Mastodon

Litecoin Approaches $200 in Monster Rally

TheMerkle_LitecoinLitecoin  (LTC) has reacted to Bitcoin’s impressive surge earlier this week with a massive run of its own. With Bitcoin finally cooling down, Litecoin is approaching a 100% price increase in just 24 hours. Litecoin is now trading at just over .01 BTC, a point which has historically been difficult to break through and remain at or above. The price of Litecoin is rapidly approaching $200, and the coin now boasts the sixth largest market cap at almost $9 billion. While speculators may have different explanations for LTC’s surge, it can be hypothesized that this rally coincides with dwindling support for Bitcoin

TheMerkle_Litecoin

Litecoin  (LTC) has reacted to Bitcoin’s impressive surge earlier this week with a massive run of its own. With Bitcoin finally cooling down, Litecoin is approaching a 100% price increase in just 24 hours. Litecoin is now trading at just over .01 BTC, a point which has historically been difficult to break through and remain at or above. The price of Litecoin is rapidly approaching $200, and the coin now boasts the sixth largest market cap at almost $9 billion.

While speculators may have different explanations for LTC’s surge, it can be hypothesized that this rally coincides with dwindling support for Bitcoin Cash (BCH). While most altcoins took immense beatings during Bitcoin’s huge appreciation earlier this week, Bitcoin Cash was among the biggest losers. Beyond this, the Bitcoin fork has continued to tumble, despite most other coins performing well these past two days, as they rebound from the bloodbath earlier this week. With Coinbase releasing Bitcoin Cash funds to its users next month, it is plausible to predict that Bitcoin Cash’s struggles will only continue for the near future.

Bitcoin forks have become a popular trend recently, thus creating many BTC clones and alternatives. However, Litecoin, which is by and large the most respected Bitcoin alternative among BTC supporters, is making a huge statement to its competitors- Litecoin, and only Litecoin, is the silver to Bitcoin’s gold.

Recently, there was a minor scare that a “flippening” would take place, with Bitcoin Cash threatening to overtake Bitcoin. However, if these trends continue, a different type of flippening may occur, with Litecoin potentially eclipsing BCH in market cap.

Litecoin has historically played a fundamental role as a testnet for Bitcoin, implementing potential BTC additions in a smaller, more controlled environment to see how successful it may or may not be. Litecoin’s creator, Charlie Lee has maintained a supportive approach towards Bitcoin, and it’s logical to suggest that Litecoin will not stray from its role any time in the near future.

What in the World is Pepecash?

Anyone who has noticed Pepecash flirting with the top 100 on Coinmarketcap is probably intrigued about how exactly this meme coin rose to such a position. Pepecash, which is named after the popular meme, Pepe the Frog, is currently trading at around 700 satoshi. It currently boasts a marketcap of over $75 million. Pepecash is a CounterParty (XCP) asset, similar to BitCrystals and Databits. Pepecash serves the function of registering Rare Pepes on the XCP asset layer on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. It is also used as the primary currency to buy and sell these pepe assets. There are

Anyone who has noticed Pepecash flirting with the top 100 on Coinmarketcap is probably intrigued about how exactly this meme coin rose to such a position. Pepecash, which is named after the popular meme, Pepe the Frog, is currently trading at around 700 satoshi. It currently boasts a marketcap of over $75 million.

Pepecash is a CounterParty (XCP) asset, similar to BitCrystals and Databits. Pepecash serves the function of registering Rare Pepes on the XCP asset layer on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. It is also used as the primary currency to buy and sell these pepe assets. There are currently 1,500 Rare Pepes registered on the blockchain through the Pepecash protocol. Registrations happen through regular submission periods. Each period is known as a “series”. So far, there have been thirty series since the asset launched just over a year ago.

While registering memes on the blockchain is a fun novelty, it doesn’t explain the close to nine figure market cap of Pepecash. One aspect of Pepecash that supports its rising valuation is the deflationary nature of the asset. Rare Pepes, before they can be published, require a Pepecash fee. The Pepecash accrued from these fees are burnt, and forever removed from circulation. As a result, over one third of the initial supply of Pepecash has already been burnt, and that number stands to continually increase.

Beyond this, the Japanese crypto market is a major factor in Pepecash’s strong valuation. Pepecash is one of just a handful of cryptocurrencies whitelisted for exchange in Japan. Much of Pepecash’s volume comes from popular Japanese exchange Zaif, where it is typically traded at higher values than on its Western counterpart, Tuxexchange. Coins whitelisted in Japan have typically experienced very strong price support, and Pepecash is no exception. The token has historically maintaining a steady BTC value, and has even seen appreciation in BTC value, amidst Bitcoin surges, when most altcoins tend to bleed.

