Facebook Registers Secretive 'Libra' Cryptocurrency Firm in Switzerland

According to a Reuters report, Facebook registered a new company, Libra Networks, in Geneva on May 2. This coincides with the slow roll-out of their internal cryptocurrency that will define the company's first foray into blockchain technology.

Facebook Global Holdings is a stockholder in the new company and it will, according to Reuters, "provide financial and technology services and develop related hardware and software, plans submitted on the Swiss register reveal."

Facebook's march towards crypto has been slow and steady. The company's latest move, the hiring of two Coinbase compliance managers, happened on May 14.

The Libra project has ruffled some feathers in Congress, as well. US lawmakers sent an open letter to the company seeking clarification on the currency's purpose and implications.

They wrote:

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Facebook is recruiting dozens of financial firms and online merchants to help launch a cryptocurrency-based payments system using its social network. Last year, Facebook asked U.S. banks to share detailed financial information about consumers. In addition, privacy experts have raised questions about Facebook’s extensive data collection practices and whether any of the data collected by Facebook is being used for purposes that do or should subject Facebook to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Facebook declined to comment on the new company. Recent rumors pointed to a tentative $1 billion raise to be used to build out the technology.