February 23, 2026

Capitalizations Index – B ∞/21M

Banks Continue to Demonstrate Success with Blockchain Application

Banks Continue to Demonstrate Success with Blockchain Application
Banks Continue to Demonstrate Success with Blockchain Application

Two banking giants have recently offered yet another massive break for the application of blockchain technologies in the financial sector. In a $30.48 million securities lending transaction, ING Groep NV and Credit Suisse Group AG employed blockchain-based software to effect the transaction, the companies said on March 1, 2018.

Hi-Tech and High Speed

This latest record is another example where the formal banking sector appears to be genuinely investigating and applying the core value of secure transactions proffered by the 2009 innovation.

Although supposedly threatened by the phenomenon of cryptocurrencies, a decentralized money system that should theoretically put banks out of business, the fraternity has been enamored with blockchain technology for its application for some time.

HQLAx, a fintech company that developed the app enabling the two firms to transact via securities “baskets,” built a specialized application utilizing a blockchain type pioneered by the R3 development consortium. The transaction is seen as a prime example of a real-world, real-time use of blockchain technology to existing capital markets.

PRESS RELEASE: "Credit Suisse and ING execute first live transaction using HQLAx securities lending app on R3’s Corda blockchain platform" https://t.co/5RSRuRFH1j pic.twitter.com/XJoowZ9Hey

— R3 (@inside_r3) March 1, 2018

The companies released a statement pointing to their success and its implications. Charley Cooper, MD at R3 said that “This was far more than a proof of concept in a fenced lab.”

Cooper pointed to the positive implications of the recent transaction, saying that “These are regulated institutions in a real market and it is a unique demonstration that blockchain solutions are being deployed in commercial settings.”

It appears that a prime motivator for banks all over the world to employ blockchain technology is the desire to cut costs. With blockchain technology eliminating much back office shuffling, fewer people are involved, and authentication of something like a securities swap can be quick, simple and save the banks money.

Many banks have blockchain patents, and almost all world banks above a certain size are looking hard at blockchain to see what value it might bring them. Although mostly still experimental, transactions like that between Credit Suisse and ING are expected to grow and eventually dominate formal banking sector transactions.

Speaking on behalf of ING, Herve Francois, an in-house blockchain developer, said that the companies expect the app to be live and fully integrated by end 2018.

The banks say that utilizing a blockchain platform can make the process of securities lending faster and cheaper. Typically, securities lending involves a funds transfer between accounts, but the recent transaction eliminated the traditional days of waiting for a conclusion and the settlement of the deal was immediate.

Banks on their Blockchain Journey

Credit Suisse’s head of distributed ledger and blockchain strategy, Emmanuel Aidoo, said that “The platform gives us an opportunity to make a balance sheet and capital usage much more efficient and timely.”

The formal banking fraternity has been testing blockchain application for years now, although the hysteria surrounding bitcoin during 2017 illuminated the arena in new ways.

As much as regulatory control issues have dampened enthusiasm for bitcoin and others, big banking is widely seen as a persistent and hugely positive contributor to global acceptance of the currencies that ride on the blockchain.

The New York-based consortium R3 represents more than 100 financial institutions. Although JP Morgan exited the consortium with its agenda, R3 has so far developed a blockchain app called Corda. This app was employed as a base construct in the recent securities lending transaction.

The post Banks Continue to Demonstrate Success with Blockchain Application appeared first on BTCMANAGER.

Meet John McAfee, Tim Draper and Michael Arrington at the Global Blockchain Forum

The inaugural Global Blockchain Forum (https://www.gbforum.co/) will be held on April 2 & 3 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Silicon Valley. The event brings together some of the most recognized leaders of the blockchain community. It is also a place for entrepreneurs and top managers to immerse themselves in today’s fast-evolving blockchain economy.

The line-up of speakers includes keynotes by John McAfee (cybersecurity legend, co-founder of McAfee Associates), Tim Draper (world-famous venture capitalist, founder of Draper Associates), Michael Arrington (founder of TechCrunch and XRP Capital) and features other leaders from the blockchain ecosystem who will talk about best investment strategies and tactics; ICO legal aspects, Internet Of Things and many more topics.

The Forum will feature panel discussions, networking sessions, a hackathon contest and a VIP party. The organizers are expecting over 2,000 attendees and 50 speakers from well-recognized companies and organizations such as BitPay, Civic, LinkedIn, Evercoin, Doc.ai, Singularity University and more. Please visit website for detailed information and the program.

