coronavirus
Why MicroStrategy Invested $425M in Bitcoin Rather than Gold
Michael Saylor says that Bitcoin is digital gold and explains his choice in diversifying his company’s investment portfolio with BTC over gold.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Leverages Coronavirus Pandemic for National Petro Adoption
Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro has announced a new campaign aiming to help the medical staff in his nation by airdropping one Petro to each actively working doctor amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Warren Buffett Ditches US Dollar, Bitcoin Price Set to Soar
As the US dollar keeps plummeting, Max Keiser revealed that Warren Buffett has moved his assets out of the US market, setting Bitcoin for its next surge.
BitMEX Research: Inflation Aftermath of Coronavirus Financial Crash Will Be Bitcoin's Greatest Test
In the aftermath of the current Coronavirus market crash and the subsequent incoming inflation that will be caused by the response of the Federal Reserve and Central banks, Bitcoin will face its truest test and be given its its biggest opportunity to prove itself in its short lifetime according to new research from global crypto exchange BitMEX.
Insurance Firms in China and Hong Kong Count on Blockchain to Fast Track Coronavirus Claims Amid Outbreak
Xiang Hu Bao, an online mutual aid platform, a subsidiary of Ant Financial, is a “collective claims-sharing mechanism built on blockchain that offers basic health plans to its 104 million participants.” Most of its users are Chinese citizens from lower-tier cities, and in rural areas. By utilizing blockchain technology, settlements have been made more efficient, and fraudulent claims have been reduced.
Is Cryptocurrency the Answer? Egypt’s Central Bank Limits Daily Cash Withdrawals Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Egypt is facing a severe cash crunch as the country is feeling the economic pressure of the coronavirus outbreak. The central bank of Egypt has instructed local banks to begin restricting daily withdrawals and has instructed citizens not to withdraw so much money.
China’s Central Bank Digital Currency DCEP Has Been Processed in Pilot Transactions Worth 1.1 Billion Yuan
In the race to be the first country to launch a functional CBDC, China appears to be in the lead, as it has begun experimenting with its digital currency.
World Economic Forum Blockchain Lead Explains: To What Extent Can Blockchain Solve Supply Chain Issues?
Blockchain.News exclusively interviewed the World Economic Forum’s blockchain project lead, Nadia Hewett, to get to know more about the Forum’s current blockchain development in the supply chain, and the organization’s future roadmap. The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently published a new blockchain deployment toolkit aimed to help governments, major institutions, and companies of any size to be able to maximize the benefits of integrating blockchain technology in the supply chain sector. The Forum also highlighted the importance of blockchain for addressing the disruption of supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Birth of the Coronavirus-Backed CoronaCoin Amid Quarantining Banknotes in China
The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 has spread to at least 25 other countries and caused 5 deaths outside of mainland China. Restrictions in Hubei, of the epicenter province of the outbreak, have been imposed further on its citizens. In Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus originated, has been banning its citizens from leaving their homes.
Winklevoss Sees US Stimulus Negotiation Fail as a “Wakeup Call And an Endorsement of Bitcoin”
Bitcoin billionaire Cameron Winklevoss thinks that this is the perfect opportunity to invest in Bitcoin, as the dollar keep depreciating and US politicians are unable to reach a consensus on a stimulus package budget.
Blockchain Monitor Launched to Track Coronavirus-Free Safe Zones to Protect the Non-Infected Community During Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has currently reached countless countries and territories all over the world and has caused over 220,000 infections in the world population. With the global death rate climbing and almost reaching 9,000, the World Health Organization declared it as a pandemic on March 11.
Bitcoin Safe Haven Status Under Fire Following US Federal Reserve Rate Cuts to Combat Coronavirus Disruption
The reaction of the bitcoin market to the first rate cut from the Federal Reserve since December 2008, during the global financial crisis, is being carefully observed by the crypto community and may eventually reveal the cryptocurrency’s true nature.
Deepak Chopra Partners with Hedera Hashgraph to Leverage Blockchain for COVID-19 Mental Health Support
Renown Indian-American author Deepak Chopra discussed how blockchain technology could help in improving mental health during the current pandemic crisis.
10,000 New Blockchain Companies Founded in China Despite COVID-19
COVID-19 has not prevented blockchain companies in China from emerging at a dramatic speed.
Bitcoin Whales and Large-Scale Institutions “All-In” on Bitcoin During COVID-19, Retail Investors Are More Cautious
Coronavirus has led many investors to turn to Bitcoin as a hedge, but the way in which individual and institutional investors leverage the digital asset differ.
JPMorgan Blockchain Spin-Off Kadena Releases Blockchain-Based App that Verifies Coronavirus Tests
Kadena launches a blockchain-based app that compliments COVID-19 testing, in a united effort to prevent data falsification.
