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Blog URL: https://xrpcommunity.blog/paper-tigers-and-real-bears/ In today's blog, I separate the paper tigers from the real bears, and go in-depth on the latest crypto market downturn, along with some of its causes and effects. 𝐑𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: SBI and R3 form a joint company starting in January; PC Mag interviews Asheesh Birla; and Brad Garlinghouse provides his perspective on Ethereum project contractions. 𝐂𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: David Schwartz describes how ILP has joined all new Cosmos blockchains, along with Ethereum. 𝐗𝐑𝐏 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: I describe possible technical improvements for an "XRP 2.0"; The XRP Community API is upgraded to provide real-time API data from 27 exchanges; and a new fan video summarizes the IMF's positive position on digital assets using a comedic technique. I hope you enjoy the read: Please feel free to share my blog with a friend or share it on any other platform - and thanks for doing so! My blog announcement links on other platforms: Twitter Reddit r/Ripple Reddit r/CryptoCurrency Reddit r/CryptoMarkets Reddit r/xrp Reddit r/RippleTalk Reddit r/alternativecoin Bitcointalk - alt coin sub forum Bitcointalk - XRP speculation thread

(please check my profile for prior threads: this post builds off my country threads) ***"this is all speculation"*** The Monetary Authority of Singapore For several years now, the Monetary Authority of Singapore has taken a proactive approach in exploring and trailing blockchain technology for it’s possible application into their financial system. Since 2016, MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) has established a regulatory sandbox allowing Fintech companies to experiment within regulatory parameters.¹ MAS has also collaborated with Deloitte, R3, and a consortium consisting of HSBC, J.P. Morgan,Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and etc. on Project Ubin. Project Ubin is a proof-of-concept (PoC) of interbank payments being facilitated by distributed ledger technology (DLT). The blockchain also introduced the concept of a digital SGD (Singapore Dollar) within the ledgers that is distinct from all current existing forms of digital central bank money. With Project Ubin’s ultimate goal is to explore and help reduce risks and costs for cross border payments and securities.² MAS has even taken a step further in nurturing the FinTech environment by signing multiple FinTech cooperation agreements with overseas financial regulators including Financial Conduct Authority, UK (May 2016), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (June 2016), Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (September 2016), Korean Financial Services Commission (October 2016), Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution and the Autorité des Marchés Financiers of France (March 2017), Financial Services of Agency, Japan (March 2017) and the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (June 2017). In a CNBC interview this past October, Sopnendu Mohanty (chief fintech officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore ) stated that in regards to Project Ubin’s collaboration between MAS and the consortium of banks.³ With the successful conclusion of Project Ubin last March, MAS stated that it was “in the early stages of discussions to develop links from Singapore to other countries using DLT to allow cross-border payments to settle directly using central bank accounts.”⁴ Which exactly aligns to implied future explorations on Project Ubin, cross border payments.⁵ The innovation occurring in the environment of Singapore has caught the attention of several nations due to it’s potential disruption in the current financial system. One nation being Bahrain, a country that has ambitions to be completely integrated in blockchain technology by 2020.⁶ The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Bahrain being tasked with this goal, has been observing MAS and their progress. Eventually leading to Bahrain having discussions with Singapore’s central bank to devise plans for a pilot blockchain project in the Gulf state.⁷ Potentially being a foreign partner in foreign currency transactions that Ravi Menon (the managing director of the central bank of Singapore) had hinted Project Uben wanted to explore in future phases of the project. And this further developed this past November when MAS disclosed that “a collaboration on cross-border payments with the Bank of Canada using blockchain technology” had been reached.⁸ The collaboration intends to expand Project Ubin beyond Singapore’s borders to Canada’s counterpart, Project Jasper. An interbank payment system developed by Canada’s central bank based off of distributed ledger technology.⁹ Gradually overtime, Singapore’s central bank has been able to negotiate and form partnerships with other central banks to explore the utilization of distributed ledger technology into the financial system and possibly build corridors based off the technology with one another. Enter Ripple When MAS was forming the FinTech regulatory sandbox in 2016, Ripple was sought out as a consultant for the establishment of the project.