assets
Crypto Assets Conference 2020B
On October 29-31, 2020, the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center is organizing the Crypto Assets Conference (CAC) for the fourth time. Blockchain technology was born through the invention of Bitcoin and has since then created hundreds of digital assets and spurred the development of business models building on decentralized networks. Together with executives, founders, investors and representatives from public authorities the conference covers both the public blockchain (crypto assets) and the enterprise blockchain domain (DLT). The CAC makes the audience familiar with the current trends in DLT, blockchain and crypto assets.
FATF Virtual Assets Guidelines for Cryptosphere Review
With the growing concern of virtual assets/cryptocurrencies being used as a medium for the financing of illegal activities, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issues revised guidance from time to time to combat money laundering and terrorist financing involving virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
Hong Kong IFEC Warns Against Trading on Illegal and Foreign Platforms for Virtual Assets
The investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), a public organisation under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), has issued a warning regarding the potential risks connected to unlicensed and foreign virtual asset trading platforms.
KuCoin Rolls Out $100m Creators Fund to Accelerate Web3 Growth, Empowering Early-Stage NFT Projects
Crypto exchange KuCoin has announced a $100 million “Creators Fund” to enhance the Web3 ecosystem and support early-stage NFT projects in sports, arts, GameFi, and celebrities.
US Congressman Proposes Safe Harbor for Digital Token Issuers in a New Bill
A new bill has just been sponsored by an American lawmaker from North Carolina, Patrick McHenry, seeking to grant a safe harbor for some token transactions
NFTs will Outrun Bitcoin due to the Proof of Ownership for Real-World Items, Kevin O’Leary says
Kevin O’Leary believes that NFTs have a bigger shot of surpassing Bitcoin because they can digitally show ownership of real-world things like flash cars or designer watches.
NFT Transactions Projected to Hit $40m by 2027 amid Metaverse Trend
NFT transactions are expected to reach $40 million by 2027 as the metaverse trend continues gaining steam, according to a report by Juniper Research.
Stablecoins Could Threaten Monetary Sovereignty and Financial Stability, Says ECB’s Christine Lagarde
Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB), has highlighted that stablecoins could pose a serious threat to monetary sovereignty and financial stability.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Explores Virtual Asset Regulation in UAE and Highlights Converging Global Standards
According to a report by Ming Pao, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the regulation of virtual assets (cryptos) with the local central bank.
Dubai Police to Release Second Bunch of NFTs
The Dubai Police plans to roll out the second collection of NFTs after the first bunch attracted approximately 23 million people globally.
Hong Kong's Crypto Rise: Harbinger for China?
Hong Kong's rising status as a crypto hub amidst regulatory amicability sparks speculations on China's evolving stance towards digital assets. The significant crypto activity in Hong Kong, combined with its thriving Over-The-Counter market, reflects a conducive environment for both institutional and retail crypto engagements. As Hong Kong continues to bolster its crypto market, it might be hinting at China's exploratory approach towards understanding and possibly embracing digital assets in the long term.
Crypto Data Platform Offers Digital Asset Data to Institutional Clients via BT Radianz Cloud
CryptoCompare, the digital asset data provider company for both institutional and retail clients, announced in a press release on its blog that it plans to offer a suite of digital asset data products via the BT Radianz Cloud, as a secure and reliable financial markets cloud communities which will enable institutional clients to have a fine, secure and dependable perspective of the growing digital asset class.
Binance Adds Bitcoin Ordinals to NFT Marketplace
Binance has announced that it will soon support Bitcoin ordinals, also known as Bitcoin NFTs, on its NFT marketplace. This will expand Binance’s multichain NFT ecosystem to include the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin ordinals have been on the rise, with over 3 million inscriptions as of May 1, but they remain a controversial topic in the crypto community.
Meta's Digital Assets Expansion: A Scrutiny by Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters scrutinizes Meta's trademark applications, filed in March 2022, suggesting the company's continued involvement in the digital assets ecosystem, despite previous assurances of no ongoing projects in this area.
49% of Americans are Aware of NFTs: Pew Research Center
Nearly half of Americans have shown awareness of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), according to a survey by Washington-based think tank Pew Research Center.
FINRA's 2024 Oversight Report Emphasizes Crypto Asset Compliance
FINRA's 2024 Regulatory Oversight Report emphasizes compliance in crypto asset activities, emphasizing cybersecurity, anti-money laundering protocols, and transparent reporting, reflecting its commitment to guiding members in the evolving cryptocurrency world.
Hut 8 Mining Corp. Responds to Short-Seller Accusations Amid Stock Tumble
Hut 8 Corp faces serious accusations from JCapital Research, claiming mismanagement and legal issues post-merger, leading to a significant stock price drop. The company is now working to address these allegations and reassure investors.
Binance Futures Drops XRP and TUSD Support in Multi-Assets Mode
Binance Futures discontinues support for XRP and TUSD as margin assets in the Multi-Assets Mode from 2024-05-28 06:00 (UTC).
Binance Introduces Spot Copy Trading Feature
Binance unveils Spot Copy Trading on its platform, allowing users to replicate trading strategies of expert traders.
OKX Adds USDC Spot Trading Pairs
OKX announces the introduction of new USDC trading pairs to support the growing USDC ecosystem.
iFinex Collaborates with El Salvador Government to Develop Digital Asset and Securities Framework
iFinex, the parent company of Bitfinex, partners with El Salvador to create a robust legal framework for digital assets and securities.
Bitfinex Securities Shaping Future of Investment with Tokenised Securities
Bitfinex Securities leverages tokenised securities, merging traditional investment instruments with digital assets to reshape investment paradigms.
Record $1bn Inflows in Digital Asset Investment
Digital asset inflows reach a record high of $14.9bn.
Digital Asset Inflows Hit $2bn in May, Ethereum (ETH) Sees Positive Sentiment Shift
Digital asset funds see $2bn inflows in May, Ethereum sentiment turns positive.
CoinShares: Digital Asset Funds See $2 Billion Inflows Amid Anticipation of Rate Cuts
Digital asset funds witness $2 billion inflows in early June, driven by rate cut expectations.
Ripple (XRP) Completes Acquisition of Standard Custody, Appoints Jack McDonald to Lead Stablecoins
Ripple (XRP) finalizes Standard Custody acquisition, appoints Jack McDonald as SVP of Stablecoins, enhancing its financial infrastructure.
HKMA Reports Increase in Exchange Fund Foreign Assets in May 2024
HKMA reports HK$7.8 billion increase in Exchange Fund foreign assets, reaching HK$3,468 billion by end of May 2024.
CoinShares: Hawkish FOMC Meeting Triggers $600M Outflows in Digital Asset Funds
Digital asset investment products saw $600 million in outflows, primarily in Bitcoin, following a hawkish FOMC meeting, according to CoinShares.
Tether Launches Alloy: A Digital Asset Backed by Tether Gold (XAU₮)
Tether introduces Alloy, a new digital asset backed by Tether Gold (XAU₮), offering stability and security in the digital economy.
Bitfinex Introduces aUSDT: A Gold-Backed Digital Asset
Bitfinex unveils aUSDT, a digital asset combining the stability of gold with Web3 functionalities, backed by Tether Gold (XAUt).
Matrixport Secures Spot on Hurun Global Unicorn List 2024
Matrixport, a leading digital assets financial services platform, has been listed on the Hurun Global Unicorn List 2024, highlighting its significant market influence.
Immutable (IMX) Pioneers the Future of Web3 Game Economies
Immutable (IMX) is spearheading the evolution of game economies with Web3 technology, unlocking new revenue streams and true digital asset ownership for players.
Digital Asset Fund Flows Report Reveals Significant Outflows Amid Market Correction
CoinShares reports $584m outflows in digital asset investment products, with Bitcoin leading the decline. Multi-asset products saw inflows.
Elwood Technologies Partners with Wintermute to Enhance Digital Asset Liquidity
Elwood Technologies integrates Wintermute to boost digital asset trading experience and deepen liquidity for institutional clients.
CoinShares: Ethereum Faces Continued Outflows While Bitcoin Sentiment Shows Signs of Reversal
Digital asset investment products saw a third consecutive week of outflows, with Ethereum experiencing significant outflows and Bitcoin showing potential sentiment reversal.
Tether and BTguru Sign MoU to Boost Digital Asset Education in Türkiye
Tether Operations Limited and BTguru have signed an MoU to enhance digital asset education initiatives in Türkiye, fostering blockchain and peer-to-peer technology awareness.
Hong Kong's SFC Alerts Public on Seven Entities Suspected of Virtual Asset Fraud
The SFC has issued a public warning about seven entities involved in suspected virtual asset-related fraud, urging caution.
Digital Asset Fund Flows Surge with $441M Inflows Amid Market Weakness
Digital asset investment products saw significant inflows totaling $441 million, driven by opportunistic buying amid recent price weakness, according to CoinShares.
Emerging Digital Asset Trends in Africa: A Closer Look
Explore the key digital asset trends in Africa, including the rise of cryptocurrency adoption, regulatory advancements, and the role of technology providers.
Fireblocks Partners with CloudTech, Zodia Custody, Zerocap, Rakkar, and Komainu for Global Custodian Program
Fireblocks announces its first Global Custodian Partners: CloudTech, Zodia Custody, Zerocap, Rakkar, and Komainu, enhancing secure digital asset custodianship.
Decentralization Pioneers New Horizons in Cloud Computing
Franklin Templeton Digital Asset team explores decentralization's impact on cloud services with Escape Velocity and Harvard Business School.
Philip Gradwell Joins Tether as Head of Economics
Tether appoints Philip Gradwell, former Chief Economist at Chainalysis, as Head of Economics to enhance communication with regulators and stakeholders.
Manta Pacific Pioneers Real-World Asset Integration in Web3
Manta Pacific is leading the charge in integrating real-world assets into Web3, enhancing the Manta Network ecosystem with innovative RWA initiatives.
CME & Glassnode Release Comprehensive Report on Digital Asset Trends for H1 2024
CME Group and Glassnode unveil a detailed report on digital asset market trends for H1 2024, providing key insights for institutional investors.
Building a Flexible Blockchain Payments Solution: Key Considerations
Learn how to build and launch an efficient blockchain payments solution, covering wallet infrastructure, ecosystem partners, and operational workflows.
Record-Breaking Inflows Highlight Digital Asset Fund Trends
Digital asset investment products witnessed the 5th largest weekly inflows on record, reaching $1.44 billion, according to CoinShares.
HTX Collaborates with Fireblocks to Enhance Security with Off Exchange Integration
HTX integrates Fireblocks Off Exchange to mitigate counterparty risk and enhance digital asset security and user experience.
Ripple (XRP) Advances Financial Infrastructure with Blockchain and Digital Assets
Ripple (XRP) aims to revolutionize financial services using blockchain and digital assets, focusing on institutional DeFi, cross-border payments, and stablecoins.
