cia
CIA Eyes Blockchain Technology with New Research Lab
US Central Intelligence Agency has rolled an in-house R&D arm dubbed CIA Labs to scale up technological and scientific breakthroughs for future intelligence challenges.
Microsoft’s Crypto Patent Fuels Another Right Wing Satanic Conspiracy By Ex-CIA Agent
Ex-CIA agent Kevin Shipp has dragged Microsoft's crypto-mining patent right back into the center of another right-wing conspiracy.
The Merge Begins, ETH’s Weekly Social Engagements Increase by 53%
The much-anticipated Ethereum merge is set to see the light of day begins, ETH’s weekly social engagements increased by 53%.
Exploring the Boundaries of AI in Creative Domains: Can Machines Match Human Ingenuity?
We delves into the evolving capabilities of AI in creative domains, analyzing whether artificial intelligence can achieve a level of creativity comparable to humans.
Spotify removes AI-generated music
Spotify has removed 7% of AI-generated music created by Boomy due to fraudulent streaming activities. Universal Music Group had alerted Spotify of suspicious streaming activity on Boomy tracks. The removal of the songs was due to suspected artificial streaming by bots posing as listeners. Music industry giants like UMG are fighting to control AI, while some artists like Grimes are championing its use.
Bitcoin Can’t Drive Financial Inclusion for Unbanked But CBDC Can says Mastercard CEO
Ajay Banga, the CEO of Mastercard believes Bitcoin is unable to function as an inclusive currency for the world’s unbanked due to volatility, CBDCs are a different story.
UK Media Mogul Calls DeFi a Revolution Against Corrupt Global Banking System
Alexander Lebedev, the billionaire UK media mogul and former banker has endorsed the revolutionary power of DeFi against a corrupt global banking system.
Taiwanese Singer Chen Lingjiu Implicated in JPEX Cryptocurrency Fraud Case
Taiwanese singer Chen Lingjiu faces fraud case involving JPEX, highlighting potential pitfalls of celebrity endorsements in cryptocurrency investments and the need for robust regulatory measures.
Jim Rogers Predicts Economic Bailout Meltdown, Wall Street Investors will turn to Bitcoin Safe Haven
Chairman of Roger Holdings and prolific American investor Jim Rogers warns that the trillion-dollar bailout will lead to an economic meltdown.
Facebook, Google, Twitter Face $600 Million Class Action Lawsuit Over Cryptocurrency Ad Ban
The trio of Facebook, Google and Twitter have been slammed by a $600 million class-action lawsuit by a group of companies and individuals backed by Sydney based JPB Liberty
What Happens When AI Meets Bitcoin and Crypto: Insights from Arthur Hayes
Arthur Hayes discusses the potential impact of AI on society, predicting that AI and robotics will eliminate tedious work, leading to a renaissance of art and culture. He believes AI could overtake humans and change the course of humanity overnight. Hayes believes Bitcoin will be the currency of choice for AI due to its digital nature, censorship resistance, and energy purchasing power.
Hong Kong Embraces Web3 Despite Crypto Market Volatility
Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan, has emphasized the need for the city to embrace Web3 technology, despite the fluctuations in the crypto market. Chan has proposed a strategy that focuses on proper regulation and promoting development to facilitate Web3's steady growth. He also noted that Hong Kong plans to prioritize financial security, prevent systemic risks, and focus on investor education and protection. The region's approach to crypto regulation contrasts with that of the United States, which has adopted a more hardline response to the industry.
Ripple and Onafriq Forge Alliance for Blockchain-Enabled Payments in Africa
Ripple and Onafriq are collaborating to introduce blockchain-powered cross-border payments, aiming to improve transaction efficiency and financial inclusion in Africa, the GCC, the UK, and Australia.
FTX Seeks Court Approval to Sell $175M Genesis Claim Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
FTX has filed a motion in Delaware court to sell a $175 million claim against bankrupt Genesis Global Capital, aiming to optimize returns from the sale. The move is part of FTX's broader strategy to manage its financial recovery post-collapse, with the proposed sales procedure designed to ensure maximum value from the claim amidst Genesis's ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Matrixport Launches New Crypto Products with Fixed Income Investment and the Flexi-Term Investment Product
SINGAPORE - On 18th May 2020, Matrixport will introduce the Fixed Income Investment Product and the Flexi-Term Investment product, where asset security is protected by a risk control mechanism by real crypto assets guaranteed by excess pledge.
DCG Completes Payment of Short-Term Debts to Dissolved Crypto Lender Genesis
Digital Currency Group paid up all short-term loans to Genesis, a previous bitcoin lending platform, as promised. DCG repaid $700 million in 2023 despite crypto sector woes. Genesis filed for bankruptcy in early 2023 after a withdrawal halt due to obligations of over $3.5 billion to its principal creditors. The bitcoin market is changing significantly with this development.
FTX Bankruptcy Legal Costs Hit $118.1 Million in Three Months
FTX's bankruptcy lawyers and advisers earned an average of $118.1M in fees between August and October, with Alvarez and Marshall leading the charges.
New Money Theory Research: Blockchain to Usher in the New Age of Monetary and Financial Freedom
New Money Theory Research: Blockchain to Usher in the New Age of Monetary and Financial Freedom
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.
What is ChatGPT 5?
OpenAI's ChatGPT 5 is set to revolutionize AI-driven chatbots and language processing, with potential features including multimodal understanding, an enhanced knowledge database, and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), expected to be released around 2025.
Bakkt's Strategic Expansion Leads to Significant Revenue Growth Amid Crypto Market Recovery
Bakkt Holdings forecasts a substantial revenue increase and a 70% decline in operating cash flow usage for FY 2024, following a robust year of strategic advancements.
G20 Discusses Crypto Regulations Under India Presidency
G20 members reviewed technological advancements and dangers during the FMCBG conference on Feb. 24–25.
Wave Financial Acquires Swiss-based Criptonite Asset Management
A US-based regulated digital asset investment management firm makes its first acquisition in Europe. The acquisition paves the way for Wave Financial to make further expansion globally.
Chinese Central Bank Approves the City of Chengdu for its FinTech Innovation Pilot
The Chinese central bank, People’s Bank of China has recently approved the city of Chengdu to carry out fintech innovation supervision pilots.
Libra Adds New Nonprofit Member Heifer International to Tackle World Hunger and Poverty After Enduring Months of Regulatory Scrutiny
The Libra Association has welcomed a new member, Heifer International, a nonprofit organization aimed to tackle world hunger and poverty. The addition of Heifer International brings the tally of members in the Libra Association to twenty-three.
Pakistan Banks Develop Blockchain-based KYC Platform
The Pakistan Banks’ Association has signed a contract to develop Pakistan’s first blockchain-based national eKYC banking platform aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering capabilities while countering terror financing. The blockchain platform will also improve operational efficiencies, mainly focused on improving customer experience during onboarding.
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.
Genesis Agrees to $21 Million SEC Settlement in Bankruptcy Resolution Effort
Genesis Global settles with the SEC for $21 million over unregistered securities sales allegations, aiming to mitigate legal challenges and focus on repaying customers amid bankruptcy proceedings. The agreement, pending a February 14 hearing, marks a significant step towards resolving the company's financial and legal hurdles.
Kraken Is the First Cryptocurrency Exchange to Become a US Bank
Kraken San Francisco-based crypto exchange was approved yesterday by the Wyoming Banking Board and is now the first exchange to become a US bank.
IRS Expects Surge in Crypto Tax Crime Cases as Tax Season Concludes
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is bracing for an increase in crypto tax crime cases as taxpayers file their returns on April 15. IRS criminal investigation chief Guy Ficco predicts a rise in charged Title 26 crypto cases this year and beyond. While crypto has been associated with various financial crimes in the past, Ficco anticipates a surge in "pure crypto tax crimes" in the future.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission Drafts New Crypto Regulations
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission drafts crypto regulations for 2023, focusing on anti-money laundering, token issuance, asset segregation, and transparent trading. Overseas platforms face advertising restrictions.
South Korea Enacts Legislation for Public Disclosure of Officials' Crypto Holdings
South Korea has introduced new legislation requiring public officials to disclose crypto assets, aiming to improve governance transparency and address conflicts of interest.
US National Security at Risk Due to China Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
U.S. Justice Department Seizes $9M in Crypto from Romance Scam Ring
The U.S. Justice Department successfully seizes $9M in crypto from a scam ring targeting over 70 victims, showcasing the government's commitment to combating cyber-enabled financial fraud.
Facebook-Backed Association Picks Another Former HSBC Executive as Libra Network's CEO
James Emmett, the former HSBC executive, is joining Libra Networks as the new managing director. He will assume his new role on October 1.
May 31: Everyone Wants to be the Broker in Crypto
BTC has managed to get into my sell zone with ETH clearly leading the charts with the triangle breakout getting quite a few technical guys excited. Contrary to this spike, 20k+ ETH Dec 120 puts traded at $8.4 yesterday. So who's gonna be right?
Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB): 0.20% Management Fee, Pledges 10% Profits for Bitcoin Development
Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) is a low-cost, regulated ETF for U.S. investors, offering a traditional route to investing in bitcoin. With a 0% management fee for the first six months, BITB could pave the way for more cryptocurrency-based investment products.
Cybersecurity Firm Kaspersky Warns of New Ransomware Devised by Notorious North Korean Ransomware Group
Multinational cybersecurity provider Kaspersky has announced that the notorious North Korean crypto criminal group, Lazarus, is planning on releasing a new ransomware.
Reddit Might Gear up for NFT-Based Profile Pictures for Users
Following in the footsteps of Twitter, Reddit is eyeing to permit users to have NFT-based profile pictures through a feature that is being tested.
National Bank of Georgia Enhances Sanction Monitoring, Includes Virtual Asset Service Providers
The Acting President of the National Bank of Georgia, Archil Mestvirishvili, stated that the bank has not only been monitoring the observance of financial sanctions but also expanded its oversight to virtual asset service providers.
Blockchain Experts Discuss: Will Blockchain Be the Missing Piece to Financial Inclusion?
The Singapore Fintech Festival rounded up blockchain discussions on the last day of the festival, focusing on one of the main themes of the event, financial inclusion.
Tripling of Bitcoin Millionaire Wallets in 2023: A Deep Dive into the Crypto Wealth Explosion
In 2023, the number of Bitcoin wallets with over $1 million increased by 237%, indicating a significant shift in cryptocurrency wealth and market dynamics.
PayPal Acquires UK Crypto License
PayPal has secured a cryptocurrency license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, marking a strategic move amid post-Brexit adjustments, and transitioning UK clients from PayPal Europe to a new UK-based entity.
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.
Social Discussion on Ethereum Hit a 2-Month High, Active Addresses Scale the Heights
Ethereum’s social volume and dominance reached levels last seen in February based on significant discussions about the second-largest cryptocurrency.
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.
Only1 Launches First Web3.0 Social NFT Platform Built on Solana
Only1, a decentralized web3 social platform, is set to revolutionize how consumers use the social media landscape. Only1 pivots into a creator economy solution to eliminate intermediaries and allow creators to monetise their content easily.
Ethereum and EOS Blockchain Used by Associated Press to Publish US Presidential Election Results
Associated Press (AP) has used Ethereum and EOS blockchains to publish voting results for the United States Presidential Election.
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.
Bitget Becomes the First Centralized Exchange to Offer Financial Transparency Through Space and Time
Bitget, the largest crypto copy trading platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Space and Time (SxT), a leader in decentralized data warehousing. The partnership will enable Bitget to offer users unparalleled transparency of exchange operations with a verifiably tamperproof audit trail of data and computation.
Binance Rolls Out Crypto Education Tour in 5 French-Speaking African Nations
To propel blockchain adoption and financial accessibility on African soil, crypto exchange Binance has launched a crypto education tour in five french-speaking countries.
Philippines Spearheads ASEAN AI Regulatory Framework
Philippines' Congress Speaker Martin Romualdez plans to introduce an AI regulatory framework to ASEAN during its chairmanship in 2026, focusing on digitization, cybersecurity, and managing generative AI in economic policies.
Hong Kong Embraces Virtual Asset Spot ETFs
Hong Kong is set to become the first market in Asia to allow Virtual Asset Spot ETFs, with around ten fund companies preparing for launch. This move signifies a major shift in the region's approach to virtual assets.
Celebrity Kim Kardashian West Posts a Crypto Related Paid Story on Instagram
Celebrity Kim Kardashian West posted an Ethereum Max project on her Instagram story with 228 million followers, who might earn between $300,000 and $500,000 by a single posting on her Instagram account.
How Blockchain Is Creating 5 Fintech Disruption Opportunities
Fintech blockchain acquisition is not only about testing and watching. It’s also about proactively taking action and applying the technology.
Honduras Establishes Bitcoin Valley in Santa Lucia to Boost Crypto Opportunities
Honduras has entered the cryptocurrency trend after launching “Bitcoin Valley” in Santa Lucia meant to spur more opportunities in the digital asset space.
Bank of China Achieves Groundbreaking $14 Million e-CNY CBDC Settlement in Gold
The Bank of China's Shanghai branch successfully settled a $14 million e-CNY CBDC for gold, marking a significant advancement in digital currency's role in international trade.
Japan Accelerates Digital Yen Plans Amidst Global CBDC Race
Japan is advancing its plans for a digital yen, with the Bank of Japan set to pilot a CBDC program and the finance ministry preparing an expert panel to address legalities, signaling a significant shift in Japan's traditional cash-centric economy.
Proposal to Amend Cryptocurrency Leverage Regulations in Japan
JCBA has proposed to JVCEA to amend the leverage ratio regulations in cryptocurrency margin trading, advocating for the application of corporate leverage calculation methods to individual transactions as well. The proposal aims to align the crypto market's leverage regulations with other derivative markets and possibly re-attract users who shifted to overseas exchanges for higher leverage.
Executive Director of the Crypto Valley Association Talks Long-Term Vision of the Crypto Ecosystem
Blockchain.News spoke exclusively with Alexander Schell, the Executive Director of the Crypto Valley Association to dig deeper regarding the association’s work in the industry.
Bitcoin Miner Integrated Ventures Sees Decline in Annual Revenue Despite Higher BTC Production
Integrated Ventures Inc. reported a yearly mining revenue of $3,862,849, despite an increase in Bitcoin production to 162.71 BTC in 2023 from 108.29 BTC in 2022. The dip in revenue is attributed to the declining cryptocurrency market with the average dollar value of mined Bitcoin dropping significantly.
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.
