MIchael Collins
Writer
![](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/authors/16/micheal-collins-104x_1px.jpeg)
Michael is a news reporter for Bitrates with a central interest in international regulations and their effects. Business-minded and a major sports-enthusiast, he broke into writing through data analysis and eventually derivative futures. A firm believer in altcoins and the impact of a market-wide push for development, his attention to the development of blockchain and cryptocurrencies continues to grow. Michael is a resident of the United States.
![Borse Stuttgart building](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/902/boerse-stuttgart-x108_1px.jpeg)
Börse Stuttgart Furthering Crypto Presence with New ICO Platform
German stock exchange Börse Stuttgart is expanding its role within the crypto environment, announcing the development of a new ICO platform.
![Pennsylvania University building](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/752/penn-state-university-law-profesor-x108_1px.jpeg)
Latest ICO Study Reveals Extensive Concerns for Hopeful Investors
University of Pennsylvania professors have released a new report outlining the many shortcomings of the present ICO funding model.
![ICO Initial Coin Offering written upside down in bright blue. Dark blue background with connected dots on both sides](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/647/reverse-ico-x108_1px.jpeg)
Reverse ICOs and How They Provide a Profitable Alternative for Proven Companies
Reverse ICOs and the blossoming cryptocurrency environment are opening the door for profitable alternatives to standard fundraising methods.
![ICO in white surrounded by glowing digital coin in white. Bitcoin logo and smartphone on the left, earth on the right. Blue background](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/582/icos-can-replace-the-traditional-venture-x108_1px.jpeg)
How ICOs Can Replace the Traditional Venture Capital Funding Model
Continued ICO success puts pressure on investors to reconsider the traditional venture capitalist funding model that rules the market today.
![business people scattered on background of sunset and world map, two men at the front shaking hands. CryptoBrick logo in white circle.](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/557/cryptobrick-ico-x108_1px.jpeg)
CryptoBrick ICO Adds Another Wrinkle to Private Smart Contracts
CryptoBrick is throwing its name in the ring of private smart contract providers. Its ICO will be a necessary step in jumpstarting progress.
![John McAfee in a suit and tie, behind him the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission logo](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/547/mcafee-citing-sec-threats-x108_1px.jpeg)
SEC Prompts John McAfree to Back Down from ICOs, for now
Crypto enthusiast and potential Presidential nominee John McAfee announced a coming neutral stance with ICOs following threats from the SEC.
![Monster headphone company logo and a shopping cart perpendicular to a mobile phone; cityscape background.](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/434/monster-to-launch-record-ico-x108_1px.jpeg)
Monster To Launch Record $300 Million ICO for New E-Commerce Platform
Monster is planning a record $300 million ICO in an effort to implement its new e-commerce platform, the Monster Money Network.
![Sberbank building; closeup on the logo](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/394/russian-sberbank-ico-platform-x108_1px.jpeg)
Sberbank Spearheading Russian Pursuit of Blockchain Platforming
Russia's Sberbank $12 Billion smart contract was followed by an announcement they will join government bodies to create an ICO platform.
![Wall Street Journal Reports Hundreds of Millions Invested in Fraudulent ICOs](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/352/wsj-fake-ico-x108_1px.jpeg)
Wall Street Journal Reports Hundreds of Millions Invested in Fraudulent ICOs
The Wall Street Journal's study of initial coin offerings showcased severe red flags, adding to the call for regulation within the market.
![Illustration of ICO volume growth in 2018](https://media.bitrates.com/cache/posts/345/may-2018-doubling-ico-volume1-x108_1px.jpeg)
May 2018: Quadrupling Last Year's ICO Volume Despite International Bans
Total ICO volume in May has doubled last year's monthly total. International bans on ICO's are having only a limited effect on investor faith.