Tag Archives: 6a.) Bitcoin&Blockchain

Blaise Pascal was a brilliant mathematician, inventor of the calculating machine, and pioneer of probabilistic theory during the 17th century. His philosophical works were published posthumously under the title of Pensées. Although Pascal was not always devout, this final work laid out his defense of Christianity. For many years he surrounded himself with people dedicated to what he would later call diversion – which consisted of hunting, parties, and...

The online purchase of a second-hand luxury watch is becoming ever more popular. Andrew Poplavsky The market for second-hand luxury watches is booming. But for the average consumer, it is not easy to tell a fake from the genuine article and determine the real value of a particular timepiece. Certificates based on blockchain technology could provide more transparency. Watch fans who want to get the new diving watch by Rolex had better be patient. The official...

The divergence in developed markets yield curves continues; the dollar is consolidating ahead of the US holiday FOMC minutes will be released; weekly jobless claims data will be released a day early; October personal income and spending will be reported; Banco de Mexico releases its quarterly inflation report UK Chancellor Sunak’s spending review will lay out his plans for next year; South Africa reported higher than expected October CPI Japan’s Cabinet Office...

Blockchain is set to challenge the dominance of national stock exchanges. Keystone / Walter Bieri Digital assets bank Sygnum says it will open up new sources of funding for small companies by creating and trading shares on the blockchain. Its new trading facility will also target venture capital, real estate and the arts and collectibles market. The goal is to translate traditional assets into blockchain-compatible digital ‘tokens’ that can speed up trading and make...

Simply buying bitcoin does not require a law change but legislation needs to keep up with a host of blockchain developments in finance and the way companies operate. © Keystone / Christian Beutler Bitcoin used to be something of a dirty word, associated with crime and money laundering. Switzerland has now amended its legal code to welcome cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology into the mainstream. Parliamentarians in the Senate rapidly passed a wide-ranging set...

This crypto mine in Gondo could not keep up with competitors with cheaper electricity. (Keystone/ Valentin Flauraud) There was a time when any Tom, Dick or Harry could create (or “mine”) bitcoin with a modified PC. Now only warehouses packed full of specialised computing gear stand any real chance. The bones of defunct crypto mines litter the Swiss Alps. This week saw a special event in the bitcoin life cycle, called “Halving”. Like a super-rapid solar eclipse, blink...

Combining smart contracts with bitcoin increases its potential use cases. (© Keystone / Alexandra Wey) A consortium of Swiss cryptocurrency companies has incorporated bitcoin onto the Tezos blockchain. The move brings Tezos, which has based its foundation in Switzerland, a step closer to rival blockchain Ethereum. Launched in 2018, the Tezos blockchain was designed to play host to a new generation of decentralised finance, business and social projects. It competes...

The Swiss financial regulator took a closer look at cryptocurrency activities last year. (© Keystone / Gaetan Bally) Switzerland’s financial regulator brought charges against eight “initial coin offering” (ICO) blockchain projects for breaching anti-money laundering rules last year. ICOs raise money from the public by selling digital tokens that promise to hold future value for the consumer. The fundraising activity is designed to make it easier for start-ups to...

Crypto AG’s encryption machines, sold worldwide, were reportedly bugged to enable spying by the CIA and West Germany.   (Keystone / Alexandra Wey) The Swiss parliament has insisted that it will take control of and merge the ongoing investigations into the Crypto spying affair that has rocked the Alpine nation. On Wednesday, members of the parliamentary control delegation decided to immediately take over the direction of investigation launched by the Federal Council...

Crypto employee Hans Bühler, left, after being released from an Iranian prison in 1993. He had been accused of spying. (Keystone / Str) The man tasked with investigating the Crypto spying affair for the Swiss government doesn’t have direct access to all the relevant documents. Niklaus Oberholzer, formerly a federal judge, must ask the federal authorities whenever he wants to access sensitive files. The Federal Council (executive branch), which appointed Oberholzer,...