Digital Bytes by Team Blockchain Radio; Powered By Cyber.FM

Dr Stephen Castell responds to the Law Commission's final report on digital assets, contending that the Commission has erred by proposing a new legal status for digital and crypto assets that is unnecessary and scientifically incorrect. He argues that the Commission's attempt to distinguish between different sets of algorithmic data as a new category of property is a technical fallacy and that existing Common Law can address any legal concerns. Castell warns that the proposed new property status could lead to miscarriages of justice akin to past instances such as PO Horizon, and highlights the Commission's limited understanding of technical nuances in law making. Full Article Here

PayPal’s new stablecoin means it can offer payment services and products - PayPal’s USD (PYUSD) represents a significant shift beyond revenue generation, so positioning the company as a key player in the evolving digital economy. This move aims to go beyond conventional payment processing whereby facilitating transactions in emerging areas such as the metaverse and digital equities. PayPal’s new stablecoin means that it can now offer not simply payment services but tangible products that others such as Elon Musk's 'X' can now use and so further shape the digital economy's future. Full Article Here Asset tokenisation - DeFi's accessibility, transparency and security offers the promise to transform the financial sector and the way in which we trade assets. It could democratise financial services, especially in areas with few or unreliable financial institutions whilst making global transactions faster and more efficient. The worldwide tokenisation industry is predicted to grow to potentially $68trillion by 2030 as institutions complete their proof of works and scale their digitisation programs. Full Article Here Liquidity pools and the DeFi ecosystem - liquidity pools on decentralised exchanges are digital asset collections enabling automated trading on decentralised exchanges. Users trade directly using smart contracts and liquidity pools help make trading smoother, adjusting prices automatically based on the volume of buyers and sellers. Liquidity pools offer other advantages such as improving financial inclusion, can generate a passive income. The future of DeFi and liquidity pools is promising but security, scalability and regulation do need to be addressed. Full Article Here Has the Law Commission got it wrong regarding a ‘new, third type of property asset’? Dr Stephen Castell responds to the Law Commission's final report on digital assets, contending that the Commission has erred by proposing a new legal status for digital and crypto assets that is unnecessary and scientifically incorrect. He argues that the Commission's attempt to distinguish between different sets of algorithmic data as a new category of property is a technical fallacy and that existing Common Law can address any legal concerns. Castell warns that the proposed new property status could lead to miscarriages of justice akin to past instances such as PO Horizon, and highlights the Commission's limited understanding of technical nuances in law making. Full Article Here

How AI and blockchain can transform the supply chain - AI and blockchains are crucial to guarantee effective supply chain management. The two technologies may improve the experience for suppliers and end customers by driving higher automation and providing scalability, expanding connection across supply networks and enhancing traceability in commodity movement. AI and blockchain technology are increasingly being seen as solutions to help alleviate some of the problems associated with supply chain management. Full Article Here How can a small business get onto the metaverse? - whilst it may sound like an open-world game on steroids, the metaverse has attracted attention from a number of the largest businesses across the globe, with some having poured millions into obtaining real estate in the metaverse. Adidas purchased a plot of land in The Sandbox with plans to fill it with branded content and merchandise, and PwC's Hong Kong branch, not wanting to miss out on the potential benefits, also purchased virtual land in The Sandbox in 2022. Furthermore, companies such as Meta and Microsoft have developed entire virtual workplaces (Microsoft's Mesh and Meta's Horizon), albeit relatively simple constructs. Full Article Here Why is digital cash ‘on its way’? - arguably, the 2008 banking crisis spawned a desire to have an alternative form of cash/payments as taxpayers questioned why they were being forced to bail out the bankers. Trust in bankers took another hit with the LIBOR revelation and bankers being fined $9billion in 2015.  As society becomes ever more digitised, with the desire also to access services 24/7, it seem inevitable that cash is to be offered in a digital format. But this then raises concerns as to a potential loss of privacy….. Full Article Here Looking after your digital assets - interested in digital assets, but don't know where to start? Here we take a look at what digital wallets are, the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets, and some tips on how to start. Full Article Here

