Tokenized gold on a blockchain is redefining gold investment, offering investors a way to own gold with enhanced transparency, security and flexibility. Unlike traditional methods, platforms such as Swarm provide gold-backed NFTs linked to specific gold bars, enabling direct ownership and options for on-chain portfolio diversification, DeFi collateral and liquidity. As gold prices climb, tokenised gold combines the asset’s stability with the agility of digital finance, so positioning it as a modern hedge against economic uncertainty and a new frontier in wealth preservation.

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Cryptocurrency funds and tech start-ups are seeing increased interest yet many projects still struggle to raise capital due to a lack of strong sales, marketing and distribution efforts. Hence, founders must overcome need to focus on building visibility, trust and investor engagement. Key strategies include leveraging social media, PR and personal narratives to attract investors as private investors and family offices are eager to explore this space. Success hinges on effective communication, long-term relationship-building and demonstrating resilience.

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Tokenising the ownership of solar panel assets aligns with broader trends in the energy sector (such as decentralised solar parks), promoting greater accessibility and participation in renewable energy initiatives. Investing in solar panels through tokens helps to reduce the ‘not in my backyard’ (NIMBY) resistance, promotes inclusivity, minimises the inequality gap caused by the energy transition and enhances local skills. It also allows individuals who are unable to install rooftop solar panels - whether due to living in multi-unit buildings, historical structures or facing other restrictions - to still benefit from co-owning solar energy installations.

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Cross-chain stablecoin payments - cross-chain technology is reshaping the blockchain landscape by enabling seamless cross-blockchain stablecoin payments, eliminating the need for intermediaries and opening the door to innovative financial solutions. This development addresses challenges such as scalability and interoperability, so enhancing the usability of blockchain networks. Moreover, stablecoins are playing a pivotal role in this transformation, offering a reliable and efficient means of value transfer across diverse blockchains. As blockchain ecosystems evolve, we may even witness non-financial corporations issuing their own stablecoins, ushering-in a new era of financial innovation and autonomy.

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Digital asset custody - the surge in interest in digital assets highlights the need for secure custody. Digital asset custody involves storing and safeguarding assets using third-party custodians. The benefits include reduced risk, insurance coverage and regulatory compliance and the challenges encompass finding the right balance between speed and security which advanced technologies are addressing. As the digital asset market expands, custody services will become pivotal for secure asset management.

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Blockchain and NLP - the fusion of blockchain technology and natural language processing (NLP) has far-reaching implications for various sectors. It enhances security, privacy and trust whilst improving efficiency. Industries such as healthcare, finance, legal, marketing and education stand to benefit. For example, marketing gains precision through campaign tracking and sentiment analysis, and education sees improved credential verification and interpretation. This integration empowers industries to enhance accuracy, efficiency and trust in managing language data.

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Into the secret garden or a dark pool of confusion? Do DeFi ‘gardens’ or ‘pools’ provide a democratic investment alternative? - better returns could be coming to a crypto community near you. DeFi gardens, (‘eBay-like’ investment products) tend to do what they say on the tin and can outperform traditional investment funds investing in crypto assets.

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Better returns could be coming to a crypto community near you. DeFi gardens, (‘eBay-like’ investment products) tend to do what they say on the tin and can outperform traditional investment funds investing in crypto assets.

“Embedded Finance” is the integration of financial products into non-financial businesses, fuelled by advancing technology. It includes offerings such as buy- now-pay-later and revenue-based lending. And this trend is expected to surpass $7 trillion by 2026. The concept aims to provide seamless financial solutions and is extending beyond retail; considerations include regulatory compliance, product terms and integration with innovative technologies.

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Crypto gaming guilds: encouraging play and a lot more - players are intrigued by GameFi as a unique approach to integrating gameplay dynamics with money systems, primarily as more high-quality, blockchain-powered games are produced. The advent of crypto gaming guilds is a fascinating step forward for the gaming industry providing members with new ways to make money and work together as they play. These guilds also encourage us to recognise that a game can be more than pixels and scores - it can be a path to financial empowerment, community engagement and even a new dimension of self-discovery.

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Carbon credits and the role of blockchain - blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize carbon credit trading, potentially driving the Voluntary Carbon Credit market to a $1 trillion valuation by 2037. The technology offers transparency and efficiency, addressing the need for new trading platforms as carbon offset demand surges. Various firms are already leveraging blockchain to track energy generation and create immutable carbon credit records and this innovation aligns with the global push for sustainability, so offering promising intersections between finance, technology and environmental responsibility.

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What happens if the US$ is replaced as the world reserve currency? - the US dollar is gradually losing its status as the world's reserve currency which could lead to economic consequences such as reduced capital access and higher borrowing costs in the US. Investors need to consider diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks and, whilst some jurisdictions suggest a desire to reduce reliance on the US dollar, significant hurdles remain. Resultant from this is that digital assets and payments are emerging as transformative forces in this shift, therefore potentially reshaping global finance. Without doubt, adaptability and strategic foresight are crucial as the world navigates these changes.

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Embedded finance: the products taking centre stage - “embedded finance” is the integration of financial products into non-financial businesses, fuelled by advancing technology. It includes offerings such as buy- now-pay-later and revenue-based lending. And this trend is expected to surpass $7 trillion by 2026. The concept aims to provide seamless financial solutions and is extending beyond retail; considerations include regulatory compliance, product terms and integration with innovative technologies.

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Web3 in social networking - Web3 revolutionizes social networking by prioritizing user control, data security and equitable compensation. It differentiates from Web2 social media platforms by offering decentralized, blockchain-powered benefits such as content authenticity, privacy protection and fair payments for creators. This transformative shift empowers users in a more secure and user-centric digital realm.

