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#Blockchain PR: aXpire.io Updates – AXPR HODL Initiative and CoinExchange.io Listing

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aXpire.io Updates: AXPR HODL Initiative and CoinExchange.io Listing

This is a paid press release, which contains forward looking statements, and should be treated as advertising or promotional material. Bitcoin.com is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy or quality within the press release.

aXpire.io is proud to announce the launch of its AXPR Prime program, which is a loyalty program for HODLERS of at least 250,000 AXPR. Members of the program receive a number of benefits, including:

  • Free entry into weekly 10,000 AXPR Prime contests.
    • 1 chance to win per 250K AXPR.
  • Early-access to new aXpire products and initiatives.
  • 1 free promoted listing on MatchBX.io per quarter.
    • once launched – 1 per 250K AXPR.
  • AXPR Prime Member verified user badge on MatchBX.io.
    • once launched – 1 per 250K AXPR.
  • AXPR Prime Member exclusive flair on the aXpire subreddit.
  • Exclusive access to any potential airdrops from aXpire accelerator clients.
  • Exclusive access to the new private AXPR Prime telegram group.
  • Exclusive access to the new aXpire newsletter for AXPR Prime members.
  • Ability to submit questions for the monthly public aXpire Q&A.
  • Ability to submit questions for public aXpire podcast guests.
  • Priority story submissions for aXpire’s Family Office Network newsletters.

8.5M AXPR (~2.5% of the total supply) is already a part of the HODL program! HODLERS include the team and Bitcoin.com’s Roger Ver / Mate Tokay!

In return for these benefits, AXPR Prime Members sign up to HODL at least 250,000 AXPR for 1 year, which in turns benefits themselves (through “emotional alpha” – HODL through turbulent times) and the broader community. Those looking to become AXPR Prime Members need to sign up for a MetaMask wallet and go to our HODL smart contract interface website: https://hodl.axpr.io/.

For more details on the program, please read our earlier Medium post here: http://bit.ly/2Tnyih6

We have also launched a related program to help empower our community to act as commissioned sales people, known as the aXpire Ambassador Program. Any introductions that lead to the sales of Resolvr will earn our Ambassadors ~$15,000 and a free AXPR Prime membership.

In the final piece of exciting news, aXpire is proud to announce its listing on CoinExchange.io, a leading cryptocurrency altcoin exchange. AXPR is proud to join the ranks of top altcoins listed on the platform, and has a BTC / ETH pair:

https://www.coinexchange.io/market/AXPR/BTC
https://www.coinexchange.io/market/AXPR/ETH

Press Contact Email Address
mm@axpire.com

Supporting Link
https://axpr.io/

This is a paid press release. Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the promoted company or any of its affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in the press release.

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2D9r75x PR: aXpire.io Updates – AXPR HODL Initiative and CoinExchange.io Listing

#Blockchain South Korea Updates ICO Stance After 3-Month Investigation

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South Korea Updates ICO Policy After 3-Month Investigation

The South Korean government has updated its stance on initial coin offerings (ICOs) as well as announced the results of its 3-month investigation of ICO activities carried out by Korean companies. The government found that many companies have bypassed its ICO ban and conducted token sales overseas.

Also read: Indian Supreme Court Moves Crypto Hearing, Community Calls for Positive Regulations

ICO Policy Update

The South Korean government announced on Thursday the outcome of its investigation of ICO activities conducted by Korean companies as well as the future direction it is taking on ICOs.

South Korea Updates ICO Stance After 3-Month Investigation

“With requests to allow ICOs piling up, the government investigated 24 companies and their offerings for three months starting September [2018],” The Investor reported, adding:

The Korean government on Jan. 31 said it will maintain a strict ban on initial coin offerings, saying that a three-month investigation proved they are very risky.

“We will continue to remain cautious about systemizing ICOs,” the office under the Prime Minister’s Secretariat was quoted by the news outlet as saying. “If we suggest guidelines, it can be understood that we approve of ICOs which is a risky investment option.”