Digital money and gig economy (Part 2) - the gig economy, supported by platforms such Uber and Upwork, is transforming traditional work by emphasising short-term, flexible jobs. Digital money, particularly cryptocurrencies, is further reshaping this space by enabling fast, borderless payments and offering financial inclusion. However, challenges such as currency volatility and regulatory uncertainty persist. Yet, despite these hurdles, digital currencies have the potential to create a more efficient and inclusive global labour market within the evolving gig economy. Full Aritcle Here Demystifying non-liquidating accounts - the collapse of FTX has brought to light the critical risks associated with non-liquidating accounts which, despite their benefits, can pose significant threats to market stability if mismanaged. Whilst algorithmic stablecoins were a key factor, the overlooked impact of these accounts raises several pressing questions: How can crypto exchanges better manage the risks associated with non-liquidating accounts? What role should regulators play in ensuring transparency and accountability? Hence, understanding these elements is essential to prevent future crises and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the crypto industry. Full Aritcle Here Tokenised government bonds - tokenised government bonds are digital versions of traditional bonds issued on a blockchain, offering increased accessibility, liquidity and efficiency by enabling 24/7 trading with near-instant settlement times. They reduce the need for intermediaries whereby potentially lowering costs and democratising access to government debt markets. However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, technological infrastructure requirements and risks to financial stability must be addressed before they become mainstream. Tokenisation could significantly reshape financial markets, but its future depends on technological advances, regulatory developments and market adoption. Full Aritcle Here The nature and necessity of digital asset controls - digital assets are expected to reach up to $4 trillion in value in the next few years, therefore managing their security becomes crucial. Three key challenges are highlighted as a result: securing addresses, safeguarding private keys and understanding third-party entitlements (I.O.Us). The risks include potential fraud, inadequate insurance and reliance on custodians who may fail during financial crises. It is therefore vital for individuals and institutions to fully understand these risks, emphasising the importance of controlling one's own keys - ‘not your keys, not your assets’. Full Aritcle Here

Digital assets are expected to reach up to $4 trillion in value in the next few years, therefore managing their security becomes crucial. Three key challenges are highlighted as a result: securing addresses, safeguarding private keys and understanding third-party entitlements (I.O.Us). The risks include potential fraud, inadequate insurance and reliance on custodians who may fail during financial crises. It is therefore vital for individuals and institutions to fully understand these risks, emphasising the importance of controlling one's own keys - ‘not your keys, not your assets’. Full Aritcle Here

The remote work revolution, driven by digital natives and fuelled by AI and Web3 technologies, has transformed modern business operations. Digital natives, who are highly comfortable with technology, thrive in remote work settings so allowing companies to tap into global talent pools and reduce overhead costs. However, managing remote teams presents challenges, particularly regarding communication, culture and trust. And, as companies explore hybrid work models, they strive to balance the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration benefits of in-person interaction. Full Article Here

Digital money and the gig economy (Part 1) - the gig economy is growing as more staff work remote or hybrid and employees shift from traditional full-time employment to more flexible, short-term work facilitated by digital platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. But, whilst the gig economy offers benefits such as autonomy, flexibility and accessibility to a wide range of workers, it also presents challenges such as income instability, lack of job security and exploitation risks due to the independent contractor status of gig workers. This article also points out the significant role digital money plays in this evolving labour market, with more insights in part 2. Full Article Here Argentina's economic crisis: can digital currencies be the solution? - with severe inflation and economic instability, Argentina faces challenges similar to those of El Salvador and the Central African Republic (CAR). However, digital currencies, already widely adopted in Argentina, offer a potential solution to these economic woes. The Crecimiento Movement in Buenos Aires is leading this change, and other global case studies suggest that cryptocurrencies could improve economic stability. Managing Bitcoin's volatility and integrating it into the financial system pose significant challenges and so addressing these hurdles effectively will be crucial for Argentina to harness the full potential of digital currencies and stabilise its economy. Full Article Here Blockchain and economic resilience: enhancing stability in times of crisis (Part 2) - blockchain technology offers the potential to enhance economic resilience during crises by improving transparency, efficiency and coordination in areas such as humanitarian aid, infrastructure and financial systems. But whilst it offers significant benefits, challenges such as scalability, regulatory uncertainty, interoperability, security risks and privacy concerns could hinder widespread adoption. Ultimately, the key question is whether blockchain can transform the global economy equitably or if it will reinforce existing power structures, so emphasising the need to balance decentralisation with oversight and security. Full Article Here The remote work revolution: surviving and thriving as a digital native in AI and Web3 - the remote work revolution, driven by digital natives and fuelled by AI and Web3 technologies, has transformed modern business operations. Digital natives, who are highly comfortable with technology, thrive in remote work settings so allowing companies to tap into global talent pools and reduce overhead costs. However, managing remote teams presents challenges, particularly regarding communication, culture and trust. And, as companies explore hybrid work models, they strive to balance the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration benefits of in-person interaction. Full Article Here

