CRYPTOCURRENCIES

A group of Japanese financial institutions are looking to create a platform for real-time currency exchange services. Read more: www.coindesk.com

Bitcoin trading is picking up pace in Japan after legislation passed by the government sees public trust improve.

BTC Relay is a bridge between Bitcoin and Ethereum that allows a user to pay with Bitcoin to use Ethereum. Read more: www.ibtimes.co.uk

Chain, a San Francisco blockchain company, has joined the Initiative for cryptocurrency & Contracts. With its membership, the firm brings a blockchain protocol to the party. Read more: www.informationweek.com

Investment in bitcoin and blockchain related companies is surging with a new study published Tuesday finally putting a figure to the investment boom. Read more: siliconangle.com

HEAT, a self-appointed blockchain 3.0 platform, has raised over $900k at current exchange rate worth of various cryptocurrencies in the crowdfunding drive which started on July 11. Read more: www.econotimes.com

The US government plans to auction over 2,700 bitcoin that were forfeited during several cases, including that of online black market Silk Road. Read more: fortune.com

France is receiving a new bitcoin ATM with GrupoBTC France, a subsidiary of ATM Bitcoin Exchange, installing the machine in the southern city of Montpellier.

Steven Waterhouse is leaving his role as partner and CTO at bitcoin and blockchain-dedicated VC firm Pantera Capital.

Bitcoin exchange Bitfineix is up and running again after last week suffering a security breach that saw 19,756 bitcoins stolen from users’ accounts.