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Russian PM Considers Digital Assets for Cross Border Payment
Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of Russia, has hinted at the need to incorporate digital assets into the country’s economy as a way to ensure sustainable payment for goods and services in international trade.
Sia Network Q2 2023: 12% Increase in Used Storage
In the second quarter of 2023, the Sia network, a decentralized cloud storage platform, saw a 12% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase in used storage, raising the storage utilization rate from 19% to 25%, according to a report by Messari.
Compass Mining to Sold $30m Worth of Assets in Russia to Fend Off Sanctions
Compass Mining, an American cryptocurrency mining firm, is looking for buyers for its gears stranded in Russia in a bid to avoid being sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury.
Crypto Exchange Coinsmart Announces Donations for Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis
Canada-based cryptocurrency exchange CoinSmart announced it would donate aid for the emergency humanitarian crisis in Ukraine to help Ukrainian refugees.
Coinfest Asia Uses Web2.5 Theme and Will Feature Over 100 Speakers
Coinfest Asia 2023 by Coinvestasi is ready to return on August 24-25 2023, in Jimbaran, Bali. Carrying the theme of Web2.5, Coinfest Asia wants to strengthen the linkages between the Web2 and Web3 industries, thus forming a more resilient Web2.5 industry.
Switzerland to Freeze Crypto Assets Linked to Russians
Switzerland will join the UK, the US, and western allies in strengthening sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
Blockchain Village at Medini (BVAM) Gets Underway
i2M Ventures has established a Blockchain Village at Medini (BVAM) intended at boosting the blockchain ecosystem in Malaysia.
Expobank Sets Precedent in Russia by Issuing the First Crypto-Backed Loan
Russian commercial bank Expobank has set the ball rolling in this nation by issuing a loan secured by crypto tokens, Waves crypto was used as collateral.
Russia Plans to Use Digital Rouble In Settlements with China, Says Lawmaker
Russia used to resist legalizing crypto. However, it is now willing to embrace the use of cryptocurrency for cross-border payments due to geopolitical tensions.
Coinbase Will Not Bar Russian Users Unless New Laws Requires: CEO Brian Armstrong
Coinbase CEO says the exchange will not ban Russian users, citing the fact that many citizens are not supportive of the decision of their president to go to war against Ukraine.
Russia's Apex Bank Grants DFA License to Atomyze, the Nation's First
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has granted the Digital Financial Assets (DFA) services license to Atomyze LLC, the first startup in the country to become an asset manager.
Property or Not? Bitcoin Thieves Released Because “Bitcoin is Not Property”
A Russian Court recently ruled a Bitcoin theft case as innocent, stating that Bitcoin was not considered a property. The victim sought restitution, after being robbed of 100 Bitcoins.
Crypto Bank Anchorage Digital To Make Entry into Asia
Crypto Bank Anchorage Digital is making an entry into Asia with five new partnerships, including crypto exchange Bitkub, asset management firm Dream Trade, blockchain investment firm FBG Capital, venture firm IOSG Ventures and digital assets financial services provider Antalpha.
Crypto Whales Taking Wait-and-See Approach
Based on hiked interest rates and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, crypto whales have shown signs of caution, given that their transaction volumes have been dwindling.
Ukraine to Record War Against Russia in NFTs
The Ukrainian government has planned to launch non-fungible tokens (NFTs) featuring unique digital artwork illustrating stories from its war with Russia.
Ripple Operations Expand in Asia as it Looks to Explore CBDCs with Central Banks despite SEC Legal Pressure
Despite the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against its firm, Ripple has continued to expand its services as a fintech firm.
Sale of Asian Exchange Data Could Create Revenue Stream of $4.23 Billion Per Year Says Leading Strategy Consultants
Quinlan & Associates, a leading independent strategy consultancy released a report exploring how Asian exchanges can monetize the large volumes of exchange data.
Spike in COVID-19 Cybercrime Is Stimulating Mass Adoption of Blockchain in Asia
With COVID-19 forcing businesses to adopt digital means of transacting, there is a spike in blockchain adoption, Bitcoin price surge, rise in Bitcoin scams.
Russian Tech and Political Oligarchs Opposes Blanket Crypto Ban
Tech and political oligarchs in Russia are expressing their full displeasure over the proposed blanket ban on crypto.
Cryptoassets Use in Ukraine War under Scrutiny by Global Regulators: Reuters
The use of crypto assets is being closely watched by global financial regulators amid the war in Ukraine after worry about its use to evade Western sanctions on Russia, according to Reuters.
Greece Council of State Rules for the Extradition of a Russian Bitcoin Laundering Suspect to France
Greece Council of State has ruled in favor of the order to extradite a Russian bitcoin laundering suspect named Alexander Vinnik, A.K.A "Mr. Bitcoin" to France, as reported by Greece Greek Reporter.
Vladimir Putin’s Next Presidential Term Will Depend on Blockchain-Powered Constitutional Amendment Voting
Russia’s upcoming e-voting on Vladimir Putin’s Constitutional amendments will be implemented using blockchain technology. Citizens in Moscow will be able to cast their votes online using blockchain-powered e-voting, according to the Moscow government’s official website. Starting on June 5, Moscow citizens can sign up for the upcoming voting scheduled from June 25 to June 30.
Forum Blockchain Life 2021
Sixth biggest offline event on blockchain,cryptocurrencies and mining - Blockchain Life 2021 - takes place on April 21-22 in Moscow
Blockchain Technology Implemented into Indonesia's Digital Economy
Bank Central Asia (BCA) is campaigning for Indonesian financial businesses to innovate and adopt blockchain technology to support its digital economy amidst rapid technological revolution.
Japan Asks Crypto Exchanges to Cancel Russian Sanction Related Transactions
Following concerns from the G7 nations, Japan has requested crypto exchanges to suspend transactions of crypto assets that are subject to asset-freeze sanctions against Russia and Belarus, Reuters reported.
DFA Bill Passed, But Central Bank of Russia Still Thinks Cryptos Are Criminal
Despite the Digital Financial Assets bill being passed by the State Duma, Russia’s Central Bank has nevertheless argued that crypto transactions are not deemed as legitimate investments.
Tether CTO: Moving DeFi forward in Asia
Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether gives his take on the Decentralized Finance DEFI Ecosystem in Asia standing on the cusp of a global digital banking revolution.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Seeking a New Gold Standard
Reportedly Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad indicated that he is agreeable to a single currency for the East Asian region backed by gold but critically it would not become the national cash of any current nation.
Bank of Russia Commences Digital Ruble Trials
The Bank of Russia (BoR) has announced the commencement of its Digital Ruble trials, making the most ambitious push for a functional CBDC in the country.
Iran and Russia Seek A Gold-Backed Stablecoin
Iran and Russia are planning a gold-backed cryptocurrency. In Astrakhan, Russia began accepting Iranian goods, a stablecoin would function. Instead of utilizing dollars, rubles, or rials, the initiative would allow cross-border transactions.
Hong Kong Embraces Virtual Asset Spot ETFs
Hong Kong is set to become the first market in Asia to allow Virtual Asset Spot ETFs, with around ten fund companies preparing for launch. This move signifies a major shift in the region's approach to virtual assets.
Trump's National Security Council Sees DLT as Critical Weapon in US-China Tech War
The United States National Security Council has named distributed ledger technology (DLT) as one the most critical focus areas in its tech war with China and Russia.
Russian Crypto Startup InDeFi to Launch Ruble Stablecoin following DAI Model
The new stablecoin project has no connection with the Bank of Russia’s digital ruble. The stablecoin will be pegged to ruble fiat currency.
Wanted Wirecard Exec Marsalek Hiding in Russia After Moving Funds in Bitcoin
Former Wirecard Chief Operating Officer Jan Marsalek used Bitcoin to move funds to Russia where he is now in hiding under the supervision of Russian intelligence operatives, according to a Russian media outlet.