South Korea Updates ICO Stance After 3-Month Investigation

The Korean government banned domestic ICOs in September 2017. In December last year, a startup filed a constitutional complaint against the government claiming that the ICO ban is unconstitutional.

Results of 3-Month Investigation

The South Korean Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) conducted an ICO investigation from September to November last year. Twenty-four local companies with ICO projects were asked to cooperate on a voluntary basis. The government sent them a questionnaire and inspected their whitepapers and press releases. The results from 22 companies were analyzed.

South Korea Updates ICO Stance After 3-Month Investigation

The aim of the investigation was to analyze ICOs conducted by Korean companies and establish proper responses, the government said on Thursday.

The regulator found that none of the companies have actually launched their projects but they are all developing platforms or carrying out test services, The Investor elaborated. “Most of the 22 companies were set up as an overseas paper company and carried out ICOs overseas, but were intended for the Korean market.”

The government’s official announcement states that “domestic companies have conducted many ICO overseas,” thus bypassing the government’s ban. They have established subsidiaries abroad, such as in Singapore, with less than 10 million won (~$8,945) in capital and an average of only three employees including the executive of the local company.

South Korea Updates ICO Stance After 3-Month Investigation

Meanwhile, each new token trades at four exchanges on average, with its price commonly falling 68 percent after the first day of trading. The FSS has also found cases of illegal ICO activities such as the issuance and trading of security tokens as well as the selling of investment funds, the government detailed.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination was quoted by The Investor as saying:

There were cases of important investment information missing, such as company introduction, business plans and financial statements … Especially, there was no disclosure on how those funds were used and most of them refused to answer the financial authorities’ request.

What do you think of South Korea’s ICO stance? Let us know in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2Wym3k0 South Korea Updates ICO Stance After 3-Month Investigation

#Blockchain Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

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Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

Coincheck has reported 1.73 million downloads of its mobile app since the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange resumed new account signups, withdrawals, deposits and limited trading in October. By the end of December, more than 900,000 of the new users had gone on to confirm their identities, in what looks like a remarkable comeback for an exchange that holds the dubious record of having suffered the worst hack in the short history of cryptocurrency.

Also read: Genesis Capital Processed $1.1B of Cryptocurrency Loans in 2018

Trading Volume Rises as More Customers Sign Up

About $534 million worth of the NEM cryptocurrency was stolen from Coincheck in January 2018. The money was never recovered and operations were subsequently halted. Since then, the trading platform has been trying to reinvent itself through refunding victims of the hack, improving security systems, as well as regularizing its operations with Japan’s financial regulator. Coincheck completed its registration as a cryptocurrency exchange on Jan. 11 of this year.

Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

According to an earnings report for the third quarter to March 31, 2019 published by Monex Group, the Japanese owners of Coincheck, the exchange has seen a marked increase in trading volume since it resumed purchasing and depositing services “for all tradable cryptocurrencies” at the end of November.

“Service resumption contributed to an increase in trading volume [and] growth potential in customer base where the millennials are the majority,” said Monex, which acquired Coincheck in April 2018, in the financial report released Jan. 31.

Coincheck Losses Halve to 300 Million Yen

For the quarter, Coincheck also reported losses that halved to 324 million yen (about $2.97 million) from 588 million yen ($5.39 million) the previous quarter, as new user signups soared. Revenue came in at $4.59 million, up from $2.75 million in the second quarter.

Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

Monex said the company had established its “Blockchain Lab (BCLab),” which is aimed at providing “blockchain or cryptocurrency technology solutions to various companies.”

The group also spoke about the importance of the virtual currency business to its entire operation, stating: “Cryptocurrency trading business will be a key to enhancing cross-segment interaction” which will expand “business capability and create new customers.”

After the record-breaking hack of last year, it is a milestone that Coincheck, bought by Monex for $34 million last April, has been granted an operating license by Japan’s Financial Services Authority. The license gives the exchange full permission to continue providing its services within the Pacific island nation.