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Celebrity endorsement of cryptocurrencies and NFTs - celebrity endorsements significantly boost the value and popularity of NFTs and cryptocurrencies, creating exclusivity and demand. These endorsements enhance visibility, foster emotional connections and drive NFT prices higher. Whilst celebrity influence will likely grow in the NFT space, intrinsic creative value and practicality could become more influential factors. Careful consideration is vital due to the evolving and volatile NFT landscape. Celebrity endorsements offer both opportunities and challenges, and so demand strategic decision-making in the dynamic world of digital assets.

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The end of US$: what comes next? - the potential decline of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency is a complex global shift with far-reaching implications. Historically, reserve currencies have finite lifespans, and the dollar's dominance, nearing a century, may be challenged. This shift would impact economies, markets and geopolitics worldwide with challenges including currency depreciation, higher borrowing costs, trade complexities and financial market volatility. Yet, it also opens doors for digital currencies and financial innovation. Navigating this change requires prudent strategies that balance risk and opportunity, aiming for a more adaptable and inclusive global financial system.

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How maturing blockchains can speed-up settlement and improve collateral management - do smart legal contracts and tokenisation offer a solution to faster settlements and automated collateral management? This article claims that an integrated trading lifecycle workflow can move the industry closer to T+0 and unlock capital to create new value in the derivatives market.

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Do smart legal contracts and tokenisation offer a solution to faster settlements and automated collateral management? This article claims that an integrated trading lifecycle workflow can move the industry closer to T+0 and unlock capital to create new value in the derivatives market.

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Alex Bausch of 2Tokens.org and Jonny Fry from Team Blockchain, sit down and have a casual and informal conversation about stable coins, they're ideal characteristics... and how long they've known each other in the industry.

Blockchain technology is revolutionising the automotive industry with enhanced data security, privacy and connectivity. Minima's lightweight Proof of Work blockchain protocol enables secure real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure, predictive maintenance and tokenisation of EV charging. This innovation has garnered interest from vehicle and wallbox manufacturers, although regulatory obstacles could arise.

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Tokeni(z)ation or tokeni(s)ation? “z vs s”: which should you use? - the shift from 's' to 'z' in words like tokenization/tokenisation, highlights its digital relevance for better search rankings and engagement. This article gives an historical overview, plus linguistic variations, and invites readers to discuss how this impacts digital content.

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The evolution of money and emergence of digital assets - a look at the historical phases of currency, the legal implications of tokenization and the rise of cryptocurrencies, so exploring the evolution of money from bartering to digital assets. The article emphasizes the need for a legal framework for digital assets, highlights institutional interest in cryptocurrencies and examines the evolving financial infrastructure. It also hints at the follow-up to currency and the impact of digital assets on payment systems and traditional financial institutions.

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FSB crypto proposals - the Financial Stability Board (FSB), initially the Financial Stability Forum (FSF), was formed by the G20 leaders in 1999 for international financial collaboration. Evolving into the FSB in 2008, it aimed to enhance stability by uniting authorities, institutions and standard setters. It also addressed emerging financial systems such as cryptocurrencies, releasing recommendations for global stablecoin (GSC) regulation; the guidelines encompass diverse aspects, from accountability to cross-border cooperation. Questions arise about the FSB's influence, intentions and industry impact, given its associations and the evolving crypto landscape.

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Blockchains transformative role in automotive innovation - blockchain technology is revolutionising the automotive industry with enhanced data security, privacy and connectivity. Minima's lightweight Proof of Work blockchain protocol enables secure real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure, predictive maintenance and tokenisation of EV charging. This innovation has garnered interest from vehicle and wallbox manufacturers, although regulatory obstacles could arise.

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The ideal stablecoin should be pegged to a clear value, audited for asset verification, should utilise smart contracts for real-time transparency, share income with holders, ensure transparency and traceability, offer privacy controls, provide insurance and be user-friendly. Achieving these attributes could lead to widespread adoption of stablecoins as secure alternatives to cash and traditional banking systems, potentially serving as a steppingstone towards the eventual issuance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

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The world-famous Bristol Pound local currency looks beyond localisation currencies to imagine the full potential of new technologies to change our socio-economic system. Whilst money is a tool for markets and creates a de facto and failing governance system for the world, a correctly designed form of payment could provide the building blocks of a commons-based economy.

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Blockchain explorers: why do they matter? - blockchain explorers are tools similar to search engines (e.g. Google) for blockchain data, offering insights into transactions and more. Whilst they provide transparency, privacy risks still exist but, alongside transparency, smart contract insights and real-time alerts are other benefits. Notable explorers include Etherscan and Blockchain.com, allowing for data, verification of details and utilisation of analytics to be searched whereby enhancing transparency in the blockchain ecosystem.

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Does Coinbase’s new base blockchain make it an infrastructure provider? - Coinbase's Layer-2 network - Base - is an Ethereum blockchain for innovation. Developed with Optimism, it tackles issues experienced by Ethereum by speeding up transactions, lowering fees and maintaining security. Aave, Uniswap and OpenSea are all integrating with Base and even Coca-Cola is using Base for NFTs. This trend shows Base's broad potential beyond finance and positions Coinbase as an infrastructure provider. Base's impact is just starting, promising innovation and adoption in the blockchain realm.

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Crypto theft in the first half of 2023 - in the first six months of 2023, around $700 million in assets were stolen through scams and hacks, with DeFi protocols being a major target. Whilst this amount is lower compared to previous years, challenges such as ransomware attacks persist. However, in spite of this stolen funds were returned more frequently this year and the revenue from digital asset scams declined, being attributed to improved security practices, stricter regulations and law enforcement actions. Nevertheless, progress, caution and improved awareness are all still crucial in safeguarding crypto assets as the industry continues to evolve.