WhaleFin is being sued by Atletico Madrid for unpaid sponsorship
Atletico Madrid is suing WhaleFin for €20 million over a terminated €40 million sponsorship deal, claiming financial losses and potential reputational damage.
IMF Emphasizes Digitalization in Financial Inclusion Agenda
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasizes the role of digitalization in expanding financial inclusion. She calls for a balanced approach that includes regulation to ensure financial stability. The IMF has also been active in digital finance, recently presenting a crypto-risk assessment tool.
Blockchain Monitor Launched to Track Coronavirus-Free Safe Zones to Protect the Non-Infected Community During Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has currently reached countless countries and territories all over the world and has caused over 220,000 infections in the world population. With the global death rate climbing and almost reaching 9,000, the World Health Organization declared it as a pandemic on March 11.
EU to Regulate AI Use of Copyrighted Material
The European Union has passed a draft bill to regulate AI use of copyrighted materials. AI tools will be classified according to their risk level, with high-risk tools subjected to stricter transparency procedures. The bill is part of the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act and aims to strike a balance between protecting citizens and fostering innovation.
The World Economic Forum Forms Six Tech Policy Councils Including Blockchain
The World Economic Forum (WEF) launched six different “fourth industrial revolution councils” to help regulators working on the new technology policy guidance. The new technology included artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility, blockchain, drones, internet of things and precision medicine, as revealed on 29 May.
TikTok Encryption Layer Bypassed Google Android Safeguards to Track Users Data
Following President Trump’s executive order against TikTok, new evidence has revealed that the social media app had been collecting unique identifiers from millions of mobile devices, allowing the China-based app to track user’s online without permission.
Japan Blockchain Association Proposes Cryptocurrency Tax Reforms to Government
The Japan Blockchain Association (JBA), led by Representative Director Yuji Kano of bitFlyer, submitted a proposal for cryptocurrency tax reforms to the government on July 28, 2023.
Indian Government Deploys Blockchain and AI to Enhance Supply Chain
The Indian government has deployed high-end technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) in its public procurement portal (GeM) to enhance trade.
Singapore Unveils Ambitious National AI Strategy 2.0 for Future-Ready Innovation
Singapore's updated National AI Strategy 2.0, launched on Dec 4, focuses on expanding AI talent to 15,000, building an AI community hub, and integrating AI across various sectors for public good.
Envisioning the AI Ecosystem of Tomorrow: Perspectives and Principles
This article delves into the future of AI, exploring the concept of 'shared intelligence' in cyber-physical ecosystems. It highlights the shift from artificial narrow intelligence to more complex, interconnected systems, emphasizing the role of active inference, a physics-based approach, in AI's evolution. Ethical considerations in respecting individuality within these intelligent networks are also discussed, framing a future where AI is not just advanced but also ethically grounded.
Solana's SOL Price Predicted to Surpass $3000 in Bullish Scenario by 2030
VanEck's analysis suggests Solana could reach significant valuation by 2030 due to its technical innovations and user-focused applications. However, challenges like financial sustainability, technical stability, and developer adoption need to be addressed for this potential.
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.
Blockchain and AI: The Delicate Balance Between Two Cyber Titans
Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. A technological duality with immense potential to disrupt and create a new order. But is mankind playing with fire?
Chia Network Joins Crypto Lobbying Group Blockchain Association
Chia Network Inc. announced that it has become a member of a Blockchain Association, an industry leader championing the collaboration and innovation necessary to support U.S. leadership in the crypto industry.
BIS Conference Addresses Cybersecurity in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)
Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) during a conference in Basel, Switzerland, emphasizing the need for secure, user-friendly, and adaptable systems.
Vitalik Buterin's Insightful Financial Advice for a Prudent Portfolio
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin advises on prudent financial strategies, emphasizing diversification, savings for financial safety, a conservative portfolio, and caution against over-leveraging, blending traditional and modern investment insights.
Twitter Hires Former Hacker Peiter 'Mudge' Zatko as Head of Security
Following the high-profile security breach witnessed in July this year, Twitter has hired former hacker Peiter 'Mudge' Zatko as its new head of security.
Crypto Debit Card Services Hit Hard as UK Financial Watchdog Suspends Wirecard Subsidiary
United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has suspended Wirecard Card Solution Ltd, the Wirecard’s subsidiary responsible for the issuance of Visa crypto debit cards.
Ant Group Partners with Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo to Enable Access for its New Blockchain Solution—AntChain
Ant Group, formerly known as Ant Financial, the payments arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has launched a new blockchain solution, AntChain. Ant Group has signed an agreement with Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo to enable accessibility of IT leasing services for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) through the AntChain blockchain solution.
South Dakota Governor Vetoes Bill Excluding Cryptocurrencies from State's Definition of Money
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has vetoed House Bill 1193, which sought to exclude cryptocurrencies from the state's definition of money. The governor believes that the bill would put South Dakota at a disadvantage and potentially lead to future overreach from the federal government in issuing a digital dollar.
Block's AUD$3M Investment Boosts Indigenous Business Sector in Australia
Block Inc. invests AUD$3 million in First Australians Capital's new fund, supporting Indigenous businesses in Australia, aiming to empower entrepreneurs, foster economic growth, and create community wealth.
Tether Boosts US Treasury Holdings Behind USDT, Further Reducing Commercial Paper
Tether said it has increased its investments in US Treasury bills backing its $68 billion stablecoin.
China's Central Bank and Watchdogs Meet with Jack Ma and Ant Group Execs following Regulation Criticism
Ant Group founder Jack Ma and the firm’s top executives met with PBoC and three financial regulators as China published new draft rules for online micro-lending.
Over 1 Million Applicants Join Nigeria's 3MTT AI Program
Nigeria's 3MTT program, led by Bosun Tijani, is attracting over one million applicants, demonstrating the country's commitment to AI education and fostering a technologically skilled workforce.
UK Watchdog Proposes Tougher Advertising Rules
If the UK Government approves the FCA's plan, crypto businesses from abroad may have to meet additional conditions to advertise to UK clients.
Pan-African Crypto Exchange Yellow Card raises $40M in Series B Funding Round
The round was led by Polychain Capital. The significance of the funding raise, especially in the ongoing market downturn, reflects the level of business confidence expressed by new and existing investors.
ECB Advances Digital Euro Project into Preparation Phase
The ECB's progression into the preparation phase of the digital euro project marks a pivotal step towards modernizing Europe's financial infrastructure. The digital euro, envisioned as a secure, accessible, and private means of digital payment, holds the promise of fortifying the European monetary system in the digital age.
Leaked EU Commission Draft on Crypto Assets Law: How Will Cryptocurrency be Regulated?
A leaked European Union legislative draft on digital assets reveals the country's plans for cryptocurrency trading and issuance across the nation.
Twitter Enables Bitcoin Tipping on Its Platform, Plans to Support Users to Unlock NFTs Services
Twitter has moved to let its users tip content creators using Bitcoin to help users earn money for the platform. The social media giant is also expanding its reach to support users to authenticate and showcase their NFT digital assets.
BC Technology Group Shares Drop 30%, Company Clarifies OSL Sale Rumor
BC Technology Group Limited refutes rumors of considering selling its virtual asset trading platform, OSL, following a Bloomberg report, amidst a significant drop in its share prices on 17 October 2023. The company clarified there's no ongoing negotiation or consideration regarding the OSL sale, urging investors to exercise caution.
Fonbnk and Tanda Partner to Launch Airtime Trading Marketplace in East Africa
Fonbnk and Tanda have partnered to launch an airtime trading marketplace in East Africa, allowing micro-entrepreneurs to earn revenue and store their profits in dollarized stablecoins. The partnership increases liquidity in the marketplace through the buying and selling of prepaid airtime for profit, providing more earning opportunities and creating a growth flywheel effect through improved liquidity and marketplace efficiency.
Mastercard VP On Blockchain, Digital Assets and CBDC: “Everything Ends in Transactions and Payments”
Ashok Venkateswaran, Mastercard’s Blockchain and Digital Assets Lead, Asia Pacific shares insights on the payment giant's new blockchain and digital initiatives.
FSB 2024 Agenda: Strengthening Crypto Regulation and Embracing AI"
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has announced its 2024 Work Programme, focusing on crypto regulation, AI, and digital innovation, aiming to enhance global cooperation and stability in finance.
China to Strengthen Artificial Intelligence Development with New Legislation
China has included a draft AI law in its legislative agenda for the State Council in 2023, which will be reviewed by the National People's Congress.
Fidelity Envisions Metaverse NFT Marketplace And Financial Services
Fidelity Investments has applied for US trademarks for a nonfungible token (NFT) marketplace, metaverse financial investing, and crypto trading services. Fidelity might provide mutual funds, retirement funds, investment management, and financial planning in virtual environments. The company may develop a digital media marketplace online, but specifics are few.
Japan Appoints Crypto-Friendly Leader as New Financial Services Agency Commissioner
Japan’s government seeks to appoint crypto-friendly leader Ryozo Himino as the next commissioner of the country’s Financial Services Agency.
SBI Holdings to Launch Investment Fund for Emerging Companies like Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups
SBI Holdings plans to invest 100 billion yen in startups focusing on Web3, AI, and metaverse, with financial institutions supporting Japan's goal to nurture its startup ecosystem and enhance its Asian startup hub position.
Alibaba to Bring Blockchain Technology to Chinese Shipping Ports
China is tapping into the potential of blockchain technology like none other; the country’s entrepreneurs and local governments alike have already started implementing blockchain-based projects while most of the globe grapples with legality issues.
Global Microfinance Market Projected to Reach $506 Billion by 2030
The global microfinance market, valued at $200 billion in 2022, is expected to grow to $506 billion by 2030, according to a new report by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market is set to expand at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2022 to 2030. Microenterprises are identified as a vital growth driver for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). The report also highlights the role of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain in shaping the industry.
The Bahamas Becomes First Country to Launch its CBDC, the ‘Sand Dollar’
The Bahamas has launched the Sand Dollar, making it the first country in the world to officially release a central bank digital currency (CBDC) beyond the testing phase.
SEC Files Application to Compel Elon Musk's Compliance with Subpoena
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed an application to compel Tesla CEO Elon Musk to comply with an administrative subpoena. The SEC is investigating Musk's 2022 Twitter stock purchases and his related statements and SEC filings. Despite initially agreeing to testify, Musk later refused to comply with the subpoena, prompting the SEC to seek court intervention.
Elon Musk Warns of AI Destructive Potential
Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk has voiced his concerns over the potential for artificial intelligence to destroy civilization. Despite Musk’s plan to create a new AI startup, he acknowledges the dangers of the technology falling into the wrong hands or being developed with ill intentions.
Tencent Cloud Launches Deepfake Generator
Tencent Cloud, the cloud services arm of Tencent, has launched a deepfake generator that uses three-minute video clips and 100 voice sentences to create convincing digital humans. The service can create deepfakes in Chinese and English and costs $145.
China’s Blockchain and FinTech Sector to Brace for 'Capital Winter' Even After the Coronavirus Pandemic Subsides
Investment activity in China’s tech sector has seen a massive drop in the past four months since the coronavirus outbreak has emerged from the city of Wuhan. The venture capital market has been suffering a tremendous impact on its existing drop in activity.
US Regulator Crypto Custody Proposal Opposed
The US SEC's proposal to amend its custody rule has faced opposition from the Blockchain Association and Andreessen Horowitz, who have filed letters criticising the rule's impact on investment advisers and its potential to curtail investment in digital assets. The SEC's proposal would apply more stringent rules on investment advisers in the custody of assets, including crypto.
Japan's FSA Warns Binance and Others for Operating Without Registration
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has warned several foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, of conducting business in the country without proper registration, violating the nation's fund settlement laws. The FSA has been cracking down on unregistered crypto exchanges since 2020, and this warning signifies that the cryptocurrency industry in Japan and other nations is facing greater regulatory scrutiny.
Bitget Launches Blockchain4Youth Initiative
Bitget has announced the launch of its new corporate social responsibility project, Blockchain4Youth, which will provide blockchain courses and certifications, host campus lectures in partnership with universities worldwide, and incubate innovative projects by young entrepreneurs. The initiative will commence with a series of campus lectures on Web3 held in universities across Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Bitget plans to allocate $10 million over five years towards this project.
Financial Stability Board Finalizes Global Crypto Asset Regulatory Framework
FSB finalizes a global regulatory framework for crypto assets, aiming for consistent regulation. The framework includes high-level recommendations for crypto-asset activities and stablecoins.
Tether Criticizes UN Report for Overlooking USDT Traceability and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Tether rebuts a UN report accusing USDT of facilitating illicit activities, underscoring its traceability and law enforcement collaboration, and highlighting USDT's positive impact on developing economies.
Ant Group's IPO Delay Bigger Concern for Asia Tech than US Election
Could the suspension of Ant Group’s $34.5 billion IPO have a greater impact on Asia’s FinTech ecosystem than the United States election?
Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas to Speak at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference
Alesia Haas, chief financial officer of Coinbase Global, will participate in a fireside discussion at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference on September 12, 2023. The event will cover Coinbase's financial performance, strategic goals, and insights on the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting its significant influence in the cryptoeconomy.
Senator Warren Focuses on Crypto Scam Risks for Seniors, Advocates New Legislation
Senator Warren emphasized the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, gaining bipartisan support to regulate crypto activities and protect vulnerable populations from financial fraud.
Ant Financial Launches OpenChain for China's Small Businesses to Leverage its Enterprise Blockchain Consortium
Ant Financial, the parent company of AliPay, has launched OpenChain, a new blockchain platform that gives developers and small and micro enterprises (SMEs) the power to leverage the Chinese blockchain giant’s proprietary blockchain consortium and efficiently and cost effectively deploy smart contracts and create decentralized apps (DApps).
CFTC Report Underscores DeFi Risks and Calls for Action
The CFTC report on DeFi underscores significant risks to the U.S. financial system, national security, and consumer protection, emphasizing the need for increased understanding, regulation, and collaboration in the sector.
NBG Georgia Shortlists Ripple Among Tech Firms for CBDC Pilot
The National Bank of Georgia progresses with its Digital GEL Pilot Project, focusing on the exploration of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) technology. Nine technology firms, including Ripple Labs, Inc., have been shortlisted for potential collaboration. The initiative mirrors global trends in modernizing financial infrastructures to meet the digital economy's evolving demands.
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.
Bitwise and ETF Trends : 64% of US Financial Advisors expect Bitcoin Price to Appreciate Over Next 5 years
Around half of all wealth in America is managed by financial advisors, but how much of that wealth are they comfortable allocating to cryptoassets?
