ICO
‘AML BitCoin’ Lobbyist Abramoff Pleads Guilty to ICO Fraud
AML BitCoin lobbyist Jack Abramoff has pleaded guilty to multiple accounts of fraud associated with the 2018 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) for AML BitCoin.
Tezos Settles Class-Action Lawsuit Over 2017 $232 Million ICO to the Tune of $25 Million
Tezos Foundation has settled for $25 million in a class-action lawsuit over its 2017 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) which raised $232 million.
Chelsea Football Club Owner Abramovich Confirmed as Investor in Telegram's 2018 ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) investigation into Telegram’s $1.7 billion initial coin offering (ICO) in 2018 has revealed that some very big names took part in the unregistered offering.
AML BitCoin Lobbyist Abramoff to Pay $55K in Convicted Guilt Plea for ICO Fraud
In the civil case filed against Jack Abramoff for his role in the 2018 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) scandal, the AML BitCoin lobbyist is expected to pay $55, 000 in disgorgement and interest for his conspiracy in fraud.
Third Co-Founder of Centra Tech Pleads Guilty for $25 Million ICO Fraud
It has recently been announced that the third co-founder of Centra Tech has agreed to plead guilty for his role in the $25 Million Initial Coin Offering (ICO) Scam his cryptocurrency firm was involved in.
SEC Charges Crypto Project Unikrn $6.1M for ICO Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Unikrn for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering of its native token, UnikoinGold (UKG).
Mexican Central Bank Reveals CBDC Distribution in 2024
Banco de México, the Central Bank of Mexico has revealed that its projected CBDC will be up for public distribution by 2024.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Leverages Coronavirus Pandemic for National Petro Adoption
Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro has announced a new campaign aiming to help the medical staff in his nation by airdropping one Petro to each actively working doctor amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Miami Plans to Distribute "Bitcoin Yields" To Local Residents
Miami is working on a plan to pay its citizens “Bitcoin yield” from the city’s cryptocurrency known as MiamiCoin.
CoinList Raises $100M Series A Funding Round, Reaching Unicorn Status With $1.5B Valuation
CoinList announced that it raised $100 million in a Series A round of financing, which brings its valuation to $1.5 billion.
Judge Denies Telegram's Appeal to Issue Grams to Non-US Entities, Says it's Too Late to Question SEC Jurisdiction
US Federal Judge P. Kevin Castel has denied Telegram’s request to issue its Gram tokens to overseas investors.
SVC Bank Caught in SVB Collapse Confusion
India's SVC Bank faced panic due to a mixup with collapsing Silicon Valley Bank, as their acronyms' similarity caused confusion among Indian citizens.
US Toughens Export Controls on Semiconductors to China Amid Military Concerns
The US Department of Commerce tightened export controls on advanced computing semiconductors to China and other countries of concern to address national security threats posed by military modernization. The rules, effective from November 16, 2023, refine the parameters defining restricted chips, introduce a global licensing requirement, and expand controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The update also adds certain PRC entities to the Entity List, requiring a BIS license for foundries manufacturing chips for these entities.
PlexCoin Founder Indicted by US Grand Jury for 2017 ICO Securities Fraud
A United States grand jury indictment has been delivered to Plexcoin founder, Dominic Lacroix, as well as Yan Ouellet and Sabrina Paradis-Royer for securities and wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money, according to the DOJ.
HKD.com Announces M+A with Technicorum Holdings, Creating $100m Valuation in Singapore
Hong Kong Digital Asset Exchange Limited (HKD.com), a leading digital asset exchange in Hong Kong, today announced that the company has entered a joint strategic partnership and merger and acquisition with Technicorum Holdings (www.technicorum.com), diving further into the $163 billion annual global blockchain market.
Leading Asian Fintech Company WeLab Completes the Largest Ever Fintech Fundraising in China
Leading fintech company, WeLab announced on Dec. 12 that it has raised US$156 million in Series C of strategic financing, becoming the largest fintech fundraising in China so far. WeLab was one of the first virtual banks established in Hong Kong, after receiving a virtual banking license from Hong Kong’s de facto central bank, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) in April 2019.
Investors Rally to Support Silicon Valley Bank Amidst Possible Closure
Over 125 venture capitalists and investors, including Sequoia Capital and General Catalyst, have pledged their support for Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) as the 40-year-old banking institution winds down its operations. The investors signed a statement in an effort to cushion the impact of the bank's possible closure and limit the fallout on tech companies that rely on SVB for funding and banking services.
