Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Blockchain

Bank of America Sets Record-Breaking Year for Patents in 2021

Published

on

 

Bank of America today announced a record-breaking year for patents received in 2021, with 512 patents granted across technology categories, a 16 percent increase from 2020.

The company’s focus on patent development is derived from the expectation that the innovation developed will enhance our clients’ experiences and financial journeys in a meaningful way.

Our Bank of America teammates are the most creative and inspiring minds in financial technology,” said Aditya Bhasin, Chief Technology and Information Officer for Bank of America. “Their client-focused passion for turning ideas into innovation ensures we are continually ideating and delivering capabilities and digital solutions that help our clients live better financial lives.”

The bank’s patent growth was driven by increases in patents granted in central categories, including a 31% increase in AI patents, 86% in blockchain patents, 32% in data analytics patents, and a 40% increase in payment-related patents. Bank of America’s technology workforce is creating the tools and applications to better meet our clients’ needs, while ensuring that client data is safe and secure.

Advertisement

The patents covered a number of areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, information security, data analytics, mobile banking, and payments. This record was achieved as the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued about 7% fewer patents overall in 2021.

More than 1,000 Bank of America employees applied for 804 patents companywide in 2021, an increase of 11% over 2020. With another record-setting year for patents, Bank of America also moved from 106th to 86th on the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s Top 300 list of patent owners.

Cameron Wadley, a technology senior vice president, is one of the company’s inventors. He recently filed patent applications related to the valuation of non-fungible tokens. Wadley also leads 27 people who focus on technology accessibility and business enablement for our client-facing channel and payment platforms.

“What drew me to technology in the first place was the appeal of solving problems creatively,” he said. “Bank of America has nurtured my intellectual curiosity over the years, leading to a variety of patents that solve real problems for our clients.”

The bank’s diverse workforce is constantly improving and enhancing the company’s technology systems. While less than 17% of inventors nationwide are women, 26% of Bank of America’s inventors are women.

Advertisement

“I was inspired to get involved with innovating and patent development by a previous manager who always challenged our team to come up with new ideas,” said Ann Ta, senior payment channels architect. “The patents I’ve worked on are related to my role and designed to enhance the client experience.”

Bank of America’s focus on patents demonstrates the bank’s commitment to diversity and the importance of teamwork, with innovation being a part of everyone’s job. The bank’s total active portfolio coming into this year was 5,191 inventions from more than 6,000 inventors across 42 states and 13 different countries.

Examples of patents granted in 2021 include:

  • Integration of human agent and automated tools for interactive voice response (IVR) systems
    The invention enables the seamless transfer of a customer, including authentication credentials, between the automated and live agent customer service environments to most efficiently meet the customer’s needs.
  • Digital integration token
    The invention uses biometrics on a mobile device for authentication into the bank’s CashPro® mobile application.
  • System and method for analyzing and remediating computer application vulnerabilities via multidimensional correlation and prioritization
    The invention improves security and privacy by providing new ways to analyze, prioritize, and apply updates to software code.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 2,700 lending centers, 2,600 financial centers with a Consumer Investment Financial Solutions Advisor and approximately 2,400 business centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 39 million active users, including approximately 31 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.
Bank of America

www.bankofamerica.com

Advertisement

Blockchain

PFM Disrupts Wealth Management in 2025: Earn Digital Assets Risk-Free with Zero Fees

Published

on

Continue Reading

Blockchain

Alpha Sigma Capital Research Publishes New Report on Bittensor (TAO), Decentralized “Neural Internet” Model

Published

on

alpha-sigma-capital-research-publishes-new-report-on-bittensor-(tao),-decentralized-“neural-internet”-model
Continue Reading

Blockchain

Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – April 29, 2025

Published

on

blocks-&-headlines:-today-in-blockchain-–-april-29,-2025

 

Blockchain and cryptocurrency continue to evolve at breakneck speed, with price surges, geopolitical alliances, regulatory battlegrounds, ethical debates, and landmark legal rulings all unfolding within days of one another. In today’s roundup, we examine five pivotal developments:

  1. Bitcoin Nears Six Figures – Santiment predicts BTC could hit $100,000 in the next fortnight.

  2. Pakistan’s Crypto Push – Trump-backed World Liberty Financial inks a landmark MoU with the Pakistan Crypto Council.

  3. U.S. Anti-Scam Legislation – Bipartisan GUARD Act would arm law enforcement with blockchain tracing tools against “pig butchering” fraud.