Leaked EU Commission Draft on Crypto Assets Law: How Will Cryptocurrency be Regulated?
A leaked European Union legislative draft on digital assets reveals the country's plans for cryptocurrency trading and issuance across the nation.
Senate Rejects Second Stimulus, Markets Plunge and Bitcoin Price Predicted to Crash to $8,000 in September
Our analysis predicts that the Bitcoin price could crash down to $8,000 following the rejection of the United States' second stimulus by Senate Democrats.
Twitter’s Decentralized Workforce Can Work From Home Forever Following COVID Lockdown
Twitter employees have been given the autonomy to choose when they will return to work once the social media giant’s offices open following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Will A Second Round of US Stimulus Payments Mean Another Bitcoin Bull Run?
As the second round of the US economic stimulus package is about to begin, crypto experts have been speculating on whether Americans will once again redirect their stimulus checks towards Bitcoin investments.
Japanese E-book Publisher Turns to Blockchain for Distributiion in the Pandemic Era
A Japanese book distributor is mulling an investment in a blockchain-based platform to distribute e-books, as partial lockdowns due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continue in Japan.
Stimulus Checks and Gary Gensler: Is President-elect Joe Biden Long on Bitcoin and Altcoins?
Is President-elect Joe Biden long on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency?
$600 Dollar Stimulus Checks to Stimulate Bitcoin Price Bullish Momentum
Data indicates a high possibility that many US stimulus recipients will opt to invest their $600 check into Bitcoin, which could further boost BTC's upward price momentum.
Bitcoin Online Courses Skyrocket by 300% in The Wake of Coronavirus
Many people are enrolling for cryptocurrency and Bitcoin online courses as coronavirus (COVID-19) has necessitated measures like quarantines, social distancing and lockdowns. As the world continues grappling with this infectious disease, people have been made to change their daily lifestyles and settle for alternatives like the online space for knowledge acquisition.
US Congress Considers Using Blockchain for Remote Voting While the White House Urged to Stay Competitive with China
The US Congress is considering using blockchain technology to enable the Senate to conduct remote voting during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlighted that the crisis emphasized the need to consider certain functions to proceed remotely when it may not be safe for members to gather in person. The report explored a combination of different technologies to be used, including blockchain and encrypted E2EE.
CBDCs Gain Traction Amid Fears of Coronavirus-Contaminated Banknotes, The Economist Survey Uncovers
In a survey conducted by The Economist and Crypto.com, it found that consumers generally had more trust in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), rather than decentralized cryptocurrencies.
How The Casino Industry is Gaining Profit Amid The COVID Lockdown
Analysts from Morgan Stanley have predicted in a recent online publication that the impact of Coronavirus in the U.S., which has led to the shutdown of casinos, could lead to faster growth of the online sports betting industry, and online casinos. The countrywide lockdown that was instituted to control the spread of Covid-19 has spurred an interest in online gambling for individuals involved in the industry, as well as attracting new customers.
Hong Kong, a Coronavirus Hit City: How is the Blockchain Ecosystem Bracing for Greater Impact?
Workers in China are now stuck in their hometowns, with 27 Mainland cities on lockdown in the country. Hong Kong has been investigated cases of environmental transmission of the coronavirus, as two residents in Hong Kong have been infected who live in the same residential building, but on different floors. This, in turn, could impact the US stock market, as the country was previously confident that China could contain the spread of the disease.
COVID-19 Market Climate Perfect Catalyst for Bitcoin Demand Says Binance.US CEO
The coronavirus panic-driven frenzy to acquire assets of lasting bona-fide value has put the traditional gold market to the test and may be creating the perfect catalyst for Bitcoin according to Binance.US CEO Catherine Coley.
Most Americans Plan to Use $1,400 Stimulus Checks to Invest in Bitcoin and Stocks - Mizuho Survey
Mizuho has released a new survey showing that with the third round of $1,400 stimulus payments already hitting Americans’ bank accounts, most recipients are planning to use their stimulus checks to buy Bitcoin and stocks. Interestingly, the survey found that Bitcoin was a more popular choice among stimulus recipients than stocks.
Bitcoin Price Drops Below $9K as Stock Markets Erase Gains Amid Incoming Second Wave of COVID-19 Cases
Bitcoin price is currently hitting its lowest levels in around 3 weeks, as stocks are rumored to anticipate an incoming crash. Bitcoin (BTC) dipped below the $9,000 on June 15 and continued to hover above $9,000 shortly after.
Could Bitcoin and Blockchain Be Affected by the Coronavirus?
Blockchain, Bitcoin and Viruses. What can we expect?