Lastly, some of Pepecash’s value can be attributed to speculation regarding the upcoming release of Rarepepe.party. Rarepepe.party is a Hearthstone-like trading card game implementing all 1,500 of Pepecash’s Rare Pepes. Community members have been racing to expand their Rare Pepe collections as much as possible in recent weeks, causing a surge in usage of and demand for Pepecash.

Unlike many cryptocurrency projects, Pepecash doesn’t strive to change the world or revolutionize a major industry. However, Pepecash plays a significant role in the culture and social aspect of Bitcoin and the overarching cryptocurrency community. There is tight-knit group supporting this coin. This community has had a lot of fun with Pepecash up until this point, and continue to hodl in anticipation of much more fun ahead.

The Rise of the ICO

icoCryptocurrency has revolutionized currency transactions, and now people are finding even more uses for the digital currency technology. When startups need to raise money to get their businesses off the ground many are turning to ICOs, or Initial Coin Offerings, to fund their projects in an unregulated way. This method is similar to IPOs and even crowdfunding in that investors own something related to the company when they make an investment. Just like IPOs and Crowdfunding there is no guarantee you will ever get your money back. The risk in investing in ICOs comes from the fact that there is

ico

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized currency transactions, and now people are finding even more uses for the digital currency technology. When startups need to raise money to get their businesses off the ground many are turning to ICOs, or Initial Coin Offerings, to fund their projects in an unregulated way. This method is similar to IPOs and even crowdfunding in that investors own something related to the company when they make an investment. Just like IPOs and Crowdfunding there is no guarantee you will ever get your money back. The risk in investing in ICOs comes from the fact that there is a small percentage of people taking advantage of the fact there are no regulations by scamming unsuspecting investors.

Jordan Belfort, better known as the Wolf of Wall Street, has warned against ICOs, calling them the biggest scam going as well as way worse than anything he ever did. A common scheme to be on the lookout for among ICO investors is the “pump and dump” scheme, wherein initial investors pump up the price of the ICO, recruit new investors, and then dump their shares and crash the price.

ICOs are risky, sure, but many people are still interested in using them just to say they got in on the ground floor. Risk is attractive to many investors, after all. Learn more about the rise of the ICO from this infographic:

coinlist rise of the ico

Gold Dealer APMEX Now Accepting Bitcoin, Cites Customer Desire for Anonymity – Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)


Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)

Gold Dealer APMEX Now Accepting Bitcoin, Cites Customer Desire for Anonymity
Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)
It’s now possible to buy real gold with digital gold, should customers desire, according to an announcement from APMEX. According to the post, the company has integrated with BitPay merchant services and is now able to receive digital currencies, with


Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)

Gold Dealer APMEX Now Accepting Bitcoin, Cites Customer Desire for Anonymity
Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)
It's now possible to buy real gold with digital gold, should customers desire, according to an announcement from APMEX. According to the post, the company has integrated with BitPay merchant services and is now able to receive digital currencies, with ...

Traditional Investors Reveal Their Opinions on Bitcoin as Price Holds Near Record Levels – Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)


Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)

Traditional Investors Reveal Their Opinions on Bitcoin as Price Holds Near Record Levels
Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)
Several traditional investors have issued their opinions about Bitcoin as it continues to soar to record highs. During morning trading on December 8, 2017, the currency traded above $16,000 per token and even reached more than $18,000 in one market
Putting a price on BitcoinThe Economist (blog)
Is Bitcoin a bubble? Here’s what two bubble experts told us | Ars …Ars Technica
It’s Actually Okay To Completely Ignore Bitcoin’s 1400% RallyForbes
Yahoo Finance
all 25 news articles »

Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)

Traditional Investors Reveal Their Opinions on Bitcoin as Price Holds Near Record Levels
Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)
Several traditional investors have issued their opinions about Bitcoin as it continues to soar to record highs. During morning trading on December 8, 2017, the currency traded above $16,000 per token and even reached more than $18,000 in one market ...
Putting a price on BitcoinThe Economist (blog)
Is Bitcoin a bubble? Here's what two bubble experts told us | Ars ...Ars Technica
It's Actually Okay To Completely Ignore Bitcoin's 1400% RallyForbes
Yahoo Finance
all 25 news articles »

Quanta Partners with Coinfirm to Bring Compliance and Mass Adoption to Their Blockchain Lottery Platform

coinfirm quantaCoinfirm to help Quanta develop strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing prevention methods and streamline compliance processes through the Coinfirm AML/CTF Platform   LONDON, UK, December 10 2017 – Quanta has announced its partnership with leading global regulation technology company Coinfirm to ensure being the first global and compliant blockchain lottery. Quanta has enlisted Coinfirm to help identify and solve problems related to achieving and maintaining compliance and adhering to regulations. Through its API and structured reports, Coinfirm will help Quanta develop strict AML/CTF and fraud prevention methods, streamline the compliance process and give Quanta the ability to safely realize

coinfirm quanta

Coinfirm to help Quanta develop strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing prevention methods and streamline compliance processes through the Coinfirm AML/CTF Platform  

LONDON, UK, December 10 2017Quanta has announced its partnership with leading global regulation technology company Coinfirm to ensure being the first global and compliant blockchain lottery.