Reebonz Tracks Provenance of its Luxury Products Using a Vechain-Powered Digital Certificate
Reebonz, the biggest luxury e-commerce company in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, has incorporated blockchain technology into its ecosystem to determine the provenance of its products.
Indonesia to Launch State-Backed Crypto Exchange by Mid-2023
Indonesia plans to launch a state-backed crypto exchange by mid-2023 to promote a more secure and transparent market, with greater regulatory oversight and investor protection.
Indonesia’s Pintu Crypto Exchange Raises $35M in Extended Series A, Led by Lightspeed Venture
Indonesia-based cryptocurrency exchange Pintu announced the company has completed an extended Series A funding round by raising $35 million dollars, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, citing multiple sources.
Bloconomic Expo: Bridging the Gap Between the Malaysian Government and Global Investors
Kuala Lumpur: Bloconomic Expo 2019 is set to be the biggest blockchain event in Malaysia with over 3000 attendees coming from around the world including investors, venture capitalist and tech enthusiasts.
“Warriors of Future” Set to Debut as Asia’s First NFT Blockbuster Movie
Warriors of Future, a multi-million-dollar Hong Kong sci-fi action movie by One Cool Group, seeks to be the first Asian blockbuster film to feature a non-fungible token (NFT) collection.
Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Buys 5,000 Blockchain ATMs Despite Authorities' Plan to Ban Crypto
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is purchasing more contactless ATMs that are powered by blockchain. The banking giant is making such a move despite an upcoming bill that aims to penalize individuals and firms that use and trade cryptocurrencies in financial transactions. Sberbank’s ATMs have nothing to do with cryptocurrencies as they do not act as BTMs (Bitcoin ATMs). The banking institution just intends to cut the need for physical contact associated with the use of bank debit/credit cards amid the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, Sberbank has been preferring to cut down the use of plastic cards because of health concerns.
FBI Arrests 2 Hackers for Ransomware and “Crypto-Jacking” Scams, 5 Chinese Suspects Still at Large
The DoJ and the FBI seized two criminals connected to a cybercrime targeting over 100 companies in the US and abroad with ransomware, crypto jacking and more.
Russian Civil Servants Required to Declare Crypto Holdings Beginning in 2021
Russia’s public officials will be obligated to declare all their private cryptocurrency and digital asset holdings, effective from the start of 2021.
Russia Plans to Build AI Software to Remove the Anonymity of Users in Crypto Transactions
The Russian agency’s plan involves using artificial intelligence (AI) for its software, as the agency sees an “urgent need to create effective opportunities for state control over the circulation of virtual assets.”
Breaking: Binance Sells Russian Operations to CommEX, Exits Market
Binance has announced the sale of its entire Russia business to CommEX, citing compliance issues as the primary reason for the exit. The transition process for existing Russian users is expected to take up to one year, with no financial strings attached to the deal for Binance.
Thailand Considers Opening Crypto Payments for Russian and Ukrainian Tourists
Following Mastercard and Visa suspension of Russian credit cards abroad due to international sanctions imposed, Thailand, on the other hand, is looking at accepting crypto payments for transactions.
UNODC: Surge in Cryptocurrency Misuse and Technology-Driven Crime in Southeast Asia
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime's latest report reveals an alarming increase in cryptocurrency misuse and advanced technological crime in East and Southeast Asia. The study focuses on the challenges faced by law enforcement against the backdrop of evolving online casinos, cyberfraud, and tech-driven underground banking networks.
Envisioning the AI Ecosystem of Tomorrow: Perspectives and Principles
This article delves into the future of AI, exploring the concept of 'shared intelligence' in cyber-physical ecosystems. It highlights the shift from artificial narrow intelligence to more complex, interconnected systems, emphasizing the role of active inference, a physics-based approach, in AI's evolution. Ethical considerations in respecting individuality within these intelligent networks are also discussed, framing a future where AI is not just advanced but also ethically grounded.
OKEX Suspends Withdrawals Causing a Bitcoin and OKB Token Price Plunge
OKEx has caused a mild selling panic in the crypto markets after suspending withdrawal services to cooperate with an investigation with the BTC price plunging nearly 3%.
Bank of Russia Delays CBDC Pilot Rollout
The Bank of Russia's CBDC pilot rollout has been delayed indefinitely due to legislation only passing through the first reading. The number of participating private banks has also changed to 13 from 15, with the pilot involving real operations and limited consumers.
“Bitcoin Has Depreciated in Half” Says Clueless Chechen Republic Leader Kadyrov
Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic has a strong distrust of Bitcoin, along with a profoundly confused understanding of BTC price.
South Korea's Top Remittance Payment Company Global Money Express Joins RippleNet to Expand Payments into Thailand
Ripple has established a connection with Global Money Express, Korea’s top non-bank remittance payment company to link with Thailand’s Siam Business Bank.
American Fugitive Wanted for $722 Million Crypto Scam Arrested in Indonesia for Child Sex Offenses
An American fraud fugitive wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a $722 million cryptocurrency scam has been nabbed in Jakarta, Indonesia, for child sex crimes.
Coinfest Asia is Back in 2023, Carrying the Theme of Web2.5!
Coinfest Asia, the immersive Web3 festival in Asia, will be back on 24-25 August 2023 in Bali. Previously, the 2022 edition of Coinfest Asia managed to have more than 2,000 participants from more than 50 countries, these participants started from the institutional level, retail, and regulators.
Gold-Backed Digital Assets Were Issued By Russia's Biggest Bank
The first gold-backed digital financial assets were issued by Russia's biggest bank, Sber (previously Sberbank) (DFAs). Gold-backed DFAs represent certified monetary rights whose price and volume rely on gold prices. In July, Sber issued three-month assets worth 1 billion roubles.
Russia’s Tinkoff Faces Regulatory Challenges to Offer Crypto Investments
Tinkoff's CEO complained that Russia's biggest online bank is unable to offer cryptocurrencies for clients due to the tough stance from Russia's central bank.
COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Crisis is Pushing CBDC Adoption, says Bank of Russia
Financial regulators are keeping a keen eye on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) because they see them as silver linings.
Malaysia's National Stock Exchange Conducts Blockchain PoC to Digitize Bond Market
Malaysia’s national stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia will conduct a blockchain Proof-of-Concept (PoC) dubbed "Project Harbour" to explore the DLT management of the country’s bonds market.
USDT Sees Rise on Ukraine's Kuna Exchange Following Russia Attack
The price of Tether's USDT stablecoin soared to 36.97 Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH) ($1.23) on Ukraine's Kuna exchange on Thursday, following the ongoing invasion from Russia.
Hong Kong Firm Prima Asia to Launch Blockchain Payment in APAC
Hong Kong-based startup Prima Asia Limited said it will launch innovative blockchain payment technology in the Asia-Pacific region this year.
Hector Network Partners with German Side Borussia Dortmund
Hector Network, a Web3 technology company, and sponsor has partnered with revered German football club, Borussia Dortmund
Russian Official Advocates Legalization of Bitcoin Mining
In a dramatic twist, the Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Evgeny Grabchak is pushing for the regulation of Bitcoin mining given the current realities in the country.
LSG Group Says Crypto Exchanges Dealing in Russia Could See Setbacks
The head of the London Stock Exchange Group said that cryptocurrency exchanges engaging with Russia could see negative consequences as Western governments look for ways to tackle Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. Democrats Propose Bill to Restrict Russian Crypto Use amid Ukraine Crisis
U.S. Democratic senators have proposed a bill that intends to impose sanctions on foreign cryptocurrency companies that have partnerships with Russian entities, preventing them from bypassing U.S. sanctions.
Coinbase Considers Support for 18 New Cryptos Including VeChain, Prompting Higher Prices
Coinbase is considering adding a new range of digital assets, including VeChain, Aragon, Bancor, Siacoin, Origin Protocol, and Ren to its potential listings.
Russian Citizens Are Using P2P Bitcoin Markets to Escape Monolithic Banking System
Crypto usage is growing in Russia, despite attempts by the government to make investment more difficult.
Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas to Speak at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference
Alesia Haas, chief financial officer of Coinbase Global, will participate in a fireside discussion at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference on September 12, 2023. The event will cover Coinbase's financial performance, strategic goals, and insights on the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting its significant influence in the cryptoeconomy.
Korea’s Jeju Island Introduces Blockchain-Fueled COVID-19 App for Tourism
To recover from COVID-19 tourism losses, South Korea has introduced a blockchain-powered digital app for visitors of Jeju Island to ensure safe travels.
Bank of Russia Reveals the Possibility of Developing a CBDC in Public Consultation Report
In the recently published public consultation on the digital rubble, the Bank of Russia acknowledged it is considering the potentials of issuing a CBDC.
Bitdeer and NVIDIA Partner to Launch AI Cloud Service in Asia
Bitdeer Technologies Group and NVIDIA are set to launch Bitdeer AI Cloud in Asia, utilizing NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD technology, to meet the growing demand for AI computing power in the cloud PaaS market.
Ukrainian Government Raises over $10M in Digital Currencies from the Public
The entire public, particularly the crypto-savvy population, has shown solidarity with Ukraine and has raised more than $10 million since the call was made.
Over $5M Bitcoin Worth Transferred towards Aiding Ukrainian Army Amid Russian Invasion
At least $5 million in Bitcoin has been donated to boost the Ukrainian Army since Russia attacked the nation on February 24, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic.
Crypto Adoption Grows among Asian Countries, Says Chainalysis Report
Chainalysis has released the analysis report, showing that countries in Central & Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) region received more than $900 billion in crypto value from July 2021 to June 2022.
Despite Threats of Ban, Russians Transact Over $5B in Crypto Annually: BOR
A new review on financial stability published by the Russian apex bank on Thursday showcases that the crypto savvy population in the country has transacted more than 350 billion rubles, or $5 billion.
To Criminalize or Not to Criminalize Bitcoin and Crypto? Moscow Reconsiders
The State Duma is discussing its legislative plans regarding Bitcoin and cryptocurrency usage and has been reported to seemingly have a change of heart regarding digital assets adoption in Russia.
Indonesia's State-Backed Crypto Exchange: An Analysis
Indonesia's state-backed crypto exchange aims to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection. It is expected to boost crypto adoption.
Russia to Permit Partial Bitcoin Mining
Despite the back-and-forth stance toward crypto in Russia, serval Russian departments have reached a consensus that Bitcoin mining should be legalized in areas rich in electricity.
Russian Prime Minister Calls for Civilized Approach to Crypto Regulation
Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian prime minister, has stated that the cryptocurrency market ought to be advanced in a civilized manner.
Russia Considering to Impose Special Energy Tariffs on Cryptocurrency Miners
Russia is looking to impose special energy tariffs on crypto miners paying more, who are being accounted for massive electricity consumption.
Central Bank of Russia Intends to Ban Crypto Mining and Activities
The Central Bank of Russia is going on the offensive in relation to the digital currency ecosystem in the country as the apex bank is calling for a blanket ban on crypto-related activities.
S. Korean Artist Management Firm Hybe Eyes Expansion into NFTs
Hybe, one of S. Korea's top K-pop management agencies, is planning to expand its marketplace for NFTs by collaborating with celebrities not managed by the firm.
Russia Collaborates With Other Countries to Setup Stablecoin Cross-border Clearing Platform
Russia is already working with several countries to establish clearing platforms for cross-border settlements of stablecoins, according to the state-backed TASS news agency.
Ukrainian Volunteer Groups Receive Bitcoin Donations amid Tension with Russia
Ukrainian volunteer groups and related NGOs are receiving Bitcoin donations, given that Russia has marshalled at least 100,000 troops on the border.
EU Imposes 8th Wave Sanctions over Russia to Include Blanket Crypto Ban
The European Union (EU) has updated its sanction on Russia, the 8th package, and this time, it unveils zero tolerance for crypto-related transactions.
PwC: Crypto M&A and Fundraising in Asia Reports Major Growth
PwC previewed its latest white paper—PwC Global Crypto M&A and Fundraising Report—last Thursday at CoinDesk’s Invest: Asia event. This is the first report by PwC on the broader crypto ecosystem, but the firm will continue to publish updates twice a year moving forward.
UK Requests Crypto Exchanges to Report Suspected Sanction Breaches
The UK authorities have introduced the new rules in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The regulations cover all valuable digital assets.
Corrupt Cop Sentenced to Prison for Accepting Bitcoin Bribe from Dark Web Drug Dealer
A former police officer has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for accepting a Bitcoin bribe from a dark web dealer, in exchange for his professional services.
Russian Blockchain E-Voter Identities Can be Exposed Through Vulnerability
On the final day of Russia’s vote on the proposed constitutional amendments—a vulnerability in the blockchain-based system that allows user’s votes to be decrypted has been exposed by Russian media.
Correlation Between Performance of Equity Markets and Crypto Assets in Asia Increased: the IMF
The International Monetary Fund said that the returns and volatility correlations between Bitcoin and Asian equity markets have increased significantly since 2020, before the pandemic.
R3 and Asian Central Banks Join Forces to Unravel Central Bank Digital Currencies
Blockchain.News spoke with Carl Wegner, the Head of Asia Pacific at R3, who has been with the company for over three years, with a major focus on developing business and partnership opportunities for the consortium. Having been in the trade finance industry for over 30 years, Wegner feels that it is an incredible opportunity for blockchain to help streamline processes.
US Sanctions Crypto Addresses of Russian Hackers Accused of Running Presidential Election Interference
The US has released a sanctions list of Russians and their crypto addresses, under allegations that they have been interfering with the presidential election.
US Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Russian Crypto Mining Firm Bitriver
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia last over 2 months, The U.S. strengthens sanctions over Russia, adding Bitriver to the sanctions list in connection with its ties to the Russian economy.
Over 115 Billion USDT Used in Southeast Asia's Illicit Activities in 2022: Revealed Bitrace
Bitrace, a blockchain analytics firm, revealed that 115 billion USDT was involved in illegal cryptocurrency activities in Southeast Asia in 2022, highlighting the transparency of blockchain ledgers.
DeFi - Find Out What's Happening in Macau on This Exciting Topic
DeFi is explored in Macau by some of the leading names in this space. The FinWise Summit is second to none in delivering quality content at a fast pace
Mastercard Partners with 3 Firms to Launch First Crypto-Linked Payment Cards in Asia Pacific
Mastercard said that it has cooperated with three well-known digital asset companies in the Asia-Pacific region to launch a Mastercard payment card funded by cryptocurrency.
Regulatory Pressure and Operational Challenges: Huobi Faces Penalties, Hotbit Suspends Operations
In an unexpected turn of events in the crypto industry, two cryptocurrency exchanges - Huobi Global and Hotbit - face substantial roadblocks.
Russia’s Detained Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny receives $120,000 in Bitcoin Donations as Protests Rage in Moscow
Russian’s are using Bitcoin to support detained political opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was recently arrested on Jan. 17 as thousands protest in Moscow for his release.
US President Joe Biden to Sign Executive Order on Crypto this Week
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to issue an executive order on cryptocurrency this week. Authorities would be expected to develop policies to enable the U.S. government to work with foreign powers to regulate crypto and its trade across international borders.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Touts Cryptocurrency’s Potential Amid a COVID-19 Digital Normal
The Securities Commission of Malaysia backs cryptocurrency use and says it has great potential, despite a lack of understanding regarding digital assets in the country.
Ten Malaysians Arrested for Unlawful Bitcoin Investment Event
Ten Malaysians have been arrested in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and charged with illegally running a business that encourages Chinese nationals to invest in Bitcoin without a valid license.
