The CryptoNewsAudio Podcast

As cryptocurrency seeks a route to mainstream adoption, ATMs may pave the way just as they have with other non-cash forms of payment in the past.

ATMs encouraged the adoption of electronic payments through a gradual move away from cash. Cryptocurrency ATMs may offer a similar route for cryptocurrency into the mainstream. Focus on overcoming challenges to adoption, including technological practicality.

Previously only usable on the internet, cryptocurrencies are becoming a mainstream option through the proliferation of specialist ATMs such as those provided by Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP). These establish a crypto equivalent to the ATMs of companies such as Diebold Nixdorf Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), the provider of a third of the world’s ATMs. Cryptocurrency is also appearing in other electronic payment systems, such as the point-of-sale solutions of Worldpay, Inc. (NYSE: WP), which is looking to add blockchain payments to its technology. Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), whose technology turns phones and computers into point-of-sale systems, is also looking at adding bitcoin to its services. Meanwhile, PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) continues to expand upon its established electronic payment system, showing how smooth integration with everyday life can lead to swift adoption of new technology.

According to a new paper from researchers at Imperial College London that suggests digital currencies are now primed for mass adoption, Bitcoin (Crypto: BTC) and other cryptocurrencies will become mainstream forms of payment within the next decade for goods and services on the strength of their increasing suitability for the role.

• Outsiders and even insiders struggle to maintain accurate understanding of rapidly evolving space
• Ratings agencies, indexes and industry analyst sites cropping up to address information verifiability deficits
• “Spendability” and usability emerging as acid tests for cryptos, ICOs and blockchain tech

Key factors driving the mainstream adoption of digital currencies, such as the ability to act as a store of value or function as a technologically superior medium of exchange amid the rapid rise of contactless and mobile payments, have already cemented crypto as a permanent fixture of the payments landscape. However, it is difficult for even well-versed investors to understand and evaluate the legitimacy of individual cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings (ICOs) and blockchain technology companies. This challenge has led to the emergence of ICO rating agencies and market analysis sites such as Cointelligence. Some of the key players helping to make sense of this increasingly complex space include payment solution developers such as Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP), Worldpay, Inc. Class A (NYSE: WP) and Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), as well as online credit marketplace developer LendingClub Corp. (NYSE: LC) and investor-focused fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR).

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the way the global economy works.

• Blockchain is the basis of the first global currencies.
• It can be used to remove barriers to international trade.
• By keeping all records on a single platform, it speeds up financial transactions.
• Ten years after their creation, blockchain currencies can be used on high streets through ATMs and apps.

One of the companies making blockchain payment accessible is Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP), whose ATM and point-of-sale systems are user friendly and offer distinct advantages over their competitors. Lending facilitator LendingClub Corporation (NYSE: LC), which has already helped millions find the financing they need, is looking at ways to incorporate blockchain into its systems. Point-of-sale specialist Worldpay Inc. Class A (NYSE: WP) is also experimenting with the addition of blockchain to its integrated payment systems. Mobile payment company Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) is testing the integration of premier blockchain currency bitcoin into its technology. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR) has followed a successful pilot with the acquisition of a patent for proxy voting and repurchase agreements based on blockchain technology.

Emergent fintech such as distributed ledger-based blockchain technology and the cryptocurrencies built thereupon are rapidly transforming the face of the financial industry, reshaping how money is used at an essential level. An explosion of fintech companies marks the dawn of this new era, quickly turning the financial institutions that historically have played middlemen into dinosaurs as an increasing number of businesses and individuals turn to peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-business (P2B) transaction options. This is a hot market for disruptive fintech developers such as Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (OTC: VRCP), with its cryptocurrency transaction confirmation application programming interface (API) Bit4Sure, real-time cryptography-based algorithmic cryptocurrency transaction validation engine NetoBit and crypto point-of-sale (POS) offerings such as NetoBit Pay that use the NetoBit application. For payment tech giants such as Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) and Worldpay, Inc. (NYSE: WP), or P2P lending innovators such as LendingClub Corporation (NYSE: LC), the iron is now ready to strike and blockchain powerhouses, such as Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR), will add considerable force to the hammer blows as the industry forges a new future for money.

While there remains some uncertainty about how forthcoming cryptocurrency and virtual currency regulations will shake out, “cryptocurrency is here to stay,” said Jason Huang, CEO of graphics card giant NVIDIA during a recent CNBC Mad Money interview. Factors sustaining this looming permanency include the need more than 2 billion people worldwide who are unbanked have for financial services — 15.6 million of those individuals in the United States, according to MoneyGram. ATMs offering cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin (Crypto: BTC) are rapidly emerging as an alternative banking paradigm, but only around half of the bitcoin ATMs support altcoins such as litecoin (Crypto: LTC) or ethereum (Crypto: ETH). There is substantial opportunity here for developers such as Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (VRCP), with its cryptocurrency transaction validation and ATM/POS (point of sale) offerings. Naturally, opportunity also encompasses risk for payment-processing tech developers such as PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL), Square, Inc. (SQ)and Green Dot Corp. (GDOT), or blockchain developers such as financial services industry heavy-hitter Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR).

