4.6.2016
Good to Know: “ We are actively exploring these issues and their implications.” – U.S. Securities and Exchange Chairwoman Mary Jo White putting everyone on notice that she gets that blockchain tech is en fuego and her agency’s got its regulatory eye out.
THE SKINNY
When You’re Not About Empty Threats …
Payments company PayPal had plans to set up shop (costing US $3.6 million) in North Carolina (NC). But, not anymore. It’s put the kibosh on that.
When You Need To Get Caught Up …
NC is pretty committed to what could be called its new LGBT discrimination law. Back in March, NC passed a law preventing cities from protecting the LGBT community and banning transgender people from using restrooms or locker rooms for the gender not listed on their birth certificates.
When You Don’t Listen …
The company’s CEO Dan Schulman joined a letter with over 80 other tech execs. The letter listed all the reasons why the then-bill was not a good look. The execs even warned that quality professionals would peace out of the state.
When You’re Back On the Market …
NC ignored the letter, passed the bill anyway, and now PayPal (and other projects) are back on the market and are looking for alternative locations. NC, say goodbye to what would have been 400 new jobs and US $3.6 million, at the very least…
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
Still DEL(ly) From The Block …
The U.S. state of Delaware is a fan of the blockchain. State governor Jack Markell just let the cat out the bag on what the state is calling “the Delaware Blockchain Initiative.” It’s the state’s way of saying to businesses incorporated there that they need to get up-close and personal with distributed ledgers and smart contract technologies. Kind of a big deal. BTW, if you want to hear more details on this from Markell, catch him giving the keynote at this year’s Consensus 2016 conference, which will be held from May 2- May 4, 2016 in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of…
QUICK POLL – RUN THOSE NUMBERS …
Check out all the fintech startups for all your banking needs …
THE STREETS ARE TALKIN’
When money goes social … PayPal-owned Venmo is now a thing with young people. And, it’s not all about the money. They just want to know what their friends are getting into on the app.
Owe your co-workers some coins? With the help of startup Current, workplace messaging app Slack will soon offer money transfer services to help you settle your office debt.
The British government just gave the go ahead to Boston-based startup Circle. In other words, for the first time, the government has given an electronic money license to a virtual currency company. London … Building its Innovation Hub one fintech startup at a time.
Speaking of building empires … Amazon is looking to make some fintech-related purchases.