed in July, OMA3 officially opened up its operations on Tuesday, 1 November, when it was announced at the Web Summit in […]
Significant opportunity in tokenisation, says State Street
While State Street’s digital arm is working on the ability to custody crypto assets by the end of the year, tokenisation remains a top focus for the business going forward as institutions continue to show interest in the segment, reports Blockworks. Using distributed ledger technology to tokenise funds and private assets, for example, to improve […]
Tech talent migrates to Web3 as large companies face layoffs
Web3 companies continue to hire amidst a bull market as tech giants undergo layoffs and hiring freezes, reports CointTelegraph. As inflation continues to grow, coupled with a looming recession, many tech firms are having to cut portions of their staff. To put this in perspective, data from Layoffs.fyi found that more than 700 tech start-ups […]
In July 2021, European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) launched the Multi-University Pilot, which gathered European universities alliances across 11 countries, who joined forces and identified, designed, and delivered six cross-border scenarios. Those projects relied on the use of a common standard, known as verifiable credentials, for wallets as digital interfaces and blockchain as the trusted […]
EU BOF’s new report on Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency
The European Union Blockchain Observatory and Forum has published a new report on blockchain for supply chain transparency. The report states that supply chain is a complex sector with implications for everyday life that apply to a range of products. Generally, the supply chain is an environment where multiple stakeholders coordinate in order to bring […]
EU countries must be ready to block crypto mining, says commission
Members of the European Union (EU) must be ready to block crypto mining, the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm responsible for introducing new legislation, has said as the region prepares for an uncertain winter, reports Coindesk. The EU is also developing an energy-efficiency label for blockchains as the disruption of gas supplies from Russia […]
A proposed amendment to the UK’s Financial Services and Markets Bill would bring crypto under its scope, reports Blockworks. The new clause, introduced by Parliament member Andrew Griffith, is meant “to clarify that the powers relating to financial promotion and regulated activities can be relied on to regulate crypto assets and activities relating to crypto […]
Ripple wants to bring Ethereum smart contracts to the XRP Ledger
Ripple users may be able to interact with Ethereum-compatible decentralised applications (DApps) in the future following the launch of a test phase of Ripple’s new XRP Ledger sidechain. The launch of the sidechain was shared in a Tweet by blockchain development firm Peersyst Technologies, on 17 October, noting that the new sidechain is compatible with […]
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has unveiled new details about the e-Human project powered by blockchain ahead of Türkiye’s national blockchain summit. Cointelegraph Türkiye has reported the e-Human project will be based on blockchain tech to keep all services, data and capabilities used by the system under protection. Türkiye’s e-Human project acts as a digital […]
SWIFT action: JPMorgan and Visa team up on cross-border blockchain payments
Visa is set to integrate its B2B connect network with JPMorgan’s suit of blockchain based cross-border payment products, reports Cointelegraph. Traditional finance and payment giants JPMorgan and Visa are teaming up to streamline the use of their private blockchain solutions Liink and B2B Connect to facilitate cross-border payments. According to an 11 October from Forbes, […]
Gemini has entered the Irish market, reports Blockchain.News. The company now provides crypto exchange and custody services to individuals and institutions. Gemini announced that users can access their web site and mobile application to create accounts and purchase cryptocurrencies in EUR or GBP. Additionally, users can also fund their accounts via debit card, Apple Pay, […]
Hacker exploits bug to steal millions from Binance Bridge
The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange suspended trading on a smart contract blockchain after a hacker took at least $100 million in stolen cryptocurrency, reports Data Breach Today. Independent observers say the attack on the Binance Smart Chain actually netted the hacker $586 million. Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, chief executive of Binance, says the company asked all […]
The Africa Blockchain Institute has released its second Africa Blockchain Report, with the theme of “accelerating Blockchain Innovation across the Continent.” It says the research has been conducted to study the trends of Blockchain activities in Africa and has resulted in the production of the “practitioner report to enlighten the African public on Blockchain use […]
Biden administration urges speed up of crypto regulation as recession fears rise
In the United States, President Biden’s administration has urged the country’s Congress to pass laws that will clarify how crypto assets should be regulated amid increasing fears of a global recession, reports CryptoNews. The group of financial regulators comprising the US Financial Stability Oversight Council, had issued a report, calling on politicians to reach an […]
European Parliament votes in crypto and blockchain tax policies
Members of the Parliament of the European Union have voted in favour of a non-binding resolution aimed at using blockchain to fight tax evasion and coordinate tax policy on cryptocurrencies, reports Cointelegraph. In a notice on 4 October, the European Parliament said 566 out of 705 members voted in favour of the resolution originally drafted […]
The past few months have been a rough awakening for many Web3 enthusiasts, according to an article by McKinsey: the market prices of major cryptocurrencies have declined significantly, the trading volume of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has slowed, and, most importantly, some pioneers of the space have declared bankruptcy because of failed risk management and misuse […]
Trinity College Dublin ranked among best universities for blockchain
As part of its Education Week coverage, CoinDesk has ranked Trinity College Dublin (TCD) among the best universities for blockchain. A high number of citations on the blockchain research papers propelled this school to No. 44, said CoinDesk. It acknowledges TCD as a research university that was ranked 98th on the QS World University Rankings […]
Downsides of Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake, explained
At Cointelegraph, writer Chris Jones explains the potential downsides of Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake, in light of recent developments. Under headings such as the types of nodes and alternatives, efficiency of consensus mechanisms, current challenges for validating transactions, and PPoC benefits for users, Jones considers topical and timely issues. What are the main types of nodes […]
Ethereum Merge ups the stakes—and reshapes the crypto universe
Ethereum is about to get a makeover, reports Bloomberg. The popular crypto network that runs Ether, the world’s second-most-valuable digital currency, could morph as early as 14 September into a configuration that shakes up the entire crypto universe. The long-anticipated software change, “the Merge” to crypto fans worldwide, will lower Ethereum’s energy use by 99%, […]
The Hyperledger Foundation’s Global Forum opened in Dublin on Monday 12 September, with the foundation’s executive director Daniela Barbosa welcoming the attendees, and acknowledging the trying time that had passed since the previous forum in 2020. She introduced two key stakeholders, Vipin Bharathan, technical strategist, DLT.nyc, and Jyoti Ponnapalli, director, Technology Strategy, DTCC, who set […]
The Central Bank of Ireland has added Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited to its Virtual Asset Service Provider Register VASP), the company becoming the first dedicated crypto-asset custodian to be registered to provide commercial services to clients in Ireland. The registration with the CBI means that Zodia Custody Ireland will be subject to the Criminal Justice […]
Nigeria and Binance build a Blockchain Hub City for blockchain projects
The Nigerian government agency in charge of export processing zones, EPZA, has announced that it is in talks with cryptocurrency exchange Binance to establish a “virtual free zone” dedicated to blockchain technology and the digital economy, reports Cryptonews. The National Economic and Production Zones Authority (NEPZA) hopes that the end outcome will be comparable to […]
PraSaga awarded US patent for placing computer operating system onto the blockchain
According to a new United States Patent and Trademark Office publication, Swiss-based blockchain start-up PraSaga has been awarded a patent placing its operating system, dubbed “SagaOS,” on the blockchain, reports Cointelegraph. Titled “Systemic Extensible Blockchain Object Model Comprising A First-class Object Model And A Distributed Ledger Technology,” the methods described in US patent no. 11436039B2 […]
Shanghai includes blockchain, Web 3, and NFTs in 5-year plan