Tokenising the ownership of solar panel assets aligns with broader trends in the energy sector (such as decentralised solar parks), promoting greater accessibility and participation in renewable energy initiatives. Investing in solar panels through tokens helps to reduce the ‘not in my backyard’ (NIMBY) resistance, promotes inclusivity, minimises the inequality gap caused by the energy transition and enhances local skills. It also allows individuals who are unable to install rooftop solar panels - whether due to living in multi-unit buildings, historical structures or facing other restrictions - to still benefit from co-owning solar energy installations. Full Article Here

The world-famous Bristol Pound local currency looks beyond localisation currencies to imagine the full potential of new technologies to change our socio-economic system. Whilst money is a tool for markets and creates a de facto and failing governance system for the world, a correctly designed form of payment could provide the building blocks of a commons-based economy. Full Article Here

NFTs and historical preservation - the advent of blockchain technology has brought about revolutionary changes across various sectors, and the realm of cultural heritage is no exception. Non-fungible tokens -unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology - have emerged as a powerful tool for the digitisation, preservation and monetisation of cultural heritage. Digital assets are also transforming the way we protect, share and benefit from our cultural legacy - being embraced by global museums and even the Vatican. Full Article Here Stablecoins: PayPal wants a slice of the action - the competition for stablecoins is heating up as new entrants eye the profits that traditional providers such as Tether and Circle have enjoyed. However, PayPal’s recent entry into the market with PYUSD has introduced a disruptive model. Offering high-yield incentives through DeFi platforms, PayPal has quickly gained traction, forcing a potential rethink amongst its competitors. This new landscape may transform stablecoins from mere stability tools into attractive investment options, so challenging the status quo and blurring the lines between traditional and decentralised finance. Full Article Here Understanding decentralised insurance - decentralised insurance is a transformative model that leverages blockchain technology and smart contracts to revolutionise the insurance industry. By eliminating intermediaries and automating processes, decentralised insurance enhances transparency, efficiency and accessibility, potentially lowering costs and increasing financial inclusion. So, does the future of decentralised insurance lie in hybrid models, integrating traditional and decentralised approaches, thus paving the way for more resilient and inclusive risk management solutions? Full Article Here Lessons from the Bristol Pound Project and thoughts on digital money - the world-famous Bristol Pound local currency looks beyond localisation currencies to imagine the full potential of new technologies to change our socio-economic system. Whilst money is a tool for markets and creates a de facto and failing governance system for the world, a correctly designed form of payment could provide the building blocks of a commons-based economy. Full Article Here

The convergence of AI and blockchain - AI and blockchain technologies can work together to address each other's limitations. AI struggles with transparency, data integrity and security, which blockchain's decentralised, immutable framework can help resolve. Blockchains enhance AI by securing data integrity, improving trustworthiness and providing transparent and traceable records of AI model changes. And whilst blockchain offers these benefits, it also introduces challenges such as increased computational costs and complexity. Certainly there remains the need for innovation in AI security and transparency, with blockchains potentially being able to play a key role - but challenges such as scalability and privacy concerns must be addressed. Full Article Here

