The 13th edition of the Blockchain Life Forum, a leading gathering for cryptocurrency professionals from around the world, recently concluded in Dubai, bringing together over 12,119 participants. The forum featured over 200 esteemed speakers, including industry pioneers and executives from leading companies such as OKX, CoinMarketCap, Bitmain, Bybit, Binance, Animoca Brands, Circle, BingX, ICP, Kraken, TON, Sandbox, Polygon, and many more.
The event provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space....
Ethereum L2s: Cannibalism or Collaboration? Sygnum Bank Weighs In
The Ethereum network, once a powerhouse of daily fees exceeding $30 million, has seen a significant downturn in recent times. Daily fees now hover between a modest $1 million to $5 million, prompting a debate about the impact of Layer-2 (L2) scaling solutions. Are these solutions, designed to alleviate network congestion and reduce fees, actually cannibalizing revenue? Sygnum Bank, a leading financial institution specializing in digital assets, offers a nuanced perspective.
R3’s Uncertain Future: Exploring Strategic Options in a Shifting Blockchain Landscape
R3, a once-prominent player in the blockchain space, finds itself at a crossroads. After a period of rapid growth as a consortium, the company is now reportedly exploring strategic options as it navigates the ever-evolving blockchain industry. While the future remains uncertain, industry analysts speculate on potential pathways for R3.
R3’s journey has been marked by both successes and challenges. Early on, the consortium model fueled rapid adoption among financial institutions, but the landscape has shifted significantly. The emergence of new blockchain technologies, regulatory uncertainties,...
Microsoft Rejects Bitcoin Investment Proposal: A Conservative Think Tank’s Push for Crypto
Microsoft Rejects Bitcoin Investment Proposal: A Conservative Think Tank’s Push for Crypto
The National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, has made a bold move, urging Microsoft shareholders to consider Bitcoin as a diversification investment. This proposal, which would see the tech giant assess Bitcoin’s potential, was presented at the company’s annual meeting on December 10th. However, Microsoft has shown no interest in embracing the volatile cryptocurrency, opting to maintain its current financial strategy.
This move highlights the ongoing debate...
Microsoft Shareholders Push for Bitcoin Investment
In a move that has caught the attention of the tech world, Microsoft shareholders have submitted a proposal urging the company to explore investing in Bitcoin. This proposal comes amidst growing interest in cryptocurrency among investors, and it challenges Microsoft’s current stance on digital assets.
While Microsoft’s board has already recommended voting against the proposal, arguing that they actively consider a wide range of investment opportunities, including Bitcoin, the shareholder push highlights the increasing pressure on established companies to embrace the world of cryptocurrencies....
Fireblocks Fuels PYUSD Adoption with $1 Million Developer Grant Program
Fireblocks, a leading digital asset infrastructure provider, has announced a $1 million grant program aimed at accelerating the adoption of PayPal USD (PYUSD) by developers. The initiative seeks to empower developers building innovative projects using PYUSD with financial support and resources.
Under this program, developers can apply for up to $60,000 in grant funding to support their projects. These grants will be awarded to projects that demonstrate a strong potential for growth, innovation, and real-world utility within the PYUSD ecosystem.
The program aims to foster the creation of new...
Kraken’s Layer-2 Blockchain ‘Ink’ Set for 2025 Launch
Kraken, the popular cryptocurrency exchange, is preparing to launch its own Layer-2 blockchain dubbed ‘Ink’ in 2025. Powered by Optimism’s OP Stack, Ink aims to decentralize Kraken’s operations and provide users with faster and more cost-effective transactions.
The development of Ink is a significant step for Kraken, as it signifies the company’s commitment to blockchain technology beyond its traditional exchange services. The use of Optimism’s OP Stack, a popular Layer-2 scaling solution, demonstrates Kraken’s focus on scalability and efficiency.
While...
Michael Saylor Backpedals on Self-Custody After Public Outcry
MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor, a vocal Bitcoin proponent, has reversed his recent stance on self-custody, seemingly swayed by public backlash. Earlier this week, Saylor advocated for institutional investors to utilize “big bank” custody solutions. However, facing criticism from the Bitcoin community who value self-sovereignty, Saylor has issued a statement clarifying his position.
“I support self-custody for those willing and able,” Saylor stated in a new post. The statement appears to be an attempt to appease the Bitcoin community, emphasizing the importance of self-custody...
India’s Choice: CBDCs Over Bitcoin & Ethereum
India’s financial regulators are making a strong case for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) over private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Their reasoning? A commitment to safety, financial inclusion, and the ability to exert tighter control, all while harnessing the potential of blockchain technology.
This stance reflects a growing global trend, where central banks are exploring CBDCs as a means to modernize their financial systems and provide a secure, accessible digital currency for citizens.
India’s preference for CBDCs highlights the ongoing tension between decentralized...