[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":315,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"html"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":2,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":" $\"\"$ In this issue:\n

\u2022 Cryptocurrency Threat Actors Attack Cloud Infrastructure, Trading Software and Bitcoin ATMs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>New Blockchain Payments Solutions Announced for Banks, Merchants and the Unbanked<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Simone O. Otenaike<\/em><\/a>\n\nEarly this week, a leading global technology firm launched a real-time global payments network for regulated financial institutions. The global payments network is currently in a limited production phase and available in 72 countries, with 48 currencies and 46 banking endpoints where people can send or receive cash. In conjunction with the firm\u2019s announcement, six international banks signed letters of intent to issue stablecoins (tokens backed by fiat currency) on the firm\u2019s global payments network. The network uses the Stellar public blockchain and is free to join; participants only pay according to the value they move through the network. Meanwhile the SEC\u2019s Senior Advisor for Digital Assets recently made a public statement that stablecoins might constitute securities where one central party controls the price fluctuation over time through a pricing mechanism that keeps the price within a specified range. She further explained that the determination is based on the expectations that stablecoin issuers impart on buyers and not the specific label of the asset.\n\nAccording to recent reports, a leading Swiss online retailer will now accept Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Ethereum, Ripple, Binance Coin, Litecoin, Tron, NEO and OmiseGO for purchases worth over CHF 200 (about $200). The new payment method is part of a pilot project with Swiss payment processor and Danish crypto payments startup Coinify. The system reportedly allows customers to make payments with a fee of 1.5 percent during 15-minute time windows during which the crypto exchange rate doesn\u2019t change. A U.S.-based multinational distributor of electronic components and services will also now accept cryptocurrency payments through a collaboration with cryptocurrency payments processor BitPay.\n\nCoinciding with these payments announcements, the Bitfury Group reportedly plans to partner with a business payments processor to launch lightning network-based bitcoin payment options for merchants in the U.S., Canada and the EU. The processor\u2019s web-based Lightning Network allows businesses to improve the efficiency and lower the costs of fiat and bitcoin payments for products and services. In Australia, cryptocurrency exchange Binance recently unveiled a cash-to-bitcoin brokerage service that allows users to buy bitcoin with cash from high-street stores. The new service, Binance Lite Australia, is accessible through a network of over 1,000 news agents across the country. The platform currently only offers the option to buy bitcoin with Australian dollars, but the exchange plans to support more cryptocurrencies and fiat options in the future. Also in international news, Athena Bitcoin launched a bitcoin ATM in the city of C\u00facuta, which lies on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. The new ATM reportedly offers customers the ability to exchange bitcoin, bitcoin cash and litecoin for Colombian pesos. During this time of economic, social and political instability in Venezuela, many Venezuelans have reportedly turned to bitcoin to preserve value and escape corruption.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n

\n \tIBM Blockchain World Wire launches in 72 countries<\/a><\/li>\n \t
IBM Signs 6 Banks to Issue Stablecoins and Use Stellar\u2019s XLM Cryptocurrency<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Largest Swiss Online Retailer Digitec Galaxus Now Accepts Cryptocurrencies<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Fortune 500 Tech Firm Avnet Now Accepts Crypto Payments via BitPay<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Bitfury Integration to Bring Bitcoin Lightning Payments to More Merchants<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Binance Now Lets Australians Buy Bitcoin With Cash at Over 1,300 Stores<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cucuta Colombia Serving As a Gateway To Venezuela, Venezuelans, & Bitcoin<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Cryptocurrency Investors Bullish on New Opportunities Despite Risk and Uncertainty<\/strong>\n\nBy: <\/em>Brian P. Bartish<\/em><\/a>\n\nIn recent SEC filings, a Southern California-based bank known for catering to clients focused on cryptocurrency and related assets, including several leading cryptocurrency exchanges, reported a 122 percent increase in such clients and an 11.4 percent increase in deposits from crypto-focused customers in 2018. Already operating its own proprietary exchange network, the bank is eyeing further growth opportunities in the arena of stablecoins, including working with several stablecoin developers to hold their deposit collateral. This week, cryptocurrency data provider CoinMarketCap\u2019s cryptocurrency benchmark indices launched on several leading financial data feeds in the U.S. and Germany, with the goal of promoting greater accessibility to cryptocurrency data. Last week, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reiterated its pledge to collaborate with all stakeholders as it works to roll out a new digital asset platform by 2020 \u2013 part of a larger three-year strategic plan (2019-2021) aimed at opening new investment opportunities and improving the convenience and speed of the investment experience. Despite cryptocurrency market instability and the lack of FDIC guarantees, customers are reportedly racing to deposit bitcoin and ether into new interest-bearing accounts, offering up to a 6.2 percent annualized return, provided by BlockFi.\n\nWith the 74 percent decline in bitcoin value in 2018, the first mainstream exchange to allow people to trade in bitcoin futures announced that it will no longer list bitcoin futures contracts and is reviewing its approach to cryptocurrency derivatives. Seeming to confirm long-standing accusations, a new report released this week by trading analytics platform The Tie estimates that 87 percent of 97 exchanges surveyed reported potentially suspicious trading volume, with 75 percent of those exchanges reporting double their expected trading volume. The Tie estimated expected trading volume of the 100 largest exchanges to equal $2.1 billion, well below the $15.9 billion currently being reported. Japan continues to lead the way in cryptocurrency trading regulations with new rules aimed at the 8.42 trillion-yen ($75.6 billion) margin trading industry.\u00a0 The rules would cap leverage in virtual currency margin trading at two to four times initial deposits and require new government registration for exchanges that handle margin trading.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \t