Paolo Ardoino: Tether Ranks 22nd in US Treasury Holdings, Surpassing Mexico, Australia, and Spain
Tether, the world's leading stablecoin, now holds $72.5 billion in U.S. Treasury bills, despite China's divestment from U.S. debt. Mixed reactions arise, questioning long-term stability in emerging markets.
Puerto Rico to Become a Prefered Destination for Crypto Investors, Establishing Friendly Taxation and Island Lifestyle
Under Act 60 or the Individual Investors Act, non-Puerto Rican residents get exempted from paying capital gains for investments realized, and this is one of the factors attracting crypto investors.
List of Blockchain Projects, People and ICOs the SEC Charged
A list of some of the blockchain projects and crypto figures who have been charged by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission over the years.
61,216.6 ETH from Ethereum ICO Address Moved to Kraken
An Ethereum (ETH) address associated with the initial coin offering (ICO) in 2015 has transferred a staggering 61,216.6 ETH, equivalent to $116 million, to the Kraken exchange. This transaction marks the first movement of these funds since their acquisition eight years ago.
Circle Unable to Withdraw $3.3 Billion from SVB, Causing USDC Sell-Off
Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), was unable to withdraw $3.3 billion of its $40 billion reserves from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), leading to a sell-off that caused the stablecoin's value to drop below its $1 peg. Circle initiated a wire transfer to remove the funds from SVB as the FDIC-insured bank was about to shut operations, but the transfer was not wholly processed, leaving $3.3 billion of USDC reserves with SVB. Dante Disparte, Circle's chief strategy officer, warned that SVB's failure could have broader implications for the US economy.
WhaleFin is being sued by Atletico Madrid for unpaid sponsorship
Atletico Madrid is suing WhaleFin for €20 million over a terminated €40 million sponsorship deal, claiming financial losses and potential reputational damage.
Defunct Crypto Lender BlockFi Has $227 Million in Uninsured Funds with Troubled Silicon Valley Bank
A bankruptcy filing has revealed that BlockFi has $227 million in uninsured funds allocated to a money market mutual fund (MMMF) offered by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which was shut down by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on March 10. While the investment may not be at risk despite SVB's troubles, the filing highlights that the funds are not FDIC-insured, not insured by any federal government agency, and "not guaranteed by the bank." The recent Silvergate bankruptcy has also impacted the crypto market.
Nomura-Backed Digital Asset Firm Komainu Hires Nicolas Bertrand As CEO
Bertrand’s experience driving strategic transformations at the Italian stock exchange demonstrates his capability to accelerate Komainu growth and capture the opportunities ahead.
Blockchain Firms To Benefit From SEC's Upward Review of Fundraising Limits For SMEs
The Securities and Exchange Commission has amended its maximum fundraising limit for Small and Medium Enterprises a move that will benefit smaller blockchain firms.
First Citizens Bank to Acquire Silicon Valley Bank Deposits and Loans
First Citizens Bank will acquire all deposits and loans of Silicon Valley Bank after its collapse following rumors of a liquidity crisis. The FDIC has approved the purchase and assumption agreement, and Silicon Valley Bank depositors will become depositors of First Citizens Bank. The North Carolina-based bank is now the 30th largest commercial bank in the US.
Worldcoin Protocol Undergoes Comprehensive Security Audits
Worldcoin, a blockchain-based protocol that integrates both off-chain and on-chain components, a proof of humanity protocol co-founded by Sam Altman of OpenAI, recently underwent two separate security audits.
SBI Holdings to Launch Investment Fund for Emerging Companies like Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups
SBI Holdings plans to invest 100 billion yen in startups focusing on Web3, AI, and metaverse, with financial institutions supporting Japan's goal to nurture its startup ecosystem and enhance its Asian startup hub position.
All You Need to Know About the Silicon Valley Cryptocurrency
The rising popularity of cryptocurrency has contributed to a revolution in the digital currency industry. Currently, a U.S based venture capital firm, Andra Capital, has announced its desire to introduce its own Silicon Valley cryptocurrency to leverage its business. It is interesting to see that the company has joined the list of other enterprises like JPMorgan Chase, Arias Intel Corp, Facebook, and others that have created or in the process of creating cryptocurrencies they call their own.
Tether Floats Mexican Pesos-based Stablecoin in Latin America
Tether Operations Limited, the blockchain startup behind the USDT stablecoin, has announced its entry into Latin America with the launch of the Mexican Pesos backed MXN₮ stablecoin.