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The characteristics of the ideal stablecoin - the ideal stablecoin should be pegged to a clear value, audited for asset verification, should utilise smart contracts for real-time transparency, share income with holders, ensure transparency and traceability, offer privacy controls, provide insurance and be user-friendly. Achieving these attributes could lead to widespread adoption of stablecoins as secure alternatives to cash and traditional banking systems, potentially serving as a steppingstone towards the eventual issuance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

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PayPal’s new stablecoin means it can offer payment services and products - PayPal’s USD (PYUSD) represents a significant shift beyond revenue generation, so positioning the company as a key player in the evolving digital economy. This move aims to go beyond conventional payment processing whereby facilitating transactions in emerging areas such as the metaverse and digital equities. PayPal’s new stablecoin means that it can now offer not simply payment services but tangible products that others such as Elon Musk's 'X' can now use and so further shape the digital economy's future.

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Asset tokenisation - DeFi's accessibility, transparency and security offers the promise to transform the financial sector and the way in which we trade assets. It could democratise financial services, especially in areas with few or unreliable financial institutions whilst making global transactions faster and more efficient. The worldwide tokenisation industry is predicted to grow to potentially $68trillion by 2030 as institutions complete their proof of works and scale their digitisation programs.

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Liquidity pools and the DeFi ecosystem - liquidity pools on decentralised exchanges are digital asset collections enabling automated trading on decentralised exchanges. Users trade directly using smart contracts and liquidity pools help make trading smoother, adjusting prices automatically based on the volume of buyers and sellers. Liquidity pools offer other advantages such as improving financial inclusion, can generate a passive income. The future of DeFi and liquidity pools is promising but security, scalability and regulation do need to be addressed.

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Has the Law Commission got it wrong regarding a ‘new, third type of property asset’? Dr Stephen Castell responds to the Law Commission's final report on digital assets, contending that the Commission has erred by proposing a new legal status for digital and crypto assets that is unnecessary and scientifically incorrect. He argues that the Commission's attempt to distinguish between different sets of algorithmic data as a new category of property is a technical fallacy and that existing Common Law can address any legal concerns. Castell warns that the proposed new property status could lead to miscarriages of justice akin to past instances such as PO Horizon, and highlights the Commission's limited understanding of technical nuances in law making.

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Dr Stephen Castell responds to the Law Commission's final report on digital assets, contending that the Commission has erred by proposing a new legal status for digital and crypto assets that is unnecessary and scientifically incorrect. He argues that the Commission's attempt to distinguish between different sets of algorithmic data as a new category of property is a technical fallacy and that existing Common Law can address any legal concerns. Castell warns that the proposed new property status could lead to miscarriages of justice akin to past instances such as PO Horizon, and highlights the Commission's limited understanding of technical nuances in law making.

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Hong Kong had a miserable isolating lockdown which exacerbated the perception of its decline as a financial centre, after Beijing had been asserting its political authority and boosting alternatives in mainland China. Beijing has changed its mind, now seeing Hong Kong as a useful asset at a difficult economic time especially in its one-country two-systems format - for finance at least. Hong Kong is also due for a key role in the digital assets ecosystem and holds an intriguing position in the mBridge wholesale CBDC project. Bifurcation of the global system amid geopolitical tensions may increase Hong Kong’s importance while it sits on both halves, for now. Might digital finance and the logic of CBDCs eventually bring that to an end?

Embedded banking/finance disrupts global brands - embedded banking and finance is enabling global brands to offer financial services/products and highly profitable income streams to their customers via an App. Although this presents challenges to traditional banks, it offers the potential for those such as Elon Musk to realise his dream and create a super-App whilst making financial services more inclusive and available to the 1.4billion globally who are currently unbanked. Given the digital nature of embedded banking and finance, it is likely that we will see more digital currency solutions being implemented to compliment real-time transactions and payments.

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Blockchain analytics: insight into blockchains - analytics on blockchain transactions are essential for those businesses handling digital assets whether the assets are cryptos or real-world assets. Analytics help financial institutions safeguard their transactions, reduce financial crime risk and ensure compliance whilst offering insights for those buying and selling digital assets. Blockchain transaction analytics offer a powerful tool to handle large volumes of digitised data in a very efficient manner.

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Tokenised real world assets - imagine aspiring to own a US$190 million Marilyn Monroe painting, a 1963 Andy Warhol painting titled Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster) bought for US$105 million, or having to pay a lesser US$850,000 for a print of Queen Elizabeth. How many art lovers could afford this? But, what if you could buy shares of an artwork? What if you could buy fractions of a publicly-traded company, debt instrument, classic car or commodity? That is the core principle behind tokenisation of real-world assets.

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Hong Kong is central to China’s capital markets ecosystem, but is a digital currency? - Hong Kong had a miserable isolating lockdown which exacerbated the perception of its decline as a financial centre, after Beijing had been asserting its political authority and boosting alternatives in mainland China. Beijing has changed its mind, now seeing Hong Kong as a useful asset at a difficult economic time especially in its one-country two-systems format - for finance at least. Hong Kong is also due for a key role in the digital assets ecosystem and holds an intriguing position in the mBridge wholesale CBDC project. Bifurcation of the global system amid geopolitical tensions may increase Hong Kong’s importance while it sits on both halves, for now. Might digital finance and the logic of CBDCs eventually bring that to an end?

