consumer
Blockchain Enhances Traceability of Organic Cotton from Farm to Consumer
Fashion for Good, PVH Corp, C&A Foundation & Organic Cotton Accelerator, Bext 360, and Zalando have successfully collaborated on a blockchain pilot project that traces organic cotton from farm to consumer.
Bakkt Partners with Starbucks to Test Consumer App and Merchant Portal
Mike Blandina, Chief Product Officer, Bakkt, revealed that the company's current interest lies in developing the consumer app and merchant portal and as well as testing with their first launch partner, Starbucks.
California Crypto Bill Seeks to Measure the Consumer Impact of Digital Assets
California’s Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee has unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2150 which will help define digital assets as well as to measure its potential impact on the state and consumers
Visa Unveils Innovative Web3 Loyalty Program with SmartMedia Technologies
Visa teams up with SmartMedia Technologies to launch a pioneering Web3 Loyalty Engagement Solution, revolutionizing customer loyalty with gamified, immersive experiences and digital wallets.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Updates Telemarketing Code to Limit Calls
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has introduced a revised Code of Practice for telemarketing to enhance consumer protection and limit call frequency.
HKMA Celebrates Migration of Consumer Credit Services to Credit Data Smart
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) applauds the transition of consumer credit reference services to Credit Data Smart, enhancing competition and service quality in Hong Kong's financial sector.
Blockchain Tech Expected to Facilitate Logistics Market Growth to $71.96B by 2026
Blockchain technology is expected to be a major trend fueling the logistics market growth, according to a report by Technavio, a global technology research and advisory company.
FTC Settles with Voyager Digital Over Misleading FDIC Claims, Former CEO Charged
The FTC settles with Voyager Digital, barring it from handling consumer assets post allegations of misleading FDIC insurance claims. The settlement highlights regulatory efforts to ensure transparency in the crypto industry amid a broader crackdown on deceptive practices.
Ripple CEO Warns SEC's "Enforcement" Approach May Hurt US Crypto Industry
Ripple CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has suggested that the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to regulation is putting the US at risk of missing out on being an attractive hub for the next evolution of blockchain and crypto innovation. Garlinghouse noted that the SEC's case against Ripple is the SEC simply playing "offense" and "attacking" the industry as a whole. He added that the crypto industry has "already started moving outside" of the US given its crypto regulation process is "behind" other countries such as Australia, UK, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland.
CFTC Report Underscores DeFi Risks and Calls for Action
The CFTC report on DeFi underscores significant risks to the U.S. financial system, national security, and consumer protection, emphasizing the need for increased understanding, regulation, and collaboration in the sector.
Over 50% Consumers in Latin America Conduct Crypto Transactions, Survey Suggests
Attributed to convenience and flexibility, crypto adoption in Latin America is increasing, according to a study by payments giant Mastercard.
Samsung to Unveil Galaxy AI
Samsung gears up for a revolutionary Galaxy AI debut with the S24 series.
FDIC Mandates New Signage for Digital Platforms Starting 2025
The FDIC has updated its signage requirements, mandating digital display of a new black and navy blue sign on websites, apps, and ATMs from 2025 to align with modern banking practices.
Mastercard Uses AI to Combat Real-Time Payment Scams
Mastercard has introduced a brand new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution with the intention of assisting financial institutions in combating payment fraud and scams in real time, ahead of any potential monetary abuses.
ACE Exchange President Michael Wang Arrested
Michael Wang, President of ACE Exchange, was recently arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering, marking a significant event in the cryptocurrency industry.
Bitcoin Surges as US Inflation Rises
The price of Bitcoin surged over $26,000 as the US Department of Labor reported a 0.4% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February 2023, with inflation rising by 6% over the last year. The cryptocurrency markets reacted positively to the news, with both Bitcoin and Ether experiencing price surges.
Mastercard's Dynamic Yield Launches AI-Driven Shopping Muse to Enhance Online Retail
Mastercard's Dynamic Yield has introduced "Shopping Muse," an AI-driven personal retail assistant tool, enhancing its digital personalization and AI portfolio to provide personalized product recommendations and meet evolving retail industry demands.
87% of Merchants Believe Crypto Payments Enhancing Competitive Advantage: Deloitte Survey
87% of merchants believe crypto payments will enable them to stay at the top of their game based on the competitive advantage rendered, according to a survey by big four audit firm Deloitte.
US Senators Urge FTC to Address AI-Enabled Scams Targeting Older Americans
US Senators have written to the FTC, urging action against AI scams targeting older Americans, emphasizing the need for detailed data tracking and effective countermeasures.
Surge in Generative AI Adoption Across Sectors: Balancing Innovation and Risks
Recent surveys highlight a significant increase in generative AI adoption in public and private sectors, driven by its potential for innovation and productivity. However, concerns over governance, risk management, and economic inequality emphasize the need for responsible and ethical use.
Credit Giant MasterCard Grants Wirex First Principal Membership License
Wirex has become the first native cryptocurrency platform to be granted a principal membership license from credit giant Mastercard as part of their accelerated expansion into digital assets.