Federal Regulators Testify on Bank Failures
Representatives from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Federal Reserve will testify before the United States House Financial Services Commission in a hearing investigating the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Lawmakers are seeking to understand why and how these banks failed. The hearing is expected to take place on March 29, and both the FDIC chair and the Fed Vice Chair for Supervision will appear before Congress.
Has Judgement Finally Come for 2017 ICOs? Class Action Lawsuits Name Binance, BitMEX and Block.One Among Host of Crypto Defendants
Crypto Giants Binance, BitMEX, along with Executives CZ, Arthur Hayes Named Among Defendants in 11 Class Action Suits For Violating Securities Laws.
How Kaspersky Protects Investors During Token Sales in 7 Ways
In the exclusinve interview with Blockchain.News, Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky shares the latest trend on cybersecurity threats in crypto fundraising and how Kaspersky's solutions can protect investors in 7 ways.
Telegram to Release Financial Statements to the SEC in Gram Token ICO Case
The United States Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked Telegram to release its financial statements, which includes bank records as the regulator believes will prove the misconduct in the $1.7 billion offering of Gram tokens.
Titanium Blockchain CEO Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
Michael Stollery, the CEO of Titanium Blockchain, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that raised approximately $21 million through an initial coin offering (ICO) in 2018. Stollery pleaded guilty to securities fraud, admitting to falsifying aspects of TBIS’ whitepapers, planting fake client testimonials on the TBIS website, and commingling ICO investors’ funds with his own.
Long-term Dormant Ethereum ICO Participant Activates $3.2 Million Worth of ETH
An Ethereum ICO participant re-emerged after 8.2 years of inactivity, transferring 2,000 ETH ($3.2 million) to four different addresses on October 21, 2023. Acquired at a mere $620 at the Ethereum Genesis, this move not only underscores Ethereum's substantial price appreciation but also hints at potential market dynamics as long-dormant assets re-enter circulation. The transaction could signal various intents, from cashing out to redistributing or reinvesting the holdings, each with its own set of implications for the Ethereum market.
Thailand SEC Eases ICO Restrictions
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to lift restrictions on retail investment in initial coin offerings (ICOs). The SEC aims to permit bigger investments in asset-backed ICOs, including those backed by real estate and infrastructure.
Venezuelans to Bypass Hyperinflation with Bitcoin-Backed Synthetic US Dollars After Years of Extreme Economic Crisis
A cross-border remittance startup based in Colombia, Valiu has released a new Bitcoin-backed US dollars for Venezuelans to bypass the hyperinflation that has been tormenting their national economy.
US Department of Homeland Security to Host Blockchain-Based Digital Wallet Event with $25K Reward
DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) will host a virtual event for a Digital Wallets Challenge on Oct 27.
Report: US Banks Face Satisfaction Paradox, Following Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
GFT's study shows 42% of US banking customers are satisfied, but 58% feel there's room for improvement. Despite this, only 14% of global consumers are considering a change, while trust remains strong with 78% still relying on traditional institutions.
Telegram Abandons TON and Gram Tokens, Durov Critical of US Regulating Whole World
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced that they are calling it quits on the Telegram Open Network (TON) and its Gram tokens after a drawn-out battle with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Microsoft Reveals Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU
Microsoft unveiled Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU, optimized for AI and cloud computing, with deployment scheduled for early 2024.
Gensler Alleged Crypto Hypocrisy
Gary Gensler, head of the US securities regulator, is facing accusations of hypocrisy from the crypto community after a 2018 video surfaced of him stating that cryptocurrencies are commodities or cash and not securities. Several crypto leaders have expressed their shock and disgust at Gensler's apparent change of stance on the matter.
Circle's Stablecoin USDC Affected by Collapsed Bank
Circle's USDC stablecoin briefly de-pegged after news that $3.3 billion of its cash reserves were stuck with collapsed bank Silicon Valley Bank. USDC's dollar peg has since recovered, but mass redemptions have led to a drop in the stablecoin's market cap by nearly 10% since March 11.
The Listing of Clean Energy Crypto-Mining & Semiconductor ETF on NYSE Launches
The clean energy encrypted mining and semiconductor exchange-traded fund (ETF), created by registered investment advisor and emerging fund manager Viridi, was officially traded on the New York Stock Exchange on July 20 under the code name RIGZ.
PornVisory Plans Token Rewards for Porn Streaming
PornVisory is an Italian based adult content streaming site modeling the Brave Browser's system by rewarding users with its own token (PVY) to reward users who view content and ads on the site while also promoting anonymity.