¹⁰ Not only did this demonstrate that Ripple is viewed as a leader in the FinTech space but that the company has expertise in understanding the importance of regulatory compliance between companies and regulators. Along with that, Ravi Menon (Managing Director of MAS) praised Ripple for having a solution to real-time gross settlement, currency exchange, and remittance thru DLT. Menon also stated that, MAS reaching out to Ripple also revealed that government institutions such central banks and financial regulatory authorities have been consulted and in discussions with Ripple for cooperation in the development of projects. Which is evident by the number of proof-of-concepts Ripple has participated with both central banks and regional banks. In latter reports on Project Ubin progress released by MAS, the central authority revealed that a prototype integrating the Ripple blockchain for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transactions across geographies would be trialed.¹² While in Singapore these past few weeks, multiple news outlets are reporting that Ripple is in discussions for its technology to be part of the MAS's blockchain experiment in cross-border payments.¹³ ¹⁴ The Bank of England also held it’s own proof-of-concept (PoC), selecting Ripple to help to demonstrate cross-border payments and settlement using two different Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems.¹⁵ The PoC intention was to demonstrate synchronisation of cash movements made using two simulated RTGS systems utilizing the open-source Interledger Protocol (RippleNet). The results of the PoC were ultimately shared later last year with words of encouragement for Ripple’s technology.¹⁶ The Bank of England sharing thru a report, The report ended by disclosing that Implying that the Bank of England and Ripple’s discourse has yet to end and leaving an open question on the possible utilization of XRP as a liquidity solution. And we know that Ripple has been holding discussions with several central banks and authorities thru social media. Notable examples such as Ryan Zagone (Director of Regulatory Relations at Ripple) with the central bank of Indonesia and Dilip Rao (Global Head, Infrastructure Innovation at Ripple) with Bahrain EDB’s Khalid Saad. Interestingly enough, this past December EDB’s Khalid Saad gave an insightful interview to Singapore Business Review on Bahrain and Singapore’s relationship in the financial technology space. When asked about Singapore’s innovation in FinTech, Saad replied by saying Also elaborating to a question regarding both country’s collaborations, With Saad’s photo with Dilip Rao, Bahrain’s intentions to build a corridor between themselves and Singapore, and MAS wanting to expand Project Ubin to partner countries utilizing RippleNet for cross-border payments, it certainly leaves the strong possibility that Ripple will more than likely be involved. And there is one other subtle but odd coincidence in regards to Bahrain and Ripple. There is, and appears to be an increasing an amount of nodes within Ripple’s network displaying conflicting time zones that are intended for the Bahrain region. One other noteworthy point, Khalid was appointed as CEO of Bahrain FinTech Bay (“BFB”).¹⁹ Saad will oversee the implementation of BFB’s long and short-term objectives which will certainly align with the nations goal to have country wide adoption on blockchain technology by 2020. Returning to the previously mentioned collaboration between the central banks of Canada and Singapore on cross-border payments based on the utilization of DLT, unveils subtle connections to Ripple.²⁰ MAS is not the only participant with ties to Ripple but the majority of the participants in Project Jasper have individually trialed Ripple technology or collaborated with the company.²¹ Banks and collaborators consisting of the Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD Bank, and R3 have all direct trials and collaborations with Ripple at some point in time.²² ²³ Essentially if not all, almost all Project Jasper participants are cooperating with Ripple already. In the latest report released on Project Jasper, future exploration on central bank to central bank digital cross-border currency exchange is a priority. Specifically on how might a single-currency DLT zone best be connected with other currencies .²⁴ The report puts the central banks collaboration into perspective while Ripple blockchain technology seems to be the next logical step to be trialed. Ripple’s prominence in the finance world has grown so much that just this past November, Ripple alongside the IMF, held a Central Bank Summit in New York City. The summit was able to gather more than two dozen central banks from around the world. The summit provide the right environment to provide Both the IMF and Ripple also went in depth on the current financial system’s structure and shortcomings in cross-border payments. Proceeding with the advantages of adopting distributed ledger technology and the issuing of central bank digital currencies.