The economic impact of digital money - there is a growing body of evidence as to the impact of digital money on our lives and the economy. However, whether blockchain technology will be the ‘silver bullet,’ technology wise, is still to be determined. Whilst these digital currencies could streamline payments, reduce costs and expand access to financial services, their economic impact remains complex and mixed. Overall, the successful integration of digital money depends on thoughtful regulation, technological infrastructure and public acceptance. Full Article Here Bankruptcies and bank failures such as Silvergate, SVB and Signature Bank and the impact of digital money (Part 2) - central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenised assets could reshape banking and economic structures. Whilst these innovations promise enhanced transparency and efficiency, they also pose risks to traditional banking, potentially increasing costs and reducing credit availability. Blockchain and AI integration offer solutions by boosting financial stability and regulatory oversight. However, balancing these benefits, with the potential economic drawbacks, is crucial for ensuring long-term resilience and growth in the financial ecosystem. Full Article Here TRON's rise to dominance and the future of its stablecoin - Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer, discontinued minting USDC on the TRON network in the first weeks of 2024. Binance followed suit by terminating USDC support on TRC-20 on March 25. Users had until April 8 to convert, transfer or withdraw their tokens. All these happened whilst their USDC transactions on other chains remained unaffected. It could be said that these incidents have dented investors’ trust in TRON, but it did not prevent TRON from becoming the highest-performing blockchain later in 2024 (even surpassing Ethereum in revenue) and generating approximately $435 million compared to Ethereum's $364 million. And this growth is mainly due to its dominance in the stablecoin market, especially with USDT. But there are also other recent reasons…. Full Article Here The convergence of AI and blockchain - AI and blockchain technologies can work together to address each other's limitations. AI struggles with transparency, data integrity and security, which blockchain's decentralised, immutable framework can help resolve. Blockchains enhance AI by securing data integrity, improving trustworthiness and providing transparent and traceable records of AI model changes. And whilst blockchain offers these benefits, it also introduces challenges such as increased computational costs and complexity. Certainly there remains the need for innovation in AI security and transparency, with blockchains potentially being able to play a key role - but challenges such as scalability and privacy concerns must be addressed. Full Article Here

How blockchain's solution to power consumption can benefit AI - artificial intelligence's impressive capabilities come with a significant environmental cost due to high energy consumption, predominantly from fossil fuels. Blockchain, once notorious for its energy issues, presents a potential solution. The shift from proof-of-work to energy efficient proof-of-stake models in blockchain technology could help optimise AI's energy usage. But, how can AI adopt blockchain's advancements to reduce its carbon footprint? And what lessons from blockchain's energy transition can be applied to AI? The convergence of these technologies might hold the key to a sustainable future for AI. Full Article Here Bankruptcies and bank failures such as Silvergate, SVB and Signature Banks, and the impact of digital money (Part 1) - bankruptcies are soaring globally, spurred by tightening monetary policy and significant bank failures. This widespread financial distress highlights growing global economic vulnerabilities. The bank failures of Silvergate, SVB and Signature have drawn attention to banks once again. The fragilities of fractional banking and relying on commercial banks to create ‘e’ (electronic) money have been exposed as depositors are able to remove money on-line at the click of a button. Full Article Here Privacy coins: balancing anonymity and regulation - among the myriad of digital assets, privacy coins have emerged as a distinctive subset designed to enhance user anonymity and transaction privacy. These digital assets prioritise the confidentiality of transactions and user identities, creating both opportunities and challenges. Privacy coins employ a variety of mechanisms yet, whilst clearly having benefits for some, they do raise regulatory concerns. Balancing between ensuring privacy yet adhering to regulatory frameworks without driving out innovation is not easy to say the least. Full Article Here The UK is a leading fintech market: it now needs to embrace digital assets - the UK has emerged as a dominant force in global FinTech, securing its position through robust investment and innovation attracting talent and funding. Emerging technologies such as blockchain and digital assets further enhance its appeal but with challenges, including regulatory barriers and the need for broader incentives. The UK's ability to maintain its lead amidst global competition hinges on innovation and regulatory adaptability, shaping the future of financial services and digital economies worldwide. Full Article Here

The 2Tokens Foundation's analysis highlights the vast potential of tokenization, projecting market growth between $2 trillion and $16 trillion by 2030. Tokenization extends beyond financial products to tangible goods, intangible assets and various rights but, compared to the UK, Germany and France, the Netherlands lags in support and frameworks for tokenization. So, in order to stay competitive, it needs clearer legislation, better financial support, improved education on tokenisation and stronger government backing. Full Article Here

Web3 gaming: the blockchain effect on the gaming industry - Web3 is reshaping gaming by integrating blockchain so as to offer decentralised, transparent experiences where players have true ownership of in-game assets. With millions of gamers engaging in these blockchain-based platforms, the industry is set for massive growth, driven by ‘play-to-earn’ models and NFTs. However, challenges such as scalability and complex user interfaces remain barriers to wider adoption. And, as traditional gaming studios explore blockchain, the fusion of these technologies promises to revolutionise the gaming landscape. Full Article Here AI in DeFi: the connection, opportunities and challenges - artificial intelligence (AI) and decentralised finance (DeFi) are reshaping the financial world where AI’s data-crunching prowess and DeFi’s blockchain transparency combine to create a powerful synergy. This fusion has the ability to optimise financial operations, enhance security and democratise access to financial services. Furthermore, AI-driven tools simplify DeFi’s complexity, making it more user-friendly. However, integration does face hurdles such as data privacy, regulatory challenges and the risk of overreliance on automated decisions. The potential is enormous but, equally, navigating these challenges is key to unlocking a transformative financial future. Full Article Here Prediction platforms powered by blockchain technology - prediction markets, where you bet on real-world events, are on the rise. Blockchain offers a revolutionary approach with transparency and potentially fairer odds, by letting users set them; this empowers informed participation, not merely gambling. Whilst traditional betting uses bookmakers with hidden odds, blockchain's immutability creates a trustworthy system. However, regulations are a hurdle, yet, despite the uncertainty, the future looks bright. Blockchain prediction markets offer a diverse range of applications - from weather to politics - potentially disrupting industries and fostering a more informed public. Full Article Here Analysis of tokenization for the Netherlands - the 2Tokens Foundation's analysis highlights the vast potential of tokenization, projecting market growth between $2 trillion and $16 trillion by 2030. Tokenization extends beyond financial products to tangible goods, intangible assets and various rights but, compared to the UK, Germany and France, the Netherlands lags in support and frameworks for tokenization. So, in order to stay competitive, it needs clearer legislation, better financial support, improved education on tokenisation and stronger government backing. Full Article Here

The shift to digitally native financial instruments promises a major transformation whereby raising questions about its rollout and which assets will be tokenised first. Tokenisation could radically change supply and demand dynamics, benefiting specific markets. It offers practical perks such as faster settlements and lower fees, enhancing market transparency and liquidity. However, widespread adoption will be slow due to regulatory and technological hurdles but by lowering entry barriers for issuers and investors, particularly in inefficient markets, tokenisation could spawn new economic models and products. Furthermore, increased asset fungibility might reshape capital allocation and trading, so impacting financial linkages between private and public markets. Full Article Here

