Federally Chartered Banks and Thrifts May Participate in Independent Node Verification Networks and Use Stablecoins for Payment Activities
Yesterday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released a letter stating that national banks’ and federal savings associations’ had the authority to participate in independent node verification networks (INVN). The letter also clarifies that these entities can use stablecoins to conduct payment activities and other bank-permissible functions.

Top 10 Security, Technology, and Business Books of 2020
The Top 10 Security, Technology, and Business Books of the year is a list compiled by OODA CEO Matt Devost and is typically one of the most popular posts on the site every year. This year, an eclectic list that takes care to avoid pandemic related topics and features some deep cuts that you won’t find anywhere else.
Homeland Security Funds 5 New Projects Exploring Blockchain Technology
The Department of Homeland Security has released information on new projects that the agency will be funding to further the exploration and development of emerging technology, specifically blockchain. The agency has been focused on programs that can help refresh how it conducts operations, taking advantage of cutting-edge technology. The five
US unveils enforcement framework to combat terrorist, criminal cryptocurrency activities
The US has created a framework for how criminal usage of blockchain technology should be dealt with on behalf of the government. Although the possibilities of blockchain are considered to be some of the best recent technological developments, the dark side of this is that cybercriminals often rely on them
Singapore touts blockchain use in COVID-19 data management
Singapore has allegedly developed a blockchain-powered Digital Health Passport through its government-owned investment firm SGInnovate and Singapore-based startup Accredify. The technology offers a more efficient was to manage medical records, aiming to keep patient data under wraps and safe from cyberattacks. The application enables healthcare data to be stored in
House Energy and Commerce Greenlights Bill to Explore AI, Blockchain Use for Consumer Safety
Last week, bipartisan legislation was introduced to the House of Representatives that aims to direct the government into utilizing blockchain technology to secure transactions and protect US consumers from fraud. The bill has gained traction in Congress as it moves forward through the process of becoming law. The legislation, called
IRS Wants to Be Able to Trace ‘Untraceable’ Digital Currencies
The Treasury Department reportedly is investigating potential ways to trace currency that is known as untraceable, seeking to expand its visibility into cryptocurrency transactions. These transactions enable anonymity and allow for more privacy between the parties involved than most other blockchain-based exchanges. Cryptocurrency is transmitted virtually through a decentralized digital
Lazarus Group Targets Cryptocurrency Firms Via LinkedIn Messages
Lazarus Group, a North Korean-based APT, has been targeting the cryptocurrency industry through sophisticated phishing messages over LinkedIn. The nation-state threat operator has allegedly been conducting a widespread phishing campaign that targets a variety of businesses worldwide and appears to be financially motivated. The attackers are attempting to leverage the
Army Investigative Unit Looks to Detect and Trace Cryptocurrency Transactions
The Army Contracting Command, a top Pentagon investigative unit, announced plans to tap into an existing cloud-based solution in order to quickly detect unlawful cryptocurrency transactions. The entity invited potential new partners to offer opinions on their capacity to supply a cryptocurrency investigation service, stating that the application must provide
Advancing Blockchain Act Calls for Federally-Led Deep-Dive Into the Nascent Tech
Over the past week, new legislation was introduced aiming to mandate an exhaustive federal government-led examination of the impacts of blockchain nationally and globally. This specific bill was introduced by Rep. Brett Guthrie R-KY. and is part of a wider legislative package of 15 emerging tech-focused bills written by Republicans