²⁶ The collaboration between Ripple and central banks is just at the beginning as Ripple now has a Infrastructure Innovation team geared towards central banks and market infrastructures that will focus on What the Future Holds It is safe to say that Ripple has not only positioned itself excellent in regards to central banks and regulators, but Ripple’s technology including it’s network and XRP, will also be compliant to however central authorities will want to impose regulations on cryptocurrencies. Implying that XRP will meet KYC, AML, and CTF standards in order for the digital asset to be adopted for both institutional and commercial applications. And because of the familiarity with RippleNet and understanding of XRP, central banks will be less likely to ban the digital asset outright considering it’s potential utilization as a liquidity solution for the markets. Both scenarios alluded to by MAS just this week, With Ravi Menon speaking on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, and mentioning that Currently regulators are beginning to cooperate with one another with the intentions to how properly regulate and address the growing cryptocurrency market.³⁰ Luckily both Ripple and XRP will probably be spared of any outright prohibitions of cryptocurrencies in the future, as most regulators will have at least been in discussions with the company in the past. An example being both Chinese³¹ and Japanese authorities being joined by South Korea for the regulations on cryptocurrencies in the region when the former group has held discussions with Ripple. One thing is certain though: in regards to central banks, authorities and regulators, both Ripple and XRP are in the perfect position to be potentially adopted for global application soon. Sources 1. http://www.mas.gov.sg/Singapore-Financial-Centre/Smart-Financial-Centre/FinTech-Regulatory-Sandbox.aspx 2. https://www.opengovasia.com/articles/7845-mas-introduced-sgd-on-ledger-concept-for-blockchain-based-interbank-payment-system-poc 3. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/26/singapore-cryptocurrency-blockchain-trial.html 4. http://www.mas.gov.sg/News-and-Publications/Media-Releases/2017/MAS-working-withindustry-to-apply-Distributed-Ledger-Technology.aspx 5. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/26/singapore-cryptocurrency-blockchain-trial.html 6. https://www.ccn.com/bahrain-signs-fintech-pact-singapore-amid-plan-country-level-blockchain-adoption/ 7. http://www.arabianbusiness.com/bahrain-in-talks-with-singapore-on-blockchain-pilot-665012.html 8. http://www.mas.gov.sg/News-and-Publications/Speeches-and-Monetary-Policy-Statements/Speeches/2017/Singapore-FinTech-Journey-2.aspx 9. https://www.ccn.com/singapore-canadian-central-banks-unite-blockchain-cross-border-payments/ 10. https://ripple.com/files/ripple_mas_sandbox_consultation_07_2016.pdf 11. https://ripple.com/insights/singapores-continued-investment-in-banking-innovation/ 12. http://www.mas.gov.sg/~/media/ProjectUbin/Project Ubin SGD on Distributed Ledger.pdf 13. http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/cryptocurrency-player-ripple-keen-to-set-off-blockchain-waves-in 14. https://themarketmogul.com/ripple-singapore/ 15. https://ripple.com/insights/ripple-selected-to-participate-in-the-bank-of-england-fintech-accelerators-exploration-of-the-use-of-blockchain-for-global-rtgs/ 16. https://ripple.com/insights/results-of-the-bank-of-englandripple-proof-of-concept-published-today/ 17. https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/fintech/ripple 18. https://www.bahrainfintechbay.com/single-post/2017/12/13/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-Singapore-and-Bahrains-FinTech-relationship 19. https://www.bahrainfintechbay.com/single-post/2018/01/14/Press-Release-Bahrain-FinTech-Bay-appointment-of-Chief-Executive-Officer 20. https://www.ccn.com/singapore-canadian-central-banks-unite-blockchain-cross-border-payments/ 21. https://www.coindesk.com/bank-canada-demos-blockchain-based-digital-dollar/ 22.https://twitter.com/Ripple/status/659442643827474432?ref_src=twsrc^tfw 23. https://ripple.com/insights/ripple-and-r3-team-up-with-12-banks-to-trial-xrp-for-cross-border-payments/ 24. https://www.payments.ca/sites/default/files/29-Sep-17/jasper_report_eng.pdf 25. https://ripple.com/insights/ripple-hosts-worlds-central-banks-to-explore-next-generation-of-payments/ 26. https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/11/01/sp103017-fintech-and-cross-border-payments 27. https://ripple.com/insights/exploring-innovation-payment-system-infrastructures/ 28. https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2018/01/127084-singapore-deputy-pm-responds-amlanti-terror-financing-questions-regarding-cryptocurrency/ 29. https://www.ccn.com/singapore-central-bank-chief-wants-cryptocurrency-to-survive-crash/ 30. https://www.coindesk.com/report-south-korea-eyes-joint-crypto-regulations-with-china-japan/ 31. https://cointelegraph.com/news/ripple-talks-with-peoples-bank-of-china-key-to-chinese-blockchain-market EDIT 3-16-2018 https://www.coindesk.com/singapore-central-bank-touts-blockchain-for-cross-border-payments/ EDIT 6-22-2018 "The Governor also mentioned that the bank has begun working together with the Bank of Canada, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and some private-sector organizations to upgrade inter-bank cross-border payments, including initiatives based on DLT." https://cointelegraph.com/news/bank-of-england-to-rebuild-settlement-system-to-interface-with-blockchain-platforms/amp?__twitter_impression=true EDIT 10-30-2018 (PAGE 28-32) BoC is working with MAS and BoE on blockchain cross border payments) https://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/presentation-251018.pdf EDIT 11-15-2018 EDIT 12-5-2018 https://www.coindesk.com/r3s-new-corda-app-supports-payments-in-xrp-cryptocurrency