Quanta has enlisted Coinfirm to help identify and solve problems related to achieving and maintaining compliance and adhering to regulations. Through its API and structured reports, Coinfirm will help Quanta develop strict AML/CTF and fraud prevention methods, streamline the compliance process and give Quanta the ability to safely realize its potential and goals.

Gaming is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world, and being a pioneer requires particular care and attention  to established requirements. Achieving full compliance is one of Quanta’s most important goals and the company are taking significant steps to ensure success through a strategic alliance with Coinfirm.

Coinfirm are globally recognized for their Blockchain AML/CTF Platform that uses over 200 proprietary algorithms, risk flagging scenario’s and big data analysis to deliver structured, actionable data,  increasing efficiency and streamlining compliance to near automation. The Platform also serves as the foundation for cryptocurrency and blockchain adoption by traditional financial entities and paves the way for mass markets. Headquartered in London, the company is establishing industry compliance standards for blockchain transactions thanks to its combination of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology expertise and experience working with major financial institutions, regulators, tech companies and start-ups.

Adam Vaziri, Chief Regulatory Officer at Quanta, commented that “We are very impressed with Coinfirm’s leading accomplishments in establishing compliance standards for blockchain and are certain that their Blockchain AML & Compliance Platform, expert knowledge and guidance will ensure mainstream trust and adoption for Quanta.”

In addition to the specialized services provided and joint development, Pawel Kuskowski, the Co-Founder and CEO of Coinfirm will join Quanta as an advisor to intimately work with the project to ensure that Quanta becomes the first ever blockchain-based lottery that is fully compliant.

An entrepreneur and regulatory AML/CFT and compliance thought leader, Pawel is a former Global Head of AML/CFT/Sanction Functions for major international banks. He has over 14 years experience in the financial sector and is the Chairman of the Compliance Association of Poland. Pawel is also an innovator in the application of blockchain technology within financial systems and has extensive experience conducting global projects for international financial institutions that cooperate with supervisory authorities.

“I am really glad Coinfirm is bringing our AML/CTF Platform and compliance solutions to such a great project like Quanta, which will help push blockchain further into mass markets. I’m equally excited to personally advise and work hands on with Quanta on their further development and growth. The collaboration of our two companies is another notch for this ecosystem and its development.” said Pawel Kuskowski.

The two companies are bringing the world its first regulated blockchain-based lottery and in doing so are establishing new levels of legitimacy for the whole blockchain ecosystem  by raising standards and setting new benchmarks for the industry.

Coinfirm has also added another feature to the AML/CTF Platform with the release of their AMLT Token. The Token of Compliance, AMLT is designed to enhance transparency and democratization within the financial system by allowing market participants to help determine the potential risk of others as well as act as the utility token that allows the holder access rights to the Coinfirm AML/CTF Platform and a range of prepaid products. Currently in Pre Sale, the AMLT public token sale begins December 12th at 3pm UTC and is available directly through the AMLT site (https://amlt.coinfirm.io)

 

About Coinfirm

Coinfirm serves as a foundation for the safe adoption and use of blockchain. The Coinfirm AML/CTF Platform uses proprietary algorithms and big data analysis to provide structured, actionable data that increases efficiency, reduces costs and streamlines compliance to near automation. A recognized leader in their field and among the most influential blockchain and regtech companies, the blockchain agnostic platform benefits not only companies operating around blockchain but also major financial institutions, asset management and BI companies. In addition, Coinfirm develops dedicated blockchain solutions such as their data provenance platform Trudatum, currently being piloted for adoption by multiple financial institutions. Trudatum is an easy to use blockchain solution to register and verify the ownership and authenticity of any type of document, file, or data. www.coinfirm.io

 

About Quanta

Quanta is a pioneering technology company that develops and implements breakthrough, blockchain-based products and services. Quanta is currently preparing for the global launch of their premier product – Quanta Lottery. The first fully compliant blockchain lottery in the world, Quanta is built on the Ethereum blockchain, and utilizes smart contracts to ensure fully autonomous, manipulation-immune gaming. Developed with breakthrough RNG (random number generation), the first provably fair lottery can operate independently or by adopted as a white label solution. Quanta also actively researches the ways in which its proprietary technologies can be implemented by diverse fields and industries. http://quanta.im/ Contact: [email protected]

