Mastercard launches Mastercard Crypto Credential to boost trust in blockchain The Block

Mastercard has introduced Mastercard Crypto Credential, a set of common standards and infrastructure that will help verify interactions among consumers and businesses using blockchain networks. Mastercard Crypto Credential aims to provide a foundation for financial institutions, governments, brands, and crypto players, ensuring that those interested in interacting across web3 environments are meeting defined standards for the types of activities they’d like to pursue. Raj Dhamodharan, executive VP, Blockchain and Digital Currencies at Mastercard, said: “Setting up and scaling trusted ecosystems to enable commerce is not new to Mastercard. “We’ve done…

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin conviction ‘strong’ as it posts Q1 profit

Business intelligence platform MicroStrategy has reiterated its commitment to its Bitcoin (BTC) investment strategy after turning its first quarterly profit since 2020.  The Michael Saylor-founded firm went back into the green in the first quarter of 2023 with a profit of $94 million, which was largely attributed to a one-time income tax benefit of $453.2 million. Phong Lee, the firm’s chief executive officer explained in the May 1 statement that MicroStrategy’s “conviction” in its Bitcoin (BTC) investment strategy is as “strong” as ever: “The conviction in our bitcoin strategy remains…

Bhutan mines Bitcoin with hydropower since BTC price was $5,000

The Kingdom of Bhutan is bullish on Bitcoin (BTC). Following the revelation that the small Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan has been quietly accumulating crypto, the country is also mining Bitcoin. Moreover, the country of less than 800,000 people leverages green energy to power its Bitcoin mining operations. Known for its focus on “Gross National Happiness” and picturesque landscapes, Bhutan has found ways to harness its immense hydroelectric potential, which accounts for 30% of its GDP. First reported in an exposé in local Bhutanese News followed by inquiries from Forbes, Bhutanese…