Cryptocurrencies and Future Crime
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CRYPTONAIRE WEEKLY CRYPTO Investment Journal
CRYPTONAIRE WEEKLY CRYPTO investment journal CONTENTS WEEKLY CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET ANALYSIS...............................................................................................................5 TOP 10 COINS ........................................................................................................................................................................................6 Top 10 Coins by Total Market Capitalisation ...................................................................................................................6 Top 10 Coins by Percentage Gain (Past 7 Days)...........................................................................................................6 Top 10 Coins added to Exchanges with the Highest Market Capitalisation (Past 30 Days) ..........................7 CRYPTO TRADE OPPORTUNITIES ...............................................................................................................................................9 PRESS RELEASE..................................................................................................................................................................................14 ZUMO BRINGS ITS CRYPTOCURRENCY WALLET TO THE PLATINUM CRYPTO ACADEMY..........................14 INTRODUCTION TO TICAN – MULTI-GATEWAY PAYMENT SYSTEM ......................................................................17 ADVERTISE WITH US........................................................................................................................................................................19 -
Crypto-Asset Markets: Potential Channels for Future Financial Stability
Crypto-asset markets Potential channels for future financial stability implications 10 October 2018 The Financial Stability Board (FSB) is established to coordinate at the international level the work of national financial authorities and international standard-setting bodies in order to develop and promote the implementation of effective regulatory, supervisory and other financial sector policies. Its mandate is set out in the FSB Charter, which governs the policymaking and related activities of the FSB. These activities, including any decisions reached in their context, shall not be binding or give rise to any legal rights or obligations under the FSB’s Articles of Association. Contacting the Financial Stability Board Sign up for e-mail alerts: www.fsb.org/emailalert Follow the FSB on Twitter: @FinStbBoard E-mail the FSB at: [email protected] Copyright © 2018 Financial Stability Board. Please refer to: www.fsb.org/terms_conditions/ Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3 2. Primary risks in crypto-asset markets ................................................................................. 5 2.1 Market liquidity risks ............................................................................................... 5 2.2 Volatility risks ......................................................................................................... -
Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies
Science, Technology Assessment, SEPTEMBER 2019 and Analytics WHY THIS MATTERS Distributed ledger technology (e.g. blockchain) allows users to carry out digital transactions without the need SCIENCE & TECH SPOTLIGHT: for a centralized authority. It could fundamentally change the way government and industry conduct BLOCKCHAIN & DISTRIBUTED business, but questions remain about how to mitigate fraud, money laundering, and excessive energy use. LEDGER TECHNOLOGIES /// THE TECHNOLOGY What is it? Distributed ledger technologies (DLT) like blockchain are a secure way of conducting and recording transfers of digital assets without the need for a central authority. DLT is “distributed” because multiple participants in a computer network (individuals, businesses, etc.), share and synchronize copies of the ledger. New transactions are added in a manner that is cryptographically secured, permanent, and visible to all participants in near real time. Figure 2. How blockchain, a form of distributed ledger technology, acts as a means of payment for cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are a digital representation of value and represent the best-known use case for DLT. The regulatory and legal frameworks surrounding cryptocurrencies remain fragmented across Figure 1. Difference between centralized and distributed ledgers. countries, with some implicitly or explicitly banning them, and others allowing them. How does it work? Distributed ledgers do not need a central, trusted authority because as transactions are added, they are verified using what In addition to cryptocurrencies, there are a number of other efforts is known as a consensus protocol. Blockchain, for example, ensures the underway to make use of DLT. For example, Hyperledger Fabric is ledger is valid because each “block” of transactions is cryptographically a permissioned and private blockchain framework created by the linked to the previous block so that any change would alert all other Hyperledger consortium to help develop DLT for a variety of business users. -
A Behavioral Economics Approach to Regulating Initial Coin Offerings