Digital Asset Fund Inflows Reach $1.35 Billion Amid Positive Market Sentiment
Digital asset investment products saw inflows of $1.35 billion last week, with Bitcoin leading the charge, according to CoinShares.
VanEck Announces Upcoming Webinar Series on Diverse Investment Topics
VanEck is hosting webinars covering gold, esports, digital assets, emerging markets, and other investment trends. Learn more about their educational sessions.
Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) Lead Digital Asset Outflows Amid Broad Market Sell-Off
Digital asset investment products experienced significant outflows totaling $528M, led by Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), amid recession fears and geopolitical concerns, according to CoinShares.
Ethereum (ETH) Leads as Digital Asset Inflows Rebound Amid Market Correction
Ethereum sees significant inflows amid market correction, leading the digital asset fund recovery with $155m in new investments.
Solana (SOL) Faces Record Outflows Amid Modest Digital Asset Inflows
Digital asset investment products saw $30m in inflows last week, while Solana (SOL) experienced record outflows, according to CoinShares.
VanEck's Insights on Digital Assets: Market Observations and Analysis
VanEck's Head of Digital Assets Research, Matthew Sigel, shares market insights and analysis on cryptocurrencies and digital asset technologies.
SFC Issues Warning on ICE Global Professional Station for Fraud and Impersonation
The SFC has issued a warning about ICE Global Professional Station, citing impersonation and suspected virtual asset-related fraud.
Bitcoin (BTC) Inflows Surge to $543M as Powell Hints at Rate Cuts
Digital asset investment products saw $533M in inflows, driven by Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) activity, following Powell's rate cut hints.
Binance Launches Convert & Earn Campaign with USDC Rewards
Binance announces a new campaign allowing users to earn USDC rewards by converting digital assets through Binance Pay.
Exploring the Future of Real World Assets in DeFi
Tokenizing real world assets is transforming traditional finance by integrating physical assets into DeFi ecosystems, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
SEC Targets OpenSea: Are NFTs Collectibles or Securities?
The SEC issues a Wells Notice to OpenSea, questioning the classification of certain NFTs as securities, potentially impacting the entire NFT market.
US Digital Asset Outflows Reach $721M Amid Rate Cut Uncertainty, Europe Shows Resilience
Digital asset investment products faced significant outflows, primarily from the US, amid interest rate cut uncertainty, while Europe showed resilience.
Digital Asset Fund Flows Rebound with $436M Inflows, Bitcoin (BTC) Leads
Digital asset investment products see $436M inflows after $1.2B outflows, driven by market expectations for interest rate cuts.
Circle Unveils Compliance Engine for Enhanced Digital Asset Regulation
Circle launches Compliance Engine, a tool designed to meet evolving digital asset regulations, integrated within the Circle Console.
Digital Asset Fund Flows Surge Amid FED Rate Cut
Digital asset inflows hit $321 million following a 50bp rate cut by the Federal Reserve, according to CoinShares.
Exploring the Digital Asset Investable Universe: Key Insights and Opportunities
Discover the key sectors, entry points, and high-impact opportunities in the digital asset ecosystem, according to Galaxy's latest report.
Fireblocks Integrates IOTA EVM for Enhanced Institutional Access
Fireblocks has integrated IOTA EVM, allowing secure storage, transfer, and management of IOTA tokens for institutional users, enhancing the digital asset ecosystem.
Digital Asset Inflows Reach $2.2 Billion Amid US Election Optimism
Digital asset inflows surge to $2.2 billion, driven by optimism over a potential Republican US election win, with Bitcoin leading the charge.
US Elections Propel $2.2B Inflows into Digital Assets, Bitcoin (BTC) Leads
The recent US elections have sparked $2.2 billion in inflows into digital assets, with Bitcoin and Ethereum witnessing significant activity, according to CoinShares.
MARA Holdings Releases Q3 2024 Financial Results
MARA Holdings has announced its Q3 2024 financial results, revealing significant insights into its operations and future plans. The company will discuss the results in a webcast and conference call.
Bitcoin ETF Inflows Hit Record $3.12 Billion, Outpacing Ethereum
Bitcoin ETFs witnessed unprecedented inflows of $3.12 billion last week, setting a new record in digital asset investments, according to CoinShares.
NexBridge Raises $30 Million with Tokenized US Treasury Offering
NexBridge, a digital asset issuer in El Salvador, successfully raises $30 million through USTBL, a tokenized US Treasury Bill offering, marking a milestone in the tokenization of real-world assets.
Bitcoin (BTC) Outpaces Traditional Assets with Unmatched 10-Year Growth
Bitcoin has outperformed traditional assets with a staggering 26,931.1% growth over the past decade, highlighting its potential as a high-growth investment, according to CoinGecko.
Matrixport Seeks License for Virtual Asset Services in Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City
Matrixport is applying for a Financial Services Permission Licence to offer virtual asset services in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, enhancing its presence in South Asia.
MicroStrategy's Role as a Bitcoin (BTC) Proxy: A Strategic Analysis
Discover how MicroStrategy has become a leading corporate Bitcoin holder, leveraging financial strategies to align with digital asset growth and institutional adoption.
Bitcoin (BTC) Reaches $100K: A Journey from Digital Experiment to Financial Powerhouse
Bitcoin's evolution from a niche computer science project to a global digital asset has been marked by innovation. Explore its journey and impact on the financial world.
Record Inflows for Ethereum (ETH) as Digital Asset Investment Surges
Digital asset funds experience record inflows of $3.85 billion, with Ethereum leading the charge, according to CoinShares. Bitcoin and blockchain equities also see significant investments.
BounceBit's Vision: Merging Traditional Finance with CeDeFi Innovation
BounceBit is pioneering a new financial paradigm by integrating Real-World Assets into CeDeFi, aiming to create a dual-yield ecosystem that merges traditional and crypto finance.
BounceBit Enhances RWA Offerings Through Strategic Partnership with DigiFT
BounceBit partners with DigiFT, a regulated exchange, to integrate tokenized real-world assets, enhancing institutional-grade yields and expanding its CeDeFi ecosystem.
Digital Asset Fund Inflows Surge to Record $44.5 Billion in 2024
Digital asset investment products have seen record inflows, reaching $44.5 billion in 2024, according to CoinShares. Bitcoin and Ethereum lead the surge.
Goldman Sachs Continues Expanding Digital Assets Team, Now Looking For New VP
Goldman Sachs is looking for a new Vice President for its Digital Assets team to helps define and execute the investment firm’s global blockchain strategy.
NFTs will be Everywhere in the Future because of Proof of Ownership, Expert says
Caroline Alexander, a finance expert at the University of Sussex, believes that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will be everywhere in the future because anything that requires proof of ownership will be an NFT.
Crypto Mom Hester Peirce Officially Sworn in as SEC Commissioner
Crypto Mom and blockchain forward SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has been sworn in for a second term at the US SEC.
Upbit Singapore Secures MAS's MPI Licence
Upbit Singapore receives a Major Payment Institution license from MAS, marking a key step in its expansion and compliance with Singapore's regulatory standards in the digital asset sector.
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.
IOSCO to Consult on Crypto Regulation
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) plans to launch a consultation for its crypto asset regulation report in Q2 2023. The final recommendations are expected to be published by the end of 2023, with separate workflows dedicated to crypto assets and decentralized finance.
Cboe Digital Set to Launch Bitcoin and Ether Futures Trading in January 2024
Cboe Digital, the first US-regulated crypto native exchange, will launch Bitcoin and Ether futures trading, enhancing capital efficiency and market liquidity.
Microstrategy CEO Reveals BTC Purchase is Corporate Strategy to Adopt Bitcoin Standard
CEO Michael Saylor revealed that MicroStrategy’s $425 million Bitcoin investment was part of its corporate 100-year outlook and strategy to adopt the Bitcoin Standard.
Mongolia’s Oldest Bank Will Soon Offer Comprehensive Crypto Services
Mongolia’s Trade & Development Bank (TDB Bank), one of the oldest and largest banks in the nation, has announced plans to enter the crypto space.
Bitcoin is the Best Institutional Asset in Q1 2021 - Messari
Bitcoin has reportedly outperformed the major institutional assets including oil and gold in Q1, 2021.
CoinSmart Is on the Hunt to Buy Distressed Crypto Assets
The recent market crash is the latest in global financial events that have created unique opportunities for buyers like CoinSmart and FTX wanting to acquire distressed crypto firms at a bargain valuation.
South Korea Passes Comprehensive Law Officially Legalizing Cryptocurrency Trading And Holding
A day after India’s Supreme Court lifted the ban on cryptocurrencies, South Korea has followed in their footsteps as the nation’s National Assembly has amended the Act on Reporting and Use of Specific Financial Information. This move fully legalizes cryptocurrencies in South Korea.
Singapore Regulator MAS is Exploring Use of Cases in Digital Assets
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched Project Guardian, a sandbox initiative that is set to explore a number of defined use cases with respect to asset tokenization on the blockchain.
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
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.
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.
HashKey Launches Wealth Management Platform for Institutional Investors
HashKey Group has launched a wealth management platform for professional and institutional investors in response to growing demand for virtual assets. The Hong Kong-based digital asset firm is expanding its over-the-counter trading service and increasing its liquidity coverage to 24/7.
Ethereum 2.0 Continues to Gain Steam, Staked ETH Tops 10 Million
The transition to Ethereum 2.0, which was renamed the consensus layer, continues to gain momentum because the amount of staked Ether is nearly 10% of the entire ETH supply.
Goldman Sachs Predicts Booming Blockchain Asset Trading in Coming Years
Goldman Sachs predicts a substantial increase in blockchain-based asset trading in the next 1-2 years, indicating a transformative shift in financial markets and growing interest in digital assets.
Germany's Largest Bitcoin Seizure: 50,000 BTC Confiscated in Piracy Probe
German authorities seized 50,000 Bitcoins linked to a piracy website, with suspects transferring the digital currency to police wallets, causing uncertainty in cryptocurrency enforcement.
How Blockchain Will Break Down Barriers to Asset Management?
To tackle issues like global inequality, blockchain is believed one of the ways to break down barriers to asset management among traditional finance sector.
Hong Kong to Submit Virtual Asset OTC Trading Licensing Scheme Bill
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Christopher Hui, plans to introduce a licensing scheme for virtual asset OTC trading platforms to combat crime and promote transparency in digital transactions.
Global NFT Market Expected to Hit $97.6B by 2028, Recording a CAGR of 31.6%
Since non-fungible tokens (NFTs) help build authentic intellectual property, this is one of the key drivers expected to push the sector to a $97.6 billion valuation by 2028, according to a report by Research and Markets.
Tanzania wary about CBDC adoption following studies
Tanzania's central bank is proposing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). An East African interdisciplinary technical team examined CBDC hazards and advantages. Four governments have halted CBDC adoption plans, while six have abandoned digital currencies.
IRS Delays Crypto Reporting Requirements for US Businesses
The IRS delays enforcing crypto transaction reporting requirements for US businesses, pending a comprehensive regulatory framework. This follows the crypto community's concerns over the practical challenges of complying with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's rules.