Monex says it has overhauled Coincheck’s security and management systems in a bid to prevent the recurrence of another theft.

What do you think about Coincheck’s comeback? Let us know in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

Express yourself freely at Bitcoin.com’s user forums. We don’t censor on political grounds. Check forum.Bitcoin.com

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2Rv4T2M Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

#Blockchain Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

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Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

Coincheck has reported 1.73 million downloads of its mobile app since the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange resumed new account signups, withdrawals, deposits and limited trading in October. By the end of December, more than 900,000 of the new users had gone on to confirm their identities, in what looks like a remarkable comeback for an exchange that holds the dubious record of having suffered the worst hack in the short history of cryptocurrency.

Also read: Genesis Capital Processed $1.1B of Cryptocurrency Loans in 2018

Trading Volume Rises as More Customers Sign Up

About $534 million worth of the NEM cryptocurrency was stolen from Coincheck in January 2018. The money was never recovered and operations were subsequently halted. Since then, the trading platform has been trying to reinvent itself through refunding victims of the hack, improving security systems, as well as regularizing its operations with Japan’s financial regulator. Coincheck completed its registration as a cryptocurrency exchange on Jan. 11 of this year.

Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

According to an earnings report for the third quarter to March 31, 2019 published by Monex Group, the Japanese owners of Coincheck, the exchange has seen a marked increase in trading volume since it resumed purchasing and depositing services “for all tradable cryptocurrencies” at the end of November.

“Service resumption contributed to an increase in trading volume [and] growth potential in customer base where the millennials are the majority,” said Monex, which acquired Coincheck in April 2018, in the financial report released Jan. 31.

Coincheck Losses Halve to 300 Million Yen

For the quarter, Coincheck also reported losses that halved to 324 million yen (about $2.97 million) from 588 million yen ($5.39 million) the previous quarter, as new user signups soared. Revenue came in at $4.59 million, up from $2.75 million in the second quarter.

Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

Monex said the company had established its “Blockchain Lab (BCLab),” which is aimed at providing “blockchain or cryptocurrency technology solutions to various companies.”

The group also spoke about the importance of the virtual currency business to its entire operation, stating: “Cryptocurrency trading business will be a key to enhancing cross-segment interaction” which will expand “business capability and create new customers.”

After the record-breaking hack of last year, it is a milestone that Coincheck, bought by Monex for $34 million last April, has been granted an operating license by Japan’s Financial Services Authority. The license gives the exchange full permission to continue providing its services within the Pacific island nation.

Monex says it has overhauled Coincheck’s security and management systems in a bid to prevent the recurrence of another theft.

What do you think about Coincheck’s comeback? Let us know in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

Express yourself freely at Bitcoin.com’s user forums. We don’t censor on political grounds. Check forum.Bitcoin.com

The post Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2Rv4T2M Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

#Blockchain BCH Community Responds to Allegations of Faked Coinbase Video

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BCH Community Responds to Allegations of Faked Coinbase Video

The BTC community recently accused Coinbase of editing a video to make zero-conf BCH payments appear quicker than they actually are. In response, Bitcoin Cash supporters have provided pictorial evidence that the video was not faked. They then went on to discuss ways in which replace-by-fee has altered the reliability of 0-conf on BTC. 

Also read: Coinbase Suspends Ethereum Classic Following 51 Percent Attack

BTC Community Angered by Coinbase Video

Recently, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong tweeted a video of a popup donut shop at Coinbase that accepted cryptocurrency for payments. The 15-second video showed a person paying for the donuts with a 0-conf BCH transaction that took a mere three seconds to be received on a tablet.

Bitcoin Core (BTC) maximalist Whalepanda and cryptography consultant Peter Todd both accused Coinbase of editing the video to make BCH 0-conf transactions appear quicker than they are. They believed that Coinbase had minimized the wait time with a video edit that was made to look like a camera zoom on the tablet receiving payment.

