Interconnectivity and Interoperability Present a Monumental Challenge for Mass Blockchain Adoption

Friends, despite the unmatched opportunity and appetite for mass Blockchain adoption, the relative absence of standards negatively impact – for now – the positive business case and ROI for multiple Blockchains within and between private sector organizations. A simple analogy: Assume Global 500 companies each needed to design, develop and test an Accounts Receivables process rather than using (and customizing) a standardized AR system from Oracle, SAP or Salesforce. The cost would be prohibitive, moreover, such applications must have bullet proof integrations with other inter-dependent enterprise apps including Financial Management, Accounts Payable, DSO, ERP, HRM, etc. This, this quandary equally applies to implementing multiple application-specific Blockchains which have not only “internal” integrity but also must interfacing with a myriad of external industry systems and applications. This dilemma not only keeps CIOs up at night but also can easily be a budget-buster. And while the Cryptocurrency Academy do not advocate “over regulation” of this transformative technology this issue clearly points to the need for a modicum of standards (aka regulation) which appears to be the lynch-pin form mass Blockchain adoption. Let’s hear your comments today! Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)

Will the GBX Grid Allow the Gibraltar Stock Exchange to Ensure Token Transparency, Credibility and Security?

Friends, the GBX Grid, a token sale platform, has the lofty mission of delivering Transparency, Credibility and Security along with institutional recognition and respectability. Impressive, nonetheless there can be a big difference aspirations and reality.  A stable and regulated environment has benefits for Fintech startups like Lendo, which is why it intends to apply to be licensed under Gibraltar’s new DLT regulatory framework and seek listing on the Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX) which is a subsidiary of its Stock Exchange. GBX aspires to be a world-leading institutional-grade token sale platform and Cryptocurrency exchange. Built upon principles of decentralization and community consensus, we seek to create a new era of trust, openness and global acceptance for the Cryptocurrency industry by listing one quality token at a time. Moreover, the unique selling feature of Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange is that it will analyze new coins before adding them to the platform. A group called the GBX Alliance must form a consensus about each token before having it listed on the platform. What is your assessment? Share your comments today! Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)

Can Ethen Fulfill its Mission of ERC20 Tokens and Wallets Integrated with Ethereum’s Network?

Friends, Ethen, a new decentralized platform for trading digital forms of money for proficient brokers, dealers and financial specialists, will launch with a one of a kind calculation for getting and exchanging ERC20 tokens, is set to launch on the Ethereum network. Far beyond professional traders, Ethen’s mission is to make decentralized exchanges more accessible to a wide range of users and thus grow the user base for Cryptocurrencies. Bottom line: Ethen’s purpose built platform is designed to ensure Confidentiality, Double Security along with Fixed and Fair Commissions. Can Ethen live up to these high expectations given the rapid pace of Cryptocurrency innovations? Share your comments with us today! Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)

Coinbase to Launch Index Fund for Institutional Investors

Friends, this week we saw the announcement of the Coinbase Index Ventures Fund. There are two key elements of this funds which would appear to set it apart from most other Cryptocurrency and Blockchain vehicles. First – and consistent with our thesis here at the Cryptocurrency Academy – this fund will be geared toward medium-long term “investors” rather than shorter-term “traders”. And second, rather than offering a weighted baskets of Cryptocurrencies, this funds will invest in the ever-expanding number of technology and ecosystem firms which augment the buying and selling of individual currencies. The new fund will specifically invest in digital assets listed on Coinbase’s exchange, GDAX. Using our 1849 Gold Rush analogy this fund will focus on the picks, axes and equipment needs of the masses of prospectors rather than trying to isolate and invest in the small percentage of gold miners who actually struck in rich high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We like this approach and recommend taking a closer look. Share your assessment with us today! Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)

A Gathering Storm: US SEC and International Governmental Bodies Seek to Regulate Cryptocurrencies

Friends, it is not too far of a stretch today suggest that Cryptocurrencies and Trading Exchanges are going through a “Wild West” early growth phase where almost anything goes and attempts by governmental entities worldwide are viewed with great skepticism at best. The quintessential example is Bitcoin and the US SEC. Flying under the radar has suited first gen Crypto traders, ICOs and Exchanges just fine. So why not keep it that way? As the aggregate value of Cryptocurrencies, including the advent of sovereign ICOs, and Exchanges has increased exponentially over the past 18 months they are now nearing the center of the radar screens of governmental regulators, most notably the US SEC and the UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). Bottom line: Will the impending level of “appropriate” government regulation impede the near-term explosion of Cryptocurrencies or pave the way for a more legitimate next wave of legitimate growth undergirded with governance, transparency and integrity which could bolster Cryptocurrency mainstream adoption for years to come? Let us know your thoughts today! Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)

Bitcoin is to Cryptocurrencies as Blackberry was to Smartphones

Friends, our thesis is that the market leader(s) in the early phase is of as new technology or business paradigm is likely to be usurped by a new solution or vendor in the late early adopter and mass market phase of market adoption. Case in point – the race toward a multi-function mobile communication device for the masses. For several years RIM’s Blackberry phone was viewed as an innovative and market leading device. However, after years of trial and error, false promises and failure to meet expectations Apple’s iPhone became the breakthrough product which revolutionized the mobile communications segment worldwide. The same principle likely holds true in the global Cryptocurrency arena. Bitcoin is the unrivaled leader in the Phase I of Cryptocurrency solutions. Nonetheless, our thesis is that within three-five years a new transformational (2^nd or 3^rd generation) product will dominate the Cryptocurrency space … just like the iPhone transformed the smartphone sector. The obvious questions are which currency with which features and ecosystem will emerge … and when? Share your prognostications with us today! Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)

Cryptocurrencies Test the US First Amendment: Should Crypto Ads be allowed on Social Media Sites?

Friends, this post concerns the nexus of Cryptocurrencies, Social Media and the US Constitution. Social media in general and Facebook in particular, are under enormous scrutiny around the world for their integrity, security and transparency. And while Cryptocurrencies as of early 2018 are aggressively seeking to go mainstream, many in the “traditional” side of currency trading still view them as highly speculative instruments. Thirdly, in the US free speech is highly protected via the 1^st Amendment to the US Constitution. Yet, where does that leave us when we consider placing online ads (aka free speech) for the Cryptocurrency ecosystem (which most would acknowledge is undergoing birth pains … at best) on largely unregulated Social Media a la Facebook, Twitter and for good measure …  Google AdWords? Purist will likely respond absolutely yes, however, our perception is that there is growing antipathy towards this three-way marriage among practitioners and regulators alike. What is your assessment? Send us your thoughts today. Lawrence, Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com)