Russian Federal Watchdog Censors Binance for Distributing Crypto-Related Data
Roskomnadzor has blacklisted crypto exchange Binance for what it deems as “containing information prohibited for distribution in Russia.
The Russia-Ukraine War Might Accelerate CBDC Issuance, Former BOJ Official Says
The sanctions slapped on Russia based on its invasion of Ukraine might prompt more nations to adopt CBDCs as a shield against the U.S. dollar’s supremacy in the global financial system.
iSunOne-MPC Partnership to Develop First-Ever Islamic Financial Blockchain System in Malaysia
A collaboration between MPC and iSunOne is set to revolutionize the Islamic financial structure with blockchain technology.
Louisiana State Congress Unanimously Pass Crypto-Business Licensing Bill
Crypto businesses may be offered a regulated path to legalization in the state of Louisiana. The proposed bill has been backed by Louisiana state representative Mark Weight. Should the bill be passed, the state would have a regulated crypto framework to operate within and would provide an official definition of traditionally ambiguous cryptocurrency-related terms.
Indonesia Set to Impose Income Tax on Crypto Assets from May
Indonesia has announced that it will introduce taxes on crypto assets as part of efforts to generate tax revenue from the rising digital asset trading activities in the country.
Bank Indonesia to Evaluate CBDC Influence to Local Economy
Governor of the Bank Indonesia (BI) suggested that crypto can facilitate financial system efficiencies and inclusion. The administration is evaluating the impact of adopting CBDC on the local economy.
Russia Restricts Anonymous Cash Deposits to Online Wallets
The Russian Government has put strict limits on anonymous deposits made to online wallets. While it is not a complete ban, the initiative by lawmakers is promoted as a step to deter illegal activity such as money laundering and illicit drug transactions and could affect up to 10 million users.
Coinbase Blocked 25,000 Wallet Addresses of Russian Individuals or Entities Linked to Illegal Activities
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc. said it has blocked 25,000 wallet addresses of Russian individuals or entities linked to illegal activities.
China Leads Pan-Asian Digital Currency Project to Compete with Facebook's Libra
Led by China, four Asian countries are in the early stages of developing a joint digital currency. The currency will help keep the Dollar and Libra in check
Bank Of Russia Opposes International Trade Crypto Investment
The Bank of Russia is prepared to look into the possibility of permitting the usage of cryptocurrencies within the borders of the country, but this would be done solely for the purpose of conducting a legal experiment. Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Bank of Russia, stated that the major problem that the central bank has always had with cryptocurrencies is that they cannot be used as a payment tool.
India Passes Controversial Crypto Tax Laws, Effective on April 1
India’s parliament on Friday passed a law designed to tax digital assets including cryptocurrencies. Users will begin paying capital gains taxes of 30% on crypto transactions from 1st April 2022.
Ruble-Crypto Trading Soars amid Western Sanctions on Russia
Trading volumes between the Russian Ruble and the Tether cryptocurrency surged on Monday as Western powers slapped sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine-Russia war.
American Investors are in Bitcoin Buying Frenzy as BTC Price Rises, Crypto Flows in From Asia
As the Bitcoin bulls continue to run and push the BTC price to new levels, a massive amount of crypto has been shifting from East Asia to North America—a trend which could represent a huge shift in the crypto market according to Reuters.
Is Bitcoin still a Safe Haven? The Crypto Community Debates on Twitter Following Global Stock Market Crash
Is Bitcoin still a safe haven? The Crypto Community takes the debate to Twitter after the biggest stock market crash since 2009.
Russia Might Resort to Bitcoin Mining as Sanctions Continue to Bite
Based on the ripple effect of sanctions slapped on Russia because of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to be starving for foreign currency. It might make Bitcoin mining an alternative to bypass sanctions.
Sberbank Executive Touts Blockchain for Russia
Sberbank executive Alexander Vedyakhin believes blockchain technology could help Russia solve current settlement issues, offering new capabilities for payment systems.
Ukraine Opens Channel for Dogecoin Donations Towards Relief Efforts
As the Russia-Ukraine war rages on, Ukraine has increased the number of digital currencies. It now accepts Dogecoins from donors.
He Yi Discusses Binance's Regulatory Strategy Amid Actions Against Binance and Zhao Changpen
In a public letter, He Yi, Co-founder of Binance, discusses the company's compliance strategy, which gains significance amidst a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry initiated on May 6, 2023, 13 SEC charges, and the company's recent exit from the Russian market.
Russia To Introduce Laws Regarding the Confiscation of Crypto Assets
Russia Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said that the administration is preparing to introduce legislative amendments to the confiscation of illegal digital assets by law enforcement agencies, according to TASS.
Russia Mulling the Idea to Build a Crypto Platform on the Moscow Stock Exchange
Russian lawmakers are mulling the idea that the government could create a cryptocurrency trading platform that will be an offshoot of the Moscow Stock Exchange.
Indonesia’s Chronic Crop Data Problem Solved by Blockchain
Indonesia has been a victim of unreliable crop data, and this has hindered the optimality of its agricultural sector. This nation has been grappling with the lack of accurate data when it comes to issues, such as crop output. HARA, a Jakarta-based startup, seeks to address this challenge by deploying blockchain technology.
1 in 9 Indonesians hold Cryptocurrency, Hootsuite Report
According to a report shared by Hootsuite citing GlobalWebIndex, 11% of all Indonesians own some kind of cryptocurrency. The total population of Indonesia is just over 270 Million people which makes it the fourth most populous country on the planet.
Malaysian Communications Minister to Propose Crypto Legalization
Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, the deputy minister of the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, is rallying the government to legalize cryptocurrencies to benefit the tech and crypto-savvy population.
Kenanga Investment Bank Collaborates with Ant Group to Launch Crypto-based Applications
Kenanga will introduce an app that enables customers to crypto trading and portfolio management. Reportedly, the app could be launched in early 2023.
Conflux to Deploy Uniswap v3 on Its Blockchain
Conflux plans to deploy Uniswap v3 on its blockchain, which would offer access to millions of potential new users, particularly in China and Asian markets. This comes days after the Uniswap v3 code license expired, allowing developers to fork the protocol and deploy their own decentralized exchange. Conflux has a market capitalization of nearly $1 billion and has $45 million in total value locked on-chain. The network also announced a partnership with China Telecom to develop a blockchain SIM card.
Australia Surpasses Asia in Crypto ATM Installations
Australia has surpassed Asia in the total number of crypto ATMs installed, with 364 machines as of January 2023. The country has consistently added Bitcoin ATMs over the last eight months and is on a crypto ATM installation spree. Internal documents from Australia’s Department of the Treasury suggest that crypto legislation is on the horizon.
Indonesia Plans to Strengthen Security for Crypto Investments
The Financial Service Authority (OJK) of Indonesia will oversee the regulation, supervision and oversight of crypto investments to improve protection for investors, the Southeast Asian country's minister said on Thursday.
Russian Finance Ministry Compromises, Willing to Take Crypto Suggestions from Central Bank
Russia's finance ministry has said that it is willing to take suggestions on cryptocurrencies from the country's central bank but they should not clash with their approach.
The Bank of Russia Wants Strict Limits for Non-Professional Russian Crypto Investors
Russia has published a proposal that sets strict limits on the amounts of digital assets acquired by non-professionals investors in a year.
Moscow Exchange Drafts Bill to Offer Digital Financial Assets and Securities Trading
According to local media reports, Russia’s Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX) is drafting a bill aimed at making digital assets available for trading on the stock exchange as securities and directly as digital financial assets.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Legalizes Digital Asset and Crypto Trading
Malaysia’s Securities Commission, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with Islamic laws in finance, has allowed trading of digital assets.
Institutional Bitcoin Adoption in Asia is Making a Big Step Forward
Bitcoin adoption in Asia is taking a new turn as more institutional investors are joining the network.
