In the Daily: Cosmos Expands, Crypto Crime Network, Bittrex Cancels Raid Sale

In Friday’s edition of the daily, we begin by examining the rise of Cosmos, which in terms of sheer hype and expectation is this month’s Grin. We also check out anonymous crime reporting system Intelli Network and consider Bittrex International’s decision to cancel its first token sale hours before it was scheduled to start. Also … Read more

Universal Protocol Alliance Launches Interest-Paying Stablecoin UPUSD

A consortium of blockchain companies including Bittrex International, Brave, Cred, and Bitgo is launching a new stablecoin. Universal Protocol Alliance’s Universal Dollar (UPUSD) is a dollar-pegged token whose holders will earn interest, just like a regular savings account. The consortium has announced ambitious plans to launch UPUSD in Africa and Latin America first, to attract … Read more

Malta Might Be ‘Blockchain Island’ But Don’t Try Opening a Crypto Bank Account

Malta has been hyped up as the happy ending for crypto business who have trouble operating elsewhere, but there’s a problem: banks are reluctant to grant crypto startups business accounts until they’re properly licensed with the MFSA. This process can take up to six months for a first-round response, leaving many businesses unable to operate … Read more

Tidbits: Kraken CEO Offers Help in Quadrigacx Case, Iranian Bitcoiner Learns Expensive Lesson

Tidbits is a roundup of talking points from across the cryptosphere. In this edition, Jesse Powell offers to help the Canadian police investigate the supposed death of Quadrigacx CEO Gerald Cotten and the subsequent movement of funds. Also, the r/btc community teaches Iranian redditor Cdaemon how to keep his crypto safe.  Also read: Canadian Exchange … Read more

OTC Desks Proliferate as Volume Shifts From Spot Markets

While trading volume on the top cryptocurrency exchanges declined dramatically during the second half of 2018, all signs suggest that over-the-counter (OTC) markets are now attracting increasing liquidity, with a number of prominent cryptocurrency exchanges entering the OTC space. Additionally, several major existing OTC desks have recently spoken of experiencing significant growth in trade volume. … Read more

The Daily: Bittrex Opens OTC Desk, Bakkt Acquires Futures Team

In today’s edition of The Daily, we cover a number of stories that show how the cryptocurrency ecosystem is evolving to become more inviting to institutional investors. Bittrex exchange opens an OTC trading desk, Bakkt “acquihires” a futures compliance team, and Swiss investment bank Vontobel launches a custody solution. Also Read: Bitwise Asset Management Files … Read more