Cryptocurrency exchange ShapeShift has introduced a new rewards program, which will eventually become a mandatory membership model for the exchange’s users, according to an announcement published September 4. Erik Voorhees, founder and CEO of ShapeShift, stated that today the exchange released a loyalty program entitled ShapeShift Membership. While ShapeShift is known as “the exchange without accounts,” the newly developed account-based membership model will be integrated in order to “reduce friction and protect customers.” Per the statement, the program is currently optional, though it will become mandatory in the near future and requires the provision of “basic” personal information. Within the …

American stock broker Peter Schiff “technically lost” to ShapeShift CEO and crypto commentator Erik Voorhees in a ‘Bitcoin Debate’ at the SoHo Forum July 2. The two financial thought leaders debated about the top cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC) and its underlying technology blockchain, questioning the potential for mass adoption, and comparing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with other asset types such as fiat money and gold. Voorhees, the Bitcoin bull of the debate, claimed that Bitcoin will eventually become a substitute for state-backed money, while government structures would be reorganized using blockchain technology. Voorhees argues that Bitcoin is “supremely good money” praising …

The Factom Foundation has launched its Release Candidate One (RC1) on the Bitcoin Testnet. Developers are invited to try out this early version of the highly anticipated blockchain data layer. In what is probably one of the most notable Bitcoin 2.0 projects in the space, Factom is building an open-source data layer for the Bitcoin blockchain. It can be used by anyone to permanently store all sorts of data on the decentralized computing network. Some of the most notable parties that have so far indicated they will use Factom include land registry startup Epigraph and the Honduran government, and cloud …

Goldman Sachs has joined a round of funding for internet bank Circle, Purse.io has integrated with Shapeshift.io to allow altcoin holders to make third party purchases from Amazon, SilkRoad trial judge rejects retrial demand and many more top stories from April 30. Goldman Sachs invests US$50 million in Circle Leading the start-up’s series C funding round, Goldman Sachs has joined a group of investors in raising US$50million for Circle. Working alongside IDG Capital Partners, Breyer Capital, General Catalyst Partners, and Accel Partners, the involvement of a high profile name like Goldman Sachs is likely to encourage increased interest and attention …

Note: The following piece was submitted as part of Cointelegraph’s Tell us your bank horror story article contest presented to you by Shapeshift.io—the fastest way to swap cryptocurrencies. Only the best articles will be published in no particular order in the run up to December 15. On this date, Cointelegraph will conduct a public poll to determine which story resonates most with our audience. Good luck and happy reading! *** I have always enjoyed trying to stay current with our emerging information revolution. My wife may think my 1984 Osborne 1 chilling in the garage is a piece of junk. …

Cointelegraph and ShapeShift have launched a competition for the best anecdotal banking horror stories – it’s your chance to vent your anger and win 3BTC into the bargain! We’ve all been there; we all know how it is: an innocent query or everyday problem turns into a reenactment of War and Peace, or a major mistake by your financial institution becomes a battle of epic proportions before one side emerges victorious. Hours of your time wasted, sometimes your money as well. Not to mention the exercise in self-restraint involved in dealing with understaffed bank branches, bewildering hotlines and incompetent representatives. …

Every week, Cointelegraph will do a roundup of all the businesses and the altcoins we have added during the week to our catalogs. As this is the first such piece, we will cover all of the businesses and coins we have added to date. Premium entrants to our two catalogs pay for a full review of their business or their coin. Otherwise, we can post a press release from the business or altcoin developer or community for free. New Businesses Coinarch Coinarch is an online trading platform that lets users leverage their investments and optimize their long or short positions …