NFT Trading Platform Giant OpenSea Raises $100 M in Series B Funding, Becoming Next Crypto Unicorn
The well-known NFT trading platform giant OpenSea announced the completion of a US$100 million Series B financing, joining the track of crypto unicorn officially.
Sparkster Settles SEC Charges for Unregistered ICO, Agrees to Pay $35M to ‘Harmed Investors’
Sparkster agrees to pay over $35 million in a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over an "unregistered initial coin offering (ICO)" in 2018.
Telegram Maintains Gram is not a Security, Urges Court to Deny SEC Action
Telegram, in an October 16th filing, has asked the Southern District Court of New York to deny the request by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for a preliminary injunction on Gram, Telegram’s native cryptocurrency.
One of the Richest Men in Mexico Invests in Bitcoin, saying “Paper Money is Worth Nothing”
One of the wealthiest men in Mexico, Ricardo Salinas Pliego has just revealed that he had invested 10% of his liquid portfolio in Bitcoin (BTC).
G7 Bank Sector Higher Money Laundering Risk than Crypto Industry, Reports Mexico Financial Intelligence
According to a report released by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico, the G7 banking sector was most at risk of money laundering operations.
Fintech CEO Pleads Guilty to ICO and COVID-19 Loan Fraud in the US
Taiwanese national Justin Cheng has pled guilty to multiple counts of fraud involving $7M COVID-19 relief funds and ICO scams.
HSBC approves multi-million-pound bonuses for Silicon Valley Bank UK staff
HSBC UK Bank, which acquired Silicon Valley Bank UK for just one pound, has reportedly approved multi-million-pound bonuses for its staff and senior executives. The bonus pool, totaling between £15m and £20m, was described as "modest" by insiders and was said to be in honor of previously agreed payments and to retain key staff.
SK Chairman Chey Tae-won Champions AI Transformation in Business
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won urges businesses to adapt to the AI era by reshaping their models, focusing on flexibility, strategic partnerships, and offering comprehensive AI solutions.
US DOJ and SEC launch inquiries into Silicon Valley Bank collapse
The DoJ and SEC have started investigations into the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the stock sales made by its financial officers leading up to its closure. The probes are in their early stages and may not result in charges or allegations of wrongdoing.
Reuters: U.S. Aims to Thwart Chinese Access to AI Chips via Overseas Outlets
The U.S. is contemplating tightening restrictions to prevent Chinese firms from accessing American AI chips via overseas outlets, reinforcing its stance on curbing China's AI military advancements. The move comes amid existing challenges in enforcing export controls, with the new rules expected to broaden the scope of restrictions on the AI chip market.
Cryptocurrencies Added to the List of Top Threats to Investors by Texas Security Board
According to the latest Texas Investors Guide, Texas regulators have added cryptocurrencies to the list of top threats to investors. In an edition of the states Securities Board's “Texas Investor Guide: Strategies for Investing Wisely and Avoiding Financial Fraud,” the regulatory body included cryptocurrencies to the list of investments with potential red flags. The report described cryptocurrencies as extraordinarily volatile and challenging to grasp for people who are not professional traders.
Multicoin Capital invests in Wormhole to enhance crypto interoperability
Multicoin Capital leads $225 million funding round for Wormhole, a leading multichain solution with over $41 billion assets and 30 chains, focusing on user experience and zero-knowledge verification technology.
Mexican Senate Gets First Bitcoin ATM Machine, the Nation Eyes Making BTC Legal Tender
To offer Mexican lawmakers first-hand Bitcoin experience, ChainBytes and Axolotl Bitcoin have put up a Bitcoin ATM at the nation's senate building.
The First Crypto Bank in Puerto Rico Rolls Out Digital-Asset Custody Service
FV (Fintech Ventures) Bank, a global financial entity registered in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, has launched a digital-asset custody service for seamless safeguarding and interoperability of crypto and fiat.
PWC Singapore's Venture Hub: A Breeding Ground for Singaporean Unicorns
Following Part 1 of the interview, Lim Shu Ning, Director in PwC Singapore’s Venture Hub specializing in Blockchain analyzed the key challenges for startups to become a “Unicorn” in Singapore and shared with us how PwC Singapore’s Venture Hub partners with local regulators and accelerators to foster FinTech innovation in Singapore.
