Fintech Daily Digest

Japanese online retailer Rakuten has begun accepting registrations for its new bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange, Rakuten Wallet.

If Bakkt can get a New York license the CFTC may allow it to issue its futures by self-certification and sidestep the regulator's requirements that client funds are deposited at a bank or trust company, although it would still need CFTC approval for its wider operations.

"Here is a summary of how G20 countries are currently regulating crypto assets."

Bakkt's launch date has been delayed for months because of CFTC skepticism about how clients' tokens will be stored and safeguarded from possible theft and manipulation.

Cool Infographic!

Big Four professional services firm EY is rolling out free software designed to help corporate clients use the ethereum blockchain - and it's taken an unusual step to encourage adoption.

The lack of standard global terminology for crypto assets is a major impediment for the adoption of clear regulatory policies in the industry, according to a study by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) released on April 16.

"A new digital currency, which would facilitate cross-border payments between Israel and the West Bank, has been proposed in a new report from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)."

Former Blackberry co-CEO Jim Balsillie has said it is time for the IMF to help co-ordinate global data rules and to forge a joint international strategy for dealing with the impact of technology.

Afghanistan, Tunisia and Uzbekistan are currently mulling the possibility of a Bitcoin bond.

Ripple's Asheesh Birla recently revealed that the company has aggressive expansion plans for xRapid, its XRP-powered crypto remittance platform.

Qintar is a Geneva-based but globally focused cryptocurrency ecosystem which is the first truly sharia -compliant token, independent of the banking system and other financial institutions.

Japan's financial regulator will require cryptocurrency exchanges to strengthen internal oversight of the so-called "cold wallets" used to store digital money.

Accenture and Generali have launched a blockchain solution aimed to streamline the insurer's Employee Benefits Network offerings. Through smart contracts and automated reconciliation, it allows participants in the reinsurance process to share accurate data and reduce processing errors.

"One of the strongest emerging narratives in crypto is the sudden rise of cryptocurrency lending platforms. Multiple new platforms have launched and the demand for their services is growing. What is crypto lending and who are the major players?"

Practical solutions to mitigating electromagnetic pulse (EMP) risk include hardening critical systems against and developing local microgrids that will function independently even in worst-case scenarios. Safeguarding even 10% of critical infrastructures could potentially secure as much as 85% of the economy.

A new R3 research paper, "Will Businesses Ever Use Stablecoins?" identifies where stablecoins may fulfil needs within the established financial system.

The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance has published an in-depth comparative analysis of cryptoasset regulations across 23 jurisdictions.

To maintain its value, NUSD rebalances the basket's composition according to price fluctuations and allows on-chain swapping between stablecoins within its aggregated constituent basket.

Financial sector policymakers are increasingly focused on data rights, touching on such questions as: who owns financial data, what rights do various parties have to use that data and in which ways, and what privacy rights do individuals have.