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As the Law Commission moves from consultation to detailed proposals on the legal treatment of digital assets, the focus switches to the lawmakers and regulators. Let us hope that political expediency does not take over and we see laws that reflect a typically well-informed, insightful and forward thinking proposal…

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DeFi and privacy - balancing transparency and data protection - DeFi, which stands for decentralised finance, is growing fast and, according to Defillama, as of June 2023 it has a total locked value of $41.4 billion. DeFi offers a range of traditional financial services, such as interest-bearing accounts, loans, borrowing and prediction markets, in an alternative, decentralised way. For DeFi to garner greater institutional support it will likely be required to comply with AML/KYC checks, such checks on the face of it are an anathema to a decentralised way of doing business.

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Tokenised deposits - Bank for International Settlements (BIS) published paper in April 2023, the comparing stablecoins to the unstable era of privately issued bank notes before the creation of the United States Federal Reserve. The BIS highlighted the stability of tokenised deposits, arguing that tokenised deposits as a form of payment supported the ‘singleness’ of money, making it interchangeable in all forms. Financial markets and regulators need to balance the need for stability and keep the current status quo, versus embracing innovation which offers the allure of lower costs, less risk and faster payments. The dilemma is set to continue but it seems that, in some shape or form, digital currencies will become increasingly available and so offer an alternative way to make payments.

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NFTs: beyond art - non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have hugely impacted the art world. Even though some digital art collections are starting to gain traction in the mainstream art world, most NFTs are still a very obscure niche, and most mainstream media does not ‘get’ their cultural value. However, these digital certificates offer many possibilities in a wide variety of other industries, recording data that enables greater transparency and efficiency for a wide variety of use cases.

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The Law Commission’s “third category” welcomed but look to the future - as the Law Commission moves from consultation to detailed proposals on the legal treatment of digital assets, the focus switches to the lawmakers and regulators. Let us hope that political expediency does not take over and we see laws that reflect a typically well-informed, insightful and forward thinking proposal…

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Using AI to help decide or even give comfort as to the appropriateness of any investment (including Bitcoin) has to be treated with care. There has been considerable interest in AI with some claiming the technology will lead to an improvement in productivity, but potentially numerous jobs are being impacted and people being made redundant.

Blockchain and intellectual property - as blockchains are increasingly being used in commerce, no doubt they will be utilised for how IP is handled. The advent of AI generative assets such as music, art, prose and the growth of the metaverse will all create additional challenges where the use of blockchain may be a useful support. In the meantime, the use of blockchains can potentially facilitate the way IP is stored, handled and tracked for infringements on an on-going basis.

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AI and blockchain in audit and accounting - AI and blockchain technology are transforming accounting and auditing, offering new tools to enable automation, data analysis, fraud detection and predictive insights as well as creating a transparent, tamper-proof record for secure transactions and audits. By harnessing the power of AI and blockchain, the accounting and auditing fields will be able to evolve to meet the demands of the digital age, so providing additional insight and confidence in financial reporting and decision-making in a more time effective manner.

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Regulations and differences of various digital currencies - financial stability, consumer safety and compliance with current laws depend on regulatory frameworks, which themselves play an increasingly important role as digital currencies grow in popularity. This article looks at the rules governing digital currencies and emphasises the key distinctions amongst cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, CBDCs, e-money, virtual currencies and in-game cash.

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AI: how helpful is it really? - using AI to help decide or even give comfort as to the appropriateness of any investment (including Bitcoin) has to be treated with care. There has been considerable interest in AI with some claiming the technology will lead to an improvement in productivity, but potentially numerous jobs are being impacted and people being made redundant.

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The use of blockchain technology, coupled with other technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, machine learning, etc, offers the promise of improved efficiency, lower costs, automation and far greater levels of transparency. But whilst MiCA offers some clarity for crypto markets in the EU, clearly more regulatory guidance is required to further encourage the expansion of greater tokenisation.

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NFTs and historical preservation - the advent of blockchain technology has brought about revolutionary changes across various sectors, and the realm of cultural heritage is no exception. Non-fungible tokens -unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology - have emerged as a powerful tool for the digitisation, preservation and monetisation of cultural heritage. Digital assets are also transforming the way we protect, share and benefit from our cultural legacy - being embraced by global museums and even the Vatican.

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Stablecoins: PayPal wants a slice of the action - the competition for stablecoins is heating up as new entrants eye the profits that traditional providers such as Tether and Circle have enjoyed. However, PayPal’s recent entry into the market with PYUSD has introduced a disruptive model. Offering high-yield incentives through DeFi platforms, PayPal has quickly gained traction, forcing a potential rethink amongst its competitors. This new landscape may transform stablecoins from mere stability tools into attractive investment options, so challenging the status quo and blurring the lines between traditional and decentralised finance.

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Understanding decentralised insurance - decentralised insurance is a transformative model that leverages blockchain technology and smart contracts to revolutionise the insurance industry. By eliminating intermediaries and automating processes, decentralised insurance enhances transparency, efficiency and accessibility, potentially lowering costs and increasing financial inclusion. So, does the future of decentralised insurance lie in hybrid models, integrating traditional and decentralised approaches, thus paving the way for more resilient and inclusive risk management solutions?

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Lessons from the Bristol Pound Project and thoughts on digital money - the world-famous Bristol Pound local currency looks beyond localisation currencies to imagine the full potential of new technologies to change our socio-economic system. Whilst money is a tool for markets and creates a de facto and failing governance system for the world, a correctly designed form of payment could provide the building blocks of a commons-based economy.

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SEC v Ripple: a watershed moment? - the recent court ruling that XRP is deemed to be a security if sold to institutions but not a security if sold to staff, retails investors and programmatically to exchanges, raises more questions than answers. Whilst the price of XRP and digital exchanges such as Coinbase have risen, are we to see the crypto market’s hopes dashed as this court decision is over-ruled? Or, will the SEC reconsider its position and offer regulatory clarity for the rest of the cryptocurrency sector?

