Given the apparent sensitivity of cryptocurrency markets to regulatory and political developments, it stands to reason that the world's leaders — and what they think about crypto — will be vitally important in determining the direction the cryptocurrency market will travel in the future. Many leaders have been willing to sit back over the past few months and let crypto develop — more or less — organically, yet it's becoming apparent that the time for official action is drawing increasingly near, at which point Bitcoin, et al. will either bear the brunt of government 'crackdowns' or will benefit from favorable …

Banco de Mexico (Bank of Mexico) Governor Agustín Carstens thinks the digital currency Bitcoin should be classified as a commodity rather than as a currency. The bank governor argued that Bitcoin does not meet the existing definition of currency because it is not supported by a government or central bank. According to the report by local Mexican newspaper El Economista, Carstens argued further that since there is nothing to ensure its accounting in a financial system, the virtual currency should be considered as a commodity. He also added that the cryptocurrency should be considered as an “issue of cybersecurity” due …

Cointelegraph begins LIVE video streaming of LaBITconf from Mexico! This major Annual Latin American Bitcoin Conference takes place in Mexico City on December 4-5, 2015. The great part of the conference is held by local companies in Spanish with simultaneous translations. While guests of the conference, including Andreas Antonopoulos, Trace Mayer, Erik Voorehes, Tuur Demeester, speak in English. Follow the LIVE video streaming and listen to smart chosen topics from Cryptocyrrency and FinTech experts to drive through Bitcoin and Blockchain opportunities. LaBITconf Schedule December 5 Registration Mexico - 10:00 (GMT-6) New York - 11:00 (GMT-5) London - 16:00 (GMT) Athens …

Bitcoin users can now buy bitcoin at any of 5,000 vendors in Mexico using Chip Chap the “e-money converter.” A full list of Mexican vendors, which range from La Mission to 7-Eleven, can be found on the Paynet website. Users generate a barcode using Chip Chap and then the app will lead them to the closest shop to redeem their bitcoins. Chip Chap supports a range of payment systems and vouchers, such as Bitcoin, Ukash, or Paynet. A smartphone and a connection is all that's required to make the conversions between them. So far, the app supports payment systems that …