Cambridge University Partners with 16 Financial Institutions to Develop Crypto Asset Ecosystem
The University of Cambridge has rolled out a multi-year research initiative with 16 key financial institutions like WorldBank, IMF, and MasterCard to shed more light on the rapidly evolving crypto-asset ecosystem.
Over 220 Web3 Companies Settle in Hong Kong, Boosting Virtual Asset Development
Hong Kong has welcomed over 220 Web3 companies from 20 countries and regions, focusing on sectors like virtual asset exchanges, blockchain infrastructure, network security, and payment services, aiming to balance development with regulatory frameworks.
Andorra to Ratify Digital Assets Adoption with Crypto Law
Andorra, or 'the Principality of Andorra', is contemplating regulations of digital assets and other blockchain technologies. Its parliament is debating on relative amendments before turning them into a draft.
SkyBridge Capital Achieves Record Year with Crypto Investments, Scaramucci Foresees Bright Future for Bitcoin
Anthony Scaramucci's SkyBridge Capital records its best year in 2023 with a 130% rise in crypto investments, primarily in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Scaramucci predicts Bitcoin will surpass its all-time high, bolstered by the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC.
Cypher Capital Rolls Out Worth $100m Blockchain and Digital Assets Fund
To expand the blockchain ecosystem, UAE-based venture capital firm Cypher Capital has launched a $100 million seed fund with a special interest in digital asset investments.
Why the World Needs a Blockchain Consensus Operating System
The true potential of blockchain to transform the lives of people around the world has clearly not been realised.
Indian Couple Tie their Knot in the Metaverse, Offering 3D Experience for 500 Guests
Have you ever thought about getting married virtually? An Indian couple decided to arrange their first wedding of its kind in the metaverse.
Federal Reserve's Bowman Discusses Digital Currency Innovations Amid CBDC Debate
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, in a discussion at Harvard Law School, explored the evolving digital payment landscape, touching on CBDC, stablecoins, and the necessity for a robust regulatory framework. While recognizing the potential of digital assets, she emphasized a cautious approach, underscoring the importance of continued research and international collaboration to navigate the digital transformation responsibly.
New Bakkt Study Shows Ongoing Crypto Interest and the Need for Regulation
A recent study by Bakkt Holdings Inc (NYSE: BKKT) reveals that people's interest in cryptocurrencies remains strong despite recent market fluctuations.
Google Creates Web3 Team to Take Advantage of Growing Crypto Popularity
To set the ball rolling in Web3, Google is assembling a team to create services for developers in this ecosystem through its cloud unit, according to CNBC.
Traditional Financial Giant Lloyd's of London Introduces Cryptocurrency Insurance for Hot Wallets
Insurance giant Lloyd’s has launched a new insurance product to protect digital asset holders against the rising threat of cybercrime in the crypto market.
Pope Francis’s Pontifex Carpet Gift Sold as NFT for Charity Purpose in Afghanistan
A Pontifex carpet gifted to Pope Francis by Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to the Vatican in Sept 2016 was sold as an NFT for 25 Ether, approximately $81,886.
Grayscale's Court Victory Influences SEC's Landmark Approval of Bitcoin ETFs
The U.S. SEC, under Chair Gary Gensler, has approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs, a significant regulatory shift influenced by a court victory by Grayscale. This decision marks a new era in cryptocurrency regulation, signaling greater acceptance and potential mainstream adoption of digital assets.
Israel's Stock Exchange to Launch a New Platform for Digital Asset
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is planning to create a crypto platform through a project that will span for 5 years
Duma Approves Bill Placing a Ban on the Use of Digital Assets in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill addressing the ban on the use of digital financial assets (DFA) for payments
HK to Issue Tokenised Green Bond, Open Market for Virtual Assets ETFs Trading
HKFTW2022: In the latest policy statement published in Hong Kong, regulators disclosed issuing tokenized green bonds this year and actively developing virtual assets trading.=
The Tale of Ethereum’s 6-Year Journey from Lows of $0.4 to Highs of $4650
ETH has shined so far this quarter because after setting an all-time high (ATH) of $4,400 recently, it soared to new historic highs of $4,650.
Kraken Brings Crypto Asset Liquidity to Skrill and Neteller
Paysafe, a leading specialized payments platform has chosen US-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken as their crypto asset liquidity provider.
Regulating Cryptocurrencies like XRP with Securities Laws Not Always the Best Approach – Former SEC Executive
Joe Hall, a former SEC executive, has commented on the lawsuit against Ripple over XRP cryptocurrency. He, for one, thinks that crypto is here to stay.
IMF Proposes Framework to Assess Crypto Asset Risks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a working paper that delves into the macrofinancial risks tied to crypto assets. The paper, part of the IMF's Working Papers series, proposes a framework aimed at aiding policymakers and regulatory authorities in understanding and tracking systemic risks from the crypto sector. This framework is crucial as traditional financial tools are not well-suited for assessing crypto-related risks.
World Economic Forum Releases GSMI Global Blockchain Standards
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released blockchain standards dubbed the Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI).
Rep. French Hill Eyes Financial Services Committee Leadership Amid Crypto Focus
Arkansas Rep. French Hill is poised to assume leadership of the House Financial Services Committee, bringing a crypto-savvy perspective to the role.
Germany to Permit Institutional Funds to Invest Billions in Crypto Assets for the First Time
The German administration is set to green-light legislation on Monday, which will permit institutional funds to invest as much as 20% in crypto assets like Bitcoin.
Africa Blockchain University Partners with YIELD App to Enhance NFT Education
African artists are set to be enriched about the value they can get from the booming non-fungible tokens sector.
German Crypto Firm USI Tech Founder Charged in $150 Million Fraud Scheme
Horst Jicha, founder of USI Tech, has been charged with defrauding investors of $150 million in a fraudulent crypto scheme, marking a significant development in regulatory action against crypto-related crimes.
Bitcoin Options Worth $1.3 Billion Expire
The largest lot of Bitcoin options until the year's end expired on Nov 27. The number stood at 78,000 Bitcoin (BTC) with a notional value of $1.3 billion.
Fireblocks Introduces 'Off Exchange' to Address Exchange Counterparty Risk, Integrates with Deribit
Fireblocks introduces 'Off Exchange', reducing exchange counterparty risk for institutional traders, allowing them to trade directly from on-chain MPC shared wallets, marking a significant advancement in digital asset trading.
The Bank Of Canada Stresses Stablecoin Regulation When Legislation Is Presented
Between 2020 and mid-2022, the fiat-referenced crypto asset market grew 30-fold to $161 billion in U.S. dollars. In February, the Canadian House of Commons proposed Bill C-249, Encouraging the Cryptoasset Sector Act. Canada's crypto community supported the law, but it was politically controversial and buried after its second reading.
Nigeria Plans to Regulate Digital Asset Platforms
Nigeria’s SEC is considering new regulations for digital asset platforms, allowing licensed digital exchanges to list tokens backed by certain assets. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether will not be among those assets. Nigeria aims to register fintech firms as digital sub-brokers, crowdfunding intermediaries, fund managers, and tokenized coins issuers. Crypto exchanges will not be registered until the central bank provides clear regulations.
R3 Highlights the Transformative Potential of Tokenization in Finance
R3, a leading enterprise blockchain software firm, discusses the transformative potential of tokenization in the financial sector. The company emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks and industry standards to unlock the full benefits of digital assets. According to a June 2023 report from Bernstein, $5 trillion in assets could be tokenized in the next five years, offering significant opportunities for market participants.
Fortex Launches Crypto Non-Deliverable Forwards
Fortex Technologies, a globally recognized multi-asset trading provider, has announced the expansion of its crypto services to include crypto non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), as well as an institutional platform for cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
US House to Hold Joint Hearings on Digital Assets
The House Financial Services Committee, Agriculture Committee, and subcommittees will hold joint hearings in May on establishing a bill to provide regulatory clarity to the digital asset ecosystem. The hearings will focus on addressing the market structure and striking a balance between protecting consumers and promoting responsible innovation. The goal is to report a bill out that deals with the capital raising piece for digital assets, all the way through to how a product can go from a securities regime to commodities regime, while preserving rights around products that do not fit into either regime.
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.
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.
Women in Blockchain: Sam Shrager of BCB Group
The Women in Blockchain Series describes the journeys of some of the pioneer women driving initiatives and changing the nature of work by leveraging this revolutionary technology.
UK FCA Regulator Announces “Temporary Registration Regime” Extending Operating Deadline for Crypto Firms
The UK’s FCA has just announced a “temporary registration regime” which allows crypto firms who have previously applied to continue operating until July 2021.
UBS and OSL Pioneer Hong Kong's First Ethereum Tokenized Warrant
UBS AG, in collaboration with OSL Digital Securities, introduces Hong Kong's first tokenized warrant on the Ethereum blockchain, marking a landmark moment in financial innovation and blockchain adoption.
UK Embraces Crypto Innovation with Groundbreaking Financial Services Act
The UK government has taken a bold step forward in the financial services sector, embracing the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with the passing of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.
European Securities and Markets Authority Calls for Input on New EU Crypto Rules
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator, has initiated its first consultation package under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The authority is seeking stakeholder comments until September 20, 2023, marking a significant step towards establishing concrete rules for crypto markets in the EU.
Will Gold Bull Peter Schiff Change His Mind on Bitcoin? Crypto Twitter Backs BTC
Peter Schiff and his son have brought their friendly banter regarding Bitcoin investments to crypto Twitter.
Dinari Secures $10M Seed Funding, Expands Crypto Asset Offerings
Dinari, a blockchain-based investment platform, secures $10M in seed funding, launches RWAs on Arbitrum, and expands dShare with crypto-themed assets, bridging TradFi and DeFi.
NFT Monthly Trading Volume Records $4B on OpenSea
Despite being the new kid on the crypto block, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are stamping their authority as trendy digital assets based on increased adoption.
JPMorgan Hires Former Microsoft Executive Tahreem Kampton to Its Digital Assets-Related Payments Group
Kampton comes with in-depth professional experience that will enable JPMorgan to develop its digital asset and blockchain division.
Hong Kong's 2020 Budget: Digital Assets May be Incorporated into Regulatory Framework but not Blockchain
Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, Paul Chan been under intense pressure from lawmakers to dip into the government’s fiscal reserves to help the city get out of an economic slump. After months of anti-government protests and the emergence of the coronavirus epidemic, Hong Kong residents aged over 18 will receive a cash handout of HK$10,000. The budget also highlighted the forecast of an all-time high deficit of HK$139 billion for the coming fiscal year.
Singapore High Court Approves iSanctuary's Use of NFTs for Financial Investigations
In a legal first for Singapore, the High Court has granted permission to UK-based financial investigation firm Intelligent Sanctuary (iSanctuary) to use nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in tracking and freezing assets related to a hack. The NFTs, created in partnership with Mintable, will serve as a warning to counterparties and exchanges and enable real-time tracking of transactions from the compromised wallets.
