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Russian PM Considers Digital Assets for Cross Border Payment
Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of Russia, has hinted at the need to incorporate digital assets into the country’s economy as a way to ensure sustainable payment for goods and services in international trade.
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%.
Sia Network Q2 2023: 12% Increase in Used Storage
In the second quarter of 2023, the Sia network, a decentralized cloud storage platform, saw a 12% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase in used storage, raising the storage utilization rate from 19% to 25%, according to a report by Messari.
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.
Australian Companies Signed Deal to Develop Blockchain-Driven Virtual Power Plants
Power Ledger, a Perth-based energy trading software company, and Powerclub, an Australian electricity wholesaler, have signed a deal to offer households unparalleled authority over their energy usage via a blockchain-based virtual power plant.
Grayscale Launches Bitcoin Mining-Centered Investment Entity
Crypto asset management firm Grayscale plans to launch a new private co-investment opportunity in mining hardware that enriches the bitcoin ecosystem.
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.
Compass Mining to Sold $30m Worth of Assets in Russia to Fend Off Sanctions
Compass Mining, an American cryptocurrency mining firm, is looking for buyers for its gears stranded in Russia in a bid to avoid being sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury.
Binance Introduces New Fan Engagement Platform for Ukrainian Football Team FC Shakhtar
Binance has announced that it will introduce a new fan programme for Ukraine football team FC Shakhtar.
Crypto Exchange Coinsmart Announces Donations for Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis
Canada-based cryptocurrency exchange CoinSmart announced it would donate aid for the emergency humanitarian crisis in Ukraine to help Ukrainian refugees.
Worldcoin Faces Investigation by Germany's Regulator
The Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision has initiated an investigation into the Worldcoin crypto project, a new initiative that requires users to provide iris scans in exchange for a digital ID and potentially free cryptocurrency, according to Reuters.
BlockFi Triumphs Over Bankruptcy, Initiates Creditor Reimbursements
BlockFi, a cryptocurrency company, emerged from bankruptcy in October 2023 and has since implemented a plan to repay creditors and return digital assets to clients. The company is now focusing on asset recoveries from entities like FTX and 3AC, processing claims for fair distributions, and Wallet customers can withdraw assets.
Gamifying the Online Casino Experience with NFTs
Australian online gambling operators are utilizing gamification strategies to enhance player experience, incorporating features like progress bars, NFTs, VIP programs, and PvP tournaments, despite concerns about addiction and legality.
Miami Plans to Distribute "Bitcoin Yields" To Local Residents
Miami is working on a plan to pay its citizens “Bitcoin yield” from the city’s cryptocurrency known as MiamiCoin.
Animoca Brands Reached Agreement to Acquire Game Developer WePlay Media
On September 16, according to the official announcement, Blockchain gaming, and investment company, Animoca Brands announced that it has acquired WePlay Media, the developer of MotoGP Championship Quest, and reached a membership rights purchase agreement.
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.
Modi Urges Global Effort to Deal with Crypto, Indian Crypto Sector Remains in Uncertainty
The Indian Prime Minister has called for a collective global effort to tackle the challenges posed by cryptocurrencies as the country's crypto sector remains in uncertainty.
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.
Coinfest Asia Uses Web2.5 Theme and Will Feature Over 100 Speakers
Coinfest Asia 2023 by Coinvestasi is ready to return on August 24-25 2023, in Jimbaran, Bali. Carrying the theme of Web2.5, Coinfest Asia wants to strengthen the linkages between the Web2 and Web3 industries, thus forming a more resilient Web2.5 industry.
Huobi And Solaris Offer EU Crypto-To-Fiat Debit Cards
Huobi, a cryptocurrency exchange, launched a crypto-to-fiat debit card cooperation with Solaris, a European financial services company. Huobi users may utilize their digital assets internationally at the point of sale through Visa's program. In the second quarter of 2023, European Economic Area (EEA) users will get the card.
Australian Farmer Teams Up with FreshChain for Watermelon Traceability via Blockchain
Andrew Martens, an Australian owning Marto Farms, has joined hands with Fresh Chain Systems, a local tech firm, in deploying blockchain technology on his watermelon labels to propel traceability. Buyers across Australia will, therefore, be able to trace the originality of the fruit.
Government of India to Deploy Blockchain Technology at a National Level
The Indian government is eyeing the blockchain technology since it has a huge potential of being applied in various sectors such as banking, cybersecurity, education, and governance: securing the future of their economic development and growth. This strategic plan was made known in response to a question in the Lok Sabha as reported by the Indian Times on Nov. 27.
Switzerland to Freeze Crypto Assets Linked to Russians
Switzerland will join the UK, the US, and western allies in strengthening sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
Blockchain Village at Medini (BVAM) Gets Underway
i2M Ventures has established a Blockchain Village at Medini (BVAM) intended at boosting the blockchain ecosystem in Malaysia.
Instagram Influencers Sued by Investors for Falsely Promoting Crypto Tokens
Instagram influencers Kim Kardashian and American boxer Floyd Mayweather have been sued by investors accusing celebrities of falsely promoting crypto tokens to mislead investors.
Visa Unveils Innovative Web3 Loyalty Program with SmartMedia Technologies
Visa teams up with SmartMedia Technologies to launch a pioneering Web3 Loyalty Engagement Solution, revolutionizing customer loyalty with gamified, immersive experiences and digital wallets.
Expobank Sets Precedent in Russia by Issuing the First Crypto-Backed Loan
Russian commercial bank Expobank has set the ball rolling in this nation by issuing a loan secured by crypto tokens, Waves crypto was used as collateral.
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
Russia Plans to Use Digital Rouble In Settlements with China, Says Lawmaker
Russia used to resist legalizing crypto. However, it is now willing to embrace the use of cryptocurrency for cross-border payments due to geopolitical tensions.
Continuous Crackdown on Crypto by US SEC is a Bullish Factor for Investors - Report
The US SEC might be considered harsh for its crypto regulations, some investors use this as a basis for their investments in the space
OneCoin Co-Founder Sentenced to Two Decades in Prison Over Multibillion-Dollar Fraud
Karl Sebastian Greenwood, co-founder of the OneCoin cryptocurrency scheme, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for deceiving millions of investors worldwide, leading to losses exceeding $4 billion. The scheme, based in Sofia, Bulgaria, was marketed as a revolutionary cryptocurrency, but was later revealed to be a sham. Greenwood and co-founder Ruja Ignatova used the scheme to finance extravagant lifestyles.
Coinbase Will Not Bar Russian Users Unless New Laws Requires: CEO Brian Armstrong
Coinbase CEO says the exchange will not ban Russian users, citing the fact that many citizens are not supportive of the decision of their president to go to war against Ukraine.
Russia's Apex Bank Grants DFA License to Atomyze, the Nation's First
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has granted the Digital Financial Assets (DFA) services license to Atomyze LLC, the first startup in the country to become an asset manager.
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.
Defiance ETFs' NFT-Linked ETF Soon to Launch in the U.S.
Defiance ETFs' Defiance Digital Revolution ETF (ticker NFTZ) is launching on Thursday and will track blockchain-related firms and the NFT index.
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.
Serbian Citizen Extradited to US to Face Crypto-Related Fraud Charges
An accused scammer has arrived in the US from Serbia to face charges that he and other six conspirators involved in a crypto fraud scheme that defrauded investors out of over $70 million.
Moneygram Partners with Stellar Blockchain Network to Enable Instant Crypto-To-Fiat Settlements Using USDC Stablecoin
MoneyGram has partnered with Stellar Development Foundation to enable customers to make settlements in different fiat currencies including cryptocurrencies using USDC stablecoin.
Is Cryptocurrency the Answer? Egypt’s Central Bank Limits Daily Cash Withdrawals Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Egypt is facing a severe cash crunch as the country is feeling the economic pressure of the coronavirus outbreak. The central bank of Egypt has instructed local banks to begin restricting daily withdrawals and has instructed citizens not to withdraw so much money.
Binance.US Appoints Ant Group Executive to Succeed Former CEO Brian Brooks
Binance.US has finally hired former Ant Group Executive Brian Shroder as the next CEO to take over the role that Brian Brooks left.
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.
Property or Not? Bitcoin Thieves Released Because “Bitcoin is Not Property”
A Russian Court recently ruled a Bitcoin theft case as innocent, stating that Bitcoin was not considered a property. The victim sought restitution, after being robbed of 100 Bitcoins.
Elrond Gets the Greenlight from Romania Central Bank In-Principle for Acquiring Payments Firm Twispay
The acquisition is set to enable Elrond to operate e-money services across several countries in the European Union.
J.P. Morgan’s Blockchain Quorum Acquired by ConsenSys, Taking Enterprise Ethereum to the Next Level
ConsenSys’ existing protocol engineering roadmap will be merged with Quorum, where the blockchain firm will be able to leverage both codebases.
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.
Binance Halts Certain Trading Pairs and Disables PayID AUD Deposits Amid Tightening Australian Regulations
In an ongoing adaptation to tighter Australian regulations, Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced significant changes affecting its Australian users.
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.
Crypto Bank Anchorage Digital To Make Entry into Asia
Crypto Bank Anchorage Digital is making an entry into Asia with five new partnerships, including crypto exchange Bitkub, asset management firm Dream Trade, blockchain investment firm FBG Capital, venture firm IOSG Ventures and digital assets financial services provider Antalpha.
MetaMask Enables Direct Bank Transfers for Crypto Purchases in Nigeria
MetaMask, a major crypto wallet, has partnered with MoonPay to enable direct bank transfers for crypto purchases in Nigeria, allowing users to access crypto faster and cheaper without using credit or debit cards. Nigeria is a major market for MetaMask, despite current issues with crypto on-ramps in the country.
Albania to Begin Levying Crypto Tax Next Year, Report says
Southern European country Albania is reportedly on track to begin taxing digital currency earnings as of 2023. Individual miners could be charged up to 15% of capital gain tax.
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.
Will Bitcoin Skyrocket or Plunge? Young Traders Have Wrecked US Stock Market, Says Fund Manager
The president of Smead Capital Management addressed the topic of current trends of the US stock market in an interview with CNBC.
Bitcoin’s Market Cap is Likely to Eclipse Gold, BTC Price Valuation at $146,000 is Conservative, says Pompliano
Anthony Pompliano, the founder of Morgan Creek Digital said that JP Morgan’s valuation of Bitcoin at $146,000 is still conservative.
ChatGPT Ban Lifted in Italy
Italy's data protection agency banned OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot in March 2023 for allegedly violating GDPR. The ban was lifted in April after the company complied with the regulator's transparency demands and implemented age-gating measures.
Crypto Whales Taking Wait-and-See Approach
Based on hiked interest rates and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, crypto whales have shown signs of caution, given that their transaction volumes have been dwindling.
G20 Discusses Crypto Regulations Under India Presidency
G20 members reviewed technological advancements and dangers during the FMCBG conference on Feb. 24–25.
Ukraine to Record War Against Russia in NFTs
The Ukrainian government has planned to launch non-fungible tokens (NFTs) featuring unique digital artwork illustrating stories from its war with Russia.
Ripple Operations Expand in Asia as it Looks to Explore CBDCs with Central Banks despite SEC Legal Pressure
Despite the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against its firm, Ripple has continued to expand its services as a fintech firm.
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.
Sale of Asian Exchange Data Could Create Revenue Stream of $4.23 Billion Per Year Says Leading Strategy Consultants
Quinlan & Associates, a leading independent strategy consultancy released a report exploring how Asian exchanges can monetize the large volumes of exchange data.
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.
Spike in COVID-19 Cybercrime Is Stimulating Mass Adoption of Blockchain in Asia
With COVID-19 forcing businesses to adopt digital means of transacting, there is a spike in blockchain adoption, Bitcoin price surge, rise in Bitcoin scams.
Voyager Digital Taps Former OCC Boss Brian Brooks as Director
Cryptocurrency platform Voyager Digital has tapped the services of Brian Brooks, the current Chief Executive Officer of Bitfury as one of its non-Executive Directors.
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.
US Fed denies Custodia Bank membership over crypto concerns
The US Federal Reserve has denied Custodia Bank's membership application due to concerns over its involvement in the crypto industry. The Fed cited heightened illicit finance and safety and soundness risks, as well as a lack of a sufficient risk-management framework for its proposed cryptoasset-related activities. The bank is also prohibited from running crypto-related services if accepted as a member.
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.
Venture Capital Firm Variant to Establish $450m Venture Fund III
Venture capital firm Variant has announced the launch of a $450 million Venture Fund III to help startups focused on Defi and Web3 infrastructure.
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.
Russian Tech and Political Oligarchs Opposes Blanket Crypto Ban
Tech and political oligarchs in Russia are expressing their full displeasure over the proposed blanket ban on crypto.
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.
SVC Bank Caught in SVB Collapse Confusion
India's SVC Bank faced panic due to a mixup with collapsing Silicon Valley Bank, as their acronyms' similarity caused confusion among Indian citizens.
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.
Binance Executives Face Tax Evasion Charges in Nigeria Amid Naira Manipulation Allegations
Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla face tax evasion and currency manipulation charges in Nigeria, with proceedings adjourned to April 19.
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.
New South Wales Treasury Proposes Flexible Regulatory Reform For Blockchain
Australia’s New South Wales is proposing a flexible regulatory reform to accommodate the thriving blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem
Grab’s Tech Head Wui Ngiap Foo Quits to Lead Crypto Gaming Startup Ethlas
After seven years, grab's head of technology is leaving the Asian ride-hailing app and will lead Crypto Gaming Startup Ethlas.
US Toughens Export Controls on Semiconductors to China Amid Military Concerns
The US Department of Commerce tightened export controls on advanced computing semiconductors to China and other countries of concern to address national security threats posed by military modernization. The rules, effective from November 16, 2023, refine the parameters defining restricted chips, introduce a global licensing requirement, and expand controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The update also adds certain PRC entities to the Entity List, requiring a BIS license for foundries manufacturing chips for these entities.
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.
Cryptoassets Use in Ukraine War under Scrutiny by Global Regulators: Reuters
The use of crypto assets is being closely watched by global financial regulators amid the war in Ukraine after worry about its use to evade Western sanctions on Russia, according to Reuters.
Greece Council of State Rules for the Extradition of a Russian Bitcoin Laundering Suspect to France
Greece Council of State has ruled in favor of the order to extradite a Russian bitcoin laundering suspect named Alexander Vinnik, A.K.A "Mr. Bitcoin" to France, as reported by Greece Greek Reporter.
Vladimir Putin’s Next Presidential Term Will Depend on Blockchain-Powered Constitutional Amendment Voting
Russia’s upcoming e-voting on Vladimir Putin’s Constitutional amendments will be implemented using blockchain technology. Citizens in Moscow will be able to cast their votes online using blockchain-powered e-voting, according to the Moscow government’s official website. Starting on June 5, Moscow citizens can sign up for the upcoming voting scheduled from June 25 to June 30.
Tech Mahindra Developing India’s Blockchain Education with Idealabs Partnership
Tech Mahindra, an Indian multinational IT company, has inked a partnership with Idealabs, an education technology firm, to boost Indian students and aspiring tech professionals with notable blockchain skillsets. Through the strategic collaboration, curated blockchain professional certification courses will be offered made up of live online classes and expert sessions by gurus in the industry.
India Taking a Step Towards CBDC After the Debut of its Blockchain-Based Payment System Vajra?
India has been taking multiple stances when it comes to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, as cryptocurrency has not been deemed legal, but not it is not considered illegal either. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently designed and adopted a blockchain-based system for automating payment clearing and settlement processes.
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.
Forum Blockchain Life 2021
Sixth biggest offline event on blockchain,cryptocurrencies and mining - Blockchain Life 2021 - takes place on April 21-22 in Moscow
Bitcoin Has Been Through Two US Presidential Elections, This One Will be Different for BTC
During the two US elections in 2012 and 2016, Bitcoin was still too nascent to have seen any profound impact arise. What about this coming election?
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.
Kucoin Global Users Can Now Purchase Crypto With Debit/Credit Cards
KuCoin exchange has launched the KuCoin Fiat Account, an avenue by which its customers around the world can fund their accounts using either a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card.
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?
Blockchain Technology Implemented into Indonesia's Digital Economy
Bank Central Asia (BCA) is campaigning for Indonesian financial businesses to innovate and adopt blockchain technology to support its digital economy amidst rapid technological revolution.
Indian Supreme Court Expresses Discontent Over Lack of Crypto Regulations
The absence of defined rules and regulations governing cryptocurrencies in India has lately drawn the attention of the country's Supreme Court.
Is Bitcoin in India about to Boom? Paxful Survey Projection
Paxful, the peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplace, has released a survey that indicates India’s enthusiasm for Bitcoin has been reignited following the landmark decision to lift the ban on crypto trading.
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.
India’s Telangana State to Stamp Out Fake Academic Certificates via Blockchain
Following concerns raised by the US Embassy that some employees and students were applying for visas using fake academic certificates, the Indian state of Telangana has made a broad move of addressing this menace through blockchain technology.
China to Test its CBDC on Tencent-Backed Platform and Other Domestic Firms to Break Dependence on the US
China’s central bank has taken another major step forward toward the digital yuan’s mass adoption with its testing on food delivery giant Meituan Dianping. Backed by Tencent, Meituan has been having discussions with the People’s Bank of China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), also known as digital currency electronic payment (DCEP) research wing.
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.
What the U.S. Congress Decides on Crypto Will Ultimately Overstepping their authority
Jake Chervinsky, the Blockchain Association's chief policy officer, criticized the SEC's enforcement-based regulation and urged Congress to regulate the sector.
China PBOC Views CBDC Race as "New Battlefied" Between Sovereign Nations
China through its apex bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has reiterated its desire to be the first nation to issue a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Australian Senator Bragg Releases New Draft on Digitial Assets
Australian Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg proposed a new draft of the titled Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2022, aimed at regulating digital asset exchanges.
Mastercard Unveils Interoperable CBDC in Australia
Mastercard, in association with the RBA and DFCRC, has demonstrated a groundbreaking interoperable CBDC solution to enhance Web3 commerce in Australia and beyond. The live demonstration showcased a pilot CBDC holder purchasing an NFT on Ethereum, utilizing Mastercard’s Multi Token Network, emphasizing the potential of blockchain interoperability in fostering secure and efficient digital commerce.
Companies among S. American Nations are Optimistic Accepting Crypto, Study Shows
Companies permitting Bitcoin and other crypto payments have a more positive outlook in Brazil, Columbia, and Argentina, according to a study by financial payments processing firm CoinsPaid.
Binance.US CEO Brian Brooks Steps Down, Cites Strategic Differences with Colleagues
Brian Brooks, the CEO of the US arm of the Binance global cryptocurrency exchange, has resigned just four months after joining the group.
Will the Binance.US CEO's Resignation Trigger a Domino Effect?
Binance.US, the American subsidiary of the global cryptocurrency exchange, has experienced significant staffing changes, including the departure of CEO Brian Shroder and the elimination of around 100 positions. The company is also facing legal actions from the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as a decline in market share. The cryptocurrency community is concerned about the future of Binance and its potential demise, with WhaleWire warning of a larger explosion than FTX's.
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.
Thodex Founder Arrested by Turkey Police in Albania
Faruk Fatih Ozer, the founder of the Thodex crypto exchange, escaped Turkey after taking $2 billion of investors’ funds with him. The founder is finally arrested in Albania.
Ripple and The SEC’s Joint Letter Reveals that a Pretrial Settlement Is Unlikely to Happen
Per the official court order, Ripple and the SEC has submitted a letter presenting their arguments ahead of the pre-trial court date.
Coinbase and Trustly Collaborate to Streamline Crypto Transactions for Canadians
Coinbase partners with Trustly for Open Banking in Canada, enabling direct bank-to-crypto wallet transactions. This follows Coinbase's recent Canadian market expansion and US crypto derivatives approval.
Japan Asks Crypto Exchanges to Cancel Russian Sanction Related Transactions
Following concerns from the G7 nations, Japan has requested crypto exchanges to suspend transactions of crypto assets that are subject to asset-freeze sanctions against Russia and Belarus, Reuters reported.
DFA Bill Passed, But Central Bank of Russia Still Thinks Cryptos Are Criminal
Despite the Digital Financial Assets bill being passed by the State Duma, Russia’s Central Bank has nevertheless argued that crypto transactions are not deemed as legitimate investments.
India Implements AML Standards on Crypto
The Indian government has imposed anti-money laundering (AML) standards on crypto, subjecting a range of crypto transactions to the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PLMA) 2002. The PLMA obliges financial institutions to maintain a record of all transactions for the last ten years, provide these records to officials if demanded, and verify the identity of all clients. The notification will complicate the life of crypto companies in India, as regulators worldwide are tightening AML standards for crypto.
Nigeria's Foreign Investment and Crypto Adoption Dilemma
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria fell by 33% in 2021 due to a shortage of dollars, which has also discouraged foreign crypto investment. Despite the exponential growth of crypto adoption in Nigeria, with active adult traders and high usage rates, the country has a problem attracting foreign investors.
Tether CTO: Moving DeFi forward in Asia
Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether gives his take on the Decentralized Finance DEFI Ecosystem in Asia standing on the cusp of a global digital banking revolution.
Exclusive: Why is Everipedia Built on EOS, not on Ethereum?
Wikipedia Co-Founder Larry Sanger is happy to embrace the changes in the online encyclopedia with blockchain. Joined in Everipedia as Chief Information Officer (CIO) Dec 2017, Larry shares to our readers why Everipedia is built on EOS instead of Ethereum! He also mentioned 4 advantages of blockchain on the encyclopedia, yet efficiencies are not the main advantage!
Microsoft Develops Secret AI Chips to Reduce Development Costs
Microsoft has been developing its own AI chips since 2019 to reduce reliance on Nvidia’s GPUs due to rising costs. The project, called “Athena,” is already being tested by Microsoft’s machine-learning staff and OpenAI developers.
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.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Seeking a New Gold Standard
Reportedly Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad indicated that he is agreeable to a single currency for the East Asian region backed by gold but critically it would not become the national cash of any current nation.
Bank of Russia Commences Digital Ruble Trials
The Bank of Russia (BoR) has announced the commencement of its Digital Ruble trials, making the most ambitious push for a functional CBDC in the country.
Norwegian Block Exchange to Set Stage for Landmark Cryptocurrency Listing on Euronext Stock Exchange
Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) announced on December 3 that it applied for listing shares on the pan-European stock exchange, Euronext N.V.
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.
Why Did the University of California San Francisco Pay Hackers $1.4 Million in Bitcoin?
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), has recently paid criminal hackers $1.14 million to resolve a ransomware attack. The university reportedly paid the amount in 116.4 Bitcoins worth over $1 million.
Paolo Ardoino: Tether Tests New Bitcoin Mining Platform, Moria, with Enhanced Software Control
Tether is testing its new Bitcoin mining platform, Moria, which has undergone significant software enhancements, including software-driven PDU management and multisig approval. Moria is designed to integrate with IoT devices, potentially revolutionizing mining operations. Tether's diversification into Bitcoin mining is still in its testing phase.
Mongolia’s Oldest Bank Will Soon Offer Comprehensive Crypto Services
Mongolia’s Trade & Development Bank (TDB Bank), one of the oldest and largest banks in the nation, has announced plans to enter the crypto space.
Iran and Russia Seek A Gold-Backed Stablecoin
Iran and Russia are planning a gold-backed cryptocurrency. In Astrakhan, Russia began accepting Iranian goods, a stablecoin would function. Instead of utilizing dollars, rubles, or rials, the initiative would allow cross-border transactions.
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.
Virtual Assets Investment Opens Opportunity to H.K. Residents, While Adrian Cheng Invests in Sandbox
As residents in Hong Kong struggle to purchase physical property, The Sandbox's virtual assets could be a lucrative investment opportunity for many.
Crypto Alert: Revolutionary DGT Token Community Presale
Tallinn, Estonia, 8 January 2021 DGBLabs OÜ, announces it Community Presale of the DataGrid Token (DGT) for 22nd- 26th January offering a 5% bonus, which is reduced 1% a each day during the sale, on a minimum of one quarter ETH at the price of $.005. Higher Bonus levels available for purchases over 80 ETH. Participants will be required to complete WhiteListing on Blockpass prior to the sale date.
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.
CryptoWallet.com Among Minority of Successful Companies to Renew Coveted Estonian License
Estonia-based crypto startup CryptoWallet.com has become one of the first crypto companies to receive a stamp of approval from Estonia’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). CryptoWallet.com renewed its crypto license despite strict regulatory measures introduced last year to maintain compliance and transparency within the crypto space.
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.
EDX Markets Partners with Solidus Labs to Monitor $16 Trillion in Crypto Trading with HALO Platform
EDX Markets has partnered with Solidus Labs to use the HALO platform, monitoring $16 trillion in crypto trading, enhancing compliance and risk management.
India’s Apex Court Postpones Cryptocurrencies Ban Hearing to November
Back in April 2018, the Reserve Bank of India released a press release prohibiting banks from providing financial services to individuals and corporate bodies dealing in cryptocurrencies. This move by the Reserve Bank of India has received many criticisms from several individuals and the High Court of Delhi as the ban clearly violates the constitution.
First Bitcoin Car Heads to the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500
The world's first Bitcoin car is ready to go public, bringing cryptocurrency to the racing world.
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.
Celestia's Core Values: Bridging Off-chain Governance with User-centric Network
Mustafa Al-Bassam delineates five core values for Celestia's social layer aimed at enhancing trust-minimization and user-centric network functionalities. These values include the primacy of off-chain governance, user elevation, credible neutrality towards execution environments, economic sustainability, and minimizing overhead and state bloat. The discourse provides a profound insight into Celestia's commitment to fostering a user-driven, trust-minimized blockchain network.
Trump's National Security Council Sees DLT as Critical Weapon in US-China Tech War
The United States National Security Council has named distributed ledger technology (DLT) as one the most critical focus areas in its tech war with China and Russia.
Russian Crypto Startup InDeFi to Launch Ruble Stablecoin following DAI Model
The new stablecoin project has no connection with the Bank of Russia’s digital ruble. The stablecoin will be pegged to ruble fiat currency.
Wanted Wirecard Exec Marsalek Hiding in Russia After Moving Funds in Bitcoin
Former Wirecard Chief Operating Officer Jan Marsalek used Bitcoin to move funds to Russia where he is now in hiding under the supervision of Russian intelligence operatives, according to a Russian media outlet.
Coca-Cola Vendors Accept Bitcoin in Australia and New Zealand
Amatil, the Coca-Cola company's biggest distributor in Australia and New Zealand has partnered with Centrapay, a payment startup to enable customers to pay with Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
Reebonz Tracks Provenance of its Luxury Products Using a Vechain-Powered Digital Certificate
Reebonz, the biggest luxury e-commerce company in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, has incorporated blockchain technology into its ecosystem to determine the provenance of its products.
Virginia Tech Study Reveals Geographic Biases in ChatGPT's Environmental Justice Information
Virginia Tech study reveals ChatGPT's limitations in providing local-specific info on environmental justice, highlighting geographic biases.
Florida Governor Reveals Plan to Permit Crypto Tax Payments
Speaking at a press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis disclosed plans to roll out a cryptocurrency payment option for businesses remitting taxes.
Turkey’s Crypto Law heading to Parliament after President Erdogan’s Approval
Turkey's President confirms that drafting a crypto law is completed. The president further reveals that the draft will be tabled in the Parliament for mainstream implementation in the nation.
California's Crypto Voters: A Pivot in the 2024 Elections
Coinbase's data indicates that California's 8.2 million crypto owners could significantly influence the 2024 elections, with a strong preference for candidates who support innovative and crypto-friendly policies.
Algorand Foundation Expands its Presence in India
Algorand worked with Hyderabad-based innovation hub T-Hub to assist companies access global financing.
China Establishes First-Ever Blockchain Zone in Central Province of Hunan
The first provincial blockchain zone has been established in China, in the central Chinese province of Hunan. The “Wanbao” blockchain zone is located in the city of Loudi, marking the first blockchain zone in China, according to a local Chinese report.
Paolo Ardoino: Tether Ranks 22nd in US Treasury Holdings, Surpassing Mexico, Australia, and Spain
Tether, the world's leading stablecoin, now holds $72.5 billion in U.S. Treasury bills, despite China's divestment from U.S. debt. Mixed reactions arise, questioning long-term stability in emerging markets.
Colombian Ministry of Information Technology Prioritize Public Sector Blockchain and Crypto Payment Solutions
The Colombian Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (MinTIC) believes blockchain and DLT solutions could benefit its public sector.