Blockchain and the Wheel of Fate: The Role of Blockchain Technology in Disease Surveillance and Pandemic Prevention
Pandemics are an inescapable fact of life on Earth. They have happened before, and we are on the verge of experiencing the latest such event through the relentless spread of the coronavirus. How can blockchain technology help to contain pandemics?
Democrat Nancy Pelosi Says $1.8T COVID-19 Stimulus Package Talks at Standstill, How will Bitcoin react?
Democrat Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that discussions over a new $1.8 trillion stimulus package have ground to a halt, what could the stimulus delay mean for Bitcoin?
PwC: Blockchain Technology Has the Potential to Boost Global GDP Up $1.76 Trillion By 2030
Findings from PwC indicate that by 2030, blockchain technology has the potential to boost global gross domestic product (GDP) by $1.76 trillion.
Australian Securities Exchange Postpones Migration to Blockchain Settlement System Due to Coronavirus Concerns
The Australian Securities Exchange has further postponed the replacement of its current CHESS system with a new blockchain-based settlement system due to coronavirus concerns.
Billionaire Paul Tudor Jones Looks to Buy Bitcoin as A Portfolio Hedge Against Inflation – Here's Why
According to Bloomberg's report on Thursday, billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones is buying Bitcoin to hedge against inflation as central banks across the world print money to relieve economies affected by coronavirus pandemic. Tudor is one of Wall Street’s most seasoned and successful hedge fund managers. He is the CEO and founder of Tudor Investment Corp, which is a hedge fund company that managed $8.4 billion as of March 30, based on data from the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
IBM, KPMG, Walmart, Merck Reveal Results of FDA Blockchain Drug Tracing Pilot
IBM, KPMG, Walmart, and Merck’s blockchain pilot in drug-tracing has successfully exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) benchmarks. The pilot program aimed to encourage new technologies to be used in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Blockchain was used as a shared record movement of pharmaceutical drugs through the supply chain, which resulted in improved efficiency. Recalls were proven to be done in just seconds, rather than in days, as blockchain offers traceability.
Fed Slashes Interest Rate to Near Zero and Launches 700Bn QE, Bitcoin Hovers Near $5k
In an attempt to stimulate U.S. economy amid coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) decided to slash the main interest rate to near zero together with the purchase of $700 billion Treasury securities.
Ethereum Launches Final Testnet Before Officially Releasing ETH 2.0 Mainnet
The software developing team for Ethereum 2.0 has finally announced that they will be launching ETH 2.0’s testnet on August 4.
International Chamber of Commerce to Deploy Blockchain-Powered App for Tamper-Proof COVID-19 Compliance Status
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has inked a partnership with International SOS, the globe’s biggest medical and travel security services firm, to establish a new blockchain-enabled mobile app dubbed ICC AOKpass. It will be instrumental in providing trusted and immutable recognition of persons’ COVID-19 compliance status.
US Government Creates Cyber Fraud Task Force to Put an End to Crypto Crime
The US Secret Service is hoping to put an end to the increasing money-laundering cases that have erupted with the rise of COVID-19, by creating a special division, dubbed the Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF).
Bill Gates Denies COVID-19 Vaccine Microchips and Satanic Conspiracy Theories
Bill Gates, Microsoft Founder and billionaire philanthropist, has responded to conspiracy theories that his charity foundation is planning to use the coronavirus vaccine to implant microchips into the global population. The conspiracy itself appears to have started with a patent for a very innovative cryptocurrency mining system filed by Microsoft earlier this year.
Bitcoin Economy Gives El Salvador Village Hope Amidst COVID-19
Despite being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a small beach town in El Salvador, dubbed El Zonte, have strived to keep their economy afloat with the integration of Bitcoin as a digital currency.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Warns Bitcoin Scams are Targeting Public In COVID-19 Market
In his official address, Gavin Newsom California governor cautioned the public against individuals asking for advance payment in Bitcoin with the promise of delivering essential commodities.
Goldman Sachs Warns Inflation Threatens US Dollar’s Role as Global Reserve Currency
Goldman Sachs strategists say risks to the U.S dollar’s reserve status include increasing pandemic and political uncertainty and rising debt.
Blockchain-Powered Donation Tracking Platform Shanzong Seeks to Propel Transparency Amid Coronavirus Scare
With coronavirus having claimed more than 1,800 lives, capturing vital statistics is fundamental in having it curbed. Shanzong, a blockchain-enabled donation tracking platform, has been established in China to boost efficiency and transparency of giving.
What Solutions Can Blockchain Bring in Response to the Deadly Coronavirus Outbreak?
