What is the Blockchain? The Plain English version
By Bill Hess, Founder of Pixel Privacy. The word blockchain is on everyone’s lips right now. Although you might not really understand what “blockchain” means, chances are you’ve heard people talk about it (a lot). Some people believe it will change our world for the better, and it will replace the banks that we currently know – or similar extravagant things. Although the blockchain came to the general public’s attention when the crypto market absolutely exploded, the majority of the people still don’t understand how it works, what it’s used for or what all the fuss is about. In this guide, I’ll answer all of your questions in regards […]
Despite sensationalism and fear, blockchain is the real deal for businesses
It would seem that blockchain is gaining a bad reputation from many, thanks to the hyperbole being perpetuated in certain quarters. But while sensationalist and negative headlines confuse, a handful of banks are destined to have the last laugh as they move forward with adoption of the technology. The most common mistake being made, is that the terms “bitcoin”, “cryptocurrency” and “blockchain” are being used interchangeably. Cryptocurrency simply runs on blockchain – or distributed ledger technology – and that’s where the connection ends. One recent article was titled “Banks claim they’re building blockchains. They’re not” – the article was actually focused on bitcoin and cryptocurrency, meaning a more accurate title […]
Mastercard tries to make paying with virtual coins easier
Mastercard has landed a US patent for a payment system that would make it easier for people to quickly and securely settle transactions with cryptocurrencies. First reported by Coindesk, Mastercard said its proposed method would mean the payee assumed less risk in a cryptocurrency transaction, which could result in a higher acceptance of virtual coins by merchants. “It often takes a significant amount of time, around ten minutes, for a blockchain-based transaction to be processed, due to the computer processing time and resources required to verify and update the blockchain,” Mastercard said. “Conversely, traditional fiat payment transactions that are processed using payment networks often have processing times that are measured […]
CFA exam to include blockchain and cryptocurrency parts from 2019
With cryptocurrencies here to stay, education needs to start meeting student and employer demand. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies will be making an appearance in the level I and II Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams from 2019 onwards as part of a broader new reading called Fintech in Investment Management. The material will be released in August this year, giving exam-goers time to start logging their recommended 300 hours of study time on the topic. Like crypto uptake elsewhere, it’s being largely driven by popular demand from participants, with surveys and focus groups showing strong interest from future analysts and employers. The organisers might be equally onboard. “We saw the field […]
Australia’s first Future Hub to Accelerate Blockchain Development and Implementation
Australian technology innovator Lakeba Group today launched the Lakeba Future Hub, a consortium of leading technology, law, taxation and educational firms, with a focus on accelerating blockchain adoption and development by Australian businesses. Recognised for being one of the first technology companies in Australia to have live commercial blockchain pilots across multiple sectors, Lakeba will work with leading partners Microsoft, IBM, Macquarie University, cryptocurrency and blockchain legal expert Piper Alderman, and taxation expert Grant Thornton, to help businesses navigate the pathway for implementing blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions. New partners relevant to the vision of the Future Hub will continue to be added as the consortium grows in scope and footprint. […]
DIY smart contracts and customisable crypto derivatives on demand
If everything’s going on the blockchain, the blockchain needs a derivatives market. Blockchain development is tough. Unlike other systems, someone who wants to build an entire platform of their own has to get their heads around the multi-faceted nature of decentralisation, and balancing technical foundations and economic theory. Even building on an existing platform is tough work and experienced blockchain developers can now pull seven figure signing bonuses from prominent companies. Ethereum in particular poses a unique challenge. Thanks to the complexities of its own unique Solidity programming language, thousands of Ethereum contracts end up being flawed or even outright broken when they go live. Projects around the cryptosphere are […]
Where, why and how AI, cryptocurrency and blockchain come together
The future is here, and it’s a doozy. Cryptocurrency, distributed ledger technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have a lot of overlap. Firstly cryptocurrency mining and machine learning cycles are extremely similar, while crypto has already delivered a way to directly use computing cycles as a currency. This helps opens the doors to much quicker development of machine learning systems. There are already signs that the future will feature a global machine learning cloud computer network where machine learning warehouses, similar to bitcoin mining warehouses, crop up to educate future generations of robots on demand. Beyond that, you can also see how AI firms are using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and […]
World’s largest blockchain loyalty program launches in Australia
Blockchain company EZToken has announced the launch of its global cryptocurrency loyalty program (EZToken Rewards) in Australia. EZToken Rewards is the world’s biggest blockchain loyalty program (by size of retailer network). Members are rewarded with EZToken cryptocurrency rather than loyalty points for transacting with over 80 participating retailers. Unlike loyalty points, the value of EZToken constantly changes as EZToken is actively traded on digital exchanges around the world. With real potential to become one of the most popular loyalty currencies in the world, members who have earned EZToken can hold and see if the value rises, trade at participating retailers or transfer to other EZToken Rewards members. Best of all, […]