A Behavioral Economics Approach to Regulating Initial Coin Offerings NATHAN J. SHERMAN* INTRODUCTION Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are an outgrowth of the cryptocurrency space in which companies raise capital by issuing their own cryptocurrency coin to investors. Although ICOs are an innovative method of raising capital, the growth of the ICO market is troubling considering no investor protection regulations govern the ICO process. Investors pour large amounts of money into these offerings, which are issued by companies that typically have no history of producing a product or revenue, and the prices of coins issued in ICOs are only rising because other investors also funnel money into them.1 This pattern is markedly similar to that of a speculative bubble. A speculative bubble occurs when there are “‘unsustainable increases’ in asset prices caused by investors trading on a pattern of price increases rather than information on fundamental values.”2 In a bubble, “smart money”—informed investors—bid up prices in anticipation of “noise traders” entering the market.3 The noise traders then enter the market due to the psychological biases they encounter in making their investment decisions.4 Eventually, the smart money investors sell their holdings and the bubble bursts. 5 Thus, regulators should create a framework that adequately protects investors in ICOs. The behavioral economics theory of bounded rationality provides insights for building this regulatory framework. Bounded rationality implies that humans make suboptimal choices.6 By understanding the psychological biases that influence investors’ choices, regulators will be able to help investors adopt habits that reduce the harmful effects of speculative bubbles. -
Liquidity Or Leakage Plumbing Problems with Cryptocurrencies
Liquidity Or Leakage Plumbing Problems With Cryptocurrencies March 2018 Liquidity Or Leakage - Plumbing Problems With Cryptocurrencies Liquidity Or Leakage Plumbing Problems With Cryptocurrencies Rodney Greene Quantitative Risk Professional Advisor to Z/Yen Group Bob McDowall Advisor to Cardano Foundation Distributed Futures 1/60 © Z/Yen Group, 2018 Liquidity Or Leakage - Plumbing Problems With Cryptocurrencies Foreword Liquidity is the probability that an asset can be converted into an expected amount of value within an expected amount of time. Any token claiming to be ‘money’ should be very liquid. Cryptocurrencies often exhibit high price volatility and wide spreads between their buy and sell prices into fiat currencies. In other markets, such high volatility and wide spreads might indicate low liquidity, i.e. it is difficult to turn an asset into cash. Normal price falls do not increase the number of sellers but should increase the number of buyers. A liquidity hole is where price falls do not bring out buyers, but rather generate even more sellers. If cryptocurrencies fail to provide easy liquidity, then they fail as mediums of exchange, one of the principal roles of money. However, there are a number of ways of assembling a cryptocurrency and a number of parameters, such as the timing of trades, the money supply algorithm, and the assembling of blocks, that might be done in better ways to improve liquidity. This research should help policy makers look critically at what’s needed to provide good liquidity with these exciting systems. Michael Parsons FCA Chairman, Cardano Foundation, Distributed Futures 2/60 © Z/Yen Group, 2018 Liquidity Or Leakage - Plumbing Problems With Cryptocurrencies Contents Foreword .............................................................................................................. -
Blockchain in Japan
Blockchain in Japan " 1" Blockchain in Japan " "The impact of Blockchain is huge. Its importance is similar to the emergence of Internet” Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan1 1 Japanese Trade Ministry Exploring Blockchain Tech in Study Group, Coindesk 2" Blockchain in Japan " About this report This report has been made by Marta González for the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, a joint venture between the European Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Centre aims to promote all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between Europe and Japan. For that purpose, it publishes a series of thematic reports designed to support research and policy analysis of EU-Japan economic and industrial issues. To elaborate this report, the author has relied on a wide variety of sources. She reviewed the existing literature, including research papers and press articles, and interviewed a number of Blockchain thought leaders and practitioners to get their views. She also relied on the many insights from the Japanese Blockchain community, including startups, corporation, regulators, associations and developers. Additionally, she accepted an invitation to give a talk1 about the state of Blockchain in Europe, where she also received input and interest from Japanese companies to learn from and cooperate with the EU. She has also received numerous manifestations of interest during the research and writing of the report, from businesses to regulatory bodies, revealing a strong potential for cooperation between Europe and Japan in Blockchain-related matters. THE AUTHOR Marta González is an Economist and Software Developer specialized in FinTech and Blockchain technology. -
