Microsoft exploring use of blockchain technology, pointing to the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin

Ken Chigbo Independent Analyst

It is reported that tech giant Microsoft are exploring the use of blockchains, touting names such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, for their respective technologies. The reason this is of interest to the company, is they see value and efficiencies in the use of the blockchain technology for their decentralized IDs (DIDs) through the Microsoft Authenticator app.

They highlight that with the current model, people do not have any form of control over their identity, which is exposed to all sorts of potential issues; theft, data breaches etc. Microsoft believe that with the use of Blockchain, people can store, control and access their identity in an encrypted digital hub.

Microsoft commented saying "With consent, Microsoft Authenticator will be able to act as your User Agent to manage identity data and cryptographic keys. In this design, only the ID is rooted on chain. Identity data is stored in an off-chain ID Hub (that Microsoft can't see) encrypted using these cryptographic keys,"

Previously, Microsoft were touted to have been entering into a formal partnership with IOTA, however this was later denied by the company. In time, it will be made clearer about who and which networks Microsoft will work with on this project of theirs.

Author

Ken Chigbo

Independent Analyst

Ken has over 8 years exposure to the financial markets. He started his career as an analyst, covering a variety of asset classes; forex, fixed income, commodities and equities.

GBP/USD drops to multi-week lows below 1.3300

GBP/USD sets aside Friday’s uptick and breaches below the 1.3300 yardstcik on Monday to hit new multi-week troughs. Falling crude oil prices following a pause in the Middle East conflict in combination with the recent soft reading in UK inflation appear to play against any BoE tightening ahead of the bank’s event later in the week.

EUR/USD meets support near 1.1370

EUR/USD fades the initial bull run past 1.1400 the figure, deflating toward the 1.1370 zone on Monday. That said, the pair reverses two daily drops in a row on the back of the irresolute price action in the US Dollar, at the time when investors continue to closely follow developments from the Middle East conflict. Next on tap is the release of the US Consumer Confidence gauge by the Conference Board.

Gold struggles to extend gains beyond $4,100

Spot Gold gapped higher at the beginning of the new week, as a pause in Middle East hostilities underpinned the mood and weighed on the US Dollar (USD). The XAU/USD pair traded as high as $4,116.20 during Asian trading hours, following a pause in strikes between Iran and the United States (US).

Bitcoin vs Gold: BTC and Gold struggle to gain momentum despite US-Iran truce

Market participants are changing gears on Monday from the war between the United States (US) and Iran in the Middle East to the anticipated Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision. Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTC) and Gold (XAU) are losing momentum, with BTC slipping below the pivotal $65,000 level while XAU remains sideways in the $4,000-$4,100 range.

Bitcoin options traders are dropping their hedges going into the Fed meeting

Bitcoin's options market has turned notably less defensive over the past month, unwinding the downside protection traders built up in June just as the Federal Reserve prepares to meet.

US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?

The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.