SEC Gains Upper Hand: Ripple Ordered to Disclose XRP Sales Data
A US district judge has ordered Ripple to disclose XRP's financial and institutional sales data, a significant victory for the SEC amid allegations of unregistered sales.
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.
Long-term Dormant Ethereum ICO Participant Activates $3.2 Million Worth of ETH
An Ethereum ICO participant re-emerged after 8.2 years of inactivity, transferring 2,000 ETH ($3.2 million) to four different addresses on October 21, 2023. Acquired at a mere $620 at the Ethereum Genesis, this move not only underscores Ethereum's substantial price appreciation but also hints at potential market dynamics as long-dormant assets re-enter circulation. The transaction could signal various intents, from cashing out to redistributing or reinvesting the holdings, each with its own set of implications for the Ethereum market.
Crypto Exchange bitFlyer Implements Travel Rule for Crypto Asset Transfers
BitFlyer, a leading Japanese crypto asset exchange operator, announced the implementation of new regulations known as the travel rule, aimed at preventing criminal activities and enhancing security in the crypto industry.
Orange Financial To Launch Innovative Yield Farming Treasury - Stablecoin Rewards for NFT Holders
Orange Financial, a multi-chain yield farming treasury, is excited to announce its public mint date on February 1st, 2023. As the only NFT project to offer stablecoin rewards through yield farming to its holders, Orange Financial will revolutionize the world of yield farming and NFTs.
Facebook Calibra Digital Wallet Gets a New Name – Novi
Facebook has renamed its digital wallet, Calibra, as Novi. Calibra was the digital wallet that the social media giant has been building to access Libra digital currencies. In a blog post, the company explained that the new name was inspired by the Latin words “novus” and “via,” meaning “new” and “way.” The digital wallet company, a subsidiary under Facebook will now be named Novi Financial. As previously reported by Blockchain.News, Libra has abandoned its original plan of a widely accessible permissionless digital currency aimed to solve financial inclusion issues, due to ongoing regulatory backlash.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission in Exploratory Phase for Crypto ETFs
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission is cautiously considering the introduction of cryptocurrency ETFs, focusing on self-regulation and gradual liberalization in the digital asset market.
SoFi Unveils 1% IRA Match to Spur Early Retirement Amid Millennial and Gen Z Aspirations
SoFi announces a 1% IRA match to accelerate members' retirement plans, aligning with Millennials and Gen Z's strong inclination towards early retirement, as revealed in a recent survey. The initiative forms part of SoFi Invest's broader suite of resources aimed at financial independence and long-term financial planning.
NEAR Protocol's Q2 Market Cap Holds at $1.25 Billion, Experiences 25% QoQ Decline
According to Mesari, NEAR Protocol, a leading smart contract platform, demonstrated resilience and growth in Q2 2023, despite being listed in the SEC's complaint against Coinbase. The platform's financial and network fundamentals remained stable, with strategic partnerships and grassroots initiatives driving user adoption.
5% Global Business Transactions Expected to Utilize Blockchain Technology by 2028: SkyQuest
At least 5% of worldwide business transactions are expected to utilize blockchain technology by 2028, thanks to heightened activity in the fintech blockchain market, according to a report by research firm SkyQuest.
Stablecoins Could Bolster U.S. Dollar and Economic Competitiveness: Circle CEO
In a compelling testimony delivered to the House Financial Services Committee, Jeremy Allaire, CEO and Co-Founder of Circle, underlined the significant role stablecoins, such as the U.S. Dollar Coin (USDC), could play in strengthening the global position of the U.S. dollar.
South Korean Hospitals to Usher in New Healthcare Era Using Blockchain Technology, AI and Big Data
South Korean hospitals intend to set the ball rolling in ushering in a new healthcare era using industry 4.0 technology like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data.
Celsius Crypto Lender's Bankruptcy: Large Withdrawals Clawbacks
Celsius Network is imposing bankruptcy proceedings on account holders with $100,000 or more liabilities, and is taking legal action against those who withdrew large amounts pre-bankruptcy.
LocalBitcoins Seller Charged by US Homeland Security for Money Laundering
Kenneth Rhule, a localBitcoins seller is charged by the US Homeland Security for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business. Rhule can face up to forty years in prison on account of fraudulent activity alongside illegal marijuana production and distribution.
EBA Issues Updated Guidelines for Crypto Asset Service Providers
The European Banking Authority (EBA) extends Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing measures to include crypto firms, aiming to harmonize regulatory approaches and mitigate financial crime risks in the EU.
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.
Blockchain Capital Joins the Libra Association as Newest Governing Member
Blockchain Capital investment company has joined the Libra Association as a governing member.
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.
Twitter Takes on Decentralization with New Social Media Development Project
Bluesky – the new social media decentralized initiative, endorsed by Jack Dorsey of Twitter and five other programmers. Dorsey has dedicated funds for this new project, which ultimately will put social media platforms on blockchain.
Alibaba Integrates New Blockchain System With its E-Commerce Platform to Enhance Traceability
Alibaba has recently announced its integration of a full-link traceability blockchain system into its import e-commerce platform, Kaola. The Chinese e-commerce giant has previously acquired NetEase’s Kaola cross-border e-commerce platform in September 2019 for $2 billion.
Meta's Martin Signoux Predicts AI Model Developments for 2024
Martin Signoux predicts 2024 AI model trends including Large Multimodal Models, continuous improvements, Small Language Models' significance, open and proprietary models coexistence, benchmarking challenges, and public debate on AI risks.
How Blockchain Technology Can be Used to Leverage Booming TikTok and Influencer Trends
Blockchain technology has been a growing hot topic, with companies integrating it more and more into their ecosystem for better security, decentralization, and lower costs, among other things.
European Commission Launches Research Unit to Investigate Algorithms Used by Big Tech
The European Commission has launched a new research unit called the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) to investigate the impact of algorithms used by prominent online platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google. The team will analyze and evaluate the AI-backed algorithms used by Big Tech firms to identify and address any potential risks posed by these platforms.
Tether's Financial Triumph: Record $2.85B Q4 Profit and Strategic Asset Growth
Tether Holdings Limited reported a Q4 2023 profit of $2.85 billion, boosted by US Treasuries, Gold, and Bitcoin reserves, and a net profit of $6.2 billion, showcasing strong financial health.
US National Security at Risk Due to China’s Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
CFTC Whistleblower Program Gains Traction with $16 Million Awarded in 2023
The CFTC's Whistleblower Program in 2023 awarded $16 million to whistleblowers, contributing to over $3 billion in enforcement sanctions. Recognizing their role in combating financial fraud, the program now focuses on environmental fraud through a task force.
South Korea's FSC to Submit Two Crypto-Related Acts to National Assembly
According to Newsis on July 13, the People's Power Party and the Financial Services Commission of South Korea are planning to submit amendments to the Electronic Securities Act and the Capital Market Act to the National Assembly within this month.
Animoca Brands and CyberConnect Collaborate on Decentralized Social Layer for Mocaverse
On 15 Aug 2023, CyberConnect partnered with Animoca Brands to develop a decentralized social layer for Mocaverse.
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.
What are the 7 Key Takeaways from Facebook's Libra Hearings?
The debate on Facebook's Libra continues with the hearing with Senate Banking Committee on 16 July and the United States House Committee of Financial Services on 17 July. Here are the 7 key takeaways from the two hearings.
UK Requests Crypto Exchanges to Report Suspected Sanction Breaches
The UK authorities have introduced the new rules in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The regulations cover all valuable digital assets.
Fujitsu Files Trademark for Crypto Brokerage Services
Japanese tech giant Fujitsu has filed a trademark application for a new branding that aims to offer financial services, including cryptocurrency brokerage services, to customers. Fujitsu has been showing growing interest in Web3 technology and launched a Web3 acceleration platform in February to support startups and partner companies in creating a diverse ecosystem of Web3 applications. The move comes as financial regulators in Japan call for stricter banking rules for the crypto sector.
US Officials Oppose Voyager Sale Provision
US officials request removal of a provision in Voyager Digital's bankruptcy plan, arguing it would impede government's regulatory powers; the provision prevents legal pursuit of those involved in the sale to Binance.US.
Social Media Site X Limits Changpeng Zhao's Account Access
Changpeng Zhao, former Binance CEO, faced account restriction on social media platform X amidst legal challenges, leading to widespread speculation in the crypto industry.
TikTok Owners Launch Blockchain and AI company with Shanghai Dongfang Newspaper
TikTok owners agree to a new partnership to advance blockchain advancements with Chinese News Outlet, Shanghai Dongfang Newspaper Company.
May 26: It's Always Been There
Strategy today? With SPX e-mini futures now just shy of 20 points from 3,000 level and the highest it's traded since the March 23 crash, I expect BTC to follow. Expectedly, this recent sell off has been mostly triggered by large players (i.e. whales) trimming their positions.
Tesla Records $23M Impairment Loss on BTC, Despite Revenue and Profit both Exceeded Expectations in Q2 Financial Report
American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla released its second-quarter financial report on Monday. The company recorded a $23 million impairment loss on Bitcoin subject to the recent volatility.
SEC Chief to Testify Before House Committee on Crypto Oversight
SEC chief Gary Gensler will face questioning from the House Financial Services Committee on April 18 regarding his approach toward the crypto ecosystem. The committee will focus on Gensler's rulemaking and approach toward crypto assets and lay down a regulatory sphere for digital assets.
Crypto Fund Managers Infuriated with UK Watchdog's Recent Ban on Crypto Derivatives
Crypto fund managers have released an angry response to the UK financial regulator's recent ban on the sales of crypto derivatives to retail consumers.
Bitget Pledges $10 Million for Fetch.ai Ecosystem
Bitget, a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, has pledged $10 million towards the development of the Fetch.ai ecosystem. Fetch.ai provides infrastructure for autonomous services and features an AI agent network and smart wallet.
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.
Neara Secures $24M Series B Boosting Utilities' Resilience and Renewable Energy Integration
Neara, with a fresh $24M Series B funding, is set to bolster its AI-centric infrastructure modeling platform, aiming to mitigate climate risks faced by utilities and accelerate renewable energy integration. The investment led by Prosus Ventures will fuel Neara's global expansion and the development of its novel System of Enablement functionality, facilitating a smoother transition towards renewable energy, especially in the US and Europe.
Crypto Debit Card Issuer Wirecard Missing Over $2 Billion in Cash as Auditor Raises Questions
Wirecard announced that it is missing $2.1 billion after auditors Ernst & Young raised questions.
Uniswap's Front-End Fees Surpass $1 Million
Uniswap's front-end fees exceed $1 million in 24 days, contributing 17.4% to its total fees, with an estimated annual revenue of $15.2 million.
Greece Establishes High-Level Advisory Committee for Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the formation of a High-Level Advisory Committee for AI on October 19, 2023. Led by MIT Professor Constantinos Daskalakis, the committee aims to prepare Greece for the rapid advancements in AI and their applications. The committee will focus on long-term national strategy, including policy development and guidelines, in key areas such as economy, society, and innovation.
EU Drafts AI Bill to Address Copyright Concerns
The European Union has passed a draft bill that will classify AI tools according to their risk level and impose stricter transparency procedures for high-risk tools. The bill is part of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and aims to address concerns around the use of copyrighted materials in AI training.
Can CBDC Drive Financial Inclusion?
There are still 1.7 billion unbanked in the world. What are the reasons behind such a significant number of unbanked? Can CBDC drive their financial inclusion?
Demand for Blockchain and AI Expected to Push Market Value to $980.7M by 2030: Report
Since blockchain and artificial intelligence are among the greatest technological innovations, their demand is expected to make the market value soar to $980.7 million by 2030, a study suggests.
US House Committee to Discuss Stablecoin Regulation
The US House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services will conduct a hearing on stablecoin regulation on April 19th, following the introduction of a draft bill on stablecoin regulation. The hearing will include testimonies from experts, including Austin Campbell, a managing partner at Zero Knowledge Consulting and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, who believes stablecoins will expand the reach of the US dollar and increase financial inclusion.
"Deutsche Bank share slide fuels global banking fears"
Deutsche Bank's recent share slide has added to concerns about the state of the global banking system and the possibility of a new financial crisis. As governments try to protect the dollar's status as the world reserve currency, concerns about hyperinflation and a historic correction of the economic system are growing. Some members of the Bitcoin community are looking to the cryptocurrency as a potential hedge against inflation.
Libra Association Appoints Former Homeland Security General Counsel to Head Its Legal Services
Libra appoints Stevan Bunnell, former Homeland security department general counsel, as its own general counsel.
Japan Advances LLC-Type DAOs: Easing Tokenized Membership Rights Regulations
Japan proposes amendments to ease regulations on tokenized membership rights for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), aligning tokenized rights with traditional company memberships, marking a significant step towards fostering DAO operations.
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.
Scenarios for the Transition to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
A recent working paper by Anton Korinek and Donghyun Suh explores different scenarios for the transition to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The paper analyzes the impact of technological progress on output and wages, considering the possibility of full automation and its implications for the labor market. The authors discuss the race between automation and capital accumulation, the effects on wage dynamics, and the potential for broad-based gains in productivity. The research provides valuable insights into the economic consequences of AGI development.
Peter Schiff’s Bank Investigated in Global Tax Evasion Probe, Gold May Be Dirty
Peter Schiff’s Euro Pacific Bank is currently under a tax evasion probe for hosting numerous financial accounts suspected of tax evasion crimes.
iSunOne-MPC Partnership to Develop First-Ever Islamic Financial Blockchain System in Malaysia
A collaboration between MPC and iSunOne is set to revolutionize the Islamic financial structure with blockchain technology.
FTX Financial Filings Uncover Executive Transactions Prior to 2022 Collapse
Court filings reveal FTX and Alameda Research executives engaged in financial transactions before the exchange's collapse, including a $2.51 million payment to the American Yacht Group.
How Apple Will Advance in Generative AI in 2024
Apple's 2024 agenda includes the launch of Vision Pro, advancements in generative AI with iOS 18, and integrating AI across its ecosystem. Emphasizing thoughtful AI integration, Apple navigates generative AI's potential while maintaining its privacy-focused approach.
Interactive Brokers Launches Cryptocurrency Trading Service for US Financial Advisors
Interactive Brokers has made steps closer to realizing its vision for unlocking broad access to what is regarded as lucrative. The brokerage firm has introduced a crypto trading service on its public market to make cryptocurrencies accessible to retail investors.
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.
Alchemy Pay Expands U.S. Footprint with Iowa Money Services License
Alchemy Pay, a prominent crypto-fiat payment gateway, has secured a Money Services License in Iowa, marking a significant expansion in the U.S. market and enhancing its global compliance portfolio.
