In today's edition of Bitcoin in Brief we cover a secret meeting at Nasdaq, a takeover bid for crypto-as-collateral loan platform SALT, Vitalik Buterin's thoughts on the importance of enabling small retail transactions, and why Chinese investors come to Israel to find blockchain startups.

Exchanges Meet With Nasdaq in Secret

About six companies, including both Bitcoin exchanges and legacy venues, have taken part in a "closed-door meeting" with Nasdaq last week in Chicago. The apparent purpose of the meeting was the stock market giant's intention to help legitimize cryptocurrency investments in the eyes of US regulators and big banks by reducing users' anonymity and privacy. The main topic, according to "a person familiar with the event" cited by Bloomberg, was to "encourage the industry to do things that will improve its image and validate its potential role in global markets." They talked about the implications of new regulation for cryptocurrencies, what are the needed tools for that and "what surveillance will be needed." And there will be the more such meetings as part of "an ongoing dialogue among the participants," the source added.

Nasdaq has reportedly confirmed the meeting took place but did not disclosed who took part in it. The company is officially supplying technology to five crypto exchanges, two of which are known to be SBI Virtual Currencies and Gemini, which hired Nasdaq to conduct surveillance on its trading. It also helps price Cboe Global Markets Inc.'s Bitcoin futures.

SALT Takeover Offer

Secured Automated Lending Technology (SALT), a membership-based crypto-as-collateral loan platform which in February suspended registrations, requests, and purchases, has recently seen its CEO leaving unexpectedly. This has sparked speculations and rumors about the viability of the platform, and even triggered accusations of the former CEO pulling an exit scam. Competitors have been quick to pounce on the matter, issuing statements meant to convince investors to switch over. The most interesting move came from Nexo, who graciously offered to take over certain assets of SALT in an unsolicited acquisition bid.