The coronavirus death toll hit a daily high, as China confirms 3694 cases, a slightly lower number than the day earlier. 28,261 cases of infection have been reported worldwide with 565 deaths, mostly in Hubei province in China. How can blockchain be utilized to tackle this problem?
Can We Expect a Bitcoin Bull Run Amid the Upcoming Bitcoin Halving and Coronavirus Pandemic?
The next Bitcoin halving is expected to take place in May 2020. Each time Bitcoin halving takes place, the number of Bitcoins entering circulation every 10 minutes, also known as block rewards will fall to half, to 6.25 from 12.5 in May. As the amount of supply, Bitcoins are decreasing, the demand most likely will stay the same, but possibly lead to an increase in Bitcoin’s price. Experts believe that there will be less Bitcoin available in the market if the miners will be selling less of the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin's Correlation with S&P 500 at a Nine Year Peak, says Quantum Economics Founder Mati Greenspan
Mati Greenspan, founder of Quantum Economics believes the coronavirus pandemic has brought Bitcoin closer to the S&P 500 than ever before.
Red Alert: Ripple Effects of Coronavirus on Chinese Electronic Manufacturers and Bitcoin Miners
The scourge of the coronavirus has led to the temporary closure of factories in China with the electronic industry supply chain being hit the hardest forcing an extension in the Lunar year holiday following the outbreak of the virus.
When the COVID Pandemic Subsides, Will Bitcoin Still be Here?
The Covid-19 pandemic is causing havoc everywhere in the world. This is definitely true in the Bitcoin markets. Up until now, it was assumed that Bitcoin was a safe haven asset that would thrive in a global economic crisis.
Positives Out of the Wuhan Coronavirus: Blockchain Educators in the City
For many outside of China, the city of Wuhan is now identified as being ground zero for the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, but some amazing innovation has come out of China's seventh biggest city in recent years.
CME to Close Trading Floor on Friday as Coronavirus Prevention Measure
CME Group plans to close its trading floor in Chicago due to fears of further spreading the coronavirus, the influenza outbreak that has sent global stock markets falling.
Digitization vs. Digitalization: FinFabrik CEO Explains Digitalization of Asset Investment in Private Markets
FinFabrik, a leading capital markets FinTech startup based in Hong Kong has recently launched a new Private Equity module on its proprietary DLT infrastructure that helps private markets institutions digitalize their operations. The platform named “CrossPool” rides on Corda Enterprise for transaction and contract management and Hyperledger Indy for identity management. With extensive experience in the financial industry and entrepreneurship, Alex Medana, the CEO of FinFabrik, talks about the core values of FinFabrik in the maturing DLT and FinTech industry and the firm’s digital assets issuance and investment platform CrossPool.
ECB to Meet the Growing Demand for Digital Payments with a CBDC Digital Euro
President of the ECB Christine Lagarde broached the topic of CBDC issuance and why the bank was seriously considering the creation of a digital euro.
President Trump Ends COVID-19 Stimulus Negotiations, Bitcoin Price Plummets
Trump has decided to delay negotiations regarding a second coronavirus stimulus package until after the presidential elections, sending Bitcoin's price down.
How Blockchain Can Help with Vaccine Development Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The need of the hour to combat the pandemic is a potent vaccine which needs to be available in a short span of time, yet developed by following rigorous regulatory procedures and in a trustworthy manner. How can technologies like Blockchain help in such an accelerated vaccine development process?
Gemini Co-Founder Winklevoss Thinks BTC Is Set For Its Next Bull Run, With the Fed's Money Printing
Co-founder and CEO of Gemini crypto exchange Tyler Winklevoss thinks that the US Federal Reserve’s economic stimulus strategy would positively impact Bitcoin and its pricing on the crypto market.
"Buckle Up" For Bitcoin's Next Bull Run, Cameron Winklevoss Says
Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss believes that the next Bitcoin bull run coming up will be "dramatically different,” due to the innovative financial resources that crypto investors have access to nowadays and to the current economic infrastructure.
Chinese Bank Issues the First Asset-Backed Commercial Paper in China on Blockchain
China Zheshang Bank, based in Zhejiang province has leveraged blockchain technology to issue the country’s first asset-backed commercial paper in the Chinese financial market. China Zheshang Bank successfully issued the “Lianxin 2020 Lianjie First Phase Asset-backed Commercial Paper,” which was worth 120 billion yuan ($16.93 billion). The asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) was issued as a part of the National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors’ (NAFMII) pilot project. ABCPs are short-term investments issued by financial institutions to support companies in their short-term goals.