Coinbase and Venmo Users Angered by Privacy Issues—Fintech Firm Faces Second Class Action Lawsuit
A second lawsuit has been filed against the fintech company Plaid, for violating user data privacy agreements they hold with major financial accounts that use Coinbase and Venmo.
Golden Gate University Establishes Blockchain Law for Social Good Center to Aid Regulation
The Golden Gate University School of Law has teamed up with Algorand Foundation to set up Blockchain Law for Social Good Center to eliminate regulatory scepticism.
Unchained Capital Raises $60M in Bitcoin Funding
Financial services provider Unchained Capital has raised $60 million in a Series B funding round led by Valor Equity Partners. The company uses multi-signature technology to provide a more secure way to hold Bitcoin, allowing clients to share control of their funds between private keys they hold themselves and those held by Unchained or other financial services companies. The funding will be used to expand Unchained's reach and suite of services.
Blockchain and the Wheel of Fate: The Role of Blockchain Technology in Disease Surveillance and Pandemic Prevention
Pandemics are an inescapable fact of life on Earth. They have happened before, and we are on the verge of experiencing the latest such event through the relentless spread of the coronavirus. How can blockchain technology help to contain pandemics?
FDIC Mandates New Signage for Digital Platforms Starting 2025
The FDIC has updated its signage requirements, mandating digital display of a new black and navy blue sign on websites, apps, and ATMs from 2025 to align with modern banking practices.
The Rise of the Anon: Protecting Innovation
Anonymity is increasingly offering protection to innovators as well as their ideas.
Libra Appoints New Chief Compliance Officer, Third C-Suite Executive Appointed with a Strong Compliance Track Record
The Libra Association appointed Sterling Daines as its new Chief Compliance Officer, who is currently the Managing Director and Global Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Credit Suisse. He is expected to leave his position at Credit Suisse and join the Libra Association later this year. Prior to Credit Suisse, he was the Managing Director and Deputy Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Goldman Sachs and has worked as a consultant to the US Department of Justice and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Coinbase's Custodial Role in New Bitcoin Spot ETFs Marks a Crypto Milestone
Coinbase's role in the newly approved Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC marks a crucial advancement in cryptocurrency's integration into mainstream finance, bringing regulatory clarity and institutional investment opportunities.
ASIC Appeals Federal Court Ruling on Finder Wallet's "Earn" Product
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has appealed a federal court ruling that found Finder Wallet's "Earn" product compliant with Australian financial laws, raising concerns about consumer protections.
Pepe Coin Official Telegram Hacked
Pepe Coin's official Telegram compromised; group locked down. Amidst unexpected transactions, community urged to stay alert and follow @pepecoineth for official updates.
Mask Network (MASK) Bonfire Union Achieves $100 Million Milestone
Mask Network launches $100 million fund under Bonfire Union, supporting decentralized social networks and infrastructure, driving Web3 innovation, and contributing to Mastodon and Web3 education through $10 million builder initiative.
G7 Bank Sector Higher Money Laundering Risk than Crypto Industry, Reports Mexico Financial Intelligence
According to a report released by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico, the G7 banking sector was most at risk of money laundering operations.
UK to Invest in AI Task Force
UK officials announced the allocation of £100 million in funding to support an AI task force to accelerate the country's readiness for AI adoption. The task force will prioritize public services and will aim to ensure safe and reliable foundation models for AI use.
Dutch Government Invests Heavily in AI to Compete Globally
The Dutch government has allocated €204.5 million ($222.07 million) for AI development, signaling a robust commitment to advancing the Netherlands' position in the global AI landscape and adhering to the EU's AI Act.
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.
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.
Bybit Rolls Out Grid Bot for Automated, Seamless Futures Trading
Crypto exchange Bybit has launched a new trading bot for seamless and automated trading to tame price volatility and risk associated with futures trading.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Propels Web3 Expansion
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul, has highlighted the growing significance of digital entertainment as an economic sector. The government has allocated HKD 50 million to support a thriving Web3 ecosystem, with over 180 companies involved.
Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates Prepares to Invest in a Crypto Fund
Hedge fund giant Bridgewater Associates is looking to tap into the digital asset space for the first time.
The Fate of Cryptocurrencies in a Fast-Changing Financial Ecosystem
Cryptocurrency being a digital currency, created and managed through the use of advanced encryption techniques known as cryptography has been gradually modifying the world of finance as well as other sectors such as e-commerce and since its creation in 2009.
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.
Argentinian Private Bank Banco Galicia Opens Cryptos Trading Service
Banco Galicia (NASDAQ: GGAL), Argentina's largest private bank by market share, has announced that it will allow its users to buy cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin on its mobile app.
North Korea's Cyber Onslaught on Cryptocurrency: A $3 Billion Digital Heist
North Korea has escalated cyber attacks on cryptocurrency since 2017, stealing over $3 billion and stealing $1.7 billion in 2022, posing a serious threat to the country's economy and military budget.
OpenAI Expands Board with Tech and Legal Luminaries
OpenAI announces the addition of Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, Nicole Seligman, and Fidji Simo to its board of directors, marking a significant governance expansion.
CertiK: Crypto Social Media Scams Surge
CertiK discusses the growing threat of crypto scams on social media, citing a FTC report revealing over $1 billion lost in the 18 months leading to June 2022, with nearly half coming from social media interactions. It suggests preventive measures like hardware wallets and smart contract security audits.
News Industry Grapples with Financial Woes and AI Disruption
The news industry faces declining advertising revenue, declining subscriber growth, and AI-driven disruptions, necessitating strategic shifts and legal disputes to adapt to digital advertising trends.
Mastercard Uses AI to Combat Real-Time Payment Scams
Mastercard has introduced a brand new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution with the intention of assisting financial institutions in combating payment fraud and scams in real time, ahead of any potential monetary abuses.
Mastercard Launches Web3 Musician Accelerator With Polygon
Mastercard launched a Polygon-based accelerator program for Web3 artists. Five international performers will be mentored by the business to establish their Web3 music brands. For those not chosen for the program, Mastercard is offering the Mastercard Music Pass NFT collection.
Google Merges Teams to Form Google Deepmind for AI Breakthroughs
Google merges its Brain team with DeepMind to create Google DeepMind, a new business unit dedicated to developing AI in a safe and responsible manner. The team aims to accelerate progress in AI breakthroughs and products, with Chief Scientist Jeff Dean leading the development of powerful, multimodal AI models.
Misuse of Facial Recognition: The $10M Macy's and Sunglass Hut Legal Battle
Harvey Eugene Murphy Jr. sues Macy's and Sunglass Hut for $10 million over wrongful arrest and assault, highlighting flaws in facial recognition technology and its serious consequences.
Libra Faces Competition as Celo Foundation Hands Out First Grants Expanding the Use of its Platform
Libra has been facing some competition as the Celo Foundation has awarded its first grants of $700,000 in total to 13 projects that expand the use of its platform.
Exclusive: Gerard Dache, on the Two Contradictions of Facebook Libra
In part 2 of the interview, Gerard walked us through some of the recommended bills to the government in fostering blockchain innovation, such as the “Blockchain Promotion Act”. He then shared his views on the nature of Bitcoin and two contradictions of Facebook’s Libra.
Peer Acquires Elite Team of Engineer's Behind Zenlys Popular 3D Maps
Peer today announced the hiring of a specialist team of engineers from Zenly to develop its AI-powered 3D maps. The team, known in tech circles by its codename “Wonka,” developed Zenly’s innovative 3D social maps platform that grew to more than 160 million downloads worldwide and 35 million daily active users in 2022.
Majority of American Adults Believe Financial System Favors Powerful Interests, 20% Own Cryptocurrency
80% of American adults believe the financial system favors those with powerful interests, according to a survey by Coinbase. The survey of over 2,000 American adults also found that 67% of respondents called for a major overhaul of the financial system. Despite recent negative news about cryptocurrency, the survey found that 20% of respondents own cryptocurrency, and a third plan to buy, sell or trade cryptocurrency in the next year.
Tether Eliminates All Commercial Paper Holdings to Zero
Tether has cut down all commercial paper exposure from its reserves. The firm said the move is part of its ongoing efforts to increase transparency.
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.
Artificial Intelligence Might Help Eradicate Fake Cryptocurrency News
Deepfakes may jeopardize the future because they might make fake news to blend seamlessly into our daily lives. As a result, people’s actions and viewpoints might be substantially influenced, especially in the crypto space.
UK Fund Managers Urge Regulators to Approve Blockchain-Traded Funds
UK fund managers urge regulators to approve blockchain-traded funds, suggesting this move will help the UK in line with advances in the financial ecosystem.
Taiwan's Major Crypto Exchanges Form Association to Align with Upcoming Regulations
Taiwan's major crypto exchanges form an industry association to align with upcoming regulations by the Financial Supervisory Commission. The association aims to serve as a unified voice for the industry and facilitate effective communication with the government.
Circle Introduces Native USDC on OP Mainnet: What It Means for the Ecosystem
Circle launches native USDC on OP Mainnet, replacing Ethereum bridged liquidity. Collaborating with Optimism, it will be available on Coinbase's Base, Solana, Ethereum, and Mercado Pago.
Vodafone Follows PayPal and Visa to Leave Facebook's Libra Association
Maybe what Facebook is not doing right that costs it to lose founding partners? Breaking news shows that Facebook’s Libra has lost another member of its council. This time round, Vodafone has confirmed to have left Libra Association.
Sending Ethereum Tips on Twitter Becomes a Reality
After enabling Bitcoin tipping on its platform in September 2021, Twitter has stretched its hands by adding Ethereum to the mix.
Breaking: Key US House Committee Leaders Challenges Federal Reserve on Stablecoin
The House Financial Services Committee is concerned about the Federal Reserve Board's recent regulatory actions on payment stablecoins, arguing they could hinder Congress's digital asset framework, impose additional regulatory burdens, and potentially cause financial repercussions.
US Treasury Suggests Easier Oversight for Nonbank Financial Institutions
The US Treasury and top financial regulators have proposed new rules to ease the Federal Reserve's designation of nonbank institutions as systemically important. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen raised concerns over nonbank institutions' lack of supervision and the potential for financial contagion during periods of distress.
Nigerian Police Arrest Politician Wilfred Bonse for Involvement in Patricia Technologies Financial Fraud
Nigeria Police Force arrests politician Wilfred Bonse for over 200 million Naira financial fraud at Patricia Technologies, three for romance scam, and USDT recovery in cryptocurrency fraud.
Could Twitter Bitcoin Hack Have Been Prevented? Twitter Faces Heat From SEC
There is ongoing speculation that the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook Twitter on July 15 could have been prevented if Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and his multi-billion dollar social networking company had taken matters into their own hands and addressed the security concerns outlined by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2015.
Deposit Coins May Be the Best Blockchain Option for Commercial Banking
JPMorgan Chase and Oliver Wyman produced a deposit token study for blockchain-based commercial banking.
Meta Introduces Purple Llama: Enhancing Generative AI Safety and Security
Meta's Purple Llama project enhances generative AI safety and security through CyberSec Eval and Llama Guard, collaborating with major tech entities for responsible AI development.
BlackRock and SEC Discuss iShares Bitcoin Trust Listing on Nasdaq
The SEC is reviewing multiple proposals for iShares Bitcoin Trust's listing as a spot Bitcoin ETF on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in mainstream cryptocurrency acceptance.
Tether Says No Chinese Commercial Papers Holding on its Reserve
Tether Holdings Ltd, the USDT stablecoin issuer, has once again rebutted growing rumours about the composition of its reserve base. The issuer said they have no Renminbi holdings on its reserve.
Twitter Rolls Out Bitcoin Price Quotes
Twitter has added Bitcoin price quotes to its social media platform, powered by TradingView. A link to Israeli cryptocurrency exchange eToro is also included, where users can buy or sell Bitcoin.
Paxful Unfreezes Majority of Accounts
Paxful, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency marketplace, has unfrozen 88% of previously frozen user accounts after suspending operations. The remaining $4.4 million in frozen funds is in the hands of US financial regulators.
BlackRock's Strategic Shift: Layoffs Amidst Bitcoin ETF Anticipation
BlackRock Inc plans to lay off 600 employees, following a similar pattern from 2023. Meanwhile, it eagerly awaits the SEC's decision on its Bitcoin ETF application, a potential game-changer in the crypto market.
Aave's Stani Kulechov Launches Social Media Platform “Lens Protocol”
Stani Kulechov, the founder of DeFi lending protocol, Aave, has spearheaded the emergence of “Lens Protocol”.
Coinbase Lands in Japan, Pairing with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group to Expand Crypto Trading
US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase announced partnered with Japan's largest bank Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), to expand cryptocurrency trading in Japan.
Here's Why Harvey's $80M Funding is a Game Changer in Legal AI
Harvey raised $715 million in a $80 million Series B funding round, showcasing its advanced AI-powered workflow optimization technology.
Elon Musk Warns of AI’s Destructive Potential
Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk has voiced his concerns over the potential for artificial intelligence to destroy civilization. Despite Musk’s plan to create a new AI startup, he acknowledges the dangers of the technology falling into the wrong hands or being developed with ill intentions.
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.
Crypto Firm Bakkt Reports $1.5B in Impairment Losses in Q3
Bitcoin firm, Bakkt announced its Q3 performance report with a loss of $1.5B impairment loss
US NIST Initiates AI Safety Consortium to Promote Trustworthy AI Development
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium to promote safe AI development and responsible use, inviting organizations to collaborate on identifying proven safety techniques by December 4, 2023.
Australian Senator Andrew Bragg: Blockchain Can 'Rebuild Confidence' in Financial Services
Australian Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg has expressed optimism on the potential of blockchain technology to help ‘Rebuild Confidence’ in the financial services sector
Microsoft and AFL-CIO Forge Partnership to Navigate AI's Impact on the Workforce
Microsoft and AFL-CIO's partnership marks a significant step in integrating AI into the workforce, focusing on worker education, labor rights, policy influence, and ensuring AI meets workers' needs.
RSS3 aggregating Farcaster & Lens to MetaMask Snap
RSS3 is developing a MetaMask Snap to aggregate decentralized social information, provide real-time notifications, and enable users to sync and aggregate their graphs.
Mastercard Enhances Crypto Wallet and Exchange Business
Payment giant Mastercard announced Tuesday to enhance its function and experiment for cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges to their clients. The card issuer cooperates with multiple crypto enterprises to convert crypto and traditional fiat money more accessible.
