This Week in the World of Blockchains
Straight from the newsdesk of ConsenSys Media: a weekly rundown of Ethereum & blockchain-related news and updates from all over the world. Read about what’s happening and understand why it matters.
November 14–18,2016
A New World Economic Forum Council
A new working faction focusing on blockchain technology has recently been initiated by the World Economic Forum. The Global Futures Council on Blockchain Technology includes members such as Alex Tapscott, Primavera De Filippi and most notably, Toomas Hendrik, the former president of Estonia. The group will largely focus on the development of governance models related to the blockchain.
Why it matters?
As the former president of Estonia, a nation using blockchain technology, Hendrik can advise the World Economic Forum and provide input on the issues associated with blockchain, that the group aims to the focus on.
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Bank of Ukraine to go Cashless
Last week, at the Cashless Ukraine Summit in Kiev, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) presented its plan to facilitate a cashless economy. With the use of blockchain technology, the NBU’s board approved a roadmap for a cashless economy. The bank plans on issuing electronic money by the fourth quarter of 2017.
Why it matters?
Creating “e-money” through blockchain technology provides users with an alternative to card payments. Having such an option for customers will give them more freedom while making the bank more attractive to those who are looking for alternatives options.
Russia Tests Blockchain Asset Exchange
Russia’s central securities depository (CSD) has reported that it is collaborating with iCoinSoft, a company that designs exchange software for cryptocurrencies to test the exchange and transfer of blockchain assets.
Why it matters?
The CSD has already been testing blockchain technology and is aware of its benefits. In this particular application, the firm looks to increase the efficiency and convenience of the circulation of blockchain assets.
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Ethereum and Chinese e-insurance
China’s first online insurance company, Zhong An, has founded a new company to conduct research and development on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and cloud computing. Zhong An Technology will focus on implementing the Ethereum blockchain to use smart contracts in their online insurance platform.
Why it matters?
The tech company aims to be an accelerator for the finance and healthcare sectors. With the implementation of the smart contracts on Ethereum, Zhong An Technology will be able to automate and improve overall efficiency in their insurance platforms.
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Cryptocurrencies in Zimbabwe
The first Blockchain Summer School event will be held in Zimbabwe from November 22nd to the 25th. The event is organized by BitFinance, a Zimbabwe-based Bitcoin exchange, and Blockchain Academy. It will be centered around helping locals use cryptocurrency as well as assisting local businesses making international transfers and online payments.
Why it matters?
Residents of Zimbabwe have a difficult time exchanging money and a growing number of Zimbabweans are interested in digital currency. The event will introduce cryptocurrencies, how to acquire them and how to use them.
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This list was curated by Sidonie Gras, Social Media Director of ConsenSys Media. If you would like to talk & discuss the past 7 days of decentralization on a weekly basis, you can reach her here! She knows what’s up.
