Distributed Ledgers: Scenarios for the Australian economy over the coming decades
This study contains analysis, interpretation and foresight, created by Data66 in consultation with subject-matter experts, in order to inform government, industry, and the broader Australian community of the plausible implications of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). The intended outcome is to provide advance warning of potential challenges, risks and opportunities so that leaders and innovators can make better-informed decisions, including high impact policies, for today, which will impact our future.
Building trust in government: Exploring the potential of blockchains
This report shares key insights on market adoption of blockchain solutions. It also explores what differentiates early adopters and how other government organizations can benefit from their blockchain explorations.
Nigeria sets up a committee to study Bitcoin penetration
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) have set up a committee to investigate the growing trend of bitcoin use, according to the government-owned broadcasting station, the Voice of Nigeria. The news was revealed on Friday by NDIC Managing Director Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim at the 2016 Workshop for Financial Correspondents in Kaduna.
Bank of England states central bank-issued digital currency will compete with commercial banks
Bank of England (BoE) Chief Cashier and Director for Notes, Victoria Cleland, recently gave a [speech](http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/Documents/speeches/2016/speech919.pdf) highlighting the Bank's work on central bank-issued digital currency (CBDC). Clelands keynote presentation was given at the second international workshop for [P2P Financial Systems](http://blockchain.cs.ucl.ac.uk/p2pfisy-2016/) in London on Sept. 8 and 9. The BoE co-sponsored the event with Bank of Canada, Deutsche Bundesbank, House of Finance, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and UCL Research Centre, bringing together scholars, regulators, and practitioners.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security funds four blockchain companies developing new cyber security technology
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, recently unveiled a list of 13 small businesses working towards “the development of new cyber security technology.” The companies are part of the 2016 Small Business Innovation Research program. Each was awarded approximately $100,000 in funding, for a total of $1.3 million, and four are using blockchains in their product.
Does digital identity need blockchain technology?
GOV.UK Verify's technical architect Adam Cooper shares his thoughts on whether services like GOV.UK Verify should be making use of blockchain technology.
UK Government pilot uses blockchain tech for welfare distribution
The UK Government recently unveiled that it is undergoing a blockchain technology pilot to implement “social welfare payments distribution trial for UK’s Department for Work and Pensions.” If the trial is successful, the underlying technology could be useful for everything from tax collection to sharing health records, according to a government report released in January.
FinTech Futures – The UK as a World Leader in Financial Technologies – A report by the UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser
This report builds on the current work of HM Treasury and other parts of the Government to provide a longer-term vision for the UK FinTech sector. Its recommendations are intended to provide a firm foundation to support and catalyse the growth of the sector out to 2025. In particular, it makes the case that the Government, regulators, business and academia must work together closely and in innovative ways.
