Romal Almazo Emerging Technology and Digital Asset, Adviser at Former Crypto and blockchain leas at CAPCO
Libra: the African blueprint and a long-term strategic play? Many might rightly argue that Libra is a strategic move by Facebook to help shore up its long-term survival and relevance. Mark Zuckerberg's affinity with micropayments can be traced back to Africa, where he sees great value in people buying things on their mobile phone. He has long want...
07 July 2019 Digital Asset Class (DAC)
Over the Counter (OTC) cryptocurrency trading is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. Here’s how it works, who the major players are, and its general pros and cons. OTC market size In April 2018, Bloomberg reported that the daily OTC market was anywhere between $250 million and $30 billion per day. This is compared to around $15 billion ...
06 February 2019 Digital Asset Class (DAC)
On Wednesday 23rd January 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority published a consultation paper (CP 19/3) called 'Guidance on Cryptoassets'. Read this if you want to understand if your crypto activity is deemed to be regulated by the FCA or if you want to better understand what the FCA will be focusing on. The FCA consultation period is now open
26 January 2019 Digital Asset Class (DAC)
This time last year, Bitcoin was nearing its zenith of becoming the biggest asset bubble in history. Driven by irrational investor exuberance and a fear of missing out (commonly referred to as 'FOMO'), it was possible to see 10x price increases across many cryptocurrencies. Stories abound the internet of people turning tiny investments, sometimes ...
16 December 2018 Digital Asset Class (DAC)
UK CRYPTO ASSET REGULATORY UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2018 by Romal Almazo On Tuesday 20 November, City & Financial hosted an event on the regulation of cryptocurrencies in London. In this blog, I will share the key messages imparted from the UK regulators at this event. SPEAKERS Christopher Woolard, Executive Director, Strategy and Competition, Fina...
24 November 2018 Digital Asset Class (DAC)
Arguably the technology of the decade, blockchain continues to be met with hype and cynicism in equal measure. Indeed, New York University recently offered its students the opportunity to major in blockchain technology, however many industry experts say we are yet to see blockchain’s widespread adoption for some time yet. But when it does, I be
13 October 2018 Blockchain Observations
This paper is the second installment of a two-part series on Initial Coin Offerings. In this paper, I explore what a good ICO looks like and identify the red flags that you need to look out for when considering an investment. 2.1. THE WHITEPAPER AND BUSINESS PROBLEM A whitepaper is a central communication tool founders use to raise funds and attra...
31 July 2018 /startups Digital Asset Class (DAC)
WHY MANY ICOs ARE A WASTE OF TIME In Part I of this paper I discuss why you need to exercise caution when assessing whether to invest in an initial coin offering (ICO). In Part II, I will provide you with the tools to properly assess an ICO based on a comprehensive selection criteria. INTRODUCTION As the ICO juggernaut rolls on in 2018, almost ...
06 June 2018 /startups Innovation in Financial Services
INTRODUCTION Bitcoin is ten years old this year. Created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency and the first commercial use of blockchain. Since its creation in 2008, it has taken close to nine years for Bitcoin to reach stratospheric bubble territory. In 2017 alone, Bitcoin’s price increased 1,300%. But this w...
16 May 2018 /startups Digital Asset Class (DAC)
INTRODUCTION In less than four months, the Bitcoin price has crashed 65% from its all-time high in December 2017. If history is anything to go by, the price is likely to experience further downward pressure in 2018. The largest crashes in history have seen asset prices retrace 80-100%. And after a large crash, history suggests a period of slow ...
01 May 2018 Digital Asset Class (DAC)
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