Blockchain
HIVE Blockchain Updates on Anticipated Cost Reductions; Announces RSU and Option Grants
HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSX.V:HIVE) (OTCQX:HVBTF) (the “Company” or “HIVE”) is pleased to announce that it now anticipates an approximately 40% reduction in the Company’s operating and maintenance costs at its GPU mining facility in Sweden, compared to such costs under its previous service provider agreement which it ended in November, 2019.
The updated cost reduction figure is higher than the approximately 25% that the Company had previously anticipated, as announced in its December 2, 2019 press release. This improvement is the result of locking in a lower than anticipated electricity rate, stemming from an unusually warm winter in Sweden, for a majority of the Company’s electricity costs via hedging agreements that will continue through 2020. Electricity, which is provided through green energy, comprises the majority of the Company’s operating and maintenance costs.
“We’re extremely pleased to have locked in advantageous electricity prices in Sweden through our direct agreements with local suppliers, the result of HIVE assuming full control of its Sweden operations in November,” said Frank Holmes, Interim Executive Chairman of HIVE. “This provides cost certainty and allows us to plan for our next stage of growth. It is another successful step in our efforts to increase our underlying mining profitability in 2020.”
HIVE is one of the world’s largest public miners on the Ethereum blockchain. The Company’s Sweden facility comprises the bulk of HIVE’s current mining operations, along with a significantly smaller GPU mining facility in Iceland. The Company has previously announced it is reviewing opportunities to improve profitability at its Iceland facility or relocate its GPU mining equipment there to a lower cost jurisdiction.
“For the past two years, HIVE’s share price has been relatively correlated to the price of Ethereum, in part due to traders using our publicly listed and relatively liquid shares as a proxy for holding the cryptocurrency,” noted Mr. Holmes. “That correlation unfortunately became decoupled last spring following our proxy battle. However, we are pleased that thus far in 2020, our efforts through 2019 to assume control of and improve our mining operations combined with the increasing adoption of the Ethereum blockchain and increasing investor interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, has resulted in similar investor interest in HIVE.”
The Company also announced that the Board of Directors has approved the grant of 3,000,000 incentive stock options; 500,000 options each were granted to the Company’s directors and certain officers which vest over 24 months. The options are exercisable into the equivalent amount of common shares of the Company at a price of C$0.29 per share. The grants are subject to the approval and rules of the TSX Venture Exchange and the Company’s incentive stock option plan. All options will expire on February 10, 2030. The Company’s Board has also approved the grant of an aggregate of 3,100,000 restricted share units (“RSUs”); 500,000 RSUs each were granted to the Company’s directors and certain officers, and 100,000 to a consultant to the Company which vest over 24 months. Each vested RSU entitles the holder to receive one common share of the Company.
Prior to the grants, the Company had approximately 327 million issued and outstanding common shares and approximately 18 million stock options.
The Company’s Stock Option Plan and Restricted Share Unit Plan were re-approved by shareholders at HIVE’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders on December 18, 2019.
SOURCE HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd.
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin)
Blockchain technology continues to drive innovation across industries, reshaping finance, infrastructure, and philanthropy. Today’s news roundup explores exciting developments in blockchain ETFs, tokenization funding, quantum-resistant chips, public blockchain initiatives, and impactful social projects. Here’s a deep dive into the latest blockchain headlines:
BlackRock ETF Embraces Blockchain with First Muni Bond Purchase
BlackRock’s blockchain-focused ETF has made its first foray into municipal bonds, signaling increased confidence in integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance. The ETF’s strategic investment demonstrates how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in bond markets.
By tokenizing municipal bonds, BlackRock aims to simplify trading and settlement processes while reducing associated costs. This development underscores the growing role of blockchain in transforming financial instruments and fostering greater market accessibility.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Plume Secures Funding for Tokenization Platform
Blockchain fintech company Plume has raised significant funding to advance its tokenization platform. The company’s innovative approach enables businesses to convert real-world assets into digital tokens, streamlining asset management and unlocking liquidity.
Tokenization is rapidly gaining traction as a game-changer in sectors such as real estate, art, and commodities. Plume’s success reflects a broader trend of investment in blockchain solutions that bridge the gap between traditional assets and decentralized technologies.
Source: Fortune
SEALSQ and Hedera Partner for Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Chips
SEALSQ and Hedera have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop quantum-resistant chips designed to secure blockchain infrastructure. These advanced chips will provide robust protection against future quantum computing threats, ensuring the integrity of blockchain networks.
As quantum computing capabilities evolve, safeguarding blockchain ecosystems becomes increasingly critical. This partnership highlights the importance of proactive measures in maintaining the resilience and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.
Source: The Quantum Insider
Deutsche Bank’s Public, Permissioned Blockchain Initiative
Deutsche Bank’s Layer 2 blockchain solution is set to go public and operate as a permissioned network, according to its tech partner. This initiative aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security, leveraging blockchain to streamline financial services and enhance operational efficiency.
The decision to adopt a public, permissioned model reflects a growing trend among enterprises seeking to harness the benefits of decentralization while maintaining control over sensitive data. Deutsche Bank’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other financial institutions exploring blockchain adoption.
Source: CoinDesk
KuCoin’s “Light Up Africa” Initiative Brings Hope to Thousands
Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin has made a significant impact through its “Light Up Africa” donation ceremony in Ghana, benefiting 36,000 children across the continent. The initiative combines blockchain technology with philanthropy to address energy poverty and support education.
By leveraging blockchain for transparency in charitable contributions, KuCoin sets an example of how the crypto industry can drive meaningful social change. The project demonstrates the potential of blockchain to empower communities and foster sustainable development.
Source: PR Newswire
Industry Implications and Key Takeaways
Today’s developments highlight the transformative potential of blockchain across multiple domains:
- Integration with Traditional Finance: BlackRock’s ETF underscores the synergy between blockchain and established financial systems.
- Tokenization Trends: Plume’s funding success reflects the growing demand for digital asset solutions.
- Quantum-Resistant Technologies: SEALSQ and Hedera’s partnership addresses emerging cybersecurity challenges.
- Enterprise Blockchain Adoption: Deutsche Bank’s public, permissioned network showcases the adaptability of blockchain in financial services.
- Social Impact: KuCoin’s philanthropic efforts illustrate blockchain’s capacity to drive positive societal outcomes.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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