US Rep. Tom Emmer Fears Criticism of Digital Payment Innovation May Repress Progress
In a congressional hearing which was held on January 30, US Representative Tom Emmer has expressed his concern about the excessive criticism of innovations in digital payment, saying that it may repress its progress.
Nigeria Releases New Rules Classifying Crypto as Securities
In a move that might boost crypto trading in Nigeria, the nation’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rolled out “rules on issuance, offering platforms, and custody of digital assets” for virtual firms.
New Zealand Police Froze $140 Million in Assets and Crypto From Alleged BTC-e Exchange Money-Launderer Alexander Vinnik
New Zealand police said they have frozen $140 million linked to Russian crypto fraud suspect, Alexander Vinnik, alleged to have been the operator of the now-defunct BTC-e crypto exchange.
Atomicals Market Addresses Security Breach and Announces Compensation Measures
Atomicals Market has implemented measures to restore user trust and enhance platform security following a significant security breach, emphasizing community engagement's crucial role in protocol's future.
US SEC Hiring Attorneys for Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit
The US SEC is hiring general attorneys in New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. for its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit in the Division of Enforcement. The job will involve investigating crypto asset securities and cyber issues, drafting subpoenas, and questioning witnesses. This move comes after the SEC chairman Gary Gensler asked for $2.4 billion in funding to chase down crypto misconduct.
University of Cambridge: Crypto Asset Users Have Skyrocketed to 101 Million Globally
The University of Cambridge has found that the estimated number of cryptoasset users stands at 101 million worldwide.
South Africa Classifies Crypto as Financial Assets
The country appears to be developing regulations consistent with those being developed by other regulators in the global market.
GameStop Phases Out NFT Platform in Response to Regulatory Challenges
GameStop has announced the closure of its NFT marketplace, citing regulatory uncertainty. Effective from February 2, 2024, the platform will cease operations but assures that NFTs remain accessible on the blockchain.
BOJ Governor: Japan Should Prepare "Thoroughly" for the Issuance of its Digital Currency
Haruhiko Kuroda, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) governor, has highlighted the need for the nation’s central bank to prepare thoroughly for the rollout of its digital currency with initial experiments expected for this spring.
FTX debtors report over $4 billion in scheduled assets
FTX debtors have reported over $4 billion in scheduled assets among various company silos as of November 2022 in a filing with the United States Bankruptcy Court. The report revealed that Alameda Research held the majority of scheduled assets but had "potentially material claims that have been filed as undetermined," while the data surrounding cryptocurrency holdings or transactions was limited.
Canadian Dollar Stablecoin QCAD Launched for Mass Market
Canada Stablecorp Inc. has launched a new regulated Canadian Dollar stablecoin called “QCAD”.
BTC & ETH Have Been the Best Risk-Adjusted Assets over the Last Year
Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) have been the best risk-adjusted assets over the last year based on the Sharpe Ratio.
US House Committee to Probe Crypto Crimes in November Hearing
The US House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing today, November 15, 2023, to examine illicit cryptocurrency activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing, and discuss the Department of Justice's focus on these crimes.
YouTube Sees NFTs as Catalysts, Tieing Deeper Relationships with Users
YouTube sees NFTs as stepping stones towards a stronger connection between creators and viewers, according to Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan.
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.
FTX Group and Alameda Research Recover Crypto Assets
Following a liquidity crisis and bankruptcy filing, FTX Group and Alameda Research are making progress in recovering lost crypto assets. FTX has reached a settlement with Modulo Capital and is seeking to claw back funds from Genesis Global, while Alameda Research received $60M from OKX in a recovery effort.
South Korea Tightens Regulations on Crypto Mixers Amid Money Laundering Concerns
South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is set to introduce new regulations targeting digital asset mixers, mirroring similar moves by the US. These measures aim to curb the use of crypto mixers for illegal money laundering.
CFTC Commissioner Calls for Reduced Cryptocurrency Anonymity
CFTC Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero has proposed reducing the anonymity of cryptocurrencies as a means of managing associated risks. Romero spoke at City Week 2023 in London, stating that market integrity, national security, and financial stability cannot be compromised.
Bermuda Remains Committed to Crypto Despite FTX Collapse
Bermuda's Premier and Finance Minister, Edward Burt, stated that despite the collapse of crypto exchange FTX in nearby Bahamas, Bermuda will continue to accommodate digital asset and blockchain technology companies due to the benefits they offer. The territory, which implemented a regulatory framework for digital assets, recently released its first stablecoin powered by the Polygon blockchain.
J.P. Morgan Creates Onyx Blockchain Unit As JPM Coin Leveraged for Cross-Border Payments
JPMorgan Chase has set the ball rolling by deploying its digital currency, the JPM Coin, for commercial purposes creating a new blockchain business unit dubbed Onyx.
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.
UAE's Ras Al Khaimah to Launch Free Zone for Virtual Asset Companies
Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE is launching RAK Digital Assets Oasis, a free zone for digital and virtual asset companies. The purpose-built zone will support emerging technologies in the virtual assets sector, including blockchain, NFTs, and DApps. The free zone is set to open for applications in Q2 2023.
Is Blockchain-Based Virtual Reality the Future?
For years, advocates of virtual reality have struggled to overcome several major barriers to mass adoption — centralised corporations controlled user accounts, hackers eliminated digital assets, and developers lacked incentives to create quality VR content. Now, blockchain is changing the game.
FTX Debtors' Filing Sets Controversial Valuations for Cryptocurrency Claims Post-Collapse
TX debtors propose a valuation for user claims based on digital asset prices at the time of the exchange's collapse, sparking objections from users due to the significant rise in cryptocurrency prices since then.
Singapore Payment Services Act Now in Effect For Crypto Firms
The Monetary Authority of Singapore now requires cryptocurrency providers and exchanges to be licensed under some of the same regulatory elements as traditional financial service providers.
Protego Becomes the Second Federally Chartered Crypto Bank in United States
Protego, Washington state-chartered trust firm, has received a conditional approval from the OCC to become the second nationally chartered crypto bank in the U.S.
Nansen CEO Predicts Six Key Trends in Crypto
Nansen.ai CEO, Alex Svanevik, outlined six pivotal crypto trends on Twitter, emphasizing the synergy of fintech and crypto, DeFi's potential in gambling, the growing relevance of real-world assets like T-bills, the impending rise of Web3 gaming, SocialFi's development, and Physical NFTs' retail integration. The thread also welcomed community input, reflecting on other emerging trends like blockchain in fantasy sports.
Hyundai Emerges as First Automaker to Roll Out Community-Based NFTs
South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor has entered the non-fungible token (NFT) market after partnering with the ‘Meta Kongz’ NFT brand to enhance its customer community and brand awareness.
Financial Way of Future, Building Wealth Are Key Drivers of Owning Crypto: Study Shows
A study showed up to 42% and 41% of people think owning crypto is the financial way of the future and wealth-builders, respectively, according to Visa.
NFT Surpasses Crypto and Ethereum in Google Searches
To show their trendiness, NFT Google searches have surpassed those of Ethereum and crypto, according to Google Trends.
IRS Refuses Watchdog Request to Clarify 2019 Crypto Tax Guidelines
The Internal Revenue Service will not clarify how taxes work with cryptocurrencies and digital asset transactions in the US according to a US congress watchdog’s report released on Wednesday.
South Korea Top Four Crypto Exchanges Launch Joint Venture To Abide By AML Regulations
The heads of Bithumb, Korbit, Coinone, and Upbit signed a memorandum to form a company with a system, which will enable them to adhere to anti-money laundering regulations.
Binance to Launch UK Crypto Exchange to Meet Client Demand
Binance, the leading cryptocurrency exchange has announced that it will launch a regulated crypto trading platform in the UK, in the coming months. Binance.UK is planning to create a trading platform to allow retail and institutional investors to sell and buy cryptocurrencies using euros and pounds.
Paxful Exits Venezuela’s P2P Crypto Bitcoin Market Following US Sanctions
Paxful has withdrawn its crypto trading services from Venezuela after the country was classified as high-risk by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Grayscale Plans to Offer More Digital Asset Products to Meet Rising Investor Demand
Grayscale Investments LLC has announced plans to explore other digital assets.
LG Electronics to Roll Out Crypto Wallet
As part of plans to expand its business scope to include platforms and software, South Korean tech giant LG Electronics is launching a crypto wallet application dubbed “Wallypto.”
Luxembourg: The FinTech Hub For Cross Border Asset Management
Luxembourg for Finance (LFF) is a public-private partnership that acts as the agency for the development of the financial center of the small nation.
MEXC Global Enables Crypto Purchases with Zero Transaction Fees via Fedwire, SWIFT
MEXC Global has permitted purchases that attract zero transaction fees through SWIFT and Fedwire to boost the globalisation of cryptocurrency trading.
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.
The third-largest French bank Introduces Euro-Pegged Stablecoin
Société Générale has introduced EUR CoinVertible, a euro-pegged stablecoin, marking a significant shift in the integration of traditional finance with digital assets.
Federal Judge Refuses to Consolidate Class-Action Lawsuits Against FTX Exchange
A federal judge has denied a request to consolidate five proposed class-action lawsuits against the bankrupt crypto exchange FTX. The plaintiffs, including Julie Papadakis, Michael Elliott Jessup, Stephen Pierce, Elliott Lam, and Russell Hawkins, accuse former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and other executives of misappropriating assets. While all the plaintiffs are pursuing Bankman-Fried, the cases also involve various other defendants, including outside auditors and exchange promoters. The judge pointed out that not all defendants had the opportunity to respond yet, and there's no need to consolidate before hearing their side.
VanEck's Ambitious Move: A Spot Bitcoin ETF with a "HODL" Ticker
VanEck submits a fifth amended application for a spot Bitcoin ETF under the "HODL" ticker, aiming for SEC approval and significant market impact.
EDX Markets is Expanding in Singapore
EDX Markets expands to Singapore, backed by Citadel Securities and Fidelity Digital Assets, introducing innovative trading options like spot and perpetual futures, and emphasizing non-custodial clearing solutions.
ShapeShift Settles with SEC for Operating as Unregistered Crypto Asset Dealer
ShapeShift AG has settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for operating as an unregistered dealer of crypto asset securities, agreeing to a cease-and-desist order and a $275,000 penalty.
Samsung Plans to Develop Top-Notch Metaverse Devices to Foster Accessibility
Samsung Electronics has revealed plans to make the metaverse more accessible by developing innovative devices as it sees it as a new business model.
Spain Strengthens Crypto Oversight to Settle Tax Debts
Spanish Ministry of Finance is implementing legislative reforms to increase cryptocurrency monitoring, enabling seizure of digital assets for tax debt resolution, aligning with EU regulations.
