Bitcoin
Japanese Bitcoin Exchange bitFlyer Limits Deposits and Withdrawals (The Merkle)
Over the past few months, we have seen Chinese cryptocurrency exchanges introduce certain limitations when it comes to withdrawals. This was, apparently, due to new AML regulations. In an email sent out to clients, it appears bitFlyer is looking to do the same. Quick Deposit users will face deposit and withdrawal limitations moving forward. The company is dealing with a growing number of illegal acts.
Blockchain Tracker: Is Retail Ready For Implementation Yet? (PYMNTS)
One company that’s starting to move the blockchain ball is Walmart. The super store is hoping to patent a blockchain technology-based system to help track unmanned drone product deliveries. The official Walmart statement on this new development said, “In particular embodiments, a box delivered comprise the system delivery encryption comprising blockchain for the package authentication and tracking. The blockchain package tracking contains elements included, but location is not limited, customer and courier’s authentication, transition of supply chain, container’s ambient temperature, if available the product temperature, the acceptable thresholds for the product’s ambient temperature, package container system the products and the goods, or just a combination of it.”
Exchange-Traded Bitcoin Vehicle Announces Cold Storage Deal (Coindesk)
Products like XBT's provide a way for investors to gain exposure to bitcoin markets without having to purchase or hold the digital currency itself. The provider keeps the lion's share of its coins in cold storage, though smaller amounts may be kept either on an exchange or in a multi-signature 'hot wallet', per the company's safety policy
As Crypto Markets See Slowing Growth, Traders Say Look Long (Coindesk)
Eliosoff also spoke to bitcoin's scaling challenges, describing the tensions that exist within the bitcoin community as "worse than ever" given that efforts like UASF could lead to a blockchain split. He explained how these difficulties have made other assets – particularly ether – even more attractive.
Blockchain
Ray Kurzweil Embraces Blockchain Technology, Cites Instability in Bitcoin (The Cointelegraph)
If Kurzweil characterized Bitcoin as an unstable digital currency due to Blockchain congestion and its underlying scaling issues, it is important for anyone to consider why it is so difficult and complex to come to a consensus and agreement within the Bitcoin community. The difficulty in making changes or alterations to the Bitcoin network demonstrates that the Bitcoin network is that much more secure and decentralized.
We Need More Blockchain Companies in Remittance Sector, Here’s Why (The Cointelegraph)
Despite its popularity in terms of global reach, users criticize the high cost of sending money through companies offering the service, including Neteller, Halifax, HSBC, and Moneygram among others. With varying costs of transactions, global coverage also remains a challenge for some of these remittances. Therefore, the promise of global reach and near zero cost of transactions makes blockchain-based remittances appear as a major disruption for the remittance industry.
