As more banks start utilizing new technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain current employees are beginning to worry about their future; Lyn Hall-Fore, U.S. director of BSA/AML compliance tells American Banker, “We told them, this is to make your job easier and better and give you more capacity to think, but still meet your production quotas”; finding the right balance will be a struggle as banks continue to innovate. Source
In this week’s WeiyangX Fintech Review from Crowdfund Insider they cover Ant Financial and Bank of China’s blockchain collaboration; China Construction Bank created Jianxin Financial Technology Co., Ltd., the first bank based fintech company from a state owned bank; 100Credit secured a big round of capital, JD bought shares in Allianz China General Insurance Company Ltd. and there is a trend of China fintechs starting to head to the Southeast Asian markets. Source.
Reality Shares Advisors and Amplify Trust ETF have both files with the SEC to create blockchain related vehicles; the applications are not yet complete and the SEC must rule on both before they are permitted to go ahead; CoinDesk reports that both companies will focus on companies with market capitalizations above $200mn with a six month daily trading average of $1mn. Source.
According to Financial Times, this marks the first commercially viable trade finance deal using the blockchain; the trade was completed...
The pilot occurs after a successful proof of concept in September with BNP, Commerzbank and ING; they hope to expand later this year with more banks, credit insurers and enterprise planning and logistics providers; they are looking to address risk mitigation, payables finance and receivables finance; “The technology ran fast and smoothly and the positive results showed us we are on the right track and ready to take the next step by entering into a pilot," said Ivar Wiersma, head of innovation at ING Wholesale Banking, to CoinDesk. Source.
Juzhen is developing new blockchain technology for banks that will focus on privacy, biometrics and access control; the firm is the largest China-based blockchain startup; it is working with the ChinaLedger blockchain consortium and has a thorough understanding of the Chinese market's infrastructure and banking culture. Source
In speaking to CoinDesk, AngelList CEO Naval Ravikant said he is looking to fund a blockchain alternative to Twitter; he explained that the prize will be awarded to anyone who can build a Twitter alternative and where people can monetize the contributions; this is part of a program that will help developers who are looking to build applications on the Blockstack platform; Naval tells CoinDesk, "I am indeed helping the Blockstack team and will be donating a small prize for a decentralized microblogging service." Source
Lots of news from or about the government this week with FSOC warning on the dangers of crypto, the White House laying out plans for AI and Congress giving up on crypto legislation for this year.
BNP Paribas Asset Management was able to complete a fund distribution test using blockchain technology; the test used BNP Paribas Securities Services’ blockchain programme, Fund Link and FundsDLT; as AltFi reports the test was able to show Fund Link connecting to other blockchains and the transaction completed each part of the fund trade process, from order delivery to trade processing; this continues a trend from BNP Paribas Asset Management as they have also launched a specialist fund for fintech investment and began updating their legacy technology. Source.
Former President Bill Clinton famously stated, “The internet should be a place where government makes every effort … not to...