Bank of Russia to set up Fintech Association amid blockchain push

The Bank of Russia has announced that its representatives, along with financial market participants, have approved the decision to set up an Association for Financial Technologies Development (FinTech Association). The Association’s participants will study and introduce the most promising technologies, including distributed ledger, open application program interface (open API) and remote identification technologies, as well as to create a single payment space for households and legal entities, etc.

Bank of Korea considers blockchain implementation in settlement system

The Bank of Korea has published a research report on blockchain or distributed ledger technology conducted together with IT companies, academics and financial experts, CoinDesk reported. The report recommended implementing the technology for major settlement services such as the BoK wire+ (Bank of Korea settlement system).

Blockchain Embassy of Asia launches Malaysia’s first public blockchain consortium

The Blockchain Embassy of Asia (BCE) earlier this month launched Malaysia’s first public blockchain consortium that is entirely focused on the adoption and improvement of distributed ledgers and their competing protocols.

Dubai’s immigration agency mulls blockchain to curb illegal resident entry

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs is seeking a blockchain startup ecosystem in order to develop immigration solution to curb illegal residency in the country, as reported by CoinDesk. The country’s immigration agency, as a part of the second round of the largest government-supported accelerator ‘Dubai Future Accelerator’, is seeking to reduce illegal resident entry by 50% with the help of international blockchain.

Digital Currency/Blockchain research studies:

Blockchain technology could help RMB replace USD as international safe-haven currency: KPMG

Accenture explores potential of blockchain in airlines

Ledger publishes inaugural issue of peer-reviewed blockchain and cryptocurrency research

IC3 explores blockchain utilization of Intel Software Guard Extensions

Hong Kong banks should carefully monitor regulatory developments around blockchain technology – Report

Conferences/ Events:

Dutch Blockchain Hackathon to take place in February 2017, Deloitte announces support

Important deals, partnerships, and more:

Hyperledger blockchain project ends 2016 with 8 new members

Ubitquity joins University of British Columbia Blockchain Research Collaboration

Japanese Fukui Bank joins blockchain consortium of SBI Ripple Asia

Zimbabwean bitcoin startup BitFinance secures new investment from angel investor

Fintech firm Attic Lab and Alparibank sign agreement to launch e-money on blockchain