The MiningNewsWire Podcast

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) Providing Efficient, Specialized Delivery Services

Changes in the way people make payments and receive goods have created a new vision for the future of shopping.

• Increasingly efficient delivery systems bring goods to shoppers’ doorsteps.
• Electronic payment is making payment processing faster for consumers and businesses.
• Blockchain offers a potential route to further speed up payment systems.
• All of this will have consequences for the companies providing processing power.

SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING) is involved in two of the biggest shopping technology trends, having developed both a delivery system and an electronic payment wallet. Those payments are made using cryptocurrency, produced through the mining operations of companies such as the Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA). PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) remains a leader in electronic payment and has made acquisitions to ensure its position. The need for more memory and processing power increases demand for secure data storage, which is provided by companies such as Seagate Technology PLC (NASDAQ: STX). Even the eminent legacy brand International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) is involved in these changes with its own blockchain payment system creation.

Victory Marine Holdings Corp. (VMHG) Celebrates Surge in Yacht Sales

With the global economy booming, the wealthy are making the most of their earnings by buying boats.

• Yacht sales are rising, with both new and pre-owned yachts in high demand.
• This trend is creating a boom for associated services such as brokerages, consultancies, financing, aftermarket extended warranties, and trailer manufacturers.
• Other boat-building businesses are also profiting, including yacht charters, boat rental clubs and other sea-based leisure activities that offer people a break from everyday life.

Savvy companies in the boating and yacht industry are recognizing these unparalleled opportunities and exploring ways to position themselves to make the most of them. Victory Marine Holdings Corp. (OTC: VMHG) has expanded its brokerage team and is looking into commissioning specially designed boats. America’s largest retailer of yachts and recreational boats, MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE: HZO), is expanding through the acquisition of companies in the northeast. Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBUU) is maintaining its edge as a manufacturer through state-of-the-art design and new technology, including its award-winning docking trailer camera, as well as its latest acquisition of Pursuit Boats based in Ft. Pierce, Florida, for a sum of $100 million. The sale of a wide range of pleasure boats has led to financial dividends for Marine Products Corp. (NYSE: MPX). And Brunswick Corp. (NYSE: BC) has incorporated boats into a wider set of recreational holdings, developing new boats and new technology for a growing market.

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) Developing Significant North American Cobalt-indicated Assets

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) is a vertically integrated North American pure-play cobalt company. First Cobalt has three significant North American assets: the Iron Creek Project in Idaho, the Canadian Cobalt Camp and the only permitted cobalt refinery in North America capable of producing battery materials. 

The United States — and the entire world — have become critically dependent on cobalt, which is essential for rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries to retain and discharge electricity.

• Cobalt deemed critical for United States security and economic prosperity
• Cobalt need expected to increase with soaring Li-ion battery demand
• U.S. business and military dependent on unstable cobalt sources; North American initiatives seek solutions

In May, cobalt was added to the United States’ list of minerals critical to its security and economic prosperity. Far beyond laptops, phones and electronic gadgets, the Li-ion battery is increasingly important for electric grid power storage and the revved-up electric vehicle market, as well as military applications such as tactical radios, thermal imagers, portable computing and turbine blades in gas turbines and aircraft jet engines.

QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (OTC: QMCQF) (TSX.V: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) Utilizing Historic Resource to Accelerate Path to Production

Growing demand for powerful batteries, coupled with attempts to break China’s hold on the market, are leading to growth for Canadian lithium explorers.

• Lithium is essential for batteries used in personal electronics and electric vehicles.
• The recent rise of electric cars, together with faster than expected production of other electric vehicles, is creating a huge rise in demand.
• The market’s current top global suppliers are China and Chile.
• Emerging companies in Canada are starting work on alternative sources of lithium that could reduce reliance on these two countries.

One of the companies setting up new Canadian mines is QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (OTC: QMCQF) (TSX.V: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ), which is using existing infrastructure in Manitoba to quickly get production up and running. Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB), the world’s largest lithium manufacturer, has seen a surge in production that has almost doubled its earnings. Nemaska Lithium, Inc. (OTC: NMKEF) (TSX: NMX) is setting up mining and processing facilities in Canada as well as establishing supply agreements for when that work is completed. Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE: SQM) is diversifying its lithium production, adding mining to brine extraction operations. All of this is driven by the work of companies such as Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), whose electric cars are responsible for much of the demand.