Crypto is Becoming the Lifeline for Ordinary Russians, Coinbase CEO Says
Meanwhile, as the war between Russia and Ukraine ravages, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes that cryptocurrencies are emerging as the lifeline for Russians as the nation faces heavy sanctions.
Russian Investors File Class Action Against Atomic Wallet Following $100 Million Heist
Russian and CIS investors have filed a class action lawsuit against Atomic Wallet, claiming losses of around $12 million following a security breach in June. The lawsuit, coordinated by German lawyer Max Gutbrod and Moscow's Destra Legal, highlights concerns about the platform's security measures and the growing reliance on cryptocurrencies in Russia.
Russia will build a crypto exchange
Russian politicians are amending cryptocurrency laws. Finance Ministry and Central Bank of Russia apparently back the endeavor. Russian currency restrictions and laws wouldn't apply, but transactions would be reported to the tax department.
Taxing Crypto Transactions Would Generate $13B Each Year for Russia: Report
Data collected from Russian authorities showed that the country could earn $13 billion each year by taxing cryptocurrency transactions, Moscow-based news outlet The Bell reported.
Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is reportedly aiming to roll out a national crypto exchange
Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has set a June 2023 start date for its crypto exchange.
PwC Reports Huge Shift in M&A and Fundraising from US to Asia and EMEA in 2019
In 2019, crypto fundraising and M&As began migrating over to Asia, Europe and the Middle East and saw a lack of new VC investments as the majority of funding came from crypto firms within the industry, according to PWC’s latest report released on April 6.
Short-Term Holders Dominate Primary Driver for Bitcoin's Liquidation amid Ukraine Crisis
Analysis by IntoTheBlock shows that short-term holders have been the primary catalysts of the present leg down as they continue liquidating their BTC investments.
Malaysian Universities to Expand Women’s Blockchain Knowledge Base with Programmers Course
Women in Blockchain Asia (WIBA) has partnered with various Malaysian universities to propel the number of female blockchain developers and coders in Malaysia.
Binance linked to illegal cryptocurrency platform Bitzlato
Binance is related to Bitzlato, according to FinCEN. The obscure platform collected $206 million from darknet marketplaces, $224 million through frauds, and $9 million from ransomware perpetrators.
Russians Under Sanctions Using Crypto to Launder Money: Elliptic Report
Russians with strong social connections, who are under international sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine, have been using cryptocurrencies to launder their wealth, according to a report.
OpenTrade and WOO X Unite to Offer Tokenized T-Bills to Asian Investors
OpenTrade collaborates with WOO X to unveil access to tokenized T-Bills for Asian investors. This partnership, leveraging Circle Research’s Perimeter Protocol, is a response to the escalating demand for tokenized T-Bills over DeFi yields. Concurrently, WOO X advances its strategic footprint in South Korea, aligning with CODE compliance solutions to broaden its product accessibility in the region.
Russian Cybercriminals Sanctioned by DoJ for Crypto Laundering Scam Generating More than $16.8M
TheDoJ has sanctioned two Russian nationals for their cybercrimes, where millions in cryptocurrency were accumulated through scamming and phishing schemes.
Thailand’s SEC to Eradicate Any Stumbling Blocks to Digital Asset Advancement
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Thailand has revealed plans to revise the royal decree on digital asset businesses in 2020 to boost digital assets’ growth, as well as shielding investors from avoidable risks.
Russian Sberbank Conducts First Digital Asset Trade on its Blockchain Platform
Sberbank expects digital assets trading to be rolled out to the bank’s customers later this year.
Blockstack’s STX Token Starts Trading on KuCoin Today
Blockstack is increasing its presence in Asia with the addition of its token Stacks (STX) to popular Asian-based cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin.
Crypto Executives Launch Investment Firm Tangent to Help Web3 Startups Growth
The launch of Tangent comes amid financial market turbulence that has triggered venture capital funds to slow down investment in the tech sector.
Binance Scores Big Win as Newly Licensed Exchange in Italy
Binance cryptocurrency exchange has just scored a big win as its Italian offshoot, dubbed Binance Italy, has received approval to operate in the country by the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori (OAM).
Russian Blanket Crypto Ban May now be Limited to PoW Mining Activities
New reports emerging out of Russia now suggest that the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is looking to amend its proposed plans to enact a blanket bank on digital currencies
Russian Intelligence are Hiding Embezzler and Former Wirecard COO in Belarus
Jan Marsalek promptly disappeared shortly after undertaking an investigation for the Wirecard missing funds - which he claimed would clear him of any wrongdoing. However, new evidence suggests that he never made it to the Philippines at all, but has been in hiding with the help of the FSB, a Russian intelligence agency.
SEBA Bank Secures SFC License, Expanding Crypto Services to Hong Kong
Swiss cryptocurrency bank SEBA Bank has been granted a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission license to offer trading, distribution, advisory, and asset management services in the Asia Pacific region.
Why Energy Experts are Watching the Crypto Market Closely
Words like Bitcoin and Oil Market seem to have no correlation between them. However, given the kind of small world we are living in, there's more than meets the eye. Check out this article which explains the perfect correlation between Bitcoin and Oil Market and why energy experts are keeping a close watch on the crypto market.
Russian Finance Ministry Believes Crypto Should be Regulated not Banned
The Ministry of Finance in Russia believes that the ban on crypto-assets should be shelved. Proper regulations would provide both transparency and protection to citizens.
Gazprombank suggests banks be given more time to adjust to digital
Gazprom, a Russian state-owned company, suggested allowing banks extra time to deploy the "digital ruble."
Coinbase to Release Q4 Results, Crypto Winter Expected to Cause amid Ukraine- Russia War
Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, announced that it will release its fourth-quarter earnings report on February 24, 2022, EST. Wall Street analysts expect a brief winter in the cryptocurrency market due to the Crisis in Russia and Ukraine.
Siacoin (SC), LEO Surge Over 14% as Starknet (STRK) Sinks 21% Among Top Cryptocurrency Movers
Siacoin and UNUS SED LEO were among the top gainers over 24 hours, surging 14-15%. Starknet saw the biggest losses, plunging 22%. Ongoing volatility highlights an uncertain crypto market amid weak sentiment and volumes.
OKB Token Price Rises Over 10% on News of OKEx Exchange Founder’s Release
Circulating rumors of OKEx exchange founder Mingxing “Star” Xu’s release from the custody of Chinese authorities has seen the OKB token surge over 10% today.
Fasset to Drive Financial Inclusion in Indonesia with Mastercard
Digital assets-based fintech startup Fasset Technologies has partnered with payments giant Mastercard to drive financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Private Cryptocurrencies May Soon Vanish From Russia
According to Russia's TASS news agency, Bank of Russia Deputy Governor Vladimir Chistyukhin signalled that private cryptocurrencies may soon go out of existence in the financial markets.
Belt and Road Summit 2019—Iranian Investment, Malaysian FinTech and the Kazakh Belt Buckle
Rounding off our exclusive interviews for the 2019 Belt and Road Summit, jointly organized by the HKTDC and the HKSAR Government, we share insights from delegates from Iran, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan
Legalizing Crypto Payments Will Happen "Sooner or Later": Russia Trade Minister
In a recent revelation, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said the move to legalize cryptocurrencies as a means of payment in the country is bound to happen “sooner or later.”
Whatsapp is Close to Launching Digital Payments in Indonesia
Whatsapp, the Facebook-owned messaging platform has been engaging in preliminary talks with multiple Fintech establishments to launch digital payments in Indonesia.
Mastercard Pulls Russian Banks from its Payment Network
American payment services giant Mastercard has cut off Russian financial institutions from its payment network.
Russia Updates Regulations on Crypto Transactions, Harsh Fines Reserved for Defaulters
Russia’s Ministry of Finance has issued an amendment to its current cryptocurrency regulations. The amendments also come with stricter sanctions.
Ukraine Military Foundation Allies Solicits Donations in Crypto
The “Return Alive” Foundation with close ties with the Ukrainian military is now soliciting funds in cryptocurrencies to support the army in these trying times.