  4. Ethics Under the Microscope – A deep dive into privacy, transparency, and security trade-offs in modern blockchain systems.

  5. Regulatory Clarity Down Under – Australia’s Full Federal Court rules that Block Earner’s fixed-yield product isn’t a “financial product,” overturning ASIC.

Together, these stories illustrate four key trends shaping Web3 today:

  • Market Psychology Meets On-Chain Data: Investor sentiment, as tracked on-chain, now drives price forecasts as much as macroeconomic indicators.

  • Public-Private Alliances: From Islamabad to Washington, partnerships are expanding blockchain’s reach into national agendas.

  • Ethics & Governance: As blockchain pervades finance and society, debates over privacy versus transparency demand new frameworks.

  • Legal & Regulatory Evolution: Court precedents and legislation are rapidly defining what constitutes regulated financial activity on-chain.

Below, we unpack each story in detail—providing concise summaries, opinion-driven insights, and context on why these developments matter for DeFi architects, NFT entrepreneurs, compliance officers, and everyday crypto users alike.

Advertisement

1. Bitcoin on the Cusp of $100,000? Santiment’s Bullish Outlook

Summary
Blockchain analytics firm Santiment has flagged a steep uptick in on-chain and social metrics suggesting Bitcoin could surpass $100,000 within one to two weeks. Key observations include:

  • Greed Index Surge: Social media sentiment shows a 2.1:1 ratio of bullish to bearish Bitcoin commentary, the highest since early 2021.

  • Whale Accumulation: Large-scale addresses have increased their holdings, poised to absorb any retail-driven sell pressure around $95,000.

  • Equities Decoupling: A weakening correlation with S&P 500 movements could free BTC price action to run independently.

As of April 28, BTC traded near $94,500—up 1.5% over 24 hours—setting the stage for a potential six-figure breakout. Source: Bitcoinist

Analysis & Opinion
Santiment’s data-driven approach underscores how Web3 metrics have migrated from niche analytic platforms to core inputs for institutional strategy desks. The high “greed” level signals FOMO—a double-edged sword that can accelerate rallies but also precipitate sharp corrections if profit-taking intensifies. Notably, whale accumulation suggests a medium-term bullish bias, yet history warns that significant profit-booking around round numbers (e.g., $100K) can trigger retracements.

For DeFi protocols and crypto funds, this moment demands calibrated risk management: locking in gains via hedging products, ensuring liquidity buffers, and avoiding emotional trading. Meanwhile, retail platforms should brace for surges in trading volume and account sign-ups, reinforcing the importance of robust blockchain security and user-education initiatives.


2. Pakistan Crypto Council Partners with World Liberty Financial

Summary
On April 26, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) signed a landmark Letter of Intent with World Liberty Financial (WLF)—a U.S.-based DeFi platform backed by former President Donald Trump—to accelerate blockchain innovation and stablecoin usage in Pakistan. Highlights:

Advertisement
  • Regulatory Sandboxes: Frameworks for testing DeFi products and tokenized assets (real estate, commodities).

  • Stablecoin Remittances: Pilot programs for cross-border money transfers targeting Pakistan’s $300 billion annual crypto corridor.

  • Strategic Advisory: WLF to guide government on global compliance trends and infrastructure.