Baidu Trends: Bitcoin Searches Skyrocket Amid Social Distancing and Working From Home Approaches
According to Baidu, a Chinese multinational technology company offering internet-related services, Bitcoin searches have shot up by 183% in the last one month. This trend can be linked to the fact that many countries have asked their citizens to adhere to precautionary approaches, such as self-quarantining, social distancing, working from home, necessitated when tackling coronavirus.
Italian Bank Offers Crypto Trading to Over A Million Customers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown situation in Italy, an Italian Bank, Banca Sella has launched Bitcoin trading services for its 1.2 million customers of Hype mobile banking platform.
PayPal Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings Boosted by Bitcoin and Crypto Service
PayPal has experienced a rise in revenue from its Bitcoin business since adding crypto into its network in October last year.
What Can We Learn From Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's Coronavirus Outbreak Contingency Plan for Employees?
US health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the coronavirus “is not recognized to be spreading in US communities.”
Nations Around the World Urged to Learn From China in Fighting Coronavirus Using Blockchain
Different stakeholders are urging other nations to embrace China’s effective model in fighting this pandemic by deploying blockchain technology.
Binance Continues to Show Support for Measures Against the Coronavirus
With over a month gone since the outbreak of the now dreaded coronavirus, charity organizations, social groups have been credited with the progress being made to contain the spread of the disease.
UK Law Enforcers Blow the Whistle on Bitcoin Fraudsters Taking Advantage of Coronavirus Outbreak
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc, having claimed more than 3,000 lives and infecting more than 100,000 people globally, tension has become inevitable. The UK police have raised the alarm on fraudsters swindling Britons by demanding Bitcoin payments amid coronavirus scare.
ASX Delays Blockchain-Based CHESS Replacement to April 2023
The Australian Securities Exchange has delayed the blockchain replacement for its CHESS settlement system for financial products, until April 2023.
Gold, Oil and Bitcoin: What Does One Have to Do With the Others?
You’ll often hear the value of bitcoin being compared to that of gold, with the newest likeness being to oil. But do these three commodities really have anything in common?
United States Congress Agree on $900 Billion Stimulus Bill, What it Means for Bitcoin
United States Congress has reached an agreement on a proposed $900 billion pandemic stimulus package and will vote shortly, what will this mean for Bitcoin and crypto?
Ripple Donates $10M to Humanitarian Organization to Accelerate Financial Inclusion
Ripple has continued to be innovative in finding ways to deliver global financial inclusion amid a struggling COVID-19 economy.
Coronavirus Measures in China Delay Crypto Hardware for MicroBT and Bitmain Customers
The coronavirus is causing mass disruption throughout Asia and has now been declared a ‘global health emergency’ by the World Health Organisation. The Chinese government have taken drastic isolation measures and over 40 million people are effectively on lockdown. Two major crypto hardware manufacturers have been having difficulties servicing clients from their bases in China.
Gate.io Executive Reveals Global Economic Outlook and Future Cryptocurrency Adoption Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Blockchain.News exclusively interviewed Marie Tatibouet, the Chief Marketing Officer of Gate.io to explore the current trends and future expected evolution of the cryptocurrency market.
Virgin Galactic CEO Rejects Coronavirus Bitcoin Bull Theory as “Idiotic”
Virgin Galactic CEO, Chamath Palihapitiya has dismissed the notion that the disruption to traditional markets caused by the coronavirus will serve as the catalyst for a major Bitcoin and cryptocurrency bull run.
Will Bitcoin Survive? IMF Predicts Worst Economy Since "Great Depression" in Aftermath of COVID-19 Global Lockdown
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its quarterly World Economic Outlook for 2020 which paints a bleak picture on how the disruptive economic effects of the COVID-19 virus global quarantine measures, dubbed the ‘Great Lockdown’, will continue to cripple the markets long after the pandemic ends.
EU’s Latest Coronavirus Recovery Deal: What’s Wrong with Fiat and What’s Right with Crypto
The recovery fund spearheaded by the EU is made up of €390 billion in grants and €360 billion in loans, which will be added to a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with the sum of €1.074 trillion as a seven-year budget. The heads of state and government have reached a unanimous agreement, resulting in a total financial package of €1.82 trillion.
Billionaires and Bitcoin: Stan Druckenmiller’s Alarming Warning on Stocks While Paul Tudor Jones Remains Bullish on Bitcoin
Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller said during a webcast held by The Economic Club of New York that the risk-reward calculation for equities is the worst he has ever seen in his career. The billionaire expressed his doubts about the US equities’ possibility of logging a V-shaped recovery. He added that government stimulus programs will not be enough for the economic recovery post-pandemic. Druckenmiller believes that cash liquidity required to pump assets that are considered risky will shrink shortly as the US Treasury will soon end the private economy which could overwhelm the Fed purchases through borrowing consistently.