As Mainstream Adoption Grows, Bitcoin Can No Longer Be Stopped – Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)


Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)

As Mainstream Adoption Grows, Bitcoin Can No Longer Be Stopped
Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)
The recent rise in Bitcoin’s value has initiated varied reactions from different quarters of the industry. While holders of the cryptocurrency are excited with the extraordinary profit generated from their investment, some merchants are becoming more


Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)

As Mainstream Adoption Grows, Bitcoin Can No Longer Be Stopped
Cointelegraph (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News)
The recent rise in Bitcoin's value has initiated varied reactions from different quarters of the industry. While holders of the cryptocurrency are excited with the extraordinary profit generated from their investment, some merchants are becoming more ...

As Mainstream Adoption Grows, Bitcoin Can No Longer Be Stopped

Adoption of digital currency growing rapidly, can no longer be stopped. However, questions remain over how Bitcoin and other currencies will be regulated.

Adoption of digital currency growing rapidly, can no longer be stopped. However, questions remain over how Bitcoin and other currencies will be regulated.

Bitcoin fairy dust sends other niche assets soaring – Financial Times


Financial Times

Bitcoin fairy dust sends other niche assets soaring
Financial Times
The bitcoin mania is spilling over into semi-related, niche areas of the broader financial markets, where a clutch of cryptocurrency funds, blockchain companies and digital currency groups have rocketed in value. The relentless rise of bitcoin and
Is Bitcoin a bubble? Here’s what two bubble experts told usArs Technica
Bitcoin Hits Almost $19K, Coinbase Crashes Under Buying PressureForbes

all 10 news articles »


Financial Times

Bitcoin fairy dust sends other niche assets soaring
Financial Times
The bitcoin mania is spilling over into semi-related, niche areas of the broader financial markets, where a clutch of cryptocurrency funds, blockchain companies and digital currency groups have rocketed in value. The relentless rise of bitcoin and ...
Is Bitcoin a bubble? Here's what two bubble experts told usArs Technica
Bitcoin Hits Almost $19K, Coinbase Crashes Under Buying PressureForbes

all 10 news articles »

Zcash Sets Roadmap for Blockchain Upgrades in 2018

The zcash development team is planning a series of network upgrades for next year, according to a roadmap published today.

The zcash development team is planning a series of network upgrades for next year, according to a roadmap published today.

U.S. Senate Mulls Reporting Requirements for Cryptocurrencies

American Bitcoin holders may soon have to report their holding to the United States government.First introduced on May 25, 2015, by Sen. Chuck Grassley [R-IA], Senate Bill S.1241, the “Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Counterfeit…

USSenateBill

American Bitcoin holders may soon have to report their holding to the United States government.

First introduced on May 25, 2015, by Sen. Chuck Grassley [R-IA], Senate Bill S.1241, the
“Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Counterfeiting Act of 2017,” can have serious implications for those involved in the cryptocurrency space. The hearing for S.1241 was held with virtually no public notice on November 28, 2017; the full two-hour hearing can be viewed here.

Currently, the definition of “financial institution” includes banks, trust companies, credit unions, currency exchanges and the like. But according to Section 5312(a) of title 31, the new bill would amend the definition of “financial institution” to include “an issuer, redeemer, or cashier of prepaid access devices, digital currency, or any digital exchanger or tumbler of digital currency.” 

This is most specifically embedded in Section 13:

senatebilltextscreen.png

Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D-CA] said in her opening remarks of the hearing, “The bill criminalizes intentionally concealing ownership or control of a bank account.” Although, during the hearing, no further clarifications were given as to the effects this would have on the cryptocurrency community, based on the amended definition of “financial institution,” it would seem that the bill would criminalize anyone intentionally concealing ownership or control of a digital currency or exchange account. While there is no finalized bill yet, the implication would be that cryptocurrency holders need to fill in federal registration forms for tax disclosure, quarterly reporting and more.

Notably, while the purpose of the bill and hearing had to do with adding digital currencies and exchanges to the definition of financial institutions, there was almost no discussion on the topic other than briefly in reference to drug cartels using them to launder money. For example, nowhere in the testimony by Coinbase board of directors member Kathryn Haun Rodriguez does she mention digital currencies or exchanges, and at no time was she asked any questions about them.

Unsurprisingly, the bill is receiving pushback from some cryptocurrency holders. Activists on Reddit have started a social media campaign in opposition to the bill, and are suggesting others to tweet: “@senjudiciary that #Bitcoiners are not #Crooks Remove #DigitalCurrencies from Section 13 of S1241.” Others are contacting their senators directly.

The post U.S. Senate Mulls Reporting Requirements for Cryptocurrencies appeared first on Bitcoin Magazine.