Solana Foundation joins Dubai’s Crypto Centre

The Solana Foundation has joined the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) – a world-leading free zone and Dubai’s authority on commodities trade and enterprise – as an ecosystem partner at its Crypto Centre.

This strategic partnership is set to enhance DMCC’s existing offerings and collaborations by empowering its members to develop innovative concepts and scale their businesses using Solana, one of the industry's top blockchain platforms.

The collaboration...

Blockchain Expo Europe: Unearthing the catalysts for institutional crypto adoption

In a fireside chat at Blockchain Expo Europe, James Morek, Co-Head of Institutional Sales EMEA & APAC at Coinbase, and Nick Philpott, CEO of Zodia Markets, shared their insights on what is needed for institutional crypto adoption.

The conversation delved into critical topics such as regulatory collaboration, the role of decentralised technology, and the impact of blockchain and stablecoins on financial transactions.

Regulatory collaboration and frameworks

The...

Renee Francis, Take3: The transformative potential of Web3

The Block caught up with Renee Francis, Founder and Director of Take3, to discuss the transformative potential of Web3.

With a background in marketing and extensive experience with platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google, Francis offers a unique perspective on the issues that Web3 aims to address.

In this interview, she shares insights into the benefits of Web3, the challenges it faces, and her excitement for various projects in the space.

Data...

US Congressman: Blockchain is ‘the authenticator’ in the AI era

In an address at the Permissionless II conference, US Congressman Tom Emmer urged the blockchain industry to shift its focus towards innovation—asserting that the technology is key to authenticating content in the AI era.

Emmer's remarks come in the wake of recent legal victories for Ripple and Grayscale, with the prospect of an upcoming Supreme Court ruling that could reshape the regulatory landscape.

During a panel discussion, Congressman Emmer began by acknowledging...

Blockchain could play major role in UK’s digitisation of trade documents

British businesses will be able to trade easier, faster and cheaper around the world thanks to new plans to remove needless paperwork and bureaucracy.

The Electronic Trade Documents Bill, expected to be introduced in Parliament today, will boost the UK’s international trade, already worth more than £1.4 trillion, and will reduce the estimated 28.5 billion paper trade documents printed and flown around the world daily.

Business-to-business documents such as bills of...

House of Lords approve UK crypto bill

UK parliamentarians have taken a significant step towards recognising cryptocurrencies as a regulated activity with the approval of the Financial Services and Markets Bill (FSMB) by the House of Lords.

The move brings the bill closer to becoming law, marking an important development in the country's approach to digital assets.

Anto Paroian, CEO at ARK36, said:

"At ARK36, we feel the news that the UK parliament has just voted through a new bill which could...

a16z’s first global office will be in London due to ‘predictable’ environment

Renowned venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is opening its first global office in London due to a “predictable” regulatory environment.

The decision to expand comes in the wake of growing regulatory challenges faced by crypto firms in the United States. Chris Dixon, a16z's crypto founder and managing partner, highlighted the importance of a predictable business environment as a key factor behind the...

FCA introduces new rules for marketing cryptoassets

Cryptocurrency coins.

Those marketing cryptoassets to UK consumers will need to introduce a cooling-off period for first time investors from October 8, 2023, under new advertising rules announced by the FCA.

As part of a package of measures designed to ensure those who buy crypto understand the risk, ‘refer a friend’ bonuses will also be banned. 

The new rules mean crypto firms must ensure that people have the appropriate knowledge and experience to invest in crypto. Those promoting...

Blockchain Expo: The opportunities of Web3

During a session at this year’s Blockchain Expo, we heard from IDC Research Director Phillip Silitschanu about the opportunities of Web3 and the journey that lies ahead.

Silischanu shared his insights, based on vast experience, on the applicability of blockchain services and the potential of Web3. He discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies and their impact on various sectors.

Web2 vs Web3

Web2, also known as the social web, marked...

China to train half a million blockchain experts amid national research centre launch

Here’s a good example of how you can separate the blockchain signal from the crypto noise: China is to train 500,000 blockchain professionals after launching a national blockchain research centre in Beijing.

The centre, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) citing state-run media outlet Xinhua, will work with universities, research institutes and companies, as well as establish a ‘national-level blockchain network’ to connect existing blockchains in China as...