A Brooklyn, New York, man agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in what’s believed to be the first such case involving an initial coin offering -- the rough equivalent of an IPO for digital currencies, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Standards are important to push blockchain payments, but the systems also need dynamic scale, according to Byung Ik Ahn, CEO of Fantom Foundation.

Policymakers and industry officials should join forces in creating regulations and standards for cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence and other innovations before they become more widespread.

Ripple Labs Inc., the blockchain startup whose digital money is often used as a proxy for other cryptocurrency payments, is gaining new customers because financial firms are seeking faster, more up-to-date technology than the Swift banking network, Chief Executive Officer Brad Garlinghouse said.

A multichain architecture that allows synergy between different platforms is the only viable option for ambitious applications, writes Evan Kereiakes, core researcher at Terra.

BBVA, BNP Paribas and MUFG recently used BBVA's blockchain to reach an agreement within 24 hours — instead of two weeks — to lend a Spanish power company $150 million.

A new group aims to foster collaboration between fintechs and state and federal officials in the fight against crime — without hindering legitimate business innovation.