1.Major European Digital Publisher to Start Accepting Stellar (XLM)

       2.Iran Launches Gold-Backed Cryptocurrency ‘PayMon’

       3.New Hampshire House Subcommittee Approves Bitcoin for Taxes Bill

1. Major European Digital Publisher to Start Accepting Stellar (XLM)

SatoshiPay, a startup that offers a frictionless micropayment solution to help digital publishers monetize content on the Stellar (XLM) blockchain, has partnered with Axel Springer, one of the largest digital publishers in Europe, to monetize Axel Springer content.

According to the  announcement, SatoshiPay uses the Stellar blockchain for rapid payment processing that cuts out the need for an intermediary, allowing for the transfer of value in euros or dollars.

“Blockchain payments can significantly reduce transaction costs and thus enable new monetization systems for content,” Dr. Valentin Schöndienst, Axel Springer’s senior VP of new business, said. “SatoshiPay offers a turnkey solution that allows us to instantly use blockchain technology and offer it to our customers.”

SatoshiPay offers tailor-made solutions for blockchain-based payment and customer loyalty systems to companies, especially in the areas of online publishing. The company was originally part of the Axel Springer Plug and Play startup program in 2015.

“We are excited to work with Axel Springer, who recognize the immense potential of blockchain technology,” said Satoshi Pay’s CEO Meinhard Benn. “As one of the few companies with a market-ready blockchain payment solution, we are focused on bringing this technology from laboratories into the mainstream.”

Moving forward, SatoshiPay plans to add additional blockchains to its API, providing a wider range of solutions for publishers and beyond.

2.Iran Launches Gold-Backed Cryptocurrency ‘PayMon’

The Islamic Republic of Iran has reportedly launched a gold-backed cryptocurrency called “PayMon” – the Persian word for covenant – in cooperation with four local banks and the Ghoghnoos Company, in a move made following international sanctions.

According to the Financial Tribune, the country has launched the gold-backed cryptocurrency in cooperation with the Parsian Bank, the Bank Pasargad, Bank Melli Iran, and Bank Mellat. An over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency exchange called Iran Fara Bourse is also expected to adopt the cryptocurrency.

According to Ghoghnoos, a total of one billion PayMon tokens are set to be issued initially. The move comes months after international sanctions started crippling the country’s economy by forcing payment networks such as that of SWIFT from offering services to its institutions.

In a second phase, the rial-backed cryptocurrency – which is set to only be issued by Iran’s central bank – would go to citizens in the country. The gold-backed crypto, PayMon, was also launched shortly after the central bank issued draft cryptocurrency regulations.

Cryptocurrency mining has reportedly also been given the green light. Late last year, Iran’s Deputy for Management Development and Resources Alireza Daliri publicly signaled his government’s support to develop and use blockchain platforms, for both public and private uses.

3.New Hampshire House Subcommittee Approves Bitcoin for Taxes Bill

Residents from the state of New Hampshire, otherwise known as the “free state,” may soon be able to pay their taxes using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Over the last few weeks, the state’s legislators have been discussing the recently submitted bill, HB 470, which would allow residents to pay specific New Hampshire taxes with bitcoin. HB 470 will address any accounting, valuation and management issues related to accepting cryptocurrencies, the bill states. Further, the plan will need to find a third party payment processor that will process digital asset transactions at no cost to the state.

“Implementation Plan for the State to Accept Cryptocurrencies as Payment for Taxes and Fees,” explains HB 470. “The state treasurer, in consultation with the commissioner of the department of revenue administration and the commissioner of the department of administrative services, shall develop an implementation plan for the state to accept cryptocurrencies as payment for taxes and fees beginning July 1, 2020.”

If the bill passes, then on or before November 1, 2019, the state treasurer must submit the roadmap to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President, the House Clerk, the Senate Clerk, and the offices of the State Library. On Jan. 29, 2019 at 9 a.m., the New Hampshire House Subcommittee unanimously approved the bitcoin for taxes legislation and the bill’s amendments. HB 470 will now go back to the executive branches like the state’s Administration Committee for further voting.