Tag Archives: Blockchain

How Upstream, part of MERJ Exchange, leverages Ethereum blockchain technology for stock trading By Vanessa Malone The cryptocurrency and greater blockchain markets are experiencing an impressive surge. Data from CoinMarketCap shows Bitcoin approaching the $90,000 mark, while Ethereum has climbed to $2,300,¹ adding ~35% to its market cap in the last week.2 This positive growth points […]Continue Reading

Upstream accepts account funding using USDC to trade listed U.S. and international equities By Vanessa Malone USDC is now integrated into Brazil and Mexico’s banking systems, streamlining accessibility to exchange Brazilian reais and Mexican pesos for USD-pegged stablecoin through local financial institutions. Circle’s announcement also notes that companies can offer USDC to Brazilian and Mexican […]Continue Reading

How do I transfer my shares to Upstream from my brokerage or transfer agent? Upstream, part of MERJ Exchange, can accept the shares that you hold in your current brokerage account, shares that are held at the transfer agent in book entry, or your physical stock certificate. Here’s how to deposit your shares, step by step. […]Continue Reading

Trade equities from U.S. and international companies on one blockchain-powered stock trading app By Vanessa Malone Upstream is a next generation stock trading app part of MERJ Exchange. Powered by blockchain technology, Upstream gives investors (excluding U.S. persons) direct exchange access to equities from U.S. and international companies.  U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell […]Continue Reading

A Look at Global Regulatory Trends By Anastasia Samaras Clearer U.S. blockchain securities regulation continues to be a long-lasting hurdle holding back the potential growth of the blockchain securities industry, in the U.S. and beyond. Uncertainty around regulatory frameworks impacts innovation, deters retail and institutional adoption, and leaves innovators and businesses in a state of […]Continue Reading

Can traditional markets keep up? By Anastasia Samaras Last week, The Upstream team hosted the 16th episode of their “Upstream Up Close” series on Twitter (X) Spaces. This ongoing series features 10–15 minute discussions on the exciting world of digital collectibles, Web3, and trading on Upstream, a MERJ exchange market and stock trading app. Episode 16 […]Continue Reading

What advantages could blockchain powered stock trading have during times of market sell-offs? By Vanessa Malone This past Monday morning, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 1,000 points.¹ The Nikkei 225, an index of leading stocks in Tokyo, closed down 5.8% Friday, and then 12.4% on Monday.² With traditional stock trading hours, an […]Continue Reading

Now accepting applications for Bitcoin ETFs to trade on Upstream’s next-generation retail trading app By Fernanda De La Torre The first Upstream Up Close episode of the year dropped today, this week’s focus, bitcoin ETFs! Following the SEC’s recent approval of the first U.S.-listed bitcoin ETFs on January 10, 2024, aimed at tracking bitcoin’s performance, […]Continue Reading

Bitcoin ETFs and the Implications for the future of blockchain-powered applications By Vanessa Malone Last week on January 10th, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission granted approval for the first-ever U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to track the performance of bitcoin. The SEC has approved 11 applications,¹ including BlackRock, Ark Investments/21Shares, Bitwise, Fidelity, Grayscale, Invesco and […]Continue Reading

2023: A year of transformation for NFTs Where are NFTs headed in 2024? By Anastasia Samaras This year and leading into 2024, NFTs are going beyond their rocky origins to bring digital ownership to rewards programs, fan engagement, and brand awareness. This could mean rare digital badges depending on membership level, digital versions of loyalty […]Continue Reading