Latest Blockchain News: Finextra Research

Should central banks open up payment and settlement systems to non-banks?

The rise of nonbank giants such as PayPal and WeChat is leading central banks to reassess to whom they should allow access to their payment and settlement systems, says a top Bank of Japan official.

26 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Six global banks join Swift DLT trials

Interbank messaging network Swift has rounded up an initial group of six leading correspondent banks to participate in proof-of-concept trials to determine if distributed ledger technology could help banks reconcile their nostro databases in real time.

25 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Standard Chartered supercharges fintech accelerator graudates

Standard Chartered has initiated proof-of-concept trials on robo-advisory services and blockchain with two startups graduating from Hong Kong's SuperCharger Fintech Accelerator programme.

25 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Swift Business Forum, London - live blog

Welcome to Finextra's live coverage of the Swift Business Forum in London. This year’s conference will focus on the key issues affecting the financial industry, particularly as they impact UK and global markets. In an ever-increasing ‘instant’ world, the agenda will look at how financial institutions can stay resilient and secure, while continuing to innovate and navigate change.

25 April 2017

News/Blockchain

National Bank of Cambodia inks DLT development deal

The National Bank of Cambodia is teaming up with distributed ledger technology specialist Soramitsu to develop the use of the Hyperledger Iroha software framework for a possible new payment infrastructure.

24 April 2017

News/Blockchain

EC plans blockchain 'observatory'

The European Commission is pumping EUR500,000 into a blockchain and distributed ledger technology 'observatory' and forum to help it build up its knowledge and expertise on the subject.

21 April 2017

News/Blockchain

European Central Bank seeks DLT project lead

The European Central Bank is in the market for a senior technology executive with three years of practical experience in distributed ledger applications and front and back office project management expertise.

21 April 2017

News/Blockchain

BBVA runs live funds transfers over Ripple

BBVA has run its first live cross-border transaction using the Ripple protocol.

21 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Coinbase plans Ethereum messaging app

Bitcoin exchange and virtual wallet operator Coinbase is bidding to emulate China's hugely popular WeChat through a new unit that will offer a secure messaging app, an Ethereum wallet and a browser for Ethereum apps.

21 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Nasdaq formalises fintech venture programme

Nasdaq has launched a dedicated venture investment unit to identify and collaborate on new technologies with fintech companies worldwide.

19 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Bank of England accelerator to tackle Big Data and privacy in distributed ledgers

The Bank of England is inviting applications for its latest accelerator project with an emphasis on conducting proofs of concept around machine learning and privacy in distributed ledgers.

19 April 2017

News/Blockchain

BNP Paribas and AXA co-operate on blockchain-based fund distribution platform

BNP Paribas is working with AXA Ivestment Managers on the deployment of a blockchain-based fund distribution platform using smart contracts to ease the flow of information between buyers and sellers.

19 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Goldman Sachs tech exec joins blockchain startup Chain

Tom Jessop, a 17-year technology veteran at Goldman Sachs, has joined blockchain startup Chain as president.

18 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Apac banks suspicious about fintech consortiums

A research paper has revealed a level of scepticism among Asia Pacific banks when it comes to joining forces with fintechs.

13 April 2017

News/Blockchain

After trashing Swift gpi, Ripple hires its biz director

Ripple has stepped up its rivalry with Swift, poaching Marjan Delatinne, who had been business director at the messaging network's new gpi programme - an offering Ripple has loudly trashed.

13 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Big banks partner Broadridge to pilot blockchain-based proxy voting

JPMorgan, Northern Trust and Banco Santander have teamed up with vendor Broadridge Financial Solutions to pilot the use of blockchain technology for proxy voting.

12 April 2017

News/Blockchain

DLT still not mature enough says ECB

The European Central Bank (ECB) has stated that blockchain technology lacks the necessary maturity to be part of its market infrastructure.

12 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Qatar bank trials DLT for international money transfers

Qatar-based Commercial Bank has carried out a pilot using blockchain technology to complete international fund transfers with partner banks and now plans to extend its testing to trade finance.

12 April 2017

News/Blockchain

Hong Kong enters central bank digital currency fray

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has teamed up with local banks and the R3 consortium to explore the creation of a central bank digital currency.

11 April 2017

News/Blockchain

DTCC envisions single global ledger for transaction reporting

Larry Thompson, vice chairman of the US Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), has made a rallying call for the development of standards in propelling the uptake of distributed ledger technology in financial markets, arguing that a lack of co-ordination and collaboration may only further complicate existing market structures.

07 April 2017