The Shanghai government has maintained an openness towards Web 3 and other blockchain technologies, and now has included them, and others such as NFTs, in its five-year plan, reports Cryptopolitan. According to its latest release, it will foster the development of these technologies to cope with the latest developments. Various countries and governments have remained […]
State Street sees ‘significant opportunity’ in tokenisation
While Street’s digital arm is working on the ability to custody crypto assets by the end of the year, tokenisation remains a top focus for the business going forward as institutions continue to show interest in the segment, reports Blockworks. Using distributed ledger technology to tokenise funds and private assets, for example, to improve efficiency […]
‘Most of crypto is still junk,’ lacking use cases, says JP Morgan blockchain head
The head of JPMorgan’s digital assets unit Umar Farooq has suggested that most of the crypto assets on the market are “junk” and that real crypto use cases have yet to fully present themselves, reports Cointelegraph. During a panel discussion at the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Green Shoots Seminar, Farooq stated that regulation is yet […]
PROOF, the private community behind the Moonbirds NFT collection, has announced it is shifting its blue-chip collection completely “in chain” — allowing images to be fully contained within the underlying smart contract, reports Cointelegraph. In a community live stream named “Future PROOF”, Harri Thomas, director of products at PROOF, explained that the new approach will […]
The Merge, Ethereum’s migration from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus algorithm has raised concerns about the future of the chain when it comes to censorship, reports Bitcoin.com. After the addresses of the smart contracts of Tornado Cash, a privacy-cantered mixing protocol, were sanctioned and blacklisted by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign […]
China’s next phase of CBDC testing begins with e-CNY payment for public transport
China officially begun rolling out the next round of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot test programme, reports Cointelegraph. In the city of Guanzhou, it is now possible to pay for public bus rides with the digital yuan (e-CNY) CBDC on 10 transit routes, which is a first for the country. To do so, […]
Trinity Business School launches dedicated blockchain, crypto and Web3 course
Trinity Business School has launched a dedicated blockchain, crypto and Web3 course titled “Unpacking Crypto and Blockchain”. The programme has been designed for business professionals who have an interest in: – What bitcoin, blockchain, crypto and digital assets are – How they work – The role they are playing and will play across industries and […]
Hyperledger Global Forum set to tackle blockchain interoperability, CBDCs, climate change, digital identity, tokenomics, and more
More than 100 speakers will take the stage in Dublin on 12-14 September, for talks, panels, demos and hands-on workshops. Highlights include these keynotes: Additional speakers will include: “There has been an impressive amount of market evolution, technology development and innovation in the two plus years since we last held an in-person Hyperledger Global Forum,” […]
Public firms invest $6bn in blockchain industry, says Blockdata
Google’s parent company Alphabet has become the top investor in the blockchain industry, according to research on the blockchain investment activities of the world’s top 100 listed companies by market capitalization released by the blockchain market intelligence agency Blockdata. Blockchain.news reports that since June 2021, a total of $1.56 billion from Alphabet was injected into […]
Illicit crypto volumes have been diminishing year-over-year, with scams making the largest drop, according to research by blockchain analytic firm Chainalysis, reports Blockchain.news. Chainalysis points out: “Total scam revenue for 2022 currently sits at $1.6 billion, 65% lower than where it was through the end of July in 2021, and this decline appears linked to […]
Financial exchange’s efforts to replace core systems with blockchain founder – again
One of the world’s most prominent and mission–critical uses of the blockchain – The Australian Securities Exchange’s (ASX) project to replace its CHESS core trading systems with a distributed ledger – has struck further trouble, reports The Register. As The Register has previously noted, the project commenced in 2017 but saw its go-live date pushed […]
Cryptoverse: Blockchain bridges fall into troubled waters
Another day, another hack – and another blockchain bridge burned, writes Reuters. When thieves stole an estimated $190 million (€185 million) from US crypto firm Nomad last week, it was the seventh hack of 2022 to target an increasingly important cog in the crypto machine: Blockchain “bridges” – strings of code that help move crypto […]
Hyperledger Global Forum speaker list growing steadily
AMD, Accenture, IBM, Fujitsu, Siemens AG, Allianz Technology, and Hitachi are just some of the more familiar names among the speakers listed for the Hyperledger Global Forum 2022, in Dublin in September. Joining those will be speakers from Blockdaemon, Zeeve, Kaleido, Indicio, Equideum Health, and many more to explore existing developments and new directions in […]
US SEC quietly cracks down on crypto as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Luna, Shiba Inu, and Dogecoin recover
The crypto rebound is alive and kicking, according to Forbes. Over the past week, Forbes reports, the price of Bitcoin soared 4.2%, currently trading at $23,800, and the Ethereum price jumped 7.9% to just over $1,700. Most altcoins are following the major’s suit. XRPXRP +0.2% is up 2.1%, Cardano 5.1%, BNBBNB +3.6% 8.9%, Solana 1.5%, […]
European Tech School is described a first-of-its-kind online blockchain school set to disrupt the way we learn about Blockchain technology. Its mission is to educate and empower the Web3 and Crypto community around the world. Attendees will learn through live classes with world-class instructors, self-paced materials, business cases with real blockchain founders, personalized feedback, coaching, curated readings, community-led […]
Colombia enlists Ripple Labs to put land deeds on blockchain
Colombia’s government has launched a partnership with Ripple Labs, the company behind the cryptocurrency XRP, to put land titles on the blockchain, part of a plan to rectify land distribution efforts so unfair they’ve led to decades of armed conflict, reports Decrypt.co. The project, built by blockchain development company Peersyst Technology and Ripple, will permanently […]
The Hyperledger Global Forum for 2022 takes place in Dublin from 12-14 September at the Convention Centre Dublin, and Blockchain Ireland is proud to support it as a Community Partner. The Hyperledger Global Forum, by the Hyperledger Foundation, will offer the unique opportunity for more than 700 users and contributors of Hyperledger projects from across […]
Aave partners with Pocket Network for on-chain data access from multiple blockchains
Decentralised Web3 protocol Pocket Network has partnered with open source liquidity market and lending platform Aave, which will enable it to utilise Pocket’s distributed network of more than 44,000 nodes to access on-chain data from multiple blockchains. The partnership also benefits developers building Aave-powered dApps, allowing them to access reliable blockchain data from Pocket Network […]
How blockchain can address Austria’s energy crisis
Climate change has become one of the biggest global challenges for humanity. At the same time, the dependence on hydrocarbon energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas is still strong. Supply lines around these energy sources are further vulnerable to geopolitical tensions. Due to the current sanctions against Russia, experts now expect rising […]
Blockchain security firm Halborn has raised $90 million (€89 million), reports Bloomberg News. The deal is described as an outlier in a climate where venture capital investing in crypto start-ups has slowed and digital currency prices have nosedived. Summit Partners led the Series A financing for Miami-based Halborn, which also included Castle Island Ventures, Digital […]
Blockchain without crypto: adoption of decentralised tech
A blockchain can be seen as a distributed database whose information is stored across every node running the network. Because the database is distributed among those running the network, it guarantees data stored within it is accurate and securely stored, writes Francisco Rodrigues at CoinTelegraph. As the name implies, blockchains store their data into blocks […]
The crypto exchange and custodian firm Gemini has become the first company to be registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) by the Central Bank of Ireland. At Blockchain Ireland Week 2022, in May of 2022, Gerry Cross, director of Financial Regulation, Policy and Risk, Central Bank of Ireland, confirmed that VASP applications were […]
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law the banning digital payments across the nation, reports CoinDesk. The law was approved by the Duma, on 8 July, and bans the use of digital securities and utility tokens as a means of payment for goods, services and products in Russia. The amendment adds to the previous […]
Does the Metaverse need blockchain to ensure widespread adoption?