Japanese Based Cryptocurrency Exchange BitFlyer Reports $6.9Million Loss in 2019
bitFlyer, a Tokyo based cryptocurrency exchange reported a loss of $6.9 million after suffering a loss in customers amidst regulatory issues with the financial services agency of Japan. The company is doing all it can to stand strong and successfully survive this downtime.
ECB's Digital Euro Development: An In-Depth Look at the Rulebook's Progress
The European Central Bank's Rulebook Development Group is enhancing the digital euro framework, focusing on operational models, technical architecture, and participant rights for seamless integration into the financial system.
Visa Announces $100 Million Fund for Generative AI in Commerce and Payments
Visa Inc. has announced a $100 million fund to invest in generative AI technologies that are relevant to commerce and payments. The initiative, led by Visa Ventures, aims to foster innovation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
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.
Shopify Becomes Member of the Libra Association
Canadian-based e-commerce giant Shopify has announced it will become the latest member of the Libra Association's governing council.
The UK's New Digital Securities Sandbox: A Step Forward for Crypto Innovation
The UK government's Digital Securities Sandbox, set to launch on January 8, 2024, allows crypto firms to test products and services, promoting financial technology innovation and consumer protection.
OpenTrade and WOO X Unite to Offer Tokenized T-Bills to Asian Investors
OpenTrade collaborates with WOO X to unveil access to tokenized T-Bills for Asian investors. This partnership, leveraging Circle Research’s Perimeter Protocol, is a response to the escalating demand for tokenized T-Bills over DeFi yields. Concurrently, WOO X advances its strategic footprint in South Korea, aligning with CODE compliance solutions to broaden its product accessibility in the region.
Class Action Filed Against Fenwick & West, LLP, Former Law Firm of FTX, in Connection with Largest Financial Fraud in U.S. History
Class action filed against Fenwick & West, LLP, former law firm of FTX, alleging involvement in schemes leading to FTX's collapse, the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.
Paxful to Boost Financial Inclusion with Its First Crypto Debit Card
Bitcoin trading platform Paxful announced that it will be adding a crypto debit card to its financial services.
Next House Committee Chair Reintroduces Crypto Innovation Bill
Representative Patrick McHenry has proposed legislation to establish innovation offices in financial services institutions. Companies might request enforceable compliance agreements with federal financial agency offices under the law. In 2018, the SEC opened FinHub, while LabCFTC, the CFTC's fintech research branch, began in 2019.
US FDA Calls Meeting on Blockchain, AI and the New Era of Smarter Food Safety
The FDA will hold a meeting on October 21st, with the aim of gathering input and feedback to help shape an FDA blueprint for the initiative. The FDA will propose leveraging modern technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IoT to improve the transparency and decrease the risks of contamination in the food supply chain.
Digital Dollars—A Two Tier CBDC Design to Maintain US Currency Dominance
The Digital Dollar Project (DDP) is the focus of the Digital Dollar Foundation and advocates the need for a CBDC. In their recently released whitepaper, the DDP stipulates that it aims for the US dollar to maintain its global dominance but further warns that the work needs to begin immediately. The DPP also calls for public-private collaboration, including the use of a two-tier system for the spread and distribution of retail digital dollars.
ECB Member Says Should not Treat Banks as “Endangered Species” in CBDC Plans
ECB Governing Board member Jens Weidmann does not want banks to be pampered concerning CBDC development to fuel competition.
SEC Chair Gensler Faces Congressional Pressure Over EU Coordination and Lack of Transparency
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has intensified scrutiny on SEC Chair Gary Gensler over the SEC's coordination with the EU on legislative matters and a perceived lack of transparency. The discord, highlighted in a letter dated October 12, 2023, follows a pattern of communication deadlock between the SEC and Congress, with implications on broader legislative and regulatory frameworks. The Committee expects more forthright engagement from the SEC by October 19, 2023, threatening compulsory processes for compliance.
Texas Securities Board Issues Emergency Cease and Desist Order to Abra and CEO, William Barhydt
The Texas State Securities Board has taken decisive action against Abra by issuing an Emergency Cease and Desist Order. The order, also directed at Abra's CEO, William (Bill) Barhydt, alleges securities fraud and misleading statements in connection with Abra's digital asset depository accounts.
China Plans to Thwart Procedural Violations in the Police Force and Courtrooms with Blockchain
China has laid plans to use a new automated system powered by blockchain and other technologies to propel surveillance of its judges and police officers.
Cardano Working With SA Blockchain Alliance to Free African Enterprise from Politically Entrenched Legacy Banking Systems
The Cardano Foundation has partnered with the South African National Blockchain Alliance (SANBA) in a bid to expand blockchain adoption and bring financial inclusion to the country of 59 million.
Hong Kong Embraces Web3.0 and Advances as an International Crypto Hub, said Chief Executive
Li Ka-chung emphasized Hong Kong's potential in leveraging its strengths as an international financial center and driving the development of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realm of Web3.0.
Coinbase Q3 Financial Data Lower Than Expected, Stock Falls
Coinbase's Q3 financial data revealed that the total net income and the earnings per share owned by shareholders were lower than what analysts had expected.
South Korea May Reconsider Stance on Bitcoin ETFs
South Korea's Presidential Office has urged the Financial Services Commission to reconsider its stance on Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a potential shift in the country's cryptocurrency regulation, following initial warnings against U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Several Cryptocurrency Firms Suffer Domain Cyber-Attacks Due to GoDaddy Employee Error
Malicious actors gained control of domains owned by several cryptocurrency firms after tricking GoDaddy employees.
Financial Conduct Authority, on the 2 Key Initiatives to the Era of Open Finance
Following the Part 1 interview of the Financial Conduct Authority, Maha El Dimachki, Head of Payments of the FCA reveals some of her key initiatives in the FCA, including the significance of the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) among the EU countries and the rationale of the Stronger Customer Authentication. As Co-Chair of Spectrum, the BAME Network Group at the FCA, El Dimachki also provided some advice for women in FinTech!
Benjamin Quinlan: New Chairman of FinTech Association of Hong Kong Shares Vision for FTAHK 2.0 and the Future of Asia's FinTech Ecosystem
The FinTech Association of Hong Kong has elected Benjamin Quinlan as Chairman to lead it through the next chapter of its mission to foster the FinTech ecosystem in Hong Kong and Asia.
Facebook Bans Bitcoin Content—A Push for Libra?
Facebook users have been reporting that there has been a new ban on Bitcoin-related content, however, other cryptocurrencies have been excluded from this ban.
Electroneum CEO Richard Ells: How ETN Mass Adoption is Empowering the Unbanked
Electroneum is a mobile cryptocurrency that is making serious strides with mass adoption and real-world use in developing nations.
Shapella Upgrade, Privacy Concerns, Hacks, and Financial Inclusion
The DeFi space had a busy week with the successful completion of the Shapella upgrade on Ethereum, concerns over privacy related to staking, a major DeFi hack, and a partnership between Fonbnk and Tanda to increase financial inclusion in Africa. The top 100 DeFi tokens had a bullish week, and Glassnode predicted only a small percentage of staked ETH would be withdrawn.
Crypto Staking in South Korea: Balancing Innovation and Regulation
Balancing innovation and regulation in South Korea's crypto industry, with regulators concerned about staking's potential risks to consumers and market stability.
Preventing Future Hacks: Twitter Improves Security Ahead of US Elections
Social media giant, Twitter has revamped its security measures for high profile accounts ahead of the U.S. November Presidential Elections.
Why Regulated Banks Have Greater Potential For Financial Crime Than Bitcoin and Crypto
While agencies focus their attention on transparent Bitcoin transactions, banks have had an official free pass disclaimer to facilitate money laundering the entire time.
Ex-FTX Execs Launch New Crypto Exchange Backpack
Former FTX executives, Can Sun, are launching Backpack Exchange in Dubai, aiming to raise $100 million for customer fund security and advanced technology.
Sam Altman Reinstated as OpenAI CEO Amid Board Restructuring
Sam Altman returns as OpenAI's CEO, with a reconstituted board, after a brief ouster, underscoring his pivotal role in the AI industry.
Fasset to Drive Financial Inclusion in Indonesia with Mastercard
Digital assets-based fintech startup Fasset Technologies has partnered with payments giant Mastercard to drive financial inclusion in Indonesia.
What is Conch AI?
Conch AI is an AI-powered writing assistant offering features like rewriting, summarizing, answering questions, and generating text. It also bypasses AI detection algorithms. Available as a Chrome extension.
Hong Kong Suffers Surge in Crypto Scams in 2022
Hong Kong police reported a surge in crypto-related scams in 2022, with losses amounting to HK$1.7 billion ($216.6 million), up 106% from the previous year. The number of crypto-related scam cases reported in Hong Kong also surged by 67% from 2021. Such scams accounted for over 50% of the HK$3.2 billion ($407 million) stolen from city residents in technology crimes. The Hong Kong police CyberDefender website reported almost 23,000 cases of technology-related crimes in 2022. The use of cryptocurrency has made it more complicated for enforcement to track criminal funds, as fraudsters can hide their identities, transactions, and final destination.
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.
VTB Bank's Subsidiary Tokenizes Commercial Debt in Landmark DFA Transaction
Russia’s state-owned bank VTB's subsidiary, VTB Factoring has completed the country’s first commercial paper tokenization through a partnership with Lighthouse, an information system operator and startup.
Crypto Social Activities Hit ATH with Over 6.9 Billion Engagements amid FTX Crisis
The unfolding FTX saga has made social engagement, social mentions, and social contributions reach historic highs in the crypto market, according to social intelligence company LunarCrush.
Mercari Japan Embraces Bitcoin Payments
Mercari, Japan's e-commerce leader, announces Bitcoin payment integration by June 2024, leveraging its subsidiary Melcoin. This reflects Japan's advanced crypto regulatory environment, fostering digital currency adoption in commerce.
Google Metadata Implicates SBF in Fraudulent Activities During Trial
The trial on Nov 1, 2023, revealed Google metadata evidence against SBF, revealing his creation of a spreadsheet listing fraudulent financial activities. This evidence, along with testimonies and online meetings, contradicted SBF's claims of ignorance.
Blockchain Brings Monetary and Financial Freedom
We look at three key aspects (money form, money issuance, and the flow of money) of our monetary and financial system where the blockchain technology may have a major impact
Bitcoin Liquidity Drops Despite Price Surge
Despite a 45% price gain, Bitcoin's liquidity has dropped to a 10-month low due to the ongoing financial crisis and regulatory actions against crypto companies. The collapse of crypto-friendly banks has led to a liquidity crisis, causing increased price volatility and higher fees for traders.
FUSANG Exchange Announces CCB $3 Billion Digital Bond Listing Suspended
FUSANG exchange announced that the listing of the $3 billion digital bond backed by China Construction Bank has been suspended.
Block.one Settles with SEC to the Tune of $24 Million
Blacksburg startup Block.one has agreed to pay $24 million (HK$ 188 million) in fines to settle the allegations of unlawfully selling its ICO (initial coin offering) to US investors. The blockchain company had raised several billion dollars between 2017 and 2018 by selling its own digital currency.
Exclusive: Talent Shortage is The Key Pain Point in the AI Industry
Artificial intelligence is one of the emerging fintech trends in Hong Kong. While there are some great minds and AI companies in Hong Kong, they can’t survive without sufficient funding and technical support from government and industry leaders. We had the opportunity to invite Timothy Leung, Executive Director of HKAI Lab, to share his thoughts on how HKAI Lab facilitates the growth of AI ecosystem in Hong Kong. He also identified talent shortage is the key pain point in AI industry which hinders integration of AI and blockchain.
Financial Conduct Authority, the Pacemaker of the UK FinTech Revolution
We arranged an interview with Maha El Dimachki, Head of Payments of the FCA during Singapore FinTech Festival, which El Dimachki shares with us the contribution of the FCA for UK as the thriving FinTech hub, opportunities and threats of e-money firms from the current digital disruption.
NFA issues new rule for digital asset commodities
The National Futures Association has issued a new compliance rule to address fraud and misconduct by its over 100 members involved in digital asset commodities. The new rule will take effect on May 31 and applies only to Bitcoin and Ether.
SEC's Upcoming Decision on Bitcoin ETFs and the Implications
The SEC's anticipated decision on Bitcoin ETFs, expected by January 2024, could significantly boost U.S. crypto adoption, balancing financial institutions' interests and legal challenges.
AmeriCoin - The Pathway to Monetary Freedom, Tokenization and the American Dream?
Is cryptocurrency the tool to achieve the “American Dream”? Adam Kokesh, the leading libertarian candidate of the 2020 U.S. presidential race has revealed the plan to develop AmeriCoin cryptocurrency. The development of AmeriCoin will be led by Alastair Caithness, the Chief Blockchain Policy Advisor appointed by Kokesh.
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.
BIS Advances Technology in Finance: Quantum, AI, and Green Initiatives for 2024
The Bank for International Settlements announces six innovative projects for 2024, focusing on quantum security, AI, and green finance, to enhance global financial system resilience.
UK’s Financial Watchdog Warns of Fraudsters Impersonating Blockchain.com
The FCA has raised the alarm about fraudsters who want to lure the public using a cloned version of Blockchain.com, a crypto wallet and trading company.
Dee Templeton Joins OpenAI's Board Amidst Corporate Governance Overhaul
Microsoft's Dee Templeton joins OpenAI's board as a nonvoting observer amidst significant corporate governance changes following CEO Sam Altman's brief ouster and reinstatement.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency Has Officially Chosen a New Commissioner, Himono
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) confirmed its plans for hiring Ryozo Himono as the new commissioner of the financial watchdog group.
Breaking: Ripple XRP Acquires Web3 Financial Institution Fortress Trust
Ripple has acquired Fortress Trust, a subsidiary of Fortress Blockchain Technologies, which offers Web3 financial, regulatory, and technological solutions for blockchain pioneers. The acquisition strengthens Ripple's business and product trajectory, following its $250M purchase of Metaco in 2023. The merger extends Ripple's regulatory credentials, including a Nevada Trust license and 30+ Money Transmitter Licenses across the US and Singapore.
Spanish Researchers Deploy AI and Blockchain-Powered App to Tame COVID-19
At least 100 Spanish researchers from the University of Salamanca, the Artificial Intelligent Research Institute, and the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca have joined hands to design an AI and blockchain-based app to picture the evolution of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Their objective is flattening this pandemic’s curve as it has wreaked havoc across the globe.
Vietnam Blockchain Association Signs Strategic Partnership with Binance To Drive Blockchain Innovation
The Vietnam Blockchain Association and Binance will collaborate on developing innovation for the local blockchain ecosystem.
