Financial institutions continue to take a stand against Bitcoin, but its popularity shows no sign of waning.
Nolan Bauerle, Director of Research at Coindesk, told Cheddar that companies shying away from cryptocurrency are making an unwise decision, given high investor interest and increased popularity.
“Bitcoin doesn’t care, Bitcoin dealt with the [People’s Bank of China] already banning it,” he said. “Here you’ve got these guys...trying to make some kind of political point, and the market and cryptocurrency will not care, and will ignore it to the extent that they’ve already ignored the PBOC.”
Financial firm Merrill Lynch recently jumped on the anti-Bitcoin bandwagon, banning clients and financial advisers who trade on their behalf from buying it. Advisers are not allowed to sell Grayscale’s Bitcoin Investment Fund, and bitcoin futures contracts are also forbidden.
Bauerle contends that these banks will have to retract and “come back eventually.”
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/inside-the-factors-driving-ripples-xrp-surge).
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.