The freelance employment market now comprises 34 percent of the United States workforce, according to a recent report, with freelance workers contributing approximately $1.4 trillion to the nation’s economy. Intrinsically connected with today’s freelance market, digital services has a compound annual growth rate of 6 percent and may be poised to become one of the next global economic drivers. Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to fuel the growth of the digital freelance services market by enabling secure, transparent and rapid transactions. Companies bringing “Blockchain” to new industries include Bitcoin Investment Trust (OTC: GBTC), MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (OTCQB: MGTI), HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (OTC: HVBTF) (TSX-V: HIVE), Global Blockchain Technologies Corp. (OTC: BLKCF) (CSE: BLOC) and Victory Square Technologies, Inc. (OTC: VSQTF) (CSE: VST).

Ever since it was introduced five years ago, virtual reality (VR) technology has been underwhelming due to the lack of content and the exuberant costs of headsets like Oculus. But this year, the VR market could grow by 25 percent, according to the Consumer Technology Association, thanks to new products announced by Google and others in the tech world. VR enthusiasts are also predicting that Steven Spielberg’s newest film, which depicts a futuristic VR universe, could push the technology into mainstream. However, the biggest boost to VR technology potentially comes from the integration of blockchain technology. This is where blockchain companies could bring the true potential of VR into life. Companies at the forefront of this technology include Victory Square Technologies, Inc. (OTC: VSQTF) (CSE: VST), 360 Blockchain, Inc. (CSE: CODE), Hashchain Technology, Inc. (TSX-V: KASH), BTCS, Inc. (OTC: BTCS), and Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA).

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB:SING) (“the Company”) announces the acquisition of ShieldSaver, which expands the Company’s blockchain initiatives into the automotive industry in an exciting way.

ShieldSaver is a technology company disrupting the automotive repair and maintenance industry. A trojan horse within the automotive industry, ShieldSaver has unique permissions—through contracts with multiple companies—to enter locations that are typically off limits, obtain critical vehicle data at those locations, and then make contact with vehicle owners regarding needed repairs on their cars. For instance, ShieldSaver is able to access vehicles parked in airport lots at Sacramento International Airport, Denver International and others; assess potential repair needs for those vehicles; and then leave information regarding the vehicle’s issues, along with ShieldSaver company contact information, for the vehicle owners. This is something that, currently, no other company is able to do.

As blockchain becomes better established, companies across a wide range of industries are finding ways to benefit from the technology. Payment solutions company Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) is providing blockchain services for logistics, payment, and high-risk businesses through a set of subsidiaries. Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) is seeing a period of growth as demand for its processing hardware rises to support blockchain software. Shopping chain Walmart, Inc. (WMT) has taken out a patent for blockchain-based package tracking and is working with IBM on blockchain food supply chains. United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) has also taken an interest in using the technology to track deliveries, investing in the future through the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance, and even oil giant BP plc (BP) has a pilot program to explore how blockchain could improve energy supplies and trades.

As investors enter the second quarter looking for signs of growth sectors, cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related markets remain at the top of the list in potential. In particular, the advantages of blockchain technologies and their secure, immutable shared ledgers are rapidly gaining recognition in the international trade and finance, security, gaming and healthcare sectors. Several companies are advancing programs to educate the broader investing public about blockchain technology. Those companies include SinglePoint, Inc. (SING), which has been aggressively making strategic acquisitions and building a diverse portfolio in the blockchain space. Other public companies pursuing opportunities in the expanding blockchain sector include Longfin Corp. (LFIN), Accenture PLC (ACN), Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (MARA) and Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK).

Renowned British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, before passing away March 14, 2018, recently offered this observation about artificial intelligence: “The rise of AI could be the worst or the best thing that has happened for humanity.” For those companies immersed in developing blockchain technology, the famous scientist’s words underscore the responsibility tech companies shoulder as the integration between this technological trend and the Internet of Things (IoT) opens up promising new frontiers. As a strong proponent of blockchain technology for the finance market’s logistics supply chain integrity and high-risk sectors such as legalized cannabis, Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) is determined to offer customized solutions based on fintech and blockchain services. Other notable players investing heavily in blockchain technology are Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Alphabet, Inc. (GOOG) (GOOGL), Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK) and CME Group, Inc. (CME).

It’s difficult to imagine childhood without a set of building blocks, be it Tinkertoys, Legos, or the tried-and-true backyard stick structures. Regardless of the construction method, the drive to solve problems and build something useful never really goes away, especially when it comes to business. In fact, it’s the anchoring thought behind the blockchain revolution made famous by bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology, described as a distributed database or ledger that maintains a continuous list of transactions or records, has the potential to disrupt any public or private sector. Companies actively pursuing and building on the opportunities provided by this technology include Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Oracle Corporation (ORCL), and United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS).