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Can we expect an NFT renaissance? - NFTs grabbed the headlines when pictures of monkeys sold for millions and even the Uffizi Gallery sold a digital copy of a Michael Angelo masterpiece for $170,000. In essence, NFT’s are no more than a digital certificate used to represent ownership. Or are they? As we gain legal clarity on the rights and obligations attached to digital assets, will we see NFTs being used more widely in different industries across the world?

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DeFi and interoperability - interoperability is a key part of the DeFi ecosystem that has the potential to greatly improve usefulness, accessibility and the total value proposition. DeFi is set to become a more connected, efficient and flexible banking system with greater interoperability.

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MiCA offers clarity on tokenisation but still more is required - the use of blockchain technology, coupled with other technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, machine learning, etc, offers the promise of improved efficiency, lower costs, automation and far greater levels of transparency. But whilst MiCA offers some clarity for crypto markets in the EU, clearly more regulatory guidance is required to further encourage the expansion of greater tokenisation.

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Almost weekly, there are far too many crypto events happening, in all sorts of exotic places around the world. But there are a few 'go-to' events, of which Consensus is one. But how do you benefit the most from them, and is Consensus really one of the go-to events worth visiting?

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With the rising price and public awareness of Bitcoin, investors have been drawn to crypto asset markets by the promise of significant returns compared to those paltry yields often on offer from cash, bonds and other traditional asset classes. The hyperbolic growth in cryptos’ value has led investors and academics to examine more carefully the interplay between risks and returns and how cryptocurrencies interact with more traditional investment strategies. 

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IOSCO: the first global crypto regulatory framework - IOSCO's global crypto regulatory report aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for regulating crypto assets. The framework focuses on client protection, market standards, conflict management, and more. It has garnered unanimous support from the IOSCO board and aims to create uniform regulations among national regulators. Eyebrows are currently raised as to how various jurisdictions will handle this.

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The future of interoperable blockchains - blockchain technology has revolutionised various industries by providing secure, transparent and decentralised solutions. However, the proliferation of multiple blockchains has created a challenge in achieving seamless collaboration and interoperability. This article explores the future of interoperable blockchain, questions the future of blockchain and highlights players in the space - and how they do what they do.

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Do I need the roller coaster of emotions of cryptocurrencies? - equity markets are at an all-time high, yet interest rates keep rising meaning something has to break. Investing in cryptos is not for the faint-hearted, which is why many regulators around the world have been slow to embrace them for fear that cryptocurrencies are akin to gambling. If you invest, you must be prepared for volatility i.e., for the price to zig and zag, up and down. But then again, this is true for many investments and the key to any successful portfolio is to ensure that you have a spread across different types of assets.

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Equity risk factors and crypto asset returns - with the rising price and public awareness of Bitcoin, investors have been drawn to crypto asset markets by the promise of significant returns compared to those paltry yields often on offer from cash, bonds and other traditional asset classes. The hyperbolic growth in cryptos’ value has led investors and academics to examine more carefully the interplay between risks and returns and how cryptocurrencies interact with more traditional investment strategies. 

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As a digital form of central bank-issued fiat currency, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have seen an explosive growth in interest over the past four years with each jurisdiction having its own unique blend of policy drivers and motivations. This article explores a few of the key policy drivers for the introduction of a retail CBDC (in the UK, specifically), which, when extrapolated more broadly, can also apply generally to other jurisdictions seeking similar policy outcomes.

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The role of blockchain in modernising stock markets - the way in which financial organisations and private clients buy and sell stocks and shares has evolved over the years, from open outcry to electronic dealing. Once again, the infrastructure for stock markets is set to potentially be transformed as a direct result of blockchain technology. The promise is to make stock markets transparent, faster, more efficient and safer by automating many of the current processes and procedures.

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Lessons learnt from the collapse of SVB -  In a flurry of events precipitating from several months of financial hassles, Silicon Valley Bank, the 39-year-old economic powerhouse headquartered in California, was shut down by state and federal banking regulators. The bank's parent company, SVB Financial Group, filed for bankruptcy only a week after the shutdown, with its representatives forced to sell its portfolio of treasuries and securities at a $1.8 billion loss. This came at the heel of a significant recession in the US, making Silicon Valley Bank the most significant bank failure since Washington Mutual's closure in the financial crisis of 2008.

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Shareable links for cryptocurrencies - many people who start to interact with cryptocurrencies find that, initially, the user experience is not easy since there is a copious amount of jargon to learn  - notwithstanding the joys of passwords and memorable words in case you lose the keys to your wallet. Shareable Links make the transfer of cryptos from one wallet to another much easier and whilst this feature is currently exclusive to Bitcoin.com wallets, there is no reason that if a blockchain is fast and cheap then other blockchains will also be able to offer Shareable Links too.

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Policy drivers for a retail CBDC - as a digital form of central bank-issued fiat currency, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have seen an explosive growth in interest over the past four years with each jurisdiction having its own unique blend of policy drivers and motivations. This article explores a few of the key policy drivers for the introduction of a retail CBDC (in the UK, specifically), which, when extrapolated more broadly, can also apply generally to other jurisdictions seeking similar policy outcomes.

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Law Commission Final Report on digital assets - the Law Commission’s Final Report on digital assets concludes that the common law of England and Wales is ideally suited to accommodate them. The report provides detailed analysis of why this is the case, as well as suggesting narrow and targeted statutory reform to confirm the existence of a new category of property and to clarify the status of such assets for the purposes of taking collateral. The report also recommends that the UK government creates a specialist body made up of technical, commercial and legal experts in order to provide guidance on the way in which the relevant technology is evolving and the implications this will have for the application of legal principles. 