U.S. Should Align Itself with Digital Assets to Safeguard its Interests, Says Chainalysis Founder
During a Senate hearing, Chainalysis founder Jonathan Levin opined that the U.S. ought to prioritize and invest in digital assets to get the upper hand when enhancing financial transparency, public safety, and national security.
Exclusive: LabCFTC's Melissa Netram Talks Advancing Policy and Regulation in FinTech and Blockchain Through Times of Crisis
The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) established LabCFTC as an initiative under the General Counsel’s office in 2017 aimed at promoting FinTech innovation and competition. The office has been very active with over 400 different private meetings held with innovators in the last three years. In addition, LabCFTC has published three primers in the marketplace based on their understanding of smart contracts, artificial intelligence, and crypto-assets.
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.
Ethics of Web3 Discussed at Paris Blockchain Week
The second day of Paris Blockchain Week 2023 featured a panel discussion on the Ethics of Web3. The panelists agreed that ethical frameworks often lag behind technology and that innovation comes before any ethical standards are implemented. They highlighted the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets framework in the European Union as an example of turning ethics into law to protect people and innovation.
HashKey Group Secures $100 Million in Series A Funding
HashKey Group raised $100 million in a Series A financing round, reaching a pre-money valuation of $1.2 billion. The Hong Kong-based company plans to use the funds to enhance its Web3 ecosystem and expand its Hong Kong business.
Brazil's largest private bank Launches Crypto Trading Platform in Brazil
Brazil's largest private bank, Itaú Unibanco, has launched a cryptocurrency trading service, offering Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, with plans to expand further.
Regulated Stablecoins Likely to Remain in Use by 2030
A panel of digital regulatory experts at the World of Web3 (WOW) Summit in Hong Kong discussed the future of regulated stablecoins. The group concluded that regulated stablecoins are likely to remain in use by 2030 and that their growth rate in the market supports this idea. The panelists acknowledged the growth of the crypto industry and emphasized the importance of both centralized and decentralized approaches to digital assets.
OMG Announces Kaiko to Expand Financial Instruments Global Identifier (FIGI) Standard for Crypto Assets
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20, 2021 - Financial Instruments Global Identifier® (FIGI®) is an open standard for the issuance of unique identifiers that can be assigned to financial instruments including common stock, options, derivatives, futures, corporate and government bonds, municipals, currencies, and mortgage products.
Laser Digital Secures In-Principal Approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market
Laser Digital, Nomura's digital asset subsidiary, has received In-Principal Approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The approval allows the company to offer broker-dealer and asset management services in the UAE, subject to fulfilling specific conditions.
PayPal May Buy Digital Asset Custodian BitGo Following Crypto Market Entry
PayPal may be looking to penetrate the market further following its recent crypto payments announcement, rumors indicate the firm may buy digital asset custodian BitGo.
Omega Secures $6M in Funding to Revolutionize Bitcoin and DeFi Ecosystem
Omega announces a $6M funding round to launch its decentralized infrastructure, aiming to redefine omnichain and Bitcoin DeFi without relying on traditional bridges or L2 solutions.
OKX Sends $60M to Alameda Research
Crypto exchange OKX sent $60M worth of digital assets to Alameda Research as part of a recovery effort to pay back customers of its sister company FTX. Alameda Research currently holds over $284M worth of assets, including USDT and ETH.
Signum Digital Receives Approval for Security Token Offering Platform
Signum Digital, a joint venture of Coinstreet and Somerley, has received approval-in-principle from Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for its security token offering platform called CS-Pro. The platform will allow investment in tangible assets such as private equities, real estate, art, and collectibles.
RBL Bank Partners with Accenture to Build A Digital Bank Infrastructure
RBL Bank announced that it will partner with Accenture, who envisions that it will enhance the bank’s information technology (IT) network and services.
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.
Financial Stability Risks from Cryptoassets in Emerging Market Economies Highlighted by BIS
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Consultative Group of Directors of Financial Stability (CGDFS) have released a report on the financial stability risks from crypto assets in emerging market economies. The report highlights the rapid evolution of digital finance and the potential risks associated with cryptoassets, such as market, liquidity, credit, operational, and capital flow risks.
Raiffeisen Bank to Launch Crypto Investment Service
Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien is teaming up with Bitpanda to provide crypto investment services. Customers can invest in various assets regardless of the capital amount. The new offering will feature over 2,500 digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ether.
Fidelity Reiterates Bitcoin's Unique Value as a Primary Investment Choice
Fidelity Digital Assets revisits Bitcoin's unmatched value proposition in a recent study, emphasizing its secure, decentralized nature. Shared by MicroStrategy's Michael Saylor, the study advocates for Bitcoin's primary consideration by investors venturing into the digital asset sphere.
NFT Sales Slide to a 12-Month Low Amid Crypto Meltdown
The bloodbath in the crypto market has contributed to sales in the non-fungible token (NFT) sector slipping to a 12-month low, according to crypto analytic firm Chainalysis.
Argentinians Seek Shelter in Stablecoins after Economy Minister Resignation
Argentinians have taken refuge in stablecoins after the nation’s economy minister Martin Guzman resigned over the weekend attributed to the financial crisis crushing the South American country.
The White House Publishes Guidelines for Regulating Digital Assets
The U.S President, Joe Biden has set up a new framework on how cryptocurrency will be traded and regulated in the U.S
Bitfinex CTO: Keeping Crypto Safe with State-of-the-Art Cyber Security
Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Bitfinex and Tether tells us why safety and security should always be a top priority for crypto exchanges.
ADGM Launches Pioneering DLT Foundations Regime
Abu Dhabi Global Market's Registration Authority has introduced the Distributed Ledger Technology Foundations Regulations 2023, a global legislative framework designed to facilitate token issuance, promote governance, and drive transparency in the crypto sector.
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.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: Transforming Crypto Investment Landscape
The SEC's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, including Valkyrie's, marks a pivotal moment for crypto investments, potentially attracting billions in inflows and indicating a surge in Bitcoin's mainstream acceptance.
Bakkt Advances with $150 Million Capital Raise Initiative
Bakkt Holdings, Inc. receives SEC's nod for a "universal shelf" registration, paving the way for up to $150 million capital infusion over three years, enhancing its strategic financial flexibility and growth potential in the digital asset sector.
New Zealand Eyeing the Possibility of Rolling Out a CBDC
New Zealand is in the race of setting up a central bank digital currency (CBDC) because it sees it as a stepping stone towards attaining an efficient monetary policy tool.
Fidelity: 60% of Institutional Investors Believe that Digital Assets Have a Place in their Portfolio
Fidelity Digital Assets surveyed 774 institutional investors across the United States and Europe, and 80 percent of those who were surveyed found something appealing about digital assets. The research was conducted from November 2019 to early March 2020 and is the second consecutive year that Fidelity Digital Assets has conducted this survey for US institutional investors and the first for European investors.
Capital Inflows into Crypto Investment Products, Hit a 3-Month High of $193m
In the past week, inflows into crypto investment products reached $193 million. A scenario last seen in mid-December 2021, according to digital asset management firm Coinshares.
Hong Kong’s OneDegree to Provide Digital Asset Protection Insurance with Munich Re
OneDegree is developing more technology to provide protection to participants in the digital assets market.
KPMG Partners with Coin Metrics to Boost Institutional Crypto Adoption
KPMG has teamed up with Coin Metrics to enhance institutional adoption of blockchain and cryptoassets offering proprietary analytics, trusted data & insights.
US Credit Unions Gain Access to Partner with Crypto Assets Service Providers
The United States National Credit Union Administration granted domestic credit unions under the aegis of the Federally Insured Credit Unions the permission to enter into partnerships with third-party digital currency trading platforms.
China to Award DCEP Worth $1.5 Million to Shenzhen Residents to Test Digital Yuan
China’s central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has teamed up with Shenzhen city to distribute DCEP worth 10 million yuan, approximately $1.5 million to residents.
Ripple May Dump Over 96 Million XRP Soon
Ripple's strategic handling of 240M XRP in December 2023 stabilized the market and may influence future cryptocurrency dynamics.
Alien Worlds Takes the Helm as the Top Blockchain Game, Approximately 11 Million Daily Transactions
Alien Worlds has emerged as the leading blockchain game with nearly 11 million daily transactions undertaken by more than 700,000 monthly active users.
Bitcoin Recovers from Plunge Triggered by Confirmation Hearing for SEC Chair Nominee Gary Gensler
Bitcoin (BTC) dipped after Gary Gensler said that it was a challenge for the SEC to keep cryptocurrency markets free of fraud.
Thailand's Market Watchdogs Suggest Crypto Regulation to Avoid Threatening Financial Stability
Regulators in Thailand, including The trio of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), issued a joint statement on cryptocurrencies that threaten the local financial ecosystem.
Central Bank Executive Says Hong Kong Working On Investor Protection Measures
Central bank governors from around the world are currently in Thailand to discuss the role of central banks amid evolving financial technology. Eddie Yue, chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority discussed the rise of digital assets and central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and the risks associated with the new technology. Changyong Rhee, governor of the Bank of Korea was not so optimistic about the future of blockchain technology, especially in the monetary sector.
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.
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.
With Recent $9.5 million Offering BTCS Gains Institutional Investor Interest
BTCS, a digital asset blockchain technology-focused company, recently closed an institutional investor-backed $9.5 million financing comprised of 9,500,000 shares of its common stock and common stock warrants to purchase up to 7,125,000 shares of common stock at a combined purchase price of $1.00 per share in a registered direct offering.
Fidelity Study Shows 70% Institutional Investors Eyeing for the Crypto Market
Despite institutional investment in the crypto market evaporating, a study conducted by Fidelity shows that 7 in 10 institutional investors are eyeing the crypto sector in the future, most of them intend to purchase digital assets.
BlackRock Has No Plans for XRP ETF
BlackRock Inc., the world's largest asset manager, halts its plans for a spot XRP ETF due to ongoing regulatory uncertainties and concerns over XRP's legal status in the midst of the Ripple vs. SEC case.
BIS Survey: 93% of Central Banks Engaged in CBDCs, 15 Retail and 9 Wholesale CBDCs Expected by 2030
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has released a survey revealing that 93% of central banks are now engaged in some form of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) work, with retail CBDCs taking the lead over wholesale CBDCs.
Stablecoin Reserves May Be Held in National Banks, US Treasury Office Provides Insight
The OCC announced that national banks and federal savings associations could hold reserves for customers with stablecoin assets.
WWE Launches John Cena-Inspired NFTs Just in Time for SummerSlam
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) inspired by 16-time world champion John Cena.
Mastercard Attains CipherTrace to Boost Security and Fraud Detection in the Crypto Ecosystem
Payment giant Mastercard announced the acquisition of CipherTrace to offer businesses powerful intelligence about the crypto economy as digital assets continue becoming more intertwined with daily activities.
Major Banking and Financial Associations Urge SEC to Amend SAB 121 for Digital Asset Custody
The Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum, and SIFMA have requested modifications to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 to address challenges in digital asset custody for US banking organizations. The aim is to align provisions with recent policy developments and practical experience.