...is xrp's potential for being used as "reserves." I came across this article that discusses the concept of "forex reserves:" http://www.nbdpress.com/articles/2017-06-08/2632.html Before reading this article, I've heard the concept of xrp "reserves" being purchased by individual companies or market makers as a tool for managing risk and being able to profit from volatility. (source: _https://www.xrpchat.com/topic/5280-valuation-models-xrp-the-digital-currency-vs-ripple-the-company/?do=findComment&comment=50182_) The concept was always part of a larger topic, and I guess I made a mental note and just kind of said to myself "Well, yeah, that would be cool. I wonder if that would happen with a large retailer like Amazon that does international commerce." I left it there in my thinking, like a shiny bauble that might get my attention again at some point in the future. After all, I'm focused on the big fish - the possibility of RCL taking over for SWIFT. And then I read a simple group of words from this article, and realized I'd been missing the power of a concept all these years. Here's the snippet: Did you catch that amount of USD that China uses for the sole purpose of ForEx? 3.05 trillion. The Concept Nation-state federal reserves will usually carry the main unit of currency used to make ForEx transfers. And currently, US Dollars are the de-facto currency used to do those transfers. What is SAFE? (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Administration_of_Foreign_Exchange) USD is Currently King of Reserves So how do we arrive at how much USD some other countries might just "store?" To do this, we need to compare the relative size of China's economy with other nations, and do the multiplication. Let's do this with a few different countries where Ripple has already established trade pairings: GDP of China: 11,218,281 ---> 3 trillion in reserves Japan: 4,938,644 ---> 1.3 trillion in reserves? UK: 2,629,188 ---> .7 trillion in reserves? India: 2,256,397 ---> .6 trillion in reserves? South Korea: 1,411,246 ---> .37 trillion in reserves? Basically, we can roughly estimate that these combined countries store approximately 6 trillion USD in reserves. Also, consider the fact that I'm not even considering businesses within these countries. Large companies tend to want to keep their own reserves of USD for exchange as well. And these companies can store very large quantities of USD in their corporate treasuries as well. I don't *think* nations would ever store a digital asset issued by a private company as a reserve, or if they did, it would be for boutique purposes most likely. A more likely scenario under the current system would be central reserves creating their own IOU on RCL. However, we can use the concept of "reserve" to understand how very large companies might want to snap up XRP at large quantities. So now, go back to the articles here on XRPChat where JoelKatz was talking about the concept of "reserves," and now three of his points should make more sense: (source: _https://www.xrpchat.com/topic/5280-valuation-models-xrp-the-digital-currency-vs-ripple-the-company/?do=findComment&comment=50182_) This is the way currency "reserves" work now for nations - and for large companies - and it is a very exciting prospect for XRP! What About the Future For World Reserve Currencies? There is a possibility that XRP could play a role in national reserves: In an exciting development, a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development calls for abandoning the US Dollar s the single reserve currency. It says that the new reserve system should (Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-dollar-reserves-un-idUSTRE65S40620100629 ) The report goes even further: IMF Connection to Ripple So now we see the connection to the IMF, and now we can understand much better what Chris Larsen (and Ripple's) role *might* involve with the IMF Advisory Committee. If the SDR's are going to operate using a "basket of currencies", what technology do you think is best for representing that basket using an IMF-backed, redeemable IOU? Seriously? This type of usage couldn't be a better fit for RCL and XRP. Is your crypto portfolio on the right side of history? ###### DISCLAIMERS ###### THIS IS NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE PLEASE DO NOT TRADE CRYPTO WITH LEVERAGE I DO NOT HAVE ANY INSIDE INFORMATION I STILL OWN MTG CARDS