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How blockchain technology and DLTs are changing financial markets - whilst looking to be efficient as possible and drive the best returns for shareholders, regulated companies need also be mindful to preserve high risk management and compliance controls. Blockchains and DLTs are increasingly being seen as tools to help meet those goals which are often seen as juxtaposed and, in doing so, help regulators have greater transparency over financial markets.

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Blockchains and privacy - blockchains are used to record transactions, accounts and metadata. This data is open both to the public and active participants in a permissionless context so as to build trust. Yet other methods can make blockchain transactions and transaction history more private and reduce trust. Blockchain technology offers a new set of tools to combat data breaches, privacy and security threats, but there are still some challenges to address before we actually see a wider scale adoption of blockchains.

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Digital nomadism: is AI taking over? - since the advent of the gig economy, in particular its explosion during and post-COVID-19, the disruptive concept of the digital nomad has become more commonplace in today's culture. A 2023 report shows that the global gig economy generates $204 billion in revenue, with projections estimating it will grow annually by 17%. However, another disruptive revolution appears to threaten the foundations of the gig economy - AI. Whilst the exact outcomes of the AI revolution may be difficult to define, it is essential to determine how AI will affect this critical subsection of workers in the gig economy.

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Law Commission Final Report on digital assets - the Law Commission’s Final Report on digital assets concludes that the common law of England and Wales is ideally suited to accommodate them. The report provides detailed analysis of why this is the case, as well as suggesting narrow and targeted statutory reform to confirm the existence of a new category of property and to clarify the status of such assets for the purposes of taking collateral. The report also recommends that the UK government creates a specialist body made up of technical, commercial and legal experts in order to provide guidance on the way in which the relevant technology is evolving and the implications this will have for the application of legal principles. 

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The importance of effective KYC and AML processes, procedures and staff to monitor such activity is of paramount importance for regulated firms. As more jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies those firms looking to offer crypto products and services will need to follow existing best practices or risk fines and possible bans.

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Borrowing and lending in DeFi - without a doubt DeFi platforms present challenges to regulators, all the while empowering users and helping to make traditional financial services (such as borrowing and lending) more inclusive. The disintermediation that DeFi ensures can enable lower borrowing costs and higher rates for lending - but who is accountable in the event that something goes wrong? Whilst there is already a regulated DeFi platform, how soon will more appear on the scene?

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Is the Electronic Trade Documents Bill set to give added impetus for digital currencies? - the UK government is set to introduce new legislation which could impact global trade. Given that 80% of world trade is based on English law, this could have a huge impact on the efficiency of international trade by unlocking $billions of savings and boosting global trade by up to $40billion. As we see the global trade documentation being digitised, it will become easier to deploy smart contracts and so allow the automation of taxes and duties and transport invoices being settled as goods arrive and move between various entities. This itself will be possible by smart contracts using digital currencies to settle global payments faster, cheaper and potentially in a lower-risk manner.

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Banks are facing more competition than ever before - traditional banks, with their outdated IT infrastructure and systems are facing competition, and the highly lucrative markets they have monopolised for years are now being targeted by newer nimbler banks, FinTech firms and even new ways of making payments. What all the competition has in common is that it is digital and will increasingly be using technologies such as AI, Big data, IoT, blockchain, machine learning as opposed to quill pens, ledgers, cheque books and faxes.

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Navigating the AML and KYC regulatory landscape in offshore locations: key requirements and best practices - the importance of effective KYC and AML processes, procedures and staff to monitor such activity is of paramount importance for regulated firms. As more jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies those firms looking to offer crypto products and services will need to follow existing best practices or risk fines and possible bans.

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The convergence of AI and blockchain - AI and blockchain technologies can work together to address each other's limitations. AI struggles with transparency, data integrity and security, which blockchain's decentralised, immutable framework can help resolve. Blockchains enhance AI by securing data integrity, improving trustworthiness and providing transparent and traceable records of AI model changes. And whilst blockchain offers these benefits, it also introduces challenges such as increased computational costs and complexity. Certainly there remains the need for innovation in AI security and transparency, with blockchains potentially being able to play a key role - but challenges such as scalability and privacy concerns must be addressed.

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CBDCs are here to stay and will likely form an important part of the future payments landscape. 2023 looks as if it could well be a pivotal year for CBDCs, with a number of central banks looking to progress work on a retail and/or wholesale CBDC. In the UK, the Bank of England is currently consulting on the introduction of a digital pound and judges it likely that a digital pound will be needed in the future. A key question will be how a CBDC fits in with other forms of payment and also the legal framework that underpins it.

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Stablecoins are gaining traction as a new ‘digital asset’ in their own right. At the same time, the traditional bank-dominated payments model is being increasingly challenged by non-bank, fintech-native PSPs (payment service providers). What is the potential opportunity presented by - and role of - stablecoins in effecting positive change in cross-border payments models and workflows?

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The crypto ETPs market continues to grow globally. These financial products allow investors to gain exposure to the cryptoassets markets in a regulated manner and benefit from liquidity (and safeguards) offered by traditional trading venues. The advent of a comprehensive digital framework for digital and crypto instruments, such as those proposed in the EU and UK, will likely spur further interest and depth in the digital and crypto markets. But the outlook ultimately depends on the approach regulators decide to take.

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The growing buy-in of tokenization in the financial industry has encouraged the formation of strategic partnerships. We examine some of the  highlights and dynamics amongst participants in three networks: Fnality, the newly formed Canton Network, and the DTCC`s Project Ion.

