Luke Parker

Bitcoin’s long-running block size debate has seen numerous challenges to the Bitcoin Core reference software, including Bitcoin Classic, Bitcoin XT, and Bitcoin Unlimited. Recently, a fourth contender has entered the ring, a browser-based Bitcoin node client from Purse, called bcoin.

Ubitquity LLC recently launched to a pilot project in Brazil, recording real estate ownership on the Bitcoin blockchain. The Delaware-based startup runs a platform that secures the records using Colu colored coins.

The parent company of the Hong Kong-based bitcoin exchange, Bitfinex, recently filed a lawsuit against Wells Fargo & Company and Wells Fargo Bank. “This is an action for intentional interference with contractual relations and injunction relief arising from Wells Fargo's interference with plaintiffs' customer contracts,” states the court document.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bitcoin Core developer Greg Maxwell submitted a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP), inhibiting a “covert attack on the Bitcoin POW function.” Maxwell discovered patent pending technology being used in an ASIC Bitcoin mining chip, which gives certain Bitcoin miners 20 to 30 percent more mining power.

At least eight US States have worked on bills accepting or promoting the use of Bitcoin and Blockchain technology this year, and a couple of them have already passed them into law. The bills cover a wide range of purposes, from increasing transparency in State operations to protecting consumers from added taxation. Some have been very specific, defining blockchains and smart contracts, while describing the tecnology as “immutable” and providing “uncensored truth.”

Japan’s Government has long been working on a bill to amend its Banking Act, accounting for changes to the economy stemming from the growth of telecommunications technologies. Last week, the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) announced that this bill will come into full force on Saturday, April 1. The amendments include an ordinance concerning digital currencies as well as digital currency exchanges.

IBM, commodities trading house Trafigura, and the French investment bank Natixis are pioneering a blockchain solution for US crude oil transactions. Using a distributed ledger to host this market “allows major steps in a crude oil transaction to be digitized on the blockchain, ensuring improved transparency, enhanced security, and optimized efficiency,” according to IBM.

Bitbond and Bitpesa recently announced a new initiative offering small business loans to Kenyans, Nigerians, Tanzanians, and Ugandans. In a bid “to improve access to financing for SMEs in Africa,” the move allows Bitbond borrowers in the four countries to “withdraw loans into their mobile money or bank account in as little as 20 mins,” according to Bitbond’s announcement.

It’s hard to imagine a more unique industry than the US cannabis industry, or one that is growing and changing faster. Arcview Market Research reports a blistering 34% compound annual growth rate from 2014 to 2016, driven primarily by Colorado and Washington initiating adult-use sales. This rate of growth will subside somewhat in 2017 to 22%, as the eight states that voted to open or expand their cannabis markets on Election Day in November 2016 work to implement the new programs.

Australia Post recently joined an initiative to combat the rise of counterfeit food being sold across China. The company joins Chinese e-commerce juggernaut Alibaba and nutritional supplement maker Blackmores. The project aims to track food from, “paddock to plate.”