U.S.-German Joint Operation Seizes $25m Worth of Bitcoin, Shuting Down Russian Darkened Marketplace Hydra
Authorities said the Hydra darknet platform had millions of users, where malware, drugs, counterfeit products, stolen data, and digital assets were traded.
Binance Continues to Provide Services to Unrestricted Russians Despite EU Sanction
Binance exchange is still serving nonsanctioned Russian users according to one of its Executives
Russia Mulling Crypto for Cross-Border Payments
Russia is reportedly mulling the plans to allow cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments as on one of the survival measures explorable as the country continues to battle sanctions from the West for its invasion of Ukraine
Tencent Cloud Tech to Support Blockchain Digital Records for Travel Amid COVID-19
Tencent Holdings has joined hands with blockchain firm ShareRing to deploy a blockchain-powered digital document and identity management solution.
Russia largest bank is moving forward with the plan
Sberbank, Russia's biggest bank, will begin open DeFi platform testing in April 2023.
Indonesian Police Raid Bitcoin Mining Operations Over $1 Million Electricity Theft
Indonesian police have closed 10 illegal Bitcoin mining operations, detained 26 individuals, and confiscated over 1,300 mining rigs, stealing nearly $1 million worth of electricity.
Russian Man Charged For Offering $1 Million in Bitcoin to United States Employee to Install Malware in Company’s Network
Russian citizen arrested and charged for trying to recruit an employee to plant malware on a company’s computer network in Nevada, US.
U.S. Requests Crypto Exchanges to Avoid Russian Running away from Sanctions
The U.S. is reportedly urging major crypto exchanges to make sure no Russian individuals or institutions escape from the sanctions by using cryptocurrencies.
Malaysian Authorities Shut Down Illegal Bitcoin Miners For $600K Power Theft
Malaysian police have shut down two illegal Bitcoin mining operations which had been siphoning power continuously for the past three years.
Russia Won't Follow in the Footsteps of China's Total Ban on Crypto Transactions: Russian Deputy FM
The Russian government said it will not follow China's comprehensive ban on cryptocurrency and has no plans to prohibit investors from buying cryptocurrencies in the foreign exchange market.
Blockchain Asia: Technological Solutions to Cultural Mistrust
Jochen Biedermann is also the Founder and CEO of Blockchain Asia which was established in 2016. In this second installment, we discuss Blockchain’s applications throughout Asia, clashes in culture and China’s mission to be the first country with an operating central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Crypto Market Crashes after Putin Announcing Military Operations against Ukraine
The crypto market is full of bearish sentiment, right after Russia launched the latest military operation against Ukraine. Bitcoin has fallen over 8%, whereas Ethereum has plunged over 10%.
Bank of Russia to Debut Digital Ruble in April 2023
The Bank of Russia is planning a consumer pilot for the digital ruble and a gold-backed cryptocurrency.
Russian Banking Giant Sberbank to Tokenize Financial Assets Using Stablecoins
Sberbank, Russia’s biggest bank, has disclosed the possibility of issuing tokens to be utilized in digital financial assets (DFA) settlements. The token will be in the form of a stablecoin to be pegged to the nation’s currency, the Russian ruble.
Bitcoins Rebounds after Witnessing 6 Month Lows due to FUD, Standing around $36K
Subject to fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and the possibility of raising the interest rate from the U.S. Fed meeting last week, Bitcoin rebounded during the Asia trading session after it tumbled to its lowest in six months.
Crypto Interest in Asia is Brewing, Showing Long-Term Optimism in the Market
Crypto analyst Joseph Young has disclosed that Asia is showing considerable interest in the crypto market.
Ninety Eight Launches $25M Ecosystem Fund to Boost Web3 Startups in Asia
Ninety Eight, transitioning from Coin98 Finance, has launched a $25M Ecosystem Fund to support Web3 startups in Asia, leveraging the Viction blockchain and $C98 token.
Russia’s Central Bank Makes U Turn about Crypto Usage in International Payments
As a change of tune, Russia’s central bank is relieving its previous tough stance about cryptocurrencies by allowing their usage in international payments, as reported by Reuters.
Russian Central Bank Bars Mutual Funds from Investing in Cryptocurrencies
Under the new ban, Russia’s mutual fund companies must not invest in crypto assets.
Malaysian Authorities to Extend Crypto Regulations to Wallet Providers
The Malaysian Securities Commission plans to extend crypto regulations to wallet providers in the country owing to their importance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Gemini co-founder: Crypto's next bull run will start in Asia
Last October, former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes and Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss predicted that Asia will lead the next bull run.
Russian Banks Seeks Help from China's UnionPay amid Crackdown from Mastercard & Visa
In a bid to mitigate the strain on the users of these payment service providers, the Russian Central Bank said some of its indigenous financial institutions are looking at integrating UnionPay.
U.S. sanctions: Customers suing Compass Mining
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
Unveiling the Top 5 Surprising Views on Blockchain by AFF leaders
Blockchain, cryptocurrencies, fintech and virtual assets will be at the centre of many of the discussions and we have selected a few of the speakers that we are most intrigued by and some that our readers may not realize are important or outspoken in the blockchain and crypto space. We have purposely excluded the usual suspects—if you don’t know what PWC’s Henri Arslanian thinks about crypto by now, we really can’t help you.
Malaysian Crypto Miners Caught Stealing $59,700 of Electricity from State on Monthly Basis
Malaysian police recently arrested five cryptocurrency mining operators that were caught stealing electricity from a state-owned power company, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
Ukrainian Government Accepts Polkadot DOT Donations, Expanding Crypto Donations Over $30M
Ukraine expands over $30M crypto donation program and accepts Polkadot’s DOTs after Russian army invasion.
EU Council Expands Sanctions on Crypto Wallets, Targeting Russian Officials
The European Union Council has imposed another round of sanctions on Russia with an extended ban on crypto-focused transactions for already blacklisted Russian individuals and their relatives.
OKEx Founder Star Xu Arrested After Crypto Exchange Suspends Withdrawals
Following the sudden suspension of OKEx's withdrawal services, it has been reported that the exchange's founder Star Xu has been taken into police custody.
Binance shuts down accounts in relation to Bitzlato investigation
The U.S. Department of Justice announced action against Binance, which blocked accounts due to the Bitzlato probe.
Blockchain Platform Owned by Russia’s Richest Man Gets Greenlight to Tokenize Air Tickets
Vladimir Potanin, arguably the richest man in Russia, has been granted permission to offer digital tokens to book air tickets, purchase metals, and transfer ski passes using his blockchain platform dubbed Atomyze. The much-needed go-ahead was given by the nation’s central bank last week based on Potanin’s urge to tokenize commodities from a consumer perspective.
Revolut CEO Breaks Silence on Russian-Ukraine War, Condemns Violence
The Chief Executive Officer of a digital banking app Revolut Nikolay Storonsky has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and will donate up to £1.5 million per day to Red Cross Ukraine for the next seven days.
Pro-Russia Groups Evaded Sanctions With Over $2M Crypto Donations
American blockchain analysis firm, Chainalysis, has released a detailed report on how over $2 million in cryptocurrency donations have been used to fund the Russian-wing of the war in Ukraine
A British National Charged With Aiding North Korea in Violating US sanctions
Despite the DoJ's crypto financial sanctions targeting Russia, local authorities helped their American colleagues.
Government Officials in Russia Expected to Declare Their Cryptocurrency Savings
Government officials in the Ural region of Russia are now expected to declare their savings stored in cryptocurrencies.
Russian Crypto Advocates Urge Putin to Address Delayed Regulations
The Russian Association of Crypto Industry and Blockchain (RACIB) has written an open letter to President Vladimir Putin urging him to address the risks of delayed cryptocurrency regulations in Russia. The letter argues that Russia has been too slow to implement legal regimes for crypto adoption and highlights the potential complications of proposed amendments to the current crypto law.