The MoU was endorsed by Pakistan’s Finance Minister, SECP Chairman, and State Bank Governor, signaling imminent comprehensive crypto legislation. Source: Dawn

Analysis & Opinion
This partnership blends geopolitical outreach with economic stimulus: Pakistan’s youthful demographic (64% under 30) and high mobile penetration make it fertile ground for Web3 adoption. By embedding regulatory sandboxes, the PCC balances innovation with consumer safeguards—an approach that many emerging markets view as best practice.

However, tying DeFi initiatives to high-profile political backers can be a double-edged sword. While it draws global attention and investment, it also raises concerns about long-term policy stability and brand risk should political fortunes shift. For blockchain projects eyeing expansion in South Asia, the PCC-WLF model offers a blueprint: engage regulators early, co-design pilot programs, and anchor projects in clear governance.


3. Bipartisan GUARD Act to Leverage Blockchain Against Fraud Scams

Summary
On April 21, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives introduced the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act, empowering federal grants for state and local law enforcement to use blockchain tracing tools against finance scams—especially “pig butchering,” which accounted for over 33% of crypto scam revenue in 2024. Key provisions:

  • Grant Funding: Eligible law enforcement agencies may apply for federal funds to deploy blockchain analytic platforms.

  • Interagency Cooperation: The FTC, DOJ, and FBI can assist local authorities in on-chain investigations.

  • Public Awareness: AARP partnership to educate seniors on recognizing and reporting scams.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). Source: CoinGeek

Advertisement

Analysis & Opinion
The GUARD Act represents a maturation in the regulatory embrace of blockchain—shifting from finger-wagging skepticism to proactive toolset integration. By equipping local agencies with on-chain forensics, the bill acknowledges blockchain’s unique transparency advantage in tracing illicit flows. Yet, success hinges on standardized training curricula and privacy-preserving protocols to prevent overreach.

Critically, the legislation sets a precedent for leveraging public ledgers as law-enforcement assets, raising broader questions about data sovereignty and civil liberties. Future discussions will need to address how to anonymize sensitive data while retaining investigative efficacy—an area ripe for innovation in zero-knowledge proofs and selective disclosure technologies.


4. The Ethics of Blockchain: Privacy vs. Transparency vs. Security

Summary
In a comprehensive overview, The Shib Daily explores the enduring tension at the heart of blockchain ethics: balancing privacy, transparency, and security. Core takeaways:

  • Privacy Paradox: Pseudonymity shields user data yet can facilitate money-laundering via mixers like Tornado Cash. Emerging solutions include zk-SNARKs and selective disclosure.

  • Transparency Dilemma: Public ledgers bolster trust and accountability (e.g., DAOs), but can inadvertently expose individual transaction patterns. Graduated transparency models seek a middle ground.

  • Security Imperative: Open-source code invites scrutiny and innovation but also widens the attack surface—as the 2016 DAO hack famously illustrated. Robust governance frameworks are essential for rapid response.

  • Looking Ahead: Trends such as decentralized identity, AI-powered compliance, and values-based protocol design will shape the next wave of ethical blockchain systems. Source: The Shib Daily

Analysis & Opinion
As blockchain integrates with DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 social platforms, the ethics conversation is no longer academic—it’s a business imperative. Protocol designers must bake in privacy-enhancing features without sacrificing auditability. Regulators, in turn, should foster self-regulatory organizations (SROs) that can iterate faster than one-size-fits-all statutes.

Moreover, embedding human rights by design and inclusive governance will become key differentiators for projects seeking mainstream legitimacy. In practice, this means multi-stakeholder governance councils, transparent upgrade processes, and clear redress mechanisms for users harmed by security breaches or governance missteps.

Advertisement

5. Australia’s Full Court Clarifies Yield-Generation Is Not a “Financial Product”

Summary
On April 28, the Australian Federal Court’s Full Bench overturned a 2024 ruling against Block Earner (Web3 Ventures Pty Ltd), finding that its fixed-yield “Earner” product does not constitute a regulated financial product. Highlights:

  • AFSL Exemption: Block Earner was not required to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) for its fixed-yield offering.