US politicians woo crypto advocates - in a world where digital currencies are reshaping finance, the intersection of cryptocurrency and politics is a new battleground for American voters. As the 2024 US Presidential election approaches, candidates are asking: Could embracing crypto be the key to winning the White House? This electoral cycle, crypto policy is crucial, making us wonder whether, in a political landscape valuing authenticity and innovation, could betting on the future of finance be the smartest move for leaders? And what does this crypto-political dance reveal about the evolving ties between technology, democracy and the American dream? Full Article Here What is programmable money? A guide to CBDCs and stablecoins - programmable money is revolutionising financial transactions by embedding rules directly within digital currencies, utilising blockchain technology and smart contracts to enhance security, control and efficiency. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) can impact financial stability and risk transfer, whilst stablecoins offer stable value but face both regulatory and technical challenges. The need for digital money is underscored by its potential to drive economic growth, financial inclusion and efficiency, especially for SMEs. Real-world applications, including energy and mobile payments, illustrate programmable money’s cost benefits and practical uses. Full Article Here Blockchain goes to the Olympics - blockchain technology is making waves at the Olympics, joining the ranks of the many flags representing nations worldwide. The IOC has embraced blockchain by launching games and digital collectibles such as NFTs that engage fans and create new revenue streams. Notably, “Olympics Go! Paris 2024”, will feature mini-games and a city-building simulator, offering exclusive digital items. Additionally, Olympics-themed meme coins have emerged, further merging sports and blockchain. Will blockchain be the gold standard, then, for future Games? Full Article Here Asset tokenisation: what, why and when? A primer on the technological disruption of capital markets - the shift to digitally native financial instruments promises a major transformation whereby raising questions about its rollout and which assets will be tokenised first. Tokenisation could radically change supply and demand dynamics, benefiting specific markets. It offers practical perks such as faster settlements and lower fees, enhancing market transparency and liquidity. However, widespread adoption will be slow due to regulatory and technological hurdles but by lowering entry barriers for issuers and investors, particularly in inefficient markets, tokenisation could spawn new economic models and products. Furthermore, increased asset fungibility might reshape capital allocation and trading, so impacting financial linkages between private and public markets. Full Article Here

with its qubits capable of multiple states, quantum computing can solve problems far faster than classical computers. Unsurprisingly, this threatens cryptocurrencies which depend on cryptographic algorithms for security. Potentially, cryptos will need major upgrades, requiring community consensus and possible hard forks in order to adopt these new algorithms. As quantum computing advances, the crypto community must act now to ensure a secure, future-ready ecosystem. Full Article Here

From bartering to blockchain - evolution, tokenisation and the gold v Bitcoin debate: (Part 2) The evolution of money and the emergence of tokenised gold - in an exploration of tokenised gold, this article investigates key issuers such as Bold, Swarm, Paxos, HSBC, Tether Gold, Comtech Gold, Kinesis Money and VeraOne Gold, detailing their operational significance. It also delves into the ongoing debate between gold and Bitcoin as stores of value, contrasting gold's historical stability with Bitcoin's exponential returns and digital advantages and examines why tokenising gold appeals to investors whereby offering fractional ownership and enhanced liquidity. In addition, HSBC's recent launch of tokenised gold is highlighted, reflecting broader trends towards digital asset trading despite potential compromises in privacy and counterparty risk compared to physical ownership. Full Article Here Evolution of tokenomics - the term tokenomics, a combination of the words “token” and “economics”, describes the concepts and economic systems centred upon digital tokens. These tokens, which are typically developed on blockchain-powered platforms, are changing our understanding of and interactions with ownership, value exchange and financial involvement. Tokenomics is evolving and changing the face of the modern economy, challenging the way in which transactions happen. Full Article Here Impact of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) on business and cloud providers - the European Union's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), effective on January 17th, 2025, mandates a unified ICT risk management framework for the EU financial sector. The regulation applies to a broad range of financial entities and ICT service providers, aiming to enhance operational resilience through uniform technical standards. DORA impacts blockchain technology, cloud providers and multi-cloud strategies, so emphasising compliance, risk management and operational continuity. Meanwhile, non-compliance results in significant penalties, whereby reinforcing the importance of timely adherence to DORA's requirements. Full Article Here Quantum computing and its looming impact on crypto - with its qubits capable of multiple states, quantum computing can solve problems far faster than classical computers. Unsurprisingly, this threatens cryptocurrencies which depend on cryptographic algorithms for security. Potentially, cryptos will need major upgrades, requiring community consensus and possible hard forks in order to adopt these new algorithms. As quantum computing advances, the crypto community must act now to ensure a secure, future-ready ecosystem. Full Article Here

Mainland China and Hong Kong take divergent paths in cryptocurrencies, offering contrasting approaches for e-currency landscapes in both jurisdictions. Whereas mainland China bans cryptocurrencies but embraces blockchain, Hong Kong aims to be Asia’s cryptocurrency hub. Full Article Here