Binance Exchange Inaugurates Global Advisory Board under Compliance Drive
Binance Exchange has announced the establishment of its Global Advisory Board (GAB) as it looks to deepen its regulatory compliance in the region.
Binance Enables Support for Naira, But is Cryptocurrency Legal in Yet in Nigeria?
Binance, one of the top cryptocurrency exchange has opened support for the Nigerian National currency (Naira) on its trading platform.
Coinbase Introduces PayID and Premium Services for Aussie Retail Customers
Coinbase offers three new services for Aussie clients. One of these features would allow customers to use PayID as a way to top up their accounts with Australian Dollar transfers.
Indian Cricket Regulator Bans Teams from Partnering With Crypto Firms
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a directive to all franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to desist from partnering with crypto exchanges in any form.
Indonesia to Launch State-Backed Crypto Exchange by Mid-2023
Indonesia plans to launch a state-backed crypto exchange by mid-2023 to promote a more secure and transparent market, with greater regulatory oversight and investor protection.
AI in Emergency Medicine: Evaluating ChatGPT and Google Bard
A study reveals ChatGPT and Google Bard's performance in mass casualty incident triage is significantly different, with Google Bard outperforming ChatGPT with a 60% accuracy rate, highlighting the need for continued advancement and human supervision in AI's healthcare integration.
ASIC Raids Binance Australia as Global Regulatory Hurdles Mount
As reported by Bloomberg, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) executed a search operation at the offices of Binance Australia. This operation is a part of an ongoing inquiry into the crypto giant's now-closed local derivatives business, highlighting the intensifying regulatory scrutiny Binance is encountering.
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Indonesia’s Pintu Crypto Exchange Raises $35M in Extended Series A, Led by Lightspeed Venture
Indonesia-based cryptocurrency exchange Pintu announced the company has completed an extended Series A funding round by raising $35 million dollars, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, citing multiple sources.
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.
Will Bitcoin Ever Get Widespread Adoption in the iGaming Industry?
Bitcoin is now over a decade old, although it has only been known and talked about among the general public for the last few years. During the Bitcoin boom of late 2017, we saw endless reports of the ever-growing value of the token and much speculation of how it would continue to rise to tremendously as time goes on.
Ripple Is Planning to Go Public, Says SBI CEO
SBI Group, one of Ripple's main shareholders, revealed that Ripple is still considering going public once its lawsuit with the SEC is settled.
India Should Ban Cryptocurrencies, Says RBI Deputy
India should ban cryptocurrencies as they are related to Ponzi schemes or worse and they pose a threat to financial and macroeconomic stability, a deputy governor at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said.
Bloconomic Expo: Bridging the Gap Between the Malaysian Government and Global Investors
Kuala Lumpur: Bloconomic Expo 2019 is set to be the biggest blockchain event in Malaysia with over 3000 attendees coming from around the world including investors, venture capitalist and tech enthusiasts.
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.
OKEx Delves Deeper Into Indian Crypto Space with CoinDCX Partnership
OKEx, a leading Malta-based crypto exchange, has shown its resilience to penetrate the Indian crypto market despite the roaming uncertainties based on its partnership with CoinDCX, the nation’s biggest crypto trading platform.
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.
“Warriors of Future” Set to Debut as Asia’s First NFT Blockbuster Movie
Warriors of Future, a multi-million-dollar Hong Kong sci-fi action movie by One Cool Group, seeks to be the first Asian blockbuster film to feature a non-fungible token (NFT) collection.
Binance Ends Services for Nigerian Naira
Binance announces the discontinuation of all services tied to the Nigerian Naira (NGN) as it navigates the evolving regulatory landscape.
City of Niagara Falls Forces Blockfusion Bitcoin Miner to Shut Down Operations
In Canada, the city of Niagara Falls claims that Blockfusion Bitcoin miner violates local laws and produces environmental disturbances.
Nigeria Takes the Highest Bitcoin Optimism Levels at 60%, Survey Reads
Since knowledge feeds optimism and participation, Nigeria emerged as the top nation with the highest rates of optimism about Bitcoin’s future at 60%, according to a study by Jack Dorsey-owned Block, Inc.
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.
Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Buys 5,000 Blockchain ATMs Despite Authorities' Plan to Ban Crypto
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is purchasing more contactless ATMs that are powered by blockchain. The banking giant is making such a move despite an upcoming bill that aims to penalize individuals and firms that use and trade cryptocurrencies in financial transactions. Sberbank’s ATMs have nothing to do with cryptocurrencies as they do not act as BTMs (Bitcoin ATMs). The banking institution just intends to cut the need for physical contact associated with the use of bank debit/credit cards amid the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, Sberbank has been preferring to cut down the use of plastic cards because of health concerns.
Nigeria Tops in Global Crypto Ownership, With Nearly Half of the Population Being Crypto Users or Owners
With cryptocurrencies being one of the technological innovations taking the world by storm, Nigeria takes the lead in terms of crypto ownership, a survey suggests.
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.
FBI Arrests 2 Hackers for Ransomware and “Crypto-Jacking” Scams, 5 Chinese Suspects Still at Large
The DoJ and the FBI seized two criminals connected to a cybercrime targeting over 100 companies in the US and abroad with ransomware, crypto jacking and more.
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.
Binance Futures to Introduce USDC-Margined BOME, TIA, and MATIC Perpetual Contracts with Up to 75x Leverage
Binance Futures is set to expand its trading offerings by launching USDC-margined perpetual contracts for BOME, TIA, and MATIC cryptocurrencies. These contracts will provide traders with leverage of up to 75x, allowing for enhanced trading opportunities. The launch is aimed at enhancing users' trading experience and increasing trading choices on the Binance Futures platform.
Russia Plans to Build AI Software to Remove the Anonymity of Users in Crypto Transactions
The Russian agency’s plan involves using artificial intelligence (AI) for its software, as the agency sees an “urgent need to create effective opportunities for state control over the circulation of virtual assets.”
Web3 users can now register .eth domains with fiat options
ENS has launched a fiat on-ramp for .eth domain registrations through MoonPay, allowing Web3 users to pay with fiat options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay instead of only Ether. ENS has also upgraded its platform to streamline sign-ups and expand its usability for hosting censorship-resistant websites.
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.
Japan's FSA Joins MAS' "Project Guardian" as First Overseas Regulator
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Japan has announced its participation in the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) "Project Guardian" initiative. This collaborative project, which was established by MAS in May 2022, aims to explore the feasibility of applying digital technologies to various asset classes while ensuring financial stability and integrity.
Bitcoin ETF Approval Expected to Propel Market Influx
The fervor surrounding a US-regulated spot Bitcoin ETF is palpable, with its approval expected to significantly bolster Bitcoin's market adoption. Addressing the current inefficiencies in Bitcoin investment, a spot ETF promises cost efficiency, enhanced liquidity, ease of access, and regulatory compliance. The formal recognition by regulators and established financial brands could further fuel Bitcoin's market acceptance. The estimations indicate a substantial market influx post ETF approval, not just within the US but potentially extending to global markets, laying the groundwork for a robust 2024 for Bitcoin, as per the analysis by Charles Yu of Galaxy.
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.
US Senate Introduces DEFIANCE Act to Combat AI-Generated Nonconsensual Deepfakes
The US Senate has proposed the DEFIANCE Act in response to the increasing spread of AI-created, nonconsensual explicit imagery, exemplified by recent deepfake incidents involving Taylor Swift. This bill aims to provide legal recourse for victims and criminalize the production and distribution of such content.
Breaking: Binance Sells Russian Operations to CommEX, Exits Market
Binance has announced the sale of its entire Russia business to CommEX, citing compliance issues as the primary reason for the exit. The transition process for existing Russian users is expected to take up to one year, with no financial strings attached to the deal for Binance.
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.
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Seeks Advice on Designing Prudential Treatment for Crypto-assets
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision publishes paper going over the design for prudential treatment for crypto assets. The paper goes over areas such as risks of crypto-asset exposures, capital, and liquidity requirements, and general considerations for the prudential treatment.
Thailand Considers Opening Crypto Payments for Russian and Ukrainian Tourists
Following Mastercard and Visa suspension of Russian credit cards abroad due to international sanctions imposed, Thailand, on the other hand, is looking at accepting crypto payments for transactions.
UNODC: Surge in Cryptocurrency Misuse and Technology-Driven Crime in Southeast Asia
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime's latest report reveals an alarming increase in cryptocurrency misuse and advanced technological crime in East and Southeast Asia. The study focuses on the challenges faced by law enforcement against the backdrop of evolving online casinos, cyberfraud, and tech-driven underground banking networks.
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.
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.
OKEX Suspends Withdrawals Causing a Bitcoin and OKB Token Price Plunge
OKEx has caused a mild selling panic in the crypto markets after suspending withdrawal services to cooperate with an investigation with the BTC price plunging nearly 3%.
Bank of Russia Delays CBDC Pilot Rollout
The Bank of Russia's CBDC pilot rollout has been delayed indefinitely due to legislation only passing through the first reading. The number of participating private banks has also changed to 13 from 15, with the pilot involving real operations and limited consumers.
Google AI and Robotic Systems Forge New Frontier in Material Discovery
Google AI and robotic systems have predicted the stability of nearly 400,000 new substances, accelerating material discovery and synthesis, with implications for clean-energy technologies and other fields.
IOTA Launches Austria State-Backed Christian Doppler Laboratory for Blockchain Research
The IOTA Foundation is joining the new research laboratory for blockchain technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) as an industrial partner.
Volkswagen's Skoda DigiLab Collaborates with Microsoft for Blockchain-Based Business Solutions
Skoda DigiLab, an innovation hub, has partnered with Microsoft and Lumos Labs for innovative blockchain-based solutions in the business arena.
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.
Singapore Regulators and Banks Develop Crypto Customer Screening Standards
Singapore's monetary authority and police forces are collaborating with traditional banks to optimize their procedures for opening accounts for digital asset service providers. After six months, results and conclusions for risk management and due diligence will be published. The guidelines will cover stablecoins, NFTs, and transferable gaming or streaming credits, with banks reserving the right to make decisions based on their own risk assessment.
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.
India’s Central Bank Clears the Air on Cryptocurrencies not Being Outlawed
India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has stated that it had not prohibited cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, in the nation as it only highlighted the risks linked to crypto trading to regulated entities like banks.
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.
Holon Partners with Gemini, Launches Australia’s Lowest Fee Crypto ETFs
Holon has launched Australia’s first unlisted retail Bitcoin, Ethereum and Filecoin funds. The crypto funds provide investors with low fees and regulated access to the burgeoning blockchain and crypto worlds.
Ukraine Government Restricts Crypto Purchases Using Local Currency
Ukraine has restricted crypto purchases in an attempt to stabilize markets as the country faces a crisis derived from the ongoing war.
OpenAI's Sam Altman Spotlights Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Tech
OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has brought significant attention to the issues of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the tech industry with his tweets on January 5, 2024. His personal experiences and observations have sparked discussions on the need for greater support and awareness within the industry. The public's varied responses highlight the complexity of media coverage and the responsibility of tech companies in addressing these social issues.
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.
“Bitcoin Has Depreciated in Half” Says Clueless Chechen Republic Leader Kadyrov
Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic has a strong distrust of Bitcoin, along with a profoundly confused understanding of BTC price.
Binance Australia Appoints Former DigitalX EXEC Leigh Travers as New CEO
Binance exchange officially announced yesterday that hired former DigitalX CEO and director Leigh Travers as the CEO of Binance Australia.
UK Parliament Committee Set Out Inquiry Into Risks and Benefits of NFTs
A group in the UK's House of Commons are now planning to launch an inquiry into the operation, risks, and benefits of NFTs and the blockchain at large, as well as to see how the industry could impart the UK economy.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Criticizes India’s New Bill Seeking to Ban Crypto Trading
Ripple CEO has responded to reports that India intends to introduce a ban on crypto trading.
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.
Binance Australia Derivatives starts closing certain positions and accounts
Binance Australia Derivatives are for wholesale investors exclusively, according to a separate notification.
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.
Tanzania wary about CBDC adoption following studies
Tanzania's central bank is proposing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). An East African interdisciplinary technical team examined CBDC hazards and advantages. Four governments have halted CBDC adoption plans, while six have abandoned digital currencies.
UK Parliament Requests Calls for Evidence on Crypto Impacts
The Treasury Committee of the Parliament of the United Kingdom has put out a Call for Evidence as it embarks on a mission to study the future of cryptocurrencies and how they will impact local society.
South Korea's Top Remittance Payment Company Global Money Express Joins RippleNet to Expand Payments into Thailand
Ripple has established a connection with Global Money Express, Korea’s top non-bank remittance payment company to link with Thailand’s Siam Business Bank.
Indian Bill To Ban Cryptocurrency Excluded From Winter Parliament Agenda
The bill to ban cryptocurrency trade in India has been left of its parliamentary winter session agenda, fueling speculation that there has been a change in strategy.
EU Parliament Approves Tough Rules to Ban Anonymous Crypto Transactions
The new proposals by the EU are designed to prevent criminal groups from exploiting the anonymity of crypto-based transactions.
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.
US CFTC Holds Meeting on Stablecoins Joined by Paxos, MakerDAO and JPM Coin Executives
The United States Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) held a meeting earlier this week to study the potential impact of the stablecoin industry. The derivatives regulator met with stablecoin industry experts to understand its future implications.
American Fugitive Wanted for $722 Million Crypto Scam Arrested in Indonesia for Child Sex Offenses
An American fraud fugitive wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a $722 million cryptocurrency scam has been nabbed in Jakarta, Indonesia, for child sex crimes.
Will The Outcome of Biden-Trump US Presidential Race Affect Crypto?
Market experts have debated whether the outcome of today's US presidential election will affect the crypto industry.
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.
Trust Wallet Partners with Ramp and MoonPay for Crypto-to-Fiat Withdrawals
Trust Wallet has partnered with Ramp and MoonPay to offer seamless crypto-to-fiat withdrawals for its users. The feature allows Trust Wallet users to convert crypto to fiat directly within the app, eliminating the need for transferring funds to a centralized wallet. This development comes at a time when centralized exchanges and P2P platforms are shutting down.
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.
Romania's ICI Bucharest Launches NFT Trading Platform for Web3 Adoption
ICI Bucharest has announced the launch of its in-house NFT trading platform, ICI D|Services, on April 26. The platform aims to facilitate the adoption of Web3 in Romania and connect private and public sector institutions and users. ICI Bucharest has been exploring blockchain and nonfungible tokens as the space gains traction globally.
BNB Surges Over 12% as Chain Launches Airdrop Alliance to Reward Community
BNB Chain announces the Airdrop Alliance Program to incentivize and engage its user base, with details of upcoming partnerships to follow.
Cryptocurrency Hackers Target Trump Presidential Campaign Website with Monero Scam Addresses
US President Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign website was briefly compromised yesterday in an attempt by hackers to gain cryptocurrency funds.
Coinfest Asia is Back in 2023, Carrying the Theme of Web2.5!
Coinfest Asia, the immersive Web3 festival in Asia, will be back on 24-25 August 2023 in Bali. Previously, the 2022 edition of Coinfest Asia managed to have more than 2,000 participants from more than 50 countries, these participants started from the institutional level, retail, and regulators.
Telegram Hit With $18.5 Million SEC Fine and Set to Return $1.2 Billion to Investors as it Dissolves TON Project
Telegram will return $1.2 billion to investors and pay a fine of $18.5 million to the SEC as it dissolves TON network. But community members seek to revive the project.
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.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Supports Nigerian Protest Against Police Brutality With Bitcoin Donations
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has supported Nigeria's EndSars campaign against police brutality with an undisclosed amount of Bitcoin (BTC), asks public for further donations.
Gold-Backed Digital Assets Were Issued By Russia's Biggest Bank
The first gold-backed digital financial assets were issued by Russia's biggest bank, Sber (previously Sberbank) (DFAs). Gold-backed DFAs represent certified monetary rights whose price and volume rely on gold prices. In July, Sber issued three-month assets worth 1 billion roubles.
Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez Accepts Paycheck 100% in Bitcoin
Francis Suarez, an American attorney and politician serving as the 43rd Mayor of Miami, announced on Twitter that he will get his next salary in Bitcoin (BTC).
Visa Approves Australian Startup CryptoSpend to Issue Debit Cards in Cryptos
The world's leading payment giant Visa approves the Australian startup CryptoSpend to issue debit cards for its customers to consume through cryptocurrencies.
What is CBDC?
CBDC stands for Central Bank Digital Currency, and represents the digital form of a nation’s fiat money (currency backed by trust or faith in the regulating government).
Crypto Adoption in Latin America: A Tool Against Economic Woes and Authoritarianism
The cryptocurrency landscape in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Venezuela, is evolving as a mechanism to counter economic and political adversities. While Argentina sees crypto as a bulwark against economic instability, Venezuela is utilizing it as a tool for humanitarian aid and resistance against authoritarianism. The divergent crypto adoption narratives in these nations underscore the asset class's potential to address complex societal challenges.
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.
Millennial Investors Open the Most Crypto Accounts in Q2, Apex Report Shows
A report conducted by investing platform Apex Fintech Solutions (Apex) shows nearly 370,000 new crypto accounts opened in Q2.
Precedent Trial of SBF Engrosses Coinbase Executives as FTX Faces Judicial Scrutiny
The criminal trial against Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) of FTX, slated to commence on October 4, 2023, under Judge Kaplan, has garnered attention from Coinbase executives, Brian Armstrong and Paul Grewal. Through Twitter, Grewal shared his extensive federal court experience and expectations for the jury selection process, sparking a broader discussion on legal procedures in high-profile crypto cases. The trial, amidst FTX's ongoing legal challenges, highlights the crypto industry's intricate regulatory landscape.
Binance Lists the Nigerian Naira on its Exchange Platform in Partnership with Flutterwaves
Binance has announced its listing of the Nigerian Naira on its exchange in collaboration with Flutterwaves, a Nigerian company that is poised to help banks and businesses build secure and seamless payments solutions for their customers.
How Does MakerDAO Stay Compliant on over 400 Global Partnerships?
MakerDao has over 400 global partnerships active throughout the world. So how does Maker manage to remain compliant with users in over 120 separate and specifically financially regulated jurisdictions?
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.
SAMA is Ramping Up Its Research into Central bank digital currencies
SAMA is expanding its central bank digital currency study (CBDCs). Saudi Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, decrease oil dependency, and improve public services.
CBN Reports $26 Billion in Cryptocurrency Flows Through Binance Nigeria
CBN reveals $26 billion transacted through Binance Nigeria from unknown sources, raising concerns amid naira's decline and increasing regulatory actions.
Russia’s Tinkoff Faces Regulatory Challenges to Offer Crypto Investments
Tinkoff's CEO complained that Russia's biggest online bank is unable to offer cryptocurrencies for clients due to the tough stance from Russia's central bank.
Pompliano said the market was FTX's "judge, jury, and executioner."
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried is a pariah in the crypto industry for "careless" mishandling of customer funds and strange behavior on Twitter.
COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Crisis is Pushing CBDC Adoption, says Bank of Russia
Financial regulators are keeping a keen eye on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) because they see them as silver linings.
Indian Government Affirms to Regulate Digital Currencies instead of Banning
Affirming the prior speculations on the concerted efforts of the Indian parliament and government to regulate the developing world of cryptocurrencies.
FTC Investigates Big Tech's AI Investments
The US FTC is conducting a thorough investigation into the partnerships and investments between tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and AI startups like OpenAI and Anthropic, focusing on their impact on market competition and innovation.
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.
Malaysia's National Stock Exchange Conducts Blockchain PoC to Digitize Bond Market
Malaysia’s national stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia will conduct a blockchain Proof-of-Concept (PoC) dubbed "Project Harbour" to explore the DLT management of the country’s bonds market.
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.
Binance Thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is the Greatest of All Time
In an exciting collaboration, Binance and Cristiano Ronaldo have announced the upcoming release of their second NFT (non-fungible token) collection, titled ForeverCR7: The GOAT.
USDT Sees Rise on Ukraine's Kuna Exchange Following Russia Attack
The price of Tether's USDT stablecoin soared to 36.97 Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH) ($1.23) on Ukraine's Kuna exchange on Thursday, following the ongoing invasion from Russia.
Bitcoin Price Will Ignite on September 7, Says Former Prudential Securities CEO and New Bitcoin Bull George Ball
George Ball the former chief executive of Prudential Securities and current chairman of Sanders Morris Harris has joined the growing list of traditional financial industry experts to advocate for Bitcoin as a safe have asset and hedge against inflation.
Hong Kong Firm Prima Asia to Launch Blockchain Payment in APAC
Hong Kong-based startup Prima Asia Limited said it will launch innovative blockchain payment technology in the Asia-Pacific region this year.
Stanford University's Percy Liang Spearheads AI Transparency Initiative
Stanford's Foundation Model Transparency Index highlights a significant transparency gap in AI foundation models, highlighting the need for enhanced practices and regulations.
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.
Nigerian Securities Commission to Release Official Guidelines on Crypto Regulations
The Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission has announced a proposed crypto regulation guideline.
Indian Couple Tie their Knot in the Metaverse, Offering 3D Experience for 500 Guests
Have you ever thought about getting married virtually? An Indian couple decided to arrange their first wedding of its kind in the metaverse.
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.
VeChain and Alipay Join China-Australia Blockchain Supply Chain Project for Sustainable Shipping
A joint Australian-Chinese supply chain and trade finance project got a major boost last week as AliPay, Mastercard, and crypto firm VeChain joined the initiate.
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.
Hector Network Partners with German Side Borussia Dortmund
Hector Network, a Web3 technology company, and sponsor has partnered with revered German football club, Borussia Dortmund
Iran Court Releases Crypto Mining Equipment
In June 2022, Iran's energy usage reached 62,500 megawatts (MW). Iran currently holds 0.2% of the Bitcoin hash rate, up from 0.12%. Crypto-mining equipment confiscated to preserve energy was released by a judge.
Australia’s Finance Minister Warns Crypto are High Risk Assets
Australia’s Financial Services Minister Jane Hume warned that the cryptocurrencies are volatile and high-risk assets, investors must be aware of risk after the recent massive price correction of the global crypto industry.
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.
El Salvador Ranks Top in Bitcoin Searching on Google, Follows by Nigeria
The growing interest in Bitcoin continues to draw attention from the public as El Salvador takes the helm of Google searches.
Nigerians Set to Enjoy Remittances at 1% Cost Through the Strategic Partnership Between Dash And Bitfxt
According to the report, this partnership is meant to ensure that Nigeria's crypto-enthusiasts enjoy remittances at a very affordable rate. While Dash is deemed as a leading digital asset for remittances and international payments with secure, fast and affordable transactions, BITFXT a Nigerian exchange with the goal of bringing more liquidity to the Nigerian crypto market. The recent development indicates that the team has decided to bridge the gap in remittances for Nigerians through the use of Dash at a 1% cost.
DWF Labs' Andrei Grachev Fires Back at GSR Cristian Gil
A Twitter feud between Andrei Grachev of DWF Labs and Cristian Gil of GSR.io has ignited discussions about the state of the crypto market and the role of market makers. The public disagreement has even led to a proposition for a "Crypto Fight Night," where the loser would have to leave the crypto markets.
Coinbase Officially Enters Canadian Market with Interac Integration and One Trial
Coinbase enters Canada, integrating Interac for seamless transfers and introducing a 30-day trial of Coinbase One with zero trading fees for Canadians.
Twitter and Facebook Grilled in Senate Hearing Over Social Media Censorship of US Presidential Election
Facebook and Twitter are facing heat from US Congress for how they handled political misinformation circulating on the social media platforms.
Coinbase Amplifies Anti-Terrorism Financing Measures Through Blockchain Analytics
Coinbase, on October 17, 2023, outlined its robust measures to curb terrorism financing and other illicit activities through a rigorous compliance framework and blockchain analytics. The discourse emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity in the U.S to minimize offshore risks associated with digital assets. With a dedicated team and technological tools, Coinbase demonstrates a proactive approach in maintaining the integrity of the crypto ecosystem.
Nigeria's Central Bank Freezes Bank Accounts Linked to Suspected Illegal Crypto Traders
The central bank of Nigeria has ordered a directive to freeze the bank accounts associated with two individuals and a firm suspected of illegally engaging in crypto trading.
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 Charges Titan Global Capital Management for Misleading Advertisements and Compliance Failures
On Aug 21, 2023, the SEC charged Titan Global Capital Management for misleading ads and compliance failures. Titan advertised a 2,700% annualized return, omitting key details. They'll pay $1.04M in penalties and disgorgement.
Fox Corporation and Polygon Unveil "Verify for Blockchain-Based Content Authentication
Fox Corporation partners with Polygon to launch 'Verify', a blockchain-based tool for authenticating digital content. Verify aims to combat AI-generated media and deepfakes, ensuring the integrity of media content in the digital age.
First in the World? Lithuania Central Bank Approved Blockchain-based Digital Collectible
Implementing a unique new idea will be the Bank of Lithuania in introducing the world’s first blockchain – based digital coin collectible.
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.
Russian Official Advocates Legalization of Bitcoin Mining
In a dramatic twist, the Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Evgeny Grabchak is pushing for the regulation of Bitcoin mining given the current realities in the country.
Argentina's fan token drops 31% after losing against Saudi Arabia
Argentina's World Cup opener loss to Saudi Arabia hurt the FA Fan Token. ARG token was $7.21 before kickoff and $4.96 after. "The Saudis," a nonfungible token collection themed after Saudi Arabia, rose 52.6% to 0.3 ETH. Algorand is the first blockchain-based FIFA World Cup sponsor. CHZ has fallen 40% since FTX's insolvency news.
LSG Group Says Crypto Exchanges Dealing in Russia Could See Setbacks
The head of the London Stock Exchange Group said that cryptocurrency exchanges engaging with Russia could see negative consequences as Western governments look for ways to tackle Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
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.
Bitget U30 Hackathon Recognizes Budding AI and Blockchain Innovators
Bitget’s Under 30 Virtual Hackathon, a part of its Blockchain4Youth initiative, concluded on October 16, 2023, showcasing exemplary AI and blockchain innovations. With over 1,000 participating teams, winners were recognized across various categories, each receiving $10,000. The hackathon highlighted promising young talents, aligning with Bitget's aim of promoting blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption among the youth.
Visa Integrating Cryptocurrency Services into Brazilian Banks
Visa is further expanding its cryptocurrency services. The payment giant firm is working in Brazil to integrate cryptocurrency services into the local banking system.
National Bank of Georgia Considers Launching Its Own Central Bank Digital Currency
The National Bank of Georgia believes that the CBDCs have become essential for the financial ecosystem to improve financial inclusion and enhance domestic payment systems.
CipherTrace Unveils New Compliance Software For Banks Against Illicit Crypto Transactions
CipherTrace launches Armada to fix the blind spot in cryptocurrency compliance
NFT will Become the Revenue Model of Metaverse,Co-founder of Tether William Quigley says
William Quigley, the co-founder of the stablecoin- Tether (USDT), said the business model would undergo radical changes in the future. The delivery of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will become the revenue model of Metaverse and Crypto.
A Colombian court recently hosted its first legal trial in the metaverse
The metaverse hosted Colombia's Magdalena Administrative Court's February 15 session. Maria Quinones, the court's Magistrate, called it "realer than a video call."
U.S. Democrats Propose Bill to Restrict Russian Crypto Use amid Ukraine Crisis
U.S. Democratic senators have proposed a bill that intends to impose sanctions on foreign cryptocurrency companies that have partnerships with Russian entities, preventing them from bypassing U.S. sanctions.
Binance CEO Highlights Disproportionate Narrative on Illicit Activities in Crypto versus Fiat Currencies
Dr. Andrzej Gwizdalski and Binance CEO Richard Teng's analysis reveals traditional fiat currencies are involved in more illicit activities ($3.2 trillion annually) than cryptocurrencies ($20 billion), prompting a rethinking of the narrative.
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.
Report: TON and Telegram Forge Alliance in Q3 2023
The TON Ecosystem saw substantial growth and strategic alliances in Q3 2023. Notable highlights include a collaborative venture with Telegram, set to roll out the self-custodial wallet, TON Space, to Telegram's 800 million users, and a steady increase in TON accounts and on-chain active wallets. Various community initiatives and developer-centric events further illustrated TON's commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem, setting a solid foundation for its expansive vision in the crypto landscape.
Indian Exchanges are all Out on Crypto With Ads Ahead of Coming Festive Season
Indian crypto exchanges are planning huge ad campaigns to attract new users ahead of the upcoming festive seasons.
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.