RYU Apparel, Inc. (TSX.V: RYU) (OTC: RYPPF) (FRA: RYA) Combines Professional Performance and Comfort to Design its Athleisure Wear

Fashion trends are constantly changing. What’s popular one day may not be the next. Athletic wear styles rarely change, but athleisure wear is changing the entire market and creating lucrative new revenue streams for businesses that take part in this exciting new segment.

• Athletic wear sales have grown by a whopping 61 percent since 2007.
• Morgan Stanley forecasts sales of $355 billion by 2021, up from $290 billion now.
• Celebrity marketing partnerships boost companies’ social media profiles.

Athleisure wear revolves around a company like RYU’s ability to combine workout-ready clothing with comfort and global appeal. The modern athleisure market is all about creating apparel that is suitable for both high performance and daily use. RYU Apparel, Inc. (TSX.V: RYU) (OTC: RYPPF) is the newest threat to challenge the fashion monopoly controlled by conventional clothing conglomerates Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE); Gap, Inc. (NYSE: GPS); Adidas AG ADR (OTC: ADDYY)and Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (NASDAQ: LULU).

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) At the Vanguard of the Search for Humanely Sourced Cobalt

Supply anxieties and ethical concerns are clouding the otherwise seemingly sunny drive to automobile electrification. The world is already awash in mobile devices and is rapidly moving to enhanced electrical grids and electric vehicle (EV) ubiquity. However, the indispensable lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery — vital for gadgets, grid storage and electric propulsion — also requires cobalt to retain and discharge electricity. Lithium is plentiful and easily mined; cobalt is the conundrum that has manufacturers of battery-dependent products most worried.

1. EV sales projected to explode to 30 million units by 2030.
2. Cobalt — critical for Li-ion batteries — is nearly single-sourced and ethically challenged.
3. New North American supply chains look to provide solutions

Most of the world’s cobalt supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC has an unstable and historically corrupt government and an exceptionally poor human rights record; additionally, much of the country’s cobalt is mined by hand, often by children. Economically precarious, cobalt is virtually single-sourced. Currently about two-thirds of the world supply and half of all global reserves come from the DRC. Moreover, two years after Amnesty International’s scathing expose that showed exploited children mining cobalt, child labor is still being used to procure the mineral at so-called artisanal mines. No other comparable commodity is so dominated by a single source, creating enormous potential risk for EV makers. The troubling aggregate of political corruption, supply uncertainty, operational complexity and ethical opacity has delivered a clarion call to EV makers and spurred a global quest for secure and humanely sourced cobalt resources. At the vanguard of this search is First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF), a vertically integrated pure-play cobalt company with significant North American assets. Leveraging company assets and expertise in conjunction with the savvy of a legendary EV pioneer, First Cobalt is determined to be North America’s premier source of cobalt delivered to global electric automakers like Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), B.M.W. AG ADR (OTC: BMWYY), Volkswagen AG (OTC: VWAGY) and Mercedes maker Daimler AG (OTC: DDAIF) (XE: DAI).

SinglePoint, Inc.’s (SING) Bitcoin Wallet Application Enables Consumers to Make Fast Payments

The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies has led to a surge in payment systems built on the blockchain technological revolution.

• Blockchain-based payments, which can be transacted directly between parties without bank involvement, allow those underserved by banks to access electronic payment.
• These blockchain-based payment systems are growing in popularity and prestige, with celebrity endorsements and appearances on the high street.
• They allow consumers to make fast payments and businesses to reduce payment processing fees.

The growing mainstream popularity of blockchain-based payments is reflected in a recent TV advertisement by SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING) for its cryptocurrency wallet. Online retailer Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSTK) is also launching a digital wallet service that supports cryptocurrencies, following the path of Square Inc. (NYSE: SQ), which is integrating bitcoin into its mobile payment systems. Electronic payment giant PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) has taken out a patent for a faster cryptocurrency payment system, reflecting the company’s interest in this sector. Meanwhile, the growth of blockchain is driving growth for NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), which produces graphic processing units used in cryptocurrency mining.

QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (OTC: QMCQF) (TSX.V: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) Building Shareholder Value Through Acquisitions, Exploration & Development

Despite short-term gyrations, the outlook for lithium continues to shine. Electric mobility is still only in its infancy. Revolutionizing how we commute and power our lives, the inevitable tsunami of electric vehicles and burgeoning demand for energy grid storage are driving lithium demand for the foreseeable future.

1. The electric revolution is still in its infancy.
2. Lithium demand expected to triple in next seven years.
3. Lithium stocks could surge with demand.
4. Junior miners offer big upside potential.