Ripple CEO Hints at Firm's Likely Move from US after DOJ Report
Ripple's Chief Executive Officer has hinted that unfavorable regulations may force the company to relocate its headquarters out of the United States.
Virginia Proposes Regulatory Framework for Digital Asset Mining and Transactions
Virginia Senate Bill No. 339, introduced by Senator Salim, aims to regulate digital asset mining and transactions, exempting businesses from certain licenses and providing tax benefits for digital asset exchanges.
VanEck Announces Launch of Ethereum Futures ETF (EFUT)
VanEck announces the launch of VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT), targeting Ethereum futures contracts for capital appreciation. EFUT, listed on CBOE, complements VanEck's Bitcoin ETF (XBTF) with a tax-efficient structure.
Dubai Seeks to Become Hub of Metaverse
Dubai has set the ball rolling to improve people’s lives and render creative solutions by positioning itself as the global capital of Web3 through its new blockchain and metaverse technology.
The UK's HMRC Begin Tax Talks for Cryptocurrency
November 2019 has seen newly published guidelines come into place, with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) collecting advice and consulting with third parties to create new principles on different taxes in the United Kingdom.
Visa Rolls Out Creator Program to Empower Artists with NFTs
Payment giant Visa has launched an initiative dubbed Visa Creator Program intended to help filmmakers, artists, fashion designers, and musicians revamp their businesses through non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Australian Taxation Office Clarifies CGT on DeFi and Crypto Wrapping
The Australian Taxation Office has issued guidelines on the capital gains tax implications for decentralized finance activities and crypto token wrapping, following a recent security breach.
Treasury Secretary Yellen Highlights Economic Recovery and Addresses Financial Risks
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted Biden Administration's economic achievements and ongoing financial stability efforts, focusing on banking, climate change, cybersecurity, AI, and digital assets in a testimony to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Cypherpunk Holdings Sells All Crypto Assets to Avoid Market Volatility
Cypherpunk has turned all of its Bitcoin and Ether holding to cash to avoid being hit by the ongoing crypto market crash. The firm has, however, affirmed that it is still bullish on cryptocurrencies.
BIGG to Acquire Web3 Company TerraZero in $20M Deal
BIGG Digital Assets plans to acquire TerraZero Technologies Inc. for $20 million, a metaverse company with a 161% growth in Q1 2023. TerraZero will create a subsidiary for BIGG, with TerraZero's CEO serving a 12-month term.
CFTC Chairman Calls For Principle-Based Not Rules-Based Regulation For Crypto
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Heath Tarbert has stated his preference for the financial governance to be principle based rather than a strictly enforced set of rules. This extends to cryptocurrency and digital assets.
CBDCs Require Balance between Data Access & User Privacy Protection, HashCash CEO Says
CBDC would need a delicate balancing act between data access and user privacy protection in terms of taming illegal activities, according to HashCash Consultants CEO Raj Chowdhury.
Uniswap v4 Aims to Dominate Long Tail Asset Market
Uniswap plans to deploy version 4 of its decentralized exchange, aiming to capture long tail assets and small capitalization tokens, enhancing its current offering.
White House Report Casts Doubt on Cryptocurrencies
The White House's Economic Report includes a chapter questioning the benefits of cryptocurrencies, with 35 pages dedicated to debunking them. It argues that crypto assets fail to deliver on their promised benefits, and that they are too volatile to be a stable store of value or reliable medium of exchange.
NBA's LeBron James Becomes Face of Crypto.com
To get more limelight during the annual playoff championship game of the National Football League (NFL) called the Super Bowl, Crypto.com chose NBA's LeBron James as its new catalyst for mainstream adoption.
Interactive Brokers Taps OSL To Offer Digital Assets Services in Hong Kong
Interactive Brokers is working with OSL Digital Securities to expand the use of virtual assets dealing services in Hong Kong, witnessing investors' growing interest in exploring opportunities in investing in crypto-assets.
Bank of England Outlines Framework for Regulating Crypto Assets
The Bank of England has announced a notice outlining securities law requirements that apply to cryptocurrency trading and how they may be tailored for the crypto’s business model.
Australia’s Financial Regulator Issues First Regulatory Roadmap for Crypto Assets
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority admitted that although the crypto sector is small, its rapid growth poses risks in the future if it remains unregulated.
UK's Bank Regulator to Propose Rules for Digital Asset Issuance
The Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) in the United Kingdom is set to propose rules for issuing and holding digital assets, according to Vicky Saporta, executive director of the Prudential Policy Directorate at the Bank of England. The rules will be developed in compliance with the Basel III rules and the Financial Services and Markets (FSM) bill currently being considered by Parliament.
Why Bitcoin Should Make Up 5% of Your Investment Portfolio, According to Fidelity
Fidelity Digital Assets makes the case for why Bitcoin should make up 5% of a given multi-asset investment portfolio.
Institutional Investors Seek Tokenization Solutions
Institutional investors are seeking solutions for easy implementation of tokenization to improve liquidity for global assets expected to reach $145.4 trillion by 2025. Polygon has been working with global players such as Hamilton Lane, which has already tokenized part of its $824 billion assets under management, and JPMorgan, which executed its first cross-border DeFi transaction on the Polygon network.
Citi Bank Launches "Digital Asset Group" for Developing Crypto Products
Citi group announced a "digital asset group" has been launched in its wealth management department for developing crypto-related products.
Budget to Provide for Fulfilling Expanded Crypto Surveillance Goal: CFTC
The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has requested a robust budget for its Fiscal Year 2023 in order to expand its digital assets or cryptocurrency surveillance targets.
ESMA Launches Key Consultations on Crypto-Asset Regulations under MiCA
ESMA conducts consultations on reverse solicitation exemptions and classifying crypto-assets as financial instruments, aiming to harmonize EU regulations with MiFID II.
EDX Markets Debuts Cryptocurrency Trading Platform and Wraps Up Latest Investment Round
In a key milestone, EDX Markets has successfully kick-started its cryptocurrency trading operations and completed a fresh funding round
Coca-Cola to Launch First-Ever NFT Collectibles to Honor International Friendship Day
Coca-Cola has partnered with Tafi, a leading designer of avatars and digital wearables, for the company’s first-ever non-fungible token (NFT) to celebrate International Friendship Day to be held on July 30.
Stablecoins to be Issued by Licensed Banks and Trust Companies in New Japanese Law
In a move to protect investors, Japan’s parliament has passed a bill classifying stablecoins as digital money that must be connected to the nation’s currency, yen, or another legal tender.
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.
Voyager Digital Sells Assets via Coinbase Amid Bankruptcy
Voyager Digital, the CeFi platform that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, has reportedly sold assets through Coinbase and received at least $100 million in USDC. The company has sent daily crypto transfers to Coinbase, with holdings of nearly $530 million in crypto, including Ether and Shiba Inu. The US SEC has objected to Binance.US acquiring over $1 billion of Voyager's assets.
Danish FSA Orders Saxo Bank to Divest Crypto Holdings, Indicating Tightening Regulation
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) on July 4, 2023, issued a directive to Saxo Bank, instructing the financial institution to divest its holdings in cryptoassets. This move is based on the current legal framework, which prohibits banks from trading cryptoassets for their own account.
Crypto Assets Conference 2023 (CAC23A) | March 29 to March 30, 2023 | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
As crypto jargon makes its way into everyday business, Bitcoin and Ethereum disrupt the traditional understanding of currencies and the use of DeFi in traditional banking is increasingly inevitable - the world of digital assets evolves and matures in unprecedented style. With Web3 having the ability to revolutionize how society interacts and tokenization transforming the concept of ownership, blockchain technology has more use cases than ever before. Increasingly, established industries adapt to these use cases and a future without digital assets becomes unthinkable.
US Regulators Overreach to Protect US Dollar Supremacy with TON Decision, Will Bitcoin be next?
If the last two years have revealed anything about our global monetary system, it is that the US Federal Reserve and President Donald Trump really do not want a competitor to the US Dollar.
Warren Buffett Changes Attitude on Gold, Not Bitcoin Reminds Peter Schiff
Warren Buffett now started to buy bitcoin, reminding us of the days when he said he would never invest in Bitcoin.
HSBC to Initiate Institutional Digital Assets Custody Service in 2024
HSBC plans to launch a digital assets custody service for institutional clients in 2024, partnering with Metaco to expand its digital offerings to include tokenised securities.
Grayscale Partners with NYSE Arca to File for Spot Ethereum ETF Conversion
Grayscale Investments has collaborated with NYSE Arca to file Form 19b-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), aiming to convert the Grayscale Ethereum Trust into a spot Ethereum ETF. This move is a significant part of Grayscale's ongoing strategy to transition its entire range of 17 crypto investment products into ETFs. The filing follows the SEC's recent approval of the first Ethereum futures ETFs.
DTCC to Acquire Securrency, Advancing in Digital Asset Infrastructure
DTCC announces its strategic acquisition of digital asset infrastructure specialist, Securrency. This move will bolster DTCC's digital asset offerings and streamline the integration of blockchain technology.
Hong Kong's SFC Sets 2024-2026 Agenda: Emphasis on Tokenization and Virtual Asset Innovation
The SFC’s Strategic Priorities for 2024-2026 focus on enhancing Hong Kong's financial sector by maintaining market resilience, boosting global competitiveness, embracing financial innovation, and improving institutional resilience.
Exclusive: Fidelity Digital Assets Explains the Core Concerns Traditional Institutions Still Have Towards Cryptocurrencies
Blockchain.News spoke with Christine Sandler, the Head of Sales and Marketing at Fidelity Digital Assets to understand more about the concerns institutional investors may have and the barriers to entry to the cryptocurrency market.
MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Holdings Reach 190,000 Amid Q4 Financials
MicroStrategy, the world’s foremost corporate bitcoin holder, bolstered its holdings by 31,755 bitcoins in Q4 2023, reaching 190,000 BTC despite a revenue dip. The move underscores a strategic pivot towards digital assets amid fluctuating tech and financial landscapes.
White House Asks Regulators to Enforce Crypto Rules Citing FTX Crises
White House's Press Sec Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration is monitoring the FTX saga
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission Sets New Regulations for Crypto Exchanges
The Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong’s financial regulatory has set out new regulations for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges on Oct. 6. Announced by Ashley Alder, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SFC made an announcement in his speech at the Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019. Following his speech, the SFC also published a new regulatory approach to “virtual asset trading platforms,” on its website.
Title: EU Council Adopts DAC 8 Directive to Enhance Tax Oversight on Crypto Transactions.
The Council of the EU has adopted the DAC8 directive to enhance administrative cooperation among national tax authorities concerning crypto-asset transactions and tax rulings for high-net-worth individuals. The directive broadens the scope of assets covered, mandates automatic information exchange, and aligns with global standards set by the OECD and G20 to address challenges posed by the digital economy.