While not absolutely necessary, omitting it would be misguided, reasons Andrew Singer, at Cointelegraph. “The Metaverse without blockchains would likely just advance the ball for Big Tech.” Many are thrilled at the prospect of the Metaverse with its virtual worlds that can be used to play online games, but also to train surgeons on 3D […]
Italian government to provide $46m in subsidies for blockchain projects
The Ministry of Economic Development of Italy has announced that certain blockchain projects will qualify to apply for up to €45 million in government subsidies starting from September, reports Cointelegraph. The Ministry said companies and public or private research firms will be able to apply for funding from the government for the development of projects […]
EPC Blockchain among 16 start-ups selected for EY Incubator
Ernst & Young (EY) has selected 16 early-stage start-ups to join its EY Foundry Cohort 5 programme to propel disruptive solutions in four areas: sustainability, new enterprise, people and wellness, and services of tomorrow, reports Blockchain.News EPC Blockchain, a Malaysian-based firm, is among those chosen, and it utilises blockchain technology to record energy investments needed […]
Blockchain technology has been damned as nothing but hype and devoid of any meaningful use case at a select committee meeting in Westminster, reports Yahoo Finance. UK MPs met in Portcullis House near the Houses of Parliament and questioned various experts on the utility of blockchain technology. The policymakers demanded examples of blockchain’s effectiveness in […]
KPMG enters the metaverse with $30m Web3 investment
KPMG has revealed the opening of its first metaverse collaboration hub to help its employees and clients pursue growth opportunities in the digital era, reports Cointelegraph. The firm is entering the metaverse with a new collaboration hub that will connect employees, clients and others with Web3. The company is making a collective $30 million (€28.6 […]
Blockchain has only been around since 2008, so one can be forgiven for not understanding what it is or what it can do. But having been developed to solve a single problem, that of transferring cryptocurrencies, its use across the financial services industry, and beyond, has grown exponentially as its true potential became apparent, reports […]
Tim Berners-Lee’s vision for Web3 does not include blockchain
Speaking at The Next Web (TNW) Conference in Amsterdam, Tim Berners-Lee was asked “does he align himself with Web3’s promise of salvation” for Web2.0. His answer was an unequivocal “Nope”, reports TNW. Berners-Lee has his own vision for a decentralised architecture that gives users control of their data, on a platform he calls Solid, but […]
Blockchain not as decentralised as first thought, says new report
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, may be more vulnerable to centralisation risks than initially thought, according to a report from Trail of Bits. Cointelegraph reports that the a new report from the security firm titled “Are Blockchains Decentralized?”, which was commissioned by the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), […]
Majority of Central Banks are researching the utility of CBDCs, says BIS
In a new annual economic report from the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), it was revealed that approximately 90% of central banks worldwide are investigating the feasibility of adopting central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs. The BIS report, reports Cointelegraph, highlighted the ability of current sovereign fiat money to provide (relative) price stability and public […]
The Economic and Social Research Institute Blockchain Skills Conference in June of 2022 took place online as part of the community events in Blockchain Ireland Week. The focus of the conference was to analyse the demand and supply of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) skills. It provided an examination of the current blockchain labour […]
Art, stars, and prizes cap a remarkable week for Blockchain Ireland in 2022
Wrapping up a remarkable week, Blockchain Ireland Week 2022 captured a party atmosphere at its social evening in Dublin’s Café en Seine. The evening began with an address from Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD. The minister acknowledged the work of Blockchain Ireland, and that of community at […]
Online, via Zoom: Wednesday 1st June 2022 from 10:00 – 12:00 The focus of this conference will be to analyse the demand and supply of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) skills. We will provide an examination of the current blockchain labour market within Ireland, the UK and the EU-27. In particular, documenting the relevant […]
The race to build the metaverse is on, but tech, business and society have competing visions for what it should be. Can we make a metaverse that works for everyone? From the stepping stones of augmented reality to fully immersive virtual worlds, the metaverse is already firmly under construction. But at this stage in the […]
A Block of Crypto is hosting a sponsored evening event that you will not forget! With a special guest from the film and music industry, Jason P Rotherberg, and a Xavatar avatar appearance from Irish actor Colin O’Donoghue, the evening will be all about NFTs and it will be set in the bar at Trinity College, from […]
How western sanctions on Russia could make crypto an international reserve currency
If oil and gas are one day denominated in cryptocurrency, we’re likely to see other industries start pegging their goods and services to crypto, opine Mark Lurie, Peter Dittus writing for Coindesk Western powers have imposed unprecedented financial sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marking a seismic geopolitical shift that could drive many […]
BlackRock launches blockchain industry ETF, names crypto as 1 of 3 big opportunities
The world’s largest asset manager has launched a blockchain ETF, providing clients with greater exposure to crypto and blockchain-related companies, reports Coindesk BlackRock has officially launched a blockchain-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides investors with exposure to the crypto and blockchain industry without needing to directly own digital assets. On Wednesday, the world’s largest asset […]
Walmart-backed Flipkart to test Web3, Metaverse expansion
Walmart-backed Flipkart India Pvt. launched an in-house innovation arm called Flipkart Labs to explore ways to expand onto the metaverse, reports Bloomberg Through the innovation arm, the Bengaluru-based e-commerce marketplace aims to test nonfungible tokens, or NFTs, virtual immersive storefronts and play-to-earn, according to a company statement Thursday. One of the first areas of focus […]
Web3 represents the next iteration of the World Wide Web. It’s built on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, and is characterised by greater decentralisation, transparency, and shared ownership. Web3 looks set to transform work as we know it. And the decentralised autonomous organisation, or DAO, is set to be the vehicle that leads the charge. As […]
European crypto industry steps up efforts to influence EU policy
More than 40 crypto business leaders have asked the European Union not to require crypto firms to disclose transaction details and dial down attempts to bring to heel rapidly growing decentralised finance platforms, reports Reuters The European Union, like countries and jurisdictions across the globe, is working to tame the freewheeling crypto sector. The EU […]
Sweden wants to test e-krona viability for smart payments
The Swedish central bank says it wants to look at how a new e-krona could stimulate ‘smart payments’ that some say are the future of money, reports Coindesk. In a report published on Wednesday, the Riksbank deemed tests to integrate state-backed digital money into conventional banking systems a success – but said it was still examining […]
Blockchain technology is arguably one of the greatest technological advancements of its era, but as technology improves at an exponential rate, can blockchain security keep up? asks NewsBTC. Blockchain security has become a controversial topic in the crypto space due to the large amount of malicious attacks that have recently taken place. Solutions need to […]