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The lure of digital cash, but do you know what you are buying? - there has been considerable interest in CBDCs and stablecoins but in reality do you really know, let alone understand, what the backing of USDT, the world’s biggest stablecoin, is? The company that issues USDT is Tether and it has just announced in the last quarter that it made $1.44 billion; but how, and why, does it only have 67% invested in cash/cash type assets?

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Where the wealthy invest and why the rest may follow them - the wealthy have typically had preferential access to investments that had not been the preserve of other investors. Whilst we have seen a huge increase in assets being managed via pension and mutual funds, REITs, ETFs and other collective investment schemes, the asset management industry is undergoing a massive transformation. This will potentially result in smaller investors being able to gain exposure to a cornucopia of assets that only the wealthily had been able to benefit from previously.

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Blockchain applications and innovations in the field of cybersecurity - despite massive investments into data protection from online security threats, cyber-attacks have not relented in their frequency and aggressiveness. In 2022, cyber-attacks cost companies $6 trillion, with about 2,200 cyber-attacks occurring daily. Companies have poured billions of dollars into securing their networks and data infrastructure, but safety is not yet guaranteed. Corporations and governments are beginning to move away from centralised trust to a form of data protection that is less vulnerable at a single point of failure - hence a growing interest in the use of blockchains and DLT.

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Incumbents embrace tokenisation and alliances take shape - the growing buy-in of tokenization in the financial industry has encouraged the formation of strategic partnerships. We examine some of the  highlights and dynamics amongst participants in three networks: Fnality, the newly formed Canton Network, and the DTCC`s Project Ion.

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James Tylee, veteran Wall Street algorithmic programmer and general ‘geek’ (having set up the world’s first radio station 15 years ago that pays listeners crypto for simply listening), recently turned his hand to interviewing ChatGPT and gleaned its perspective of digital assets and blockchains. The results, whilst not perfect, offer much insight - especially for the uninitiated.

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The impact of DeFi on traditional financial intermediaries - decentralised finance (DeFi) is a term for an ecosystem that is focused on banking, insurance and asset management services which operate on blockchain-powered platforms and are not typically controlled by a single organisation. DeFi removes the need for intermediaries, banks, asset managers and other financial entities so that people can do business with each other (Peer2Peer) using smart contracts. Traditional financial institutions are being challenged by the advent of DeFi since it offers an alternative choice as to how people receive and handle their financial affairs.

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The challenges of creating Web 3.0 - whilst multiple tech firms keep pushing for Web 3.0, it does still need additional work and structure in order to be fully operational. Excluding the friction from existing structures, players are still experimenting with ideas, innovation and integration for those primary structures that constitute Web 3.0. However, although implementing this next-generation internet is not a straightforward process, the potential reward could be substantial and change the way we interact and how much of business is transacted.

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FTX update May 2023 - FTX’s collapse and bankruptcy, the legal proceedings against its top executives, the asset recovery efforts, the current state of business operations, stakeholder impact, international issues, and lessons learned have kept an army of regulators, journalists, lawyers and accountants busy. These events undoubtedly raise questions about what led to the collapse, the implications of the repercussions and lessons learnt for other companies, and the cryptocurrency sector at large.

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AI’s perspective on digital assets and blockchain technology - James Tylee, veteran Wall Street algorithmic programmer and general ‘geek’ (having set up the world’s first radio station 15 years ago that pays listeners crypto for simply listening), recently turned his hand to interviewing ChatGPT and gleaned its perspective of digital assets and blockchains. The results, whilst not perfect, offer much insight - especially for the uninitiated.

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Interested in digital assets, but don't know where to start? Here we take a look at what digital wallets are, the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets, and some tips on how to start.

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How AI and blockchain can transform the supply chain - AI and blockchains are crucial to guarantee effective supply chain management. The two technologies may improve the experience for suppliers and end customers by driving higher automation and providing scalability, expanding connection across supply networks and enhancing traceability in commodity movement. AI and blockchain technology are increasingly being seen as solutions to help alleviate some of the problems associated with supply chain management.

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How can a small business get onto the metaverse? - whilst it may sound like an open-world game on steroids, the metaverse has attracted attention from a number of the largest businesses across the globe, with some having poured millions into obtaining real estate in the metaverse. Adidas purchased a plot of land in The Sandbox with plans to fill it with branded content and merchandise, and PwC's Hong Kong branch, not wanting to miss out on the potential benefits, also purchased virtual land in The Sandbox in 2022. Furthermore, companies such as Meta and Microsoft have developed entire virtual workplaces (Microsoft's Mesh and Meta's Horizon), albeit relatively simple constructs.

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Why is digital cash ‘on its way’? - arguably, the 2008 banking crisis spawned a desire to have an alternative form of cash/payments as taxpayers questioned why they were being forced to bail out the bankers. Trust in bankers took another hit with the LIBOR revelation and bankers being fined $9billion in 2015.  As society becomes ever more digitised, with the desire also to access services 24/7, it seem inevitable that cash is to be offered in a digital format. But this then raises concerns as to a potential loss of privacy…..

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Looking after your digital assets - interested in digital assets, but don't know where to start? Here we take a look at what digital wallets are, the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets, and some tips on how to start.

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Introducing the Commissioner for digital money: safeguarding privacy and rights in the age of programmable money - The global race to develop Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Stablecoins has quietly created unprecedented challenges across the world. The intrinsic programmability of this money and the oceans of new and valuable centralised data produced daily create chronic as well as acute governance challenges in each and every jurisdiction. A gnawing temptation to governments and other agencies to abuse these new powers. Both at implementation and then again over the longer term.
Do we therefore need a Commissioner for Digital Money, similar to the UK’s ICO, for the digital pound and Sterling based stablecoins?