Crypto Exchange Refuses to Give Up Dissident Names to Belarus Government
Belarus government officials have demanded that a Kuna.io crypto exchange disclose the names of potential dissidents that have leveraged their services.
Coinbase Considers Support for 18 New Cryptos Including VeChain, Prompting Higher Prices
Coinbase is considering adding a new range of digital assets, including VeChain, Aragon, Bancor, Siacoin, Origin Protocol, and Ren to its potential listings.
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.
Indian Engineering Students Develop Blockchain-based Smart Voting System
Three Computer Engineering Students have created a Blockchain-based Voting System which will allows casting of votes online, instead of the manual means of standing in a poll.
Curve Founder Michael Egorov Withdraws Near 12 Million CRV Tokens
Michael Egorov, the founder of Curve Finance, withdrew nearly 12 million CRV tokens, equivalent to $5.08 million, from the platform's vesting contracts on October 12, 2023. This move aligns with the vesting schedule of CRV, enabling Egorov to claim $235,000 worth of CRV daily.
Traditional Financial Giant Lloyd's of London Introduces Cryptocurrency Insurance for Hot Wallets
Insurance giant Lloyd’s has launched a new insurance product to protect digital asset holders against the rising threat of cybercrime in the crypto market.
Bitcoin is a Freedom Friendly Type of Currency- Sen Cynthia Lummis
Senator Cynthia reiterated the role of Bitcoin as a freedom tool against oppressive governments.
Gemini Allocates $24 Million for Expansion in India
Gemini is set to invest $24 million in its Gurgaon development center in India, focusing on core platform areas like compliance and security. The move is part of Gemini's broader strategy to tap into India's burgeoning tech and startup ecosystem.
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.
Reuters: Binance Australia Users Rush to Sell Bitcoin Amid Payment Issues
According to a recent report by Reuters, Bitcoin prices on Binance's Australian platform were almost A$9,000 lower than those on rival exchanges on Tuesday.
Hong Kong SFC Finalizes Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong concluded a consultation period today, revealing the finalized regulatory requirements for operators of virtual asset trading platforms licensed by the SFC.
Colombia Holds Landmark Virtual Court Trial in Metaverse
Colombia's Magdalena Administrative Court conducted a trial in the metaverse on February 15, with participants appearing as avatars in a virtual courtroom. The trial involved a traffic dispute brought by a regional transport union against the police and lasted two hours. The verdict could also be given in the metaverse. Colombia is one of the first countries to test legal proceedings in the metaverse.
Russian Citizens Are Using P2P Bitcoin Markets to Escape Monolithic Banking System
Crypto usage is growing in Russia, despite attempts by the government to make investment more difficult.
Coinbase CEO Avoids Mainstream Media, Prefers YouTube, Podcasts and Blogs
Brian Armstrong the Coinbase CEO, has joined the list of cryptocurrency executives who prefer to leverage their own blogs and platforms to distribute information to the media, as opposed to direct contact with any journalists.
Aussie Trading Platform Collapses after User's Damning Complaints
MyCryptoWallet, a platform that operates as a trading platform in Australia went bankrupt. A situation that was inevitable as many of the platform’s users started complaining that they were unable to access their funds on the exchange.
Australian Crypto Exchange BTC Markets Accidentally Exposes 270,000 Customer Names and Emails
BTC Markets, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Australia, has accidentally exposed customers’ data, an incident that has put users at risk of phishing attacks.
FTX Founder's Lawyers Consider Delaying Criminal Trial
Lawyers representing FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have hinted that they may need to delay his criminal trial due to a lack of evidence from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, will focus on fraud charges against Bankman-Fried. His lawyers have stated that they are still waiting for a "substantial portion" of evidence to be handed over to them, including evidence from devices belonging to former FTX employees who have pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
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?
Crypto Miner HIVE Requested for Resubmission of Form 40-F
Hive Blockchain Technologies Ltd said it received a letter from Nasdaq, requesting that the company renew its annual report on Form 40-F due to delays in filing submit plans to meet exchange listing compliance.
South Korea Probes OKX for Unregistered Operations
South Korean financial authorities are investigating OKX, a cryptocurrency exchange, for potentially operating without proper registration, following allegations from the Digital Asset Exchange Association.
Zodia Custody and Parity Technologies Forge Strategic Partnership for Polkadot Ecosystem
Zodia Custody has partnered with Parity Technologies to enhance institutional access to the Polkadot ecosystem, a pioneering blockspace network. The partnership will provide custody services, staking DOT, and bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. Zodia Custody will also support the ecosystem's sustained evolution through research and development, promoting global initiatives associated with Parity and Polkadot.
Exclusive: Will Everipedia Replace Wikipedia in the Future?
Following Part 1 of our interview, Larry took a deeper dive in Everipedia in terms of governance model, staking mechanism and public awareness. He also addressed the question that have drawn widespread curiosity of public: Will Everipedia replace Wikipedia in future?
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.
FIFA Club World Cup 2023 Partners with Modex for Exclusive NFT Collection Launch
FIFA Club World Cup 2023™ combines football and digital tech with FIFA+ Collect's exclusive NFT series, partnering with Modex to enhance fan engagement and memorabilia experience.
Korea’s Jeju Island Introduces Blockchain-Fueled COVID-19 App for Tourism
To recover from COVID-19 tourism losses, South Korea has introduced a blockchain-powered digital app for visitors of Jeju Island to ensure safe travels.
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).
Ukraine’s Largest Bank Privatbank Suspends Money Transfers to Crypto Exchanges amid Martial Law
Other local banks in Ukraine have also imposed restrictions authorized by the country’s central bank under the current martial law.
South Korean Gaming Giant Wemade Faces $41 Million Tax Bill for Crypto Operations
South Korean gaming firm Wemade faces a $41 million tax bill for its crypto operations, highlighting the complexities of regulatory compliance in the blockchain gaming industry.
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.
Christine Lagarde Announced EUR 750 Billion Bond Buyback, Bitcoin Surged 10%
With the launch of ECB's €750 Billion bond buyback, Bitcoin, in the last 24 hours witnessed a steep increase in price clocking at 16% growth.
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.
India UPI expanding services to Singapore
The eight-bank digital rupee pilot programme has processed 770,000 transactions.
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?
Enhancing AI Recommendations: A Study on ChatGPT's Conversational Refinement and Bias Mitigation
The study examines ChatGPT's effectiveness in conversational recommendations using the HetRec2011 dataset, focusing on its top-n recommender performance and strategies for mitigating popularity bias, highlighting its potential for user engagement.
Cryptocurrency Payments now Accepted at Tifon Gas Stations in Croatia as Firm Hopes to Tap Tourist Trade
Croatia's Tifon is keen on introducing crypto payments to enable tourists to use Bitcoin and ETH to pay for fuel and other services at designated gas stations.
NVIDIA Acquires GPU Orchestration Software Provider Run:ai for $700 Million
NVIDIA, a leading technology company, has announced its acquisition of Run:ai, an Israeli startup that specializes in GPU orchestration software. The acquisition aims to enhance NVIDIA's capabilities in managing and optimizing AI computing resources across various environments. The terms of the deal, including the acquisition cost, have not been publicly disclosed.
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.
Hong Kong Tycoon-backed C Capital to Raise $500m to Invest in Digital Assets
C Capital, a fund owned by Hong Kong real estate tycoon Adrian Cheng, plans to raise $500 million in the next 18 months to invest in blockchain and digital assets.
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.
Bank of Russia Reveals the Possibility of Developing a CBDC in Public Consultation Report
In the recently published public consultation on the digital rubble, the Bank of Russia acknowledged it is considering the potentials of issuing a CBDC.
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.
US District Judge Rules in Favor of Custodial Arrangement for bZx DAO Members
A US district judge has ruled that bZx DAO transactions are custodial due to the ability for developers to upgrade a smart contract where the key is held by a single developer, as highlighted in a class-action lawsuit against bZx DAO and others. This may impact DeFi platforms that use multisigs and require them to obtain custody licenses to comply with the law.
Australia Breaks Into Top 3 Nations for Crypto ATM
Australia has 234 crypto ATMs, third worldwide behind the US and Canada. Australia has added 16 ATMs since Jan. 1, while Spain has lost 4 and El Salvador hasn't.
Elon Musk Endorses Pro-Crypto Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy
Elon Musk endorses pro-crypto candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Amidst tense crypto regulations, the 2024 U.S. elections may shape the future of digital currencies.
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.
Bitdeer and NVIDIA Partner to Launch AI Cloud Service in Asia
Bitdeer Technologies Group and NVIDIA are set to launch Bitdeer AI Cloud in Asia, utilizing NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD technology, to meet the growing demand for AI computing power in the cloud PaaS market.
Exclusive: Can Onchain Custodian Fill Fidelity's Gap in Crypto Custody?
While wall street giant Fidelity tapped into the crypto custodian space, can Onchain Custodian survive under the fierce competition? Alexandre Kech, CEO of Onchain Custodian believes that they can fill Fidelity's gap in the crypto custodial market. He also explains how the surging demand in BTC futures and crypto collateral can present huge business opportunities for crypto custodians.
India Sees a Step Backward as Lawmaker to Advocate Crypto Ban
An Indian Lok Sabha lawmaker, Nishikant Dubey, advocates that the nation should ban cryptocurrencies rather than embrace these nascent assets through regulation.
Slovenia Makes History as the First Country to Launch an NFT Product
Slovenia is on track to become the first country in the world to launch its first Non-Fungible Token (NFT) series.
Nigeria Passes Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency Law
The Nigerian government will soon legalize Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Punch Newspapers of Nigeria announced the news on December 18 after interviewing House of Representatives Committee on Capital Markets Chairman Babangida Ibrahim. If passed, the local Securities and Exchange Commission might consider cryptocurrencies and other digital monies as investment capital.
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.
French Payment App Lydia Offers Digital Assets Trading Services
French payment processing app Lydia has now integrated support for digital assets trading to provide an easier way to invest.
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.
Italy's G7 Presidency: Focus on AI Regulation, African Development, and Ukraine Support
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outlined Italy's G7 presidency priorities for 2024, focusing on AI regulation, supporting African development, and maintaining support for Ukraine against Russia.
Neo-Banking Crypto Startup Juno Raises $18M in Series A Funding Round
The India’s neobank is seeking to use the funds towards accelerating its growth and launching more products.
OKX to Open Office in Australia
Brand Ambassadors Daniel Ricciardo, Scotty James, and McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri join event at Melbourne Arts Centre to celebrate ahead of Australian Grand Prix
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.
Members of Congress Start Blockchain Education with $50 Dollar Bitcoin Donation
Members of the United States Congress will receive a $50 campaign contribution in Bitcoin today to educate lawmakers on the potential of blockchain technology.
Binance.US Struggles to Find Banking Partner in the U.S.
Binance.US is facing challenges in finding a bank partner to serve as a fiat on-ramp and off-ramp for its clients in the United States, following the recent failures of Silvergate and Signature Bank. The regulatory crackdown on banks with crypto clients is another factor contributing to the exchange's struggles.
Is Conversational Diagnostic AI like AMIE Feasible?
AMIE, an AI system developed by Google Research and DeepMind, demonstrates superior diagnostic accuracy compared to human physicians in a groundbreaking study, signaling a new era in AI-driven healthcare.
Hong Kong Crypto Exchange HKVAEX Announces Phased Shutdown
HKVAEX, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange, has initiated a phased suspension of their services, leading to a complete shutdown by May 1, 2024.
Crypto.com's $10.5 Million Mistake Leads to Legal Fallout for Australian Couple
A Melbourne couple faces legal repercussions after Crypto.com mistakenly transferred $10.5 million AUD to their bank account. Thevamanogari Manivel and her partner, Jatinder Singh, allegedly spent the funds on property and other assets. Manivel has been sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order, while Singh is set to face a plea trial on October 23, 2023.
Bank of Lithuania Has Commenced the Issuance of its LBCOINS to the Public
Following the launch of its digital collectibles dubbed “LBCOINS,” the Bank of Lithuania has announced that it has commenced the issuance of the LBCOINS to the members of the public. The issuance of LBCOINS is a landmark step in the worldwide drive towards achieving a financial era dominated central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
Ukrainian Government Raises over $10M in Digital Currencies from the Public
The entire public, particularly the crypto-savvy population, has shown solidarity with Ukraine and has raised more than $10 million since the call was made.
US Congress Proposes Bill to Restrict Government Interactions with Foreign Adversarial Blockchain Networks
US Congress introduces H.R.6307, limiting government interactions with Chinese blockchain networks, addressing national security and data privacy concerns, and urging increased scrutiny in the technology sector.
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.
Invesco Mutual Fund Files to the India‘s SEC to Invest in Blockchain Fund
The fund management giant Invesco Mutual Fund has submitted documents to the SEC of India to invest in Invesco Elwood Global Blockchain UCITS Exchange Traded Fund.
Coinbase: Moving America Forward or Moving out of US?
In an effort to promote the importance of cryptocurrency and its potential to revolutionize the global financial system, Coinbase, the leading crypto exchange, launched a national campaign, "Crypto: Moving America Forward."
Chainlink Labs Appoints Diem CTO Dahlia Malkhi as CRO
Dahlia Malkhi joins Chainlink Labs to further strengthen its external insight and to help develop research and thought leadership.
Binance Sues Bloomberg Businessweek's Publisher for Defamation in HK
Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao, sued Bloomberg’s Hong Kong media partner- Bloomberg Businessweek's publisher, for allegedly misleading publications resulting in damaging Binance’s reputation.
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.
Over $5M Bitcoin Worth Transferred towards Aiding Ukrainian Army Amid Russian Invasion
At least $5 million in Bitcoin has been donated to boost the Ukrainian Army since Russia attacked the nation on February 24, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic.
NFT Trading Platform Giant MakersPlace Completes $30M in Series A Financing
Non-Fungible Token (NFT) trading platform MakersPlace announced the completion of a $30 million Series A financing jointly led by Bessemer Venture Partners and Pantera Captial.
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.
India May Imposes 2% "Equalization Levy" on Offshore Crypto Exchanges
According to local media sources in India, the regulator intends to impose a 2% "equalization levy" on investors for cryptocurrency trading services from offshore exchanges that provide services to the Indian market.
Binance Australia Derivatives License Canceled by ASIC
ASIC has canceled the financial services license of Binance Australia Derivatives after reviewing Binance's operations in the country. Clients must close their existing derivatives positions before April 21.
Reliance Retail accept digital rupee at one store
Reliance Retail has pledged to assist India's CBDC throughout its companies.
India Chooses to Regulate Crypto, Will Levy 30% Taxes on Income Earned from All Digital Assets
In a dramatic turn of events, India has decided to regulate cryptocurrencies with a major move introducing crypto taxation on all transactions involving digital assets.
Nigeria Plans to Regulate Digital Asset Platforms
Nigeria’s SEC is considering new regulations for digital asset platforms, allowing licensed digital exchanges to list tokens backed by certain assets. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether will not be among those assets. Nigeria aims to register fintech firms as digital sub-brokers, crowdfunding intermediaries, fund managers, and tokenized coins issuers. Crypto exchanges will not be registered until the central bank provides clear regulations.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong To Sell 2% Stake to Fund Science and Tech Development
Science and technology play a crucial role in responding to the most important issues facing the world today. This is why Coinbase CEO is funding the initiative.
CoinDCX Suspends Deposits and Withdrawals, Citing Compliance Requirements
CoinDCX has suspended withdrawals. The exchange said compliance, risk and monitoring requirements necessitated the decision. All users are expected to follow an enhanced due diligence process to enable crypto deposits and withdrawals.
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.
Australia Tax Office Says Crypto Under Focus This Tax Season
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has highlighted four major problem areas it wants to focus on this taxation season, and digital currencies are prominently featured.
Blockchain Capital Joins the Libra Association as Newest Governing Member
Blockchain Capital investment company has joined the Libra Association as a governing member.
India Considers New Law to End Crypto Trading Despite Numerous Overturns by the Supreme Court
The Indian government is planning to bring in a new law to ban cryptocurrency trading, following the prohibition of banks and financial services to provide services related to crypto.
Crypto Adoption Grows among Asian Countries, Says Chainalysis Report
Chainalysis has released the analysis report, showing that countries in Central & Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) region received more than $900 billion in crypto value from July 2021 to June 2022.
Despite Threats of Ban, Russians Transact Over $5B in Crypto Annually: BOR
A new review on financial stability published by the Russian apex bank on Thursday showcases that the crypto savvy population in the country has transacted more than 350 billion rubles, or $5 billion.
Spanish Lawmaker Tables a Proposal to be Bitcoin Mining Hub after Kazakhstan Internet Shutdown
Maria Munoz, a member of the Congress of Deputies, seeks to make Spain a Bitcoin mining hub following the turmoil that was continually rocking Kazakhstan.
Thailand SEC Eases ICO Restrictions
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to lift restrictions on retail investment in initial coin offerings (ICOs). The SEC aims to permit bigger investments in asset-backed ICOs, including those backed by real estate and infrastructure.
India’s Demand for Blockchain Developers Soars by 700%
India's demand for blockchain developers has increased by more than 700% because it is viewed as an incredible blockchain destination.
Bithumb Touts Indian Alliances for its New Blockchain Protocol
Bithumb Global, one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has announced its intent of availing its new blockchain protocol in India. Dubbed 'Bithumb Chain,' the South Korea based exchange seeks to avail it to Indian startups, companies and even the administration for developing products and services on the foundation of blockchain technology.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Bring his Fans into Web3.0 through Binance Partnership
Binance exchange has signed Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese footballing legend who now plays for Manchester United FC in an exclusive multi-year deal.
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.
China's Guangdong Province Aims to Lead in Quality and Innovation by Embracing Blockchain and AI Technologies
In a recent move, the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government have issued the "Outline for Building Guangdong Province as a Strong Quality-driven Province," outlining their vision to enhance the leading role of industrial clusters in terms of quality.
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.
PwC Cybersecurity: CatchMe if you Kan
Felix Kan is a Partner in PwC’s Risk Assurance Cybersecurity Privacy practice with 10 years of extensive experience. Kan began his career as an ethical hacker and has committed his career to helping Hong Kong companies enhance their protections against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
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.
Indonesia's State-Backed Crypto Exchange: An Analysis
Indonesia's state-backed crypto exchange aims to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection. It is expected to boost crypto adoption.
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.
Locked Down in Coronavirus Quarantine? Why not get your Blockchain Credentials for Free?
The coronavirus epidemic has been ravaging China and has raised concerns regarding the effect the disruption may have on the growth of technology within the region. Rising from the panic of the virus has been a plethora of misinformation and fake news which has, in fact, led the country to increase its use of blockchain technology.
Binance Faces Intensified Scrutiny in Nigeria Amid Accusations of Impacting Local Currency
Binance is under heightened scrutiny in Nigeria, with allegations of contributing to the naira's devaluation, challenging the crypto exchange's regulatory dialogues.
Analysis of Dominance and Dynamics of Bitcoin Mining in 2023
In 2023, Bitcoin mining saw top pools like Foundry and Antpool dominate, navigating 27 difficulty adjustments and 147 empty blocks, showcasing evolving blockchain dynamics.
Russia to Permit Partial Bitcoin Mining
Despite the back-and-forth stance toward crypto in Russia, serval Russian departments have reached a consensus that Bitcoin mining should be legalized in areas rich in electricity.
Bitget Registers as a Service Provider in Lithuania
Bitget has registered as a service provider in Lithuania after meeting compliance standards with regional laws and regulations. Lithuania is an emerging digital asset market and a popular location for cryptocurrency and blockchain projects.
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.
Singapore's MAS Blacklists ImToken Wallet for Unlicensed Operations
Singapore's MAS has blacklisted ImToken, a crypto wallet provider, for lack of a financial license, citing its role as a decentralized, self-custodial wallet for investor protection and market stability.
Russian Prime Minister Calls for Civilized Approach to Crypto Regulation
Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian prime minister, has stated that the cryptocurrency market ought to be advanced in a civilized manner.
Russia Considering to Impose Special Energy Tariffs on Cryptocurrency Miners
Russia is looking to impose special energy tariffs on crypto miners paying more, who are being accounted for massive electricity consumption.
Central Bank of Russia Intends to Ban Crypto Mining and Activities
The Central Bank of Russia is going on the offensive in relation to the digital currency ecosystem in the country as the apex bank is calling for a blanket ban on crypto-related activities.
Binance.US Appoints Joshua Sroge As Interim CEO Following Brian Brooks’ Departure
Binance.US has appointed Joshua Sroge as the firm’s interim chief executive, while amid the largest cryptocurrency exchange is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
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.
Indian Woman Caught After Stealing 63.5 Bitcoins From Company She Co-Founded
Ayushi Jain, a 26-year-old Indian woman, has been arrested by police after she stole 63.5 Bitcoins worth approximately $420,000 from Bengaluru-based BitCipher Labs LLP, a company she co-founded with Ashish Singhal.
Andreessen Horowitz Hires Former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz To Bolster Regulatory Expansion
The appointment of Brian Quintenz shows a sign of growing importance of compliance and regulation at Andreessen Horowitz.
S. Korean Artist Management Firm Hybe Eyes Expansion into NFTs
Hybe, one of S. Korea's top K-pop management agencies, is planning to expand its marketplace for NFTs by collaborating with celebrities not managed by the firm.
Russia Collaborates With Other Countries to Setup Stablecoin Cross-border Clearing Platform
Russia is already working with several countries to establish clearing platforms for cross-border settlements of stablecoins, according to the state-backed TASS news agency.
Microsoft Reveals Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU
Microsoft unveiled Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU, optimized for AI and cloud computing, with deployment scheduled for early 2024.
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.
Ukrainian Volunteer Groups Receive Bitcoin Donations amid Tension with Russia
Ukrainian volunteer groups and related NGOs are receiving Bitcoin donations, given that Russia has marshalled at least 100,000 troops on the border.
Third Co-Founder of Centra Tech Pleads Guilty for $25 Million ICO Fraud
It has recently been announced that the third co-founder of Centra Tech has agreed to plead guilty for his role in the $25 Million Initial Coin Offering (ICO) Scam his cryptocurrency firm was involved in.
India's Central Bank Slammed with a Two Week Crypto Ban Ultimatum
India's central bank has been slammed by the nation's supreme court about the stance it took in banning cryptocurrency business. It was given two weeks to give a concrete response to justify its actions.
UBS and OSL Pioneer Hong Kong's First Ethereum Tokenized Warrant
UBS AG, in collaboration with OSL Digital Securities, introduces Hong Kong's first tokenized warrant on the Ethereum blockchain, marking a landmark moment in financial innovation and blockchain adoption.
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.
EU Imposes 8th Wave Sanctions over Russia to Include Blanket Crypto Ban
The European Union (EU) has updated its sanction on Russia, the 8th package, and this time, it unveils zero tolerance for crypto-related transactions.
Renault Deploys Blockchain for Vehicle Compliance Certification from Design to Production
Renault, a leading French automobile manufacturer, has established the XCEED blockchain system to ensure compliance of all car parts from design to production.
IAMAI to Host World’s Largest Virtual Global Fintech Fest
New Delhi, 01st July 2020: Internet and Mobile Association of India [IAMAI], and its sister organisations, Payments Council of India, [PCI] and Fintech Convergence Council [FCC] are jointly organising the two-day virtual Global FinTech Festival on 22-23 July 2020.
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.
Blockstream's Greenlight Officially Launches, Promising Simplified Lightning Operations
Blockstream has officially launched Greenlight, a Lightning-as-a-Service (LaaS) solution, aimed at alleviating the operational challenges of managing Lightning network nodes while enhancing security. The service, revealed in June and launched on October 12, 2023, allows developers to retain key control, reducing risks and freeing up essential resources for core business operations. Greenlight offers a blend of convenience and self-custody, making it a noteworthy advancement in the blockchain and Lightning network domain.
Coinbase to Host Crypto Community Event in India to Support Entrepreneurs
As contained in a Blog post shared by Coinbase Global Inc, it will be hosting a crypto community event in Bangalore to discuss the future of crypto and web3 in the country.
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.
PwC: Crypto M&A and Fundraising in Asia Reports Major Growth
PwC previewed its latest white paper—PwC Global Crypto M&A and Fundraising Report—last Thursday at CoinDesk’s Invest: Asia event. This is the first report by PwC on the broader crypto ecosystem, but the firm will continue to publish updates twice a year moving forward.
UK Requests Crypto Exchanges to Report Suspected Sanction Breaches
The UK authorities have introduced the new rules in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The regulations cover all valuable digital assets.
New Blockchain Patent Presented by US Postal Service as Trump Denies Funding for Mail-In Votes
In light of the 2020 US presidential elections, Trump admitted to denying funding to the United States Postal Service (USPS), despite the mailing service’s proposal on Thursday of a new patent for a blockchain-powered voting system, which would make ballot casting more secure.
Corrupt Cop Sentenced to Prison for Accepting Bitcoin Bribe from Dark Web Drug Dealer
A former police officer has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for accepting a Bitcoin bribe from a dark web dealer, in exchange for his professional services.
Sequoia Capital's $213.5m Investments in FTX Marks Down to $0
Amid the liquidity crisis in FTX, Sequoia Capital announced to mark down its FTX investment to $0.
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.
Russian Blockchain E-Voter Identities Can be Exposed Through Vulnerability
On the final day of Russia’s vote on the proposed constitutional amendments—a vulnerability in the blockchain-based system that allows user’s votes to be decrypted has been exposed by Russian media.
Binance set to reenter Japanese crypto market
Binance is set to reenter the Japanese crypto market after acquiring the regulated crypto exchange platform, Sakura Exchange Bitcoin (SEBC). The SEBC platform will terminate its current crypto exchange and brokerage services by May 31, 2023, and reopen as Binance Japan in June. Binance had to fold its Japan operations in 2018 after regulatory warnings, but has since mended relations with regulators and reentered other markets through acquisitions.
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.
Reserve Bank of Australia May Still Have Its Eye on CBDC After All
Reserve Bank of Australia's Tony Richards has said that the RBA will continue to consider the potentials of issuing a CBDC.
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.
Stanford's WikiChat Addresses Hallucinations Problem and Surpasses GPT-4 in Accuracy
Stanford's WikiChat elevates AI chatbot accuracy by integrating Wikipedia, addresses the inherent problem of hallucinations, significantly outperforms GPT-4 in benchmark tests.
Crypto.com Lands in Italy by Acquiring Operating License
Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has landed registration and regulatory approval from the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori (OAM) in Italy.
Correlation Between Performance of Equity Markets and Crypto Assets in Asia Increased: the IMF
The International Monetary Fund said that the returns and volatility correlations between Bitcoin and Asian equity markets have increased significantly since 2020, before the pandemic.
Will Gold Bull Peter Schiff Change His Mind on Bitcoin? Crypto Twitter Backs BTC
Peter Schiff and his son have brought their friendly banter regarding Bitcoin investments to crypto Twitter.
R3 and Asian Central Banks Join Forces to Unravel Central Bank Digital Currencies
Blockchain.News spoke with Carl Wegner, the Head of Asia Pacific at R3, who has been with the company for over three years, with a major focus on developing business and partnership opportunities for the consortium. Having been in the trade finance industry for over 30 years, Wegner feels that it is an incredible opportunity for blockchain to help streamline processes.
Coinbase Finally Sets Up Crypto Trading Services in India
The establishment of a local foothold follows Coinbase’s acquisition of the Indian-based AI-powered support platform Agara.
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.
AI's 2024 Outlook: Insights from Germanidis, Hooker, Liang, Luccioni, Moiloa, and Scott
Batch Issue 229 envisions AI's 2024 vision, emphasizing inclusive, transparent, and ethical development, focusing on multimodal models, real-time interactivity, language gap, transparency, governance, and human contributions.
India’s WazirX Lays Off 40% Of Workforce, Triggered by Market Hardship
WazirX has joined the growing list of crypto firms reducing headcount amid the ongoing market crash
UK to Host First International AI Safety Conference in November
The United Kingdom is set to host the world's first international conference on AI safety on November 1-2, 2023. The summit aims to position the UK as a mediator in tech discussions between the US, China, and the EU. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will host the event at Bletchley Park, featuring notable attendees like US Vice President Kamala Harris and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. The conference will focus on the existential risks posed by AI, among other safety concerns.
US Sanctions Crypto Addresses of Russian Hackers Accused of Running Presidential Election Interference
The US has released a sanctions list of Russians and their crypto addresses, under allegations that they have been interfering with the presidential election.
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.
US Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Russian Crypto Mining Firm Bitriver
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia last over 2 months, The U.S. strengthens sanctions over Russia, adding Bitriver to the sanctions list in connection with its ties to the Russian economy.