Huobi Exchange Floats Investment Arm Ivy Blocks
Huobi Exchange, one of the largest trading platforms in the world has launched its investment arm, dubbed Ivy Blocks as it seeks to deepen its foothold in the growing Web3.0 ecosystem
SEC Accuses Thor Token Developers For 2018 ICO With Unregistered Securities
Through the sale of its Thor (THOR) cryptocurrency between March and May of 2018, Thor Technologies was able to raise a total of $2.6 million from 1,600 investors. According to the SEC, the coins did not have any application in the real world at the time of the sale. The company went out of business in 2019 as a result of its inability to establish a customer base and achieve financial success. It is the most recent in a string of similar allegations that the SEC has filed against those involved in the cryptocurrency industry.
Venezuelan President Maduro Leveraged Cryptocurrency to Conceal Drug Ring Transactions According to US DOJ
Venezuelan President Maduro and 14 other high-ranking Venezuelan officials have been charged for their alleged involvement in a multibillion-dollar cocaine trafficking ring that the the DOJ claimed wreaked havoc on American communities by flooding the markets with cocaine for over 20 years. According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Venezuelan officials had leveraged cryptocurrency in an attempt to mask their money trail on their alleged crimes
Hong Kong Regulator SFC Warns ICOs as Unauthorized Investment Schemes
The Hong Kong Securities and Financial Commission have issued a warning to the public to beware of unregulated investment schemes, such as digital tokens and initial coin offerings (ICO).
Mexico Turns Bitcoin Development Down after Billionaire’s Crypto Pitch
Central Bank of Mexico (Banco de México) and other regulatory watchdogs issued a statement prohibiting financial institutions from conducting transactions by virtual cryptocurrencies.
California Court Fines Crowd Machine and Metavine in ICO Case
A California court orders Crowd Machine and Metavine to pay over $20 million for an unlawful 2018 ICO, highlighting the importance of adhering to securities laws in the crypto industry.
Puerto Rico Police Say No Evidence of Foul Play in MakerDao Co-Founder’s Death
On Friday, local district police in Puerto Rico announced the results of the investigation into the death of MakerDAO Co-Founder Nikolai Mushegian. The report said there is no evidence of criminal elements involved in the death.
Italian Town Spearheads Blockchain-Propelled Waste Management
Miglianico, an Italian town in the Abruzzo region, is famous for its wine production based on its expansive vineyards. The city is planning to establish a new blockchain breakthrough by being the first town in the country to incorporate distributed digital ledger technology for its waste management solutions.
Circle Plans to Cover USDC Shortfall After SVB Shutdown
Circle, the issuer of the stablecoin USD Coin (USDC), has announced that it will use corporate resources to cover the shortfall on its reserves after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was shut down by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. USDC liquidity operations will resume as normal when banks open on Monday, enabling redemption at 1:1 with the US dollar. The stablecoin lost its $1 peg on March 11, trading as low as $0.87, due to the disclosure of $3.3 billion of Circle's reserve held at SVB.
SEC Charges Rapper T.I. for Role in Alleged Fraudulent ICOs
The SEC filed a complaint against T.I and four other individuals for selling unregistered and fraudulent cryptocurrency securities for two firms.
ByteDance Taking a Deep Dive into the Metaverse
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance is making moves to escalate its influence on this nascent ecosystem - metaverse - in the East.
TON Developers Threaten to Go Rogue and Launch Network as Telegram Battles SEC Lawsuit
While the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may have temporarily succeeded in stopping the launch of Telegram’s TON network, can they really stop open-source technology?
NFT Trading Volumes Plunge After Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
NFT trading volumes dropped from $74 million to $36 million after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Daily NFT sales count also fell by 27.9% between March 9 and March 11, and active NFT traders hit a low of 11,440 on March 11, the lowest recorded since November 2021.
AmeriCoin - The Pathway to Monetary Freedom, Tokenization and the American Dream?
Is cryptocurrency the tool to achieve the “American Dream”? Adam Kokesh, the leading libertarian candidate of the 2020 U.S. presidential race has revealed the plan to develop AmeriCoin cryptocurrency. The development of AmeriCoin will be led by Alastair Caithness, the Chief Blockchain Policy Advisor appointed by Kokesh.
Brock Pierce Served for Securities Fraud in Connection with His Blockchain Company Block.one During Electoral Campaign
Presidential hopeful Brock Pierce was served a court summons during his electoral rally at his new headquarters in New York City today.