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The economic impact of adopting cryptocurrency as an alternative for goods and services - for all the hype surrounding both Bitcoin and crypto, they continue to remain largely unused as a means of exchange. More than $1 million is spent daily in the US on those goods and services using Bitcoin. However, this is a pittance compared to the annual US consumer expenditure of over $15 trillion. For Bitcoin to become a suitable alternative for buying goods and services, it must meet certain criteria.

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Metaverse and healthcare - experts in the healthcare business believe that the metaverse has the potential to provide significant value, although this is still an emerging trend. Medical software solutions, which allow users to engage with digital material in various ways (for instance, by managing data or exchanging medical pictures), now dominate the healthcare technology landscape. The metaverse’s highly immersive nature offers new ways for physicians to be trained and patients and carers to understand more about procedure and care plans before, during and after treatment.

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Dressed in disguise: how accounting rules hide the flaws of the fractional reserve banking system - this article looks at the controversial topic of flawed accounting rules that are designed to hide the truth about the health and solvency of the banking system. The level of accountancy inconsistencies in many global banks would appear to be largely ignored. Surely there is a need for greater transparency for the sake of shareholders and depositors as well as for regulators to maintain confidence in financial markets before it becomes too late?

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The economic impact of digital money - there is a growing body of evidence as to the impact of digital money on our lives and the economy. However, whether blockchain technology will be the ‘silver bullet,’ technology wise, is still to be determined. Whilst these digital currencies could streamline payments, reduce costs and expand access to financial services, their economic impact remains complex and mixed. Overall, the successful integration of digital money depends on thoughtful regulation, technological infrastructure and public acceptance.

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Bankruptcies and bank failures such as Silvergate, SVB and Signature Bank and the impact of digital money (Part 2) - central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenised assets could reshape banking and economic structures. Whilst these innovations promise enhanced transparency and efficiency, they also pose risks to traditional banking, potentially increasing costs and reducing credit availability. Blockchain and AI integration offer solutions by boosting financial stability and regulatory oversight. However, balancing these benefits, with the potential economic drawbacks, is crucial for ensuring long-term resilience and growth in the financial ecosystem.

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TRON's rise to dominance and the future of its stablecoin - Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer, discontinued minting USDC on the TRON network in the first weeks of 2024. Binance followed suit by terminating USDC support on TRC-20 on March 25. Users had until April 8 to convert, transfer or withdraw their tokens. All these happened whilst their USDC transactions on other chains remained unaffected. It could be said that these incidents have dented investors’ trust in TRON, but it did not prevent TRON from becoming the highest-performing blockchain later in 2024 (even surpassing Ethereum in revenue) and generating approximately $435 million compared to Ethereum's $364 million. And this growth is mainly due to its dominance in the stablecoin market, especially with USDT. But there are also other recent reasons….

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The convergence of AI and blockchain - AI and blockchain technologies can work together to address each other's limitations. AI struggles with transparency, data integrity and security, which blockchain's decentralised, immutable framework can help resolve. Blockchains enhance AI by securing data integrity, improving trustworthiness and providing transparent and traceable records of AI model changes. And whilst blockchain offers these benefits, it also introduces challenges such as increased computational costs and complexity. Certainly there remains the need for innovation in AI security and transparency, with blockchains potentially being able to play a key role - but challenges such as scalability and privacy concerns must be addressed.

Full Article Here

this article looks at the controversial topic of flawed accounting rules that are designed to hide the truth about the health and solvency of the banking system. The level of accountancy inconsistencies in many global banks would appear to be largely ignored. Surely there is a need for greater transparency for the sake of shareholders and depositors as well as for regulators to maintain confidence in financial markets before it becomes too late?

Full Article Here

Blockchain governance - blockchain governance creates the rules by which a blockchain will function, so enabling users to determine which blockchain is the most appropriate for them to select. It helps to coordinate code updates, and enable technological improvements, financial allocation and power distribution. Some blockchains have a decentralised network but a centralised basis for governance, technology and ecosystem growth. Other blockchains are autonomously decentralised but, in order to know how each blockchain functions, one needs to understand the way each blockchain has been designed - i.e. how it is governed.

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Gold: you can hold bullion or digital gold - gold has always been seen as a store of value during troubled times and in the last year central bankers have accumulated over 1,100 tons of gold. However, as well as holding physical bullion, it is possible to buy gold in a digitised format ( i.e. tokens pegged/backed by gold, or even digital gold), commonly referred to as Bitcoin.

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Why is tokenisation both relevant and important for the EU? - there continues to be much confusion around digitalisation of real-world assets (sometimes referred to as tokens) and cryptocurrencies. Whilst cryptos and tokens both use blockchains and distributed ledger technology, major corporations, central bankers and governments are increasingly beginning to realise the transformative potential that tokenisation offers their customers and citizens.

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The engine behind tokenised securities: standard ERC3643 - this article delves into standard ERC3643’s history and development, offering insight into the technical and conceptual breakthroughs that have made it the smart contract standard for permissioned tokens. It is a versatile protocol, suitable for digital assets which require controls on permissionless networks. Its built-in, privacy-preserved identity system makes it the standard for tokenised securities and real-world assets since it enforces compliance, which it does by allowing issuers to identify owners of digital securities on the blockchain without compromising the privacy of investors.

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This podcast covers the article written by Luc Falempin co-founder Tokeny, that delves into standard ERC3643’s history and development, offering insight into the technical and conceptual breakthroughs that have made it the smart contract standard for permissioned tokens. It is a versatile protocol, suitable for digital assets which require controls on permissionless networks. Its built-in, privacy-preserved identity system makes it the standard for tokenised securities and real-world assets since it enforces compliance, which it does by allowing issuers to identify owners of digital securities on the blockchain without compromising the privacy of investors.

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