Crypto Trading in India Soared by 400% During COVID-19 Lockdown
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, India’s cryptocurrency trading industry has seen an increase of 400 percent over the last few months.
European Central Bank President: Coronavirus Has Accelerated Digital Currency Adoption
COVID-19 has led to an acceleration in digital payments adoption and technological innovation, as seen by the spending pattern of European citizens.
The Issuance of China's CBDC On The Horizon, According to Insiders
The issuance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has been gaining traction as various nations have shown interest. The People’s Bank of China (PBoC), China’s central bank, has finished the development of a CBDC’s basic function and relevant laws are being drafted to set the ball rolling for its circulation.
The End of Physical Cash is an Inevitable Reality and Not to be Feared Says Union Bank President
As the world tries to come to terms with the coronavirus outbreak, recently Edwin Bautista chief executive and president of UnionBank of the Philippines revealed how digital services could support consumers as they increasingly self-isolate themselves or have to work remotely for an extended timeframe. The fintech leader projected the end of cash as the coronavirus crisis provokes banks to fast track the shift towards digital. But will the end of physical cash become a reality? The trend towards cashless remains inevitable as the current events seem to accelerate this process.
Bitcoin Wakes Up from Slump and Surges, While Gold Rallies
As the value of the USD has been depreciating with the mass printing of stimulus checks deployed by the US government and with gold finally responding with a price rally, Bitcoin (BTC) has finally gained some bullish traction on the crypto market.
Grayscale Survey: 55% of US Investors Like Bitcoin in 2020
Grayscale Investments has released a report dubbed Bitcoin Investor Study 2020 showing that 55% of US investors are keeping a watchful eye on purchasing Bitcoin in 2020.
World Economic Forum Views Blockchain as the Vaccine for Future Interferences in the Seafood Sector
The World Economic Forum (WEF) touts blockchain technology as the vaccine and game-changer needed to ensure things run smoothly in the global seafood supply chain irrespective of future disruptions. This is based on the fact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has laid the bare knuckles of the inefficiencies and challenges faced by the seafood industry.
VeChain Announces Launch of Blockchain-Based Digital Platform at Cyprus Hospital
In light of COVID-19, VeChain announced the launch of a blockchain-based medical platform at the Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus.
Bitcoin's Popularity Sees Surge in Marijuana and Video Game Transactions During Coronavirus Lockdown
The coronavirus-induced lockdown has influenced an increased use case of Bitcoin. Sales of video games and cannabis using Bitcoin have seen a significant rise during the lockdown. The pandemic has revealed consumers’ priorities, as online sales of general digital products saw a decline, while video gamers and marijuana users have increasingly turned to Bitcoin during the virus outbreak.
Goldman Sachs Pushes Bullish Stock Market Investment, Warren Buffet Indicator Disagrees—What about the Bitcoin Price?
Goldman Sachs believes that stocks will boom over the next 12 months which is not sitting well with Warren Buffett warns the market is an overvalued bubble.
Bitfinex: The Crisis Tested Liquid Exchange King for Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading
During the March 12 stock market crash instigated by the coronavirus pandemic’s disruption to the world economy, cryptocurrency exchanges experienced a massive sell-off of Bitcoin and Ethereum. When the liquidation panic finally settled down, Bitfinex emerged as one of the few exchanges that had been able to take the extreme volatility in stride.
Hong Kong Blockchain Startup Bitspark Announces Closure Amid Coronavirus Outbreak and Protests
Bitspark, a blockchain remittance startup based in Hong Kong recently announced its abrupt closure, stating internal restructuring issues.
Coronavirus Tracking and Surveillance May Have Consequences for the Protection of Personal Data Privacy
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently stated that the coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating,” as 20% of the world’s population goes into lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. People are told to stay at home as the world is entering a critical week, with over 381,761 cases confirmed around the world at the time of reporting.
Why Stablecoins are Securing the Future of Crypto World
While the value of most cryptos has tremendously declined due to coronavirus outbreak, the demand for stablecoins seems to be on the rise.
UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund Invests in Tech Startups Fighting COVID-19 in Emerging Economies
Eight technology companies in developing and emerging economies will receive investment from the UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund (CryptoFund) to solve local and global challenges.
US Democrats Propose Distributing Covid-19 Stimulus Payments Through Digital Dollars to Unbanked Citizens
As markets across the globe continue to feel the crunch of economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, debate has raged over a massive stimulus package being proposed in the US which could see the IRS send up to $2000 a month to all US citizens until the recession takes a turn for the better.
