Ep. 23. Bitcoin goes stratospheric, Ethereum Cryptokitties and R3 CEO interview

Colin has returned to the UK from his Australian adventure to join Simon back at our home in WeWork, Aldgate Tower. Once more, Bitcoin has hit a record high. But could the cryptocurrency's price be losing momentum? Bitcoin exchange Coinbase now has more users than stock brokerage Schwab, so what are the implications for its price? And, following its lawsuit defeat, Coinbase was forced to report some users to the IRS. Plus, as Bitcoin futures trading gets nearer, we ask why the price is still rising and what will contribute to its maturity?

Five blockchain predictions for 2018, including non-financial applications, the internet of things and smart contracts. But will governments advance cryptocurrency tax rules?

The cryptocurrency flash crash on the Bitfinex exchange caused uproar last week. So what caused it and could it have been avoided? Plus, was it really that bad? And, why did Bitfinex hire a law firm and team up with Tether? So many questions.

And - it's finally here...the story of the week. Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. We bring you - CryptoKitties. Sims for Bitcoin. We explore why oh why one special CryptoKittie sold for $117,000. One hundred and seventeen. Thousand. US dollars. But please, don't fork your kitties. And how is "a silly game about cats" accounting for 17% of the Ethereum network? We also consider the more serious implications, including why the ERC721 contracts are going to displace Ethereum ICOs in 2017.

This week we are delighted to bring you an interview with R3 CEO David Rutter. Simon and David talk about blockchain's arrival, the joys of gardening leave and R3's journey from start up to leading blockchain firm. They also discuss the development of R3's platform, Corda, and their work with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Project Ubin. We hear about the significance of anti-trust law, going through Series A fundraising and the advantages of being a network business.

Don't forget, this episode is sponsored by ZILLA, a new ICO marketplace app. Browse ICOs, upvote or downvote so the good ones rise to the top and, if you like an ICO, participate with one-click! Pre-register for the limited ZILLA beta app at ZLA.io/bi.

We hope you enjoy the show and, as ever, don't forget to subscribe.

Missing out on the conversation? Tweet the show @bchaininsider or to read more about the news stories and have your say visit fintechinsidernews.com.

Special Guest: David Rutter.

Links:

• Looking Heavy? Bitcoin Eyes Correction After New High - CoinDesk
• Bitcoin exchange Coinbase has more users than stock brokerage Schwab
• Coinbase ordered to report 14,355 users to the IRS
• CME Group to Launch Bitcoin Futures Contract & Bitcoin Hits An All Time High In Response
• 5 Essential Blockchain Predictions That Will Define 2018
• Government of Bermuda Launches Cryptocurrency Task Force
• Swiss Central Banker: Bitcoin 'More Investment Than Currency'
• 'Flash crash' on Bitfinex leaves crypto traders angry
• 'Flash crash' on Bitfinex leaves crypto traders angry
• The ethereum world is now obsessed with breeding cartoon cats
• The ethereum world is now obsessed with breeding cartoon cats
• More Devs, More Destruction: Another Zcash Crypto Ceremony Is Underway
• The battle against deadly fake goods goes hi-tech