UK Consumers Need Better Education on BNPL & Crypto Payments: Research
ECOMMPAY said that UK consumers need more education on how to use BNPL and cryptocurrency payments safely.
Taiwan's Legislature Considers Virtual Asset Management Bill to Protect Consumers
The Taiwanese Legislature is deliberating on a new Virtual Asset Management Bill aimed at fostering better consumer protection and industry oversight. The bill, seen as moderate, outlines pragmatic mandates for VASPs while leaving room for further regulatory fine-tuning, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
Bitcoin Price Falls Below $20,000 Following US Jobs Report
Bitcoin dropped 2% following the release of the job figures reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Shift Robotics Moonwalkers AI Skates: A Leap in Worker Productivity at CES 2024
Shift Robotics' Moonwalkers AI skates, a feature at CES 2024, significantly improve workplace efficiency by doubling walking speed.
California Governor Signs Digital Financial Assets Bill, Tightening Crypto Regulations from July 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Financial Assets Law on October 13, 2023, initiating a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency activities in the state from July 1, 2025. The law necessitates licensure from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for individuals and businesses dealing in digital assets. This regulatory shift, contrasting Newsom’s earlier stance in 2022, aligns with broader national trends towards formalizing digital asset transactions to curb fraud and enhance consumer protection.
Shopify Adds Another Option for Merchants to Accept Payments in Over 1,000 Cryptocurrencies
Shopify adds more than 1,000 cryptocurrencies for its merchants to accept as payment through a new partnership with CoinPayments.
FCA Unveils Guidance on Cryptoasset Promotions Compliance
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has issued a finalised non-handbook guidance on Cryptoasset Financial Promotions, aiming to clarify compliance with new laws and balance consumer protection with innovation for long-term economic growth.
Bitpay Now Supports Binance's Stablecoin For Global Payments
Binance and Bitpay have partnered to enable consumers and merchants to access Binance stablecoin.
UK Cryptocurrency Exchanges Adapt to Enhanced Regulatory Standards
The UK is intensifying regulatory standards for crypto exchanges under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aiming for parity with traditional financial services. Exchanges must comply with stringent risk assessments and finance tests, impacting both domestic and offshore entities.
United Nations FAO: Blockchain, IoT and Robotics Can Foster a Sustainable and Profitable Global Seafood Economy
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations views blockchain as a game-changer for the global seafood sector.
UK Fintech Firm Mode Launches Bitcoin Banking App Enhancing Mass Consumer Accessibility
London-based fintech company Mode has announced that it has unveiled its Bitcoin banking app to advance user experience.
American Health Firm Enhances Medical Record Transparency with Blockchain
For the next 3 years, American Health Insurance Company Anthem is reported to be adding blockchain technology to store and share medical history for its 40 million-plus consumer base.
Germany's Federal Ministry of Finance Puts Digital Security Adoption at Core of Blockchain Strategy
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) and the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) have introduced a bill that highlights the adoption of digital securities as a crucial element of Germany’s blockchain strategy.
Unilever to Use Blockchain for Transparency and Traceability to Achieve Deforestation-Free Supply Chain by 2023
Unilever, the consumer goods company that owns brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Dove, Vaseline, Knorr, and other well-known brands, has announced that it will be leveraging blockchain to tackle deforestation.
New Jersey State Considering New Bill to Set New Requirements for Cryptocurrency Businesses
The New Jersey state legislature received a new bill, the Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Act by Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. This new bill would require cryptocurrency and virtual currency to obtain a license to operate, allowing for more consumer-friendly protections.
Hawaii Pushes Out New Digital Currency Regulatory Sandbox to Boost Crypto Growth
The government of Hawaii has recently announced its establishment of a regulatory sandbox for digital currency companies. The partnership between the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) will see the launch of Hawaii’s first pilot program aimed for digital currencies.
Blockchain Platform Owned by Russia’s Richest Man Gets Greenlight to Tokenize Air Tickets
Vladimir Potanin, arguably the richest man in Russia, has been granted permission to offer digital tokens to book air tickets, purchase metals, and transfer ski passes using his blockchain platform dubbed Atomyze. The much-needed go-ahead was given by the nation’s central bank last week based on Potanin’s urge to tokenize commodities from a consumer perspective.
IBM, Cisco and EY: The 3 Blockchain Leaders in Supply Chain in 2020
Supply chains are vital networks between a company, its vendors and suppliers to produce and distribute specific products to the consumer. This network usually includes many actors doing different activities—people, entities, information, and resources.
Exclusive: Blockpass COO, on the Significance of the FATF Travel Rule to VASPs
Personal identity is a fundamental human right according to Article 8 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. Identity is crucial to a functioning society and economy, however, there are 1.1 billion people in the world that do not have proof of identity and 45% of them are among the poorest 20% around the world. For enterprises, customer data protection can be proven costly as 2.8 billion consumer data records were exposed at an estimated cost of more than $654 million in 2018.