Anticipation of an exponential increase of electric vehicles coupled with expanding demand for lithium-ion (L-ion) batteries drove the lithium mining sector to reach all-time highs last year. Lithium shares swooned at the beginning of 2018 on a negative oversupply forecast by Morgan Stanley analysts. That forecast has since been widely debunked by a broad range of lithium industry experts and given only a 1 percent chance of happening. As the world inexorably advances into the new electric power paradigm, the lithium sector should experience an excellent decade and produce outsized returns. Demand for raw battery materials continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, and lithium miners could easily rack up further gains and reach new highs. With large upside potential, evermore attention is turning to junior miners such as QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (OTC: QMCQF) (TSX.V: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ).The company is intent on building shareholder value through the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties that contain either high-quality lithium or silver, gold, nickel, copper and zinc opportunities. Historically validated, QMC’s 100 percent-owned flagship project, the Irgon Mine Project,holds a potential motherlode of lithium. In addition, major lithium producers such as Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE: SQM) plan production increases, and Nemaska Lithium, Inc. (OTC: NMKEF) (TSX: NMX) is also in the hunt to supply companies such as Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) and myriad other end users seeking a secure supply chain.

BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (OTC: BCTXF) (TSX.V: BCT) Developing Personalized Immunotherapies for Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment

Personalized treatment for advanced breast cancer is a massive global medical need. According to latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States alone more than 41,000 women die from breast cancer each year. Hope is on the horizon, however, as innovative biomedical companies apply their research and technologies to bring personalized immunotherapies to market for this unmet medical need. Among these companies is BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (OTC: BCTXF) (TSX.V: BCT), an immune-oncology-focused biotech company developing the first off-the-shelf personalized immunotherapy for advanced breast cancer. The company’s technology is based on a targeted immunotherapy regime that has seen encouraging results in clinical trials. Other biotechs in the personalized cancer immunotherapy space include Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD), the parent company of Kite Pharma; Cellectis S.A. (NASDAQ: CLLS); Neon Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGN); and Loxo Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: LOXO).

Standard Lithium Ltd. (TSX.V: SLL) (FRA: S5L) (OTC: STLHF) Aims to Meet Growing Lithium Demand through New Technology

New manufacturers are joining the race to design electric vehicles, accelerating a revolution in the car market that could result in strong lithium demand as a battery ingredient. Standard Lithium (TSX.V: SLL) (OTC: STLHF) is one of several companies that are innovating to meet this demand scenario by developing new technology that could unlock a major supply source untapped in Arkansas. Major producers Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM) and Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB) have already got permission by the Chilean government to carry out major expansions in the Atacama Desert to expand supply for the EV market. MGX Minerals, Inc. (CSE: XMG)(OTC: MGXMF) is working to develop a means to separate minerals from oilfield waste in order to meet surging demand from EV manufacturers such as Tesla, Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA).

Standard Lithium Ltd. (TSX.V: SLL) (FRA: S5L) (OTC: STLHF) Targets Untapped Lithium Resource

Consumers are switching to electric vehicles faster than previously thought, making an expected boom in demand for battery-grade lithium ever more real. Current suppliers including Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM) will reap the rewards of a major paradigm shift in the car industry. But newcomers to this market, from Nemaska Lithium (TSX: NMX) (OTC: NMKEF) and Standard Lithium (TSXV: SLL) (OTC: STLHF) may also profit as they bring new supplies online. Major buyers of lithium including automaker Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) could create massive new demand for this material.

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) Takes Aim at the Budding Sports Betting Market

A recent change in United States law has led to a gold rush in the gaming industry as numerous companies scramble to set up sports gambling operations.

• The U.S. Supreme Court’s overruling of 1992 gambling legislation essentially makes sports betting widely legal throughout the country.
• Casinos are moving to make the most of this by opening sports books.
• Technology companies are also exploring possible revenue avenues through online gambling apps.
• The United States is set to see a $3–$5 billion take in the global sports betting market within a few years — a market already worth an estimated $40 billion.

One of the new players in the sports gambling space is SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING), a tech company focused on innovation that has invested in gambling app StakeHaul. In the world of big gambling, casino companies such as Caesars Entertainment Corp. (NASDAQ: CZR) are exploring ways to add sports gambling to their existing entertainment rosters. MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) already provides sports gaming alongside traditional betting options. Following suit, Penn National Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ: PENN) has started offering sports betting at some of its casinos, as has Boyd Gaming Corp. (NYSE: BYD), which is also entering the online gambling space.

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) Develops Scalable Operations Across Numerous Vertical Sectors

The annual report for 2017 by the National Coffee Association indicated that for the first time in almost seven decades of reporting the industry trends, more than half the coffee consumed daily in the United States was gourmet, which represented a hearty 59 percent of total consumption.

