The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is set to test a Bitcoin payment processing and payout solution in collaboration with OpenNode. According to the official press release, the BTC payment processor plans to provide the infrastructure for the solution. The Regulatory Sandbox was first launched in 2017, following which the CBB authorized OpenNode to participate in its framework that enables financial tech companies to test their ideas and solutions in the country. OpenNode’s CEO...
Read More »Bitcoin Now Accepted by Two Ukrainian Tech Giants: Report
Bitcoin and other cryptos are now being accepted as means of payment at two of Ukraine’s largest tech retailers: Techno Їzhak, and Stylus. Customers can now purchase products from each retailer using Bitcoin from their online stores, or from their combined 100+ retail locations. Per a report from the Ukrainian outlet Obozrevatel, Bitcoin payments at both companies will be facilitated through the crypto point-of-sale provider, WhitePay. When paying online, customers can pay...
Read More »Over 75% of Financial Institutions Intend to Use Crypto in the Next Three Years (Study)
Ripple’s latest Value Report estimated that 76% of financial institutions plan to use cryptocurrencies in their operations in the next 36 months. The majority of those entities, though, said they will delve into the industry, assuming there is an appropriate regulatory framework applied to it. The study also revealed that 20% of global consumers would only buy sustainable cryptocurrencies. However, the company pointed out that many people are not aware which digital assets...
Read More »Luxury Fashion House Balenciaga Accepts Payments in BTC and ETH (Report)
The French fashion brand – Balenciaga – will reportedly embrace cryptocurrencies as a payment method for its products. Initially, the offering will be available at the firm’s US shops on Madison Avenue in New York and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Balenciaga Catching the Crypto Wave According to a recent coverage, Balenciaga will allow its American customers to buy clothes, shoes, bags, and other products using bitcoin and ether. Customers will also be able to...
Read More »Africa Could Benefit Substantially by Adopting Crypto, Says Top Kenyan Financer
According to James Mwangi (CEO of Kenya’s largest banking conglomerate Equity Group Holdings), the African continent will significantly develop technologically and economically if it opens its arms to the digital asset industry. To do so, local authorities should cooperate with regulators, convincing them of crypto’s benefits. Crypto Could be Africa’s Stepping Stone In a recent interview for Bloomberg, Mwangi argued that the African countries should dive into the fourth...
Read More »Soccer Team RCD Espanyol to Become the First Spanish Club to Accept Crypto Payments
The professional soccer team based in Catalonia, Spain – RCD Espanyol – will enable fans to purchase game tickets, merchandise products, and food and beverages in several cryptocurrencies. The offering will be available with the start of La Liga’s next season (August 2022). The First in La Liga to Embrace Crypto Digital assets and the soccer industry have formed a relatively strong bond over the past several months. Numerous clubs from all parts of the globe announced...
Read More »Townsquare Media Purchased $5 Million in Bitcoin During Q1 2022
Townsquare Media (NYSE: TSQ) – a New York-based radio network and media company – revealed that it purchased $5 million in Bitcoin during Q1 2022 in a recent SEC filing. It claims to believe in the “long-term potential” of Bitcoin – despite being down on its current investment. The filing explains that the company had purchased $5 million in Bitcoin before March 31st of 2022. Its coins are secured through third part custodial services. That said, the Townsquare acknowledges...
Read More »Over 100,000 Cubans Are Now Using Cryptocurrency (Report)
Many Cubans are now using cryptocurrencies as an alternative means of exchange due to limitations imposed by US sanctions on the country’s traditional payment rails. Over 100,000 Cubans are reportedly using digital assets, largely thanks to mobile internet reaching the country just three years ago. Cuba’s Crypto Economy NBC News recently interviewed Nelson Rodriguez – a Cuban cafe owner who now accepts both Bitcoin and Ethereum for payments. He said he believes in the...
Read More »Gucci to Accept Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Payments at Select US Stores
Italian high-end luxury fashion house Gucci is all set to accept cryptocurrency in five stores in the US later this month. The move comes as the company continues to explore Web 3. Gucci Taps Crypto According to a report by Vogue, Gucci also plans to amplify the pilot to all of its North American stores this summer that the leading luxury brand directly operates. In the beginning, Gucci will accept 12 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Wrapped...
Read More »After El Salvador, IMF Now Concerned of Bitcoin’s Adoption in the Central African Republic
After the Central African Republic (CAR) announced adopting Bitcoin as legal tender and legalized the use of cryptocurrencies last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that such a move might cause financial instability in the country. The criticism came on the heels of the organization expressing hawkish opinions on multiple occasions against El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin and president Nayib Bukele’s ambitious plan to introduce Bitcoin-backed bonds. The...
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