First Chinese State-Backed Blockchain Firm "Tainted" the Nation's Image Due to the Export of Faulty COVID-19 Medical Supplies
Tus Data Asset, a blockchain firm based in Beijing, has been banned by the Chinese government from exporting medical supplies to other countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
Blockchain Increasingly Leveraged by China to Combat Coronavirus Outbreak
In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, there have been growing concerns about how the stalled industry of China may affect the growth of technology within the region.
Infinito And Paxful Partner to Accelerate Cryptocurrency Adoption Across the World
Infinito has partnered with Paxful to support cryptocurrency adoption globally.
Canada-Based Tahini's Restaurants Trades Entire Cash Reserves For Bitcoin
Tahinis Restaurants announced that it would be converting all of its cash reserves into Bitcoin.
Russians are Rushing to Buy Bitcoin as COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
As governments around the world continue to battle ill-effects of the ongoing COVID pandemic, Bitcoin is turning out an investment of choice among developing and emerging economies. Officials from the Russian chapter of Binance, Garantex, and EXMO shared insights with the Russian publication, confirming the growth in users originating from the country. All the bourses have mandatory KYC policies in place, meaning the reported figures are accurate.
Justin Sun's TRON to Receive $2 Million from US Government Aid Coronavirus Relief
Justin Sun’s Tron platform has obtained US government aid of more than $2 million in coronavirus relief. The ongoing coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc in the US financial markets. Particularly small-sized businesses are suffering from the economic shutdown meant to slow down the spread of coronavirus. With hundreds of thousands of employees in danger of losing their jobs, the US government created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses stay afloat. The money does not need to be repaid.
Blockchain Deals Are Shifting from the US to China, CB Insights Report
Blockchain Deals Are Shifting from the US to China, CB Insights Report
Blockchain Against Corona: How the World Health Organization Uses DLT Compared to the Rest of the Globe
With disruptive technology including blockchain being continuously deployed to tackle the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen to partner with leading technology and blockchain companies to build a distributed ledger technology-based platform to share data.
Western Union Makes Offer to Acquire Cross-Border Payments Firm MoneyGram
Financial giant, Western Union is in discussions to acquire cross-border payments company MoneyGram according to an anonymous source close to the deal.
Bitcoin Evaporated 30 Billion Market Cap Amid Coronavirus Pandemic and Bearish Economic Outlook
There's a sea of Red for stocks and cryptocurrencies this week. Bitcoin has dipped below USD $6000 for the first time since May 2019. The selloff of cryptocurrencies has extended to altcoins which the price of Ethereum and Bitcoin SV have dropped 30% and 40% respectively.
World Economic Forum Launches New Blockchain Toolkit for Supply Chains to Support the World Through Post-COVID Economic Recovery
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has just released its Blockchain Deployment Toolkit, aiming to enable companies of any size to be able to maximize the benefits of integrating blockchain technology in the supply chain sector. The toolkit allows companies to be able to get a better idea of how to handle deploying blockchain technology in regards to supply chain uses.
Making a Difference in Africa: Paxful Unveils Bitcoin Donation Fund to Overcome Coronavirus Pandemic
Paxful aims to provide support in Africa to address the coronavirus outbreak.
Brazil Highlights Blockchain Technology as a Digital Strategy Goal
Last week, Brazil unveiled its Digital Government Strategy that highlighted the use of distributed ledger systems and blockchain technology to transform major parts of the economy, especially in a post-COVID-19 environment.
Exclusive: Is the Hedera Hashgraph Powered Data Visualization Tool the Antidote to Censored Coronavirus Reporting?
Is the Hedera Hashgraph powered data visualization tool the antidote to censored coronavirus reporting? Mance Harmon, CEO, Hedera HashGraph tells Blockchain.News how the HashLog leveraging their decentralized tracker was able to be deployed so quickly to combat the overwhelming volume of misinformation surrounding the outbreak.
Paxful Research Reveals How Nigerians Are Fighting Devaluation of Native Currency Naira with Bitcoin
The current pandemic has led to a devaluation of Nigeria’s native currency Naira and affected how cryptocurrency trades are conducted in the country.
Blockchain Allowed 17 Million People to Travel Between Macau and China During Coronavirus
A blockchain-powered QR health code system has been instrumental in enabling at least 17 million people to travel between the Chinese mainland and Macau since May.
Tech Adoption Fueled by COVID-19, Will Global Blockchain Adoption Be Accelerated Too?
Coronavirus has driven global economies and businesses to the ground, but one industry that has benefitted from the pandemic appears to be the tech sector.