The Federal Home Loan Banks System is lending to cryptocurrency
The FHLB is lending billions to two of the top bitcoin banks. According to WSJ, FHLB loans might minimise cryptomarket outflows.
Ripple Donates $10M to Humanitarian Organization to Accelerate Financial Inclusion
Ripple has continued to be innovative in finding ways to deliver global financial inclusion amid a struggling COVID-19 economy.
FTX Announces Proposed Settlement and Amended Plan in Chapter 11 Cases
FTX has announced a proposed settlement in their Chapter 11 cases, pending court approval. The settlement includes a "Shortfall Claim" for customers and an amended Plan of Reorganization. The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors supports the plan, expecting expedited cases and improved recoveries. Customers may receive over 90% of distributable value globally.
Jun 03: Crypto is not for the faint-hearted
Welcome to the world of volatility. Crypto never sleeps. Bitcoin got whipsaw squeezing shorts to trade above $10,400 on Monday only to get smashed down to $9,300 with fresh longs capitulated (see chart below).
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Expresses Passion for Bitcoin in Thread Justifying Twitter Ban of President Trump
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey explained Twitter’s decision to ban President Donald Trump following last week’s attack on the Capitol, expressing his passion for decentralized Bitcoin.
South Korea Intensifies Measures Against Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges
South Korea's financial regulators are urging public disclosure of unlicensed crypto exchanges, as part of their efforts to regulate the digital asset market and safeguard investors.
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.
Alibaba’s Ant Group Set to be 2020’s Top IPOs in Hong Kong and Shanghai
Ant Financial, formerly known as Alipay and known renamed to ‘Ant Group’, has announced its intentions of launching an initial public offering (IPO) that would be featured both on the Shanghai Stock Exchanges' STAR board and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX/ SEHK).
Zignaly Secures $50 Million Funding to Fuel Global Expansion
Zignaly social investment platform provides a variety of products and services that aim to make cryptocurrency investment accessible to retail investors.
South Korea Targets Crypto Major Shareholders with Proposed Financial Law Amendment
South Korea is taking steps to scrutinize the criminal records of major shareholders in cryptocurrency businesses. A proposed amendment to the Special Financial Information Law aims to bring the crypto market under a regulatory framework similar to traditional finance. If passed, the law would require existing crypto businesses to report details about their major shareholders within three months.
South Korea's National Tax Service Advances on Cryptocurrency Oversight with Integrated Management System
South Korea's National Tax Service is set to complete the 'Integrated Cryptocurrency Management System' by 2025, aiming to enhance tax compliance and prevent illicit activities.
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
Senator Michael Bennet Urges Tech Giants to Curb AI-Generated Misinformation
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado has today called on leaders of prominent technology and artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft, Twitter, TikTok, and OpenAI, to implement proactive strategies to combat the proliferation of misleading AI-generated content.
Fake Video of ECB President Lagarde Admitting to Digital Euro Control
A fake video of ECB President Christine Lagarde admitting to the use of a digital euro for limited control of payments was shared on social media. The video was revealed to be a prank and was part of a series of similar hoaxes targeting public figures.
Citadel Securities to Develop Crypto Trading Marketplace
Citadel is working with like-minded firms on developing different aspects of the crypto landscape. The consortium plans to build a fair digital asset marketplace by overcoming market limitations and promoting fairness.
Ackman Urges US Government to Guarantee SVB Deposits
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has warned the US government that failing to guarantee all deposits held by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) within 48 hours could result in the destruction of several financial institutions. Ackman argued that a "giant sucking sound" would be heard from the withdrawal of substantially all uninsured deposits from all banks, which would lead to a drain on liquidity from community, regional, and other banks.
US Court Orders Binance and Changpeng Zhao to Pay $2.7 Billion in Settlement with CFTC
A US court has imposed a $2.7 billion fine on Binance and a $150 million fine on Changpeng Zhao for violating the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.
Will Bitcoin Survive? IMF Predicts Worst Economy Since "Great Depression" in Aftermath of COVID-19 Global Lockdown
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its quarterly World Economic Outlook for 2020 which paints a bleak picture on how the disruptive economic effects of the COVID-19 virus global quarantine measures, dubbed the ‘Great Lockdown’, will continue to cripple the markets long after the pandemic ends.
IOTA Foundation Partners with the Japanese Government to Create Digital Infrastructure with DLT and AI
The IOTA Foundation, announced its partnership with a Japanese national agency to strengthen the security of the critical infrastructure in the country.
SEC Cybersecurity Breach: Investigating the Fallout and Future Measures
The SEC's recent cybersecurity breach, involving an unauthorized post on its X (formerly Twitter) account about a Bitcoin ETF, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The SEC is actively investigating the incident, highlighting the broader implications for security practices in social media and government agencies.
Google Sues Unknown Entities for Malware Scheme Disguised as AI Chatbot Bard
Google is suing individuals for a malware distribution scam involving false AI chatbot ads, aiming to protect users and intellectual property amid growing digital security challenges.
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.
Ant Blockchain Open Alliance Seeks to Minimize Costs for SMEs
Ant Blockchain Open Alliance, an enterprise blockchain platform by Chinese financial giant Ant Financial, is purported to aid SMEs in generating their own blockchain applications at minimal costs.
EminiFX CEO Sentenced to Nine Years for $240 Million Crypto Fraud Scheme
EminiFX CEO, Eddy Alexandre, sentenced to nine years for defrauding investors of $240M through fabricated returns and false AI trading claims.
Nvidia's Soaring Data Center Revenue Signals Strong AI and GPU Market Position
Nvidia's Q3 fiscal 2024 results show a 279% increase in data center revenue and a 206% overall revenue increase to $18.12 billion, highlighting its success in AI and GPU markets. Analysts predict further growth in 2024.
French Luxury Giant Balenciaga Rolls Out Crypto Payment Options
Following Gucci’s footsteps, French luxury fashion house Balenciaga has announced plans to accept crypto payments in selected U.S. stores and its online platform balenciaga.com.
Unchained Forms Strategic Alliance with Bakkt to Enhance Bitcoin Custody Network
Unchained and Bakkt have partnered to enhance their Collaborative Custody Network, enhancing their capacity to secure over $3 billion in bitcoin assets.
Robin AI and Harvey's Funding Surge Signals Legal AI Boom
Robin AI and Harvey AI have raised $26M and $80M respectively, indicating a strong growth phase in the legal AI sector.
China Dismantles $2.2 Billion Underground Banking Operation Leveraging Cryptocurrencies
Chinese authorities have dismantled a $2.2 billion underground banking network that used cryptocurrencies to bypass financial controls, seizing $28,000 worth of digital currencies.
GPT-4 AI Chatbot Scores High on Tests
The latest version of AI chatbot GPT-4 has achieved high scores on high school and law school tests, including the LSAT and Uniform Bar Exam. GPT-4 also scored well on SAT and AP exams in various subjects.
Unveiling the Top 5 Surprising Views on Blockchain by AFF leaders
Blockchain, cryptocurrencies, fintech and virtual assets will be at the centre of many of the discussions and we have selected a few of the speakers that we are most intrigued by and some that our readers may not realize are important or outspoken in the blockchain and crypto space. We have purposely excluded the usual suspects—if you don’t know what PWC’s Henri Arslanian thinks about crypto by now, we really can’t help you.
Banking on Blockchain: ICBC Releases First-Ever White Paper on Blockchain for the Financial Sector
One of China's major banks, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has released its white paper on blockchain-based applications in the financial sector. The document is the first white paper related to blockchain technology in the financial industry. The paper also highlights the present challenges faced by the banking sector.
G20 Announces Standards for Global Crypto Regulation
G20 countries have announced that the Financial Stability Board, the International Monetary Fund, and the Bank for International Settlements will release recommendations on global crypto regulation by July.
Alex Fazel of Swissborg, on Financial Freedom, Predicting the Price of Bitcoin and Breakdancing
Alex is one of the founding members of Swissborg founded two years ago to open the world of finance to all. His brother and CEO Cyrus had been working in investment banking but was struck by how he was only helping the rich get richer - a position with which he was not comfortable. And so the ambition of opening up the priviate members club of finance was born.
US Financial Regulators Aiming at How Banks Could Hold Bitcoin & Crypto Assets, Says FDIC Chairperson
Jelena McWilliams, the chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), has revealed that US financial Regulators are creating clearer regulations on how banks can engage in activities involving cryptocurrencies.
Resonate Partners with Fetch.ai, Rendering a Decentralized AI-Powered Social Media Experience
To offer users a personal AI-powered, decentralized, and trusted social media experience, Resonate, a decentralized social NFT platform, is leveraging the power of blockchain technology and machine learning provided by Fetch.ai.
eToro—The Globally Utilized and Bespokely Localized Trading Platform
Founded in 2007, eToro has been a leader in the global Fintech revolution, empowering people to invest by giving them access to global markets. From cryptos to stocks and commodities, eToro has made trading easy and social, creating a strong community of over 12 million traders worldwide.
Tether Aims to Render More Transparency by Slashing Commercial Paper Holdings
Based on continuous efforts to decrease its commercial paper portfolio for transparency purposes, Tether revealed that it would slash its holdings by $5 billion by the end of July.
What is Truflation?
Truflation is a blockchain-based financial data service that provides real-time economic and inflation data. Launched in December 2021, it updates its methodology annually and offers daily inflation updates from over 30 sources. Despite facing a deficit, Truflation is expanding its customer base and revenue, focusing on key metrics conversion and launching its token in January 2024.
Facebook Digital Currency Libra Rebrands Name to Diem Ahead of Its Dollar-Backed Stablecoin Launch
Facebook-backed Libra Association has rebranded its name to the Diem Association ahead of the proposed launch of its dollar-backed stablecoin.
Vitalik Buterin Emphasizes Importance of Varied Guardians for Crypto Wallet Safety
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has highlighted the importance of having a diverse group of "guardians" for maximizing the safety of self-custody crypto assets via multisig and social recovery wallets. Buterin advised decentralizing wallet guardians, so that if the wallet owner disappears, there are enough other guardians left to recover their funds. He also recommended using guardians who can respond quickly to suit fast-moving needs and testing each guardian at least once a year to confirm they haven't lost their accounts.
Fiji Officials Warns Residents of Cryptocurrency Scams
The Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has issued a warning to the members of the public with respect to a scam that is being publicized in the country.
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.
Stanford Study Findings—Is Blockchain Hype or Hope for Social Impact?
Beyond the hype of its potential, does blockchain technology really have the power to drive social impact?
Square, Paradigm, Fidelity, and Coinbase Establish Crypto Council to Lobby Regulators
The new cryptocurrency council aims to serve as the growing industry’s voice to advocate for the economic and social benefits of crypto assets and related technologies.
Damus, a decentralized social network teased an upcoming feature
One community member called the feature the future of monetization.
South Korea's Stance on Virtual Currency Investment and ETFs in 2024
South Korea reaffirms its prohibition of local financial institutions from owning, buying, or investing in cryptocurrencies and businesses offering crypto, including a strict ban on cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Circle's 2024 USDC Economy Report Reveals Significant Growth in Stablecoin Adoption
Circle's 2024 report on the USDC economy highlights significant growth in stablecoin adoption and usage, with a 59% increase in USDC wallets and over $12 trillion settled in blockchain transactions since its inception.
U.S. Blockchain-organisation BBA Publishes Crypto Toolkit Guidelines for Regulatory Consideration
The Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) has published a toolkit that will guide Massachusetts lawmakers in their efforts to create crypto laws.
Bitcoin Association Bestows First-Ever Satoshi Nakamoto Scholarship to PhD Student
Bitcoin Association, a leading global organization for Bitcoin business, has revealed its first-ever Satoshi Nakamoto Scholarship to a 2nd year Cambridge University Phd student undertaking human genomics. Robin Kohze is the beneficiary of the scholarship after he successfully took part in a series of blockchain competitions, whereby he emerged second at Bitcoin Association’s 2nd Bitcoin SV Hackathon.
MicroStrategy Continues to Invest in Digital Assets amid Holding 105,085 BTCs
The leading enterprise analytics platform MicroStrategy released its financial report for the second quarter of 2021 Thursday. The management is satisfied with its strategic investment in digital assets and will continue to deploy funds to invest in its "digital asset strategy."
How LLM Is Reshaping Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation
LLMs are reshaping agent-based modeling, enhancing simulations in social, economic, and cyber domains with advanced AI integration.
FCA Restricts Rebuildingsociety.com, Impeding Binance's UK Compliance Efforts
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has imposed restrictions on Rebuildingsociety.com Ltd, a peer-to-peer lending platform, impacting its recent partnership with crypto exchange Binance for complying with the FCA's marketing regime. The regulation mandates firms to ensure transparent and fair marketing, affecting Binance’s strategy to serve the UK market. The move showcases the FCA's stringent stance towards ensuring marketing compliance, especially within the crypto sector.
UK’s Financial Watchdog Raises the Alarm on BitMEX Being Unauthorized
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK mandated with regulating financial markets and service firms in the nation has blown the whistle on Seychelles-based crypto exchange BitMEX for not being authorized.
Digital Currency and the Financial Inclusion Drive: The Journey So Far
With the digital currency ecosystem running toe-to-toe with traditional finance, here is a brief look into the journey thus far on the industry's financial inclusion drive.
Joint Sanctions by U.S., UK, Australia Target Hamas's Crypto Financing Networks
The U.S., UK, and Australia have imposed a fifth round of sanctions targeting Hamas's cryptocurrency transfer networks, aiming to disrupt the financial infrastructure that supports terrorist activities in Gaza.
China Creates New Regulatory Authority for Blockchain Products and Digital Payments
Earlier this month, China's President Xi Jinping made announcements on blockchain prompting banks to begin investing in the industry. In line with this, it is reported the next direction will be a new digital currency for citizens in China to use.
Blockchain in Supply Chain Market Anticipated to Top $14.88 Billion by 2028
The increasing adoption of product traceability for enhanced transparency in manufacturing processes and the urge for optimized security will make blockchain in the supply chain market surpass $14.88 billion by 2028, according to a report by Research Dive.
Taiwan's Legislature Considers Virtual Asset Management Bill to Protect Consumers
The Taiwanese Legislature is deliberating on a new Virtual Asset Management Bill aimed at fostering better consumer protection and industry oversight. The bill, seen as moderate, outlines pragmatic mandates for VASPs while leaving room for further regulatory fine-tuning, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
Social Dominance on Bitcoin Takes the Lead, BTC Addresses Created Hitting 1 Billion
Bitcoin continues to be the talk of the town based on high social dominance levels, according to Santiment.