blog URL: https://xrpcommunity.blog/early-warning-adoption-signals-detected/ A tectonic shift in the market is well under way! Find out more in my latest blog. 𝙍𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨: AMB Crypto reports strange wallet activity and ledger volume; and Brad Garlinghouse and Ross Leckow discuss ASEAN and regulation. 𝙓𝙍𝙋 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨: WietseWind rolls out XRParrot to European users; TOK exchange announces support for XRP; A massive SWISS investment fund pledges to spend 30% of its money on purchases of XRP; Crypto.com offers a prepaid MCO Visa card allowing you to spend your zerps; XRP Scan goes live; and @cz_binance sends out a strange tweet to XRP Community Hope you enjoy this latest edition: Please leave any feedback below, and feel free to share my blog on any other platform you wish! - And thanks for doing so! My blog announcement links on other forums: Twitter Reddit r/Ripple Reddit r/CryptoCurrency Reddit r/CryptoMarkets Reddit r/xrp Reddit r/RippleTalk Reddit r/alternativecoin Bitcointalk - alt coin sub forum Bitcointalk - XRP speculation thread

I understand many people are getting 'hyped up' about the potential SEC ETF decision tomorrow (5th november) however i am more interested at present in what Ryan Zagone (Ripples regulatory guy as I understand) has to say tomorrow about major developments with the IMF as he stated on Twitter. Been invested since August 2017 so not a newbie but certainly not one of the old guard, interested in what other people think regarding tomorrow's 'announcements'. Try to keep up with developments as much as possible but know many of you are much more informed than me! Thanks.

Here's a paper from the International Monetary Fund that I believe has been overlooked... from reading it we can certainly gather that the IMF does not think that the digital transformation is going away... The Long and Short of The Digital Revolution FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT, JUNE 2018 By MARTIN MÜHLEISEN (director of the IMF’s Strategy, Policy, and Review Department) http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2018/06/impact-of-digital-technology-on-economic-growth/muhleisen.htm "This digital transformation results from what economists who study scientific progress and technical change call a general-purpose technology—that is, one that has the power to continually transform itself, progressively branching out and boosting productivity across all sectors and industries. Such transformations are rare. Only three previous technologies earned this distinction: the steam engine, the electricity generator, and the printing press. These changes bring enormous long-term benefits." "But make no mistake—the digital revolution is well under way. In addition to transforming jobs and skills, it is also overhauling industries such as retailing and publishing and perhaps—in the not-too-distant future—trucking and banking."

This is a cross-post from my reddit post. On May 8th, The IMF (International Monetary Fund) Deputy Managing Director Tao Zhang hold a speech on Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank Conference. Topic: Digitization of Money and Finance: Challenges and Opportunities Full speech is available here: http://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2018/05/08/sp050818-digitization-of-money-and-finance-challenges-and-opportunities He went through the folloging steps: First, I will discuss how financial services may be transformed by the adoption of financial technology; Second, I will examine how crypto-assets rise may pose challenges to financial integrity and stability; Third, how central banks and regulators can mitigate potential stability risks without impeding innovation; And finally, I will highlight the work the IMF is doing to help its 189 member countries address these challenges. He made references to useful services: "Some useful technology is being developed to improve market efficiency. For example, services have slashed from days to minutes the time it takes for cross-border payments to reach destinations. These include relatively small firms like BitPesa in Africa and BitOasis in the Middle East and such well-known companies as Western Union and Moneygram." He gives the answer on how regulators and central banks should respond? First, regulators need to complement their focus on entities with increasing attention to activities. This responds to the reality that an increasingly diverse group of firms and market platforms are providing financial services. Second, governance needs to be strengthened. Rules and standards will need to be developed to ensure the integrity of data, algorithms, and platforms—in other words, to ensure that they operate in a manner that does not expose consumers or the financial system to undue risk. Third, policy options could be considered to support open networks, and licensing policies could be adjusted to help foster competition. Fourth, legal principles need to be modernized. Maintaining trust in financial services may also require the development of new legal frameworks to clarify rights and obligations within the new financial landscape. They already begun! He confirms: "In fact, a group of central banks is actively experimenting with the use of digital currencies and distributed ledger technology with the aim of making cross-border payments more efficient."