Investment in blockchain technology is growing rapidly. As innovators develop new ways to apply the technology to a range of industries, more companies are finding new applications for the technology and attracting increased funding from investors at the same time. SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) has attracted investment for a broad range of blockchain services, including applications in payment processing, logistics and health care. Visa, Inc. (V) is testing a new business-to-business blockchain payment service aimed at making international financial transactions easier. Mastercard, Inc. (MA) has registered a patent for a blockchain database to reduce the need for intermediaries and resultant delays in payment processing. International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is collaborating with a shipping firm to develop blockchain-based international logistics designed to smooth out global supply chains while HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSX-V: HIVE) (HVBTF) operates its own cryptocurrency facilities that seek to bridge the gap between new and traditional finance.

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB:SING) is pleased to announce the soft launch of its SingleSeed payment bitcoin payments solution. Additionally, SinglePoint management provides details and insight to the company’s activity in new ventures and pursuit of acquisitions in two major emerging markets: cannabis and blockchain. This corporate update includes an overview of each previously announced project and potential acquisition, as well as the progress on its 2017 audit and current revenue run rate for 2018.

Blockchain continues to become increasingly important in the financial technology sector. While some businesses are focused on pure blockchain solutions, others are considering how to integrate the technology into existing business practices to ensure its benefit to customers and enduring value as a technology. Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) has incorporated blockchain into payment and business consulting services for high-risk parts of the economy, as well as supply chain management. LongFin Corp. (LFIN) is making blockchain an integral part of import/export transactions through smart contracts, as well as using it to provide micro-lending, a vital banking service for entrepreneurs in many parts of the globe. MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (MGTI) has made cryptocurrency mining, a prominent blockchain service, part of its secure technology platform, while Global Arena Holding, Inc. (GAHC) is seeking ways to apply blockchain for greater security in elections. Patent licensing company Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (MARA) has invested in crpytocurrency mining as a way to broaden its technology-driven business. Across the board, companies are finding ways to integrate blockchain into existing work.

Blockchain technology has taken the world by storm. From its initial use as the technological architecture underlying cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, the technology has grown in popularity to the point that now an ever-increasing number of industries and applications around the globe make use of the innovative distributed ledger. Each day, the value of blockchain technology gains further ground as its myriad of potential applications attract the interest of new developers, users, and investors. Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING), Bitcoin Services, Inc. (OTC: BTSC), Glance Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: GLNNF), and HashChain Technology, Inc. (OTCQB: HSSHF) are among the public companies which have positioned themselves to benefit from the continuing growth of the blockchain phenomenon.

Change is coming in the financial sector. The desire for faster payments and better audit trails is leading companies away from traditional payment systems and toward innovation. Blockchain technology is increasingly relevant in this area, with companies such as Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) applying the technology to improve payment processing and logistics in the financial sector. Mastercard (MA), one of the biggest players in payment processing, has obtained patents to develop its own blockchain systems. Glance Technologies (GLNNF) (GET:CNX), which specializes in payment solutions for customers, has partnered with Netcoins Inc. to integrate blockchain-based cryptocurrency payments into its systems. Import/export payments can now be processed through blockchain smart contracts, thanks to LongFin (LFIN). Unsurprisingly, given all these developments, direct banking and payments company Discover Financial Services (DFS) has identified blockchain as one of the most important technologies for the future of payment.

Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, boasts tremendous disruptive potential in a wide range of industries, including finance, infrastructure, supply chain management and even healthcare. SinglePoint, Inc. (SING), a company with diverse interests and skills in the tech sector, has teamed up with ORHub, Inc. (ORHB) to create a blockchain-based solution to improve the way hospitals collect and utilize operating room data to reduce supply chain costs, while IBM (IBM) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are exploring ways of using blockchain to more effectively share and audit medical data. With companies like HIVE Blockchain (HIVE:CC) developing broader infrastructure applications, the potential for blockchain to improve efficiency across businesses is accelerating. It’s an approach being pushed from inside the healthcare industry, with UnitedHealth Group (UNH) also demonstrating interest in blockchain capabilities.

Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ) is a leading provider of blockchain cryptocurrency mobile apps and cloud-based business software solutions that specializes in providing customized web applications to the corporate world, higher education institutions and the public sector. The company’s strategic expansion into the investment fintech software space can be seen in the recent acquisition of the android app CryptoFolio, which securely tracks and manages Bitcoin and Altcoin portfolios. Epazz, Inc., which acquired the software rights, source code and user base of CryptoFolio, plans to add additional cryptocurrencies and languages to the app, along with an iOS version to attract more users.

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency unarguably have the potential to alter the future of money, finance, transportation and national security. While an increasing number of blockchain plays wind their way through the investment community, Victory Square Technologies Inc. (CSE: VST) (OTC: VSQTF) (FRANKFURT: 6F6) (WKN: A2AKL8) is demonstrating a particular measure of blockchain innovation potential in a wide range of industries, including payment processing, mobile gaming, and more.  Other companies seizing territory in the blockchain technology space include tech-giant IBM (NYSE: IBM), Walmart (NYSE: WMT), Visa (NYSE: V) and Hive BlockChain Technologies (TSX:HIVE.V) (OTC: HVBTF).