SEC Filing Reveals Powerhouse Crypto-Friendly Bank Is Rapidly Expanding Its Network of Bitcoin Businesses<\/a><\/li>\n \t
CoinMarketCap Crypto Indices Launch on Nasdaq, Bloomberg, Reuters<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Stock Exchange of Thailand building digital asset platform<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cryptocurrency Diehards Turn to Interest Bearing Accounts<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cboe Isn\u2019t Listing Any New Bitcoin Futures Contracts<\/a><\/li>\n \t
New Report Warns 87 Percent of Cryptocurrency Exchange Volume Is Potentially Suspicious<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Report Says Most Crypto Trading Volume Is Suspicious<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Japan clamps down on margin cryptocurrency trading<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Blockchain Applications Advance in Food Production, Transport, Recordkeeping, Contracting and Voting<\/strong>\n\nBy: <\/em>Diana J. Stern<\/em><\/a>\n\nIn enterprise blockchain news this week, the National Pork Board and Ripe Technology announced they are partnering to create a platform for pork producers to monitor and evaluate sustainability, then use that data to improve their practices. Some of the data recorded on chain is expected to be visible to ecosystem partners so they can validate certifications. Ripe Technology is a startup that aims to increase transparency and integrity of information across the food supply chain.\n\nThe Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) announced that it approved its first official data format specification. This year, the alliance plans to continue creating open blockchain standards for and by the transportation industry, so they can move toward tracking shipments in real time. By laying down the standards groundwork, BiTA intends to eventually phase out legacy EDI systems and replace them with blockchain-based solutions.\n\nAccording to reports, one of the world\u2019s largest technology firms teamed up with the French National Council of Clerks of Commercial Courts and successfully developed a blockchain-based solution that will be used by clerks in commercial courts across France. The technology, built on Hyperledger Fabric, manages legal transactions related to the company life cycle \u2013 including regulatory information and corporate name changes \u2013 in order to increase transparency and efficiency.\n\nDenver, Colorado, is the latest city to plan a trialing a blockchain-based application for voting. In its May municipal election, voters who may not be able to get to the polls, such as active-duty military and overseas voters, will be able to submit their ballot through a blockchain-based mobile app designed by Voatz.\n\nClause, the smart contract platform built for blockchain, announced that it has extended its integration with a popular legal tech provider, DocuSign. When users sign an agreement in DocuSign, Clause allows for other events to be triggered by the fact that the document has been executed. In the coming months, Clause intends to move toward paid plans for its clients.\n\nFor more information, please check out the following links:\n
\n \t
National Pork Board and RIPE.IO Partner to Enhance Responsible Pig Farming Practices Through Blockchain<\/a><\/li>\n \t
BiTA blockchain standards bring the industry closer to seamless shipment tracking<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Blockchain Standard Approved to Create Supply Chain Efficiency<\/a><\/li>\n \t
French National Council of Clerks of Commercial Courts announce the deployment of a blockchain network developed by IBM, to streamline the management of commercial and corporate registry<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Blockchain Mobile Voting is coming to Denver Municipal Elections<\/a><\/li>\n \t
DocuSign Can Now Trigger Clause Smart Contracts, Co. Preps For Paid Clients<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Public and Private Sector Entities Address Blockchain Regulatory Environment<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Robert A. Musiala Jr.<\/em><\/a>\n<\/em>\nLast Friday, the SEC announced that it will host \u201ca public forum focusing on distributed ledger technology (DLT) and digital assets\u201d at the SEC\u2019s Washington, D.C., headquarters on May 31, 2019. According to the press release, the forum is being organized by the SEC\u2019s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology (FinHub), and is \u201cdesigned to foster greater communication and understanding around issues involving DLT and digital assets.\u201d The event will be open to the public and will be webcast live on the SEC\u2019s website. In another notice published last week, the SEC addressed the challenges associated with \u201cwhether and how characteristics particular to digital assets affect compliance with the Custody Rule.\u201d The notice included a list of questions on which the SEC is seeking industry input.\n\nIn Canada, the Canadian Securities Administrators recently issued a report addressing regulatory frameworks for platforms that \u201cfacilitate the buying and selling of crypto assets and perform functions similar to one or more of exchanges, alternative trading systems (ATSs), clearing agencies, custodians and dealers.\u201d Also this week, the Swiss legislature approved a motion that would allow certain existing legal frameworks to be applied to cryptocurrencies in order to help protect against risks such as money laundering and unsupervised market activity.\n\nLast week, the American Bar Association published a white paper that seeks to provide \u201ca comprehensive explanation of federal and state laws that may apply to the creation, offer, use and trading of digital assets in the United States, along with summaries of key initiatives outside the United States.\u201d Another recent white paper published by the Brookings Economic Studies program addresses perceived gaps in the regulation of \u201ccrypto-assets\u201d and makes recommendations for U.S. congressional action.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \t