Other BTC community members like DJ Booth and zndtoshi were also unhappy with Armstrong’s video and requested the Coinbase CEO use Lightning instead of BCH for quicker transactions in the future.

BCH Community Responds

In response, video director and BCH supporter Collin Enstad took a snapshot of a frame in the video that showed the payment had already been confirmed before the camera had even zoomed in.

Openbazaar developer Chris Pacia also joined in the conversation with a light-hearted response, and teased that the integration of Avalanche would make BCH transactions confirm even quicker than currently.

r/btc Debates 0-Conf and Replace-by-Fee

The debate continued on reddit, as r/btc commentator lechango questioned whether Todd and Whalepanda had received BTC transactions in the past, since 0-conf also exists on BTC. However, reddit user Recentbobcat quickly pointed out that the replace-by-fee feature on BTC had made 0-conf transactions unreliable. This was the reason why the BCH community got rid of the replace-by-fee feature, Recentbobcat explained.

Toddler thinks Coinbase’s BCH demo is still "fake news"…. 🤦‍♂️ from btc

Another reddit commentator, s_tec, jumped in and pointed out that 0-conf transactions would still work on BTC because replace-by-fee is an opt-in feature. This means that merchants that accept BTC can look out for replace-by-fee on incoming payments and decide accordingly whether to accept the original transaction.

What do you think about the Coinbase video and the response it elicited? Let us know in the comments below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2sZ01sQ BCH Community Responds to Allegations of Faked Coinbase Video

#Blockchain Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

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Crypto Startups Help Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

Startups based in Switzerland have attracted a record amount of venture capital in 2018 and companies from the cryptocurrency industry have contributed to the notable increase. Zug, which is home to the country’s Crypto Valley, is among the cantons with the highest growth in investment volume, a new report reveals.  

Also read: Crypto Mining Could Bring Russia $1B in Taxes, Report Suggests

VC Record Driven by ICT Including Crypto Sector

Swiss startups received almost 1.24 billion francs (close to $1.25 billion) of venture capital during 2018, nearly 32 percent more than the previous year. At the same time, the number of financing rounds has also increased by over 31 percent to 230. The figures come from this year’s edition of the Swiss Venture Capital Report released by the news outlet Startupticker.ch and the Swiss Private Equity and Corporate Finance Association (SECA). The study covers venture capital investments of at least 100,000 Swiss francs.

According to the authors, the growth is largely due to the results in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, including the fintech industry. New funding for young ICT companies has almost doubled, increasing by approximately 124 percent over the previous year. In 2018, 131 Swiss ICT startups conducted 60 percent of all financing rounds. They collected 685 million francs from investors, which is 55 percent of the total invested capital. The fintech industry alone, including the crypto sector, accounts for 15 percent of the raised capital, or almost 188 million francs.

Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

Furthermore, six of the 10 largest rounds have been held by ICT companies. That includes the top three of SEBA Crypto, Nexthink and Way Ray. The largest amount, 100 million francs, has been raised by the Zug-based SEBA Crypto, which works on a project to combine crypto and traditional banking services. According to the report, Swiss ICT businesses also include some of the world’s most recognizable VCs such as Index Ventures and GV, the venture capital arm of Google’s parent company Alphabet. As a result, ICT has become Switzerland’s largest venture capital sector, replacing biotech and medtech.

Zug Among the Most Attractive Cantons for Investors

The report explores the geographical distribution of venture capital investments. According to its data, Zurich is the pronounced leader among Swiss cantons. 99 startups from different sectors based there raised over 500 million francs. In 2018, more than 40 million of the total amount was invested in Zurich, which is over 242 million more than the previous year.

Zug and Basel-Stadt are two other cantons that recorded significant investment growth. Last year, startups based in Basel-Stadt received close to 73 percent more in funding than in 2017. And Zug, where many of the crypto companies represented in Switzerland have offices or headquarters, saw a 143 percent increase year-over-year. The authors note that fintech businesses generated 60 percent of risk capital in the canton.

Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

Gold Rush Mood Is Gone, Optimism Remains

A key conclusion in the report is that the Swiss crypto scene is entering a “period of normalization and professionalization.” Switzerland’s efforts to regulate the space have been a major factor in this process. The country has gradually become a leading crypto-friendly jurisdiction in Europe. The government in Bern recently adopted a comprehensive strategy for the development of the crypto sector. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) has introduced various guidelines for businesses operating with digital assets.

For example, a set of guidelines adopted by Finma concerns enquiries regarding the regulatory framework for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). The financial watchdog defined the different types of digital tokens and the legal consequences of their issuance to third parties. That, according to the study, creates transparency and legal certainty that benefits not only startups trying to raise capital through token sales but all other crypto and blockchain companies as well.

Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

In fact, the number of ICOs in Switzerland and their volume has decreased significantly during the last year, which indicates that the crypto gold rush is over. “However, there is no question of a hangover,” according to Mathias Ruch, board member of the Swiss Blockchain Federation and co-founder of Zug-based investment firm CVVC. The company recently published its own report revealing that the number of businesses operating from the Swiss Crypto Valley has increased to 750, despite the bearish trend that started in 2018. Ruch also thinks that as a crypto destination, Switzerland should welcome the “return of common sense” and says now is the time to build on its technical and regulatory leadership.

Do you think Swiss crypto startups will attract even more venture capital in 2019? Share your expectations in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Swiss Venture Capital Report 2019.

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#Blockchain Panda Exchange Deploys Hybrid Point of Sale and Crypto ATM in Bogota

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Panda Exchange Deploys a Hybrid Point-of-Sale and Crypto ATM Device in Bogota

The Colombian-based Panda Group has announced the launch of a cryptocurrency point of sale (PoS) terminal called Xeler that also acts as a portable digital currency automated teller machine (ATM). The hybrid solution installed in Bogotá, at the La Tortata sweet shop, allows customers to not only buy baked goods with cryptocurrencies but can also dispense BCH, BTC, and DAI in exchange for Colombian pesos.

Also read: Florida Appeals Court Defines Bitcoin as Money as Espinoza Ruling Reversed

Panda Group Deploys Crypto Payment Terminal That Also Acts as an ATM

Panda Group, a company that operates the cryptocurrency trading platform Panda Exchange, has announced the creation of a new brick and mortar digital currency service. On Jan. 22, Panda installed a new portable point of sale device that allows merchants to accept cryptocurrencies with ease. The company’s first installed Xeler device was deployed at the La Tortata sweet shop in Bogotá, so customers can purchase baked goods with their digital assets. Moreover, the machine also allows visitors to conveniently purchase and sell BCH, BTC, and DAI through its integration with the Colombian exchange. Speaking with news.Bitcoin.com, Panda Group’s founder Arley Lozano explained that the machine’s first sale was settled in bitcoin cash (BCH).

Panda Exchange Deploys Hybrid Point of Sale and Crypto ATM in Bogota
La Tortata sweet shop in Bogotá, Colombia where Panda’s Xeler machine is installed.

Lozano further detailed that the company plans to deploy 20 more Xeler devices throughout the region, due to a recent partnership with a well-known chain of pharmacies. The Panda CEO also told news.Bitcoin.com that the firm is ready to launch 100 hybrid crypto PoS/ATM devices around Colombia and send some to Venezuela as well. As far as commissions, merchants will only be charged for the use of processing sales and the fees are equivalent to alternative payment processor terminals. The device references cryptocurrency exchange rates from the spot market prices in Colombian pesos and Localbitcoins rates.

Tailored to Meet the Needs of the Latin American Market

The company explained that the Xeler machine is a noncustodial system and merchants are always in charge of their funds. Lozano noted that the Panda team calls the device a “BTM” or a “CTM (crypto teller machine).”

“The Xeler BTM is a device that has the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, in addition to processing payments for products purchased with crypto,” Panda Group explained to news.Bitcoin.com. “This makes the point of sale process quick and intuitive for both the user and operator, but above all, the system is secure since the interface is built and designed for the safe and reliable handling of cryptocurrencies.”