As Blockchain Week in NYC ends, you'll want to read my wrap of events affecting XRP and Ripple. This blog includes a fascinating "buzz" info-graphic about what people were talking about the most in the first two days in NYC. In addition, I analyze comments from two different Federal Reserve leaders that gave speeches this week and commented about cryptocurrency. Also included is information about Ripple's latest business deals and developments, including MUFG, Xpring, and Coil. I hope you enjoy the read - please leave any feedback below. Please feel free to share my blog - with a friend or on any other platform - and thank you for doing so! Twitter Reddit r/Ripple Reddit r/CryptoCurrency Reddit r/CryptoMarkets Reddit r/xrp Reddit r/RippleTalk Reddit r/alternativecoin Bitcointalk - alt coin sub forum Bitcointalk - XRP speculation thread

According to IMF's Global Financial Stability Report: A Bumpy Road Ahead XRP is the least dependent on BTC compared to Monero, Ethereum and Litecoin. See added image and the full report can be found here. http://www.imf.org/en/Publications/GFSR/Issues/2018/04/02/Global-Financial-Stability-Report-April-2018 There are a number of interesting topics they address, but I haven't had the time to go through it all. If someone wants a break from staring at the prices, be my guest and go find so more interesting stuff

https://blogs.imf.org/2018/04/16/an-even-handed-approach-to-crypto-assets/

In my latest blog entry, I discuss the increasing volume for XRP worldwide, and the implications from recent hedge fund announcements. I also analyze recent trends for XRP and Ripple as 2018 approaches. Hope you enjoy the read - please leave any feedback below. Feel free to share my blog with others and on other media, & thank you for doing so! My blog announcements on other media: Twitter Reddit r/Ripple Reddit r/CryptoCurrency Reddit r/CryptoMarkets Reddit r/xrp Reddit r/RippleTalk Bitcointalk - alt coin sub forum Bitcointalk - XRP speculation thread

Did we miss this one? I did not see it posted. http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/11/01/sp103017-fintech-and-cross-border-payments

I focus on XRP in this blog entry, and highlight the news of the first production usage of xRapid - Ripple's solution that uses XRP for sourcing liquidity. In the last week, I was struck by the scale of the latest good news: the announcement of xRapid's first usage before SWELL. The term "tipping point" has been debated previously for XRP's use case, and now those discussions will have a whole new flavor... Thank you for reading & hope you enjoy - as always, feel free to share on any other media. My other blog announcements: Twitter Reddit Bitcointalk - alt coin sub forum Bitcointalk - XRP speculation thread

Hello guys! I would like to hear your thoughts on this article in which the IMF warns of a possible systemic risk in the Japanese banking system, including the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group which I believe is a Ripple partner. Is it the IMF plowing the ground to bring the solution when things turn dark? https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2017101100951

Instead of building another walled garden, Ripple has chosen to connect the world's payment systems together. They will succeed with XRP and ILP working together! In this blog entry, I discuss what some have come to realize intuitively; that Ripple has a visionary strategy compared to other competitors (like R3, e.g.) Instead of building an island where everybody has to jump on, they enable banks to continue using their own preferred ledgers and integrating with ILP. If banks then wish to save even more money, Ripple is now nearing the point when those banks can flip a switch and start adding XRP liquidity. I discuss those points in the blog; Hope you enjoy the read & as always, please feel free to share on any other media (and thank you in advance for doing so!) My blog announcements on other media: Twitter Reddit Bitcointalk - alt coin sub forum Bitcointalk - XRP speculation thread

This is my latest blog: It's my response to a paranoid zerohedge opinion piece where I talk about the difference between privacy and anonymity and the benefits of a world currency. I hope you like it - let me know your feedback positive or negative, and as always, feel free to share on other media! Reddit Twitter Bitcointalk

And here is in a other very good and clear article by American banker: the banks' logical way of thinking that I was expecting: they may not end up using XRP at all, they may just create their own PRIVATE token for their own transfer needs. And what's more, government sponsorship might inspire greater trust in the technology and help to stabilize the exchange rate, cause yes this volatility is not very trustworthy right now. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/imf-digital-currency-could-remake-cumbersome-cross-border-payments

https://xrphodor.wordpress.com/ My 2nd blog post; All I had to do is discuss the facts... Ripple is making it too easy!

Anyone noticed the connection? BTC = China coin ? https://crushthestreet.com/articles/digital-currencies/chinas-bitcoin-dominance ETH = Russia Coin? https://cointelegraph.com/news/suddenly-vladimir-putin-meets-vitalik-buterin-endorses-ethereum XRP = IMF Coin? http://www.coindesk.com/imf-just-finished-first-high-level-meeting-blockchain/ Has the lines already been drawn without us the small frys even noticed it?

