According to ICORating, 64 percent of all attempted ICOs failed and startups raised 48 percent less through ICOs as 2018 came to a close. As a result, many companies are now pivoting to raise money through security token offerings (STOs), but there are questions about whether investor demand is going to be any different.

Google has added the Bitcoin symbol to its keyboard on iOS, making it one of several alternative currency symbols available when users hold down the dollar symbol key.

Ahead of announcing an official strategy for leveraging blockchain technology more widely, the German government has opened a process for receiving recommendations around the technology from local companies and industry groups. Germany is Europe's largest economy and Berlin is home to numerous blockchain startups. The solicited recommendations could lead to official legislative action in the near future.