Panda Exchange Deploys Hybrid Point of Sale and Crypto ATM in Bogota
A receipt of the first bitcoin cash (BCH) sale (left), and a view of the Xeler device interface (right).

The company also said it will be adding more digital currencies to the platform interface in the future. Moreover, with Xeler’s Xpay payment processor system, businesses can settle a percentage of sales in fiat if they do not wish to experience the volatility of crypto prices. Visitors who want to buy or sell cryptocurrencies must undergo a simple registration process, which is performed directly on the device. After the registration is complete, Xeler users won’t have to register again and they can interact with all Xeler devices in the region. Once a purchase is processed, the cryptocurrencies are sent to the customer’s wallet or if they don’t have a wallet, they can obtain a printed voucher for redemption at a later date.

“Merging these two products (PoS/ATM) is a significant achievement for Panda’s operations,” the company noted. “Panda Group is thinking about the needs that exist in the Latin American market, because the ability to buy or sell cryptocurrencies makes it easier for those people who want to begin their voyage into the crypto world — They don’t usually do it because they think they should invest a lot of money but the minimum default amount for using the Xeler device is 50,000 COP ($15).”

What do you think about the Xeler device that allows merchants to sell products for cryptocurrencies but also works as an ATM? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.

Images credits: Arley Lozano, Panda Group, Xeler, and Pixabay. 

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2Gdtzea Panda Exchange Deploys Hybrid Point of Sale and Crypto ATM in Bogota

#Blockchain 6 Philanthropic Projects That Accept Cryptocurrency

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Much of the growing interest in bitcoin and other digital currencies has been focused on individual financial gain and buying lambos. For those who would rather utilize their digital assets to effect positive change in the world, however, there is also the ability to donate to charity using crypto. The following philanthropic projects all accept cryptocurrency donations. 

Also Read: Bitcoin Cash Association to Fund Eatbch Charity

Non-Profit Crypto Donations

6 Philanthropic Projects That Accept Cryptocurrency

Given the enormous wealth creation from cryptocurrencies, it only seems right that some of those who got involved early, and were rewarded accordingly, should have a way to pay it back to those less fortunate. There are numerous global organizations accepting crypto donations and using them to make a positive impact. Developing economies have been opening up to cryptocurrencies and many charities have been trialing bitcoin donations.

There are a number of reasons why making aid and humanitarian cryptocurrency transfers is attractive for charities. For example, the speed of delivery and transparency of aid money as it moves down the value chain are attractive, as is the pseudonymity provided to those who would rather not publicize their benevolence.

Recent high profile charitable cause have been introduced by the likes of Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who launched Givecrypto.org, which distribute funds to those who live in poverty. Armstrong has said he’s always believed in the power of cryptocurrency-funded philanthropy and his new nonprofit is all about empowering, educating, and elevating global communities. 

The Bitcoin Cash Association launched an initiative where $1,000 worth of bitcoin cash is sent to the two Eatbch campaigns in Venezuela and South Sudan every month. The initiative has been feeding the hungry in Venezuela with food purchased with BCH donations. The group has since also started feeding people in South Sudan where citizens in the East African region are suffering from economic turmoil and a lack of daily nourishment.

The Water Project charity provides access to clean, safe and reliable water across sub-Saharan Africa and accepts donations in bitcoin core, bitcoin cash, ethereum, or litecoin. The Water Project also recognizes one of the most important aspects of cryptocurrencies: transparency. They provide an app that allows donors to see how funds are being used. You can even see how much cryptocurrency has been donated and what those funds have been used for specifically.

6 Philanthropic Projects That Accept Cryptocurrency
Red Cross in action.

The Red Cross is known all over the world. The group aims to alleviate human suffering, which they accomplish through multiple projects such as donating blood, being on location when disaster strikes, and training first responders in how to be prepared for emergencies. The Red Cross accepts cryptocurrency donations in the form of BCH and BTC. On the relevant Bitpay page you can donate bitcoin to support the Red Cross.

