Contactless Tube payment: Just the latest advance in the UK banking revolution September 15, 2014 You could be forgiven for thinking that London’s trams might be an unlikely place to find cutting edge technology. But from today, this iconic and characterful mode of public transport – along with our more conventional Tube stations and buses – are offering technology that allows you to pay your way with just a flash [...]
The Startup Manifesto: Why the digital economy has never been a bigger political issue September 3, 2014 The UK’s digital startups are thriving – we have the fastest-growing digital economy in the G20 and have created 11 tech companies worth over $1bn in the last decade. British digital successes like Zoopla, Shazam and YPlan are now household names, and in London alone the tech sector is forecast to create 46,000 jobs and [...]
As Blackpool’s donkeys are embedded with Barclaycard contactless swipers, are they being taken for a ride? August 21, 2014 Are the donkeys of Blackpool beach being exploited by big business? Yesterday, the noble steeds hit the headlines because Barclaycard was helping the donkey business to go cashless. Yes, no more do Real Donkeys have to fiddle with change – the donkeys’ saddles have Barclaycard contactless swipers embedded. A novel idea or a publicity stunt? [...]
Why Bitcoin won’t be the money of the future – but cryptocurrencies might be August 18, 2014 PROPONENTS of Bitcoin like to suggest that it will be the money of the future. Critics point to its price volatility, evidence of a Bitcoin bubble and other problems. With the price of Bitcoin having just fallen below $500 for the first time since May, both sides make valid points. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, a [...]
Britcoin vs Scotcoin: The UK cryptocurrency battle August 7, 2014 In the aftermath of George Osborne's announcement that the Treasury will investigate what role digital currencies can play in the UK financial system and the heated debate between Alex Salmond and Allister Darling on Scottish independence, could there be a better time to examine the fortunes of two competing UK cryptocurrencies? In the red corner, [...]
Isle of Bitcoin: Jersey to take on Bali as best place for cryptocurrency June 24, 2014 Jersey is set to take on the tropical island of Bali in a race to become the most attractive jurisdiction for Bitcoin businesses. Campaign group Bit.Coin.Je is hoping to solidify Jersey's reputation as a hospitable regulatory environment. Oscar Darmawan, CEO of Bitcoin Indonesia, recently launched a new initiative called ‘Bitislands’ in the hope of turning [...]
Barclays rolling out contactless payment wristband next month June 9, 2014 BARCLAYS will launch a contactless payments wristband for consumers in 2015, called bPay, with trials of the wearable technology starting at sponsored events this year. The company hopes that the device will encourage cash-free payments as consumers increasingly turn to card and contactless payments. The British Summer Time music festival in Hyde Park will be [...]
Bitcoin Britain: Could London become the capital of cryptocurrencies? June 4, 2014 Prospects for Bitcoin in the UK have been boosted over the past week after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a new fast-track initiative – Project Innovate. Speaking at the project's launch, FCA chief executive Martin Wheatley said, "positive developments" in financial innovation that improve the lives of consumers should be supported by the country's [...]
Darkcoin surges ahead of Dogecoin to become fourth biggest cryptocurrency May 22, 2014 The good news just keeps on coming for privacy-centered cryptocurrency Darkcoin. In just 24 hours the digital currency has jumped 30 per cent to $10 per Darkcoin. Darkcoin's market cap has raced ahead of peers such as Dogecoin, reaching $43.2m. Darkcoin is now within striking distance of fellow virtual currency Peercoin, ranking as the world's [...]
Darkcoin: The cryptocurrency putting privacy first May 12, 2014 One of the newest cryptocurrencies has been experiencing a surge in recent days. Created on 18 January 2014, Darkcoin has seen its price jump from $1.65 last Thursday to $2.58 today, while its market capitalisation has boomed from less than $7m to more than $11m. This new cryptocurrency has not been been created to lower [...]