Over 115 Billion USDT Used in Southeast Asia's Illicit Activities in 2022: Revealed Bitrace
Bitrace, a blockchain analytics firm, revealed that 115 billion USDT was involved in illegal cryptocurrency activities in Southeast Asia in 2022, highlighting the transparency of blockchain ledgers.
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.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez: Bitcoin Will Be "Biggest Story For Next Few Years"
Francis Suarez, Miami Mayor, wants his city to embrace blockchain technology, Bitcoin and digital assets.
DeFi - Find Out What's Happening in Macau on This Exciting Topic
DeFi is explored in Macau by some of the leading names in this space. The FinWise Summit is second to none in delivering quality content at a fast pace
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.
Tether Implements Wallet-Freezing Policy Aligned with US Regulations
Tether's wallet-freezing policy, in line with US OFAC regulations, is a proactive approach to cybercrime, setting a new standard in the crypto industry.
Ex-CFTC Boss Christopher Giancarlo Joins CoinFund as Advisor
Christopher Giancarlo, the former Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has joined CoinFund as a strategic advisor.
xAI's Grok: Musk's Novel AI Chatbot with Real-Time Insights
Elon Musk's xAI unveiled Grok, an AI chatbot, inspired by 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, providing real-time world knowledge and answering questions with humor, outperforming other models.
Smart Contract 101: MetaMask
MetaMask is a crypto wallet & gateway to blockchain apps. It also a tool for interacting with decentralized applications (DAPP).
Mastercard Partners with 3 Firms to Launch First Crypto-Linked Payment Cards in Asia Pacific
Mastercard said that it has cooperated with three well-known digital asset companies in the Asia-Pacific region to launch a Mastercard payment card funded by cryptocurrency.
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.
Nigeria Releases New Rules Classifying Crypto as Securities
In a move that might boost crypto trading in Nigeria, the nation’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rolled out “rules on issuance, offering platforms, and custody of digital assets” for virtual firms.
India's Proposed 30% Tax on Digital Asset Implies Recognition of Cryptos
India's decision to regulate cryptocurrencies by introducing a high crypto tax rate of up to 30% on all transactions involving digital assets is an indication that the government recognizes cryptocurrency transactions as valid.
Nigerian Crypto Investors Face Account Freezing
Nigerian crypto investors using P2P services are concerned about the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) flagging their bank accounts due to their connection to the Flutterwave hack. The situation has discouraged P2P users from using OTC markets, causing businesses to crumble and possible legal repercussions.
Regulatory Pressure and Operational Challenges: Huobi Faces Penalties, Hotbit Suspends Operations
In an unexpected turn of events in the crypto industry, two cryptocurrency exchanges - Huobi Global and Hotbit - face substantial roadblocks.
India Plans to Ban Private Cryptos like Bitcoin in Favor of National Cryptocurrency
India plans introducing a new bill to ban private cryptocurrencies as well as introduce a national digital currency.
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.
Russia’s Detained Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny receives $120,000 in Bitcoin Donations as Protests Rage in Moscow
Russian’s are using Bitcoin to support detained political opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was recently arrested on Jan. 17 as thousands protest in Moscow for his release.
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.
Coinbase CEO: Americans are Investing Their COVID Stimulus Checks in Bitcoin
Brian Armstrong, the CEO of US-based crypto exchange Coinbase, has revealed data showing how $1,200 deposits similar to the stimulus checks being offered to Americans by the government has skyrocketed this week. Coinbase is the leading crypto exchange in the American soil.
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Singapore's Aim to Become a Web3 Hub at Expense of Crypto Trading
Armstrong seems to say that Singapore can’t become a Web3 hub while doing away with cryptocurrency.
Jacobi Asset Management Introduces Europe's First Premier Bitcoin ETF with a Green Initiative
Jacobi Asset Management launches Europe's first Bitcoin ETF on Euronext Amsterdam, blending crypto investment with a green initiative. The ETF, compliant with SFDR Article 8, offers a unique Renewable Energy Certificate solution.
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.
US President Joe Biden to Sign Executive Order on Crypto this Week
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to issue an executive order on cryptocurrency this week. Authorities would be expected to develop policies to enable the U.S. government to work with foreign powers to regulate crypto and its trade across international borders.
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?
India’s Central Bank Aims to Undo the Supreme Court Ruling on Lifting the Crypto Ban
India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has planned to report a review petition on the recent Supreme Court’s cryptocurrency ruling, according to the Economic Times.
CFTC's Stern Warning to Crypto Exchanges Following Binance Case
The CFTC has significantly heightened its regulatory actions against non-U.S. crypto entities, indicating a significant shift in the U.S. cryptocurrency market's regulatory landscape.
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.
Is China Hacking Australia? Cryptojacking Cyberattacks Hit Hard Down Under
The Australian Cyber Security Center has published a report highlighting vulnerabilities that are being exploited by hackers using cryptojacking malware.
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.
Power Ledger Wikipedia Page Removed By Biased Crypto-Hating Wiki Editor David Gerard
Power Ledger recently became the target of the anti-crypto zealot and Senior Wikipedia Editor David Gerard who argued to delete their Wiki page.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Touts Cryptocurrency’s Potential Amid a COVID-19 Digital Normal
The Securities Commission of Malaysia backs cryptocurrency use and says it has great potential, despite a lack of understanding regarding digital assets in the country.
"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.
Blockchain as a Solution for Data Management in Clinical Trials
Applying blockchain technology to clinical trials can help resolve one of the industry's biggest weaknesses: Poor data management. Learn how blockchain's immutability trait can become a trial investigator's best asset.
Crypto Winter Beats Top Crypto Billionaires from US Ranking - Forbes
The downturn in the broader digital currency ecosystem has hit some notable billionaires in the US, pulling four names out of the wealthiest American’s list according to Forbes data.
Dwpbank to Offer Bitcoin to 1,200 German Banks
Deutsche WertpapierService Bank (Dwpbank) is launching wpNex, a platform that will offer Bitcoin to its affiliates’ retail customers without requiring additional Know Your Customer procedures. The platform will also include other cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and tokenized securities in the future.
Ten Malaysians Arrested for Unlawful Bitcoin Investment Event
Ten Malaysians have been arrested in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and charged with illegally running a business that encourages Chinese nationals to invest in Bitcoin without a valid license.
Russian Federal Watchdog Censors Binance for Distributing Crypto-Related Data
Roskomnadzor has blacklisted crypto exchange Binance for what it deems as “containing information prohibited for distribution in Russia.
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.
OKX Ventures Invests in Celestia Lab's Series B Funding for Modular Blockchain Development
OKX Ventures has invested in Celestia Lab's Series B funding round to advance the development of the first modular blockchain network, Celestia. This investment aligns with the growing trend towards modularity in blockchain technology, aimed at overcoming scalability issues inherent in traditional Layer-1 chains. The initiative also underscores OKX Ventures’ broader commitment to fostering blockchain innovation globally.
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.
CoinList Settles with OFAC for $1.2 Million Over Crimea Sanctions Violations
CoinList settles with OFAC for $1.2 million over transactions for users in Crimea, promising to invest $300,000 in compliance enhancements.
Wallet of Satoshi Withdraws from the U.S. Market Amid Regulatory Challenges
Wallet of Satoshi withdraws from U.S. market, highlighting regulatory challenges faced by crypto service providers like GameStop and Binance, reflecting evolving U.S. cryptocurrency regulation landscape.
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.
Spanish Renewable Energy Firm Partners with Climate Blockchain Initiatives to Boost Carbon Offset Sales on Blockchain
Acciona, a leading Spanish renewable energy company, has joined hands with Climate Blockchain Initiatives (CBI), a Valencia-based startup, to boost the sale of its carbon offsets using the latter’s blockchain-powered trading platform.
The Russia-Ukraine War Might Accelerate CBDC Issuance, Former BOJ Official Says
The sanctions slapped on Russia based on its invasion of Ukraine might prompt more nations to adopt CBDCs as a shield against the U.S. dollar’s supremacy in the global financial system.
Julian Assange Supporters Raise over 12,500 ETH via DAO for his Freedom
Donors have formed AssangeDAO to free WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from extradition to the United States and facilitate his freedom from prison.
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.
NFL ALL DAY: Revolutionizing Sports Memorabilia Through NFTs
NFL ALL DAY merges NFL fandom with blockchain, offering a digital platform for collecting and trading NFL moment NFTs.
Former Australian Politician Converts to "Millennial’s Version of Gold" - Bitcoin
The former senator for South Australia, Cory Bernardi, has joined the Bitcoin bandwagon lately, seeing it as the millennial’s version of gold.
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.
India’s Election Commission Proposed Using Blockchain for Remote E-Voting
India’s Election Commission proposed using blockchain technology as a solution for bringing transparency for remote voting in a discussion on addressing geographical voting issues.
FATF Assessment Finds Majority of US Exchanges are Compliant with Virtual Asset Guidance
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has published an assessment of the US’s compliance with its revised criteria for anti-money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing (CTF) through virtual assets and found that most virtual asset providers are compliant.
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.
Extraterrestrial Evidence: A 15-Year Scientific Wager
Astrobiologist Schulze-Makuch and planetary scientist Ian Crawford predict technological extraterrestrial life within 15 years, highlighting rapid space exploration advancements and cosmic significance.
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.
Louisiana State Congress Unanimously Pass Crypto-Business Licensing Bill
Crypto businesses may be offered a regulated path to legalization in the state of Louisiana. The proposed bill has been backed by Louisiana state representative Mark Weight. Should the bill be passed, the state would have a regulated crypto framework to operate within and would provide an official definition of traditionally ambiguous cryptocurrency-related terms.
Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody Gets FCA Approval to Offer Cryptocurrency Services
Zodia Custody has been given greenlight to provide cryptocurrency services to institutions.
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.
Kraken Introduces Simple, Secure, and Powerful Kraken Wallet
Kraken has launched Kraken Wallet, a self-custodial wallet that offers simplicity, security, and power to users. The wallet allows seamless interaction with popular blockchains, comprehensive portfolio tracking, and WalletConnect integration. With a focus on privacy and backed by Kraken's industry-leading security measures, Kraken Wallet aims to accelerate crypto adoption and empower users in the decentralized world.
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?
Indian State to Generate 20,000 Blockchain Professionals by 2021
Kerala, a southwestern Indian state, seeks to churn out 20,000 blockchain experts in the next two years. This development is expected to revolutionize the blockchain space in India.
HQ Trivia Games Secures $7.8m in Seed Round
Internet Game project, which was a once-popular online game dubbed ‘HQ Trivia Meets NFTs” has secured $7.8 million in a seed round.
Campaigners In California Can Now Receive Donations in Cryptocurrency
California campaigners may now receive donations through Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies
Crypto Candidate Andrew Yang Calls for Clarity on Hodgepodge Regulations
Presidential candidate Andrew Yang has been owning his moniker as the ‘Crypto-Candidate’, as he once again highlighted the “high potential” of cryptocurrencies in an interview with Bloomberg on January 29. During the interview, he discussed his thoughts and strategy for regulating digital assets and cryptocurrencies.
Australian Bankers Association cost of living probe shows bank pressure
The Australian Bankers Association (ABA) has launched a cost of living review to determine how the COVID-19 epidemic, global supply chain restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and other factors have raised Australia's already high cost of living. The research will examine Australia's economic policies and ways to cut living costs.
Miami Mayor Embraces Chinese Bitcoin Miners
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said the city open doors to Bitcoin miners from China as a new home for Bitcoin mining.
Indonesia Set to Impose Income Tax on Crypto Assets from May
Indonesia has announced that it will introduce taxes on crypto assets as part of efforts to generate tax revenue from the rising digital asset trading activities in the country.
Exclusive: Why are Independent Third Party Crypto Custodians so Important?
Alexandre Kech, CEO of Onchain Custodian shares with us the importance of independent third party custodian solutions. He identified three grey areas for assets under custody by the exchange and how Onchain Custodian identifies the custodial needs for crypto players and traditional financial giants!
Attorneys for Ex-FTX CEO Samuel Bankman-Fried Challenge Proposed Jury Questions Ahead of Fraud Trial
The defense attorneys for former FTX CEO Samuel Bankman-Fried have submitted a letter challenging the proposed jury questions for the upcoming fraud trial. They assert that the government's proposed questions could harbor bias against Bankman-Fried, potentially leading to an unfair trial. The defense suggests an alternative voir dire to ensure a fair jury selection process, while the prosecution opposes these suggestions. The trial is slated to begin on October 4, 2023, following jury selection on October 3.
Banxa's Partners with AAX to Allow Purchase of Crypto with Fiat and Vice Versa
On-and-off ramp Web3 solution Banxa's new partnership with cryptocurrency exchange AAX now allows customers to purchase crypto with fiat and vice versa.
XRP is not a Security: Former CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo Says
Christopher Giancarlo said he believes XRP does not qualify as security as the SEC is alleging, a claim made based on earlier research he has done as the chairman of the CFTC.
dYdX Utilizes $9M Insurance Fund Following Alleged Targeted Attack on YFI
dYdX deployed $9 million from v3 insurance fund to cover YFI market liquidations, suspecting targeted attack and market manipulation. No user funds affected, insurance fund remains at $13.5 million.
Biden-Harris Administration Secures AI Commitments from Major Tech Companies
The Biden-Harris Administration has secured voluntary commitments from eight more artificial intelligence (AI) companies to manage AI risks. The commitments emphasize safety, security, and trust, requiring AI products to undergo security testing, share information on risk management, prioritize cybersecurity, and develop mechanisms to inform users. The administration is developing an Executive Order on AI and pursuing bipartisan legislation to position America as a responsible AI developer.
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.
Brock Pierce's Presidential Campaign Enlists Akon as Chief Strategist
Crypto entrepreneur Akon has announced that he will be endorsing Brock Pierce’s presidential campaign and joining the crypto venture capitalist’s campaign team.
Google Web Searches for Bitcoin Hit a Historic Low with Nigeria Still Leading
The Global web search data from Google Trends indicate that there has been a decline in recent times as it has recorded an all-time low since October 2018. Even in the midst of the activities going on in the global scene we see that some African countries have been leading with Nigeria recorded as the country with the highest level of Bitcoin searches, followed by South Africa and Ghana respectively.
Bank Indonesia to Evaluate CBDC Influence to Local Economy
Governor of the Bank Indonesia (BI) suggested that crypto can facilitate financial system efficiencies and inclusion. The administration is evaluating the impact of adopting CBDC on the local economy.
Georgia Proposes Bill Where Crypto Will be Part of High School Curriculum
Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill that recommends cryptocurrency to be integrated into the high school curriculum.
The Rise of the Anon: Protecting Innovation
Anonymity is increasingly offering protection to innovators as well as their ideas.
Russia Restricts Anonymous Cash Deposits to Online Wallets
The Russian Government has put strict limits on anonymous deposits made to online wallets. While it is not a complete ban, the initiative by lawmakers is promoted as a step to deter illegal activity such as money laundering and illicit drug transactions and could affect up to 10 million users.
CNBC Mad Money Host Jim Cramer From Skeptic to Bitcoin Bull
CNBC’s Mad Money host Jim Cramer thinks a major shift in safe-haven assets is on its way and believes Bitcoin and crypto will be the choice of the next generation.
Coinbase Blocked 25,000 Wallet Addresses of Russian Individuals or Entities Linked to Illegal Activities
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc. said it has blocked 25,000 wallet addresses of Russian individuals or entities linked to illegal activities.
SEC Chair on FTX Collapse: Investors Need Better Protection
SEC Chair Gary Gensler says investors need more protection in the wake of FTX collapse
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.
California Proposes Crypto ATM Regulations Amid Rising Fraud
California lawmakers propose regulations on cryptocurrency ATMs to combat escalating fraudulent activities. The bill, dubbed "Digital Financial Asset Transaction Kiosks," recommends a daily withdrawal limit of $1,000 and a cap on operators' fees, with implementation eyed for January 1, 2024. While some victims of ATM scams applaud the measure, crypto ATM operators express concerns over the potential adverse impact on small operators.
Crypto Token Backed by $25M Diamond Ponzi Scam Flagged by DoJ
The US Department of Justice charged a Florida native with wire fraud, for soliciting investors in a diamond-backed cryptocurrency Ponzi and investment scam.
Yotta Data Services Boosts Indian AI Capabilities with Nvidia Chip Acquisition
Yotta Data Services in Mumbai has empowered India's tech landscape by acquiring Nvidia AI chips, a move set to democratize AI solutions for local businesses and startups.
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.
Nigeria's E-Naira Gains Momentum, Tackles Influence of Volatile Cryptos
Nigeria's further efforts to curb the influence of cryptocurrencies have begun to bear fruits as its introduction of a centralised digital currency eNaira has lured about half a million users within three weeks.
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.
NFT project Doodles pivots to become media franchise
Doodles, an NFT project, has announced plans to pivot to become a media franchise. The move is intended to focus on loyal collectors and move away from financial speculators.
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.
Banking Giants CIBC and Aussie's NAB Partners to Use RippleNet Solution
North American banking giant, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), and the National Bank of Australia (NAB) have inked a partnership to bolster each other’s cross-border payments settlement, with Ripple’s RippleNet solution.
Canadian Blockchain Project to Assist Mongolian Nomadic Farmers Fight Income Instability
Convergence.tech, a Toronto-based digital transformation company, has finished a blockchain-powered project aimed at assisting Mongolian nomadic farmers maximize returns on their cashmere product.
China Leads Pan-Asian Digital Currency Project to Compete with Facebook's Libra
Led by China, four Asian countries are in the early stages of developing a joint digital currency. The currency will help keep the Dollar and Libra in check
Market Downturn Triggers Delisting of Crypto ETFs in Australia
Crypto winter is considered to have caused low demand for such ETFs in Australia. Cosmos Asset Management said it plans to delist three of its cryptocurrency ETFs on the Cboe stock exchange.
Brazil Could Deploy CBDC by 2022, Says Central Bank President
According to Brazil’s Central Bank president Roberto Campos Neto, the country has all the necessary implementations set in place for a digital currency issuance to happen in 2022.
Republicans Cry Foul Play, USPS Postal Employee Retracts Claims of Ballot Tampering
The US elections have finally come to an end, amid a flurry of anticipation and misinformation that have left the Republican party incredibly infuriated.
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.
Why are Millennials Favouring Bitcoin?
Based on technological innovations revamping the world like cryptocurrencies, millennials have been at the forefront to embrace them. Therefore, explaining the reasons why millennials are heeding to the call of bitcoin being an exceptional technological advancement and investment tool.
Australian Securities Exchange Postpones Migration to Blockchain Settlement System Due to Coronavirus Concerns
The Australian Securities Exchange has further postponed the replacement of its current CHESS system with a new blockchain-based settlement system due to coronavirus concerns.
China Promotes DeFi and Ethereum on CCTV, But Isn't Crypto Banned?
A segment on China's CCTV appeared to actively promote Etheruem and DeFi, but isn't Beijing anti-crypto?
California Signs Executive Order to Formulate Crypto Regulations
The US state of California announced that state agencies will work with the federal government to formulate digital currency regulations to officially accept and supervise cryptocurrencies.
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.
Former Banker Charged with Crypto Investment Fraud
Rashawn Russell, a former investment banker and registered broker, has been charged in federal court for defrauding investors with fake cryptocurrency investments and misappropriating funds to finance his lifestyle.
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.
India Advocates for Global Cryptocurrency Framework at G20 Summit
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, emphasized the need for international collaboration in creating cryptocurrency guidelines at the G20 summit, aiming to align regulations with global standards, despite the ambiguous regulatory environment.
Central Bank of Nigeria Bans Cryptocurrency Transactions, Says Crypto Breeds Illegal Activities
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again doubled down on its efforts to ban cryptocurrency transactions stating they are a breeding ground for illegal activities.
India's Largest Shipping Port Operator Adopts Maersk-IBM Blockchain Platform
In the latest development, India’s largest port operator announced on May 27 it is adopting blockchain technology through its shipping and invoicing business.
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.
Germany’s Federal Financial Regulator Warns Investors Over Bulgarian Crypto Broker
Bulgarian crypto broker, 5 Capital, has been offering financial services to investors without being approved by the Germany financial watchdog, federal financial supervisory authority (BaFin).
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.
India Passes Controversial Crypto Tax Laws, Effective on April 1
India’s parliament on Friday passed a law designed to tax digital assets including cryptocurrencies. Users will begin paying capital gains taxes of 30% on crypto transactions from 1st April 2022.
Binance Australia Derivatives Closes Accounts After False Classification
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission would "target" the company's "classification of retail and wholesale customers."
India tests offline functionality of digital rupee
The Reserve Bank of India is testing the offline functionality of its recently launched digital rupee, which has completed 800,000 transactions worth $134 million since its wholesale segment pilot launched on Nov. 1, 2022.
Citcon Partners with Cash App Pay and Afterpay to Enhance E-commerce Payment Solutions
Citcon partners with Cash App Pay and Afterpay to offer e-commerce businesses a range of streamlined payment options. The collaboration aims to simplify the payment process for both merchants and consumers, targeting especially the Millennial and Gen Z demographics.
Reuters: U.S. Aims to Thwart Chinese Access to AI Chips via Overseas Outlets
The U.S. is contemplating tightening restrictions to prevent Chinese firms from accessing American AI chips via overseas outlets, reinforcing its stance on curbing China's AI military advancements. The move comes amid existing challenges in enforcing export controls, with the new rules expected to broaden the scope of restrictions on the AI chip market.
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.
Ruble-Crypto Trading Soars amid Western Sanctions on Russia
Trading volumes between the Russian Ruble and the Tether cryptocurrency surged on Monday as Western powers slapped sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine-Russia war.
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.
OCC Head Brian Brooks Testifies Before Senate On Cryptocurrency and Stablecoins
The OCC Boss, Brian Brooks has testified before the US Senate Banking Committee about the growing use of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins in the country
American Investors are in Bitcoin Buying Frenzy as BTC Price Rises, Crypto Flows in From Asia
As the Bitcoin bulls continue to run and push the BTC price to new levels, a massive amount of crypto has been shifting from East Asia to North America—a trend which could represent a huge shift in the crypto market according to Reuters.
Nigeria’s Unity Bank Collaborates with Binkabi for Blockchain-Based Agricultural Solutions
Nigeria's Unity Bank has partnered with Binkabi so that blockchain-based agricultural solutions can be availed in this nation.
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.
Wyre Limits WithdrawalsTo 90% For All Users
Wyre, a crypto payment company, has changed its withdrawal policy to restrict customers to 90% of their funds, days after two former workers purportedly hinted at a closure. Yanni Giannaros, Wyre's chief risk and compliance officer, is temporary CEO. As Wyre implements new operations, daily withdrawal restrictions will vary.
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Gets into Canadian Bitcoin ETFs As US SEC Delays Applications
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment company has announced that it has invested into Canadian bitcoin ETFs. The firm’s move is likely influenced by delays and rejections of Bitcoin ETFs by the US SEC.
Is Bitcoin still a Safe Haven? The Crypto Community Debates on Twitter Following Global Stock Market Crash
Is Bitcoin still a safe haven? The Crypto Community takes the debate to Twitter after the biggest stock market crash since 2009.
CBN Approves Africa Stablecoin Consortium's cNGN for Regulatory Sandbox Pilot
CBN approves ASC's cNGN stablecoin, a regulated digital currency pegged to the Naira, launching on Feb 27, 2024.
Trump Warns of AI and Deepfake Dangers in Fox Business Interview
Former President Donald Trump criticized AI and deepfake technology, stating they pose significant risks and require urgent action to mitigate potential conflict and misinformation, emphasizing the complexities of regulating AI and ensuring ethical use.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Sues Google and YouTube Over Fraudulent Bitcoin Scam Videos
Legal team for Steve Wozniak, co-founder of tech powerhouse Apple, announced a lawsuit against YouTube and their parent company Google alleging that the media companies failed to take down fraudulent videos that impersonated Wozniak to drive Bitcoin funds.
Australian Female Hacker Sentenced to 2 Years of Prison for $400K Ripple (XRP) Crypto Heist
Australia recorded one of its first cases of cryptocurrency theft recently.
OKX and Manchester City’s Rúben Dias Debut ‘Train Like Dias’ Global Metaverse Training Experience
OKX, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume and a leading Web3 technology company, today debuted ‘Train Like Dias’ its first ‘OKX Collective’ immersive metaverse fan experience featuring OKX ambassador and Manchester City player Rúben Dias.
Bitpay Announces the First Large Online International Furniture Brand to Go Live
Beliani, a European online home accessory and furniture seller, has inked a partnership with BitPay, a US-based bitcoin payment service provider, to allow buyers make purchases using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ripple, Ether, and Bitcoin Cash, as well as dollar-pegged stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC). This approach will enable shoppers to save 2-3% on every crypto transaction made compared to other payment methods.
Russia Might Resort to Bitcoin Mining as Sanctions Continue to Bite
Based on the ripple effect of sanctions slapped on Russia because of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to be starving for foreign currency. It might make Bitcoin mining an alternative to bypass sanctions.
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.
Ripple's Colombia Real Estate Tokenization Project Halts as New Govt Takesover
Ripple's project to register real estate on blockchain in Colombia is facing a crisis after a new government came into power.
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.
Zambia SEC Warns Crypto Enthusiasts About Making Investments in Onyxcoin Cryptocurrency
The Securities and Exchange Commission in Zambia has issued a statement warning the general public that the creator of OnyxCoin Kwakoo is in no way a licensed investment advisor and should not solicit funds from within or outside the country. The CEO of the commission was reported to have made this statement.
Sberbank Executive Touts Blockchain for Russia
Sberbank executive Alexander Vedyakhin believes blockchain technology could help Russia solve current settlement issues, offering new capabilities for payment systems.
Ukraine Opens Channel for Dogecoin Donations Towards Relief Efforts
As the Russia-Ukraine war rages on, Ukraine has increased the number of digital currencies. It now accepts Dogecoins from donors.
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.
Iran Completes Pre-Pilot Phase for Digital Rial
Iran's central bank has completed a pre-pilot phase for its digital rial, according to an official statement by the Monetary and Banking Research Institute. The CBDC will align with the rules governing the national currency, the Iranian rial, and be distributed among individuals and banks. Ten banks have applied to join the project, and all banks and credit institutions in Iran are expected to start offering electronic wallets for the digital currency.
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.
He Yi Discusses Binance's Regulatory Strategy Amid Actions Against Binance and Zhao Changpen
In a public letter, He Yi, Co-founder of Binance, discusses the company's compliance strategy, which gains significance amidst a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry initiated on May 6, 2023, 13 SEC charges, and the company's recent exit from the Russian market.
Crypto.com Extends Free Crypto Tax Reporting Services in Australia
Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has launched a new crypto taxation service for Australian recently, enabling their clients to import their crypto transaction to generate a report and file to the government.
Dave Portnoy Calls Bitcoin “A Ponzi Scheme,” but Says He Will be Back for Crypto
Dave Portnoy revealed that he had previously bought $1.25 million worth of Bitcoin, despite thinking the cryptocurrency was just a “just one big Ponzi scheme.”
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.
Twitter Bitcoin Hack Demonstrates That Crypto Fraud is Easier to Track Than Fiat
Cryptocurrency regulation was the hot topic during an ongoing panel hosted by the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists.
UK ISIS Member Charged for Sending Bitcoin to Terrorist Militants in Syria
A UK member of ISIS faces multiple charges for sending funds using Bitcoin to aid the escape of terrorist militants being held in prison camps in Syria.
Russia To Introduce Laws Regarding the Confiscation of Crypto Assets
Russia Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said that the administration is preparing to introduce legislative amendments to the confiscation of illegal digital assets by law enforcement agencies, according to TASS.
Russia Mulling the Idea to Build a Crypto Platform on the Moscow Stock Exchange
Russian lawmakers are mulling the idea that the government could create a cryptocurrency trading platform that will be an offshoot of the Moscow Stock Exchange.
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.
Indonesia’s Chronic Crop Data Problem Solved by Blockchain
Indonesia has been a victim of unreliable crop data, and this has hindered the optimality of its agricultural sector. This nation has been grappling with the lack of accurate data when it comes to issues, such as crop output. HARA, a Jakarta-based startup, seeks to address this challenge by deploying blockchain technology.
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.
1 in 9 Indonesians hold Cryptocurrency, Hootsuite Report
According to a report shared by Hootsuite citing GlobalWebIndex, 11% of all Indonesians own some kind of cryptocurrency. The total population of Indonesia is just over 270 Million people which makes it the fourth most populous country on the planet.
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.