Save the Children is another nonprofit for philanthropists who are passionate about giving children around the world the opportunity to survive and thrive. The charity’s main focus is on health and education. The group has a presence in the U.S., Africa, Asia, Greater Middle East and Eurasia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. You can view the options to donate by clicking on the Bitpay page where, again, BCH and BTC can be used.

Watsi is building technology to finance universal healthcare by crowdfunding surgeries and providing community-based health coverage. Donors can virtually meet the people that need their help and choose specific patients to donate to their cause.

There are many more non-profit organizations accepting cryptocurrency donations to further their work. This trend has the potential to make a huge difference in the world. The fact that such high profile humanitarian organizations are accepting crypto donations is encouraging for both the adoption of digital currencies and the realization of the vital work they are doing.

Is there a non-profit organisation you are supporting that also accepts donations in crypto? Let us know in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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#Blockchain January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

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The first month of 2019 has seen a slight decline in 30-day trading volume across many leading markets. Bucking the trend, however, were ETH, LTC, MKR, TRX, and ZEC, all of which saw a significant spike in trade activity. Stablecoins have continued to see an increase in trade activity, with ckusd and the Gemini dollar posting significant gains in month-over-month volume also.

Also Read: European P2P Trade Posts Strongest Activity Since March 2018

ETH Sees 14% Gain in Monthly Trade Activity

BTC posted a 2% drop in 30-day trade volume, with $154.19 billion worth of bitcoin core changing hands during January. USDT trade also fell by approximately 2% this past month, with tether pairings generating $113.17 billion worth of trade during the last 30 days.

January posted the second-strongest month of trade for USDT pairings since the first half of 2018. ETH saw among the highest increase in monthly trade volume of the top cryptocurrency markets.

January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

ETH pairings produced $77.72 billion worth of trade during January, a 14% gain month-over-month. The preceding 30 days comprised the strongest month of ETH trade since May 2018.

LTC Trade Spikes While XRP Volume Slides

January saw EOS post a 15% decline in monthly trade activity, with EOS pairings producing $21.48 billion worth of trade during the last 30 days.

LTC saw its highest ranking in over one year for 30-day trade volume this past month, with more than $16.97 billion worth of LTC changing hands during January. The past 30 days saw a nearly 29% gain in month-over-month volume for LTC pairing, comprising the strongest month of LTC trade since the first half of 2018.

January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

XRP slid to rank sixth with $13.56 million during January. The month saw ripple post its lowest numerical ranking since August 2018, comprising a nearly 22% decline in month-over-month trade.

MKR, TRX, and ZEC Produce Surge in Monthly Trade Activity

MKR comprised the seventh most traded crypto asset during January, owing to an enormous spike in trade activity on Jan. 9 that saw 24-hour volume increase 1,799,900% from approximately $500,000 on Jan. 8 to more than $9 billion the following day.

TRX also saw a dramatic spike in 30-day trade this past month, ranking eighth with $7.62 billion worth of trade. TRX posted a nearly 157% gain in month-over-month trade volume.

January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

BCH posted the weakest 30 days of trade on record during January, ranking ninth with just $6.34 billion worth of bitcoin cash changing hands. January saw BCH post a month-over-month decline in trade activity of nearly 36%.

ZEC produced a significant gain in monthly trade activity, breaking into the top 10 with $5 billion worth of zcash changing hands during the last 30 days. January saw the strongest monthly ZEC volume since the first half of 2018, comprising a 32% rise in month-over-month trade activity.

QTUM and Dash Slip From Top 10

Despite posting slight gains in 30-day trade activity, both QTUM and dash fell from the top 10, ranking 11th and 12th with $4.92 billion and $4.19 billion in volume during January.

Ckusd posted its second strongest monthly volume since the first half of 2018, with the stablecoin ranking 13th with $4.17 billion in trade over the last 30 days. Ckusd pairings produced a month-over-month spike in trade activity of 48% during January.

