The cryptocurrency set surely has its theories. It’s all about fraud, some argue. Scandals in Japan, South Korea, Thailand and elsewhere in China’s backyard have had regulators in a banning mood. First trading and initial coin offerings. Next, it could be scrapping bitcoin mining altogether. It’s carbon emissions, stupid, others say. Bitcoin mining is among humankind’s most electricity-intensive pursuits. Runaway energy consumption has officials scrambling to regain control of excess capacity. On April 9, China’s National Development Reform Commission said it might list bitcoin production among activities guilty of ... (full story)