Crypto Research Report II
This edition of the Crypto Research Report covers the debate about the 'Bitcoin bubble' vs. 'Bitcoin hyperdeflation', how to apply technical analysis to cryptocurrencies, hard forks, and ways to hedge Bitcoin's risk of being replaced by another cryptocurrency.
A Blockchain Innovator’s Guide To IP Strategy, Protecting Innovation and Avoiding Infringement
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) promise to be a disruptive force in many areas. As a result, we are seeing a great deal of investment in this technology by industry and investors. In 2016, venture capital firms invested $392 million in the maturing technology and closed 75 deals. Furthermore, alternative forms of startup capital, such as Initial Coin Offerings (ICO), have recently eclipsed venture funding. These innovators are safeguarding their innovation with legal mechanisms for protecting IP, patents being the most significant among them. It is critical that participants in the blockchain ecosystem have a basic understanding of IP protection, strategy, and risk. This Primer is intended to provide such a foundation.
Bitcoin ETF in 2017? A Look at Potential Impact and Probability
After years of work and investor anticipation the rule change necessary to pave the way for the Winklevoss Bitcoin ETF will see a final decision from the SEC by March 11. Overall, we think that the listing of a bitcoin ETF would have a profoundly positive effect on the price of bitcoin not only because of the resulting asset inflow but also because of concurrent shifts in perception and regulatory risk. Overall, however, we think the probability of approval is very low. Taken together, we think the positive effect that a bitcoin ETF would have on the price of bitcoin is vastly underappreciated and that the probability of approval is drastically overestimated within the industry.
The $5 billion opportunity for reinsurers
New research commissioned by PwC highlights the extent to which blockchain could reduce the processing time and cost of placement, claims settlement and key processes such as compliance checks, e.g. sanctions (other compliance checks noted for wholesale insurance include AML/KYC). The research also showed that blockchain solutions can provide a better view of identity and risk. And given the amount of data flowing between client, broker, reinsurer and outsource service providers, all of which requires multiple data entry and reconciliation, the transformational potential within reinsurance is even greater.
Blockchain reaction – Tech companies plan for critical mass
EY's analysis of blockchain suggests it may have the most impactful potential of the entire portfolio of disruptive technologies that are now emerging. But it also has the most obstacles to success, ranging from technical to cultural. Tech companies need to understand blockchainâs impact or risk being disrupted going forward.
Swiss Re SONAR New emerging risk insights
The report is a contribution to discuss the future risk landscape. It should not be understood as a forecast that tries to accurately predict what the future will bring. It rather seeks to provide an early indication of what might lie beyond the horizon. While many of the topics presented might never materialise into significant risks, some definitely will â and the earlier we start adapting to these changes, the better prepared we will be for tomorrowâs challenges.
Blockchain Clearing and Settlement: Crossing the Chasm
We look at 8 major issues including ownership, securities lending, foreign exchange, allocations/confirmations, physical securities, fractional ownership, netting, and technology challenges across the sub industries of investing, custody, the institutional sell-side, and retail brokerage. We also score these challenges by strategy, operations, technology, risk, and potential opportunity.
Emerging Risk Report – Innovation series
This report presents two expert contributions which investigate the key risk factors for the insurance of Bitcoin operations.
Industry Transformation â Horizon Scan: ICT & the Future of Financial Services
A new research report from Ericsson and Imperial College London provides a broad horizon scan of the impacts of ICT on services for money, banking, insurance and risk.
