One of the things that lawyers and crypto enthusiasts have in common is their enjoyment of theorising and attempting to solve seemingly impossible, almost metaphysical problems. Without a doubt, the idea of applying the infrastructure behind Bitcoin to resolve simple legal issues in the online world is a concept that would fascinate both groups.

Full Article Here

Digital money and gig economy (Part 2) - the gig economy, supported by platforms such Uber and Upwork, is transforming traditional work by emphasising short-term, flexible jobs. Digital money, particularly cryptocurrencies, is further reshaping this space by enabling fast, borderless payments and offering financial inclusion. However, challenges such as currency volatility and regulatory uncertainty persist. Yet, despite these hurdles, digital currencies have the potential to create a more efficient and inclusive global labour market within the evolving gig economy.

Full Aritcle Here

Demystifying non-liquidating accounts - the collapse of FTX has brought to light the critical risks associated with non-liquidating accounts which, despite their benefits, can pose significant threats to market stability if mismanaged. Whilst algorithmic stablecoins were a key factor, the overlooked impact of these accounts raises several pressing questions: How can crypto exchanges better manage the risks associated with non-liquidating accounts? What role should regulators play in ensuring transparency and accountability? Hence, understanding these elements is essential to prevent future crises and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the crypto industry.

Full Aritcle Here

Tokenised government bonds - tokenised government bonds are digital versions of traditional bonds issued on a blockchain, offering increased accessibility, liquidity and efficiency by enabling 24/7 trading with near-instant settlement times. They reduce the need for intermediaries whereby potentially lowering costs and democratising access to government debt markets. However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, technological infrastructure requirements and risks to financial stability must be addressed before they become mainstream. Tokenisation could significantly reshape financial markets, but its future depends on technological advances, regulatory developments and market adoption.

Full Aritcle Here

The nature and necessity of digital asset controls - digital assets are expected to reach up to $4 trillion in value in the next few years, therefore managing their security becomes crucial. Three key challenges are highlighted as a result: securing addresses, safeguarding private keys and understanding third-party entitlements (I.O.Us). The risks include potential fraud, inadequate insurance and reliance on custodians who may fail during financial crises. It is therefore vital for individuals and institutions to fully understand these risks, emphasising the importance of controlling one's own keys - ‘not your keys, not your assets’.

Full Aritcle Here

Digital assets are expected to reach up to $4 trillion in value in the next few years, therefore managing their security becomes crucial. Three key challenges are highlighted as a result: securing addresses, safeguarding private keys and understanding third-party entitlements (I.O.Us). The risks include potential fraud, inadequate insurance and reliance on custodians who may fail during financial crises. It is therefore vital for individuals and institutions to fully understand these risks, emphasising the importance of controlling one's own keys - ‘not your keys, not your assets’.

Full Aritcle Here

The remote work revolution, driven by digital natives and fuelled by AI and Web3 technologies, has transformed modern business operations. Digital natives, who are highly comfortable with technology, thrive in remote work settings so allowing companies to tap into global talent pools and reduce overhead costs. However, managing remote teams presents challenges, particularly regarding communication, culture and trust. And, as companies explore hybrid work models, they strive to balance the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration benefits of in-person interaction.

Full Article Here

Digital money and the gig economy (Part 1) - the gig economy is growing as more staff work remote or hybrid and employees shift from traditional full-time employment to more flexible, short-term work facilitated by digital platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. But, whilst the gig economy offers benefits such as autonomy, flexibility and accessibility to a wide range of workers, it also presents challenges such as income instability, lack of job security and exploitation risks due to the independent contractor status of gig workers. This article also points out the significant role digital money plays in this evolving labour market, with more insights in part 2.

Full Article Here

Argentina's economic crisis: can digital currencies be the solution? - with severe inflation and economic instability, Argentina faces challenges similar to those of El Salvador and the Central African Republic (CAR). However, digital currencies, already widely adopted in Argentina, offer a potential solution to these economic woes. The Crecimiento Movement in Buenos Aires is leading this change, and other global case studies suggest that cryptocurrencies could improve economic stability. Managing Bitcoin's volatility and integrating it into the financial system pose significant challenges and so addressing these hurdles effectively will be crucial for Argentina to harness the full potential of digital currencies and stabilise its economy.

Full Article Here

Blockchain and economic resilience: enhancing stability in times of crisis (Part 2) - blockchain technology offers the potential to enhance economic resilience during crises by improving transparency, efficiency and coordination in areas such as humanitarian aid, infrastructure and financial systems. But whilst it offers significant benefits, challenges such as scalability, regulatory uncertainty, interoperability, security risks and privacy concerns could hinder widespread adoption. Ultimately, the key question is whether blockchain can transform the global economy equitably or if it will reinforce existing power structures, so emphasising the need to balance decentralisation with oversight and security.

Full Article Here

The remote work revolution: surviving and thriving as a digital native in AI and Web3 - the remote work revolution, driven by digital natives and fuelled by AI and Web3 technologies, has transformed modern business operations. Digital natives, who are highly comfortable with technology, thrive in remote work settings so allowing companies to tap into global talent pools and reduce overhead costs. However, managing remote teams presents challenges, particularly regarding communication, culture and trust. And, as companies explore hybrid work models, they strive to balance the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration benefits of in-person interaction.