Bittrex Files Motion to Dismiss SEC Charges
A motion to dismiss the case has been filed on behalf of Bittrex and its co-founder, William Hiroaki Shihara. The motion, filed on July 2, 2023, argues that the SEC lacks the authority to regulate crypto assets as securities and that the Commission has failed to provide adequate notice of the alleged securities law violations.
Crypto Price Shows Stronger Interconnectedness with Stock Market amid COVID-19: IMF
As a change of tune, the IMF alludes to the fact that crypto-assets like Bitcoin (BTC) have transformed from an obscure asset class to an integral part of the digital asset revolution.
Reserve Bank of Australia Rolls Out CBDC Pilot Project
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has launched a year-long trial to explore a central bank digital currency's (CBDC) business models and innovative use cases.
SEC Commissioner & ‘Crypto Mom’ Hester Peirce Suggests Plan to Determine Whether an Asset is a Security
“Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce is not the biggest fan of using the Howey Test to determine whether crypto assets are securities.
The Sandbox, FlickPlay Collaborate to Accelerate Interoperability in Metaverse
With the metaverse expected to be worth between $8 trillion and $13 trillion by 2030, virtual world gaming platforms The Sandbox and FlickPlay have joined hands to enhance its adoption by offering players a blockchain asset.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: A Pivotal Decision by SEC Awaits
The SEC is nearing a decision on approving spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market and investor sentiment, with discussions focusing on minor amendments.
Even Mark Cuban Isn't Immune: CZ's Essential Guide to Fortifying Your Crypto Assets
Changpeng Zhao, CEO of Binance, emphasized the vulnerability of even experienced crypto users, citing a recent hacking incident. He highlighted the importance of security awareness and practices in the crypto space, pointing to an article he wrote three years ago. CZ highlighted the need for understanding basic security concepts, deciding between storage methods, and using strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Ukraine's Draft Bill on Digital Currencies Undergoes First Parliamentary Hearing
Ukraine's proposed draft bill for regulating digital assets in the country has passed its first parliamentary hearing.
NASDAQ Listed MicroStrategy Buys Up Additional $175 Million in Bitcoin
Bitcoin centric NASDAQ listed MicroStrategy has shored up its Bitcoin (BTC) portfolio by investing an additional US$175 Million.
What is Real World Assets (RWA)?
Real World Assets (RWA) refer to physical or tangible assets that have intrinsic value and exist in the real world.
BlackRock Launches Pioneering Tokenized Asset Fund in Partnership with Securitize
BlackRock unveils its first tokenized asset fund with a $100,000 minimum investment, signaling a major move by the asset management giant into digital assets.
Ripple Launches Liquidity Hub to Bridge Crypto and Fiat
Ripple has launched a liquidity solution for businesses to access digital assets, including BTC, ETH, ETC, BCH, and LTC, through various market makers. The Ripple liquidity hub aims to bridge the gap between crypto and fiat, and reduce the cost of operations on high-volume transactions. Notably, XRP is not mentioned in the product launch, which could be attributed to Ripple's ongoing court battle with the SEC.
NFTs can Help Patients Have Significant Control of Personal Health Data: Global Scholars
A global and multidisciplinary team of scholars have released a publication noting that NFTs have the capability of spreading their wings to the healthcare sector by helping patients safeguard their personal health information.
Fidelity Digital Assets to Hire 70% Staffs to Meet Rising Cryptocurrency Demand
Fidelity Digital Assets plans to employ a number of its employees amid increasing demands for crypto assets.
Crypto-friendly banks closure could pose a challenge for crypto companies
The closure of three major crypto-friendly banks in the US, Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Silvergate Bank, could pose a challenge for crypto companies in accessing traditional banking partners. The loss of these banks could impact crypto liquidity, and some experts believe that it may leave crypto companies without banking options. However, some in the industry believe that it could create room for another bank to step up and fill the vacuum, while others suggest that there are already viable alternatives available.
UK Introduces Bill to Classify Crypto and NFTs as Personal Property
The UK has introduced a bill to classify cryptocurrencies and NFTs as personal property, enhancing legal protections for owners and clarifying their legal status.
French Bank SocGen Obtains Regulatory Approval to Offer Crypto Assets Services
Société Générale now engages in regulated crypto-related business activities.
What’s Different About Cryptocurrencies This Time Around?
Even people who haven’t been paying all that much attention to the markets over the last several months are likely aware that cryptocurrencies are one of, if not the hot investment topic.
Virginia Proposes Regulatory Framework for Digital Asset Mining and Transactions
Virginia Senate Bill No. 339, introduced by Senator Salim, aims to regulate digital asset mining and transactions, exempting businesses from certain licenses and providing tax benefits for digital asset exchanges.
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.
US Government Removes Cryptocurrency AML Provisions from NDAA
The US government has removed two AML provisions relating to cryptocurrencies from the NDAA, indicating a cautious approach to crypto regulation and raising concerns about future AML measures.
The Old World. What is going on with Digital Assets in Europe?
Europe is an enormous market of more than half a billion people. As small amounts up to 8 million euros may be raised without registration of the offering, it is a very attractive market for international projects looking to reach new investors for their security token offering.
Arca Digital Asset Investment Firm Gets Approval from SEC to Tokenize US Treasury Bonds
Los Angeles-based digital asset investment firm Arca has launched trading for its new digitized security investment product that runs on the Ethereum blockchain.
EBA Opens Consultation on Liquidity Stress Test Guidelines for Crypto Assets
The EBA is requesting input on draft guidelines for liquidity stress tests for crypto assets, aiming to improve market resilience and comply with data protection regulations until February 8, 2024.
Nomura's Laser Digital Launches Ethereum Adoption Fund for Institutional Investors
Nomura's Laser Digital has launched an Ethereum Adoption Fund, focusing on institutional investors, with a strategy involving staking and regulated custody, aiming to increase institutional engagement in Ethereum investments.
Nasdaq to Launch Digital Asset Custody Services
Nasdaq is preparing to launch its custody services for digital assets by the end of Q2 2022, starting with Bitcoin and Ether. The exchange has applied for a limited-purpose trust company charter from the New York Department of Financial Services to oversee the new business and aims to eventually build a broad suite of services for its digital assets division. Its entry into the crypto market could potentially boost institutional investor confidence and pave the way for more traditional financial institutions to offer similar services.
Ernst & Young’s Blockchain Technology to Create NFTs for Award-Winning Italian Film
Big-four accounting and auditing firm Ernst & Young’s blockchain-as-a-service dubbed EY OpsChain will create NFTs for the award-winning Italian film La Leggenda Di Kaspar Hauser.
Japan Reduces 30% Crypto Tax On Paper Earnings For Token Issuers
To boost the Japanese banking and IT industries, the government would relax crypto company tax restrictions. Even if they haven't sold, Japanese crypto issuers must pay a 30% corporation tax on their holdings. In recent years, some local crypto/blockchain enterprises and personnel have moved abroad.
WisdomTree Third-Quarter Crypto Assets’ AUM Drop 36% As Market Losses Continue
WisdomTree has seen its crypto assets under management fall by 36% in what the company said has been triggered by the ongoing market turbulence.
France’s CBDC Projects to Manage DeFi Liquidity, Settle Tokenized Assets
The Bank of France is currently working on its second stage of experimentation in wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC).
BOE Governor: Bitcoin and Trending Cryptocurrencies May not be Viable in the Future but Stablecoins Are the Exception
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, the Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey discussed how cryptocurrencies would fit in the current governance system.
Kookmin Bank, South Korea’s Largest Bank Will Offer Cryptocurrency Custody
Kookmin Bank, the largest commercial bank in South Korea, will start offering Bitcoin custody services through a new partnership with crypto trading firm Cumberland Korea and blockchain venture fund Hashed.
At least 70% of Global Finance Leaders Believe CBDCs Will Spur Financial Inclusion - Ripple Study
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have triggered overwhelming consensus among global finance leaders, according to a survey by Ripple, a leader in enterprise crypto and blockchain solutions.
9 in 10 Central Banks are Eyeing CBDCs, BIS Study Shows
90% of apex banks have shown intentions of rolling out central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), according to a study by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Ethereum Performs Better than Bitcoin in Annual Returns with a 663% Gain
Ethereum's annual return stands at 663.7%, performing much stronger compared to Bitcoin’s 195.5%.
Spanish Tax Agency Cracks Down on Crypto Holders
The Spanish Tax Administration Agency (AEAT) is increasing its efforts to collect taxes on crypto assets, with plans to send out 328,000 warning notices to those who should pay their taxes for the 2022 fiscal year. The AEAT has only recently begun to take the matter seriously, with a 40% increase in the number of notices sent from the previous year.
California Governor Signs Digital Financial Assets Bill, Tightening Crypto Regulations from July 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Financial Assets Law on October 13, 2023, initiating a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency activities in the state from July 1, 2025. The law necessitates licensure from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for individuals and businesses dealing in digital assets. This regulatory shift, contrasting Newsom’s earlier stance in 2022, aligns with broader national trends towards formalizing digital asset transactions to curb fraud and enhance consumer protection.
Fidelity Launches a New Commission-Free Crypto Trading Product
Fidelity Investments has launched trading support for Bitcoin and Ethereum at zero commission
California Crypto Bill Seeks to Measure the Consumer Impact of Digital Assets
California’s Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee has unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2150 which will help define digital assets as well as to measure its potential impact on the state and consumers
George Soros’s Family Office Confirms Trading Bitcoin
The investment firm owned by billionaire investor George Soros is the latest family office to invest in Bitcoin and see cryptocurrencies as a hedge against inflation.
Crime across DeFi Platforms Surged to $10.5B in 2021
Crime has grown at an alarming rate in the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry by hitting $10.5 billion so far this year.
World Economic Forum Paves Way for Global Crypto-Asset Regulation
The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently published a white paper titled "Pathways to the Regulation of Crypto-Assets: A Global Approach," advocating for a collaborative approach towards crypto regulation on a global scale.
Korean Prosecution Investigates Cypto Coin WEMIX Issuer WeMade and Hyperism Simultaneously
The Korean prosecution has simultaneously raided WeMade, the issuer of the cryptocurrency WEMIX, and Hyperism, the asset management company responsible for WEMIX's market making. This incident comes right after South Korea’s parliament passed the Virtual Asset Protection Act, which aims to crack down on illegal illegal trading practices such as market price manipulation and insider trading.
Europe's Watchdog MONEYVAL Sees Crypto as a Threat to AML
European regulator MONEYVAL has published a report that considered cryptocurrencies a major threat to regulators' efforts to fight money laundering activities.
South Korea May Have to Postpone Crypto Taxation, Lawmaker Declares
A push from one of the South Korean top lawmakers may stir the postponement of the crypto taxation billed to commence on January 1, local media reported.
Crypto Businesses Given the Green Light to Set Up in Dubai’s Free Zone
Following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), crypto businesses have been granted the liberty to operate in DMCC once registered licenses are granted.