  • Regulatory Scope Narrowed: The decision distinguishes a product’s legal structure from its economic function when assessing licensing requirements.

  • Industry Impact: ASIC must cover legal costs, and DeFi projects can reconsider paused yield offerings.

Fintech and blockchain lead John Bassilios commented that this judgment “provides more clarity and may encourage businesses to revisit product offerings previously paused due to regulatory risk.” Source: Australasian Lawyer

Analysis & Opinion
This ruling marks a watershed moment for DeFi platforms operating in regulated jurisdictions. By focusing on the legal characterization of products rather than their yield-generation mechanics, the Full Court offers a template for structuring future offerings—potentially reducing compliance costs and accelerating innovation.

However, projects must proceed with caution: the decision may not extend to variable-yield or tokenized asset schemes without clear legal wrappers. Legal teams will need to collaborate closely with compliance officers to craft modular product architectures that can adapt swiftly as regulators elsewhere (e.g., the EU’s MiCA framework) set new standards.


Conclusion: Synthesizing Today’s Takeaways
Today’s blockchain headlines underscore a multifaceted reality:

Advertisement
  1. Market Rhythms & On-Chain Signals: Data-driven tools like Santiment are now indispensable for anticipating volatile price moves.

  2. Global Adoption Models: Public-private partnerships—from Pakistan’s innovation hub to U.S. law enforcement—demonstrate blockchain’s versatility across contexts.

  3. Ethical Imperatives: Balancing privacy, transparency, and security remains a moving target, requiring continuous protocol refinement and inclusive governance.

  4. Regulatory Clarity Fuels Innovation: Court decisions in Australia and proposed U.S. legislation illustrate how legal frameworks can both enable and constrain DeFi growth.

For blockchain builders, investors, and policymakers, these developments offer clear action items:

  • Embrace Data-Driven Decision-Making: Integrate on-chain analytics into trading, risk, and compliance workflows.

  • Forge Strategic Alliances: Collaborate with governmental bodies and standards organizations to pilot responsible Web3 initiatives.

  • Prioritize Ethical Design: Embed privacy-enhancing and security-first features from the ground up, with mechanisms for community oversight.

  • Stay Legally Agile: Monitor evolving case law and legislation, and structure products to fit within—and adapt to—regulatory boundaries.

As blockchain continues its journey from fringe experiment to foundational infrastructure, today’s stories remind us that technology, policy, and ethics must advance hand in hand. Whether you’re fine-tuning a yield-farm, drafting a compliance roadmap, or debating zk-SNARK implementations, the imperative is clear: build responsibly, innovate boldly, and shape a Web3 ecosystem that’s as secure and inclusive as it is transformative.


The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – April 29, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
 title=
Advertisement

Latest News

Recent Listings

  • Global Payout, Inc.

    Since the Company’s inception in 2009, Global Payout, Inc. has been a leading provider of compreh...

  • MTrac Tech Corp.

    MTrac Tech Corporation, a Nevada Corporation, is a privately held, wholly owned subsidiary of Glo...

  • Net1

    Net1 is a leading provider of transaction processing services, financial inclusion products ...

  • uBUCK Technologies SEZC

    Based in Georgetown, Cayman Islands, uBUCK Tech is a fintech enterprise that specializes in digit...

  • LiteLink Technologies Inc.

      LiteLink is a major player in developing world-class enterprise platforms that utilize ar...

  • Good Gamer Corp.

      Good Gamer Corp. is a privately-held technology company focusing on gamers and streamers....

  • BitPay

      Founded in 2011, BitPay pioneered blockchain payment processing with the mission of trans...

  • About Net1

      Net1 is a leading provider of transaction processing services, financial inclusion produc...

  • Blockchain Foundry Inc.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Blockchain Foundry (CSE:BCFN)(FWB:8BF)(OTC:BLFDF) is a global b...

  • Sixgill

    Sixgill provides a full suite of universal data automation and authenticity products and services...

Trending on TBE