finder fintech roundup: Blockchain smartphones, bitcoin crackdown, ANZ, CommBank, H2 Ventures and the ASX
CommBank's head of blockchain discusses the possibilities of the technology and the world's first blockchain smartphone.
It was the week of blockchain.
Why the first blockchain smartphone is such as big deal
SIRIN LABS has plans to release a smartphone that will create its own blockchain, priced at a surprisingly affordable US$1,000. The FINNEY will be preloaded with Status, a mobile Ethereum client and be able to access encrypted messages, Ethereum smart contracts, an inbuilt cold storage cryptocurrency wallet and more.
Europe and UK attempt to crack down on bitcoin
The governments of the European Union and the United Kingdom are implementing new rules intended to ensure bitcoin exchanges and other services practice Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. That is, they identify the identity of their users. The purpose of the changes is to curb criminal activity using bitcoin.
CommBank on BrickX: Blockchain could “supercharge” this market
The head of blockchain at the Commonwealth Bank, Sophie Gilder, sees great potential in the distributed ledger technology, including in the creation of programmable "smart" money, value-changing frequent flyer points and the digitisation of assets.
ASX to replace ageing settlements system with blockchain technology
The Australian Securities Exchanges (ASX) has announced plans to replace its clearing house system with distributed ledger technology. The replacement will be the first of its scale in almost 30 years.
Beyond fintech: Next generation of startups explore travel, education and beyond
The accelerator program run by H2 Ventures has produced its final round of startup graduates for 2017. While previous cohorts have had a heavy focus on fintech, this year's startups have a focus on industries as diverse as education, travel, coding and more.
Garmin Pay, the contactless payment system for Garmin smartwatches, is now available to ANZ credit and debit cardholders. Find out how it works and how to to set it up here.
The finder fintech roundup is a summary of the news in fintech from the past week. Check back every Monday to catch up.
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