Full Article Here

Tokenising the ownership of solar panel assets aligns with broader trends in the energy sector (such as decentralised solar parks), promoting greater accessibility and participation in renewable energy initiatives. Investing in solar panels through tokens helps to reduce the ‘not in my backyard’ (NIMBY) resistance, promotes inclusivity, minimises the inequality gap caused by the energy transition and enhances local skills. It also allows individuals who are unable to install rooftop solar panels - whether due to living in multi-unit buildings, historical structures or facing other restrictions - to still benefit from co-owning solar energy installations.

Full Article Here

The world-famous Bristol Pound local currency looks beyond localisation currencies to imagine the full potential of new technologies to change our socio-economic system. Whilst money is a tool for markets and creates a de facto and failing governance system for the world, a correctly designed form of payment could provide the building blocks of a commons-based economy.

Full Article Here

NFTs and historical preservation - the advent of blockchain technology has brought about revolutionary changes across various sectors, and the realm of cultural heritage is no exception. Non-fungible tokens -unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology - have emerged as a powerful tool for the digitisation, preservation and monetisation of cultural heritage. Digital assets are also transforming the way we protect, share and benefit from our cultural legacy - being embraced by global museums and even the Vatican.

Full Article Here

Stablecoins: PayPal wants a slice of the action - the competition for stablecoins is heating up as new entrants eye the profits that traditional providers such as Tether and Circle have enjoyed. However, PayPal’s recent entry into the market with PYUSD has introduced a disruptive model. Offering high-yield incentives through DeFi platforms, PayPal has quickly gained traction, forcing a potential rethink amongst its competitors. This new landscape may transform stablecoins from mere stability tools into attractive investment options, so challenging the status quo and blurring the lines between traditional and decentralised finance.

Full Article Here

Understanding decentralised insurance - decentralised insurance is a transformative model that leverages blockchain technology and smart contracts to revolutionise the insurance industry. By eliminating intermediaries and automating processes, decentralised insurance enhances transparency, efficiency and accessibility, potentially lowering costs and increasing financial inclusion. So, does the future of decentralised insurance lie in hybrid models, integrating traditional and decentralised approaches, thus paving the way for more resilient and inclusive risk management solutions?

Full Article Here

Lessons from the Bristol Pound Project and thoughts on digital money - the world-famous Bristol Pound local currency looks beyond localisation currencies to imagine the full potential of new technologies to change our socio-economic system. Whilst money is a tool for markets and creates a de facto and failing governance system for the world, a correctly designed form of payment could provide the building blocks of a commons-based economy.

Full Article Here

The convergence of AI and blockchain - AI and blockchain technologies can work together to address each other's limitations. AI struggles with transparency, data integrity and security, which blockchain's decentralised, immutable framework can help resolve. Blockchains enhance AI by securing data integrity, improving trustworthiness and providing transparent and traceable records of AI model changes. And whilst blockchain offers these benefits, it also introduces challenges such as increased computational costs and complexity. Certainly there remains the need for innovation in AI security and transparency, with blockchains potentially being able to play a key role - but challenges such as scalability and privacy concerns must be addressed.

Full Article Here

The economic impact of digital money - there is a growing body of evidence as to the impact of digital money on our lives and the economy. However, whether blockchain technology will be the ‘silver bullet,’ technology wise, is still to be determined. Whilst these digital currencies could streamline payments, reduce costs and expand access to financial services, their economic impact remains complex and mixed. Overall, the successful integration of digital money depends on thoughtful regulation, technological infrastructure and public acceptance.

Full Article Here

Bankruptcies and bank failures such as Silvergate, SVB and Signature Bank and the impact of digital money (Part 2) - central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenised assets could reshape banking and economic structures. Whilst these innovations promise enhanced transparency and efficiency, they also pose risks to traditional banking, potentially increasing costs and reducing credit availability. Blockchain and AI integration offer solutions by boosting financial stability and regulatory oversight. However, balancing these benefits, with the potential economic drawbacks, is crucial for ensuring long-term resilience and growth in the financial ecosystem.

Full Article Here

TRON's rise to dominance and the future of its stablecoin - Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer, discontinued minting USDC on the TRON network in the first weeks of 2024. Binance followed suit by terminating USDC support on TRC-20 on March 25. Users had until April 8 to convert, transfer or withdraw their tokens. All these happened whilst their USDC transactions on other chains remained unaffected. It could be said that these incidents have dented investors’ trust in TRON, but it did not prevent TRON from becoming the highest-performing blockchain later in 2024 (even surpassing Ethereum in revenue) and generating approximately $435 million compared to Ethereum's $364 million. And this growth is mainly due to its dominance in the stablecoin market, especially with USDT. But there are also other recent reasons….

Full Article Here

The convergence of AI and blockchain - AI and blockchain technologies can work together to address each other's limitations. AI struggles with transparency, data integrity and security, which blockchain's decentralised, immutable framework can help resolve. Blockchains enhance AI by securing data integrity, improving trustworthiness and providing transparent and traceable records of AI model changes. And whilst blockchain offers these benefits, it also introduces challenges such as increased computational costs and complexity. Certainly there remains the need for innovation in AI security and transparency, with blockchains potentially being able to play a key role - but challenges such as scalability and privacy concerns must be addressed.

Full Article Here