Fraud & White Collar Crime 2019
FRAUD & WHITE COLLAR CRIME 2019 EXPERT GUIDE www.corporatelivewire.com 33 CHANCERY LANE Expert Guide | Fraud & White Collar Crime 2019 Alma Angotti United Kingdom | United States [email protected] UK: +44 (0) 20 7550 4604 | US: +1 202 481 8398 www.navigant.com The ability to trace transactions on the blockchain allows for the identification of the originating cryptocurrency wallet address and the beneficiary cryptocurrency wallet address. Elizabeth Sisul Bitcoin is said to offer “pseudo-anonymity” because it United States [email protected] is often difficult to connect the cryptocurrency wallet +1 646 227 4725 www.navigant.com addresses with real-world individuals and entities. Brandy Schindler United States 1. Money Laundering Risks ability to move private keys across borders with a piece of paper [email protected] in his or her pocket, or by handing off that piece of paper to a co- +1 646 227 4881 I. Pseudo-anonymity/Anonymity conspirator crossing a border. www.navigant.com Many erroneously believe that the most popular cryptocurren- The ability to easily move money across borders facilitates the cies, including bitcoin, offer complete anonymity to its users. In layering3 stage of money laundering. Bad actors may leverage reality, bitcoin transactions can be traced on the bitcoin block- the ability to conduct cross-border transactions in order to direct chain. The ability to trace transactions on the blockchain allows complex transactions through multiple countries and/or through Key Considerations and Risk Management Practices in Building for the identification of the originating cryptocurrency wallet countries with weak regulatory frameworks. In addition, the in- address and the beneficiary cryptocurrency wallet address. -
The Economics of Distributed Ledger Technology for Securities Settlement
ISSN 2379-5980 (online) DOI 10.5195/LEDGER.2019.144 RESEARCH ARTICLE The Economics of Distributed Ledger Technology for Securities Settlement Evangelos Benos,*† Rodney Garratt,‡ Pedro Gurrola-Perez§ Abstract. We apply economic principles to understand how distributed ledger technology (DLT) might impact the innovation process and eventual market structure in the security settlement industry. Our main conclusions are that: i) Although DLT has the potential to significantly reduce costs in securities settlement, implementation is challenging, ii) technological innovation in the post-trade industry is more likely to succeed with some degree of coordination, which could be facilitated by the relevant authorities, and iii) DLT- based securities settlement is likely to be concentrated among few providers which, absent any regulation, could result in inefficient monopoly pricing or efficient price discrimination with service providers capturing much of the market surplus. 1. Introduction Over the last few years, a number of technological innovations with potentially transformative implications for the financial system have been receiving close attention from researchers, industry participants, technology firms, and regulators. In particular, for the post-trade cycle, which includes clearing and settlement of financial transactions, the distributed ledger technology (or DLT) is considered to be promising, with the potential to drastically simplify processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency and security. This has spurred a flurry of analysis -
Anti-Money Laundering and Blockchain Technology
CSP023 MAY 2020 Anti-Money Laundering and Blockchain Technology CHUNG-CHIA HUANG AND ASHER TRANGLE Memorandum FROM: Director of FinCEN TO: Junior FinCEN Lawyer RE: Recommendations Regarding Reforming BSA/AML Compliance DATE: January 26, 2020 Welcome to your new position as a junior attorney at FinCEN. FinCEN plays a critical role in monitoring and enforcing financial crimes involving banks and other financial institutions. The organization takes this role very seriously, and we are proactively seeking more effective ways of detecting illegal activity and fighting financial crime. Over the past year, I have been monitoring articles and suggestions regarding how to improve or reform anti-money laundering laws. As new technologies develop, a number of startups are using blockchain technology with the goal of helping financial institutions comply with U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Financial institutions are eager to test whether blockchain technology products can simultaneously improve or increase their compliance with AML laws while reducing the enormous costs associated with the current AML framework. I want you to look into what types of reforms, if any, FinCEN should seriously consider adopting. In particular, please research the viability of new technologies, such as blockchain and/or machine learning, for changing our regulatory approach and make a recommendation as to whether FinCEN should support the adoption of such technologies for AML compliance. Please note that there may be other data sharing systems or technologies (e.g. permissioned ledgers) that have also been mentioned with respect to increasing the efficiency of AML compliance. Include the pros and cons of adopting your recommendations. -
In Collaboration with CONTENTS
