MoneyGram and Ripple testing bank transfers of the XRP cryptocurrency. Fortune Staff Writer Jeff John Roberts explains why this partnership is so significant.
"Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, it (Ripple) is centrally controlled," explains Roberts. "This is Ripple's moment of truth because people are speculating on XRP." With transaction fees so high for Bitcoin, some investors are seeing Ripple as a good alternative.
"Ripple is at the forefront of blockchain technology and we look forward to piloting xRapid," MoneyGram CEO Alex Holmes said Thursday. In the release announcing this partnership, both Ripple and MoneyGram promoted the efficiency and speed of this digital currency.
Microsoft President Brad Smith said on CBS 'Face the Nation' that the benefit of artificial intelligence will be "ubiquitous" but called for more regulations to make sure the technology is developed responsibly.
The U.S. State Department on Thursday issued a warning that China is capable of cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as rail systems and oil and gas pipelines.