• Coffee consumption in North America at highest levels since 2012
• Gourmet coffee over half of all consumption for first time in recorded history
• Coffee prices potentially bottomed out with some analysts predicting major rise
• Product quality/innovation and end market resonance likely the key differentiating factors moving forward

With 64 percent of adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, overall coffee consumption is up 2 percent from last year to reach the highest levels since 2012. The North American coffee market is on pace to run at a CAGR of some 5.8 percent through 2023, according to a recent report published by Mordor Intelligence. Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI), while historically recognized more for the company’s innovative products, direct sales and marketing, has been steadily executing on a plan to build scalable coffee operations across multiple vertical segments. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNKN) continues to differentiate itself in the consumer market with broad appeal and offerings such as its recently debuted Cold Brew coffee, the most successful launch in the company’s history on an incremental sales basis. Industry juggernaut Starbucks Corporation’s (NASDAQ: SBUX) share price may be in a holding pattern with a slight decline lately, but the king is still trying on new clothes, as evidenced by the recent launch of a plant-based Protein Blended Cold Brew in almond and cacao. Coffee Holding Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: JVA) continues to branch out in the commercial end of the market via deals such as its partnership extension with Smart & Final, which has 323 upscale locations across California and Oregon. Farmer Brothers Company (NASDAQ: FARM) is also banking heavily on North America’s seemingly unflappable love affair with coffee, as this roaster, wholesaler and distributor recently detailed expansion of its roasting capacity to more than 200 million pounds per year, as well as expansion of its distribution capabilities.

 

 

 

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) Employs V2X Communication Technology

The designers of self-driving vehicles are creating cars that will talk with each other and their surrounding environment.

• Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems allow vehicles to gather information from each other, from local communication networks and even from urban infrastructure.
• V2X systems allow self-driving cars to travel more safely and efficiently.
• The V2X technology could reduce accidents, congestion and pollution.
• Early versions of this technology are now being tested.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) is developing the Eye-Net cellular V2X system, through Eye-Net Mobile, its subsidiary company. Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has called upon urban authorities to create infrastructure to support V2X. Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is taking big steps forward in self-driving technology, using the batteries of its electric cars to power sensors, processors and other self-driving systems. NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is producing secure connectivity systems for vehicles to combat the threat of someone hacking the controls. Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) is providing electronic components for autonomous systems to major car manufacturers.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) Developing Alternative Solutions for Nicotine Delivery

Despite the scientifically established harmful health effects of smoking, millions of people around the world still do it. Because of this, many large companies are looking for healthier ways to deliver active ingredients from tobacco and cannabis to people with a smoking habit.

• More than a billion people around the world smoke tobacco or cannabis, leading to 6 million deaths a year.
• Companies in the tobacco and cannabis sectors are looking for alternative delivery systems.
• Some alternatives may be more effective — and healthier — than smoking.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) is one of the companies looking at alternative solutions, using fatty acids to make a pleasing, fast, effective delivery system for nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD). Tobacco company Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) is creating lower-risk tobacco products and recently received FDA approval for its latest offering. British American Tobacco Industries p.l.c. ADR (NYSE: BTI) has created a tobacco heater that produces fumes instead of smoke, reducing the potential harm from consumption. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has produced a liquid CBD product that is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medicine of its type. Most telling of all, Philip Morris International, Inc. (NYSE: PM) has announced a long-term strategy to move away from smoking as the core delivery system for its products — a huge step for a global tobacco giant.

Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (VRCP) Paving the Way for Mainstream Adoption of Cryptocurrencies

As cryptocurrency seeks a route to mainstream adoption, ATMs may pave the way just as they have with other non-cash forms of payment in the past.

• ATMs encouraged the adoption of electronic payments through a gradual move away from cash.
• Cryptocurrency ATMs may offer a similar route for cryptocurrency into the mainstream.
• Focus on overcoming challenges to adoption, including technological practicality.

Previously only usable on the internet, cryptocurrencies are becoming a mainstream option through the proliferation of specialist ATMs such as those provided by Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP). These establish a crypto equivalent to the ATMs of companies such as Diebold Nixdorf Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), the provider of a third of the world’s ATMs. Cryptocurrency is also appearing in other electronic payment systems, such as the point-of-sale solutions of Worldpay, Inc. (NYSE: WP), which is looking to add blockchain payments to its technology. Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), whose technology turns phones and computers into point-of-sale systems, is also looking at adding bitcoin to its services. Meanwhile, PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) continues to expand upon its established electronic payment system, showing how smooth integration with everyday life can lead to swift adoption of new technology.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) Unlocking the Power of Thermal Imaging in Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars are reliant on their sensors to see the world around them. After years of testing in favorable conditions, these cars are now being assessed in bad weather conditions.

