87. Forked off

Simon and Colin are joined by Antony Lewis, Director of Research, Cash & CBDC Strategy at R3. First up, Thailand has now approved a total of 4 cryptocurrencies. But the regulator has made clear that approval doesn't make the coins legal tender. Antony explains that there's a bit more going on here than meets the eye, it means that ICOs can accept the cryptocurrencies for funding (01:20). Next, it turns out that blockchain isn't the only option for APAC bankers. SWIFT is being touted as a great alternative and far superior to blockchain in terms of payments. Antony comments on the confusion around when do you pay and how SWIFT allows for tracking payment like tracking a parcel (07:21). To round out the show we've got a great interview from Colin with Steve Gattuso and Jacob Blish from the Alpine team who are behind the TCR Party project! They talk about (39:35). Other stories include: Facebook and Telegram Are Hoping to Succeed Where Bitcoin Failed London Stock Exchange Leads $20 Million Fundraise for Blockchain Startup Nivaura French President Macron advocates the use of blockchain in European agriculture We've got a great Tweet of the Week from @cburniske on mainstream developer traction. All this and so much more on this week's episode of Blockchain Insider. And why not send us your best tweets? See if you can get a shout out on the show! ​ We hope you enjoy the show and, as ever, don't forget to subscribe! ​ Want to join the conversation on all the topics discussed? Tweet the show @bchaininsider and if you really love the show, please leave us a review on iTunes. ​ This week's episode of Blockchain Insider was produced by Laura Watkins and Petrit Berisha. Edited by Alex Woodhouse. Special Guests: Antony Lewis, Jacob Blish, and Steve Gattuso. Links: Thailand Now Has 4 Approved Cryptocurrencies - Bitcoin News Blockchain isn't the only choice for bankers in the APAC - Tech Wire Asia Facebook and Telegram Are Hoping to Succeed Where Bitcoin Failed - The New York Times London Stock Exchange Leads $20 Million Fundraise for Blockchain Startup Nivaura - CoinDesk French President Macron advocates the use of blockchain in European agriculture - The Block