Recent SEC filings reveal that Silvergate Bank, which reportedly provides banking services to almost 500 customers in the cryptocurrency industry, is preparing to go public. The news comes as cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase recently opened an over-the-counter trading desk and, as a major New York stock exchange, confirmed plans to launch bitcoin futures products early next year. Alongside these developments, the long-sought approval of Bitcoin ETFs appears unlikely in the near future, based on recent comments from SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, who cited continued concerns over a lack of adequate investor protections, including difficulties mitigating risks related to cryptocurrencies being stolen or manipulated on exchanges.

As cryptocurrency continues to permeate capital markets, blockchain continues to permeate the backend systems that operate those markets. According to reports, a major global bank-owned currency trading utility recently went live with a blockchain-based payment netting platform designed by one of the world's largest technology companies. In addition, an Abu Dhabi bank recently announced that it had settled a $500 million bond on a new blockchain-based system, and a consortium founded by global oil giants has announced the launch of a blockchain-based platform to facilitate trading in crude oil between commodity firms. Also this week, blockchain startup Harbor officially launched its security token compliance platform and announced plans to offer tokenized shares in a high-rise building located in South Carolina.

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