The EU has issued a consultation request for digital euro.In what is regarded as a first step towards legislation from Brussels on the topic, the consultation, which is open until June 14, will explore potential issues with the Digital Euro such as privacy, and anti money laundering, and other issues seen as the most concerning […]
Group invests $135m in firm breaking barriers between blockchains
‘The future is multichain’ has become crypto’s latest favourite refrain. Forbes reports that contrary to the mantra of ‘one chain to rule them all’, many enthusiasts are now starting to believe that the blockchain industry will consist of many different blockchain networks communicating with each other in much the same way that Android users can […]
US Congress agency proposes 4 key policy changes for blockchain
Based on the request of the US Congress, US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has proposed four policy options, to aid policymakers implement blockchain technologies while effectively tackling challenges, reports CoinTelegraph. These are as follows: With setting standards, GAO envisions tackling challenges around interoperability and data security. Some considerations include implementations of consensus mechanisms and establishing […]
From taxes to electricity, blockchain adoption is growing in Austria
The blockchain technology landscape is shifting in Austria, with public institutions and private firms experimenting with the tech, opines Veronika Rinecker at CoinTelegraph. Austria has been actively transforming into an attractive location for providers of blockchain-based products, with the government itself experimenting with the technology and trying to create a legal basis upon which companies […]
CHAISE, ESRI and Blockchain Ireland letter, inviting participation in a survey on blockchain skills. “Dear Blockchain Community, The ESRI and Blockchain Ireland’s Education, Skills and Innovation Working Group invite you to participate in a survey on Blockchain Skills Requirements as part of the CHAISE project. The ESRI is currently working on the CHAISE project to […]
Blockchain to be the ‘glue’ connecting the future electricity grid
The digital revolution is happening on many fronts, and electricity and power grids are feeling the effects. Writing for Forbes, senior contributor on sustainability, Jeff McMahon, reports that once upon a time, a single electric utility would send electricity in one direction to many customers. But the grid is evolving so that millions of devices […]
Developer group meetup to discuss blockchain tech!
Please join us on 30 March for our first in-person event from the Blockchain Ireland Developer Workgroup. We’ll kick off the event with a quick Q&A with the Head of Blockchain from a multinational to find out about what’s going on in the ecosystem. The event will move into a networking session with some refreshments […]
NGI Trublo, a H2020 project, is giving up to €175,000 in equity free-funding to 20 blockchain projects. TruBlo is an EU-funded project and part of the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative. The funding is for two use cases: a) Trust and Reputation b) Proof-of-validity / Proof -of-location The closing date is 30 March 2022 […]
The European Blockchain Convention 2022 takes place in Barcelona, from June 26-28, 2022. Around 1,000+ blockchain, DLT and crypto enthusiasts are expected for the latest on the Blockchain Ecosystem. Described as the most influential blockchain event in Europe, it is once again back in person, and Blockchain Ireland, through our #Startups and Web3 ecosystem, is […]
Concerns have been expressed by US Senate Democrats that cryptocurrencies may be used to sidestep economic sanctions imposed on Russia, reports Protocol.com. It writes that Senate Democrats want to know what steps the US Treasury Department is taking to prevent such actions. “Given the need to ensure the efficacy and integrity of our sanctions program […]
President Biden readies executive order on regulating, issuing cryptocurrency
US President Joe Biden is expected to sign a long-awaited executive order directing the Justice Department, Treasury and other agencies to study the legal and economic ramifications of creating a US central bank digital currency, reports Reuters. In an article citing a source familiar with the matter, the time frame is for this week (07/03/2022). […]
Fourth Blockchain International Scientific Conference
The British Blockchain Association is hosting the fourth Blockchain International Scientific Conference online on 14 March, from 08:00. Attendance registration is now open, but paper submissions are closed. Among the presentations will be “Developing Education Awareness of Blockchain /DLT: A Student Led Blockchain/DLT Research Fellowship”.This will be presented by Dominic Allen, student, GMIT, Dr Trevor […]
Africa Blockchain Report 2022 – “Accelerating Blockchain Innovation across the continent”
The African Blockchain Institute, in association with Algorand Foundation, has released the Africa Blockchain Report 2022. Analysing the blockchain scene across four countries, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Tunisia, shows that almost half of (49.2%) of the companies participating in the study are at the growth stage, indicating the high level of activity in the […]
Intel Corp has recently launched a new chip for blockchain applications, such as Bitcoin mining and minting NFTs, to cash in on the rising usage of cryptocurrencies, reports Reuters. The chip will ship later this year, says the report, and the first customers include Block Inc, the Jack Dorsey-led firm that recently changed its name […]
Blockchain energy application to hit $6.29bn by 2024
A report from Blockchain.News, reveals that blockchain application in the energy market was worth $518.6 million in 2018 and its value will reach $6.29 billion (€5.53 billion) in 2024. Based on research from BIS Research, its report ‘Global Blockchain in Energy Market – Analysis and Forecast, 2018-2024’ says the market growth witnessed is primarily linked […]
Less than four months after its last funding round, San Francisco-based Alchemy raised another $200 million investment led by Lightspeed and Silver Lake, reports CNBC. It comes amid a wave of venture capital interest in crypto, as investors look for winners in what some describe as the future of the internet. Competition for back-end, blockchain […]
Sequoia leads $450 million investment in Polygon blockchain
According to CNBC, the Silicon Valley venture capital firm, Sequoia Capital, has led a $450 million investment in the blockchain network Polygon. Polygon serves as a support layer to Ethereum, the platform behind the ether cryptocurrency, helping it process transactions at scale. The Ethereum network is different from bitcoin’s in that it supports applications for […]
Blockchain rare earth scheme to certify sustainable output for EVs
An EU-funded certification scheme using blockchain is being developed for rare earths as automakers demand proof that materials used to make magnets for electric vehicles (EVs) are not linked to toxic pollution, reports Reuters. The system will set global standards and give confidence to consumers demanding sustainable products, two of the organisers told Reuters ahead […]
Blockchain 50: Cryptocurrencies hog the spotlight, but biggest innovations are below the surface
The Forbes 50 in Blockchain for 2022 is out and features companies as diverse as Breitling and Boeing, Meta and Nornickel. Forbes characterises the list with: ”You’ve come a long way, blockchain!” An article on its website says since the inaugural roundup of the Blockchain 50, in 2019, the billion-dollar companies (minimum, by sales or […]
The Eisenhower Fellowship (EF) is a programme to identify, empower and connect innovative leaders through a transformative fellowship experience and lifelong engagement with a diverse, dynamic, global network of change agents committed to creating a world more peaceful, prosperous and just. The EF was founded by a group of Philadelphia businessmen in 1953 to celebrate […]
Twitter-funded social media project Bluesky taps Dorsey for board
Bluesky, a Twitter Inc-funded project that seeks to rebuild how social media companies operate, has said Twitter co-founder and former chief executive Jack Dorsey will join the company’s board, reports Reuters. Bluesky is working to build a technology that would allow different social media companies to operate on the same standard, which would enable developers […]