Hello all, This afternoon I found a publication by the IMF regarding virtual currencies. I know it's a bit outdated (January 2016), but I still think it's very interesting and I thought it would be worth to share with you guys. Any thoughts or comments on this are welcome. The publication is free to download in PDF format: http://www.imf.org/en/publications/staff-discussion-notes/issues/2016/12/31/virtual-currencies-and-beyond-initial-considerations-43618 Summary: New technologies are driving transformational changes in the global financial system. Virtual currencies (VCs) and the underlying distributed ledger systems are among these. VCs offer many potential benefits, but also considerable risks. VCs could raise efficiency and in the long run strengthen financial inclusion. At the same time, VCs could be potential vehicles for money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and fraud. While risks to the conduct of monetary policy seem less likely to arise at this stage given the very small scale of VCs, risks to financial stability may eventually emerge as the new technologies become more widely used. National authorities have begun to address these challenges and will need to calibrate regulation in a manner that appropriately addresses the risks without stifling innovation. As experience is gained, international standards and best practices could be considered to provide guidance on the most appropriate regulatory responses in different fields, thereby promoting harmonization and cooperation across jurisdictions.

In reading through some very recent developments, it is quickly becoming clear to me that there are very powerful forces that might be working behind the scenes on usage of the new financial technology for distributed ledgers, whether this is the form of the RCL, an open-source blockchain, or even an altcoin. Central Banks The Central Bank of England conducted trials of distributed ledger technology with Ripple recently. (source: http://www.bankingtech.com/775302/bank-of-england-teams-with-ripple-for-cross-border-payments/) Then just a couple days ago, Russia's Central Bank Deputy Chairman Olga Skorobogatova was quoted as saying that: (source: http://tass.com/economy/949263 ) This indicates a gathering storm in the central banks to adopt some sort of standardized distributed ledger technology. One of the international organizations that is charged with standards across nation-states is the International Monetary Fund. The IMF One of the IMF's goals is "Capacity Development" of its member countries. Here's the official definition of "Capacity Development": (source: https://www.imf.org/en/About ) And guess what? Ripple is there too. Chris Larsen is the only member of the IMF Advisory group who works for a company with a digital asset (XRP) (source: http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/03/15/pr1784-imf-managing-director-welcomes-establishment-of-high-level-advisory-group-on-fintech) Starting to connect the dots? Company Investments and Interests In addition, we just learned that SBI has acquired a majority share in R3, giving them the ability to standardize the open blockchain-based DL to integrate using ILP, potentially opening hundreds of doors to potential usage of the RCL and XRP. (source: http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Japan-s-SBI-megabanks-take-stakes-in-blockchain-group-R3?page=1 ) Remember, SBI also owns 17% of Ripple, and has a seat on the Ripple board! (source: http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASDZ28HX8_Y6A120C1TJC000/ and https://ripple.com/company/board-of-directors/) Globalization Organizations And now, to top it off (and this is where you conspiracy buffs will want to lean in closer to the monitor and cover that webcam pointed at you), there was an article yesterday that stated that Banco Santander will be an invitee to the Bilderberg Group in 2017. (source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/02/bilderberg-secretive-conference-eric-schmidt) And remember, Santander was one of the original angel investors in Ripple! (source: http://www.businessinsider.com/santander-innoventures-invests-4-million-in-ripple-labs-2015-10 ) We already know about the incredible headlines that Ripple is making at conferences and through official channels, but sometimes its good to analyze the backchannels as well, to get some indication of where things *might* be heading! And to tell you the truth, I strongly believe that these connections point to the RCL - and XRP - being used in a very big way! ############################################################### DISCLAIMERS: I DO NOT HAVE INSIDE INFORMATION THIS IS NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE DO NOT INVEST IN ANY CRYPTO WITH LEVERAGE I AM NOT A MEMBER OF SKULL AND BONES ###############################################################

I'd like to launch a discussion on what variables people should be mindful of in speculating XRP appreciation or depreciation. Rumors, news, particulars in technical analysis - Exactly what should investors look for from your personal perspective? I think this could be a deeply fruitful discussion if we reveal how we reason our predicted trajectories on XRP's price.