Self-driving cars use a wide variety of different sensors.

Most testing has taken place until now in areas with good weather to work out the fundamentals of self-driving more easily.

More manufacturers are now testing their self-driving cars in adverse weather conditions.

This is revealing the strengths and weaknesses of different sensor systems.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) has developed a sensor system that uses visible light and thermal imaging to see through fog, rain and snow, and has sold a prototype of the sensor to a leading global Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. Thermal camera manufacturer FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) has adapted its technology to the needs of self-driving cars and recently released data to help all manufacturers test the effectiveness of thermal sensors. Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has established a subsidiary specializing in self-driving and was the first to carry out tests on snowy roads. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), has established a self-driving technology center in Michigan for adverse weather testing. And critical software needed to support these essential sensors is being developed by companies such as nuTonomy, a subsidiary of autonomous vehicle specialist Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV).

DeepMarkit Inc. (TSX.V: MKT) (OTCQB: MKTDF) Developing an Adaptable Gamification App for E-commerce Stores

E-commerce continues to see steady growth, thanks in part to growing markets and in part to clever gamification and analytical tools.

• Gamification uses the psychology of video games to encourage shoppers to spend money and share information.
• The addition of analytics lets retailers better understand their customer base.
• China and India will soon have nearly 2 billion smartphone users, vastly increasing the e-commerce market.

DeepMarkit, Inc. (TSX.V: MKT) (OTC: MKTDF) is tapping into all these trends, creating an adaptable gamification app for online retailers that provides analytics while attracting customers. This app can be used on the platform provided by Shopify, Inc. (NYSE: SHOP), which is now one of the biggest online retail venues and actively encourages its merchants to make use of gamification and analytics. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) has made effective use of gamification from early on, with ratings systems that encourage sellers and reviewers. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) supports online retail through its cloud solutions and has recently teamed up with Walmart to challenge Amazon for online dominance. For any online retailer, Alphabet, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG)‘s Google Analytics is a crucial tool, providing insight into customers and their behavior.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) Revolutionizing Vision Sensor Systems Amid Growth of Automotive Technology

Self-driving and electric cars are poised to combine production efforts as both technologies mature.

• Investment in self-driving vehicles is growing, leading to the emergence of specialist companies.
• Electric cars are also on the rise, supported by the infrastructure of apps and charging points.
• Both engineering and human factors suggest that these technologies are likely to combine.
• Support from the Chinese government is pushing these technologies forward in one of the world’s most important markets.

The growth of advanced automotive technology has led to the rise of companies such as Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX), an innovator in advanced vision sensor systems for assistant driving, semi and fully autonomous vehicles. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is pairing sensor technology with electric motor vehicles and has recently found a foothold in China. General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) will start mass production of self-driving vehicles next year and has been pushing its latest electric SUV to the Chinese market. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is developing a sophisticated self-driving system that fuses multiple sensor inputs. And Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) has joined the sector by acquiring Mobileye, bringing its technological clout to sensor technology.

Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (VRCP) Helps Advance Mainstream Adoption of Digital Currencies

According to a new paper from researchers at Imperial College London that suggests digital currencies are now primed for mass adoption, Bitcoin (Crypto: BTC) and other cryptocurrencies will become mainstream forms of payment within the next decade for goods and services on the strength of their increasing suitability for the role.

• Outsiders and even insiders struggle to maintain accurate understanding of rapidly evolving space
• Ratings agencies, indexes and industry analyst sites cropping up to address information verifiability deficits
• “Spendability” and usability emerging as acid tests for cryptos, ICOs and blockchain tech

Key factors driving the mainstream adoption of digital currencies, such as the ability to act as a store of value or function as a technologically superior medium of exchange amid the rapid rise of contactless and mobile payments, have already cemented crypto as a permanent fixture of the payments landscape. However, it is difficult for even well-versed investors to understand and evaluate the legitimacy of individual cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings (ICOs) and blockchain technology companies. This challenge has led to the emergence of ICO rating agencies and market analysis sites such as Cointelligence. Some of the key players helping to make sense of this increasingly complex space include payment solution developers such as Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP), Worldpay, Inc. Class A (NYSE: WP) and Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), as well as online credit marketplace developer LendingClub Corp. (NYSE: LC) and investor-focused fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR).