Distributed ledger technology

Successful mobile payment players such as Starbucks, Alipay and WeChat Pay all rely on optical scanning technology rather than NFC to execute payments. It's time the rest of the industry take note, writes Maikki Frisk, executive director of the Mobey Forum.

The startup is betting that a venture offering safe storage of digital assets will entice billions from banks and other institutional investors.

Brian Behlendorf, leader of the Linux Foundation's effort to establish standards for blockchain, likens the invention of cryptocurrencies to the moon launch and says banks, open-source developers and others are working to make the underlying technology commercially viable.

While some are bullish on strong use cases for the industry, others are still skeptical about when — or even if — CUs will be willing and able to dive into blockchain.

Marco Abele and Oliver Bussmann are launching a blockchain that will let affluent people co-own horses, vineyards, paintings and other high-end items.

The bank consortium is going directly after the business of its former partner Ripple in the middle of their legal battle over an option for digital currency worth $1 billion.

Calls for less reliance on credit bureaus and Social Security numbers for verification are leading many to envision a future of identity on a distributed ledger.

The alliance aims to simplify application development for distributed applications that can be used by credit unions.

A new partnership between NAFCU and Hyperledger is said to be the first such alliance between the blockchain consoritum and a financial services trade association.

Reflections and insights from the CUNA Tech and Operations & Member Experience Councils conferences held recenlty in Phoenix.