Europe
Welcome to our weekly roundup of all important blockchain and cryptocurrency news from around the world. Follow the latest developments in the cryptocurrency space continent by continent, country by country.
United Kingdom
UK MP joins advisory board of crypto exchange: A UK MP from the Conservative Party has joined the advisory board of a new cryptocurrency exchange project IronX. He is hired in the capacity of government relations department of the new project including regulation and oversight.
IronX is a new exchange launched by IronFX and EmurgoHK who were behind the development of the Cardano platform. Other UK MPs have also come strongly in favor of cryptocurrencies including Matt Hancock who delivered a speech in favor of the blockchain technology’s monumental impact.
Big bank to leverage DLT loans: UK High Street bank Natwest has announced DLT-based loans for the syndicated market as early as next month.
According to the bank, the blockchain technology will be a cost-effective way of streamlining communication between lenders in the loan market. Syndicated loans around the world are worth USD 3.5 trillion.
Gibraltar
Advisory group launched for blockchain courses: A local advisory group has been formed by the government of Gibraltar to formulate effective blockchain courses in the country.
The group named New Technologies in Education (NTIE) will be a joint initiative between the University of Gibraltar and the local government. The NTIE will focus on training human resource for the blockchain future.
Switzerland
Swiss bank adds ICO to its crypto trading facility: Swiss bank Swissquote is now offering financial and trading services for ICO-related clients.
The bank became the first bank in the world to offer five cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Ripple and Litecoin. The new announcement will mean that now clients can take part in ICOs through the bank which is a major step forward for regulating and accepting ICOs in the current legal and banking framework.
Russia
Ex-economics minister says crypto right model for supply of money: Russian trader Herman Gref has come out and spoken in favor of cryptocurrencies, especially their supply structure.
Gref was the formerly the Russian economics minister between 2000 and 2007 and has also served as the chairman of the board of largest bank in the country.
However, Gref has also voiced a careful approach towards cryptocurrencies and said that it will take time in their adoption.
Netherlands
Rotterdam port partners with Samsung for blockchain shipping: The largest port of Europe which is based in Rotterdam has inked a deal with tech giant Samsung to introduce blockchain shipping in the country.
The collaboration has been made between IT and Tech wing of Samsung and Dutch bank ABN-AMRO. The trial is currently being limited to the containers coming from Asia to the Dutch port only.
Armenia
New crypto farm receives visit from Prime Minister: A newly-opened mining farm in the country was visited by the Prime Minister in a rare gesture of solidarity by the government to the mining community.
Armenian conglomerate Multi Group that installed the mining farm welcomed the Prime Minister and the leader of opposition to the farm. The project is being presented as a success of the cryptocurrency circles.
Spain
Catalonia independence fund Exceeds BTC 80,000 in donations: A Catalonia independence fund that was set up after exiled leader Carles Puigdemnot’s earlier plea has raised an astonishing BTC 80,000 (USD 500 million) and the movement is reportedly gaining a lot of ground.
While the number is difficult to confirm right now, if correct, this signals widespread support for the Catalan independence struggle from people in crypto circles. Barcelona, the Catalan capital, is now a battleground for the movement which has largely seen peaceful manifestations.
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