Russia’s E-Voting Blockchain Platform Attacked
Russia’s blockchain e-voting platform for Vladimir Putin’s proposed Constitutional amendments reportedly suffered a node attack last weekend. The proposal is passed will allow Putin to serve as President until 2036.
Four Countries to Conduct Cross Border CBDC Payment Trials
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has joined forces with the central banks of South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia to kick start a project dubbed Dunbar aimed at testing the use CBDCs in cross border payments.
FreeInit: A Groundbreaking Approach to Enhance Video Generation by Nanyang Technological University
FreeInit, developed by Nanyang Technological University, enhances video diffusion models by iteratively refining noise initialization, significantly improving temporal consistency in video generation.
Central & Southern Asia Lead in 2023 Crypto Adoption, Chainalysis Reports
The 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index shows Central and Southern Asia are leading in global grassroots adoption of cryptocurrencies. The index measures countries' involvement in the crypto space using on-chain data and real-world statistics. India leads the index, with six of the top ten countries from the CSAO region. Lower-middle-income countries, including India, Nigeria, and Ukraine, have seen robust recovery in grassroots crypto adoption.
Five Russian Banks Ready to Lead Russia's CBDC Pilot Test
Five Russian Banks will participate in the pilot test for the Bank of Russia’s proposed Digital Rubble following the release of its public consultation report.
Binance Exchange Restricts its Services to Russia
Binance exchange is implementing a new account restriction policy for its Russian users in response to the European Union’s fifth financial restriction on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia Gives Tax Incentives to Crypto Miners
Russia offers tax benefits for crypto mining investors during tough times.
Dapper Labs Restricts Russian-based NFT Accounts, Abides by EU Sanctions
Dapper Labs said it is complying with new sanctions approved by EU member states amid Russia’s continued escalating conflicts in Ukraine.
RippleNet Expands Access to Cross-Border Payments in the Asian Market with Thai FinTech Partnership
Thailand-based fintech company DeeMoney has joined RippleNet to process more efficient money transfers with competitive rates and low fees for all of Asia.
Indonesia Rakes in Approximately $6.8m Monthly from Fintech & Crypto Transaction Taxes
Since the rollout of fintech and crypto transaction taxes in May, Indonesia has amassed nearly $6.8 million, according to the nation’s tax official.
China Passes Civil Code Which Will Allow its Citizens to Inherit Cryptocurrency
At the Thirteenth National People’s Congress held in Beijing China, the parliament passed a new civil code that protects the civil rights of inheritance, marriage, property, personality, and contract infringement. According to Lixin Yang, a professor at Renmin University of China, the civil code states that “When a natural person dies, the legacy is the personal legal property left by she/he.” Personal legal property in this case also means “internet property” including virtual currencies. Chinese citizens will be able to leave their cryptocurrency and virtual assets to their heirs, coming into effect on January 1, 2021.
Russian Top Digital Bank Tinkoff Explores Crypto Investment Services
Despite Russia’s Central Bank imposed ban and restrictions on cryptocurrency usage in the country, Tinkoff bank is examining potential cryptocurrency investments services to offer to its clients.
Eastern Asia’s Crypto Market Growth Halts, China's Crypto Transaction Volume Drops by 31% YoY
Eastern Asia's crypto growth came to a near standstill since last year triggered China crackdowns.
Japan's Financial Giant SBI Group to Shut Down Crypto Mining Operations in Russia
Japanese financial giant SBI Group announced that it will shut down its crypto mining operations in the entire country of Russia.
Will Crypto Assets Have a Future in Russia After All? State Duma Passes DFA Bill
The State Duma of Russia passed a law regarding digital financial assets (DFA) in the financial bill’s third reading, which determined the fate of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Binance Joins Association of Russian Banks, Strengthening Strategic Relations
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has joined the Association of Russian Banks (ARB), a move that arguably bolsters its relationship with top financial institutions in Russia.
Pro-Russian Group Raises $400K in Crypto to Support Russian Military Actions
Pro-Russian groups are raising funds through cryptocurrencies to support Russian military operations as the Russian-Ukrainian war continues.
Central Bank of Russia Intends to Bring Crypto to Stock Exchanges
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is reportedly making plans to permit cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to start trading on the nation’s regulated stock exchanges.
Asia Crucial to Web3 Gaming Industry
A report by DappRadar highlighted the importance of Asia in the Web3 gaming industry, due to the region's majority share of gamers and gaming revenue, as well as its high interest in blockchain technology. While China prohibits gaming companies from integrating blockchain technology, Japan and South Korea are leading the way in adopting blockchain technology in gaming.
HSBC Successfully Executes First Blockchain Letter of Credit in Malaysia
HSBC announced its successful execution of a pilot live blockchain letter of credit (LC) transaction in Malaysia on Oct. 14.
Animoca Brands to Halt Trading Services to Russian Users
Animoca Brands said it would stop trading services to Russian users is in response to sanctions being imposed on Russia.
GSR Secures Major Payment Institution Licence from Singapore's MAS
GSR, a global cryptocurrency trading firm, has received In-Principle Approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The approval allows GSR's Singapore subsidiary, GSR Markets Pte. Ltd., to better serve the cryptocurrency community. The news comes a day after Coinbase Singapore announced its full licence, highlighting the competitive yet regulated crypto landscape in Singapore.
Russia Begins CBDC Settlement Mechanism While Sanctions Continue
A central bank digital currency will be used to establish a cross-border settlement mechanism by Russia's central bank (CBDC). The plans are anticipated in 2023's first quarter. By2024, the Bank of Russia planned to launch its digital currency.
Malaysia’s Financial Regulator Says Binance is Not Authorized to Operate in the Country
The Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, the country’s financial regulator, has announced that Binance cryptocurrency exchange is not unauthorized to operate in the country. The financial watchdog has, therefore, put the crypto exchange on the list of unlicensed companies.
Indonesia to Update Govt Rules for Crypto, Implement More local Control
The South Asian country's trade ministry is planning to issue rules to govern crypto exchanges that will require two-thirds of the board of directors and commissioners to be Indonesian citizens and live in Indonesia.
Messaging Giant LINE is Developing a Platform for CBDC
Japanese messaging giant Line is developing a platform to aid Asian central banks in their pursuit of central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
92% High-Net-Worth Individuals in SG & HK Are Interested in Digital Assets: KPMG
KPMG China conducted a study dubbed “Investing in Digital Assets” and found that family offices and high-net-worth individuals in Singapore and Hong Kong have a growing interest in terms of virtual digital assets.
Digital Rubble Prototype to be Introduced in Early 2022
In line with the development of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) dubbed the Digital Rubble, the Central Bank of Russia is set to launch a prototype platform for the new form of money in early 2022.
Alipay Facilitates First Digital Cauldron Lighting in Asian Games History
Alipay, the digital payment giant and Official Prestige Partner of the Hangzhou Asian Games, has made history by supporting over 100 million digital torchbearers in the first-ever digital cauldron lighting ceremony. The initiative was part of the Smart Hangzhou 2022 platform, a one-stop digital service for the Games. Alipay's technology ensured that even phones produced 8 years ago could participate in the digital interaction.
Russian FM says No to Crypto Ban
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that cryptocurrencies should not be banned as advocated by the central bank but instead the government should fix the ongoing crypto regulation predicament.
Alchemy Pay Scores License to Expand in Indonesia
Alchemy Pay has obtained a license from the central bank of Indonesia to operate remittance and fund transfers in cooperation with local fintech firm Berkah Digital Pembayaran. The license allows the firms to offer better payout methods and reduce associated operating costs.
Russians are Rushing to Buy Bitcoin as COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
As governments around the world continue to battle ill-effects of the ongoing COVID pandemic, Bitcoin is turning out an investment of choice among developing and emerging economies. Officials from the Russian chapter of Binance, Garantex, and EXMO shared insights with the Russian publication, confirming the growth in users originating from the country. All the bourses have mandatory KYC policies in place, meaning the reported figures are accurate.
