Unbanked

DeFi Should Look Beyond Tech Hubs for Growth

For DeFi to become a consumer-led phenomenon, it needs to stop focusing on places that already have good banking solutions.

Tech  ·  24 March 2021

What It’s Really Like to Live on Bitcoin in the Middle East

The story of a Syrian migrant in Iraq shows how bitcoin can work as intended – as a global currency that transcends borders.

People  ·  14 July 2020
COVID-19

An Indonesian Chef and the Remittance Industry’s $554B Problem

When the coronavirus forced Chef Bagus to conduct his cooking classes online, he needed a good payment system. There wasn't one, but his customers helped find a workaround.

Business  ·  13 June 2020
Ethereum

Libra Minus Facebook: Why Celo Is 2020’s Buzzy Token Project

With $30 million from Polychain and a16z, here's how the buzzy Celo plans to rival Libra on financial inclusion.

Business  ·  12 February 2020
ICOs

Blockchain for Inclusion? Gates Foundation Strikes Tepid Tone at Money2020

While it sees potential for distributed ledgers in supporting its mission, the Gates Foundation also notes limitations to the technology.

Tech  ·  23 October 2017
News

UN Paper: Pushing Bitcoin for Third World Issues Can Be ‘Techno Colonialism’

A new UN working paper providing an overview of bitcoin has criticised the attitudes of some in the bitcoin community towards the developing world.

Markets  ·  12 February 2016
Unbanked

The Quiet Revolution: Bitcoins for Grandma

Just as the Internet tore down informational disparities, technologies like bitcoin tear down economic disparities, says John Biggs.

Markets  ·  5 January 2016
Bitcoin

Why Wiper Added Bitcoin to Its Disappearing Chat App

Messaging could be the logical starting point for digital currency adoption, according to the CEO of bitcoin-enabled chat app Wiper.

Business  ·  9 March 2015
Regulation

Policy Experts Talk Transparency in Bitcoin at Foreign Affairs Event

Foreign Affairs hosted an event to discuss the issues around trust where cryptocurrency is involved in global banking, payments and identity.

Policy & regulation  ·  16 February 2015
Unbanked

Taking Bitcoin Beyond the Banked

Bitcoin is largely still a tool of the relatively privileged. So how do we level the playing field?

Markets  ·  28 October 2014
South Africa

Bitcoin Voucher Startups Aim to Help Africa’s Unbanked

British bitcoin service Azteco and South African start-up Xoin have separately launched two services designed for emerging markets.

Business  ·  7 September 2014
Unbanked

Can Bitcoin Deliver on its Promise to the World’s Unbanked?

Bitcoin offers financial services for underserved populations, but hurdles still remain before its potential can be realised.

Markets  ·  2 August 2014
Regulation

Bitcoin: A Means for Global Independence

As America celebrates Independence Day, CoinDesk looks at how cryptocurrencies are building a more independent financial world for everyone.

Policy & regulation  ·  4 July 2014
Bitcoin

37Coins Plans Worldwide Bitcoin Access With SMS-Based Wallet

The startup aims to provide universal bitcoin access via wallet that can be used on any cellphone.

Business  ·  20 May 2014