Legend of Wuhan Coronavirus Whistleblower Will Live Forever on Ethereum Blockchain
Li Wenliang was an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital who became something of a national hero amidst the turmoil of the Coronavirus. Identifying the deadly virus early, he was silenced by his government for trying to warn the public. His legend has only been further galvanized on the Ethereum blockchain following his recent death where he succumbed to the dreaded illness
Bitclub Crypto Ponzi Scheme Suspects Petition Court For Release Citing Coronavirus Fears
Two men accused of operating a crypto Ponzi scheme, the BitClub Network, which defrauded thousands of investors out of $722 million, have requested a New Jersey federal court to grant them a temporary release. The two prisoners have petitioned a New Jersey federal judge as they fear they could contract the coronavirus if they are not freed from the enclosed county jail environment.
WeChat Pay and Alipay May Have Helped China to Track Coronavirus Victims Through Digital Payments
With the novel coronavirus infecting more than 75,000 people around the world, and with the majority of the Chinese population in the Hubei province infected, authorities in the nation decided to track everyone who bought fever medicine in the province.
UAE Leverages Blockchain, Robotics and 3D Printing to Flatten Coronavirus Curve
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), through in5, a startup incubator for nurturing businesses and ideas, is deploying blockchain, robotics, and 3D printing technologies to instigate the wellbeing and safety of its citizens amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Trump Ends COVID-19 Pandemic, according to White House Release
The Trump Administration has ended the COVID-19 pandemic, or at least according to the list of his accomplishments from the White House Science and Technology Office.
Texas Man Charged for Using COVID-19 Small Business Relief Funds to Buy Crypto
Texas resident Joshua Thomas Argires has been charged for investing COVID-19 relief funds in cryptocurrencies
British University Reveals Blockchain-Enabled Digital Certificate to Water Down COVID-19 Dangers Across Supply Chains
Birmingham City University (BCU) in the United Kingdom is testing the waters with a blockchain-based digital safety certificate to safeguard consumers and suppliers from risks triggered by coronavirus (COVID-19). The digital certificate dubbed the Coronavirus Clearance Certificate (CCC), will be instrumental in reassuring stakeholders across supply chains that goods offered are risk-free.
Algorand's Blockchain Based COVID-19 Global Survey Shares Real-Time Public Pandemic Data
Algorand, the first pure proof-of-stake (POS) blockchain created by cryptography pioneer and Turing award winner Silvio Micali, has launched a global Coronavirus (Covid-19) survey. The company published a blog post on March 27 announcing its ‘IReportCovid’ survey app. The aim of the survey is to compile a public database to share information on the spread, status, and symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic and give updates in “real-time.”
How Blockchain Technology is Helping to Fight the Novel COVID-19 Pandemic
Coronavirus disease has changed our lives in unprecedented ways. With the imminent lockdown caused by the virus, several reorganizations had to be implemented to keep our lives going. This brief analysis highlights some of the key ways that the application of Blockchain Technology is helping in the fight against the COVID-19 disease and pandemic.
Spanish Researchers Deploy AI and Blockchain-Powered App to Tame COVID-19
At least 100 Spanish researchers from the University of Salamanca, the Artificial Intelligent Research Institute, and the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca have joined hands to design an AI and blockchain-based app to picture the evolution of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Their objective is flattening this pandemic’s curve as it has wreaked havoc across the globe.
World Sustainability Organization Adopts Blockchain-Based Virtual Audits to Curb COVID-19 Spread
With coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention measures necessitating self-isolation and social distancing, Friend of the Sea (FOS), a World Sustainability Organization’s project for seafood certification, has embraced blockchain-enabled virtual audits to mitigate the expansion of this pandemic. As a result, FOS has eradicated onsite scrutinies because safety is of the essence during these trying times.
Bitcoin Price and Altcoins Spike On News of President Trump’s Recovery Against COVID-19
Bitcoin and altcoins have enjoyed a brief price surge on the back of news that President Trump could be discharged from hospital after his bout with COVID-19.
The World Economic Forum Highlighted Blockchain and Digitization to Address COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruption
The World Economic Forum (WEF) published a report on the importance of blockchain in supply chain disruption amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although the report suggested that blockchain may not be able to support the damage caused by the impact of COVID-19 directly, it may help with supply chain visibility.
Spike in COVID-19 Cybercrime Is Stimulating Mass Adoption of Blockchain in Asia
With COVID-19 forcing businesses to adopt digital means of transacting, there is a spike in blockchain adoption, Bitcoin price surge, rise in Bitcoin scams.
Facebook's Libra Sparked CBDC Race, COVID-19 Made Central Banks Realize Its Necessity
Digital innovation and central bank digital currency adoption (CBDC) have been on the rise despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What has driven CBDC forward?
Indian State Plans to Combat Fake COVID-19 Vaccines with Blockchain
The administration of Telangana, a southern Indian state, intends to avert any attempt of hoarding or black-marketing of COVID-19 vaccines using blockchain technology.