Meta’s cryptocurrency ambitions end with sale of Diem assets
Facebook’s Diem cryptocurrency, originally called Libra, is being sold to Silvergate bank, reports Silicon Republic. Since its launch by Facebook in 2019, Diem has faced setbacks and resistance from regulators. After years of setbacks, the cryptocurrency project started by Facebook is coming to a close, writes Leigh McGowran. The group behind Diem has sold its […]
The European Union Blockchain Observatory and Forum (EBOF) has announced its recent activity via its January newsletter. EBOF reports that it is currently working on several reports. First, there is a “thematic report focused on Blockchain applications in the healthcare sector. The report, expected to be published by end of January 2022, covers challenges in […]
Blockchain Ireland’s Prof O’Connor receives Women 4IT Ambassador Award
Professor Joyce O’Connor has received an Ambassador Award from Women 4IT. Steering Group member and chair of the Education, Skills and Innovation Working Group at Blockchain Ireland, Prof O’Connor was recognised for her work in IT to promote gender equality, youth employment, and in addressing the ICT specialist gap in Ireland and Europe. Prof O’Connor […]
The Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX) is quietly preparing for a corporate takeover that could have global consequences for the former naval garrison, reports the Guardian. A proposal is under review by the regulators that would prompt blockchain firm Valereum to buy the exchange in the new year, says the report, meaning the British overseas territory […]
Google is forming a group dedicated to blockchain and related technologies under a newly appointed executive who has spent more than a decade on the company’s core business of search advertising, reports Bloomberg. An engineering vice president for Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Shivakumar Venkataraman, is now running a unit focused on “blockchain and other next-gen distributed […]
Blockchain Ireland’s Lory Kehoe took to the airwaves with broadcaster Ryan Tubridy to give provide an explainer for blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrencies. In a broad ranging conversation where Tubridy played the role of interested sceptic. Lory gave clear and accessible explanations for so many of the topics and terms being bandied about in the media […]
Blockchain Ireland monthly meetings to resume in February
The online monthly meetings of Blockchain Ireland will resume in February 2022. As outlined at the last meeting of 2021, the primary focus of the working and steering groups has been the blockchain document for government. This document is in its final stages and is expected to be ready for sharing with key government figures […]
Crypto-related job postings rose sharply last year, according to LinkedIn News. The news report says that job postings with titles containing terms such as “bitcoin,” “ethereum,” “blockchain” and “cryptocurrency” grew 395% in the US from 2020 to 2021, outpacing the wider tech industry which saw a 98% increase in listings during the same time period, […]
ICS and BlockW Webinar: Identity for Digital Finance
Join ICS and BlockW at their next Blockchain event, where Niall Dennehy Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at AID:Tech will discuss its mission to bring transparency and traceability to the distribution of funds and resources by Governments, Banks and NGOs, hosted by Professor Joyce O’Connor. AID:Tech combines Digital Identity and Blockchain technology to accomplish this. […]
Dorsey’s Block commits to ‘open’ bitcoin mining ecosystem
The payments-focused company formerly known as Square, now called Block, has officially announced its intention to join the bitcoin mining game. According to The Block, Jack Dorsey initially teased such a move late last year, highlighting a possible bid to be “based on custom silicon and open source for individuals and businesses worldwide.” Now, statements […]
2021 was a momentous year for Blockchain Ireland. Moving beyond its initial development with IDA and Enterprise Ireland in October 2020, to the support of Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and the leadership of the steering and working groups, Blockchain Ireland has gone from strength to strength. There were three key objectives for 2021. Setting up […]
JPMorgan develops blockchain system for Siemens’ payments
US banking giant JPMorgan Chase has partnered with Siemens to develop a blockchain system for the German industrial group’s payments, in what the two companies said was a first-of-its-kind application, Financial Times reports. According to the report, Siemens said the improved automation is needed to process the far greater number of payments it expects due […]
Wells Fargo and HSBC leverage blockchain for FX deals
Wells Fargo & Company WFC and HSBC Bank plc have come together to use a blockchain-based solution for the netting and settlement of matched foreign exchange (FX) transactions, reports Nasdaq.com. The development is Wells Fargo’s debut in utilising blockchain technology for the settlement process of cross-border payments. Both companies will share a settlement ledger to […]
Smart contract blockchains take centre stage as world looks to Web3
Smart contract blockchains are the future, with the age of the commodity-only blockchain essentially over, according to an article on Crypto-news-flash.com. All over the world, people understand what blockchains are. The invention of smart contracts on blockchains has shown us a glimpse of what they can do. Smart contract blockchains bring out the potential of […]
Platform leverages blockchain to address digital divide in Africa
Nearly half of the world’s population has no broadband internet access. The sad reality is most of this population is located in Africa, reports Cointelegraph. According to the United Nations (UN), Sustainable Development goals, providing universal access to the internet continues to increase in importance, allowing many to access life-enhancing online services in healthcare, education […]
As the application deadline of 22nd December is fast approaching for the Launchpool Web3 Techstars Accelerator program being run from April-June 2022 in Ireland, the local Techstars team have been busy engaging and sharing insights with the global Web3 community. Pete Townsend, who’s leading the program, recently published his ‘Web3 Investment Thesis‘ with a look inside the two […]
UPDATE: What a swell evening at Gallery of Photography on Thursday 16th Dec. BCIRL #Startups ecosystem was delighted to participate at the aftershow talk for the Galleries With[out] Walls exhibition (live stream video here). Fiona Delaney, our local expert was greatly impressed with the innovative and practical aspects of the international collaboration. The process involved […]
ConsenSys to create 400 new jobs in blockchain and DeFi push
ConsenSys is creating 400 jobs globally as part of its bid to make blockchain and decentralised finance mainstream, reports Silicon Republic. The US blockchain software company plans to create 400 jobs across its global locations, including several positions at its growing Dublin base. Silicon Republic describes the company as a major player on the Web3 […]
Researcher proposes blockchain base for robotics, smart manufacturing
Athlone IT’s Dr Saeed Hamood Alsamhi is researching the feasibility of applying blockchain tech to robotic systems, which could be used in areas ranging from smart manufacturing to disaster monitoring, reports Silicon Republic. Dr Alsamhi has been around the world on a research journey that brought him to the areas of blockchain and robotics, the […]
Non-fungible tokens, the unique digital assets, like artwork and sports trading cards, that are verified and stored using blockchain technology, exploded in popularity in 2021, according to an article from CNBC. People create, collect and trade NFTs for millions of dollars, some with the hopes to profit in the future. But experts are still sceptical […]
European Blockchain Observatory and Forum report update
In October 2020, the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum circulated its inaugural “Report on EU Blockchain Ecosystem Developments”. Ash Costello is a member of its Expert Panel and is currently updating Ireland’s chapter in the report, to be uploaded to the website in early 2022. Any organisation (company, university, etc) which would like to include details […]