US Bank Failures Shock Regulators
The New York Department of Financial Services and the US Federal Reserve Board have published their internal reviews on the handling of Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank's failures. The string of bank failures, including Silvergate Bank's voluntary liquidation, has prompted regulators to re-evaluate their supervision.
iComply on FATF Travel Rule: Cryptocurrency is Meant to be Trustless, Not Anonymous
iComply Investor Services (iComply) is a regulatory technology (Regtech) company focused on making financial markets more robust, secure, and efficient. We asked their CEO, Matthew Unger for his take on 2019 FATF Travel Rule Guidelines and find out what these recommendations really mean and how should exchanges or VASPs observe them?
Why the SEC Charged Telegram, EOS, Kik and ICORating: Are Your Cryptos Safe?
Could the SEC charge your blockchain or crypto project? Let's take a look at why Telegram, EOS, Kik, and ICORating have been charged.
THORChain (RUNE) Price Soars After Multicoin Capital’s Heavy Investment
Multicoin Capital has made an unusual move by betting big on THORChain (RUNE), a digital currency that is not widely acclaimed like BTC
Ackman Urges US Government to Guarantee SVB Deposits
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has warned the US government that failing to guarantee all deposits held by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) within 48 hours could result in the destruction of several financial institutions. Ackman argued that a "giant sucking sound" would be heard from the withdrawal of substantially all uninsured deposits from all banks, which would lead to a drain on liquidity from community, regional, and other banks.
Chinese Telecom Giants Cite Blockchain as the Enabler for the Roll Out of 5G
According to a report from the BBC in November 2019, China continues its push for global supremacy in technology. State-owned telecom giants - China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom now sees the emergence of Blockchain and other digital technologies as the crux to allow China to lead the market.
IEOs are Overhyped? Research Shows That Most IEO Projects are not Profitable
Replacing ICO’s is the IEO business model, although a report by Blockshow Capital suggests that it may not be the most profitable investment. In retrospect, Binance has proven to be the best platform to yield profitable returns.
Chainalysis: Venezuela’s State-Owned Crypto Exchange Possibly Used by Maduro Regime to Launder Funds
Blockchain analysis company Chainalysis wanted to find out whether the claims of whether Petro aiding Venezuelans are true.
SEB and Credit Agricole launch digital bond platform on blockchain
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) and Credit Agricole have launched a blockchain-based platform called "so|bond," which allows institutional clients to issue, trade and settle bonds digitally. The platform uses a validation protocol called "Proof of Climate awaReness," which minimizes its environmental footprint while incentivizing nodes to improve their environmental impact.
Coinbase Allows Crypto Investors to Cash Out in Pesos in Mexico
Coinbase, the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, said it launched a pilot program in Mexico on Tuesday, allowing crypto investors to cash out cryptocurrencies in Pesos in Mexico.
The Sandbox Appoints Nicola Sebastiani as Chief Content Officer
The Sandbox announced the appointment of Nicola Sebastiani as its Chief Content Officer to bolster its global content development. With a notable background from Sony PlayStation Studios and Apple, Sebastiani is set to enhance The Sandbox’s creator and content ecosystems. Alongside, executive promotions were announced with Mathieu Nouzareth now as Chief Business Officer and Amit Kumar as Chief Marketing Officer, marking a strategic move towards expanding its global community and fostering user-generated content in its decentralized virtual platform.
US Government Grants $162 Million to Microchip Technology for Semiconductor Production Boost
US grants $162M to Microchip Technology, bolstering domestic semiconductor production under the CHIPS & Science Act.
Why Multicoin Capital Invested $5.7M in Squads Labs
Multicoin Capital discloses a $5.7 million investment in Squads Labs, bolstering the multisig standard on Solana. The funding accelerates Squads' blockchain-native custody infrastructure, spotlighting major upgrades like SquadsX and Squads (v4), which are set to redefine self-custody and on-chain capital coordination.
Overnight collapse of two traditional banks triggers chaos
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank caused major chaos, resulting in stablecoins depegging from the U.S. dollar. The federal government has taken action to protect depositors, and President Joe Biden has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Former IcomTech CEO Marco Ochoa Sentenced for Wire Fraud Involving Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Marco Ochoa, ex-CEO of IcomTech, has been sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud in a crypto Ponzi scheme, with a $914,000 forfeiture and two years of supervised release.