SEC Staff to Hold Fintech Forum to Discuss Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Engaging on Non-DVP Custodial Practices and Digital Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Proposed Framework for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Canada Proposes Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrency Exchanges<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Swiss Federal Assembly Approves Instructions on Cryptocurrency Regulation<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Digital and Digitized Assets: Federal and State Jurisdictional Issues<\/a><\/li>\n\n \t
It\u2019s Time to Strengthen the Regulation of Crypto-Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Report From Former CFTC Chairman Calls for Advanced Crypto Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Cryptocurrency Threat Actors Attack Cloud Infrastructure, Trading Software and Bitcoin ATMs<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Robert A. Musiala Jr.<\/em><\/a>\n<\/em>\nAccording to a recent report from the cybersecurity team at a major U.S. telecom provider, \u201c[o]ne of the most widely observed objectives of attacking an organization\u2019s cloud infrastructure has been for cryptocurrency mining.\u201d The report outlines some of the most common methods of attack that hackers have used in recent attempts to hack into cloud infrastructure for the purpose of operating cryptocurrency mining malware, and provides tips for detecting such attacks. Another recently published report provides details on more than 40 bugs in blockchain and cryptocurrency platforms that were detected in the 30-day period from Feb. 13 to\u00a0 March 13, 2019. A third report issued this week describes details of a malware campaign that is \u201cattempting to compromise financial technology and cryptocurrency trading companies in an effort to harvest credentials, passwords and other confidential information.\u201d The attackers are reportedly using an updated version of the Cardinal RAT malware, and evidence suggests they have been targeting companies in Israel that write software for forex and cryptocurrency trading.\n\nAn \u201cin person\u201d attack was reported late last week in Canada, where Calgary police published a press release seeking the public\u2019s assistance to identify four individuals alleged to have stolen $195,000 in cash by exploiting a security flaw in bitcoin ATM machines. According to the press release, the suspects succeeded in initiating bitcoin conversion transactions, withdrawing cash from the bitcoin ATMs, and then cancelling the bitcoin transactions before any bitcoin was actually transferred to the ATM provider.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \t
Making it Rain - Cryptocurrency Mining Attacks in the Cloud<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Security researchers found over 40 bugs in blockchain platforms in 30 days<\/a><\/li>\n \t
This updated trojan malware campaign targets fintech and cryptocurrency trading companies<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Calgary Police Service seeking the public\u2019s assistance in a cyber crime investigation, Four men wanted, photos released<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","saveContent":" $\"\"$ In this issue:\n
\u2022 New Blockchain Payments Solutions Announced for Banks, Merchants and the Unbanked<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Cryptocurrency Investors Bullish on New Opportunities Despite Risk and Uncertainty<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Blockchain Applications Advance in Food Production, Transport, Recordkeeping, Contracting and Voting<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Public and Private Sector Entities Address Blockchain Regulatory Environment<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Cryptocurrency Threat Actors Attack Cloud Infrastructure, Trading Software and Bitcoin ATMs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>New Blockchain Payments Solutions Announced for Banks, Merchants and the Unbanked<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Simone O. Otenaike<\/em><\/a>\n\nEarly this week, a leading global technology firm launched a real-time global payments network for regulated financial institutions. The global payments network is currently in a limited production phase and available in 72 countries, with 48 currencies and 46 banking endpoints where people can send or receive cash. In conjunction with the firm\u2019s announcement, six international banks signed letters of intent to issue stablecoins (tokens backed by fiat currency) on the firm\u2019s global payments network. The network uses the Stellar public blockchain and is free to join; participants only pay according to the value they move through the network. Meanwhile the SEC\u2019s Senior Advisor for Digital Assets recently made a public statement that stablecoins might constitute securities where one central party controls the price fluctuation over time through a pricing mechanism that keeps the price within a specified range. She further explained that the determination is based on the expectations that stablecoin issuers impart on buyers and not the specific label of the asset.\n\nAccording to recent reports, a leading Swiss online retailer will now accept Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Ethereum, Ripple, Binance Coin, Litecoin, Tron, NEO and OmiseGO for purchases worth over CHF 200 (about $200). The new payment method is part of a pilot project with Swiss payment processor and Danish crypto payments startup Coinify. The system reportedly allows customers to make payments with a fee of 1.5 percent during 15-minute time windows during which the crypto exchange rate doesn\u2019t change. A U.S.