According to various reports, Irish payments firm Stripe is expected to resume taking crypto currency payments having previously suspended them in 2018. CNBC reports that co-founder and chief executive officer John Collison said at a Dubai event, “Crypto obviously means a lot of different things to a lot of different people,” noting that the majority […]
The age of cash is passing, alternatives are coming
Speaking to CNBC, author and economist Eswar Prasad said the pandemic has not only accelerated the shift toward digital and contactless payments, but also led to a more mainstream acceptance of physical cash alternatives, such as cryptocurrency, that will likely endure. “For many consumers and businesses that made the switch to digital payments, there is […]
India is set to adopt a wide ranging ban on crypto currencies, according to BBC News. A long-awaited bill is expected to cover private cryptocurrencies, with certain exceptions, to allow the promotion of the underlying technology, such as blockchain, and its uses. Expectations had grown in recent months, reports BBC News, that the Indian government […]
Banks are betting big on cryptocurrency, aggressively ramping up hiring of professionals with crypto expertise amid the rise of digital currencies, reports Juliette Faraut, associate editor, Global Projects, LinkedIn. Financial services firms will add more than three times as many staff with digital-asset experience this year than in 2015, according to research from LinkedIn’s Economic […]
Amid widespread adoption of non fungible tokens (NFT), Indian news site Business Standard reports that the Indian government is examining the proposal to tax the blockchain ecosystem, which includes cryptocurrencies and such digital tokens. It cites an official who said, the use of NFTs has picked up at a large scale, with celebrity endorsements and […]
Crypto Blockchain Industries to list on Paris stock market
Reuter reports that the French company Crypto Blockchain Industries (CBI) is to list on the Paris Euronext Growth stock market, highlighting the burgeoning appeal of cryptocurrencies around the world. The company said it would list its shares at a price of €2, giving it a market capitalisation of around €38.7 million. CBI develops, operates and […]
Why blockchain-based gaming economies are the future
Writing for CoinTelegraph, Michael Nadeau makes a set of arguments for why blockchain-based gaming economies are the future. Nadeau says that Axie Infinity showed the gaming industry just a sliver of what blockchain-based gaming can achieve, and the industry is set to explode in the near future. Citing market figures, he reports the global gaming […]
Company behind FarmVille game makes blockchain VP hire
Zynga, the developer behind the FarmvVille gane, has hired Matt Wolf as its vice president to oversee the company’s blockchain gaming efforts, reports CoinTelegraph. Zynga will work on integrating NFTs and blockchain into its existing portfolio in addition to developing new NFT-based games, says the report. CoinTelegraph said that with the addition of Wolf, Zynga […]
Democracy 4 All – Blockchain for Governance, Barcelona hybrid event. 11th + 12th Nov
Exciting times: Democracy4all – Blockchain for Governance hybrid conference takes place in Barcelona on 11th and 12th November. Fiona Delaney, Chair at Blockchain Ireland#Startups will be there in person to co-present an interactive workshop titled: ‘How to pitch your #BlockchainStartup‘ – for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors’ Thurs 11/11 @16.00 [CET] with Caroline Thomas, co-editor and collaborator at ISO – International Organization for Standardization, Blockchain […]
Delighted to share our Blockchain Ireland Community Partnership with Defi Live event in London 10th and 11th November. Community discount for members of the Blockchain Ireland innovation ecosystem. Join our Irish trailblazers in London Sors Digital Assets, Defactor, Akasha, Plandail and more…. 30% off all tickets for BCIRL community
After the success of its first run in 2020, the blockchain Babylon Project has returned for version 2.0 in 2021. From 24 October to 20 November 2021, there are workshops, both technical and non-technical, panels and talks, mentoring and information sharing events. The Babylon Project is a series of virtual blockchain hackathons with thousands of […]
Decentralised blockchain aims to challenge webscalers with carbon-neutral cloud computing
A carbon-neutral blockchain has said that its incentivised testnet will lay the groundwork for decentralised, permissionless access to high-performance computing at scale. An article on Cointelegraph, describes Cudos, a layer-one blockchain and layer-two computation and oracle network that enables the scaling of computing resources to 100,000 nodes. It aims to bridge the gap between cloud […]
In an open letter to the game developer Valve, a consortium of blockchain companies, NFT firms and the online rights group Fight for the Future, have called for a lifting of the ban on blockchain on the Steam platform. In a quiet, surprise move, Valve had brought in a ban on blockchain-based games through a […]
European Central Bank announces Digital Euro Market Advisory Group members
The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced members for the Market Advisory Group for the digital euro project. Following the assessment of applications, the selection committee appointed 30 senior business professionals “with proven experience and a broad understanding of the euro area retail payments market”. Meetings are expected to commence quarterly from November 2021, “I […]
A story on Blockchain.News cites a US Treasury report that asserts digital currencies are posing a critical impediment to its sanctions policies, a trend to which it is determined to put an end. In the report, the Treasury Department highlights digital currencies as one of the primary technological innovations that make its sanctions efforts ineffective. […]
India’s Economic Times has a good explainer on blockchain and DLT that highlights the implications of the technologies for banking and financial services. It opens by asking the reader to imagine a world where money can be sent to anyone without the need for a bank, with no bank fees, complete control over assets, and […]
Former US Treasury Secretary invests in blockchain, not crypto
According to a story on Yahoo Finance, Steven Mnuchin, the former US Treasury Secretary said he is investing in blockchain companies but not cryptocurrencies. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, Mnuchin said investors should know what their money is going towards when it comes to investing in stablecoins, reports Yahoo Finance. Investors should know […]
London was alight with all things crypto and up-and-coming this October. Token 2049 was back in London after our close-to-home and virtual-only networking of the past 18 months. Blockchain Ireland, proud community partners are pleased to connect with the Token 2049 ecosystem across EU, UK and Asia. Here are reports from BCIRL members who travelled […]
BCIRL #Startups at EU Blockchain Week Slovenia, Sept 2021
Fiona Delaney, Chair @BCIRL #Startups attended EU Blockchain Week in the handsome city of Ljubljana during the period of the Slovenian EU Presidency. Representing Blockchain Ireland she spoke at the Innovation Ecosystems panel on opening day, where representatives across Europe shared insights from research, industry and the legal profession to talk about our national blockchain […]
Much of the promise of blockchain and DLTs has been around their application in wider use beyond crypto-currencies and fintech in general. Writing for Cointelegraph, Matthew van Niekerk opines that governments will not only use blockchain for fundamental services such as identity, but as a framework for economic growth. Likening the advent of blockchain adoption […]
Techstars, the organisation that runs accelerators, funding and mentorship to start-ups, is to run a blockchain focused programme in Dublin. According to a report in the Irish Times, the accelerator will run from March 2022, working with entrepreneurs to build blockchain technology and tokenisation protocols. It will be a collaboration with Alphabit Fund, the regulated […]
Hillary Schieve, the mayor of Reno, Nevada, not only invests in cryptocurrencies herself, but sees the technology as a way to improve government services. According to a story in Wired, Schieve has created non-fungible tokens for art works that are installed in a Reno plaza. Offered for sale on a blockchain called Tezos, the NFT […]
Despite volatility, optimism supports art NFT market
As with any emerging trend, there are those who have their reservations about the long-term value of non-fungible tokens, particularly as they apply in the art world. In an analysis piece for Cointelegraph, Rachel Wolfson considers not just the market for art NFTs, but also the fact that their underlying value is tied to the […]
Blockchain can transform the financial services industry
Blockchain has the potential to make the financial services industry more transparent, less susceptible to fraud and cheaper for consumers, according to an article on the money section of USNews.com. The piece highlights how blockchain can make the financial industry more transparent since users are performing activities on a public ledger, which can expose inefficiencies […]
Iota Foundation selected for EU blockchain initiative
Iota Foundation has been selected to support the European Commission’s blockchain initiative, as one of seven projects in the preliminary stage of designing an EU-wide distributed ledger technology platform. Cointelegraph reports the initiative seeks to increase the efficiency and accountability of the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), a network of nodes dedicated to facilitating the […]
Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) have been applied to many things, but there is increasing interest in its utility for supporting sustainability and climate change efforts. Bitcoin Insider gathers the views of a diverse range of experts, from activists and consultants to the World bank, and reports many ways in which blockchain can be […]
Phenomenal growth predicted for global blockchain IoT market
According to the Indian market research firm Research Dive, the global blockchain IoT sector will likely produce revenue of $5.8 billion (€4.9 billion) by 2026. As reported by Blockchain.News, the report calculates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 91.5% during the forecast period from 2019 to 2026. “As per the analysts… rising implementation of […]
A report from a gig economy platform company and a crypto asset and blockchain index provider argues that a convergence of the gig economy with blockchain technology has the potential to change how people will live and work in the future. With expectations for the global gig economy to account for $455 billion (€385 billion) […]
A recent bug revealed in the Ethereum system has split its blockchain and opened the possibility of Ether tokens being counterfeited. According to a Bloomberg report, software that was outdated triggered a fork in the digital ledger which underpins many blockchain-based financial services and transactions in online collectibles. Users are reported to have minimised the […]
As is often the case with major US legislation, a tacked-on measure has garnered much attention, despite being unrelated to the central focus of the bill. The recent $1 trillion (€846 billion) infrastructure bill passed by the US legislature contained a small section that dealt with the definition of a cryptocurrency broker, in the Senate […]
Majority of finance execs say blockchain has gone mainstream, finds survey
A report on CoinTelegraph details the findings of a new survey from Deloitte that found 81% of finance execs say blockchain has gone mainstream. However, the report says that despite the finance service industry being bullish on blockchain and crypto-currencies, respondents still highlighted cybersecurity as the greatest hurdle to mainstream adoption. The Deloitte queried 1,280 […]
TikTok’s blockchain start-up efforts could benefit artists
Having announced its intention to partner with blockchain start-up Audius, the partnership might go further and be of benefit to artists. Originally intending to use the streaming music platform to manage its expansive internal audio library, Naomi Joseph, commissioning editor, Arts and Culture, with The Conversation, writes that TikTok may use Audius’ “user-centric” model for […]
Is blockchain the solution to rising data privacy concerns?
A decentralised future, with Web 3.0 and blockchain at its core, will provide the best practices in users’ privacy and data protection, argues one blockchain expert. Writing for CoinTelegraph, Anne Fauvre-Willis, COO, Oasis Labs, argues that as data privacy pressure on Big Tech increases, these companies are starting to make significant investments in security solutions, […]
As world continues to deal with the global pandemic, hybrid events are emerging in various places as a means to test the water and suit the needs of differing audiences. September is traditionally a busy month in the tech world, as events and conferences get into full swing. Here is a small, by no means […]
Australian government still dismissing crypto sector as ‘wild west’, argues blockchain association
In an Australian Senate Committee meeting, the CEO of Blockchain Australia, Steve Vallas, has warned the country risks falling behind on regulation due to the persistence of a dismissive “wild west” narrative. Coin Telegraph reports that Vallas said Blockchain Australia strongly resists the notion that the crypto space remains “a bit of a wild west” […]
Investors back blockchain companies at record level in 2021
Based on reports that over the first half of the year alone, venture capitalists have invested some $17 billion (€14.5 billion) into various crypto-related start-ups and companies since the start of the year, cryptocurrency journalist and analyst for Coin Telegraph, Shiraz Jagati looks to understand the nature of the market. The analyst starts by putting […]
SEC boss seeks to regulate crypto space to protect investors
Following an extensive interview on the subject, the chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Garry Gensler, has confirmed that although he has a deep interest, and no small knowledge, of the “digital money craze”, he is not in favour of a hands-off oversight approach, as supported by many involved. Writing for Bloomberg Business, […]
China is years ahead of the US in blockchain payments systems
The CEO of Pantera Capital Dan Morehead, has told Yahoo Finance that United States has fallen significantly behind China in efforts to develop a blockchain-based payment system. “China’s six years ahead of the United States in building a blockchain-based payment system,” said Morehead in an interview. This perceived dominance may spur the US towards action […]
Blockchain ID market to grow $3.58b by 2025, says report
A new forecast for the global blockchain identity management market expects growth at a compound annual growth rate of almost 71% during 2021–2025, reports Cointelegraph. A new report on the potential for blockchain identity management solutions to become integrated across sectors has forecast strong growth for its global market, at a compound annual rate of […]
Ethereum blockchain selected for India’s diploma verification
A report from Coin Telegraph has said the government of Maharashtra has announced a partnership with Indian blockchain start-up LegitDoc to implement a credentialing system powered by Ethereum (ETH) for providing tamper-proof diploma certificates. The initiative is an effort to combat fraud and provide a secure basis to manage credentials. The report says that other […]
“Decentralised public blockchain applications are thriving, but successful permissioned enterprise blockchain projects are scarce. Users must understand how new advances are supporting integration of enterprise requirements with public blockchain innovation.” This is the conclusion of the Gartner Hype Cycle for Blockchain, 2021. The much respected hype cycle reports are widely used as an industry guide […]
The British government, in association with the Centre for Evidence-Based Blockchain, the British Blockchain Association and various other stakeholders, has published its National Blockchain Roadmap Vision 2030. “This framework sets out a blueprint to devise the UK’s National Blockchain Roadmap. It is a concise summary of the key recommendations that aim to inspire and reform […]
While warning that blockchain and distributed ledger technologies are not a panacea, an article in the Harvard Business Review argues that these technologies do have the potential to address many of the risks and root causes of disinformation. Kathryn Harrison and Amelia Leopold argue that blockchain can be used to combat disinformation by tracking and […]
Blockchain will be ‘hugely disruptive’ to finance, says Franklin Templeton CEO
The CEO of global investment and finance group Franklin Templeton, Jenny Johnson, has told Yahoo Finance that blockchain will be “hugely disruptive” to finance, “eventually allowing everyday people to place small investments in otherwise inaccessible assets like major real estate projects”. Franklin Templeton manages more than $1.5 trillion in assets. Yahoo Finance quotes Johnson as […]
Former commissioner Hogan appointed executive advisor in DeFi legal assurance firm
Former European Commissioner Phil Hogan has been appointed as executive advisor to the decentralised finance legal assurance firm Astra Protocol, according to an article in the Business Post. Astra Protocol is described as a new smart contract product platform from Dublin-based company The Proof of Trust and Assurance. The article quotes Hogan as saying “Decentralised […]
Ireland for Finance Industry Advisory Committee seeks expressions of interest for panel of international advisors
The Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Sean Fleming TD, has announced a selection process to identify a panel of international advisors to the Ireland for Finance Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). Ireland for Finance is the Government strategy for the development of the international financial services sector in Ireland to 2025. […]
Hemp Blockchain Inc selects Algorand for blockchain platform
Industrial hemp company, The Hemp Blockchain Inc, has selected Algorand as its blockchain platform, to support a range of supply chain management and marketplace solutions purpose-built for the industrial hemp industry, according to an article on Business Wire. The Hemp Blockchain, says the article, seeks to “leapfrog” existing solutions in an agriculture sector with significant […]
UN considers the dangers and promise of cryptocurrency technology
Experts at the United Nations (UN) believe that cryptocurrencies and the technology that powers them – blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) – can play an important role in sustainable development, and improving stewardship of the environment. An article from UN news, says that while cryptocurrency mining has been labelled “one of the most fundamentally […]
According to an article in the Financial Times, there is an increasing number of banks issuing bonds on blockchains, simplifying processes and reducing costs. The article says that the bond market has been lagging behind other areas of financial markets in adopting new technologies. Now, reports FT, bankers are realising that putting new debt on […]
US passes consumer safety tech act to evaluate blockchain
While cryptocurrencies still dominate the headlines, there are also interesting developments on the consumer front for blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT). One such development is the recent passing in the US legislature of the Consumer Safety Technology Act, by a healthy majority of 325-103. The Act requires the office of the Secretary of Commerce, […]
An article from Forbes explores how big banks are adapting to and investing in blockchain and DLT as part of the increasing digitisation of the world of finance. With particular focus on how currencies are being digitised, such as the proposed ‘BritCoin’ and the digital Yuan, Forbes Digital Council member, Chris Naprawa, TAAL president, the […]
Report highlights European blockchain investment gap
The European Investment Bank, working with the European Commission, has produced a report on artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, providing “a global overview of the state of play of both technologies”. The report says that Europe needs to address an investment gap of up to €10 billion which it argues is holding back development and […]
Blockchain Ireland Enterprise Working Group call for members
The Enterprise working group within Blockchain Ireland is actively looking to recruit new members to guide the group in delivering content and engagement for the enterprise membership. If you are involved with blockchain and distributed ledger technologies in an enterprise environment, check out the working groups page of BlockchainIreland.ie, where you can make contact with […]
Formula 1 has secured a $100 million sponsorship deal with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. Reported to be a five year deal, it will see branding trackside from the British Grand Prix onward, as well is in the new spring qualifying format. Not a first for the sport, as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One team had […]
Joint project on demand and supply of blockchain skills
A joint project is being undertaken by ESRI, Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (Digit) at the University of Sussex, and Blockchain Ireland on blockchain skills development as part of a joint project on the demand and supply of blockchain skills. Below is a letter from the respective instututes, with a call to action for […]
The Blockchain Ireland Start-ups working group is continuing its Lunchbox series of events at 13:00 on 23 June, with the topic of decentralisation, innovation and the public sector. The series comprises bitesize conversations with DLT entrepreneurs and trailblazers from Ireland and overseas, covering emerging trends, early adoption and advice on getting started. Featured speakers are: […]
Micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability
The European Commission wishes to hear the views of citizens, governmental and non-governmental organisations (international, European, national, regional and local) as well as of education, training and employment stakeholders on the subject of EU-wide recognition of learning outcomes. They can respond to the public consultation in a personal or organisational/institutional capacity by filling a the […]
The world of finance is moving at a swift pace, driven by various digital developments, such as blockchain, digital currencies and decentralised finance (DeFi). For those already in the world of financial technologies (Fintech) or for those who want to understand these growing trends, ICT Skillnet has a range of courses delivered with education partners […]
The International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA) has created a new event series entitled “MiCA goes Global”. According to the association, the series was created to be the next step in its work on the EU Commission’s Regulation of Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) and the Prime Pilot Regulation (PRR). Each event in the series, […]
Blockchain Ireland Week 2021 was an unqualified success, as more than sixty events and hundreds of speakers and participants over the course of the week generated more than 4,800 registrations from 60 countries. With the broad theme of blockchain as a foundation of trust for a new era of digital services and applications, clear themes […]
Blockchain for BusinessBlockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. An asset can be tangible (a house, car, cash, land) or intangible (intellectual property, patents, copyrights, branding). Virtually anything of value can be tracked and traded on a blockchain network, reducing risk and cutting costs for […]
British Blockchain Association initiative brings together blockchain associations from around the world. The British Blockchain Association, today, welcomed 55 senior representatives of the world’s leading international Blockchain associations to the inaugural meeting of what is set to become the most influential Blockchain and DLT advisory group globally – The Blockchain Associations Forum (BAF). The launch of what […]
A new handle for news, resources and communication Blockchain Ireland has a new Twitter handle. @Blockchain_Irl is the new identity on the Twitter platform to communicate news, highlight resources and to interact with the wider blockcahin and distributed ledge technologies ecosystem. Please click and follow to keep in touch.
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