Tom Emmer's Nonpartisan Amendment to Limit SEC's Enforcement on Digital Assets Passes House
GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer passed a House amendment restricting SEC's enforcement against digital assets until relevant legislation is enacted, highlighting the push for legislative clarity in cryptocurrency regulation.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Confirmed for Second Term By US Senate, Crypto Mom Will Remain Until 2025
The United States Senate has voted in Commissioner Hester Peirce of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a second term that will see her remain with the regulator until 2025.
Mutual Efforts with Europe, U.S. Key for CBDC Issuance: Bank of Japan Governor
Joining hands with the United States and Europe is fundamental when meeting technical issues needed in the issuance of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
U.S. State Street Bank Joins Digital Asset Space with New Cryptocurrency Division
State Street bank based in Boston wants to bet on digital currencies like Bitcoin. The bank has announced that it is creating a new unit to help clients and investors hold, buy, and sell digital assets.
Nigerian President-elect's Manifesto Includes Blockchain and Crypto Regulations
Nigerian President-elect Bola Tinubu has released a manifesto proposing the implementation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Nigeria's banking and finance sector. The manifesto suggests reforming existing Nigerian Security Exchange Commission regulations to create a more business-friendly framework for regulating digital assets. The proposed regulations would require digital asset companies to register with the SEC and comply with SEC regulations. The release of the manifesto coincides with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria, with the government hoping that the proposed SEC regulation reforms will attract more investors in the digital and economic sectors and stimulate economic growth.
Australia to Continue Treating Cryptos as Assets
According to the Australian government's budget announcement on Tuesday, legislation will be put upon treating digital currencies such as bitcoin as an asset.
US Government to Auction $130 Million in Silk Road Bitcoin
The US government is auctioning over $130 million in Bitcoin seized from the Silk Road case, involving digital assets linked to criminal activities. This significant move reflects the evolving approach to handling cryptocurrencies in law enforcement.
Pantera Capital Plans to Raise $1 Billion for New Fund Offering Exposure to Crypto Assets
Pantera Capital is set to launch Pantera Fund V, a comprehensive fund aiming to raise over $1 billion, offering exposure to various blockchain-based assets.
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.
Binance Adds 11 Tokens to PoR Report
Binance cryptocurrency exchange has included 11 more tokens in its proof-of-reserves report, taking the total number of assets in its system to 24, valued at over $63 billion.
French Central Bank Succeeds in CBDC Experiment in the Issuance of a Government Bond
The Banque de France or Bank of France, the central bank of France, has prospered in undertaking an experiment on using a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to issue a French government bond.
Binance Enhances Futures Trading with Multi-Assets Mode Launch
Starting February 9, 2024, Binance introduces an automatic Multi-Assets Mode for new futures accounts, enhancing trading flexibility and efficiency across margin assets.
All Crypto Assets Correlation Meets Greater Than 60% with Bitcoin
The correlation between Bitcoin and other cryptoassets like Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC) is above 60%, as acknowledged by Messari Crypto researcher Mira Christianto.
Genesis Digital Assets Purchases 20,000 Bitcoin Mining Machines from China’s Manufacturer Canaan
American Bitcoin mining firm Genesis Digital Assets is purchasing additional 20,000 units of bitcoin ASIC miners from China’s Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer Canaan Creative. The purchase will help Genesis to scale up its mining operations.
Google Pairs with Coinbase to Spur Web3 Innovations, Offer Crypto Payments for Cloud Services
Google has teamed up with crypto exchange Coinbase to allow some of its clients to pay for cloud services using cryptocurrencies.
India Proposes Effective Ban for All Private Crypto Assets, Except a Few In Forthcoming Bill
Most cryptocurrencies appear to be on their last lap in India. The country is set to propose a ban for most digital assets starting at the end of this month.
eBay Joins the NFT Space, Offering Traders a Seamless Experience
E-commerce giant eBay has entered the non-fungible token (NFT) sector through a strategic partnership with Web3 company OneOf.
FASB Finalizes New Accounting Standards for Crypto Assets
FASB's new ASU No. 2023-08 mandates fair value measurement for certain crypto assets, enhancing transparency and relevance in financial reporting, effective post-December 2024.
US House Committee Chair Criticizes SEC on Digital Assets
US House Financial Services Committee Chair Patrick McHenry criticized the SEC’s approach to digital assets at an oversight hearing, demanding clear rules for crypto through legislation and pressing SEC Chair Gary Gensler for a definitive answer on whether Ether qualified as a security or a commodity.
Bitcoin’s Scarcity Feature Makes the Crypto an Aspirational Store of Value for Investors, says Fidelity Digital Assets
Fidelity Digital Assets, the crypto arm of investment firm Fidelity Investments found in its new report that many investors consider Bitcoin to be an “aspirational store of value”. The firm believes that the largest cryptocurrency has the properties of a store of value but has yet to be widely adopted.
United States CFTC Issues Advisory on Digital Currencies for Futures Commission Merchants
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has released an advisory to futures commission merchants clarifying how to hold digital currencies in segregated accounts.
South Korean Stakeholders Opposes the Proposed "Know-the-Sender" Rule
Some stakeholders are pushing back against the proposed Know-the-Sender (KTS) rule that the South Korean parliament is looking to pass into law.
Earn Additional Yield on Your Crypto20 Investment
Invictus Capital continues in their pursuit to provide their community with unique wealth creation opportunities.
Citi to Hire 100 Staff Members for Digit Assets Expansion Drive
Citi Group is looking to fill 100 jobs in its digital assets team. The news comes after the bank recently launched a digital assets group as part of its effort to respond to its customer demands for crypto products.
Dubai Police Releases Free NFTs to Enhance Authority
As part of a campaign to showcase security, innovation, and communication values, the Dubai Police has rolled out a set of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) comprising 150 free digital assets.
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.
US House Committees To Hold Joint Hearings On Digital Asset Regulations
The US House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees, along with the Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion Subcommittee, and the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee will hold joint hearings in May to establish regulatory clarity for the digital asset ecosystem. Representative Patrick McHenry, the House Financial Services Committee chairman, has announced that the hearings aim to establish a bill providing regulatory clarity to the crypto sector, which adds to the work on a bipartisan bill led by crypto-friendly Senator Cynthia Lummis and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Bitwise ETF BITQ Surpasses $100M in Cypto Assets Under Management
Bitwise Asset Management, a leading crypto asset manager, has announced that its Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (NYSE: BITQ) recently surpassed $100 million in assets under management. This milestone comes amid a turning point for the crypto sector, which has seen positive industry developments, strong market performance, and growing investor interest throughout 2023.
DWF Labs Invests $60 Million in EOS Network
DWF Labs, a digital asset market maker, has announced an investment deal worth over $60 million with the EOS Network Foundation. The deal includes a $45 million EOS token purchase agreement and a $15 million pledge to invest in businesses and projects based on EOS. The alliance aims to expedite the expansion and acceptance of the EOS Network, particularly with the launch of its enterprise-grade EOS Ethereum Virtual Machine.
NFT Trading Volume Surpasses $54B, Exceeds 200% in 2022
The NFT market continues to take the world by storm based on the notable adoption and trading volume witnessed.
German Legacy Bank Hauck & Aufhäuser to Debut Crypto Investment Fund in 2021
Germany’s legacy bank with over 222 years of financial services tradition Hauck & Aufhauser will be launching a cryptocurrency fund in January 2021.
Switzerland Parliament Blockchain Act Reform Validates Crypto and Digital Assets
The Swiss parliament has revamped and clarified legislation on blockchain technology and digital currencies activity in the country
Fidelity Institution's President Advocates Room for Consumers to Acquire More Crypto
Fidelity Institutional boss, Michael Durbin is advocating more crypto allocations for consumers
WWE Inks Deal with Fanatics to Offer Fans an Enhanced NFT Experience
To render its fans a new experience through non-fungible token (NFT) trading cards, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has signed a deal with digital sports platform Fanatics.
Crypto Assets Surge with Record $2.9B Inflows, Bitcoin Dominates Market
The latest CoinShares report highlights a record-breaking week with $2.9B inflows into digital assets, positioning Bitcoin as the market leader.
Hong Kong SFC Agrees in Principle to License Fidelity Backed OSL Crypto Firm
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has agreed in principle to license the cryptocurrency firm OSL Digital Securities.
Circle Formally Refutes Allegations of Illicit Financing and Connections to Justin Sun
Circle denies CfA's allegations of illicit financing and Justin Sun ties, emphasizing regulatory compliance and advocating for stronger stablecoin laws, as clarified by Dante Disparte.
BlackRock CEO Highlights Digital Assets and Tokenization
Larry Fink's annual letter to BlackRock highlights the potential of digital assets and tokenization, citing advancements in digital payment solutions for financial inclusion in emerging markets.
Kazakhstan Blocks Coinbase, Citing Digital Asset Law
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information has blocked Coinbase due to legal conflicts with digital asset regulations, revisiting previous restrictions on other financial platforms.
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.
AICPA Publishes a Practice Aid for Digital Assets
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has not been oblivious to the rapidly changing digital assets ecosystem as it has availed a practice aid to help in crypto accountancy. The practice aid is founded on professional experience and literature from members of the Digital Assets Working Group.
Fidelity Digital Assets Demystifies Common Misconceptions Surrounding Bitcoin
Fidelity Digital Assets, the US-based crypto arm of Fidelity, has taken it upon itself to debunk common misconceptions revolving around Bitcoin.
ANNA Develops New Technology Strategy On Digital Assets
ANNA, a mnemonic for the Association of National Numbering Agencies apprised the public that it has developed a new technology task force on digital assets which will help to investigate the identification of digital assets in the likes of tokens and cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology.
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.
Crypto Assets Conference 2020: The Conference on "Blockchain & Finance”
On 9/10 March 2020, the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, together with financial.com, is organizing the Crypto Asset Conference (www.crypto-assets-conference.de) on the campus of the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management for the third time. Blockchain technology was born through the invention of Bitcoin and has since then created hundreds of digital assets and spurred the development of business models building on decentralized networks. The conference covers both the public blockchain (crypto assets) and the enterprise blockchain domain (DLT). CAC20 makes the audience familiar with the current trends in DLT, blockchain and crypto assets.
Binance.US Opens Crypto Assets Marketplace to Millions of Florida Cryptocurrency Traders
Binance.US will now open its digital assets marketplace to Florida citizens and cryptocurrency traders.
Chainalysis Research: Crypto Assets Worth $50 Billion Exited China in 2019
Tether and cryptocurrency assets valued at nearly $50 billion left China in 2019 according to Chainalysis.
Chainalysis Launches Program to Help Law Enforcement with Monitoring and Storing Seized Crypto Assets
Chainalysis has launched an asset realization program intended to assist government agencies with monitoring and storing seized crypto assets.
Equilibrium and Chainlink to Power Synthetic Assets and Stablecoins on Polkadot
Equilibrium has chosen Chainlink, a tokenized oracle network, to power synthetic assets, lending, and stablecoins using its smart contracts.