Malaysian Communications Minister to Propose Crypto Legalization
Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, the deputy minister of the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, is rallying the government to legalize cryptocurrencies to benefit the tech and crypto-savvy population.
Deceptive AI: The Hidden Dangers of LLM Backdoors
Recent studies reveal large language models can deceive, challenging AI safety training methods. They can hide dangerous behaviors, creating false safety impressions, necessitating the development of robust protocols.
Matrixport's Evolved Enterprise-Grade Cactus Custody and Holistic Approach to KYT and AML Compliance
Matrixport is a Singapore-based cryptocurrency startup which was launched by former Bitmain CEO Jihan Wu. Established in July 2019 with the goal to offer over-the-counter trading, lending and custody services for crypto, Matrixport boasts a systematic security model, global distributed infrastructure and business-focused security innovation capability to assure the security and reliability of users' assets.
Estonia's Central Bank Launches Research Project into CBDC
Estonia’s Central Bank also known as Eesti Pank has launched a multi-year research project into central bank digital currencies.
Australian Government Explores the Viability of Blockchain For Land and Property Conveyancing Transactions
The Australian government is piloting a blockchain database to find out its viability on conveyancing transactions.
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.
Coffee Origin Traceability Propelled by Blockchain App
The traceability of coffee origin is set to be propelled through blockchain technology. For instance, a blockchain-enabled app known as 'Thank My Farmer' seeks to avail information about this to various consumers, such as millennials.
Utah Passes Law Recognizing Decentralized Autonomous Organizations
The Utah State Legislature has passed the Utah Decentralized Autonomous Organizations Act, providing legal recognition and limited liability to DAOs, also known as "Utah LLDs". The act defines ownership, protects anonymity, and introduces quality assurance protocols.
Kenanga Investment Bank Collaborates with Ant Group to Launch Crypto-based Applications
Kenanga will introduce an app that enables customers to crypto trading and portfolio management. Reportedly, the app could be launched in early 2023.
Crypto.com Signs 5-Year Deal with Australian Football League, Worth $25m Sponsorship
Crypto.com announced that has signed a five-year partnership agreement with the Australian Football League, sponsoring it for $25 million to develop sports business.
Conflux to Deploy Uniswap v3 on Its Blockchain
Conflux plans to deploy Uniswap v3 on its blockchain, which would offer access to millions of potential new users, particularly in China and Asian markets. This comes days after the Uniswap v3 code license expired, allowing developers to fork the protocol and deploy their own decentralized exchange. Conflux has a market capitalization of nearly $1 billion and has $45 million in total value locked on-chain. The network also announced a partnership with China Telecom to develop a blockchain SIM card.
Tertiary institution Signs MOU with Cryptography Development Initiative in Nigeria
As the rest of Africa makes an effort to secure a position of relevance in the blockchain space, Nigeria based Nile university has gone into partnership with Cryptography Development Initiative in Nigeria
Australia Surpasses Asia in Crypto ATM Installations
Australia has surpassed Asia in the total number of crypto ATMs installed, with 364 machines as of January 2023. The country has consistently added Bitcoin ATMs over the last eight months and is on a crypto ATM installation spree. Internal documents from Australia’s Department of the Treasury suggest that crypto legislation is on the horizon.
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.
Indonesia Plans to Strengthen Security for Crypto Investments
The Financial Service Authority (OJK) of Indonesia will oversee the regulation, supervision and oversight of crypto investments to improve protection for investors, the Southeast Asian country's minister said on Thursday.
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.
Web3.0 Game Startup Wildcard Alliance Pulls $46M in Series A Funding
Wildcard Alliance, a new Web3.0 gaming startup has raised $46 million in a Series A funding round led by Paradigm Capital.
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.
Dubai’s Free Zone to Bridge the UAE-India Agriculture Trade Gap with Blockchain
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre has established a blockchain agriculture trading and sourcing platform to link India's rural farmers with the UAE food sector.
California Gov Vetoes Digital Currency Licensing Bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Bill 2269 proposed by State Congressman Tim Grayson on grounds that a more flexible approach is needed to address crypto regulations.
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.
Switzerland Begins Consultation Before Finalizing its Proposed Blockchain Law Amendments
Switzerland announced it has initiated a consultation process ahead of its plans to effect amendments in its extant laws to accommodate blockchain technology
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.
ChatGPT in Finance: A New Era of Ethical Considerations and Solutions
ChatGPT is revolutionizing the finance sector, bringing innovative applications and ethical challenges. This article explores its uses, the ethical concerns it raises, and potential solutions for a responsible future in finance.
Coin Cloud Customer Data and Source Code Allegedly Stolen
Coin Cloud, a cryptocurrency ATM provider, has suffered a data breach involving 70,000 customer selfies and 300,000 PII stolen, highlighting the need for improved security measures in the cryptocurrency sector.
eToro's Survey Reveals 40% of Millennials Could Favor Crypto Investment In Recession
A survey by eToro has revealed that 40% of Millennials could favor cryptocurrency investment if a recession was instigated by the US-China trade war.
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.
NYDFS Introduces Stricter Crypto Listing and Delisting Rules
NYDFS has implemented stricter regulations for cryptocurrency businesses, enhancing investor protection through detailed risk assessments and governance, highlighting New York's proactive regulatory approach.
Saudi's $250M Tech Innovation Boost with Hashgraph (HBAR)
The Hashgraph Association and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment have launched a $250M DeepTech Venture Studio in Riyadh, supporting over 500 companies in developing advanced AI, blockchain, and VR solutions.
Dell Uses VMware’s Blockchain Solutions to Track Recycled Packaging Materials
Waste management is one of the main challenges after global warming, which affects the natural environment. Dell is committed to developing solutions to enable better waste management. Recently, Dell partners with VMware to track recycled packaging materials using blockchain.
California Spearheads AI Ethics and Safety with Senate Bills 892 and 893
California takes a pioneering role in AI regulation with Senate Bills 892 and 893, aiming to ensure AI safety, ethics, and public benefits.
Federal Judge Refuses to Consolidate Class-Action Lawsuits Against FTX Exchange
A federal judge has denied a request to consolidate five proposed class-action lawsuits against the bankrupt crypto exchange FTX. The plaintiffs, including Julie Papadakis, Michael Elliott Jessup, Stephen Pierce, Elliott Lam, and Russell Hawkins, accuse former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and other executives of misappropriating assets. While all the plaintiffs are pursuing Bankman-Fried, the cases also involve various other defendants, including outside auditors and exchange promoters. The judge pointed out that not all defendants had the opportunity to respond yet, and there's no need to consolidate before hearing their side.
Indian FM says Crypto Taxation is "Sovereign Right"
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman came out guns blazing to clarify that cryptocurrency taxation is a "sovereign right" and a "corrective action".
Virginia Senate Votes to Support New Bill by Permitting Banks to Offer Crypto Custody Services
Based on the unanimous vote from the Virginia Senate, the proposed bill amendment introduced on January 22 this year by Delegate Christopher T. Head sought to allow eligible banks to offer cryptocurrency custody services.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Says Coinbase CEO's Apolitical Stance "Leaves People Behind"
Following the move by Coinbase to offer severance packages to staff who disagree with the ‘apolitical’ stance of the firm, Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey has slammed the move.
Indian State Eyes Blockchain Technology to Facilitate Remote Voting
The government of Telangana, a southern Indian state, is moving forward with its objective of making the voting process seamless and trustworthy with the help of blockchain technology.
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.
Tether CTO Asserts $XAUT as the Digital Resurgence of the Gold Standard
Paolo Ardoino, Tether's CTO, recently discussed the role of Tether Gold ($XAUT), Bitcoin, and gold in the evolving economic landscape.
Exclusive: LabCFTC's Melissa Netram Talks Advancing Policy and Regulation in FinTech and Blockchain Through Times of Crisis
The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) established LabCFTC as an initiative under the General Counsel’s office in 2017 aimed at promoting FinTech innovation and competition. The office has been very active with over 400 different private meetings held with innovators in the last three years. In addition, LabCFTC has published three primers in the marketplace based on their understanding of smart contracts, artificial intelligence, and crypto-assets.
Australia Announces 'Token Swap' Campaign to Accelerate Crypto Regulation
Australian federal government will implement a “token mapping” exercise to inform future regulation of the country’s crypto assets, laying the groundwork for “determining how crypto assets and related services should be regulated.”
Blockchain Can Improve Climate Crisis through Smart Contracts, Study Shows
Climate change is considered a desperate issue in modern times. Blockchain technology is believed to act as a stepping stone towards addressing economic complexities and interoperability when transiting to renewable energy, study shows.
Russian Finance Ministry Compromises, Willing to Take Crypto Suggestions from Central Bank
Russia's finance ministry has said that it is willing to take suggestions on cryptocurrencies from the country's central bank but they should not clash with their approach.
The Bank of Russia Wants Strict Limits for Non-Professional Russian Crypto Investors
Russia has published a proposal that sets strict limits on the amounts of digital assets acquired by non-professionals investors in a year.
Bitcoin Retreats to Around $30k: Decoding the Technical Indicators and Regulatory Factors
In today's market developments, Bitcoin has retracted to around $30k, weighed down by various technical factors and a series of recent regulatory interventions.
Crypto Bank Custodia Files Lawsuit against Federal Reserve for Delaying Master Account Application
Wyoming state-based digital asset bank Custodia has filed a lawsuit against the authority for unlawfully delaying a decision on its applications for a master account.
China Financial Institutions Bars Crypto as Payment Tools
Three major regulatory bodies in China have prohibited banks and financial firms to provide cryptocurrencies transaction services.
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.
Perianne Boring: Blockchain Will Be the Foundation of the New Financial System
Perianne Boring is the Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce—the world's first and largest blockchain trade association. Boring began her career as a legislative analyst in the U.S. House of Representatives, advising on finance, economics, tax and healthcare policy. Prior to forming the Chamber, Boring was a television host and anchor of an international finance program that aired in more than 100 countries to over 650 million viewers.
Belgian Blockchain-Platform-as-a-Service Company Sets Foot in the Indian Market
The Indian blockchain sector is ripe for investment based on the rapid growth witnessed to the tune of at least $20 billion as this technology is being deployed in different industries. As a result, SettleMint, a Belgian blockchain-platform-as-a-service company, has revealed its penetration into the Indian market.
Huobi to Expand Footprints in Australia, Seeking Regulatory Approval for Crypto Trading
Huobi Global is trailing the same footprints as its counterparts as it filed its application to be registered as a digital currency exchange provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
HKEX Set to Build Digital Trading Platform this Year
The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is set to establish a digital trading platform this year in a pilot version as part of its comprehensive strategy, the bourse announced.
India’s Finance Minister Says Crypto Ban May not Happen and Government May Experiment with New Technologies
India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has revealed that the government is not intending to completely ban cryptocurrencies.
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.
Coinbase Cuts Employees By 18% as Market Outlook Remains Bleak
CEO Brian Armstrong has announced that approximately 18% of all of Coinbase Global Inc’s workforce will be laid off as the cryptocurrency trading platform strategizes to navigate the now evident crypto winter.
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”.
Mastercard Launches Web3 Solution for Crypto Verification
Mastercard has launched a new Web3 solution called "Mastercard Crypto Credential" aimed at enhancing user verification standards in the digital asset space. The solution is designed to provide a unique identifier to users, enabling them to instantly verify that an address they want to send funds to has been vetted by Mastercard and has been operating in compliance with the firm's standards. The solution will support compliance through the exchange of metadata and help reduce the opportunities for bad actors.
Coinbase Finally Files IPO with SEC—Is Brian Armstrong a Capitalist or Cypherpunk?
The Coinbase Initial Public Offering (IPO) has finally been filed and now awaits the review and approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
CBI and Liminal Collaborate for Digital Asset Security in India Amid Crypto Scams
The Central Bureau of Investigation of India is partnering with Singapore-based Liminal to secure digital assets seized during investigations amid rising cryptocurrency frauds in India.
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.
OpenAI Expands Global Reach with Media Partnerships in France and Spain
OpenAI announces strategic partnerships with Le Monde and Prisa Media, bolstering AI-driven content delivery in French and Spanish-language media.
SSV Network Founder Drafted; Assurance of Continued Operations Given
The leadership of SSV Network, amidst a war crisis, shared personal experiences and reassured the community of ongoing operations. Founder Alon Muroch described the ground situation as a "massacre" after being drafted, while A. Matthias emphasized team unity and continued work towards delivering a robust Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) network. The scenario highlighted the resilience of decentralized blockchain networks in maintaining operational integrity under challenging circumstances.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Warns Bitcoin Scams are Targeting Public In COVID-19 Market
In his official address, Gavin Newsom California governor cautioned the public against individuals asking for advance payment in Bitcoin with the promise of delivering essential commodities.
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.
Coinbase Landed Patent for a New Compliance System to Root Out Non-Compliant Accounts
US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has been awarded a new patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for an automated system to flag and remove non-compliant user accounts.
IRS Introduces New Form 1099-DA for Reporting Income from Digital Asset Transactions
The US IRS has introduced Form 1099-DA for cryptocurrency brokers to report digital asset transactions, aiming to improve compliance and ensure accurate tax reporting from digital assets starting January 1, 2025.
Moscow Exchange Drafts Bill to Offer Digital Financial Assets and Securities Trading
According to local media reports, Russia’s Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX) is drafting a bill aimed at making digital assets available for trading on the stock exchange as securities and directly as digital financial assets.
Western Australian Police Force Seized 1.5 Million Worth of Crypto in a Drug Investigation
The Australian Border Force (ABF), the Western Australian Police Force announced that the team has arrested a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman over drug probe, seizing and frozen an incredible amount of 1.5 million worth of cryptocurrency found in the electronic device held by the culprits.
Bitcoin Becomes the “Ultimate Safe Haven” as BTC Fights Off Stock Correlation, says Anthony Pompliano
Anthony Pompliano said that Bitcoin could not be more correlated to the stock market than it is now while citing Santiment’s tweet.
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.
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Websites Take a Hit as Security Giant Cloudflare Suffers Major Internet Outage
Website security company Cloudflare underwent connectivity problems on Sunday, taking down a dozen of cryptocurrency websites with it.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Legalizes Digital Asset and Crypto Trading
Malaysia’s Securities Commission, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with Islamic laws in finance, has allowed trading of digital assets.
Russian Banking Giant Sberbank and S7 Airlines to Streamline Air Ticket Purchase with Virtual Tokens
Sberbank, Russia’s biggest bank, and S7 Airlines are set to revamp the sale of air tickets with virtual tokens, smart contracts, and a blockchain platform.
Institutional Bitcoin Adoption in Asia is Making a Big Step Forward
Bitcoin adoption in Asia is taking a new turn as more institutional investors are joining the network.
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.
Nexo Allocates Additional $50M to Long-standing Token Buyback Initiative
Crypto lending platform Nexo has approved periodic repurchases of its NEXO token for up to $50 million.
Billionaire Ray Dalio believes that fiat is in jeopardy
A Bitcoin admirer said the billionaire is close to "really understanding Bitcoin."
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
CBDC for Stimulus Payments Advocates Honorary Christopher Giancarlo
During an open hearing by the House Committee On Financial services yesterday, the Honorable Christopher Giancarlo once again advocated for the use of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), effectively digital dollars, as a solution to directly distribute the COVID stimulus packages to citizens.
Crypto is Becoming the Lifeline for Ordinary Russians, Coinbase CEO Says
Meanwhile, as the war between Russia and Ukraine ravages, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes that cryptocurrencies are emerging as the lifeline for Russians as the nation faces heavy sanctions.
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 Proposes Digital Asset Regulation Bill
Senator Andrew Bragg has proposed a Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023 to regulate cryptocurrency services in Australia. The bill recommends stablecoin regulations, licensing of exchanges, and custody requirements to protect consumers and promote investment.
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
PayPal May Buy Digital Asset Custodian BitGo Following Crypto Market Entry
PayPal may be looking to penetrate the market further following its recent crypto payments announcement, rumors indicate the firm may buy digital asset custodian BitGo.
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.
JBS Paid Hackers $11M Worth of Bitcoin to Set Free From Hacker Attack
JBS's CEO Andre Nogueira revealed the company had paid hackers $11 million worth of Bitcoin ransom to set free. Nogueira insisted that is the right decision.
Binance Hires Former IRS Special Agents to Ramp Up Its Compliance Team
Binance has hired former IRS special agents – Tigran Gambaryan and Matthew Price – to add depth to its financial investigations and compliance teams.
Nigerian High Court Orders Binance to Comply with EFCC Data Request Amidst Money Laundering Concerns
Binance must supply Nigerian user data to the EFCC as the Nigerian High Court cites money laundering risks, highlighting crypto's impact on the naira's stability.
Russian Investors File Class Action Against Atomic Wallet Following $100 Million Heist
Russian and CIS investors have filed a class action lawsuit against Atomic Wallet, claiming losses of around $12 million following a security breach in June. The lawsuit, coordinated by German lawyer Max Gutbrod and Moscow's Destra Legal, highlights concerns about the platform's security measures and the growing reliance on cryptocurrencies in Russia.
Russia will build a crypto exchange
Russian politicians are amending cryptocurrency laws. Finance Ministry and Central Bank of Russia apparently back the endeavor. Russian currency restrictions and laws wouldn't apply, but transactions would be reported to the tax department.
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.
XRP Price Slumps as SEC’s Ripple Lawsuit Worries India’s Crypto Exchanges
US lawsuit against Ripple blockchain company worries crypto exchanges in India.
Taxing Crypto Transactions Would Generate $13B Each Year for Russia: Report
Data collected from Russian authorities showed that the country could earn $13 billion each year by taxing cryptocurrency transactions, Moscow-based news outlet The Bell reported.
Indian State Plans to Combat Fake COVID-19 Vaccines with Blockchain
The administration of Telangana, a southern Indian state, intends to avert any attempt of hoarding or black-marketing of COVID-19 vaccines using blockchain technology.
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.
Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is reportedly aiming to roll out a national crypto exchange
Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has set a June 2023 start date for its crypto exchange.
Tech leaders sign open letter calling for AI development halt
More than 2,600 tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, have signed an open letter calling for a temporary halt to any further artificial intelligence (AI) development. The letter expresses concerns about the potential hazards to society and mankind posed by AI with human-competitive intelligence. However, the petition has divided the larger tech community, with some opposing the call to halt AI development, citing the need to keep moving forward with new technologies.
HSBC Undertakes Blockchain-based Trade Finance Transacntion for Automotive Sector in the Middle East
Through the blockchain technology supported by the Contour platform, HSBC conducted a trade finance transaction between SAIC Motor and Taajeer Group.
1 Million Aussies to Enter Crypto Over the Next 12 Months, Says Swyftx Survey
A study suggests that Australians are looking for alternative investment opportunities during a time of rising turbulence in international markets.
SEC Revokes License of ParagonCoin Crypto Startup
ParagonCoin, a crypto startup backed by rapper The Game, had its license revoked by the SEC for violating securities laws by failing to file periodic reports. The startup had held a $70 million initial coin offering in 2017, and in 2021, was found liable for more than $12 million in a class-action lawsuit. Meanwhile, other rappers like Snoop Dogg and Eminem are entering the Web3 space with NFTs and new startups.
Australian Banks Ordered to Report Crypto Transactions
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has ordered local banks to report on cryptocurrency transactions amid concerns over the contagion of recent banking collapses, including that of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The regulator is seeking more information and insight into banking exposures to crypto assets and associated risks.
Radiant Capital Suffers $4.5M Flash Loan Attack
Radiant Capital was hit by a $4.5M flash loan attack due to a known codebase rounding issue, leading to a temporary pause in their Arbitrum market operations.
RBL Bank Partners with Accenture to Build A Digital Bank Infrastructure
RBL Bank announced that it will partner with Accenture, who envisions that it will enhance the bank’s information technology (IT) network and services.
PwC Reports Huge Shift in M&A and Fundraising from US to Asia and EMEA in 2019
In 2019, crypto fundraising and M&As began migrating over to Asia, Europe and the Middle East and saw a lack of new VC investments as the majority of funding came from crypto firms within the industry, according to PWC’s latest report released on April 6.
Short-Term Holders Dominate Primary Driver for Bitcoin's Liquidation amid Ukraine Crisis
Analysis by IntoTheBlock shows that short-term holders have been the primary catalysts of the present leg down as they continue liquidating their BTC investments.
Bahamas Ranks First as The Country with Most Advanced Retail CBDC Development
The Bahamas narrowly beats Cambodia because its CBDC is available to all citizens.
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.
Ault Alliance's Sentinum Mined 909 Bitcoins this year
Ault Alliance's subsidiary, Sentinum, mined 909 Bitcoins from Jan to Jul 2023, with 668 in Michigan and 241 via a partnership with Core Scientific.
Montana Passes Crypto Miner Rights Bill
Montana’s House of Representatives passed Bill number 178, which seeks to enshrine the rights of crypto miners and prohibit local authorities from obstructing crypto mining operations. The bill now awaits Governor Greg Gianforte’s signature to become law. The legislation establishes a “digital asset mining right,” forbids discriminatory electricity rates charged to crypto miners, and removes the authority of local governments to use zoning laws to impede crypto mining activities.
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.
Malaysian Universities to Expand Women’s Blockchain Knowledge Base with Programmers Course
Women in Blockchain Asia (WIBA) has partnered with various Malaysian universities to propel the number of female blockchain developers and coders in Malaysia.
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.
India Reportedly Postpones to Test Digital Rubee in Q1 in 2023, Amid Banning Private Cryptos
Reportedly, the Indian government has postponed the trial date of testing digital Rubee until Q1 of 2023, the digital form of central bank digital currency (CBDC), according to local media outlets.
The Reserve Bank of India Clarifies Stance About Crypto Ban
RBI has eased off its harsh grip on crypto activities for banks and other regulated institutions in India.
Canada Tightens Crypto Asset Regulations for Public Investment Funds
The Canadian Securities Administrators propose regulatory changes for public investment funds handling crypto assets, focusing on custodianship standards and limiting direct crypto dealings to specific fund types.
Bank of Lithuania Calls For Uniform Regulation for Digital Financial Innovation Across Europe
Bank of Lithuania, Lietuvos Bankas, has proposed uniform regulations throughout the European Union in response to the European Commission’s consultations for the development of the digitalization of financial services in Europe.
Binance linked to illegal cryptocurrency platform Bitzlato
Binance is related to Bitzlato, according to FinCEN. The obscure platform collected $206 million from darknet marketplaces, $224 million through frauds, and $9 million from ransomware perpetrators.
Russians Under Sanctions Using Crypto to Launder Money: Elliptic Report
Russians with strong social connections, who are under international sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine, have been using cryptocurrencies to launder their wealth, according to a report.
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.
UK Parliamentary Group Seeks Public Comment for Shaping Ecosystem in Crypto Sector
The United Kingdom’s Crypto and Digital Assets All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is calling for public comments as it commences its inquiry into the emerging blockchain ecosystem in the UK.
British Standards Institution Pioneers International AI Safety Guidelines for Sustainable Future
BSI's release of the first international AI safety guideline, BS ISO/IEC 42001, marks a significant step in standardizing the safe and ethical use of AI, reflecting global demand for robust AI governance.
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.
Amazon Invests $4 Billion in AI Startup Anthropic for Advanced Foundation Models
Amazon and AI startup Anthropic have entered into a $4 billion investment agreement to develop advanced foundation models. The collaboration will provide Anthropic with AWS resources and allow Amazon to build on Anthropic's AI models. Both companies are committed to AI safety and responsible scaling.
Russian Cybercriminals Sanctioned by DoJ for Crypto Laundering Scam Generating More than $16.8M
TheDoJ has sanctioned two Russian nationals for their cybercrimes, where millions in cryptocurrency were accumulated through scamming and phishing schemes.
Cryptopia Users Win New Zealand Ruling Over Locked Cryptocurrency as High Court Declares them "Property"
Clients of Cryptopia exchange will finally get their funds back after a New Zealand high court classifies the rules that they are entitled to their funds.
Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak's EFFORCE Crypto Kicks Off on HBTC
Steve Wozniak, Apple's co-founder, new blockchain project to fund energy-efficiency projects, Efforce has launched its token WOZX on HBTC.com.
India Accuses WazirX of Tax Evasion, Future of Local Crypto Sector Remains Unclear
India’s largest cryptocurrency trading platform, WazirX, has been accused by the country's authorities of tax evasion worth $5.4 million.
Tech Mahindra Leverages IBM Blockchain For New Entertainment Royalties Platform
Indian multinational tech company, Tech Mahindra has announced the launch of a blockchain-based platform aimed at preserving the rights of video content generated by content creators and producers.
Stablecoin
What is stablecoin? In terms of what we measure the "stability". Understand stablecoin in different features. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Puerto Rico Police Say No Evidence of Foul Play in MakerDao Co-Founder’s Death
On Friday, local district police in Puerto Rico announced the results of the investigation into the death of MakerDAO Co-Founder Nikolai Mushegian. The report said there is no evidence of criminal elements involved in the death.
Thailand’s SEC to Eradicate Any Stumbling Blocks to Digital Asset Advancement
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Thailand has revealed plans to revise the royal decree on digital asset businesses in 2020 to boost digital assets’ growth, as well as shielding investors from avoidable risks.
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.
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.
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.
Indian Supreme Court Rejects Crypto Petition: Legislative Nature Emphasized
The Indian Supreme Court's decision not to accept a PIL for cryptocurrency regulation underscores the legislative nature of such regulations and the ongoing regulatory uncertainty in the crypto sector.
Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin Co-Authors Paper on Blockchain Privacy and Compliance
Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin, along with researchers and privacy advocates, published a paper on September 6, 2023, titled "Blockchain Privacy and Regulatory Compliance: Towards a Practical Equilibrium." The paper introduces "Privacy Pools," a smart contract-based protocol designed to reconcile financial privacy with regulatory compliance.
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.
Exploring the 2023 Surge in AI Market and Nvidia's Role Amidst Technological Challenges
Nvidia's NeMo Guardrails, an AI safety tool, aims to improve conversation accuracy with large-language models, despite challenges like model drift and hallucinations in 2023.
Vitalik Buterin's Vision of Techno-Optimism and AI's Future
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin advocates for a balanced approach to technology, considering both its benefits and risks, particularly in the context of AI and existential risks.
Reserve Bank of Australia Will Explore Wholesale CBDC with ConsenSys Ethereum POC
The Reserve Bank of Australia has partnered with leading Australian banks and ConsenSys Software to explore wholesale CBDCs and distributed ledger technology (DLT).
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.
India to Consider Levying 28% Tax on Crypto Transaction
Through the Goods and Services Tax (GST) body, India is mulling the idea of levying a 28% tax on transactions bordering on digital currencies in the Asian nation.
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.
ChatQA: A Leap in Conversational QA Performance
The study "ChatQA: Building GPT-4 Level Conversational QA Models" by Zihan Liu, Wei Ping, Rajarshi Roy, Peng Xu, Mohammad Shoeybi, and Bryan Catanzaro from NVIDIA focuses on the development of a new family of conversational question-answering models, including Llama2-7B, Llama2-13B, Llama2-70B, and an in-house 8B pretrained GPT model, which improves 'unanswerable' questions.
Bitmedia is Revolutionizing Advertising for Crypto Projects!
Bitmedia makes it easier to advertise crypto projects through its crypto ad network with Bitcoin banners! Learn how to supercharge your crypto ads with Bitmedia today!
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.
AI Companies Respond to Copyright Infringement Claims
Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt have responded to a lawsuit brought by artists who claim that their work was used without permission to train generative AI systems. The companies argue that the resulting AI-generated images are dissimilar to the artists’ work, and that the lawsuit lacks specific information about the allegedly misused photos.
Russian Sberbank Conducts First Digital Asset Trade on its Blockchain Platform
Sberbank expects digital assets trading to be rolled out to the bank’s customers later this year.
Kevin Hart Jokingly Calls Crypto “Voodoo Money” While Kanye West Takes Bitcoin Seriously on Joe Rogan’s Podcast
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart recently commented on Bitcoin during a livestream event for MDA USA, Kanye West discusses BTC with Joe Rogan.
The Bank of Tanzania to Introduce CBDC, Strengthening Domestic Payment System
The Bank of Tanzania is actively introducing a CBDC to strengthen the domestic payment system.
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.
Crypto Tax Automation Platform Koinx Secured a $1.5M Seed Round
On July 5, Koinx, a crypto tax platform focused on providing tax automation for crypto users, announced the completion of a $1.5 million seed round.
KuCoin Exchange Launches its Meta Office As KuCoin’s First step on Metaverse
KuCoin Exchange has announced it will launch virtual offices in a visually stunning virtual reality skyscraper called Bloktopia.
Blockstack’s STX Token Starts Trading on KuCoin Today
Blockstack is increasing its presence in Asia with the addition of its token Stacks (STX) to popular Asian-based cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin.
Bitcoin Could See Another Bull Run Soon as Pompliano Hints at a Major Government BTC Development
Anthony Pompliano recently told the crypto Twitter community that something big is about to happen with Bitcoin.
How Blockchain Can Help with Vaccine Development Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The need of the hour to combat the pandemic is a potent vaccine which needs to be available in a short span of time, yet developed by following rigorous regulatory procedures and in a trustworthy manner. How can technologies like Blockchain help in such an accelerated vaccine development process?
Crypto Leaders Discuss Libra, China's CBDC and a Cashless Future at the Singapore Fintech Festival
A noteworthy panel followed on the topic of “defining the future of digital currency,” joined by Christian Catalini, co-creator of Libra and Head Economist of Calibra, Mu Changchun, Director-General of the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China, HE Serey Chea, from the National Bank of Cambodia and Umar Farooq, Head of Blockchain at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Italian Town Spearheads Blockchain-Propelled Waste Management
Miglianico, an Italian town in the Abruzzo region, is famous for its wine production based on its expansive vineyards. The city is planning to establish a new blockchain breakthrough by being the first town in the country to incorporate distributed digital ledger technology for its waste management solutions.
GoSats Pairs with NPCI to Launch a New Bitcoin Cashback Reward Card in India
The Bitcoin Rewards app GoSats has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (also known as NPCI) to launch a new cash-back reward card in India.
Crypto Executives Launch Investment Firm Tangent to Help Web3 Startups Growth
The launch of Tangent comes amid financial market turbulence that has triggered venture capital funds to slow down investment in the tech sector.
TrueUSD Partners with Alchemy Pay to Facilitate Direct Crypto Purchases in 173 Countries
Alchemy Pay partners with TrueUSD to enable direct crypto purchases via fiat in 173 countries, enhancing accessibility and transparency in the crypto industry.
Ferrari Terminates Crypto Sponsorship Before 2023 Formula One Season
Ferrari lost $55 million by ending its multi-year partnerships with Velas and Snapdragon before the 2023 season. The 2021 Ferrari-Velas alliance included NFTs and other attempts to engage fans. After canceling its cooperation with FTX, Mercedes lost $15 million.
How Bitcoin Donations Supported the Noble Cause of Taming Australian Bushfires
The harm caused by the Australian bushfires necessitated immediate response, and the Crypto Fire Alliance, a group of Australian and international blockchain and cryptocurrency businesses, stepped in to curb the situation through philanthropy.
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!
Yann LeCun Discusses AI Progress and Quantum Computing at FAIR's 10th Anniversary
Yann LeCun of Meta AI discussed the future of AI, highlighting Nvidia's hardware dominance, skepticism about human-level AI and quantum computing, and Meta's focus on multimodal AI systems.
Binance Scores Big Win as Newly Licensed Exchange in Italy
Binance cryptocurrency exchange has just scored a big win as its Italian offshoot, dubbed Binance Italy, has received approval to operate in the country by the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori (OAM).
Russian Blanket Crypto Ban May now be Limited to PoW Mining Activities
New reports emerging out of Russia now suggest that the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is looking to amend its proposed plans to enact a blanket bank on digital currencies
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.
Gemini Co-Founder Winklevoss Thinks BTC Is Set For Its Next Bull Run, With the Fed's Money Printing
Co-founder and CEO of Gemini crypto exchange Tyler Winklevoss thinks that the US Federal Reserve’s economic stimulus strategy would positively impact Bitcoin and its pricing on the crypto market.
Indonesian Scholarly Body Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) Says Crypto as Commodity or Digital Asset is Haram
The Ulema Council (MUI) has spoken against the engagement with digital currencies for Muslims in Indonesia, saying the nascent asset class is haram.
Australian CBDC Pilot Test to Commence Next Year - RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has published a Whitepaper to give additional insights into its proposed Central Bank Digital Currency, dubbed the eAUD.
Australian Business Icon Dick Smith Threatens The Guardian With Lawsuit Over Bitcoin Scam Ads
Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith is threatening The Guardian with legal action after it hosted ads linked to fake news of Smith supporting a Bitcoin and crypto scam.
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.
Crypto Bull Anthony Pompliano Reveals That 80% of His Wealth Is Bitcoin
Anthony "Pomp" Pompliano, the co-founder of Morgan Creek Digital and host of the Pomp podcast show, disclosed that 80% of his wealth was allocated to Bitcoin.
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.
India Considers Banning Crypto Trading Which Could Impact 1.7 Million Dependent Local Traders
The federal cabinet in India is expected to discuss a new bill that could once again ban cryptocurrency trading in the nation.
Gemini Enters Wealth Management After Acquiring BITRIA
Gemini announced that it has acquired BITRIA to provide a digital asset ecosystem for wealth management institutional asset managers.
National Australia Bank to Launch Ethereum-Based Stablecoin
NAB will introduce an Ether-based Australian dollar-pegged stablecoin. Reports say the AUDN stablecoin streamlines cross-border transfers and carbon credit trading.
THORSwap Resumes Operations with Enhanced Security Measures to Combat Illicit Funds Transfer
THORSwap, a decentralized exchange (DEX) leveraging the THORChain protocol, resumed operations on October 13, following a temporary shutdown to address concerns of illicit funds transfer. The platform has enhanced its security measures, updated its terms of service, and partnered with an industry leader to prevent the movement of illicit funds. Although the move was met with mixed reactions from the community, it underscores THORSwap's commitment to providing a secure trading environment amid rising regulatory pressures in the DeFi sector.
Russian Intelligence are Hiding Embezzler and Former Wirecard COO in Belarus
Jan Marsalek promptly disappeared shortly after undertaking an investigation for the Wirecard missing funds - which he claimed would clear him of any wrongdoing. However, new evidence suggests that he never made it to the Philippines at all, but has been in hiding with the help of the FSB, a Russian intelligence agency.
SEBA Bank Secures SFC License, Expanding Crypto Services to Hong Kong
Swiss cryptocurrency bank SEBA Bank has been granted a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission license to offer trading, distribution, advisory, and asset management services in the Asia Pacific region.
Singapore-based Online Press Initium Media Accepts Membership Subscription in Crypto
Online Chinese-language press Initium media announced the digital media platform had accepted cryptocurrencies to pay for membership subscriptions.
Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin Considers Creating App Store After Google Demands 30% Cut
Ethereum founder, Vitalik Buterin considers competing with Google Play and Apple's App stores dominance.
Why Energy Experts are Watching the Crypto Market Closely
Words like Bitcoin and Oil Market seem to have no correlation between them. However, given the kind of small world we are living in, there's more than meets the eye. Check out this article which explains the perfect correlation between Bitcoin and Oil Market and why energy experts are keeping a close watch on the crypto market.
Indian Crypto Exchanges Seek Clarity on Legal Status and Taxability from the Reserve Bank of India
Crypto exchanges and companies in India are still seeking regulatory clarity and tax status from the Reserve Bank of India following a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the crypto industry earlier this year. India’s Supreme Court reversed the ban placed by the central bank on financial institutions offering crypto-related banking services. It is two months after lifting the ban, crypto exchanges and firms are now seeking clarification regarding the nature of their operations.
Russian Finance Ministry Believes Crypto Should be Regulated not Banned
The Ministry of Finance in Russia believes that the ban on crypto-assets should be shelved. Proper regulations would provide both transparency and protection to citizens.
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.
Leading Sneaker MarketPlace Sets Foot in the Metaverse to Spur Innovations
The Edit LDN, a global sneaker marketplace based in London, has entered the metaverse by developing a premium store to drive its innovation a notch higher.
Digital Asset Firm Hashdex to Launch Web3 ETF on the Brazilian Stock Exchange
The Web 3 ETF (WEB311) will track Web 3 firms that are expected to benefit from technology infrastructure.
Gazprombank suggests banks be given more time to adjust to digital
Gazprom, a Russian state-owned company, suggested allowing banks extra time to deploy the "digital ruble."
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.
NVIDIA and NSF Launch Groundbreaking NAIRR AI Research Initiative
NVIDIA and the NSF partner to launch the NAIRR pilot, a major initiative to advance AI research in the U.S. by providing resources and promoting responsible AI innovation, strengthening America's global AI competitiveness.
Tinkoff Bank's Parent Firm Wades into Crypto with Aximetria Purchase
Despite the strict stance of Russian market watchdogs over the digital currency ecosystem, TCS Group, the parent company of private Russian bank Tinkoff has made a majority acquisition in Aximetria.
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.
Coinbase to Release Q4 Results, Crypto Winter Expected to Cause amid Ukraine- Russia War
Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, announced that it will release its fourth-quarter earnings report on February 24, 2022, EST. Wall Street analysts expect a brief winter in the cryptocurrency market due to the Crisis in Russia and Ukraine.
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.
Binance Charity Donates $100,000 in Georgia to Empower Women through Web3 Education
In celebration of International Women's Day, Binance Charity, the philanthropic arm of Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure provider, has announced a $100,000 donation to Georgia's Innovation & Technology Agency (GITA) to support web3 education and training. As a result of the partnership, more than 100 women will be able to study professional courses in Web3 and get support to move into the job market.
Norwegian Air Set to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments
Amazing times ahead for travelers in Norway as Norwegian Airline, one of the largest in Europe is set to accept the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payments for flight booking.
WWE Plans to Release the Undertaker NFTs Ahead of WrestleMania 37
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced that it will release non-fungible tokens (NFTs) featuring the Undertaker ahead of WrestleMania 37, which will run today and tomorrow at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
Aussie Baseball Team Perth Heat to Start Paying Players and Staff in Bitcoin
Australian baseball team Perth Heat is incorporating Bitcoin into its business practices and is making preparations to offer salaries in the cryptocurrency.
Microsoft Signs Multi-Billion Dollar Deal with Nvidia-Backed CoreWeave, Former Ethereum Miner, for AI Computing
According to CNBC, Microsoft is set to expand its footprint in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector with a multi-billion dollar deal with CoreWeave, a cloud computing startup once known for its Ethereum mining operations.
Optimism (OP) Announces Critical Fault Proof Upgrade Impacting Bridges and Exchanges
Optimism introduces major updates to Fault Proofs, affecting withdrawal processes for bridges and exchanges on OP Mainnet and OP Sepolia.
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.
$1 Billion in Bitcoin Moved, Making It the Largest Dollar Value Crypto Transaction in History
On-chain crypto data analytics recently picked up a Bitcoin transaction worth more than $1 billion.
Crypto-Spring in Bloom as Institutions and Billionaire "OG" Investors Mature Towards Bitcoin
The Bitcoin price hit its peak of around $20,000 at the end of 2017, but over the last two years it has been trading at around half that value. Along with Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies that take their cue from the success of the pioneer crypto, have also not achieved anything close to their values at the end of the 2017 ICO rush. But times are changing and according to Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and early investor in Coinbase believes the crypto winter is thawing and asserts that we are on the cusp of a ‘crypto spring’.
dYdX Founder: Focus on Overseas Markets Over US for Crypto
Crypto industry founder Antonio Juliano suggests targeting overseas markets due to US regulatory challenges, aiming for a 100x increase in the sector. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong predicts US adoption will improve by next year.
Siacoin (SC), LEO Surge Over 14% as Starknet (STRK) Sinks 21% Among Top Cryptocurrency Movers
Siacoin and UNUS SED LEO were among the top gainers over 24 hours, surging 14-15%. Starknet saw the biggest losses, plunging 22%. Ongoing volatility highlights an uncertain crypto market amid weak sentiment and volumes.
OKB Token Price Rises Over 10% on News of OKEx Exchange Founder’s Release
Circulating rumors of OKEx exchange founder Mingxing “Star” Xu’s release from the custody of Chinese authorities has seen the OKB token surge over 10% today.
The Reserve Bank of Australia Refuses to Join the CBDC Bandwagon
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has refused to join the bandwagon with respect to the development and issuance of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
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.
Hopes Dashed for India's Crypto Community
The Indian crypto community was upset that the budget did not address crypto, hoping for a 30% tax decrease.
G20 To Establish Standards For Global Crypto Regulatory Framework
The Financial Stability Board, IMF, and BIS will propose worldwide crypto regulations.
India’s Telangana State Partners with CasperLabs for Seamless Blockchain-Powered Government Processes
To stimulate more secure, efficient, and sustainable government processes, India’s Telangana State has joined hands with CasperLabs to revamp operations using blockchain technology.
Private Cryptocurrencies May Soon Vanish From Russia
According to Russia's TASS news agency, Bank of Russia Deputy Governor Vladimir Chistyukhin signalled that private cryptocurrencies may soon go out of existence in the financial markets.
Australia-based Zip Considers Adding Crypto Trading Options within a Year
Australia-leading digital retail finance and payments company Zip Co Ltd is considering adding cryptocurrency trading options for customers.
National Bank of Georgia to Launch CBDC Pilot Program in 2022
The National Bank of Georgia is set to launch a pilot program for its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) dubbed the Digital Lari by 2022.
Belt and Road Summit 2019—Iranian Investment, Malaysian FinTech and the Kazakh Belt Buckle
Rounding off our exclusive interviews for the 2019 Belt and Road Summit, jointly organized by the HKTDC and the HKSAR Government, we share insights from delegates from Iran, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan
Legalizing Crypto Payments Will Happen "Sooner or Later": Russia Trade Minister
In a recent revelation, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said the move to legalize cryptocurrencies as a means of payment in the country is bound to happen “sooner or later.”
Stripe Is Integrated By Solana Market Maker For Fiat-To-Crypto Transfers
The Solana-based automated market maker Orca has opened up fiat purchases and fiat-to-crypto transactions through a new integration with Stripe. Users can now purchase the blockchain's standard native SPL tokens, including USD Coin and SOL, with fiat currencies. This comes as the entire crypto industry picks itself up after the collapse of the former powerhouse crypto exchange FTX.
Whatsapp is Close to Launching Digital Payments in Indonesia
Whatsapp, the Facebook-owned messaging platform has been engaging in preliminary talks with multiple Fintech establishments to launch digital payments in Indonesia.
Mastercard Pulls Russian Banks from its Payment Network
American payment services giant Mastercard has cut off Russian financial institutions from its payment network.
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.
Australian Judge Allows Plaintiff to Use Bitcoin as Collateral Bond
In Australia, a New South Wales (NSW) court has allowed a cryptocurrency exchange account to be used as a collateral bond for legal costs.
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.
China Mobile Launches Metaverse Industry Alliance, Involving Tech Giants Like Huawei and Xiaomi
On June 28, 2023, in Shanghai, China Mobile announced the formal establishment of the China Mobile Metaverse Industry Alliance during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2023. This initiative marks a significant stride in China Mobile's strategic foray into the rapidly expanding metaverse landscape.
Ethereum is Getting Closed to Being Completely Censored Because of OFAC Regulations
Ethereum is becoming more compliant with OFAC sanctions per on-chain data
CSRC Director Yao Qian: CBDCs Can Run on Ethereum and Diem
China Securities Regulatory Commission Director suggests that China can utilize the BaaS infrastructure of public blockchain networks for CBDCs establishment.
Involved in Cryptocurrency and Cash Corruption, Regional Military Recruitment Heads Were Dismissed by Ukrainian President
Ukrainian President dismissed regional military recruitment heads for corruption involving cryptocurrency and cash. Law enforcement opened 112 cases.
Russia Updates Regulations on Crypto Transactions, Harsh Fines Reserved for Defaulters
Russia’s Ministry of Finance has issued an amendment to its current cryptocurrency regulations. The amendments also come with stricter sanctions.
Cambodia Officially Launches Its State-Backed Digital Currency “Bakong”
The National Bank of Cambodia has announced an official launch of a national digital currency that would operate via smartphone apps.
Ukraine Military Foundation Allies Solicits Donations in Crypto
The “Return Alive” Foundation with close ties with the Ukrainian military is now soliciting funds in cryptocurrencies to support the army in these trying times.
PwC Veteran Quits Role to Establish Digital Asset Fund in Dubai
Henri Arslanian, the former Global Head of crypto of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), has launched his own crypto-dedicated venture capital firm, Nine Blocks Capital Management, and has chosen Dubai as the outfit’s base of operation.
60-Year-Old Man Cons Over 50 People with Indian Crypto Scam
Police have revealed another crypto scam in India has left more than 50 people counting losses.
AML BitCoin Lobbyist Abramoff to Pay $55K in Convicted Guilt Plea for ICO Fraud
In the civil case filed against Jack Abramoff for his role in the 2018 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) scandal, the AML BitCoin lobbyist is expected to pay $55, 000 in disgorgement and interest for his conspiracy in fraud.
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.
Australia Uses Blockchain to Enhance Cross Border Trade With Singapore
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is launching a blockchain trial that is targeted at enhancing cross border trades with Singapore
What Can We Learn From Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's Coronavirus Outbreak Contingency Plan for Employees?
US health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the coronavirus “is not recognized to be spreading in US communities.”
Payments Firm FIS Worldpay Taps Shyft Network, Enhance Global Crypto Regulation Compliance
FIS Worldpay wants to enable its merchants to comply with crypto-related regulations defined by FATF rules.
UK Finance Launches Experimental Phase for Regulated Liability Network (RLN)
UK Finance is launching an experimental phase to explore the UK Regulated Liability Network's potential in payment-upon-delivery, homebuying process improvements, and digital bond settlement, aligning with Project Rosalind.
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
Qualcomm CEO: Generative AI Will Redefine the Smartphone Industry in 2024
2024 is set to be a transformative year for AI in smartphones, with advancements in hybrid AI models and new features reshaping user experiences and industry dynamics.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Running Illegal Bitcoin ATMs and Money Laundering
Kais Mohammad has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of operating an illegal Bitcoin ATM business that laundered over $25 million.
Coinbase CEO Armstrong and Tech Giant Apple Butt Heads over Crypto and dApps
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has voiced his disappointment over Apple’s lack of flexibility on decentralized applications (dApps) operating on its App store.
U.S.-German Joint Operation Seizes $25m Worth of Bitcoin, Shuting Down Russian Darkened Marketplace Hydra
Authorities said the Hydra darknet platform had millions of users, where malware, drugs, counterfeit products, stolen data, and digital assets were traded.
Binance Continues to Provide Services to Unrestricted Russians Despite EU Sanction
Binance exchange is still serving nonsanctioned Russian users according to one of its Executives
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.
Russia Mulling Crypto for Cross-Border Payments
Russia is reportedly mulling the plans to allow cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments as on one of the survival measures explorable as the country continues to battle sanctions from the West for its invasion of Ukraine
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.
Hong Kong SFC Chief Executive: New Guidelines for Crypto Trading Platforms Prioritize Investor Protection
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced that the upcoming guidelines for operators of virtual asset trading platforms will place investor protection at the forefront.
NVIDIA Doubles Down Investing in Metaverse by Launching New Developer Tools
American technology giant NVIDIA is doubling down on its bet on the metaverse and is empowering creators with the launch of a new set of advanced tools.
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.
Utopia Labs Raises $23m in Series A Led by Paradigm Capital
Utopia Labs, a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) management startup has announced it has raised $23 million in a Series A funding round led by Paradigm Capital.
Virginia Proposes Regulatory Framework for Digital Asset Mining and Transactions
Virginia Senate Bill No. 339, introduced by Senator Salim, aims to regulate digital asset mining and transactions, exempting businesses from certain licenses and providing tax benefits for digital asset exchanges.
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.
NVIDIA Launches the GeForce RTX 4090 D targeting China
NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4090 D, launched for the Chinese market, combines advanced performance with U.S. export control compliance, marking a strategic global tech distribution move.
Australian Federal Agency Ex-Employee Evades Prison Despite Illegally Mining Ether and Monero on Supercomputers
A former employee of an Australian federal agency avoided prison despite mining cryptocurrency on government supercomputers.
Tencent Cloud Tech to Support Blockchain Digital Records for Travel Amid COVID-19
Tencent Holdings has joined hands with blockchain firm ShareRing to deploy a blockchain-powered digital document and identity management solution.
Illia Polosukhin Appointed CEO to Lead NEAR's Open Web Drive
NEAR Foundation appoints co-founder Illia Polosukhin as CEO, marking a new phase for the NEAR Protocol, focusing on ecosystem growth and process optimization.
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.
Australian Taxation Office Clarifies CGT on DeFi and Crypto Wrapping
The Australian Taxation Office has issued guidelines on the capital gains tax implications for decentralized finance activities and crypto token wrapping, following a recent security breach.
Treasury Secretary Yellen Highlights Economic Recovery and Addresses Financial Risks
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted Biden Administration's economic achievements and ongoing financial stability efforts, focusing on banking, climate change, cybersecurity, AI, and digital assets in a testimony to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Senator Lummis: Voting on Infrastructure Bill Amendments Will Be a Win for the Digital Asset Community
With all forms of Amendment on the Infrastructure Bill under threat, Sen Lummis has explained why the crypto industry will win should an amendment be voted on.
Bank of America Considers Bitcoin and Crypto Transactions to be Equivalent to Cash
Bank of America is considering Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins to be cash equivalent, and will treat crypto-related transactions as cash advances. Adjustments to the fees in that category of transactions will also be made.
Russia largest bank is moving forward with the plan
Sberbank, Russia's biggest bank, will begin open DeFi platform testing in April 2023.
Bank of Lithuania Selects IBM and Tieto as Finalists for its Blockchain-Powered LBChain Project
The central bank of Lithuania has chosen IBM, a technology titan, and Tieto, a leading Nordic software and services company, as the finalists in its blockchain-powered LBChain project. The winner will be announced as the year ends.
Australia's National Blockchain Steering Committee Mobilizes Domestic Developer Community
The Australian National Blockchain Roadmap Steering Committee is seeking expressions of interest from its domestic blockchain community to create working groups on supply chain and credentialing.
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.
Circle Taps BNY Mellon to Serve as Custodian for USDC Stablecoin Reserves
The new partnership will mutually benefit Circle and Mellon Bank.
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.
Indonesian Police Raid Bitcoin Mining Operations Over $1 Million Electricity Theft
Indonesian police have closed 10 illegal Bitcoin mining operations, detained 26 individuals, and confiscated over 1,300 mining rigs, stealing nearly $1 million worth of electricity.
Russian Man Charged For Offering $1 Million in Bitcoin to United States Employee to Install Malware in Company’s Network
Russian citizen arrested and charged for trying to recruit an employee to plant malware on a company’s computer network in Nevada, US.
Estonia Shuts Down Crypto Firms
Nearly 400 virtual asset service providers (VASPs) have shut down in Estonia due to enhanced Anti-Money Laundering laws. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) revoked the authorizations of almost 190 firms for non-compliance. The remaining 100 active crypto firms had issues with misleading company information, including falsified professional backgrounds and copied business plans.
The RBI will pilot retail CBDC in December
The RBI is planning to test the "digital rupee" in retail. Within a month, the pilot will debut. Digital rupees will augment the present payment system, not replace it. Each bank testing CBDC will utilize 10,000 to 50,000 people.
ASX Delays Blockchain-Based CHESS Replacement to April 2023
The Australian Securities Exchange has delayed the blockchain replacement for its CHESS settlement system for financial products, until April 2023.
Nvidia Agrees to Pay $5.5 Million to SEC Fine for Failure to Crypto Mining Disclosures
The SEC said it found that Nvidia misled investors in 2017 and 2018 on how cryptocurrency contributed to the profits in its gaming business.
Brazilian Banking Federation President Claims Crypto Cannot Replace Fiat Money
The President of Brazilian Banking Federation has argued that cryptocurrencies do not meet the basic criteria of real currencies.
Norwegian Tax Authorities Want Investors to Voluntarily Declare their Crypto Earnings
The Norwegian Tax Administration wants people to voluntarily report their cryptocurrency earnings ahead of the April deadline for filing tax returns.
U.S. Requests Crypto Exchanges to Avoid Russian Running away from Sanctions
The U.S. is reportedly urging major crypto exchanges to make sure no Russian individuals or institutions escape from the sanctions by using cryptocurrencies.
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.
Australia Sponsors Two Blockchain Pilot Projects for AU$5.6M
The Australian government has allocated more than 5.6 million Australian dollars to support two domestic blockchain pilot projects, enhancing the domestic productivity and competitiveness of the Minerals and Food and Beverage sectors.
Malaysian Authorities Shut Down Illegal Bitcoin Miners For $600K Power Theft
Malaysian police have shut down two illegal Bitcoin mining operations which had been siphoning power continuously for the past three years.
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.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Advocates Ethical AI Boundaries at Davos
Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Davos Forum calls for establishing ethical boundaries and good governance in AI development, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and inclusivity.
Binance Enhances Trading Options with New Pairs and Bot Services
Binance boosts its trading services with new spot trading pairs and trading bot services, expanding options and enhancing user experience. This includes pairs like MOVR/TRY, LDO/FDUSD, and more, with a focus on FDUSD and Turkish Lira pairs.
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.
Islamic Coin Launches Community Rewards on Haqq Network
Islamic Coin announces a Community Rewards program to appreciate and engage its community. The #ISLM Rewards, launched on October 11, 2023, comprises three waves targeting different engagement levels and community segments. The initiative aims at fostering a Shariah-compliant Web3 financial ecosystem, with the first distribution of rewards commencing on October 11, 2023. The program, however, excludes Dubai residents from participating.
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.
WeStreet Credit Union Opens Public Access to Cryptocurrency Trading Portal
WeStreet Credit Union has introduced a Crypto Portal, offering a secure platform for buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies. Initially a members-only feature since August 2023, it opened to the public in October. Partnering with a Qualified Crypto Custodian, WeStreet provides a regulated, audited platform for cryptocurrency transactions, bridging the gap between traditional banking and the digital currency sphere.
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).
Coinbase Layer 2 Network
Coinbase's new layer-2 network, Base, has Ethereum supporters. One lawyer thinks the launch "opens the way" for the SEC to expedite its "secondary market agenda."
Why is Nigeria Africa’s Biggest Crypto Hotspot Even Though it Doesn't Even Have a Bitcoin ATM?
Nigeria is the biggest crypto market in Africa, but based on official records it does not have a functional Bitcoin ATM. WeeTracker reported on Jan 27 that this trend is noted in Nigeria despite it backing the first stablecoin project in the continent using its currency the Naira.
China's Tencent Forms Alliance to Boost Blockchain Development in the Country
China remains a pacesetter in the technological landscape. The Chinese government as well as Chinese companies are all in tandem with the fight to push for a whole new world of technological dominance. This developmental posture is also true of Tencent, one of China’s technologically focused firms that announced it has formed an industrial alliance that will help promote the development of blockchain technology. The alliance is set to recruit 100 members before the end of the year to create room for wider representation.
Russia Won't Follow in the Footsteps of China's Total Ban on Crypto Transactions: Russian Deputy FM
The Russian government said it will not follow China's comprehensive ban on cryptocurrency and has no plans to prohibit investors from buying cryptocurrencies in the foreign exchange market.
Imperial College London Partners with FluidAI to Address Digital Asset Market Inefficiencies
Imperial College London, a top-ranking UK university, has announced a strategic partnership with the fintech startup FluidAI on August 21. The collaboration aims to address and rectify inefficiencies in the digital asset market using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
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.
Nigeria’s eNaira Records 200,000 Transactions Worth Over $10 Million Since October
Based on eNaira’s success, Nigeria government is taking efforts to boost the functional capacity of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Blockchain Asia: Technological Solutions to Cultural Mistrust
Jochen Biedermann is also the Founder and CEO of Blockchain Asia which was established in 2016. In this second installment, we discuss Blockchain’s applications throughout Asia, clashes in culture and China’s mission to be the first country with an operating central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Nigeria Eyes New Regulatory Framework to Boost Crypto and Blockchain Adoption
Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance is collaborating with the nation’s capital market watchdog, to provide a new regulatory environment for the blockchain and crypto space.
India’s Government Plans to Bring Back Law to Ban Cryptocurrencies
A report revealed that the Finance Ministry is now inviting other ministries to have a discussion of its earlier draft on the crypto ban introduced a year ago.
Crypto Market Crashes after Putin Announcing Military Operations against Ukraine
The crypto market is full of bearish sentiment, right after Russia launched the latest military operation against Ukraine. Bitcoin has fallen over 8%, whereas Ethereum has plunged over 10%.
Australia’s Financial Regulator Issues First Regulatory Roadmap for Crypto Assets
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority admitted that although the crypto sector is small, its rapid growth poses risks in the future if it remains unregulated.
Bank of Russia to Debut Digital Ruble in April 2023
The Bank of Russia is planning a consumer pilot for the digital ruble and a gold-backed cryptocurrency.
SEC Charges Crypto Project Unikrn $6.1M for ICO Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Unikrn for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering of its native token, UnikoinGold (UKG).
Russian Banking Giant Sberbank to Tokenize Financial Assets Using Stablecoins
Sberbank, Russia’s biggest bank, has disclosed the possibility of issuing tokens to be utilized in digital financial assets (DFA) settlements. The token will be in the form of a stablecoin to be pegged to the nation’s currency, the Russian ruble.
Nigerian Blockchain Firm Bitmama Closes $2 Million Pre-Seed Funding Round
Bitmama said the founding round will enable it to open up the continent to more investment and financial opportunities accessible to users.
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.
Bitcoins Rebounds after Witnessing 6 Month Lows due to FUD, Standing around $36K
Subject to fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and the possibility of raising the interest rate from the U.S. Fed meeting last week, Bitcoin rebounded during the Asia trading session after it tumbled to its lowest in six months.
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).
The Central Bank of Nigeria to Conduct its Central Bank Digital Currency Pilot on October 1
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officially announced to pilot its central bank digital currency programme on the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain on October 1.
Enhancing Metaverse Integration: My Neighbor Alice joins the Board of Directors of OMA3
My Neighbor Alice, the fully-decentralized open-world game, is proud to announce that its Chief Product Officer (CPO) has joined the board of directors of OMA3 (“Open Metaverse Alliance for Web3”).
Crypto Interest in Asia is Brewing, Showing Long-Term Optimism in the Market
Crypto analyst Joseph Young has disclosed that Asia is showing considerable interest in the crypto market.
What is Trust?
Trust and trusted third parties are key concepts in bitcoin. The key role of bitcoin is to reduce trust and trusted third parties.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Criticizes Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton's Regulatory Approach
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse criticizes former SEC Chair Jay Clayton for his aggressive regulatory approach, citing hypocrisy based on a 2020 lawsuit against Ripple. The ongoing legal tussle and recent developments highlight the broader regulatory uncertainties in the crypto industry.
CNBC's Jim Cramer Changes Mind, Finally Buying Bitcoin
After predicting that Bitcoin would be annihilated, CNBC's ‘Mad Money’s host Jim Cramer is finally buying Bitcoin.
Understand JPMorgan's DocLLM: Enhancing AI-Powered Document Analysis
JPMorgan introduces DocLLM, an AI model for multimodal document understanding. This lightweight extension of LLMs excels in analyzing business documents, employing a novel spatial attention mechanism and bounding box information instead of costly image encoders.
India Crypto Exchanges Restrict Rupee Deposits to Buy Crypto
Indian cryptocurrency exchanges CoinSwitch Kuber and WazirX have banned users from making rupee deposits to buy cryptocurrencies due to issues with the United Payments Interface (UPI), Reuters reported.
Dubai's VARA Appoints Matthew White as CEO
Dubai's VARA is appointing Matthew White as its new CEO, focusing on regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency space, following a leadership transition.
Ninety Eight Launches $25M Ecosystem Fund to Boost Web3 Startups in Asia
Ninety Eight, transitioning from Coin98 Finance, has launched a $25M Ecosystem Fund to support Web3 startups in Asia, leveraging the Viction blockchain and $C98 token.
Top Latin American Crypto Exchange Bitso Enters Colombia
Bitso, one of Latin America's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, said it will enter the Colombian market, hiring former Mastercard executive Emilio Pardo as its new country manager.
15% Indians Set Foot in the Crypto Space, KuCoin Study Shows
As of June 2022, the number of crypto investors in India had clocked 115 million, representing 15% of the nation’s population aged 18 to 60 years, according to a survey by crypto exchange KuCoin.
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.
Road to a US CBDC? Ex-CFTC Chairman Released Written Remarks on Digital Dollar in Davos 2020
Davos 2020 to host ex CFTC Chairman, J. Christopher Giancarlo, and his insights on the possibility of CBDC and its many advantages!
Crypto Lending Firm Delio Faces Regulatory Sanctions for Compliance Failures in South Korea
South Korean crypto asset management firm Delio has been fined KRW 1.896 billion and suspended for three months by the Financial Services Commission's Financial Intelligence Unit due to non-compliance with financial transaction laws.
The Algorand Foundation to Integrate Chainalysis KYT for Transaction Monitoring and Compliance
The Algorand Foundation will be leveraging Chainalysis’ Know Your Transaction (KYT) for transaction monitoring and compliance processes after its integration.
101 Azuki Purchaser 'LastKnight' is Adrian Cheng
Adrian Cheng has been revealed to be the mysterious "LastKnight," who bought 101 Azukis amidst ongoing controversy.
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.
‘Multiple’ Crypto Lending Firms Are Under Investigation, Says California Regulator
DFPI is investigating several firms offering “crypto-interest accounts” after these platforms abruptly suspended funds withdrawals. These firms have recently put the lives of millions of consumers at risk.
Bulgarian Authorities Accuse Four Persons After Nexo Office Raid
The Sofia Nexo raid resulted in four charges. Nexo lets investors borrow and stake crypto. The UK, Bulgaria, and Switzerland-based corporation does not serve Bulgarians. Nexo announced its US service phaseout in December.
China's "Instagram" chooses Conflux Network for permissionless blockchain integration
Little Red Book, (XiaohongShu), the Chinese version of Instagram integrates Conflux Network as permissionless blockchain allowing users to showcase NFTs minted on Conflux on their profile page in the digital collection section called ‘R-Space’.
India IT Tech Firm Partners with Local Government to Introduce Blockchain Acceleration
Huge development talks originating from Pune City, shows that India IT services firm Tech Mahindra recently introduced the T-block Accelerator, the maiden accelerator program for the Telangana Blockchain District in partnership with the state government and IBC Media, an innovative management company.
New Bitcoin Lightning Network Vulnerability Exposed: The Replacement Cycling Attack
A new vulnerability termed as "replacement cycling attack" on the Lightning Network has been unveiled by a developer known as mononaut. The attack manipulates the transaction mechanism of the network, potentially causing financial loss to users. This revelation has led to the resignation of security researcher Antoine Riard from the Lightning Network development team. Despite the challenges, the network's locked-in value stands at $159.5 million, indicating its growing popularity since 2018.
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.
Brian Amstrong Sees Bitcoin as a Flight to Safety Asset in 5 -10 Yrs
Coinbase's Brian Armstrong foresees Bitcoin serving as a safe investment asset in about a decade
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.
CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz: US SEC Has No Authority Over Cryptocurrencies
The recent heated debate between the US SEC officials and the CFTC over who should police crypto tokens highlights the difficulty in applying existing regulations to the nascent sector.
Seychelles Crypto Exchange OKX to Expand Services to Australia
OKX, the Seychelles-based crypto exchange, plans to expand its services to Australia due to the country's strong uptake of cryptocurrency. The exchange sees Australia as an essential part of its growth strategy and intends to build a strong local office.
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
Binance to Sponsor The Weekend's Upcoming Music Tour
Binance cryptocurrency exchange, the world’s largest crypto exchange platform by trading volume has announced it will be the major sponsor of Canadian hip-hop singer, The Weeknd’s "After Hours Til Dawn" tour.
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.
Russia’s Central Bank Makes U Turn about Crypto Usage in International Payments
As a change of tune, Russia’s central bank is relieving its previous tough stance about cryptocurrencies by allowing their usage in international payments, as reported by Reuters.
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.
FTX Founder Bail Agreement
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyers have reached a new bail agreement with US prosecutors that restricts his use of electronic devices and apps while allowing him to remain at home. The proposed agreement would limit SBF’s access to the internet on a smartphone and any apps except for voice calls and text messaging. Additionally, he would be required to use a basic laptop with limited functions and monitoring software to track user activity. The new bail conditions are yet to be approved by the US District Judge overseeing Bankman-Fried’s case.
Meta's Strategic AI Expansion with Nvidia GPUs and New Llama Model
Meta plans to invest 350,000 H100 GPUs by 2024, enhancing its AI infrastructure, training the Llama 3 model, and restructuring its organization to drive AI-driven innovation.
Ecommerce Giant JD.com Accepts China’s Digital Yuan as Payments on Singles Day Shopping Fest
Top ecommerce JD.com accepted China’s digital currency payments during its 11-day Singles Day sales event.
Russian Central Bank Bars Mutual Funds from Investing in Cryptocurrencies
Under the new ban, Russia’s mutual fund companies must not invest in crypto assets.
The California DMV is set to digitize car titles and title transfers
The project modernises the DMV's record-keeping and reduces fraud by dealers selling defective autos.
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.
Malaysian Authorities to Extend Crypto Regulations to Wallet Providers
The Malaysian Securities Commission plans to extend crypto regulations to wallet providers in the country owing to their importance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
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.
CBN is continuing to develop its eNaira
R3, the CBN's possible technology partner, will help design a new system to give the CBN complete authority over the CBDC.
Gemini co-founder: Crypto's next bull run will start in Asia
Last October, former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes and Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss predicted that Asia will lead the next bull run.
Bank of Lithuania Launches First Blockchain-Based Digital Collector's Coin As Test for CBDC
The Bank of Lithuania has launched the first central bank-produced digital collectors coin dubbed “LBCOINS” as part of its trial of blockchain technology and testing in its development of central bank digital currencies.
Russian Banks Seeks Help from China's UnionPay amid Crackdown from Mastercard & Visa
In a bid to mitigate the strain on the users of these payment service providers, the Russian Central Bank said some of its indigenous financial institutions are looking at integrating UnionPay.
MAP Spikes Following MAP Protocol Joins NVIDIA for AI-Driven Bitcoin L2 Interoperability
MAP Protocol has partnered with NVIDIA to enhance Bitcoin L2 interoperability using AI, marking a significant milestone in blockchain tech integration.
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.
SEC Chair Gensler Open to Lawful Revival of FTX
SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasizes regulatory standards as FTX considers legal and compliant return, following founder Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction, marking a pivotal moment in crypto regulation.
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.
Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis Bought Bitcoin for Value Store and Censorship Resistance
Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis is now bullish on Bitcoin, promises to educate her colleagues in Congress on Bitcoin, Financial innovation
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.
European Union Parliament Considers Petition for Crypto Fraud Victims Fund
European Union Parliament is considering a petition from a consortium of individuals and companies to establish a restitution fund for victims of crypto-fraud.
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.
EU’s Latest Coronavirus Recovery Deal: What’s Wrong with Fiat and What’s Right with Crypto
The recovery fund spearheaded by the EU is made up of €390 billion in grants and €360 billion in loans, which will be added to a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with the sum of €1.074 trillion as a seven-year budget. The heads of state and government have reached a unanimous agreement, resulting in a total financial package of €1.82 trillion.
U.S. sanctions: Customers suing Compass Mining
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
ACC Sues Meta Alleging Scam Crypto Ads
Australia’s competition watchdog sued Meta Friday, alleging scam advertisement of cryptocurrency investments by asking local celebrities to promote them on its social media platform.
Cardano Blockchain to Stimulate Authenticity and Quality of Georgian Wine
To boost Georgia’s global reputation as a leading wine producer, the Cardano Foundation has partnered with the nation’s wine agency to create a public and flexible trace solution powered by the Cardano blockchain.
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.
Students at Texas-based University Accorded with Blockchain-Powered GreenLight Credentials
The University of North Texas (UNT) in Dallas has unveiled GreenLight Credentials, a blockchain-enabled academic records verification platform, for its students, giving them more control of their transcripts.
Blockchain-Powered Satellite Contributes to Ethereum Scaling
Cryptosat, a blockchain-powered satellite orbiting Earth, has contributed entropy to the Ethereum KZG ceremony from space. The satellite's Verifiable Random Beacon service generated the entropy, which was signed by the satellite itself and can be verified using the public key of Crypto2. This contribution will strengthen the security of the next version of Ethereum, which is scheduled for an upgrade on April 12.
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.
Malaysian Crypto Miners Caught Stealing $59,700 of Electricity from State on Monthly Basis
Malaysian police recently arrested five cryptocurrency mining operators that were caught stealing electricity from a state-owned power company, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
Ukrainian Government Accepts Polkadot DOT Donations, Expanding Crypto Donations Over $30M
Ukraine expands over $30M crypto donation program and accepts Polkadot’s DOTs after Russian army invasion.
UK Seeks to Recognize Bitcoin and Crypto as Regulated Financial Instruments
The UK Parliament recently voted to regulate Bitcoin and crypto assets as financial products
Reddit $MOON Tokens Can Now Be Sold For Fiat
This weekend, a Reddit user posted instructions on how to withdraw $MOON tokens and turn them into cash.
Australia Securities Exchange Moves For Blockchain Technology, CHI-X Calls For More Regulatory Supervisions
Australia Securities Exchange (ASX) plans to switch to distributed ledger technology by April 2021, replacing its clearing system, registry, and settlement with the technology for the sole purpose of cutting costs for customers.
SEC Delays Decision on Invesco and Galaxy Digital's Ether ETF
The SEC extends the review period for the Invesco and Galaxy Digital's Ether ETF until February 6, 2024, signaling continued caution in cryptocurrency product approvals.
Vietnamese Scientists Revolutionize AI in Mathematics with AlphaGeometry
Vietnamese scientists are advancing in AlphaGeometry, AI Mathematics, and solving geometry problems using synthetic data, neural language models, symbolic engines, Google DeepMind, and educational AI.
Government-Owned Swiss Bank to Provide Custodial Services for Cryptocurrencies
With the readiness of government-backed Swiss bank, bank Basler Kantonalbank (BKB) to offer crypto custodial services, the financial service sector is an inch closer to driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology
EU Council Expands Sanctions on Crypto Wallets, Targeting Russian Officials
The European Union Council has imposed another round of sanctions on Russia with an extended ban on crypto-focused transactions for already blacklisted Russian individuals and their relatives.
OKEx Founder Star Xu Arrested After Crypto Exchange Suspends Withdrawals
Following the sudden suspension of OKEx's withdrawal services, it has been reported that the exchange's founder Star Xu has been taken into police custody.
Binance shuts down accounts in relation to Bitzlato investigation
The U.S. Department of Justice announced action against Binance, which blocked accounts due to the Bitzlato probe.
Blockchain Platform Owned by Russia’s Richest Man Gets Greenlight to Tokenize Air Tickets
Vladimir Potanin, arguably the richest man in Russia, has been granted permission to offer digital tokens to book air tickets, purchase metals, and transfer ski passes using his blockchain platform dubbed Atomyze. The much-needed go-ahead was given by the nation’s central bank last week based on Potanin’s urge to tokenize commodities from a consumer perspective.
Google Announces Support for the 2024 Indian General Election
Google announces its support for the 2024 Indian General Election, leveraging AI and partnerships to provide voters with reliable information, combat misinformation, and ensure a fair and transparent election process.
OCC’s Brian Brooks Proposes ‘Country Coin’ Crypto Scheme to Close Global Wealth Gap
Brian Brooks, the acting Comptroller of the Currency, has a big crypto proposal to close the wealth gap between developing and developed nations - it's called “country coin.”
Binance Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Support for Hamas in Israel Attack
Three families of victims from the Hamas attack on Israel have filed a lawsuit against Binance, its former CEO Changpeng Zhao, Iran, and Syria, alleging their support for terrorism. The suit claims these parties provided substantial assistance to Hamas, spotlighting the challenges of regulating cryptocurrency in combating terrorism financing.
Crypto Trading in India Soared by 400% During COVID-19 Lockdown
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, India’s cryptocurrency trading industry has seen an increase of 400 percent over the last few months.
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.
Revolut CEO Breaks Silence on Russian-Ukraine War, Condemns Violence
The Chief Executive Officer of a digital banking app Revolut Nikolay Storonsky has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and will donate up to £1.5 million per day to Red Cross Ukraine for the next seven days.
Advancing Cryptocurrency Regulation in Nigeria: A Critical Necessity
Adedeji Owonibi advocates for Nigerian cryptocurrency regulation to combat financial crimes and ensure the industry's security and scalability, addressing the complexities of tracking illicit transactions.
Canada, Netherlands, Ukraine Central Banks Say Blockchain Not Necessary for CBDC
In a conference hosted by National Bank of Ukraine, some central banks recently suggested that blockchain is unnecessary for digital fiat currency
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.
DeSantis Proposes Flat Tax and IRS Elimination, Sparks Trump Rivalry in 2024 Race
In the 2024 presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advocates for a flat tax system and the elimination of the IRS, a move that has ignited a political battle with Donald Trump, highlighting internal Republican party dynamics and differing tax policy visions
CoinDCX Becomes India's First Crypto Unicorn after Receiving $90M Financing Led by the Founder of Facebook
CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto-enabled financial services company, has raised $90 million in financing led by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s fund B Capital,becoming the first Indian crypto unicorn.
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.
Cambodia Bars Using and Trading of Crypto
Cambodia has placed strict limitations on the way cryptocurrencies are used. The country has banned its citizens from making cryptocurrency transactions.
Creditors of Defunct Crypto Exchange Cryptopia Can Now File For Claims With Audit Firm Following Massive Hack
The creditors of the now-defunct New Zealand based cryptocurrency exchange Cryptopia can now file for claims with appointed audit firm Grant Thornton.
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.
Bitcoin Price Could Reach $350,000 by 2044 Depending on Millennials’ Investment Game Plan
According to Kraken Exchange, a leading US-based crypto exchange, Bitcoin price could shoot through the roof to $350,000 USD by 2044 if millennials were to invest more than 5% of their inherited wealth into this digital asset.
Pro-Russia Groups Evaded Sanctions With Over $2M Crypto Donations
American blockchain analysis firm, Chainalysis, has released a detailed report on how over $2 million in cryptocurrency donations have been used to fund the Russian-wing of the war in Ukraine
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.
19 Crypto Billionaires Rank among Forbes’ Annual World’s Billionaires List, Increased by 58% from Last Year
The number of crypto billionaires increased from 12 in 2020 to 19 in 2021, increased by 58%, according to the Forbes’ Annual World’s Billionaires list.
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.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak’s WOZX is Best Performing Crypto as Price Rallies 100% Again
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak’s crypto Efforce (WOZX) has rallied by 100% overnight, its price surging from $1.55 to $3.30 making it the best crypto-asset currently trading.
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.
Bitcoin Eyes $12K, Experts Say It Will Surge Regardless of US 2020 Presidential Election Outcome
Market experts have said that Bitcoin's price will be unaffected by the outcome of the US presidential elections.
A British National Charged With Aiding North Korea in Violating US sanctions
Despite the DoJ's crypto financial sanctions targeting Russia, local authorities helped their American colleagues.
Government Officials in Russia Expected to Declare Their Cryptocurrency Savings
Government officials in the Ural region of Russia are now expected to declare their savings stored in cryptocurrencies.
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.
Reserve Bank of Australia Rolls Out CBDC Pilot Project
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has launched a year-long trial to explore a central bank digital currency's (CBDC) business models and innovative use cases.
Friend.Tech Boosts Security with CoolWallet on Base Chain
Friend.tech, a decentralized social network on Base's Ethereum layer-2 chain, has seen rapid growth but also faces security risks from phishing attacks. To address this, CoolWallet has launched a Web3 Guardian competition to promote its Web3 SmartScan feature, which screens transactions for malicious behavior.
The OCC is Focused on "Not Killing" Bitcoin and Crypto says Acting Comptroller Brian Brooks
Brian Brooks has affirmed that the OCC is not planning any ban or stringent regulation on Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
US SEC Files Lawsuit against Crypto Influencer Ian Balina
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has brought an enforcement action against Ian Balina, a popular crypto influencer for his involvement in the promotion of SPRK tokens back in 2017.
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.
Chia Network Appoints Noor Menai to Board of Directors
Chia Network, Inc. has appointed Noor Menai to its Board of Directors. Menai, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in banking, finance, and technology, has held positions at prestigious institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. Chia Network, founded by BitTorrent founder Bram Cohen, aims to redefine blockchain technology for practical applications.
Former Voyager Digital CEO Faces Fraud Charges Amid CFTC and FTC Crackdown
The CFTC and FTC have levelled fraud charges against former Voyager Digital CEO Stephen Ehrlich, spotlighting the case as a notable instance of regulatory enforcement within the digital asset sector. The charges underscore the market's inherent risks and the imperative for robust regulatory compliance to ensure investor protection.
ASIC Bans BitConnect National Executive for His Part in Multi-Billion Dollar Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has officially banned a former National Representative of BitConnect from providing financial services for seven years.
Russian Crypto Advocates Urge Putin to Address Delayed Regulations
The Russian Association of Crypto Industry and Blockchain (RACIB) has written an open letter to President Vladimir Putin urging him to address the risks of delayed cryptocurrency regulations in Russia. The letter argues that Russia has been too slow to implement legal regimes for crypto adoption and highlights the potential complications of proposed amendments to the current crypto law.
Russia’s E-Voting Blockchain Platform Attacked
Russia’s blockchain e-voting platform for Vladimir Putin’s proposed Constitutional amendments reportedly suffered a node attack last weekend. The proposal is passed will allow Putin to serve as President until 2036.
7RCC Spearheads a Carbon-Neutral Bitcoin ETF for ESG-Focused Investing
7RCC has submitted a spot Bitcoin ETF with a composition of 80% Bitcoin and 20% carbon credit futures, providing a unique, carbon-neutral investment option in the crypto market.
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.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez to Take Part of his 401K Retirement Funds in Bitcoin
Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez has doubled down again on his love for Bitcoin, promising that he plans to take a part of his 401k retirement savings fund in the digital currency.
Bankless: Solana's Resilience and Prospects Amid Market Challenges
Solana has navigated through a challenging bear market and technical issues to emerge stronger in 2023. With improved network performance, diversification into new sectors like NFTs and AI, and upcoming developments like Neon EVM and Solang, Solana's future appears promising despite past setbacks.
Ripple Faces Trademark Lawsuit in Australia for 'PayID' Infringement
Ripple Labs is facing a lawsuit by New Payments Platform Australia (NPPA) for allegedly violating intellectual property rights for the branding of ‘PayID’.
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?
Tim Draper Plans to Capitalize on Indian Cryptocurrency Renaissance
Tim Draper is a billionaire investor best known to the crypto community for his participation in the FBI’s 2014 Silk road auctions where he won thousands of Bitcoin. The venture capitalist has revealed the he is now honing in on India's emerging cryptocurrency sector and hopes to fund many of the region's startups.
Ransomware Attack Directed Towards University of California Generated 118 Bitcoin
The University of California, San Francisco’s plans to further COVID-19 vaccine research were disrupted by a ransomware attack on the school’s servers.
Rusk Media Raises $9.5m for Blockchain-Based UGC Gaming
Indian-based digital entertainment startup Rusk Media has pulled the sum of $9.5 million in a Series A extension funding round for developing UGC-based blockchain gaming platform.
CNBC’s Brian Kelly Warns of a Bitcoin Short-Term Correction to $12,000
Brian Kelly, CNBC Fast Money trader, continues to be bullish for Bitcoin but warns of a short-term correction to $12,000.
Voltage Park's $1 Billion Cloud Infrastructure Targets ML Compute Shortage
Voltage Park, launching on October 29, 2023, introduced a $1 billion cloud infrastructure housing around 24,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs, aimed at redressing the ML compute resource crunch. A subsidiary of the Navigation Fund, Voltage Park aspires to democratize ML compute access, thereby catalyzing AI innovation across the spectrum.
Four Countries to Conduct Cross Border CBDC Payment Trials
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has joined forces with the central banks of South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia to kick start a project dubbed Dunbar aimed at testing the use CBDCs in cross border payments.
The National Bank of Cambodia Looking to Launch New Centralized CBDC This Quarter
The National Bank of Cambodia digital currency, which is a central bank digital currency, called Bakong, was launched on a trial basis in Cambodia in July 2019.
Austrian Telecom Provider Adds Cryptocurrencies to its Payments Network
With A1 Telekom’s move to accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies as a means of payment, Austrians now have more options in digital transaction payments
FreeInit: A Groundbreaking Approach to Enhance Video Generation by Nanyang Technological University
FreeInit, developed by Nanyang Technological University, enhances video diffusion models by iteratively refining noise initialization, significantly improving temporal consistency in video generation.
Binance.US Distances Itself from Binance.com; CZ Steps Down as Chairman
Binance.US declares operational independence from Binance.com, reassures customers, and remains compliant with U.S. regulations, following a $4.3 billion settlement. Chairman Changpeng Zhao steps down.
Cashing Out Vitalik Buterin’s Crypto Donation Proves Difficult for India’s Covid Relief Fund
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin donated $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency to a crypto Covid relief fund in India.
Is Wikipedia the Next to Join the Blockchain Revolution?
Since starting in 2001, the platform has increased to over 49 million pages and millions of articles. Each month, as many as 50,000 new articles are submitted and added to the site, meaning that storage and security are extremely important to its constant growth and usability.
USA and Nigeria to Discuss Digital Economy and AI Advancements for Economic Growth
The US and Nigeria are set to discuss the digital economy, AI advancement, and economic ties at a conference in Abuja.
Open Metaverse Alliance Starts Operations, Challenges Meta On the Future of Internet
OMA3 has established working groups to start developing standards between metaverse platforms
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.
70% of Millennials Crypto Owners Invest in IRA, Survey Shows
A new survey report from AltoIRA suggests as many as 39% of 2,000 millennials aged 25 to 40 own cryptocurrencies, and up to 70% of millennials crypto owners invest in their retirement accounts.
Shiba Inu Prepares NFT Crypto Game Shiba Eternity’s Last Pilot Test in Australia
The first testing of Shiba Eternity took place in Vietnam, where in the recent past Axie Infinity, a blockchain-based play-to-earn game, exploded as a viable source of income among users.
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).
Chinese Crypto Veteran Reveals More About Binance After Top Executives Leave CoinMarketCap
Chinese crypto veteran Li Xiaolai revealed to the public via social media platform Weibo, about Binance’s operations.
Fiat Money
What is fiat money; the history of fiat money and its influence on monetary policy and the global economy.
Binance Bans WazirX From Using Its Services
Indian cryptocurrency exchange WazirX was given an ultimatum to withdraw incorrect assertions about Binance ownership or lose access to its wallets.
Bitcoin and Libra’s Ultimate Underlying Value to be Determined by Central Banks, says Ex-RBI Governor
Former Indian central bank governor said that Bitcoin and Libra could play a role in a world where central banks are issuing their own digital currencies.
Australia's Government is Bolstering Its Market Regulator's Digital Asset
The new Australian government has devised a "multi-stage strategy" to combat cryptocurrency frauds, safeguard consumers, and increase enforcement.
‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ Author Kiyosaki Praises Bitcoin, and Says “Bitcoin is In, Real Estate & Gold are Out”
In a talk radio segment, New York Bestseller Robert Kiyosaki and crypto investor Anthony Pompliano discussed the growth of Bitcoin (BTC) and the major role the cryptocurrency will play in the future.
Australias Commonwealth Bank Halts Crypto Rollout
CBA conducted an initial pilot but paused the project with no time set when the second pilot would take place.
Central & Southern Asia Lead in 2023 Crypto Adoption, Chainalysis Reports
The 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index shows Central and Southern Asia are leading in global grassroots adoption of cryptocurrencies. The index measures countries' involvement in the crypto space using on-chain data and real-world statistics. India leads the index, with six of the top ten countries from the CSAO region. Lower-middle-income countries, including India, Nigeria, and Ukraine, have seen robust recovery in grassroots crypto adoption.
Crypto Fund Firm Fintonia Group Receives Virtual-asset License in Dubai
Singapore-based crypto fund firm Fintonia Group has received a provisional virtual-asset license from the Dubai authority.
Bitcoin Continues to Circulate in a Semi-Bullish Territory
Bitcoin is still in a semi-bullish area, given that circulation continues to be steady, according to on-chain metrics provider Santiment.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Sees Bitcoin As A Potential Future Reserve Currency
Stephen Harper, the former prime minister of Canada, has named Bitcoin as a possible reserve currency in the future.
India’s Tea Board Contemplates Using Blockchain to Stamp Out Tea Adulteration
India’s Tea Board seeks to mitigate the problem of tea adulteration by using blockchain technology as this will enhance consumers’ experience, as well as preserve the reputation of the Indian tea. Moreover, the consumption of tea in this nation will be boosted through an improved experience.
LUNA Do Kwon's Trial Postponement Request Amid Extradition Delays
Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon requests postponement of his U.S. trial, scheduled for January 29th, to mid-March due to extradition challenges in Montenegro. The SEC filed fraud charges against Kwon in February 2023, related to the collapse of TerraUSD and LUNA tokens.