Neo slipped one rank during January after a slight drop in monthly trade activity. Neo comprised the 14th most-traded cryptocurrency over the last 30 days, with neo pairings generating $3.6 billion worth of trade.

January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

ETC also dropped from the top 10, ranking 15th with $3.60 billion in 30-day trade. The month saw ETC volume drop by 15% month-over-month, comprising the weakest month of ethereum classic trade since 2017.

XLM posted its second strongest month since the first half of 2018, ranking 16th with $3.24 billion worth of trade during the last 30 days.

Stablecoins Continue to Rank Among Top 20-Most Traded Crypto Assets

January saw a continuation of the recent growth in stablecoin volume, with the Gemini dollar ranking among the 20 most-traded crypto assets for the first time with $2.89 billion worth of trade.

Paxos ranked as a top 20 most-traded cryptocurrency for the third consecutive month, gaining nearly 9% in month-over-month trade to ranked 18th with $2.23 billion.

January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

BSV saw a 46% drop in trade activity month-over-month, ranking 19th with $2.01 billion.

Trueusd also ranked among the top 20 cryptocurrency markets by trade volume for the third consecutive month during January, gaining 11% to rank 20th with $1.60 billion in trade over the last 30 days.

Do you think volume will grow or continue to decline for most cryptocurrency markets during 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2Gda05I January Markets Report: MKR, TRX and ZEC Among Top 10 by Volume

#Blockchain PR: Marconi Introduces Developer Testing Network to Secure Complex Cloud Networks

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Marconi Introduces Developer Testing Network to Secure Complex Cloud Networks

This is a paid press release, which contains forward looking statements, and should be treated as advertising or promotional material. Bitcoin.com is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy or quality within the press release.

San Francisco, California – Marconi, creators of the blockchain-based smart ethernet Marconi Protocol, today announced the launch of its Developer Test Network. Designed to enhance or even replace existing networking infrastructure, Marconi Protocol provides an easy way to build and secure distributed networks and networking applications across regions and environments, whether nodes are running on hardware in a data center, virtual machines or containers.

By building on Marconi’s Developer Test Net, network administrators have a sandbox to begin deploying and securing their networks, and developers can begin building their own compelling networking solutions, security applications or even other blockchain protocols. Today’s release of the Developer Test Network also includes multiple documented, out-of-the-box applications such as:

  • Multi-cloud deployments that enable network administrators to leverage the unique features, regions and pricing of different cloud providers

  • Firewalls for securing traffic from suspicious activity on a blockchain-based network

  • Load balancers that are easily scaled in the cloud and support any type of network traffic

“After building, scaling and managing multiple data centers and networks with thousands of devices at Google, I saw firsthand that the technology used to connect, bridge and secure connections globally was inadequate,” said Jong Kim, chief architect for Marconi. “We built Marconi so organizations can more easily setup, manage and secure complex networks across multiple clouds without extensive networking experience or specialized hardware.”

Currently 81 percent of enterprises now have a multi-cloud strategy, but many have struggled to handle the scaling and management challenges associated with having multiple clouds. However, the Marconi Protocol helps businesses remove networking complexity, creating an easy-to-manage service mesh with self-healing routing even when a node goes down. Security is built in through low-level mutating encryptions that secure all of the connections between each node.

A full explanation and history of Marconi Protocol is available on www.marconi.org, which includes more details about the product, quick start guides, use cases, sample code and additional developer resources.

About Marconi

The Marconi Protocol is a networking and distributed ledger protocol for creating robust networks and service meshes which can run powerful management and security applications on any platform or cloud provider. For more information, visit www.marconi.org. For the latest updates, please visit blog.marconi.org.

Press Contact Email Address
s@neji.io

Supporting Link
https://marconi.org

This is a paid press release. Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the promoted company or any of its affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in the press release.

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2DMgUgM PR: Marconi Introduces Developer Testing Network to Secure Complex Cloud Networks