The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has approved the issue of a banking license for a virtual bank to Tencent.
Hong Kong has been quick off the mark to give digital banks the go-ahead. The HKMA has approved licenses so far to eight out of 29 applicants who applied by September 2018. Tencent is the first to propose a blockchain bank.
Bitcoin rallied 16% after Chinese President Xi Jinping called for his country to “seize the opportunity” afforded by blockchain.
Speaking at a Politburo Committee session on blockchain technology trends Thursday, Xi told committee members: “We must take the blockchain as an important breakthrough for independent innovation of core technologies.”
According to Business 5.0 expert John Straw, the blockchain could well disrupt the City of London. And put paid to the taxes that the City generates.
An end to the stream of taxes from the City would effectively spell the end of the NHS. Blockchain-based financial services, based on technology such as Ethereum’s, could consign banks to the annals of history.
With a blockchain ID, your electric car could soon become a mobile wallet and pay for tolls, parking, and charging – no cash or cards needed.
BMW, General Motors, Honda, Ford, and Renault have partnered with the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative (MOBI) to assign blockchain IDs to their cars. The unique ID of each car and its associated ownership data will allow for the car to automatically make payments. These car-related payments could be for charging, parking, highway tolls, and even rest stop snacks.
Assam Company India Limited (ACIL) is using technology to improve traceability, productivity, and crop spraying safety at its tea gardens.
Imagine this. You enjoy a cup of the legendary Assam tea and want to tip the tea garden worker who plucked it. Now you can – through an app to be launched by the Assam Company.