Here are the top cryptocurrency news stories for the week of July 29 - August 4, 2018.

July 29, 2018

Ledger launches HODL and RecoveryCheck apps for Ledger Live

July 29, 2018 7:58 pm ET
Over the weekend Ledger released two new apps for its desktop companion Ledger Live. One allows you to use your device as a virtual keyboard, and the other is an assistant for checking your recovery seed phrase.

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RIP Crypto Grammy, Bitcoin HODLer forever

July 29, 2018 4:32 am ET
We are sad to report the passing of Miss Satoshi’s Grammy, a 94½ year-old crypto enthusiast who was a HODLer until the end. Rest in peace #CryptoGrammy.

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Japan’s self-regulatory Cryptocurrency Exchange Association plans new margin limits

July 29, 2018 12:04 am ET
The JVCEA, Japan’s self-regulated group of crypto exchanges, is planning to introduce margin limits of 4-1 in local trading. The move is expected to help prevent investors from wild price swings inherent to Bitcoin andother tokens.

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July 30, 2018

Happy Birthday Ethereum: celebrating three years since Frontier launch

July 30, 2018 1:47 pm ET
Started as an ambitious dream on Christmas Eve 2013, today marks three years since Ethereum Frontier launched.

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Sky Mining CEO Lê Minh Tâm disappears with $35 million, claims illness in Telegram video

July 30, 2018 3:34 am ET
Sky Mining, a Vietnam-based crypto mining company, appears to be a victim of fraud. Investors have been left with nothing after the CEO ran off with $35 million and closed the company’s operations.

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Gallup poll shows 26% of US investors are intrigued by Bitcoin

July 30, 2018 2:46 am ET
The Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index poll shows investors are intrigued by BTC, but still consider it to be a risky investment.

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July 31, 2018

Northern Trust expands blockchain operability amid work with crypto hedge funds

July 31, 2018 5:57 pm ET
As part of a more widespread adoption of blockchain, Northern Trust confirmed its plans to work with crypto hedge funds. The firm will also expand on its use of distributed ledger tech in its private equity workflow.

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Binance partners with Libra Credit to offer BNB token holders crypto-backed loans

July 31, 2018 10:48 am ET
Binance announced a joint venture with Libra Credit to offer holders of BNB token access to their fiat loans. Users can now put up various crypto assets as collateral and choose the fiat of their choice.

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Chilean payment platform Flow to allow crypto payments at 5,000+ merchants

July 31, 2018 10:29 am ET
Flow, a payment platform in Chile, now offers participating merchants the ability to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum and Stellar using Cryptocompra payment system from local crypto exchange CryptoMarket.

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Nasdaq hosts secret meeting to discuss crypto in Chicago

July 31, 2018 5:15 am ET
In an effort to validate cryptocurrency’s potential role in global markets, Nasdaq hosted a closed-door meeting in Chicago last week to discuss crypto regulation and ways the industry could improve the overall image of crypto.

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EOS blockchain activity surpasses all other tracked projects combined

July 31, 2018 1:00 am ET
Earlier today, DAPP development project EOS topped the leaderboard on blockchain activity tracker Block’tivity, which includes any and all blockchain operations, not just wallet-to-wallet crypto transactions.

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August 1, 2018

VeChainThor mobile wallet upgrade will enable offline storage of private keys

August 1, 2018 5:53 pm ET
The VeChain foundation has announced the release of v1.1.0 of their mobile wallet which offers users the ability to store private keys in an offline cold wallet.

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McDonald’s MacCoin is NOT cryptocurrency

August 1, 2018 1:41 pm ET
Despite headlines everywhere and MacCoin’s phonetic similarities to Bitcoin, it is not a cryptocurrency. The token is not tradeable and can only be redeemed for a free Big Mac before the end of the year.

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Bithumb issues freeze on new account signups as Shinhan Bank terminates contract

August 1, 2018 11:22 am ET
Bithumb has immediately frozen access to new bank-linked accounts in South Korea. The move is due to a fallout in its talks to renew its contract with Shinhan Bank and never reached an agreement with Nonghyup Bank.

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Trust Wallet acquired by Binance

August 1, 2018 7:45 am ET
In an ongoing effort to provide better service and to enhance the safety of their customers, Binance has announced the acquisition of mobile wallet application Trust Wallet and will add on-chain mobile wallets to the list of services they currently offer.

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August 2, 2018

Coinbase Commerce announces WooCommerce plugin, ability to send Bitcoin and Litecoin, and more

August 2, 2018 9:02 pm ET
Coinbase has just announced a new WooCommerce plugin that will open the door to crypto payments on millions of websites, the ability to send BTC and LTC from Coinbase Commerce, a new React component, and a Python library for the Coinbase Commerce API.

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Telegram Passport could be vulnerable to brute force attack

August 2, 2018 5:56 pm ET
Telegram announced a new identity verification app called Passport that may be vulnerable to brute force attacks. Virgil Security announced its findings in a recent blog post.

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CoinMarketCap quarterly update includes API upgrade and new features

August 2, 2018 10:31 am ET
CoinMarketCap announced in its quartely update that it will be adding new features that include a professional API update. Users will also see derivates pricing, an iOS app update, and a revamped blog.

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August 3, 2018

Coinbase announces dates for Ethereum Classic transfers and explores even more assets

August 3, 2018 11:08 pm ET
Today Coinbase announced a target date for accepting inbound transfers of Ethereum Classic and also announced they are exploring new assets which they may list on Coinbase Custody.

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Microsoft and Starbucks join NYSE to launch Bitcoin futures contract in November

August 3, 2018 10:10 am ET
Microsoft and Starbucks are teaming up with the NYSE to launch a one-day bitcoin futures contract in November. Several other partners will join ICE to make competition for the existing contracts on the CBOE and CME.

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Mt Gox Creditors lay out rehabilitation Bitcoin repayment plan

August 3, 2018 10:09 am ET
The Mt. Gox Creditors, the legal team for the defunct crypto exchange, have released a detailed proposal to repay the stolen Bitcoin. The outlined plan includes paying back victims in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, instead of fiat.

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OKEx releases statement regarding $400M+ forced liquidation

August 3, 2018 7:20 am ET
OKEx will be injecting 2500 BTC into its insurance fund after a $460M+ forced liquidation left a massive unsettled overhang.

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