FDIC Requires Potential Buyers of Failed U.S. Banks to Give Up Crypto Services
The FDIC has asked banks interested in acquiring failed U.S. lenders, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, to submit bids by March 17. The authority will only accept bids from banks with an existing bank charter, prioritizing traditional lenders over private equity firms. The FDIC has also required any buyer of Signature to agree to give up all cryptocurrency business at the bank. This news comes amid concerns expressed by U.S. Representative Tom Emmer that the federal government is “weaponizing” issues around the banking industry to go after crypto.
CEO of IcomTech Pleads Guilty in Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Marco Ruiz Ochoa, former CEO of IcomTech, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a large-scale cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. The company falsely promised high returns on cryptocurrency investments and used promotional tactics to lure victims. Ochoa now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Is Mexico the Next to Legalize Bitcoin? Senator Indira Kempis Drops a Hint
Mexican Senator Indira Kempis is ready to send a bill to Congress which will seek to legalize Bitcoin as a legal tender in the country.
Bitcoin's Market Cap Surpasses Meta's Despite Turbulent Week for Crypto
Bitcoin's market cap has surpassed that of tech giant Meta, despite a turbulent week for the crypto market following the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Bitcoin's market cap has risen 9.7% in the past 24 hours, sitting at $471.86 billion and ranking it 11th among top assets by market cap.
Yellen Works with Regulators to Address Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is working with regulators to address the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), one of the top 20 largest banks in the US. Yellen has stated that they are focused on protecting depositors, particularly small businesses that employ people across the country, and that they are considering a range of available options, including acquisitions from foreign banks.
OKX and Google Cloud Host Successful Hackathon for Decentralized Applications on OKT Chain
OKX, the second largest crypto exchange by trading volume and a leading Web3 technology company, has teamed up with Google Cloud to host the OKX Hackathon to drive growth and innovation of the blockchain ecosystem. The three-day event, held in Silicon Valley, aimed to encourage developers to build decentralized applications on OKT Chain, a leading layer 1 blockchain built on Cosmos.
Multicoin Capital Injects $430m Venture Fund III for Blockchain Startups
Cryptocurrency investment firm Multicoin Capital has announced the launch of $430 million Venture Fund III to help startups focused on decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), open finance, Web3 infrastructure, and more.
How Should the Bticoin Halving Impact the Cryptocurrency Market
The Bitcoin halving, a four-year event, reduces the reward for miners, impacting crypto trading, profitability, market dynamics, and price volatility. It can create positive sentiment, attract institutional investors, and benefit various participants in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Telegram Prohibited from Issuing Gram Tokens as US Court Grants SEC's Injunction
A United States District Court has sided with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granting an injunction against Telegram to to temporarily prevent the company from issuing its Gram tokens.
Bitcoin Evaporated 30 Billion Market Cap Amid Coronavirus Pandemic and Bearish Economic Outlook
There's a sea of Red for stocks and cryptocurrencies this week. Bitcoin has dipped below USD $6000 for the first time since May 2019. The selloff of cryptocurrencies has extended to altcoins which the price of Ethereum and Bitcoin SV have dropped 30% and 40% respectively.
Amazon Aims to Advance Its Digital Currency Project in Mexico
Amazon has been planning on launching a digital currency project in Mexico, and a job posting revealed that it was looking for engineers and developers for the part.
Future of Silicon Valley Bank May Put Trillions of Dollars at Risk
The decisions made by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regarding the future of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) may have significant consequences for regional banks across the United States. Former Bridgewater executive Bob Elliot has warned that a potential failure of the tech bank could trigger a bank run on thousands of small banks, putting trillions of dollars at risk.
John McAfee to be Served with SEC Court Documents as He Awaits Extradition from Spain
John McAfee is to be served by the SEC for seven illegal initial coin offerings (ICO) he conducted, as well as for tax evasion.
NYC to Mine its Own Token, Following Backing From Mayor-Elect Adams
New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams is reportedly to kick off his ambition by launching his proposed token mining on Wednesday.
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Stricter Export Controls on Advanced Semiconductors to China
Two senior Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have called on the Biden administration to tighten export controls on advanced semiconductors to China. The lawmakers, Michael McCaul and Mike Gallagher, chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee on China respectively, expressed concerns over the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) lax enforcement of existing rules. The call for action comes amid advancements by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Huawei Technologies.
Steven Seagal Under Siege from US SEC for Shilling 2018 ICO
Iconic 90s martial arts film star Steven Seagal has come under siege from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who have made an executive decision to show the Aikido master that he is not above the law for his involvement in the Bitcoiin2Gen ICO of 2018.
