September 12, 2014 - In This Issue:


Is Apple Pay a bitcoin killer?

     With Apple Pay, the tech juggernaut has begun its assault on antiquated payment networks. The launch could not have come at a better time, as consumers have been inundated with security breaches and are likely ready to make a change. 

 

     The concept of a "tokenization" or a one-time card number that does not transmit personal data is a similar concept to the Bitcoin blockchain. Certainly technology purists will argue that the blockchain technology at the heart of Bitcoin is superior, but to the consumer, the difference is indistinguishable.

 

     Even if the consumer demands a superior technology, Apple's ability to partner with Visa, MasterCard and American Express in addition to retailers like McDonalds, Whole Foods and Disney provides a formidable barrier to entry. Moreover, Apple can crowdsource the next "killer app" with its development ecosystem. But does this mean Bitcoin is dead?

 

Read More...

CNN Money's Pagliery Publishes Bitcoin Book "Bitcoin and the Future of Money"

     Although Bitcoin is only a few years old, enough has happened with it that one could write a whole textbook and then some. However, it's difficult to write one, because everything is changing constantly. CNN Money's Jose Pagliery wrote a book on Bitcoin, and it certainly seems thorough. The book's called Bitcoin and the Future of Money.

 

   Pagliery gave a speech a few days ago at The Bitcoin Center in New York City about his experiences writing his new book. He covered many interesting topics. In this article we'll also delve into what the book itself covers.

 

     Pagliery had a lot to speak about at The Bitcoin Center. CCN writer Calvin Tran was present. Pagliery talked about his book, his research for it, and read an excerpt from the book. Tran recorded part of his speech; the audio files (in two parts) are below. 

Financial Planning Association: Bitcoin Can Boost Portfolio Returns

    An industry group representing certified financial planners has found that bitcoin can be a beneficial addition to investor portfolios.

 

   In the new report, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) asserted that for many investors, bitcoin represents a potential opportunity that could both diversify and boost the efficiency of a portfolio.


 

  The FPA study compares the performance of bitcoin markets with other major asset indexes, concluding that though bitcoin does not demonstrate the attributes of a successful currency, the act of trading and investing digital currency can be profitable.


 

Read More... 

Bank of England: Bitcoin could transform stock markets

    The technology behind digital currency bitcoin (:BTC=) could have far-reaching implications and the potential to reshape the financial industry, according to a new report by the Bank of England (BoE).
 

     The reason for the BoE's excitement? Virtual currencies - most notably bitcoin - have at their heart a publicly distributed ledger system called the "block chain" that makes sure all transactions are verified in a transparent, decentralized and secure fashion without imposing hefty transaction fees. This system is a "genuine technological innovation", according to a new report by the U.K.'s central bank, which details the negative and positive aspects of cryptocurrencies.

Read More...

Bitcoin platform Coinbase expands to 13 European countries

  Coinbase, a popular San Francisco-based Bitcoin wallet and exchange that lets users buy and sell the digital currency at US market rates, is expanding internationally.

 

  Starting on Thursday, consumers in 13 European countries -- including Italy, Spain, France and Belgium -- can now buy and sell bitcoins through Coinbase's platform, the company announced. In order to get its service off the ground, Coinbase is calling the expansion a beta program and will limit daily transactions to 500 euros per day. The company expects to raise that limit as time goes on. Coinbase was previously only available in the US.

 

Read More...

 

STAY CONNECTED

 Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter