CRYPTOCURRENCY
U.S. Intensifies Sanctions on Hamas, Targeting Crypto Assets
The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group, following their attack on Israel, focusing on their use of cryptocurrency assets. The sanctions include sanctions on officials, a Gaza-based crypto exchange, and individuals involved in Hamas' financial operations.
iFinex Proposes $150 Million Share Buyback from Bitfinex Hack Victims
iFinex, Bitfinex's parent company, plans a $150 million share buyback to re-acquire shares given as compensation for a 2016 hack. The offer follows a valuation surge from $120 million in 2016 to $1.7 billion, providing an exit route for investors. Shareholders have until October 24 to respond to the buyback offer.
Enabling Innovation in Asset Management: SFC's Approach
Christina Choi of the SFC spoke at the Bloomberg Buy-Side Forum Hong Kong 2023, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with regulation in the asset management industry. She highlighted the SFC's ongoing work on guidelines for tokenization of investment products.
LD Capital: Institutions Are Buying on the Dip
Global markets face declines amid concerns over bond yields, inflation, and China's economy. Despite a 5% drop in the S&P 500 since July, the stock market rose 20% this year, with institutions capitalizing on the dip.
NFT Market Facing Persistent Selling Pressure
Recent data shows that throughout April, the NFT market has had more sellers than buyers, indicating a potential lack of demand for NFTs.
MetaMask Launches "Buy Crypto" Feature
MetaMask has launched a new feature allowing users to purchase crypto with fiat currency directly from its Portfolio Dapp. The "Buy Crypto" feature will enable MetaMask users to purchase a wide range of cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, and it takes into account several factors such as user location and local regulations. The funds will then be deposited directly into the user’s MetaMask wallet.
Zipmex Misses Buyout Payment
Cryptocurrency exchange Zipmex has missed the latest payment under its buyout agreement with venture capital firm V Venture. Without the $1.25 million payment, the Singapore-based exchange warned it may have to begin liquidating one of its units and suspend payroll.
Astar Network Partners With Shibuya to Support Tokyo Ward’s Web3 Strategy
Blockchain innovation hub Astar Network has partnered with Shibuya, the Tokyo ward famed for its commerce and finance. The agreement will see Astar support Shibuya’s new web3 initiative and host events that support this strategy.
Nexo Allocates Additional $50M to Long-standing Token Buyback Initiative
Crypto lending platform Nexo has approved periodic repurchases of its NEXO token for up to $50 million.
US-Based Mortgage Firm Permits Homebuyers to Use Crypto Holdings as Collateral
Milo, a financial technology company that reimagines mortgage credit, removes the obstacle for down payments if homebuyers use crypto holdings as collateral for home loans.