A blockchain is a distributed data structure that makes it possible to create a digital ledger of transactions shared among a network of computers.  It uses cryptography to allow each participant on the network to manipulate the ledger in a secure way without the need for a central authority. Once a block of data is recorded on the blockchain ledger, it’s extremely difficult to change or remove. When someone wants to add to it, participants in the network — all of which have copies of the existing blockchain — run algorithms to evaluate and verify the proposed transaction. If a majorit

According to the Financial Times, Ireland’s central bank is about to approve Facebook as an e-money institution, that will allow it to offer consumers the ability to store money and pay others. Facebook is also said to be considering partnerships with start-ups that offer international money transfer services online and via smartphones. But it is unclear whether people will trust Facebook to handle their money, given lingering concerns about data privacy and personal data mining by the social media network to boost advertising on the site.At a time when traditional banks are unpopular with m