World's Largest IPO Ant Group to Raise $34.4 Billion, What is behind it?
Ant Group priced its dual listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Shanghai's Star Market at 80 Hong Kong dollars ($10.32) and 68.8 yuan ($10.26) per share respectively,
South Korea Regulator Probes Crypto Staking Services
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service checks exchanges' crypto staking services for legality.
Australian crypto executives urge caution on regulation
Crypto CEOs warn against classifying all digital assets as financial instruments. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said he was "not that enticed" to creating new rules for a financial product. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian financial authorities support recognising all crypto assets as financial products (SMH). SMH editor-in-chief David Jones argues the FTX crash proves crypto regulation is needed.
Hong Kong Security Chief Vows to Hunt Down JPEX Crypto Scam Ringleaders
Hong Kong authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the key operators behind JPEX, a cryptocurrency platform implicated in the city's largest alleged financial fraud. The police have arrested 15 individuals and seized assets worth HK$85 million ($10.8 million). Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the need for a proper regulatory framework for Web3-related businesses.
Long-Term Bond Slump Mirrors Historic Stock Market Crashes, Stirs Investor Concerns
The historic slump in long-term bonds, closely mirroring past notorious stock market crashes, has stirred concerns among investors and financial analysts. The discourse on social media, led by notable figures like Genevieve Roch-Decter, CFA, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, with particular implications for retirees and other bond-dependent investors.
May 25: Negative Rates Eating the World (but not Crypto)
Like Chinese ADRs in the US, it's a sea of red for crypto with Bitcoin down more than 5% in the past 48 hours as it fails to hold above 9k & 8.8k where stops got triggered. No news or catalyst but the lack of bulls to follow through was evident through the volume, and perhaps over this long weekend that the usual buyers haven't been able to pile onto their longs.
Steemit & Dtube: Social Networking, Blogging, and Video Sharing in the Blockchain Era
Steemit and Dtube allow users to be rewarded for sharing content. These social media networks are decentralized and censorship-resistant.
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.
Crypto Coalition Advocates for Bitcoin Emoji Adoption
Over 20 leading crypto organizations band together to petition for an official Bitcoin emoji, emphasizing its cultural impact on society.
Biden urges technology firms to prioritize safety in AI development
US President Joe Biden has called for technology companies to prioritize safety when developing and releasing artificial intelligence (AI) products. He acknowledged the potential benefits of AI in addressing global issues, but emphasized the need to address risks to society, national security, and the economy. Biden also urged Congress to approve non-partisan privacy laws that prioritize health and safety in product development.
Libra Association Appoints Steering Team to Oversee Its Cryptocurrency Network Development
The Libra Association has appointed a five-member technical steering team to oversee the ongoing development of the Libra project. Late last year, Libra made some important changes, including forming new firms and updating its mission to emphasize on payments instead of currency.
UK Advancing Towards a Digital Pound: Exploring CBDC Feasibility
The UK's Bank of England (BoE) and HM Treasury are advancing into the second phase of exploring the feasibility of a digital pound, also known as "Britcoin." A final decision is yet to be made, with a focus on user privacy and coexistence with cash.
Alameda Accused of Misusing FTX Customer Funds in Court
Key personnel from FTX and Alameda Research, during a trial, revealed concerning financial mismanagement and misrepresentation practices within the organizations. Gary Wang and Caroline Ellison's testimonies provided insights into significant financial instabilities, misuse of FTX funds by Alameda, and personal ventures being funded through loans from Alameda. The trial uncovers a complex scenario of financial misconduct and troubling personal-professional relationships, shedding light on alarming practices within these crypto entities.
West Ham United Inks Deal with Fetch.ai, Harnessing the Power of AI & Blockchain
As an artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-based blockchain platform, Fetch.ai will improve business and day-to-day activities at West Ham United.
Best Before: 26 June 2020
What's going to be interesting is BTC options expiry as close to $1bn of open interest (or more than 100k BTC options) will set to expire today. Some have asked if we are gonna see any impact, I actually see little as most of the OI are skewed towards 10k and beyond, so I see little gamma action into the close as these calls are likely to expire worthless.
The Nascent Primary Market of Security Token Offerings
Now that the ICO market bubble ebbed away security token offerings (STOs) have emerged, allowing investment in regulated securities recorded on a blockchain according to new research from the Oxford Faculty of Law
Why Multicoin Capital Invested $5.7M in Squads Labs
Multicoin Capital discloses a $5.7 million investment in Squads Labs, bolstering the multisig standard on Solana. The funding accelerates Squads' blockchain-native custody infrastructure, spotlighting major upgrades like SquadsX and Squads (v4), which are set to redefine self-custody and on-chain capital coordination.
MicroStrategy Q3 2023: 158,400 Bitcoin Holdings at $29,586 per BTC
MicroStrategy Incorporated reveals Q3 2023 financial results, highlighting continuous acquisition of bitcoin and AI software launch. The company's bitcoin holdings now stand at 158,400 with a total cost of $4.69 billion. Software Licenses and Subscription Services Revenues observed notable growth, indicating a positive trajectory in its business intelligence domain.
Alibaba’s Plan to Digitize the Services Industry to Rival Tencent Involves Blockchain
Alibaba subsidiary Ant Group CEO Simon Hu is accelerating Alipay’s progression into an online mall for commerce, food, travel services to rival Tencent Holdings Ltd.
Binance responds to US senators' request
Binance has responded to a letter from US senators requesting information about the exchange's operations in the US, but it did not provide the financial data requested. The exchange's chief strategy officer recognized past mistakes and emphasized the firm's compliance efforts, but failed to address the senators' concerns about transparency.
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.
OKX Signs Formula 1 Driver Daniel Ricciardo as Brand Ambassador
OKX is sponsoring Daniel Ricciardo at a time when races of the Formula One World Championship events are set to take place.
Understanding the Market Structure of Oil and its Correlation with Bitcoin
The price of crude oil dropped below zero for the first time in history. With storage facilities filled to the brim and settlement of May futures contract on Tuesday, the price movement has shocked many. In this analysis, we study the recent history of oil, what drives it price and how it affects Bitcoin.
Ted Cruz Introduces Bill to Block Fed CBDC
Republican Senator Ted Cruz has introduced a bill to prevent the Federal Reserve from launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC) that could be used for financial surveillance. This is his second attempt at blocking the Fed's CBDC initiative.
Uniswap V4 Open-Source Directory Sparks Controversy Over New KYC Hook
A newly revealed open-source directory for Uniswap v4 hooks has stirred a debate within the crypto community over a KYC verification hook. This hook enables KYC checks on users before trading in token pools, resonating with the standard financial practice to mitigate money laundering and other illicit financings. The KYC hook, an opt-in feature introduced by a community developer, necessitates an NFT for verification completion, marking a notable intersection of regulatory compliance and decentralized finance as global governmental scrutiny over DeFi intensifies.
Former British Politician Godfrey Bloom Announces First Bitcoin Purchase
Godfrey Bloom, the former British Member of Parliament, has revealed that he is making his first purchase of Bitcoin.
Former IcomTech CEO Marco Ochoa Sentenced for Wire Fraud Involving Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Marco Ochoa, ex-CEO of IcomTech, has been sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud in a crypto Ponzi scheme, with a $914,000 forfeiture and two years of supervised release.
Can a Microsoft Takeover of TikTok Ease Trump’s Concerns? App Ban could See Bitcoin Price Boom
Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok from China’s ByteDance Ltd, promising to address privacy concerns that have President Trump calling for the social video apps ban. But could a TikTok ban be good for Bitcoin?
Meta to Launch Text-Based Content App Supporting Decentralized Social Networking
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly creating a new text-based content app called P92 that will support ActivityPub, the decentralized social networking protocol used by Mastodon and other decentralized apps. The app will enable users to log in with their existing Instagram credentials, and it will populate users' profiles with their Instagram account details. The app's initial version will include tappable links in posts with previews, user bios, usernames, verification badges, images, and videos that can be shared, as well as followers and likes.
How Bitcoin will react to US Government Shutdown
The impending US government shutdown threatens to delay the SEC's approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF, amongst other financial repercussions. The scenario also underscores the growing frequency of federal shutdowns and the persistent concerns of credit rating agencies over the US's fiscal policymaking, all of which could have broader implications for both traditional and crypto financial markets.
Chairman McHenry Sharply Criticizes U.S. Treasury and IRS Over Digital Asset Reporting Proposals
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry expresses concerns over proposed digital asset reporting requirements, urging the Biden Administration to collaborate with Congress to establish clear regulations and protect market participants' privacy.
SEC Regrets Missteps in Debt Box Case: A Lesson in Legal Accountability
The SEC's acknowledgement of errors in the Debt Box case highlights the significance of accuracy and candor in legal proceedings, impacting regulatory practices in the cryptocurrency sector.
Bahamas’ Sand Dollar CBDC Begins Facial-Recognition Rollout to Authorize Mobile Payments
Millions of Bahamas smartphone users have started using facial recognition technology to authenticate Sand Dollar CBDC payments made through smart devices.
Bahamas Looks to Deploy its CBDC The Sand Dollar Across Borders
The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBOB) has says it wants its digital currency dubbed the Sand Dollars integrated with other countries' currency.
G20 Agency Warns Countries of Systemic Risks Posed by Global Stablecoins
The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the G20 body that advises on ways to improve the global financial system, has published a study on the challenges, which stablecoins pose for the global economy. The FSB stated that regulatory frameworks have already covered several activities associated with stablecoins, although there are other risks that many national regulators could be left unprepared for.
US National Lab Computer Scientists Deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Thwart Illegal Crypto Mining
Los Alamos National Laboratory has created an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of identifying malicious codes that mine cryptos such as Bitcoin.
Crypto Advocacy Group Calls on Regulators to Address De-Banking of Crypto Firms
The Blockchain Association has submitted Freedom of Information Act requests to U.S. financial regulators, seeking documents and communications that could reveal if regulators’ actions have contributed to the recent failures of banks that provide services to crypto firms. The association is investigating allegations of account closures and refusals to open new accounts by banks against crypto firms, which it believes should be treated like any other law-abiding business in the U.S.
Italian Banking Association Wants to Join in on the ECB Digital Euro Central Bank Digital Currency Project
The Italian Banking Association, Associazione Bancaria Italiana (ABI) has decided to participate in projects and experimentations of a European central bank digital currency, recently known as the digital euro.
Central Banks Could Monopolize Commercial Banking Sector via CBDC, Says Federal Reserve
A new working paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia indicates that the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) may create a fundamental shift in the way banks operate.
CharacterX Raises $2.8M for AI-DrivenAI Social Networking, Led by Lightspeed
CharacterX, a Stanford-initiated decentralized AI social network, secures $2.8M funding, blending AGI and blockchain to innovate social interactions, with significant user growth and technological advancements.
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.
Billionaire Investor Ray Dalio Bearish on Cash Says Central Banks Drive Economy
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio, the Founder and CIO of Bridgewater Associates asserted that since the 2008 Financial Crisis, the behavior of central banks like the Federal Reserve demonstrates that capital markets are no longer free.
China announces new financial regulator in governmental overhaul
China is introducing a new national financial regulator as part of a governmental overhaul. The current banking and insurance watchdog, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), will be abolished, and its responsibilities will be moved to a brand new administration. The new financial regulator will "strengthen institutional supervision, supervision of behaviors and supervision of functions." There was no specific mention of reforms for the crypto industry.
South Korea’s Crypto Market Gears up to Legitimacy, With Banks Eyeing a Share of the Cake
With the incoming South Korean President, Yoon Suk-yeol, pledging the easing of crypto regulations, the market is on a solid path to being significantly legitimized.
Driving Web3 Innovation: Hong Kong’s Commitment Towards Tech-Led Future Unveiled by the Financial Secretary
In a recent blog post, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary celebrated Father's Day while also sharing the government's significant efforts in stimulating innovative technological development.
Google Fires Hundreds of Workers in Voice Assistant and Hardware Teams
Google recently laid off hundreds of employees from its Voice Assistant and hardware teams. The layoffs are part of the company's cost-cutting measures and strategic restructuring amidst the rising competition from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI.
NEAR Foundation Announces 40% Workforce Reduction in Strategic Realignment
The NEAR Foundation has announced a 40% reduction in its workforce, impacting 35 team members, as part of a strategic realignment to focus on high-impact activities and further decentralize the ecosystem. Despite this change, the Foundation maintains strong financial health and a commitment to advancing key areas in the Web3 space.
Fighting for Monetary and Financial Freedom
We look at three key aspects (money form, money issuance, and the flow of money) of our monetary and financial system where the blockchain technology may have a major impact
Blockchain Transactions Affirm Suspicious Levels of RaaS Interconnectedness
Blockchain transactions confirm the interconnection between four prominent ransomware strains. A good sign for law enforcement to deter illicit money transfers.
California Advances in Generative AI with New Report
The Newsom Administration's report on Generative AI outlines California's approach to regulating and embracing this technology, emphasizing education and workforce training for responsible use.
When China Yuan Sneezes, Bitcoin Wears a Mask
My thesis continues to be that larger accounts (i.e. whales who own > 1000 BTC) have started to liquidate (which I shared yesterday that this number have continued to decline for the past two weeks), and potentially chase/re-allocate into equities.
Over 70% Accuracy: ChatGPT Shows Promise in Clinical Decision Support
A study assessing ChatGPT's utility in clinical decision-making found it has a 71.7% overall accuracy in clinical vignettes, excelling in final diagnoses with 76.9% accuracy. This highlights its potential as an AI tool in healthcare workflows.
Libra Association Appoints Former HSBC Executive Ian Jenkins As CRO and CFO Of Payment Systems
Libra Association has announced the appointment of former HSBC executive Ian Jenkins as chief risk officer and chief financial officer of Libra Networks.
Blockchain Association Seeks Information on De-banking of Crypto Companies
The Blockchain Association has filed Freedom of Information Law requests to the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the New York Department of Financial Services, seeking more information on the de-banking of crypto companies after the closure of Signature Bank and the failure of Silvergate Bank.
FTX US Acquires Clearing Firm Embed, Enhancing its Stock Offerings
FTX US has announced the acquisition of Embed Financial Technologies Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiary Embed Clearing LLC for an undisclosed sum.
Crypto Miner HIVE Blockchain Rebrands to Drive AI Expansion
HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. has declared its plan to strategically rebrand, including a transition to the new name "HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd." This rebranding initiative is designed to mirror the company's progression into the realm of high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, utilizing Nvidia's superior Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) chips to tap into the burgeoning trend of widespread adoption in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Memeland (MEME) Launches Zero-Fee Social Staking Protocol Stakeland
Stakeland is introduced as a community-first social staking platform by Memeland, aiming to empower the $MEME ecosystem with zero fees.