-based multinational distributor of electronic components and services will also now accept cryptocurrency payments through a collaboration with cryptocurrency payments processor BitPay.\n\nCoinciding with these payments announcements, the Bitfury Group reportedly plans to partner with a business payments processor to launch lightning network-based bitcoin payment options for merchants in the U.S., Canada and the EU. The processor\u2019s web-based Lightning Network allows businesses to improve the efficiency and lower the costs of fiat and bitcoin payments for products and services. In Australia, cryptocurrency exchange Binance recently unveiled a cash-to-bitcoin brokerage service that allows users to buy bitcoin with cash from high-street stores. The new service, Binance Lite Australia, is accessible through a network of over 1,000 news agents across the country. The platform currently only offers the option to buy bitcoin with Australian dollars, but the exchange plans to support more cryptocurrencies and fiat options in the future. Also in international news, Athena Bitcoin launched a bitcoin ATM in the city of C\u00facuta, which lies on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. The new ATM reportedly offers customers the ability to exchange bitcoin, bitcoin cash and litecoin for Colombian pesos. During this time of economic, social and political instability in Venezuela, many Venezuelans have reportedly turned to bitcoin to preserve value and escape corruption.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \tIBM Blockchain World Wire launches in 72 countries<\/a><\/li>\n \t
IBM Signs 6 Banks to Issue Stablecoins and Use Stellar\u2019s XLM Cryptocurrency<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Largest Swiss Online Retailer Digitec Galaxus Now Accepts Cryptocurrencies<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Fortune 500 Tech Firm Avnet Now Accepts Crypto Payments via BitPay<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Bitfury Integration to Bring Bitcoin Lightning Payments to More Merchants<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Binance Now Lets Australians Buy Bitcoin With Cash at Over 1,300 Stores<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cucuta Colombia Serving As a Gateway To Venezuela, Venezuelans, & Bitcoin<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Cryptocurrency Investors Bullish on New Opportunities Despite Risk and Uncertainty<\/strong>\n\nBy: <\/em>Brian P. Bartish<\/em><\/a>\n\nIn recent SEC filings, a Southern California-based bank known for catering to clients focused on cryptocurrency and related assets, including several leading cryptocurrency exchanges, reported a 122 percent increase in such clients and an 11.4 percent increase in deposits from crypto-focused customers in 2018. Already operating its own proprietary exchange network, the bank is eyeing further growth opportunities in the arena of stablecoins, including working with several stablecoin developers to hold their deposit collateral. This week, cryptocurrency data provider CoinMarketCap\u2019s cryptocurrency benchmark indices launched on several leading financial data feeds in the U.S. and Germany, with the goal of promoting greater accessibility to cryptocurrency data. Last week, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reiterated its pledge to collaborate with all stakeholders as it works to roll out a new digital asset platform by 2020 \u2013 part of a larger three-year strategic plan (2019-2021) aimed at opening new investment opportunities and improving the convenience and speed of the investment experience. Despite cryptocurrency market instability and the lack of FDIC guarantees, customers are reportedly racing to deposit bitcoin and ether into new interest-bearing accounts, offering up to a 6.2 percent annualized return, provided by BlockFi.\n\nWith the 74 percent decline in bitcoin value in 2018, the first mainstream exchange to allow people to trade in bitcoin futures announced that it will no longer list bitcoin futures contracts and is reviewing its approach to cryptocurrency derivatives. Seeming to confirm long-standing accusations, a new report released this week by trading analytics platform The Tie estimates that 87 percent of 97 exchanges surveyed reported potentially suspicious trading volume, with 75 percent of those exchanges reporting double their expected trading volume. The Tie estimated expected trading volume of the 100 largest exchanges to equal $2.1 billion, well below the $15.9 billion currently being reported. Japan continues to lead the way in cryptocurrency trading regulations with new rules aimed at the 8.42 trillion-yen ($75.6 billion) margin trading industry.\u00a0 The rules would cap leverage in virtual currency margin trading at two to four times initial deposits and require new government registration for exchanges that handle margin trading.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \t
SEC Filing Reveals Powerhouse Crypto-Friendly Bank Is Rapidly Expanding Its Network of Bitcoin Businesses<\/a><\/li>\n \t
CoinMarketCap Crypto Indices Launch on Nasdaq, Bloomberg, Reuters<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Stock Exchange of Thailand building digital asset platform<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cryptocurrency Diehards Turn to Interest Bearing Accounts<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cboe Isn\u2019t Listing Any New Bitcoin Futures Contracts<\/a><\/li>\n \t
New Report Warns 87 Percent of Cryptocurrency Exchange Volume Is Potentially Suspicious<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Report Says Most Crypto Trading Volume Is Suspicious<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Japan clamps down on margin cryptocurrency trading<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Blockchain Applications Advance in Food Production, Transport, Recordkeeping, Contracting and Voting<\/strong>\n\nBy: <\/em>Diana J. Stern<\/em><\/a>\n\nIn enterprise blockchain news this week, the National Pork Board and Ripe Technology announced they are partnering to create a platform for pork producers to monitor and evaluate sustainability, then use that data to improve their practices. Some of the data recorded on chain is expected to be visible to ecosystem partners so they can validate certifications. Ripe Technology is a startup that aims to increase transparency and integrity of information across the food supply chain.\n\nThe Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) announced that it approved its first official data format specification. This year, the alliance plans to continue creating open blockchain standards for and by the transportation industry, so they can move toward tracking shipments in real time. By laying down the standards groundwork, BiTA intends to eventually phase out legacy EDI systems and replace them with blockchain-based solutions.\n\nAccording to reports, one of the world\u2019s largest technology firms teamed up with the French National Council of Clerks of Commercial Courts and successfully developed a blockchain-based solution that will be used by clerks in commercial courts across France. The technology, built on Hyperledger Fabric, manages legal transactions related to the company life cycle \u2013 including regulatory information and corporate name changes \u2013 in order to increase transparency and efficiency.\n\nDenver, Colorado, is the latest city to plan a trialing a blockchain-based application for voting. In its May municipal election, voters who may not be able to get to the polls, such as active-duty military and overseas voters, will be able to submit their ballot through a blockchain-based mobile app designed by Voatz.\n\nClause, the smart contract platform built for blockchain, announced that it has extended its integration with a popular legal tech provider, DocuSign. When users sign an agreement in DocuSign, Clause allows for other events to be triggered by the fact that the document has been executed. In the coming months, Clause intends to move toward paid plans for its clients.\n\nFor more information, please check out the following links:\n
\n \t
National Pork Board and RIPE.IO Partner to Enhance Responsible Pig Farming Practices Through Blockchain<\/a><\/li>\n \t
BiTA blockchain standards bring the industry closer to seamless shipment tracking<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Blockchain Standard Approved to Create Supply Chain Efficiency<\/a><\/li>\n \t
French National Council of Clerks of Commercial Courts announce the deployment of a blockchain network developed by IBM, to streamline the management of commercial and corporate registry<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Blockchain Mobile Voting is coming to Denver Municipal Elections<\/a><\/li>\n \t
DocuSign Can Now Trigger Clause Smart Contracts, Co. Preps For Paid Clients<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Public and Private Sector Entities Address Blockchain Regulatory Environment<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Robert A. Musiala Jr.<\/em><\/a>\n<\/em>\nLast Friday, the SEC announced that it will host \u201ca public forum focusing on distributed ledger technology (DLT) and digital assets\u201d at the SEC\u2019s Washington, D.C., headquarters on May 31, 2019. According to the press release, the forum is being organized by the SEC\u2019s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology (FinHub), and is \u201cdesigned to foster greater communication and understanding around issues involving DLT and digital assets.\u201d The event will be open to the public and will be webcast live on the SEC\u2019s website. In another notice published last week, the SEC addressed the challenges associated with \u201cwhether and how characteristics particular to digital assets affect compliance with the Custody Rule.\u201d The notice included a list of questions on which the SEC is seeking industry input.\n\nIn Canada, the Canadian Securities Administrators recently issued a report addressing regulatory frameworks for platforms that \u201cfacilitate the buying and selling of crypto assets and perform functions similar to one or more of exchanges, alternative trading systems (ATSs), clearing agencies, custodians and dealers.\u201d Also this week, the Swiss legislature approved a motion that would allow certain existing legal frameworks to be applied to cryptocurrencies in order to help protect against risks such as money laundering and unsupervised market activity.\n\nLast week, the American Bar Association published a white paper that seeks to provide \u201ca comprehensive explanation of federal and state laws that may apply to the creation, offer, use and trading of digital assets in the United States, along with summaries of key initiatives outside the United States.\u201d Another recent white paper published by the Brookings Economic Studies program addresses perceived gaps in the regulation of \u201ccrypto-assets\u201d and makes recommendations for U.S. congressional action.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \t
SEC Staff to Hold Fintech Forum to Discuss Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Engaging on Non-DVP Custodial Practices and Digital Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Proposed Framework for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Canada Proposes Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrency Exchanges<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Swiss Federal Assembly Approves Instructions on Cryptocurrency Regulation<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Digital and Digitized Assets: Federal and State Jurisdictional Issues<\/a><\/li>\n\n \t
It\u2019s Time to Strengthen the Regulation of Crypto-Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Report From Former CFTC Chairman Calls for Advanced Crypto Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Cryptocurrency Threat Actors Attack Cloud Infrastructure, Trading Software and Bitcoin ATMs<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Robert A. Musiala Jr.<\/em><\/a>\n<\/em>\nAccording to a recent report from the cybersecurity team at a major U.S. telecom provider, \u201c[o]ne of the most widely observed objectives of attacking an organization\u2019s cloud infrastructure has been for cryptocurrency mining.\u201d The report outlines some of the most common methods of attack that hackers have used in recent attempts to hack into cloud infrastructure for the purpose of operating cryptocurrency mining malware, and provides tips for detecting such attacks. Another recently published report provides details on more than 40 bugs in blockchain and cryptocurrency platforms that were detected in the 30-day period from Feb. 13 to\u00a0 March 13, 2019. A third report issued this week describes details of a malware campaign that is \u201cattempting to compromise financial technology and cryptocurrency trading companies in an effort to harvest credentials, passwords and other confidential information.\u201d The attackers are reportedly using an updated version of the Cardinal RAT malware, and evidence suggests they have been targeting companies in Israel that write software for forex and cryptocurrency trading.\n\nAn \u201cin person\u201d attack was reported late last week in Canada, where Calgary police published a press release seeking the public\u2019s assistance to identify four individuals alleged to have stolen $195,000 in cash by exploiting a security flaw in bitcoin ATM machines. According to the press release, the suspects succeeded in initiating bitcoin conversion transactions, withdrawing cash from the bitcoin ATMs, and then cancelling the bitcoin transactions before any bitcoin was actually transferred to the ATM provider.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \t
Making it Rain - Cryptocurrency Mining Attacks in the Cloud<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Security researchers found over 40 bugs in blockchain platforms in 30 days<\/a><\/li>\n \t
This updated trojan malware campaign targets fintech and cryptocurrency trading companies<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Calgary Police Service seeking the public\u2019s assistance in a cyber crime investigation, Four men wanted, photos released<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","order":0,"get_parent":{},"attributes":{"content":" $\"\"$ In this issue:\n
\u2022 New Blockchain Payments Solutions Announced for Banks, Merchants and the Unbanked<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Cryptocurrency Investors Bullish on New Opportunities Despite Risk and Uncertainty<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Blockchain Applications Advance in Food Production, Transport, Recordkeeping, Contracting and Voting<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Public and Private Sector Entities Address Blockchain Regulatory Environment<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Cryptocurrency Threat Actors Attack Cloud Infrastructure, Trading Software and Bitcoin ATMs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>New Blockchain Payments Solutions Announced for Banks, Merchants and the Unbanked<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Simone O. Otenaike<\/em><\/a>\n\nEarly this week, a leading global technology firm launched a real-time global payments network for regulated financial institutions. The global payments network is currently in a limited production phase and available in 72 countries, with 48 currencies and 46 banking endpoints where people can send or receive cash. In conjunction with the firm\u2019s announcement, six international banks signed letters of intent to issue stablecoins (tokens backed by fiat currency) on the firm\u2019s global payments network. The network uses the Stellar public blockchain and is free to join; participants only pay according to the value they move through the network. Meanwhile the SEC\u2019s Senior Advisor for Digital Assets recently made a public statement that stablecoins might constitute securities where one central party controls the price fluctuation over time through a pricing mechanism that keeps the price within a specified range. She further explained that the determination is based on the expectations that stablecoin issuers impart on buyers and not the specific label of the asset.\n\nAccording to recent reports, a leading Swiss online retailer will now accept Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Ethereum, Ripple, Binance Coin, Litecoin, Tron, NEO and OmiseGO for purchases worth over CHF 200 (about $200). The new payment method is part of a pilot project with Swiss payment processor and Danish crypto payments startup Coinify. The system reportedly allows customers to make payments with a fee of 1.5 percent during 15-minute time windows during which the crypto exchange rate doesn\u2019t change. A U.S.-based multinational distributor of electronic components and services will also now accept cryptocurrency payments through a collaboration with cryptocurrency payments processor BitPay.\n\nCoinciding with these payments announcements, the Bitfury Group reportedly plans to partner with a business payments processor to launch lightning network-based bitcoin payment options for merchants in the U.S., Canada and the EU. The processor\u2019s web-based Lightning Network allows businesses to improve the efficiency and lower the costs of fiat and bitcoin payments for products and services. In Australia, cryptocurrency exchange Binance recently unveiled a cash-to-bitcoin brokerage service that allows users to buy bitcoin with cash from high-street stores. The new service, Binance Lite Australia, is accessible through a network of over 1,000 news agents across the country. The platform currently only offers the option to buy bitcoin with Australian dollars, but the exchange plans to support more cryptocurrencies and fiat options in the future. Also in international news, Athena Bitcoin launched a bitcoin ATM in the city of C\u00facuta, which lies on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. The new ATM reportedly offers customers the ability to exchange bitcoin, bitcoin cash and litecoin for Colombian pesos. During this time of economic, social and political instability in Venezuela, many Venezuelans have reportedly turned to bitcoin to preserve value and escape corruption.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
\n \tIBM Blockchain World Wire launches in 72 countries<\/a><\/li>\n \t
IBM Signs 6 Banks to Issue Stablecoins and Use Stellar\u2019s XLM Cryptocurrency<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Largest Swiss Online Retailer Digitec Galaxus Now Accepts Cryptocurrencies<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Fortune 500 Tech Firm Avnet Now Accepts Crypto Payments via BitPay<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Bitfury Integration to Bring Bitcoin Lightning Payments to More Merchants<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Binance Now Lets Australians Buy Bitcoin With Cash at Over 1,300 Stores<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cucuta Colombia Serving As a Gateway To Venezuela, Venezuelans, & Bitcoin<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Cryptocurrency Investors Bullish on New Opportunities Despite Risk and Uncertainty<\/strong>\n\nBy: <\/em>Brian P. Bartish<\/em><\/a>\n\nIn recent SEC filings, a Southern California-based bank known for catering to clients focused on cryptocurrency and related assets, including several leading cryptocurrency exchanges, reported a 122 percent increase in such clients and an 11.4 percent increase in deposits from crypto-focused customers in 2018. Already operating its own proprietary exchange network, the bank is eyeing further growth opportunities in the arena of stablecoins, including working with several stablecoin developers to hold their deposit collateral. This week, cryptocurrency data provider CoinMarketCap\u2019s cryptocurrency benchmark indices launched on several leading financial data feeds in the U.S. and Germany, with the goal of promoting greater accessibility to cryptocurrency data. Last week, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reiterated its pledge to collaborate with all stakeholders as it works to roll out a new digital asset platform by 2020 \u2013 part of a larger three-year strategic plan (2019-2021) aimed at opening new investment opportunities and improving the convenience and speed of the investment experience. Despite cryptocurrency market instability and the lack of FDIC guarantees, customers are reportedly racing to deposit bitcoin and ether into new interest-bearing accounts, offering up to a 6.2 percent annualized return, provided by BlockFi.\n\nWith the 74 percent decline in bitcoin value in 2018, the first mainstream exchange to allow people to trade in bitcoin futures announced that it will no longer list bitcoin futures contracts and is reviewing its approach to cryptocurrency derivatives. Seeming to confirm long-standing accusations, a new report released this week by trading analytics platform The Tie estimates that 87 percent of 97 exchanges surveyed reported potentially suspicious trading volume, with 75 percent of those exchanges reporting double their expected trading volume. The Tie estimated expected trading volume of the 100 largest exchanges to equal $2.1 billion, well below the $15.9 billion currently being reported. Japan continues to lead the way in cryptocurrency trading regulations with new rules aimed at the 8.42 trillion-yen ($75.6 billion) margin trading industry.\u00a0 The rules would cap leverage in virtual currency margin trading at two to four times initial deposits and require new government registration for exchanges that handle margin trading.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
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SEC Filing Reveals Powerhouse Crypto-Friendly Bank Is Rapidly Expanding Its Network of Bitcoin Businesses<\/a><\/li>\n \t
CoinMarketCap Crypto Indices Launch on Nasdaq, Bloomberg, Reuters<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Stock Exchange of Thailand building digital asset platform<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cryptocurrency Diehards Turn to Interest Bearing Accounts<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Cboe Isn\u2019t Listing Any New Bitcoin Futures Contracts<\/a><\/li>\n \t
New Report Warns 87 Percent of Cryptocurrency Exchange Volume Is Potentially Suspicious<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Report Says Most Crypto Trading Volume Is Suspicious<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Japan clamps down on margin cryptocurrency trading<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Blockchain Applications Advance in Food Production, Transport, Recordkeeping, Contracting and Voting<\/strong>\n\nBy: <\/em>Diana J. Stern<\/em><\/a>\n\nIn enterprise blockchain news this week, the National Pork Board and Ripe Technology announced they are partnering to create a platform for pork producers to monitor and evaluate sustainability, then use that data to improve their practices. Some of the data recorded on chain is expected to be visible to ecosystem partners so they can validate certifications. Ripe Technology is a startup that aims to increase transparency and integrity of information across the food supply chain.\n\nThe Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) announced that it approved its first official data format specification. This year, the alliance plans to continue creating open blockchain standards for and by the transportation industry, so they can move toward tracking shipments in real time. By laying down the standards groundwork, BiTA intends to eventually phase out legacy EDI systems and replace them with blockchain-based solutions.\n\nAccording to reports, one of the world\u2019s largest technology firms teamed up with the French National Council of Clerks of Commercial Courts and successfully developed a blockchain-based solution that will be used by clerks in commercial courts across France. The technology, built on Hyperledger Fabric, manages legal transactions related to the company life cycle \u2013 including regulatory information and corporate name changes \u2013 in order to increase transparency and efficiency.\n\nDenver, Colorado, is the latest city to plan a trialing a blockchain-based application for voting. In its May municipal election, voters who may not be able to get to the polls, such as active-duty military and overseas voters, will be able to submit their ballot through a blockchain-based mobile app designed by Voatz.\n\nClause, the smart contract platform built for blockchain, announced that it has extended its integration with a popular legal tech provider, DocuSign. When users sign an agreement in DocuSign, Clause allows for other events to be triggered by the fact that the document has been executed. In the coming months, Clause intends to move toward paid plans for its clients.\n\nFor more information, please check out the following links:\n
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National Pork Board and RIPE.IO Partner to Enhance Responsible Pig Farming Practices Through Blockchain<\/a><\/li>\n \t
