Today in the crypto space, an attacker returned hacked Ethereum Classic funds, Bakkt posted a notable acquisition, and HSBC bank touted successful distributed ledger technology usage. Bittrex exchange also announced over-the-counter crypto trading and Russia saw possible bitcoin investment.
In more depth today, Crypto Insider explored Columbia University and IBM blockchain involvement. Additionally, the outlet dove into crypto as a way of learning financial markets, as well as crypto tulip analysis.
Catch the details:
$100k In Funds Returned After ETC Hack
One of the attackers from last week’s ETC hack has returned $100,000 in ETC to the Gate.io Exchange. The exchange reportedly saw about $271,500 ETC stolen from its wallets over the course of the attack.
The Gate.io Exchange reached out to the attacker on the matter but still has no clarity regarding the motives for the return.
Bitcoin Futures Market Bakkt Makes Its First Acquisition
Intercontinental Exchange’s (ICE) Bakkt has made its first acquisition, according to a Medium post from Bakkt’s CEO Kelly Loeffler.
Bakkt has acquired part of Rosenthal Collins Group (RCG). RCG is an independent futures commission merchant touting almost a century of experience.
Resulting from the deal, Bakkt will see improvements in several areas, including risk management and know-your-customer activities.
HSBC Says It’s Settled $250 Billion In Trades With Distributed Ledger Tech
Utilizing distributed ledger technology (DLT), world banking giant HSBC revealed it has “settled more than $250 billion in transactions,” according to Coindesk’s report today with information from HSBC’s press release.
The bank used its HSBC FX Everywhere operation to carry out 150,000 transactions and 3 million foreign currency exchange actions.
HSBC has enjoyed increased efficiencies and possibilities from the new tech platform.
“In particular, the bank said that using a DLT platform has allowed it to verify that payments are settled without needing external confirmation,” reported CoinDesk.
Bittrex Follows Major Crypto Exchanges In Launching Over-The-Counter Trading Platform
Bittrex appears to be the latest to throw its hat into the ring for over-the-counter (OTC) crypto involvement.
The Bittrex exchange currently touts roughly 200 cryptocurrencies on its current exchange, and plans to offer those same assets in an OTC fashion as well.
Russia Planning $10B Bitcoin Investment, Insists Kremlin Economist
According to Bitcoinist’s report on Russian economist Vladislav Ginko, Russia could be looking to bet big on bitcoin, investing “some of its USD reserves into Bitcoin, a move that could start as early as February.”
According to comments from Ginko, Russia must get rid of its U.S. Treasury bonds, due to U.S. sanctions, receiving USD in return. Russia reportedly might diversify into bitcoin, given this recent USD concentration.
Bitcoinist’s article also included Ginko’s expectation for a Bitruble, a product tradable for bitcoin.