Prices range from early bird $399 tickets to VIP for $1,999. Secure your ticket https://www.eventbrite.com/e/global-blockchain-forum-tickets-43409321449

Follow Global Blockchain Forum on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. You can find information about the event by using official hashtag #GBF2018.

 

This is a paid press release. BTCManager does not endorse and is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products or other materials on this page. Readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company. BTCManager is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in the press release.

The post Meet John McAfee, Tim Draper and Michael Arrington at the Global Blockchain Forum appeared first on BTCMANAGER.

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Bitcoin Price Analysis: With August 1st Looming, Uncertainty is the Only Certainty

Bitcoin Price Analysis

With only 3 days left before Bitcoin’s hardfork is implemented, there is still great uncertainty among BTC-USD markets (which inherently applies to all cryptocurrencies) and what their imminent fate will be. One would expect, with so much market uncertainty, that BTC-USD should be seeing dropping prices as people begin to sell their BTC in lieu of other fiat and crypto-assets. However, in a surprising turn of events, BTC-USD has managed to climb by over $300 within the past 24 hours. Because the speculations regarding the BTC hardfork vary wildly, this market analysis will look at the raw data presented on the markets and will not attempt to account for any of the hardforking ramifications.


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The figure below shows two indications that the BTC-USD climb is due for a consolidation period and possibly some pullback in price:

Figure_1_2HR_Candles.jpgFigure 1: BTC-USD, 2HR Candles, Bitfinex, Momentum Loss

The first that stands out with the current $300 rise is the decreasing volume throughout the length of this little bull run. Decreasing volume indicates the decrease in market interest in these higher values and typically leads to either a consolidation period or a pullback in price to garner support from lower values.

The second indicator that stands out is the 2HR MACD divergence shown in pink. Typically, for a healthy bull run to sustain its upward momentum, we would like to see the MACD making new highs on the histogram to accompany the new highs in market value. Looking closely, you can see the most recent high of approximately $2800 did not correspond to a new high on the MACD histogram. Thus, another indicator of market momentum loss reveals the increased likelihood of market price consolidation.

As always, it is important to put the current market trend within the context of the grand picture:

Figure_2_Hidden_Divergence.jpgFigure 2: BTC-USD, 6HR Candles, Bitfinex, Hidden Bearish Divergence

Looking at the 6HR candles trend, there is a subtle hint of macro bearish divergence on the MACD. When the MACD signal line/moving average makes a new high, but the price trend does not make a new high, this can be an indication of bearish leaning momentum called “hidden bearish divergence.” In addition to the MACD hidden bearish divergence, we can see a severely decreased volume trend as we approach the highs made a couple weeks ago. In general, the upper $2000s seem to be a battleground that is starting fizzle out in a bearish fashion. This could be attributed to many factors, but ultimately I think the wild price swings can be easily explained by the great uncertainty in the market surrounding the August 1st hardfork.

With only 3 days left, speculators are getting situated in their positions. Until the hardfork is implemented, there is no telling what will happen to the BTC-USD markets or the cryptomarket as a whole. So, with all this uncertainty in the air, where can we expect to find levels of support in the event of a major crash on August 1st? The figure below shows the key support levels to look for on the macro scale:

Figure_3 (2).JPGFigure 3: BTC-USD, 12HR Candles, Bitfinex, Key Support Levels

Once again, the key support levels for the macro trend are found along the Fibonacci Retracement values of the entire bull run. Immediately below our current values lies very solid, historic support at $2500 values. A test of this support value will ultimately dictate the immediate future of the BTC-USD market.

On the run up to $2900 a couple weeks ago, a lot of volume went into the market to develop firm support. A breakdown of this support level could prove to be quite destructive to the BTC-USD market in the short term. The $2500 support level is clearly shown in the massive influx of volume and proves to be a severe point of market interest. To date, that is one of the strongest support levels BTC-USD has established, as indicated by the rise in volume around those prices.

Summary:

  1. On the macro and micro levels, BTC-USD is showing indications of price consolidation in the near future.

  2. Key support levels are found along the Fibonacci Retracement values. In particular, $2500 has proven its historical significance in the market and should be closely watched in the event of a bear run post-hardfork on August 1st.

Trading and investing in digital assets like bitcoin and ether is highly speculative and comes with many risks. This analysis is for informational purposes and should not be considered investment advice. Statements and financial information on bitcoin Magazine and BTC Media related sites do not necessarily reflect the opinion of BTC Media and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation to buy, sell or hold. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

The post Bitcoin Price Analysis: With August 1st Looming, Uncertainty is the Only Certainty appeared first on Bitcoin Magazine.