Nvidia to Construct $200M AI Center in Indonesia, Boosting Local AI Talent
Nvidia collaborates with Indonesia's government and Indosat to establish a $200 million AI center aimed at infrastructure development and AI skill enhancement.
Four Payment Operators Join in Suspending their Services in Russia amid Ukraine Crisis
Four payment operators announce to suspend their payment services in Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Indonesia Officially Imposes 0.1% Tax and VAT on Crypto Income and Purchases
According to CNN Indonesia, Hestu Yoga Saksama, director of tax regulations at the Ministry of Finance, has confirmed that the government has decided to impose a 0.1% tax charge
Indonesian Government to Launch Crypto Exchange Soon
The Indonesian government is reportedly set to launch its own digital currency trading platform before the end of the year, after overcoming several delays.
EU Ensures Russia Cannot Bypass Sanctions through Crypto, Says French Finance Minister Le Maire
French Finance Minister Bruno le Maire said the EU is looking for ways other than cryptocurrencies to impose sanctions on Russia, according to Reuters.
Bangladesh Records First Blockchain-Based Remittance with Standard Chartered Bank
The partnership between Standard Chartered Bank, bKash of Bangladesh, and Valyou of Malaysia has given Bangladesh its first blockchain-based cross-border remittance service.
China and Malaysia discuss Asian Monetary Fund
China and Malaysia are discussing the creation of an Asian Monetary Fund as a way to move away from U.S. dollar hegemony. The fund was proposed at a forum in Hainan, China, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that China is open to the proposal.
The Bank of Russia Says CBDC Will Eliminate Challenges Caused by Cryptocurrencies
An executive working at Russia’s Central Bank has stated that a Central Bank Digital Currency could serve as a response to problems being created by cryptocurrencies.
Ukraine Legalizes Bitcoin amid Intensified Tension with Russia
The Ukrainian parliament unanimously voted to legalize Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies by passaging a Virtual Assets law on Thursday, amid the intensified tension with the potential military conflicts with Russia.
Microsoft Loses TikTok to Tech Giant Oracle – What This Means for Bitcoin and Blockchain Industry
TikTok, the multibillion-dollar video sharing platform popularized by millennials and Gen Z, has chosen Oracle Corporation as its tech partner over Microsoft.
NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden Might Return to US as President Trump Considers Pardon
US President Donald Trump is considering an executive pardon for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden after 7 years of exile in Russia. Snowden has been an advocate of Bitcoin for some time and most of the servers he used to leak the sensitive information were paid for in Bitcoin.
Russian Finance Ministry on Track to Legalize Crypto for Cross-Border Payments
The current economic landscape in Russia is forcing both the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance to rethink their approaches to cryptocurrencies.
Russia's Central Bank Plans to Launch its CBDC-Digital Ruble across all Banks in 2024
The Bank of Russia launched a digital ruble experiment in 2022 to explore business models and innovative use cases for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
SBI Remit Expands Ripple XRP Based Remittance Services
SBI Remit expands XRP-based remittance services to Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, integrating Ripple Payments and TRANGLO for real-time, low-cost international payments, accelerating adoption in Southeast Asian markets.
FINEXPO Brings FinTech Industry Leaders and Enthusiasts Together at FinTech Festival Asia 2023
Bangkok, 3 April 2023 – FINEXPO, the world's leading event organiser, announced today that it is hosting its first-ever FinTech Festival Asia (FTF Asia) on 27 and 28 September 2023 at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ripple Tapped by Novatti to Improve Australian Remittances to Southeast Asia
Ripple has sealed another partnership, this time with Novatti, an international payments firm.
Russian Policy Boss Wants to Block Cryptocurrencies, Says They Are Difficult to Regulate
Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Financial Market Committee, stated that the country should explore other options for crypto regulation.
Russia Finally Showing Signs of Embracing Digital Assets in New Bill
After successfully undergoing test period, tokenization is set to take centre stage with reforms as newly proposed cryptocurrency legislation in Russia received the green lights.
Russian law legalises crypto mining, sales under 'experimental legal system'
Cryptocurrency mining and sale of the cryptocurrency mined could be legal in Russia if a bill is passed by parliament. A Russian platform for cryptocurrency sales will be set up if the law is passed, and Russian miners will be able to use foreign platforms. Russian currency controls and regulations would not apply to the transactions, but they would have to be reported to the Russian tax service.
Bank Indonesia Plans to Launch its Central Bank Digital Currency
Bank Indonesia is planning to launch its central state digital currency in response to the increasingly prosperous cryptocurrency market.
Bitcoin Gains Momentum as Biden Slaps Russia with Sanctions
Bitcoin entered the green zone after U.S. President Joe Biden revealed new sanctions meant to cut off Russia from western finance.
Indonesian Tech Firm GoTo Acquires Local Crypto Exchange For $8.4M
GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk announced that it has entered the digital asset business by acquiring local cryptocurrency exchange PT Kripto Maksima Koin.
Techlinker Asia Partners with TripleA to Remit Payments in Crypto
Tech talent and HR consultancy, Techlinker Asia has partnered with TripleA to allow clients to remit payments in cryptocurrencies or stablecoins.
Monetary Authority of Singapore Sets Up New Institute of Digital Finance for Boosting Fintech and Digital Asset Research
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has teamed up with the National Research Foundation, and the National University of Singapore to set up a research institute that will develop and support the needs of digital financial services in Asia.
Russia’s Central Bank Orders Local Stock Exchanges to Avoid Listing Crypto-Related Funds
The Bank of Russia has instructed local stock exchanges not to list any cryptocurrency services to firms.
DFINITY Unveils $20 Million ICP Asia Alliance to Propel Web3 Adoption
DFINITY Foundation launches the ICP Asia Alliance and a $20 million fund on September 28, 2023, to accelerate Web3 and AI adoption in Asia. The alliance aspires to unite diverse stakeholders, foster innovation, and catalyze the growth of the Internet Computer blockchain across the region, underlined by the establishment of multiple ICP.Hubs and strategic partnerships.
High Risk Crypto Activity on The Rise in Eastern Europe Amid Russia-Ukraine War - Chainalysis
Illicit cryptocurrency activities have increased in the region driven by economic sanctions.
Tokocrypto Gets Green Light as First Indonesian Crypto Exchange
Tokocrypto becomes the first cryptocurrency exchange platform to be approved by the Indonesian government. Having being established in Indonesia, Tokocrypto seeks to stamp its authority in this nation in the crypto space. Since 2018 to date, it has facilitated at least US$250 million in cryptocurrency assets.
OKX Website Blocked in Russia with Unknown Reason
The trading website of the OKX exchange has been blocked in Russia according to Roskomsvoboda, a platform that keeps track of censored platforms.
Indonesia's Crypto Exchange Launches In 2023
Crypto platform intended before commodities to securities regulation transition. Didid Noordiatmoko, head of Bappebti, said a crypto exchange should be launched this year. Governor Perry Warjiyo released a digital rupiah idea in December.
MDEC Mandates Malaysian Big Data and Blockchain Competency Centre Initiative
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has given Multimedia University (MMU) the mandate of establishing the first national industry competency center on big data and blockchain.
Allegations of fraud against Compass Mining after company cuts ties with Russian
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
Russia’s Central Bank Will Ban Crypto Issuance and Trading in Upcoming “Digital Financial Assets” Bill
Alexey Guznov, head of the legal department at Bank of Russia, says that the new version of the delayed bill on “Digital Financial Assets” will include a ban on issuance and selling of cryptos in the country.
Chinese Crypto Veteran Reveals More About Binance After Top Executives Leave CoinMarketCap
Chinese crypto veteran Li Xiaolai revealed to the public via social media platform Weibo, about Binance’s operations.