BiTA blockchain standards bring the industry closer to seamless shipment tracking<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Blockchain Standard Approved to Create Supply Chain Efficiency<\/a><\/li>\n \t
French National Council of Clerks of Commercial Courts announce the deployment of a blockchain network developed by IBM, to streamline the management of commercial and corporate registry<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Blockchain Mobile Voting is coming to Denver Municipal Elections<\/a><\/li>\n \t
DocuSign Can Now Trigger Clause Smart Contracts, Co. Preps For Paid Clients<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Public and Private Sector Entities Address Blockchain Regulatory Environment<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Robert A. Musiala Jr.<\/em><\/a>\n<\/em>\nLast Friday, the SEC announced that it will host \u201ca public forum focusing on distributed ledger technology (DLT) and digital assets\u201d at the SEC\u2019s Washington, D.C., headquarters on May 31, 2019. According to the press release, the forum is being organized by the SEC\u2019s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology (FinHub), and is \u201cdesigned to foster greater communication and understanding around issues involving DLT and digital assets.\u201d The event will be open to the public and will be webcast live on the SEC\u2019s website. In another notice published last week, the SEC addressed the challenges associated with \u201cwhether and how characteristics particular to digital assets affect compliance with the Custody Rule.\u201d The notice included a list of questions on which the SEC is seeking industry input.\n\nIn Canada, the Canadian Securities Administrators recently issued a report addressing regulatory frameworks for platforms that \u201cfacilitate the buying and selling of crypto assets and perform functions similar to one or more of exchanges, alternative trading systems (ATSs), clearing agencies, custodians and dealers.\u201d Also this week, the Swiss legislature approved a motion that would allow certain existing legal frameworks to be applied to cryptocurrencies in order to help protect against risks such as money laundering and unsupervised market activity.\n\nLast week, the American Bar Association published a white paper that seeks to provide \u201ca comprehensive explanation of federal and state laws that may apply to the creation, offer, use and trading of digital assets in the United States, along with summaries of key initiatives outside the United States.\u201d Another recent white paper published by the Brookings Economic Studies program addresses perceived gaps in the regulation of \u201ccrypto-assets\u201d and makes recommendations for U.S. congressional action.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
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SEC Staff to Hold Fintech Forum to Discuss Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Engaging on Non-DVP Custodial Practices and Digital Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Proposed Framework for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Canada Proposes Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrency Exchanges<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Swiss Federal Assembly Approves Instructions on Cryptocurrency Regulation<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Digital and Digitized Assets: Federal and State Jurisdictional Issues<\/a><\/li>\n\n \t
It\u2019s Time to Strengthen the Regulation of Crypto-Assets<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Report From Former CFTC Chairman Calls for Advanced Crypto Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Cryptocurrency Threat Actors Attack Cloud Infrastructure, Trading Software and Bitcoin ATMs<\/strong>\n\nBy<\/em>:<\/em> Robert A. Musiala Jr.<\/em><\/a>\n<\/em>\nAccording to a recent report from the cybersecurity team at a major U.S. telecom provider, \u201c[o]ne of the most widely observed objectives of attacking an organization\u2019s cloud infrastructure has been for cryptocurrency mining.\u201d The report outlines some of the most common methods of attack that hackers have used in recent attempts to hack into cloud infrastructure for the purpose of operating cryptocurrency mining malware, and provides tips for detecting such attacks. Another recently published report provides details on more than 40 bugs in blockchain and cryptocurrency platforms that were detected in the 30-day period from Feb. 13 to\u00a0 March 13, 2019. A third report issued this week describes details of a malware campaign that is \u201cattempting to compromise financial technology and cryptocurrency trading companies in an effort to harvest credentials, passwords and other confidential information.\u201d The attackers are reportedly using an updated version of the Cardinal RAT malware, and evidence suggests they have been targeting companies in Israel that write software for forex and cryptocurrency trading.\n\nAn \u201cin person\u201d attack was reported late last week in Canada, where Calgary police published a press release seeking the public\u2019s assistance to identify four individuals alleged to have stolen $195,000 in cash by exploiting a security flaw in bitcoin ATM machines. According to the press release, the suspects succeeded in initiating bitcoin conversion transactions, withdrawing cash from the bitcoin ATMs, and then cancelling the bitcoin transactions before any bitcoin was actually transferred to the ATM provider.\n\nFor more information, please refer to the following links:\n
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Making it Rain - Cryptocurrency Mining Attacks in the Cloud<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Security researchers found over 40 bugs in blockchain platforms in 30 days<\/a><\/li>\n \t
This updated trojan malware campaign targets fintech and cryptocurrency trading companies<\/a><\/li>\n \t
Calgary Police Service seeking the public\u2019s assistance in a cyber crime investigation, Four men wanted, photos released<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>"},"attributesType":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"html"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"dynamicContent":null}]

New Blockchain Payments Solutions, Business Applications, Investor Opportunities, Regulations and Malware Attacks