The IMF wields enormous influence over nation-level financing worldwide. This is evident not only from the tentacles of its financing apparatus that can make or break the national reserves of entire countries, but also from its role as a potential problem-solver in developing countries, or countries with political issues or imminent military conflict. This level of influence is not without the cost of frequent political protest. What is the IMF? The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries (and their citizens) to transact with each other. (source: https://www.imf.org/en/About ) Sound like it's in Ripple's wheelhouse? It should. Ripple's goal is to make XRP "the .... institutional standard for digital value transfer globally." (source: Miguel Vias @ Consensus 2017 *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiNDDWZs0b4*) What does the IMF Do? According to their own information, they do three things: Surveillance Lending Capacity Development Here's what "Capacity Development" is defined as: Delving further: Again, this is their own public information, freely available (source: http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/tech.htm ) Ready for the Twist? Do you see where I'm going yet? So, let's take the final step. What were their latest actions specifically with regards to Ripple and other financial technology companies? On March 15, 2017, the IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, formed an advisory group. It's purpose: (source: http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/03/15/pr1784-imf-managing-director-welcomes-establishment-of-high-level-advisory-group-on-fintech) So if you don't already know, guess who is a member of that advisory group? Our own Chris Larsen! (Executive Chairman of Ripple) Remember one item: No representative of any other crypto-currency was invited to participate. ONLY XRP. The other financial technology group members are a potpourri of new fintech innovators. The IMF wields enormous influence on the 189 member nations, and exists with their support, and at their behest. But it also fulfills its mission to enhance those member nations' technological capabilities and to standardize the way in which financial information is communicated. In addition, it is the IMF's best interests to embrace new technological innovations such as ILP, payment channels, and the RCL's method of conducting ForEx exchanges and settlement in seconds instead of days. These Ripple innovations are completely in-line with the IMF's goals for capacity development. SWIFT might act in a protectionist manner to enable it's member banks to continue to "hold" our money in float for days, but the IMF has no patience for protectionist practices that inhibit its global goal of capacity development. Are you starting to believe?

"I also believe central banks may include cyber-currencies (such as bitcoin) in their reserves. If you think that’s mad, consider that mankind has long sought scarcity – be it with shells, stones or metallic elements – to store wealth. Now the money-printing taboo has been broken by yet another generation, it makes sense to use complex computer algorithms to ensure that only a certain amount of a particular currency unit can ever exist." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/liamhalligan/10978178/The-dollars-70-year-dominance-is-coming-to-an-end.html

This may be a topic that has already been covered, and I am too lazy to search through 3k+ threads to find it. I am writing down my experience as I project my assumptions into the future, where XRP is the river that all other forms of value float upon. I see XRP being adopted by the largest banks first, showing a real use-case that will be the jumping point needed for all other banks to make the same change with confidence. Do or die. Forced to comply, XRP will be adopted quickly. I understand that the ILP is really the only thing that is necessary, but when you get Paychan and Escrow with RCL using XRP it is a no-brainer! *bank committee* "Hey, should we like...adopt this RCL thing? I mean, it does work reaaally well....or should we like, try to come up with our own way of working something into our ILP like Paychan or Escrow" Nope. They will jump on board. When you are on a sinking boat, you get on the life-boat that is available, given the available one is reliable and efficient. Get everyone talking with the ILP, show them how cool the Paychan and Escrow additions are and they will slide right on in to using the RCL. Bingo. Second step is going to be to really sell the crap out of it. It is a stock, essentially. Get the price down low (not insinuating that Ripple has anything to do with it, but that everyone's goal is stability for adoption) and get as many banks onboard as possible. Then you let this beast free into the wild, and sell the crap out of it! The smaller banks are probably going to be absorbed into the larger, is my prediction, as the larger banks are best positioned to hold the most XRP before it goes up significantly in price whereas the smaller banks face higher adoption prices and rough implementation. Hence, the absorption. Again, this is only MY prediction. Down the road, I see apps developed to allow people to use XRP to transfer value for a P2P purchase. XRP is used to transfer money instantly on the stock market...(Right, Miguel?) I see XRP as having a far-reaching arm that will have fingers in everything. Essentially, we are creating a global currency that will be worth more than any other currency using it. Yeah, yeah bitcoin shmitcoin. I'm talking a global currency that will be happily adopted by the global banking community....you know, the one that the majority of the civilized world uses on a daily basis. A New World Currency. NWC. Can I coin that?