"Managing Director of Bit Trust Magdalena Isbrandt

told state broadcaster ORF the advantages of digital currency is that transactions "are simply much faster and can be done without a middleman.” She added that “value and money can be sent straight from user to user.”" [RT]

"As well as Bitcoin ATMs, customers can also get information about Bitcoin. The Bitcoin Bank is located at 49 Mariahilfer Strasse in the center of the city. Bit Trust is a German Blockchain startup founded in 2014. Headquartered in Berlin, it focuses on payments systems, investments and consulting services." [CoinTelegraph]

"Andreas Petersson of Bitcoin Austria says this is an advantage: "If I pay online with Bitcoin, I have a certain level of privacy. The vendor does not have my credit card number. If I pay for purely digital goods, like computer games, I have a much better feeling as I’m not handing over all my private data."

"However, for Gabriele Zgubic of the Vienna Chamber of Labour, the currency holds too many risks. “It is subject to strong fluctuations, which could mean you end up losing money. There’s also the security risk, as it’s very attractive to hackers, and you have to be aware of the security on your smartphone. As it’s an unregulated currency, if you do get hacked, there’s no one you can claim compensation from.” [TheLocal]

"The first bitcoin ATM was set up in Austria three years ago and was successful enough to inspire the launch of further ones. Vienna now has more than 20 bitcoin-friendly vendors ranging from restaurants, bistros, and bars." [RT]

Coinfinity puts Austria's first Bitcoin ATM into operation

"Bitcoin was the best-performing currency in 2016, more than doubling in value during the year. It's 126 percent rally came on the back of strong demand in China." [RT]