Multicoin Capital's Vision for 2024: Embracing AI, Crypto, and Web3 Innovations
Multicoin Capital's 2024 outlook highlights the transformative role of AI, stablecoins, and innovative token distribution in the crypto and blockchain landscape. The firm foresees significant advancements in remittances, social applications, and various sectors integrating crypto as a foundational element.
Enigma Settles With US SEC Over Unregistered 2017 ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced it has settled charges against blockchain startup Enigma MPC.
U.K. Treasury Proposes Ambitious Crypto Regulations
The UK Treasury labelled algorithmic stablecoins "unbacked crypto assets" rather than banning them.
Chico Crypto Goes Head-to-Head with Cardano Founder on Smart Contracts
Crypto gets its first bout in the ring with well-known crypto YouTuber Tyler Swope aka Chico Crypto going head to head against Charles Hoskinson Founder of Cardano.
Bank of England halts Silicon Valley Bank UK branch operations
The Bank of England has ordered the Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch to halt its operations as it has limited presence and no critical functions supporting the financial system. The bank will be placed into a Bank Insolvency Procedure, and eligible depositors will be paid out by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the protected limit of £85,000, with the remaining assets and liabilities being managed by bank liquidators. UK venture capitalists and a nonprofit organization have expressed concern as several startups and investors have significant exposure to the SVB UK, including prominent blockchain VCs who have over $6 billion in assets at the bank.
Beijing Authorities Warns Institutions Not to Get Involved with Crypto
Beijing’s local authorities in China have issued a new risk warning on cryptocurrency trading activities. The Beijing Local Financial Supervision Administration, the Business Management Department of the People’s Bank of China, the Beijing Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau and the Beijing Securities Regulatory released further measures to ask firms not to engage in crypto businesses.
Breaking: Bitcoin Enters Banking System, El Salvador's Cuscatlan and Agricola Accept it for Loans
El Salvador's Cuscatlan and Agricola banks have announced they will now accept Bitcoin for loan payments, paving the way for Bitcoin to be used directly for credit card debt settlements and loans, potentially setting global banking industry precedents.
John McAfee Indicted for Tax Evasion and for Fraudulently Promoting ICOs Through Twitter
The DOJ is charging John McAfee with tax evasion and failure to file tax returns, according to an unsealed indictment that was revealed yesterday.
Atlético Madrid, AS Roma and OG Crypto Fan Token Prices Plunge Following Binance Listing
Champion Esports team OG (OG), Atlético Madrid (ATM) and AS Roma (ASR) crypto fan token prices have begun to plunge immediately after being listed on Binance.
Telegram Appeals Federal Court Injunction to Stop Gram Distribution
Telegram has filed an appeal to yesterday’s ruling by a United Stated federal court in favour of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which has prohibited the issuance of Gram tokens for the time being.
OpenAI in Advanced Funding Discussions Targeting Over $100 Billion Valuation
OpenAI is in talks to raise over $100 billion in funding, potentially making it the second most valuable U.S. startup, with discussions also involving a chip venture with G42.
Ethereum is an Ideal ICO Platform, Asserts Roger Ver
Roger Ver, a proponent of Bitcoin Cash, noted that ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) were experiencing a dormant trend. However, he acknowledged that Ethereum could come in handy in eradicating this challenge because it offers a fantastic ICO platform.
SEC Finalizes Lawsuit Against the Founder and CEO of Fraudulent ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed that it has received a final judgment in a US district court action against Eran Eyal, the CEO and founder of Shopin token offering for carrying out an allegedly fraudulent ICO.
US SEC Wins Lawsuit Against Kik’s $100 Million Unregistered ICO
US Judge Alvin Hellerstein rules in favor of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the regulator's lawsuit against Kik’s 100 million 2017 ICO.
Telegram Agrees to Turn Over ICO Documents To SEC
Telegram has agreed to provide the SEC with ICO Documents.
Floyd Mayweather Promoted 2017 ICO Was a Fraud, Co-Founder Pleads Guilty
The $25 million 2017 Centra Tech ICO court case has finally resulted in a verdict against one of the co-founders who pleaded guilty to fraud yesterday. The other founders are still awaiting trial.
Block.one Settles with SEC to the Tune of $24 Million
Blacksburg startup Block.one has agreed to pay $24 million (HK$ 188 million) in fines to settle the allegations of unlawfully selling its ICO (initial coin offering) to US investors. The blockchain company had raised several billion dollars between 2017 and 2018 by selling its own digital currency.