Blockchain Catch-upThis is Charles Brett’s start-of-the-week Enterprise Times ‘blockchain catch-up’ for Week 39. Necessarily it is idiosyncratic and selective.

It is not intended to be comprehensive but does seek to highlight ‘Quick Takes’ on specific developments as well interesting pieces to read, a listing of some (not all) announcements/press releases and pointers to upcoming events.

Quick Takes – Charles Brett’s Blockchain Catch-up Week 39

European Central Bank: Report on a digital euro

The ECB thinks a “digital euro would create synergies with private payment solutions and contribute to a more innovative, competitive and resilient European payment system. By serving as a unifying force in Europe’s digital economies, a digital euro would also be an emblem of the ongoing process of European integration … ”

Quick Take: While it is way too early to commit to a digital euro, this Report makes clear that such a concept must fulfil a number of principles and requirements. Identified in the Report, these include accessibility, robustness, safety, efficiency and privacy – and compliance with relevant legislation. For those believing that a digital euro is imminent, this is a well-worthwhile read, highlighting both the opportunities and the (necessary) practical impediments.

MOBI announces electric vehicle grid integration standard on blockchain in collaboration with Honda, PG&E and GM – among others

The Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative (MOBI) has launched what it hopes will be a global standard incorporating blockchain technology into a decentralised vehicle charging system. The MOBI working group has a first technical design specification. This covers the system designs and data schemas required for three core use case areas: Vehicle to Grid Integration (V2G), Tokenized Carbon Credits (TCC) and Peer to Peer (P2P) applications.

Quick Take: MOBI’s standard does not prescribe any particular application or underlying DLT approach. this means each use case or organisation can create their own solutions while adopting common (standardised) data attributes and functionality. For EVs to penetrate the ICE world, owners and drivers need access to infrastructure akin to what the gasoline/diesel distribution network already provides. Another step forward?

Financial firms and governments deeply sceptical of cryptocurrencies: survey

According to a survey by the Royal United Services Institute think-tank and the Association of Anti-Money Laundering Specialists “around 60% of respondents – from financial firms, government and the private sector – said cryptocurrencies were a risk rather than an opportunity. Illicit usage was the major concern”.

Quick Take: Though not unexpected, respondents seem to expect guidance and best practices from governmental bodies as well as non-governmental organisations. The question is, will any step up to deliver what cryptocurrencies need – if they are not to become pariahs – or will those who might guide, decline to act because of the inherent risks. The latter outcome seems more likely.

To read – Charles Brett’s Blockchain Catch-up Week 39

Selected announcements/press releases – Charles Brett’s Blockchain Catch-up Week 39

Selected upcoming events

  • First Annual 6G Symposium, October 20th-21st (more information here)
  • R3’s Cordacon 2020, October 20-22 (virtual – register here)
  • Web Summit December 2-4th (tickets)
  • Paris Blockchain Week summit launches hybrid event on December 9th & 10th, 2020 (more info here)
  • Crypto Finance Conference Returns to St. Moritz in January 2021.

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