Bitcoin and cryptocurrency roundup: 24 January 2018
What's new?
South Korea plans to crypto-anonymity, ICO review sites get left in hot water following theft and bitFlyer becomes the first exchange to get licensed in Japan, Europe and the USA.
Plus, early bitcoin advocate Stripe ditches the legacy coin citing high fees and slow transactions, and price predictions for MakerDAO.
1. South Korea plans to end anonymity
From 30 January cryptocurrency traders will be required to use their real names when buying and selling on local exchanges.
How many follow the rules, how many move offshore and how many find other ways to skirt the rules remains to be seen.
2. Can you trust the ICO reviews?
Don't believe everything you read. Or every passport you check.
Benebit, an ICO that was given the green light by experts, who it turns out were taken in by a fake passport, has disappeared with about US$3 million.
3. bitFlyer flies around the world
The Tokyo-based exchange is estimated to facilitate around 25% of the world's bitcoin transaction volume, and has now become the first exchange to get licensed in Japan, the USA and now Europe.
4. Stripe changes its spots
Stripe was the first major payment platform to accept bitcoin, over four years ago. Now it's changed its mind, dropping bitcoin in the face of high fees, slow transfers and increasing numbers of failed transactions, and hinting at a partnership with Stellar Lumens instead.
5. What's the DAO making?
MakerDAO (MKR) has seen some success lately. Specifically its paired Dai stablecoin has remained firmly pegged to US$1 even during tumultuous times on the market.
Check out a MakerDAO price prediction to find out how MKRs value can grow while Dai stays almost exactly the same.
Latest cryptocurrency news
- Bitcoin price sees volatility around $37,000 with Pantera Capital projecting $115,000
- Ethereum price: Upswing may be on the cards as ETH continues leaving exchanges
- Bitcoin falls 10% in weekend trade as alts run
- Ethereum price: Upward surge noted but fears of near-term volatility continue to persist
- Can Anchorage bring crypto staking and DeFi to banks?
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