Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and the Future of Finance

The price of the world’s largest digital currency, bitcoin (BTC), reached an all-time high of $19,500 this month on Coinbase’s GDAX exchange. While the price has fluctuated wildly since that time, a trend that investors expect to continue for at least several weeks, the cryptocurrency’s rise in value shows the new technology is here for the long-term. The price, which has increased over 1,800 percent since the beginning of the year, reflects investors’ increasing confidence that these new forms of payment will become a permanent fixture of the financial system.

Global Blockchain – A Platform for Crytpocurrency Futures Trading

In total, the combined market value of all cryptocurrencies is at record highs around $500 billion. Financial analysts predict the launching of bitcoin futures trading and the development of new software tailored exclusively for cryptocurrencies will push the value of cryptocurrencies even higher. With cryptocurrencies’ infiltration into mainstream finance now unstoppable, established financial firms are scrambling to assess the risks and opportunities of not only cryptocurrencies, but also the proliferation of financial firms who have tailored their expertise to the emerging opportunities provided by the borderless currencies.

A prime example of this new approach to finance is Global Blockchain Technologies Corp., or more simply Global Blockchain (US OTC: BLKCF). The Canadian company exists at the intersection of a financial firm, a startup incubator, and a service provider.

Global Blockchain provides investors exposure to both established and upcoming cryptocurrencies and technologies. According to President and COO Shidan Gouran, the company’s investment portfolios are generally held by a wide assortment of cryptocurrencies. This effectively spreads the risk of cryptocurrencies’ notoriously volatile price fluctuations.

New Cryptocurrencies in Development

However, Global Blockchain’s business approach to cryptocurrencies does not stop at what Gouran calls the “basket approach” to investing. Global Blockchain has aggressively invested in emerging technologies and cryptocurrencies that will power the next generation of finance.

The company is involved in developing new cryptocurrencies. According to Gouran, Global Blockchain assists in development, compliance and initial coin offerings for new cryptocurrencies for several reasons. First, it allows the company to mold the development of the new cryptocurrency by, for example, implementing stronger security protocols. Second, it allows the company to assess the strengths and weaknesses of new currencies, giving it a leg-up against its competitors.

Driving Emerging Cryptocurrency Investment

Global Blockchain also actively invests in emerging cryptocurrencies. According to Gouran, the company assists in development, compliance, and the initial coin offering process. In addition to helping further develop new cryptocurrencies, it also allows the company to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each digital currency.

In 2017, Global Blockchain acquired Coinstream Mining Corp., a distributed mining technology company. Through the acquisition, the company hopes to “create partnerships with numerous technology vendors” that can harness the computing power of common household devices. According to Global Blockchain, Coinstream Mining Corp. works by utilizing “Distributed Mining” which pays individuals for downloading software that allows their electronics to help “mine” the currency. Global Blockchain hopes to harness the computing power of basic household devices like smart appliances and gaming systems to help “mine” the currency. The purchase of Coinstream Mining will reduce transaction costs for Global Blockchain itself while also providing another revenue stream for the company.

Influencing the Future of Financial Markets

Global Blockchain’s multi-pronged approach to harnessing the power of cryptocurrencies allows the company to focus on a volatile and unregulated asset class while also diversifying enough to reduce its institutional risk. The company’s investment portfolios with diversified sets of cryptocurrencies, its recently purchased blockchain mining company, and its incubator for emerging cryptocurrencies make Global Blockchain well positioned to become a dominant player in finance. Global Blockchain’s wide embrace of cryptocurrencies balanced with diversified revenue streams and diversified portfolios will likely represent the future of finance.