QUARTERLY REPORT Q3 2018 in collaboration with CONTENTS FOREWORDS BITCOIN’S VALUE PROPOSITIONS TO INVESTORS CRYPTOASSET MCAPS OUTLOOK INDUSTRY EXCHANGES PEER-TO-PEER EXCHANGES DECENTRALIZED EXCHANGES ESCALATING TECH ADOPTION STABLECOINS TOKEN MARKET SUMMARY ASSET RISK-ADJUSTED RETURNS CORRELATIONS INDEXES NETWORK HEALTH LAYER 2 SOLUTIONS LIGHTNING NETWORK LINDY EFFECT REFERENCES FOREWORDS Bitcoin, the digital asset that just celebrated its 10 year anniversary, has been attracting investor attention by offering potentially high returns with relatively low correlation to other traditional asset classes. Bitcoin’s nature as digital payment method and its scarcity in terms of limited supply has also driven many investors to call bitcoin as “digital gold”. Bitcoin was founded shortly after the noto- rious 2008 subprime crisis and following reces- sion, by mysterious person or group called Satoshi Nakamoto. The following text included in bitcoin genesis block: “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancel- lor on brink of second bailout for banks”, can be interpreted as a statement questioning fractional- reserve banking system [1]. In summary, Satoshi’s core objective was to create “peer-to-peer elec- tronic cash system”. That objective was fulfilled completely and rest of the bitcoin’s developing story will be among significant financial innovations of our time. In the Q3 report we’ll dive deep into bitcoin & cryp- toassets, including topics within: Cryptocurrency market caps, exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and tech adoption. With Asset Summary, we’ll explore asset correlations, indices, network health, layer 2 solutions, and bitcoin fundamentals. The report aims to provide value for investors, clients, and individuals, by delivering a complete quarterly overview of the industry. -
Blockchain Ready Manufacturing Supply Chain Using Distributed Ledger
IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308 BLOCKCHAIN READY MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAIN USING DISTRIBUTED LEDGER Saveen A. Abeyratne1, Radmehr P. Monfared2 1Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, UK 2Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, UK Abstract The blockchain technology as a foundation for distributed ledgers offers an innovative platform for a new decentralized and transparent transaction mechanism in industries and businesses. The inherited characteristics of this technology enhance trust through transparency and traceability within any transaction of data, goods, and financial resources. Despite initial doubts about this technology, recently governments and large corporations have investigated to adopt and improve this technology in various domains of applications, from finance, social and legal industries to design, manufacturing and supply chain networks. In this article, the authors review the current status of this technology and some of its applications. The potential benefit of such technology in manufacturing supply chain is then discussed in this article and a vision for the future blockchain ready manufacturing supply chain is proposed. Manufacturing of cardboard boxes are used as an example to demonstrate how such technology can be used in a global supply chain network. Finally, the requirements and challenges to adopt this technology in the -
The Seconomics (Security-Economics) Vulnerabilities of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations?
The seconomics (security-economics) vulnerabilities of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations? Fabio Massacci1, Chan Nam Ngo1, Jing Nie1, Daniele Venturi2 and Julian Williams3 1 Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy fmassacci,channam.ngo,[email protected] 2 Computer Science Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy [email protected] 3 Durham University Business School, Durham, UK [email protected] Abstract. Traditionally, security and economics functionalities in IT financial services and protocols (FinTech) have been perceived as sepa- rate objectives. We argue that keeping them separate is a bad idea for FinTech \Decentralized Autonomous Organizations" (DAOs). In fact, security and economics are one for DAOs: we show that the failure of a security property, e.g. anonymity, can destroy a DAOs because economic attacks can be tailgated to security attacks. This is illustrated by the ex- amples of \TheDAO" (built on the Ethereum platform) and the DAOed version of a Futures Exchange. We claim that security and economics vulnerabilities, which we named seconomics vulnerabilities, are indeed new \beasts" to be reckoned with. Keywords: seconomics vulnerabilities, FinTech, security protocols, De- centralized Autonomous Organizations 1 Introduction Several researchers have traditionally assumed that security and economics func- tionalities are separate objectives. We argue that for \Decentralized Autonomous Organizations" (DAO) security and economics objectives should be considered as one. A failure of a security property is not simply an annoying part outside the protocol (e.g. law enforcement agencies knowing you are using Bitcoin to purchase porn or shady drugs). A failure of a security property for DAOs may lead to the collapse of the entire economic functionality because such security attack could be combined with an economic attack.