Coinbase Revenue Triples in Q1 2021 amid Lower Than Expected Earnings per Share
Coinbase released its first quarterly financial report of 2021 yesterday. This is the company's first earnings report since its direct-listing on Nasdaq on April 14.
SEC: X Account Compromised Through Phone Number Control in SIM Swap Hack
The recent unauthorized access to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) X account, which led to a fake Bitcoin ETF announcement, has raised significant concerns about cybersecurity in financial regulatory bodies.T
SafeMoon CEO's Bail Release Suspended Due to Flight Risk Concerns
SafeMoon CEO Braden John Karony's bail release has been postponed due to potential flight risk and community danger following allegations of financial fraud and money laundering.
HKMA Launches Project Ensemble to Bolster Tokenisation in Finance
HKMA initiates Project Ensemble, a key move to advance the tokenisation market and explore wCBDC applications in Hong Kong's financial sector.
Decentralized Social Networking Bluesky Launches to Public
Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, has opened to the public with over 3 million users, introducing the AT Protocol for seamless app migration and user autonomy.
Axon Explores Blockchain to Fight Body-Cam Deepfake Videos
Axon Enterprise Inc, a leading manufacturer of body-cams for United States law enforcement agencies has produced new cameras enhanced with blockchain technology in an attempt to thwart ‘deepfake’ videos.
Square to Build a New Open Developer Platform Focusing on Bitcoin
Square CEO Jack Dorsey announced on Twitter that the company is actively creating a new decentralized financial services business platform, mainly focusing on Bitcoin and other mainstream virtual currencies.
Ethereum Foundation's 1.7K ETH Sale Signals Potential Price Downturn
The Ethereum Foundation's sale of 1,700 ETH, coupled with pessimistic views from a crypto trading KOL and Mike Alfred, has fueled concerns about Ethereum's financial outlook. These developments may signal a potential downturn in ETH prices.
PARSIQ Integrates Chainlink Oracle Price Feeds to Trigger Off-Chain Actions and Trading Decisions
Blockchain monitoring and automation platform PARSIQ has integrated Chainlink price oracles to trigger off-chain actions and trading decisions.
Crypto Valley Association: Establishing the World’s Best Ecosystem for Blockchain and DLT Businesses
On a mission to develop the world’s best ecosystem for blockchain and distributed ledger technology, the Crypto Valley Association (CVA) is an independent organization based in Zug Switzerland, supported by the government. With over 1500 members in over 56 countries, the association has been supporting the needs of startups and connecting players in the industry to build a cohesive ecosystem.
FinCEN Warns Social Media Companies Involved in Crypto to be Vigilant Regarding Illicit Transactions
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has urged social media and messaging companies that are working with on cryptocurrencies to be vigilant about illegal transactions.
SEC Chairman: AI May Lead to Next Financial Crisis
In recent interviews with DealBook, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler expressed his concerns about the potential risks artificial intelligence (AI) poses to the financial system.
Public Worry Grows Over Bank Stability
A recent Gallup poll conducted in the US revealed that 48% of respondents are concerned about their money in the bank, with almost 20% "very concerned." Experts at a think tank postulate that if half of uninsured savers withdrew all of their cash, 186 American banks would be at risk of impairment. Additionally, research suggests that half of the banks in America could be insolvent.
DWF Labs Co-founder Andrei Grachev Announces Financial Partnership with DMCC
Andrei Grachev, co-founder of DWF Labs, announced a financial partnership with DMCC, supporting firms transitioning to Dubai DMCC. This announcement, juxtaposed with Grachev’s recent Twitter feud with GSR.io's Cristian Gil, highlights the competitive and cooperative facets of the crypto market landscape, and the challenges and opportunities DWF Labs encounters in its journey.
FCA Unveils Guidance on Cryptoasset Promotions Compliance
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has issued a finalised non-handbook guidance on Cryptoasset Financial Promotions, aiming to clarify compliance with new laws and balance consumer protection with innovation for long-term economic growth.
OKX Global Ad Campaign Argues for a Decentralized Future
Crypto exchange OKX has launched a global ad campaign that argues for the need to rewrite the centralized financial system and embrace the decentralized nature of Web3. Produced in collaboration with BBDO New York, the campaign takes aim at the outdated ways of traditional finance, positioning OKX as a leader in the crypto space.
Circle Spokesperson Denies Blaming SEC for Failed $9 billion deal
Circle denies blaming the SEC for its December $9 billion failed IPO. Circle's representative said any contradictory assertions are "inconsistent" with past declarations.
Exclusive: Blockchain at the Stage of Tech Convergence
How does Deloitte Blockchain Lab envision the future of blockchain? Dr. Paul Sin believed that blockchain is at the stage of technology convergence with IoT, big data and artificial intelligence! He also explained the 3 challenges for enterprises to implement their own blockchain and various blockchain auditing services offered by Deloitte.
CBDC Surveillance Concerns Spark Legislative Action
Congressman Tom Emmer's CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act aims to address surveillance risks in government-issued digital currencies, emphasizing privacy and autonomy in the evolving digital financial landscape.
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.
PayPal CEO Announces Plans for Cryptocurrency Business Expansion to Reach More Users
PayPal CEO discussed the integration of cryptocurrency into its business and potential business partnerships with central banks.
Canadian Crypto Platform Newton Raises $20M in Series B funding at $200M Valuation
Newton, Canada’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, has raised $20 million in Series B funding, valuing it at around $200 million.
UK Judges Receive Groundbreaking AI Usage Guidance for Legal Work
UK senior judges have issued guidance to magistrates and judges in England and Wales on the responsible use of AI in courts.
Will Hong Kong's Status as an International Digital Financial Hub be Affected by the National Security Law?
2020 has been quite a year for Hong Kong, marked by months of political unrest, the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a sweeping new national security law that China imposed on the city. The national security law, unanimously passed by China’s ruling Communist Party, sets up against secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Linus Financial Settles SEC Charges Over Unregistered Crypto Lending Product
The SEC has settled charges against Linus Financial for failing to register its Linus Interest Accounts, a crypto lending product. The SEC deemed the accounts securities and made registration mandatory. Linus voluntarily stopped offering the accounts to new investors and requested fund retrieval.
Oxford Law Researchers Call for Strict Cryptocurrency Regulation to Avoid Another Financial Crisis
Researchers at Oxford University Law Faculty claim that crypto market regulation is mandatory to prevent systemic risk in times of financial crisis.
Gala Games Updates: GalaChain, Dev Tools and Social Media Rep
Gala Games, a blockchain-based gaming company, has launched its L1 blockchain for multiple games and is in the QA phase of migrating its social media platform, Rep, to its own blockchain, GalaChain. The company plans to streamline onboarding and developer tools by the end of the year.
Senator Lummis Advocates for Clear Crypto Regulations
US Senator Cynthia Lummis emphasizes the need for robust regulations in the crypto industry, targeting bad actors rather than the technology. She reintroduces the Lummis-Gillibrand bill to enhance oversight and protect against abuse, stressing the distinction between innovative crypto assets and illicit activities.
Sam Bankman-Fried Dodges Questions on Alameda Debt Repayment Risks
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was questioned about using funds to repay Alameda's lenders, sparking discussions on risk management practices and potential user reputation implications.
Binance Labs Invests in Memeland's MEME Token: Here is Why
Binance Labs invests in Memeland's MEME Token, bolstering SocialFi and meme culture, sparking significant market interest and growth.
Exclusive: Transforming Healthcare Megatrends with Blockchain Healthcare Specialist
We are delighted to speak with Gerard Dache, Executive Director of GBA in his blockchain journey, the state of professional chapters for GBA and blockchain specialist courses. In particular, Gerard analyzes the uniqueness of blockchain healthcare specialists and its role in transforming the megatrends in the healthcare industry!
World Economic Forum Views Cryptocurrency as Pivotal Tool for Financial Inclusion
The WEF thinks cryptocurrencies can be pivotal in offering financial services to one-third of the world’s adults, approximately 2 billion people, who are unbanked.
IRA Financial Trust Files Lawsuit against Gemini for $36m Crypto Hack
IRA Financial Trust said it has filed a lawsuit against Gemini crypto exchange for its alleged role in breaching customers’ retirement accounts.
Ripple XRP Is on a Downtrend, Dipping by 18% in Price in the Last 7 Days
While Bitcoin has managed to recover above the $19K level, Ripple (XRP) has struggled to regain strength.
The ECB Warns Financial Stability Risks If Central Banks Fails to Issue Digital Currencies
The European Central Bank (ECB) warns that nations who decide not to issue CBDCs may encounter risks to their monetary autonomy and financial systems.
Foundry Digital Joins Forces with Crypto Lobbying Group Blockchain Association
By joining the Blockchain Association, the members hope to help educate and inform those who may shape the future of the blockchain and crypto industry.
Australia Evaluates Mandatory AI Rules in High-Risk Areas
Australia is considering mandatory regulations for AI development in high-risk areas, balancing innovation with public safety, ethical concerns, and global alignment in AI governance.
Elon Musk Warns of AI’s Destructive Potential
Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk has voiced his concerns over the potential for artificial intelligence to destroy civilization. Despite Musk’s plan to create a new AI startup, he acknowledges the dangers of the technology falling into the wrong hands or being developed with ill intentions.
UK Supreme Court Denies AI's Claim to Inventorship in Landmark Case
The UK Supreme Court's decision not to acknowledge AI as an inventor highlights the importance of human involvement in patent applications, setting a precedent for future AI-related patent disputes.
Binance Pay and Credencial Payments Join Forces to Enable Real-Time Crypto Payments in Latin America
In a strategic alliance aiming to revolutionize the digital payment landscape, Binance Pay, the digital payment platform of the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance, has partnered with Latin American (LATAM) company Credencial Payments.
Can Jack Ma's ANT Group meet China's Regulators Requirements?
Following the suspension of its IPO, whether Ant Group will manage to restructure itself, to meet China's new tightened regulatory requirements still remains anyone’s guess.
Top Executives Quit as Babel Finance Sees Financial Woes
Top employees are leaving Babel Finance as the firm has not reached an amicable solution to its accounting challenges. Meanwhile, thousands of customers are still unable to access their funds.
What Does the Japanese FinTech Landscape Look Like?
Tokyo, the capital of Japan has been ranked as one of the top 12 FinTech hubs in the world by Deloitte’s A tale of 44 cities: Connecting Global FinTech: Interim Hub Review 2017. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) created policy outlines to form the city with the vision of an unrivaled global financial center.
Bank of England halts Silicon Valley Bank UK branch operations
The Bank of England has ordered the Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch to halt its operations as it has limited presence and no critical functions supporting the financial system. The bank will be placed into a Bank Insolvency Procedure, and eligible depositors will be paid out by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the protected limit of £85,000, with the remaining assets and liabilities being managed by bank liquidators. UK venture capitalists and a nonprofit organization have expressed concern as several startups and investors have significant exposure to the SVB UK, including prominent blockchain VCs who have over $6 billion in assets at the bank.
Crypto Sector Could see new Rules from Global Regulators
Although regulators have been slow to make a move on the crypto industry, they could come up with a new global framework of rules within months, an official from the Financial Stability Board said.
Payments Firm Bolt Scraps $1.5B Proposed Acquisition of Crypto Firm Wyre
Bolt said that it has pulled out of a $1.5 billion deal to buy crypto firm Wyre amid market downturn.
Bitcoin, Ethereum and LINK Could Benefit From Trump's TikTok Ban
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that seeks to ban TikTok from the United States, following the controversy that the Chinese-owned app raises serious security concerns and that it collects personal information on its users.
Crypto Investment Firm Paradigm Welcomes New Government Affairs Lead Alex Grieve
Alex Grieve joins Paradigm as Government Affairs Lead, bringing a decade of experience in politics and financial policy. Paradigm broadens its focus to include AI alongside crypto.
Japan's FSA Unveils Financial Policy Focus for 2023:
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has announced its fiscal 2023 financial administrative policy, aiming to maintain economic stability and tackle social issues like climate change and digital transformation.
South Korea Grants Central Bank More Power Over Crypto
The Bank of Korea (BoK) has been given more power to investigate cryptocurrency service providers, including the ability to request transaction data from crypto exchanges. The move comes amid ongoing discussions on virtual asset legislation in South Korea, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holding the final say on the regulation of the digital asset sector. The two institutions have been at odds for several years over crypto regulations.
UK Cryptocurrency Exchanges Adapt to Enhanced Regulatory Standards
The UK is intensifying regulatory standards for crypto exchanges under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aiming for parity with traditional financial services. Exchanges must comply with stringent risk assessments and finance tests, impacting both domestic and offshore entities.
Israeli Central Bank Official Embraces CBDC Competition with Banks for Economic Growth
In a recent speech, Bank of Israel Deputy Governor Andrew Abir expressed his support for the competition between commercial banks and the forthcoming Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) known as the digital shekel. Abir believes that the digital shekel has the potential to enhance competition in the financial system and benefit the economy as a whole.
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.
How AI Is Changing the Online Gambling Industry
AI is revolutionizing online gambling by providing personalized experiences, improving detection methods, and preventing fraud. It helps developers, casinos, and players balance high returns while creating games tailored to player preferences.
Honduras Breaks Ground by Officially Recognizing Bitcoin in Economic Transactions
Próspera ZEDE, a Honduran special economic zone, officially adopts Bitcoin as a unit of account, signaling a shift towards enhanced financial autonomy and the progressive integration of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.
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.
Nasdaq Embraces AI to Spearhead Financial Crime Prevention
Nasdaq is investing heavily in AI technology to combat financial crime, strengthening its position as a technology-driven financial services company and addressing sophisticated financial crimes.
FUSANG Exchange Lists First Publicly Available Blockchain-Based Digital Bond Backed by CCB
Asia’s first digital security exchange FUSANG is partnering with heavy weight China Construction Bank (CCB) to offer the first ever digital, tokenized, blockchain-based bond.
US Department of Justice Releases Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has released a cryptocurrency enforcement framework, which offers a comprehensive overview of the emerging threats in the crypto space.
iComply on FATF Travel Rule: Cryptocurrency is Meant to be Trustless, Not Anonymous
iComply Investor Services (iComply) is a regulatory technology (Regtech) company focused on making financial markets more robust, secure, and efficient. We asked their CEO, Matthew Unger for his take on 2019 FATF Travel Rule Guidelines and find out what these recommendations really mean and how should exchanges or VASPs observe them?