Ether.Fi Launches Non-Custodial Liquid Restaking Protocol on Ethereum
Ether.Fi launches a non-custodial liquid restaking protocol on Ethereum, allowing users to maintain control of their keys while increasing staking yields through integration with Eigenlayer.
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.
Australian Online Neobank Volt has Partnered with Crypto Exchange BTC Markets to Provide Bank Service
Australian online bank Neobank Volt revealed that it has partnered with crypto exchange BTC Markets (BTCM) to provide bank services for Australian crypto investors.
Virginia Pension Fund Enters Crypto Lending Space to Enhance Returns
Fairfax County Retirements Systems, a $6.8 billion Virginia pension fund, seeks to expand its scope by entering the crypto lending market to boost its returns.
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.
India's Crackdown on Crypto Exchanges: Binance, Kraken, Mexc, and Kucoin Delisted from App Store
India's FIU removes apps of major crypto exchanges, including Binance and Kraken, from the App Store, enforcing compliance with anti-money laundering laws amid new crypto tax policies.
Standard Chartered Bank Partners with Enterprise Ethereum Alliance to Improve Customer Experience
Standard Chartered Bank joins the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance – an open-source blockchain community. But why?
OpenAI's ChatGPT Under GDPR Investigation in Italy: Facing 30-Day Defense Deadline
Italian Data Protection Authority, Garante, has raised concerns over potential GDPR violations by OpenAI's ChatGPT, requiring OpenAI to defend its processing of personal data for 30 days.
Five Russian Banks Ready to Lead Russia's CBDC Pilot Test
Five Russian Banks will participate in the pilot test for the Bank of Russia’s proposed Digital Rubble following the release of its public consultation report.
7 Steps in Luno: How to Convert Your USD to Nigerian Naira Using Bitcoin
This newly found interest also explains the recent increase in the number of exchange platforms that have been springing up to meet this growing demand for liquidity within this space. Some platforms where Nigerians can receive funds in dollars or Bitcoin and convert to Naira has been seen as a way out of the too many constraints fiat presents.
Binance Exchange Restricts its Services to Russia
Binance exchange is implementing a new account restriction policy for its Russian users in response to the European Union’s fifth financial restriction on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Bitcoin Advocate Cynthia Lummis Wins US Senate Seat in Wyoming State
Cynthia Lummis is elected to serve in the senate for the state of Wyoming. She is a Bitcoin advocate who wants to develop an “American First” agenda and cut the national debt.
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.
India’s Supreme Court Turned the Tables on Crypto Ban in Landmark Ruling
In a momentous ruling, India’s Supreme Court has lifted the ban made by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the nation’s central bank, on banks and other regulated entities dealing with cryptocurrencies. The court noted that preventing regulated entities from offering banking services to crypto trading stakeholders did not hold any water.
How the New Crypto Law in India Could Play Out
After the celebration seen in India’s Supreme Court as the verdict was given against the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its action of restricting financial institutions from providing banking services to cryptocurrency-based businesses, interested parties are wondering how the recent news will play out.
SEC filing discrepancies threaten American CryptoFed registration
The first decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to get legal recognition in the United States is at risk of losing its registration. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dug up anomalies in the DAO's registration statement dated Sept. 17, 2021. A stop order from the SEC would retract American CryptoFed's registration and bar sales of in-house tokens, Ducat and Locke.
Russia Gives Tax Incentives to Crypto Miners
Russia offers tax benefits for crypto mining investors during tough times.
Australian Top Bank Commonwealth Bank to Offer Cryptocurrency Trading for Retail Customers
The largest bank in Australia – Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) – is set to develop a platform that allows its customers to trade cryptocurrencies.
Former Sequoia Partner Michelle Fradin, Involved in FTX Investment, Joins OpenAI
Michelle Fradin, former Sequoia Capital executive, joins OpenAI to lead data efforts, specializing in venture capital and AI, focusing on FTX investment and large language model integration.
Impending Central Bank Digital Currency: Data Shows Not All Central Banks Support the Move
The paradox of the situation is that banks with the capacity to push the world into the digital currency era are actually not showing much interest towards adoption; with the reason for their reluctance remaining a question with no answer.
Navigating AI in Hospitality: Insights from Bulgarian Hoteliers
The paper titled "Automated decision-making: Hoteliers’ perceptions" provides an in-depth analysis of Bulgarian hoteliers' attitudes towards AI in decision-making, revealing a preference for AI in tasks not requiring emotional intelligence. It also uncovers that personal and property characteristics do not significantly influence their AI adoption preferences, indicating a widespread acceptance across the hotel industry.
UK Tech Companies Partner to Develop Blockchain-Based Parcel Tracking Application
Triad, a notable UK provider of IT consultancy services and technology solutions, has partnered with Stratis, a London-based enterprise blockchain technology company, for blockchain-enabled solutions to organizations including a parcel tracking application.
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."
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Anti-Crypto Stance of American Politicians
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong warns that anti-crypto politicians may face strategic disadvantages in 2024 elections due to growing crypto adoption and the proposed Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act's impact.
Dapper Labs Restricts Russian-based NFT Accounts, Abides by EU Sanctions
Dapper Labs said it is complying with new sanctions approved by EU member states amid Russia’s continued escalating conflicts in Ukraine.
Former US CFTC Chairman Christopher Giancarlo Quits BlockFi’s Board of Directors
Christopher Giancarlo has reassigned from the board of crypto lending firm BlockFi just after four months. He was appointed as an independent director on BlockFi’s five-person board in April this year.
Nigerian Crypto Community Affected by Paxful Shutdown
The closure of Paxful, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency marketplace, has left the Nigerian crypto community searching for alternatives. Nigeria, ranked eighth in crypto adoption, was significantly impacted by Paxful's pioneering use of peer-to-peer technology. Members of the community expressed concern over the future of crypto marketplaces and the fate of their funds.
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.
The Sandbox Appoints Nicola Sebastiani as Chief Content Officer
The Sandbox announced the appointment of Nicola Sebastiani as its Chief Content Officer to bolster its global content development. With a notable background from Sony PlayStation Studios and Apple, Sebastiani is set to enhance The Sandbox’s creator and content ecosystems. Alongside, executive promotions were announced with Mathieu Nouzareth now as Chief Business Officer and Amit Kumar as Chief Marketing Officer, marking a strategic move towards expanding its global community and fostering user-generated content in its decentralized virtual platform.
RippleNet Expands Access to Cross-Border Payments in the Asian Market with Thai FinTech Partnership
Thailand-based fintech company DeeMoney has joined RippleNet to process more efficient money transfers with competitive rates and low fees for all of Asia.
Indonesia Rakes in Approximately $6.8m Monthly from Fintech & Crypto Transaction Taxes
Since the rollout of fintech and crypto transaction taxes in May, Indonesia has amassed nearly $6.8 million, according to the nation’s tax official.
Kia America Deploys NFTs in New Creative Campaign Debuting the New 2023 KIA Soul Model
Kia America, a leading automotive brand, has launched a new creative campaign featuring non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for its iconic 2023 Kia Soul model.
Construction Giant XCMG Chooses Conflux for NFTs and Future Global Blockchain Applications
XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (000425.SZ), the world's third largest construction machinery manufacturers, announced a partnership with Conflux, a leading public blockchain network, and Zen Spark Technology Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based blockchain and fintech company. The partnership aims to leverage blockchain and Web3 technologies to explore more international use cases.
Algorand Blockchain Network Now Certified for Sharia Compliant Financing
The Algorand Foundation announced that its blockchain network has now been certified as Sharia compliant for the inclusion of Islamic financial markets.
Lithuania Government Cashes in Seized Crypto Worth €6.4 Million
Through the State Tax Inspectorate (STI), the Lithuania government has cashed in €6.4 million and slotted it in the state budget after selling seized cryptocurrencies.
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.
Hong Kong's Ambition to Thrive in Web3: Exploring the Development of Selected Regional Web 3.0 Technologies
Recently, the Research Unit of the Legislative Council Secretariat of Hong Kong released a summary of the document titled 'Development of Selected Regional Web 3.0 Technologies.
Australian Bitcoin ATMs Demonstrate Lightning Network
Coolangatta has its first Lightning Network-enabled Bitcoin ATM. Bitcoin Lightning ATMs operate like regular Bitcoin ATMs but faster. Crypto ATMs number 38,602, with 6,071 added in 2022.
Indonesian Religious Group Nahdlatul Ulama in East Java tagged crypto as Haram
A religious Islamic organization in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama in East Java, has issued a fatwa on the status of digital currencies under the Sharia Law saying the new digital assets are "haram" which means forbidden in Islam.
OpenSea: A Glimpse into January 2024's NFT Landscape
OpenSea's January 2024 digest reveals exciting NFT trends, including Dmitri Cherniak's 'Ringers' sculpture, Disney's 'Steamboat Willie' entering the NFT space, and The Fabricant's AI-driven digital fashion collection. These developments showcase the growing intersection of art, technology, and digital ownership in the NFT marketplace.
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.
Australia's First Bitcoin ETF to Launch on Apr 27
Australia’s first bitcoin ETF will be listed on the Cboe stock exchange next week, The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday.
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.
Estonia to Strengthen Supervision of Virtual Asset Service Providers
Estonia has recently considered enacting new rules on encryption and proposed draft legislation that will strengthen the supervision of virtual asset service providers.
China Passes Civil Code Which Will Allow its Citizens to Inherit Cryptocurrency
At the Thirteenth National People’s Congress held in Beijing China, the parliament passed a new civil code that protects the civil rights of inheritance, marriage, property, personality, and contract infringement. According to Lixin Yang, a professor at Renmin University of China, the civil code states that “When a natural person dies, the legacy is the personal legal property left by she/he.” Personal legal property in this case also means “internet property” including virtual currencies. Chinese citizens will be able to leave their cryptocurrency and virtual assets to their heirs, coming into effect on January 1, 2021.
Russian Top Digital Bank Tinkoff Explores Crypto Investment Services
Despite Russia’s Central Bank imposed ban and restrictions on cryptocurrency usage in the country, Tinkoff bank is examining potential cryptocurrency investments services to offer to its clients.
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.
Could Blockchain be a Solution for Mail-In Voting Issues and Election Ballot Counting Fraud?
Amid the misinformation circulating in response to the US presidential elections, blockchain technology has been brought up as a solution to prevent voter fraud.
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.
NYAG Letitia James Warns Investors About Crypto Investment Risks
New York Attorney General, Letitia James to issue a new guidance on the risks inherent in the crypto industry
India’s Telangana State Keeps the Ball Rolling with Blockchain-Centered Incubator
The administration of Telangana, a Southern Indian State, has announced the setting up of an incubator meant for startups in the blockchain technology field
Xiao Yi: Mastermind Behind 2021's Biggest Bitcoin Crash Receives Life Sentence
Former Jiangxi Provincial Political Consultative Conference member Xiao Yi sentenced to life imprisonment for bribery and abuse of power, linked to Fuzhou Chuangshi Company's Bitcoin mining.
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.
California Cannabis Grower Using Blockchain For Tracking
Blockchain and smart contracts help a California cannabis nursery authenticate its therapeutic plants. EMTRI and Global Compliance Applications announced a relationship with Mendocino Clone Company, a nursery. It will use blockchain to batch-certify all clones, or baby plants.
Bank of Tanzania Preparing for the Launch of CBDC
The Bank of Tanzania is preparing to start exploring a possible launch of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The central bank termed the move inspired by Nigeria’s central bank launch of its national digital currency.
Sequoia Software Firm to Pay Employees in Bitcoin
United States-based Sequoia Software Firm is the latest to offer its employees the option to receive part of their salaries in Bitcoin.
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.
India’s Crypto Bill Hearing Postponed by Supreme Court
The Indian supreme court has set a new date to hear the crypto case, which was originally scheduled for July 23. The purpose of the hearing was to address the writ petitions against the central bank’s crypto restriction.
Council of Europe Adopts Groundbreaking AI Guidelines for Journalism
The Council of Europe has adopted new guidelines for responsible AI use in journalism, emphasizing human rights and rule of law in the news media sector.
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.
Amazon and Tech Mahindra to Create Blockchain-Based PPE Supply Chain Solutions
Indian based technology company Tech Mahindra announced today that it has partnered with U.S based e-commerce giant Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deploy blockchain solutions using Amazon’s managed blockchain.
India Consults Stakeholders Related to Cryptocurrency Ban
The Indian government is exploring an alternative approach to handling digital currencies, rather than a blanket ban.
Lesley O'Neill was Appointed as Binance.US Chief Compliance Officer
Lesley O’Neill's appointment as Binance.US Chief Compliance Officer marks a strategic response to heightened SEC scrutiny, emphasizing the crypto industry's shift towards compliance and regulatory adherence.
The Coffee Board of India Views Blockchain-Driven Platform as the Holy Grail
At least 30,000 coffee farmers have signed up for a blockchain-driven electronic-market platform since it was launched by the Coffee Board of India (CBoI) in March
Nasdaq to Offer Institutional Crypto Custody Services
Nasdaq Global Select Market is reportedly on track to dive deeper into the digital currency ecosystem, with preliminary plans to offer custody services of Bitcoin and Ethereum for institutional clients.
China’s Blockchain Services Network Now Under Major Development Alongside "Digital Fujian" Project in the Province
China’s Blockchain Services Network has been in development in the Fujian province, recently along with its 20 main blockchain projects.
LinkedIn: Blockchain Jobs Skyrocketing in India
According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report, positions, such as blockchain developers, have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels in India. LinkedIn views emerging jobs as tasks that have witnessed incredible demand in a certain region.
India's Government Plans to Bar Cryptocurrency Transactions, but Allow Holding as Assets
India’s government believes that cryptocurrency is here to stay and the focus should entirely be on regulating it, not banning it.
US Election Results to be Published on the Blockchain
Everipedia, the blockchain-based encyclopedia has teamed up with international newsgroup The Associated Press (AP) for the upcoming US election in November.
Hedera (HBAR) and Algorand (ALGO) Form DeRec Alliance for Decentralized Recovery
Hedera and Algorand ecosystems have united to form the DeRec Alliance, introducing a new standard for simplified and secure digital asset recovery, aiming to revolutionize the Web3 experience.
Eastern Asia’s Crypto Market Growth Halts, China's Crypto Transaction Volume Drops by 31% YoY
Eastern Asia's crypto growth came to a near standstill since last year triggered China crackdowns.
Virginia Proposes Regulatory Framework for Digital Asset Mining and Transactions
Virginia Senate Bill No. 339, introduced by Senator Salim, aims to regulate digital asset mining and transactions, exempting businesses from certain licenses and providing tax benefits for digital asset exchanges.
Japan's Financial Giant SBI Group to Shut Down Crypto Mining Operations in Russia
Japanese financial giant SBI Group announced that it will shut down its crypto mining operations in the entire country of Russia.
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.
OKEx Allows Traders to Purchase Tether through Brazilian Reals via PIX
OKEx exchange officially announced establishing a strategic partnership with CuboPay, a local payment processor in Brazil. Exchange users are now allowed to use Brazilian real through PIX in exchange for Tether purchases.
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.
No Significant Risk Exposure to FTX or FTT, Says Coinbase CEO
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong tweeted that Coinbase has no significant exposure to FTX and its platform currency FTT, as well as Alameda's exposure.
Binance Joins Association of Russian Banks, Strengthening Strategic Relations
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has joined the Association of Russian Banks (ARB), a move that arguably bolsters its relationship with top financial institutions in Russia.
Indian Securities Regulator Urges Mutual Fund Companies To Avoid Investing In Crypto, Until Regulations Set In
SEBI urges mutual fund companies in India to avoid investing in cryptocurrencies as the government is still considering new crypto rules.
CNBC Survey: Most Millennial Millionaires Own Cryptocurrencies at 83%
Based on the technological innovations revamping the world like cryptocurrencies, millennials have been at the forefront to embrace them, as cited by CNBC Millennial Millionaire Survey findings.
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.
Reserve Bank of India Says Banks Are Authorized to Provide Accounts to Cryptocurrency Traders
The Reserve Bank of India recently responded to an information query, saying that Indian banks are not prohibited from dealing with crypto businesses.
Indian PM Modi Urges Democratic Nations to Cooperate on Making Crypto Safe
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged cooperation between the world’s democracies to ensure that crypto coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum do not finance criminals and terrorist groups.
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.
Ugandan FIA Urges Central Government To Regulate Cryptocurrencies
Uganda's FIA urges the central government for comprehensive regulation of the digital currency industry nationwide.
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.
Pro-Russian Group Raises $400K in Crypto to Support Russian Military Actions
Pro-Russian groups are raising funds through cryptocurrencies to support Russian military operations as the Russian-Ukrainian war continues.
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.
Gate Pay and CityPay.io Partner to Bring Cryptocurrency Payments to Georgia
Gate Pay has partnered with CityPay.io to offer cryptocurrency payment alternatives to over 600 merchants in Georgia, including restaurant chain Wendy’s. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between Web3 and people’s daily lives.
Welcoming the Future of Finance with Blockchain
Blockchain is not limited to creating cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. In fact, it has the potential to entirely remodel every industry out there, including the financial institutions.
Nomura's Laser Digital Launches Ethereum Adoption Fund for Institutional Investors
Nomura's Laser Digital has launched an Ethereum Adoption Fund, focusing on institutional investors, with a strategy involving staking and regulated custody, aiming to increase institutional engagement in Ethereum investments.
Central Bank of Russia Intends to Bring Crypto to Stock Exchanges
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is reportedly making plans to permit cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to start trading on the nation’s regulated stock exchanges.
Binance Responds to U.S. Senators Letter, Excludes Financial Data
Binance has responded to a letter from U.S. Senators sent earlier this month requesting information about the crypto exchange’s operations in the country, including its balance sheet. Despite omitting financial data from the letter, Binance reportedly sent the information to U.S. regulators. In the 14-page document, Binance's chief strategy officer, Patrick Hillman, addressed the exchange's compliance history and recognized previous mistakes while claiming the firm has built solid Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering policies in recent years. However, the response failed to address the senators’ concerns about Binance’s lack of transparency.
Australian Crypto Community Remains Enthusiastic Despite Regulatory Concerns
Despite regulatory concerns dominating discussions at recent crypto conferences in the US and Australia, the crypto community remains enthusiastic about the potential of digital assets. Attendees are more focused on discussing intelligent questions around regulation and tax rather than the extravagances of past events. Interest in crypto remains high, and the rise in the price of Bitcoin is encouraging the crypto-curious to attend conferences and ask beginner-level questions.
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
Indian film studio Zee Studios has Partnered with Nftically to Launch the First NFT Drop on Polygon Blockchain
Indian film studio Zee Studios announced that it has partnered with the Software as a Service (SaaS) platform Nftically to launch its first-ever NFT drop on Polygon blockchain.
President Trump Nominates Brian Brooks to Serve as US Comptroller of the Currency for A Five-Year Term
President Trump has nominated Brian Brooks to lead as the national bank regulator for a full five-year term.
Asia Crucial to Web3 Gaming Industry
A report by DappRadar highlighted the importance of Asia in the Web3 gaming industry, due to the region's majority share of gamers and gaming revenue, as well as its high interest in blockchain technology. While China prohibits gaming companies from integrating blockchain technology, Japan and South Korea are leading the way in adopting blockchain technology in gaming.
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.
Binance Updates Fiat Liquidity Provider Program to Include MXN and CZK Markets
Binance, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced updates to its Fiat Liquidity Provider Program. The program will now include the addition of MXN and CZK markets, providing more options for liquidity providers. The update will take effect on April 10, 2024.
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.
Australians Lost Over $70M to Scam Crypto Investments in H1 2021
Australians continue to suffer from online scams. More than half of the $70 million in losses were to cryptocurrency, especially through Bitcoin, a study says.
Coinbase Executives Stand Up for Crypto Staking Services
Crypto trading Coinbase officials deny its crypto staking services are securities.
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.
HSBC Successfully Executes First Blockchain Letter of Credit in Malaysia
HSBC announced its successful execution of a pilot live blockchain letter of credit (LC) transaction in Malaysia on Oct. 14.
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.
Animoca Brands to Halt Trading Services to Russian Users
Animoca Brands said it would stop trading services to Russian users is in response to sanctions being imposed on Russia.
China expands digital yuan usage for cross-border trade
China is promoting the use of its digital yuan, also known as e-CNY, for cross-border trade in its Belt and Road initiative. The city of Xuzhou plans to allow the use of e-CNY to pay for services and storage charges for goods carried by cross-border trains, with plans to extend its usage to pay taxes and utility services in the city. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is also testing the digital yuan as a cross-border payment tool in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, while the Chinese government ramps up its CBDC efforts amid a shift away from the U.S. dollar in international trade markets.
India Darknet Policing Ramps Up Following Drug Racket Arrests
Law enforcement agencies in India are teaming up with national research and academic institutions to enhance their ability to police the darknet.
British Columbia Will Stop Crypto Miners From Getting Electricity
British Columbia's state-owned electric company will suspend bitcoin miners' electricity-connection requests for 18 months. The halt will enable the government and BC Hydro to create a permanent structure that better balances crypto miners and residents and businesses. BC Hydro powers seven crypto-mining businesses.
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.
Indian Finance Minister Urges Banks to Use Web3 Technology to Detect Fraud
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on banks to use technologies such as Web3 and AI to detect fraud and generate early warning signs at the 75th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Banks Association in Mumbai on September 18.
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.
Cyprus Tightens Crypto Regulations with Hefty Penalties for Non-Compliance
Cyprus is tightening its cryptocurrency regulations by introducing hefty penalties for non-compliance. The government aims to align with international AML/CFT standards and has submitted a legislative amendment for review. All crypto service providers must register with CySEC, facing fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.
Crypto Traders Exodus from Indian Exchanges due to High Tax Rate
With Binance app downloads skyrocketing to 429K in August, traders are leaving Indian crypto exchanges based on a fallout triggered by a significant tax change.
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.
GSR Secures Major Payment Institution Licence from Singapore's MAS
GSR, a global cryptocurrency trading firm, has received In-Principle Approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The approval allows GSR's Singapore subsidiary, GSR Markets Pte. Ltd., to better serve the cryptocurrency community. The news comes a day after Coinbase Singapore announced its full licence, highlighting the competitive yet regulated crypto landscape in Singapore.
Huobi Accuses Ex-Senior Manager of Illicit Trading
A former senior manager at crypto exchange Huobi has been accused of illicit trading, according to a report from the Financial Times.
Bitcoin Price Breaks $18,000 and May Plunge Even Further
Since the Bitcoin price broke the symmetrical triangle and plunged yesterday, the downtrend potential is high.
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.
SEC Nigeria Issues Warning Against Investing with Binance; Declares Operations Illegal
SEC Nigeria warned against investing with Binance, declaring its operations in Nigeria illegal. The notice, dated July 26, 2023, urges caution with unregulated crypto-assets.
OCC Says US Banks Can Use Blockchains and Stablecoins in Bank Payments
According to the OCC, regulated banks in the US can leverage stablecoins to conduct payments as well as participate as validator nodes on blockchain networks called INVNs.
Anthony ‘Pomp’ Pompliano Gives Investment Advice as Bitcoin to Break $12K
Bitcoin is nearing the $12K mark, but experts are saying that the level may not be beneficial if market bulls fail to turn it into support.
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.
Russia Begins CBDC Settlement Mechanism While Sanctions Continue
A central bank digital currency will be used to establish a cross-border settlement mechanism by Russia's central bank (CBDC). The plans are anticipated in 2023's first quarter. By2024, the Bank of Russia planned to launch its digital currency.
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.
DOJ Plans to Call Former FTX Consumers, Investors, and Employees as Witnesses in Upcoming Samuel Bankman-Fried Trial
The DOJ is set to call former customers, investors, and employees of FTX as witnesses in the upcoming trial against Samuel Bankman-Fried, with a letter motion on September 30 revealing the scope of testimonies. A witness from Ukraine presents a challenge due to travel constraints amidst local unrest, with video conferencing proposed as a solution. The trial, attracting attention due to its proximity, is poised to kick off following jury selection on October 3.
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.
Malaysia’s Financial Regulator Says Binance is Not Authorized to Operate in the Country
The Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, the country’s financial regulator, has announced that Binance cryptocurrency exchange is not unauthorized to operate in the country. The financial watchdog has, therefore, put the crypto exchange on the list of unlicensed companies.
Indonesia to Update Govt Rules for Crypto, Implement More local Control
The South Asian country's trade ministry is planning to issue rules to govern crypto exchanges that will require two-thirds of the board of directors and commissioners to be Indonesian citizens and live in Indonesia.
Crypto.com Mistakenly Refunds $10.5M to Aussie User
Melbourne resident Manivel Thevamanogari and her sister Gangadory Thevamanogari sought a refund of 100 Australian dollars from Crypto.com in May last year but was accidentally returned 10.5 million Australian dollars, according to Australian local media 7News.
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.
Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey to Fund Bitcoin Development in Africa and India with $24.5M
To enable the penetration and adoption of Bitcoin on African and Indian soils, Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey are to give away $24.5 million in BTC.
Messaging Giant LINE is Developing a Platform for CBDC
Japanese messaging giant Line is developing a platform to aid Asian central banks in their pursuit of central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
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.
Islamic Development Bank to Create Blockchain Smart Credit Platform with Samsung's Blocko
The Islamic Research and Training Institute partnered with Samsung backed Blocko to develop a functional Credit Management System for Saudi Arabia.
eNaira Adoption Grows Amid Nigeria's Cash Shortages
Nigeria's eNaira, a central bank digital currency (CBDC), is being adopted at an increasing rate as the country faces severe cash shortages due to demonetization. The value of eNaira transactions has increased by 63%, and the total number of CBDC wallets has grown more than 12 times compared to October 2022.
92% High-Net-Worth Individuals in SG & HK Are Interested in Digital Assets: KPMG
KPMG China conducted a study dubbed “Investing in Digital Assets” and found that family offices and high-net-worth individuals in Singapore and Hong Kong have a growing interest in terms of virtual digital assets.
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.
dYdX Founder Foresees 100x Growth in DeFi Derivatives
Antonio Juliano, founder of dYdX, predicts DeFi derivatives will grow 100x in the next few years, accounting for 2% of crypto derivative volume. This optimistic projection highlights the potential for investors and traders.
Bitcoin Miners from Inner Mongolia and Sichuan Are Selling BTC Mining Tools
As the plans to clamp down on Bitcoin mining dawns in China, many miners in the mainland are listing their hardware for sale.
Digital Rubble Prototype to be Introduced in Early 2022
In line with the development of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) dubbed the Digital Rubble, the Central Bank of Russia is set to launch a prototype platform for the new form of money in early 2022.
Brock Pierce and Blockchain Capital Sue Florida-Based Company for Copyright Infringement
Brock Pierce and his business partners are suing Blockchain Capital Management LLC (BCM) for copyright infringement.
Trading firms identified as Binance VIP clients in CFTC lawsuit
Three trading firms, Jane Street Group, Tower Research Capital, and Radix Trading have been identified as Binance's VIP clients in the CFTC lawsuit. The firms allegedly received preferential treatment from Binance, including lower transaction fees and faster trading services, while providing liquidity to the exchange.
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.
Former Bithumb Chairman Lee Jung-Hoon Acquitted in $100M Fraud Case
Lee Jung-Hoon, former chairman of Bithumb, has been acquitted in a $100 million fraud case related to the non-listing of the BXA token, highlighting challenges in crypto industry legal cases.
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.
OKX and Lifeform Launch Cryptopedia Season 5 with $300,000 LFT Prize Pool
OKX, a prominent crypto exchange and Web3 technology company, and Lifeform, a decentralized digital identity solutions pioneer, have jointly launched Season 5 of Cryptopedia, OKX's crypto education platform.
Nomura's Laser Digital Partners with WebN Group to Launch Libre Protocol on Polygon
Nomura's Laser Digital and WebN Group have unveiled the Libre protocol, a fund tokenization infrastructure powered by Polygon technology, set to launch in Q1 2024. The protocol aims to revolutionize the management and distribution of alternative investments, with Brevan Howard and Hamilton Lane as initial users.
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.
Mixtral 8x7B: Elevating Language Modeling with Expert Architecture
Mixtral 8x7B, a Sparse Mixture of Experts model, outperforms leading AI models in efficiency and multilingual tasks, offering reduced bias and broad accessibility under Apache 2.0 license.
ChatGPT Secures Top Spot as the Most-Viewed English Wikipedia Article of 2023
In 2023, ChatGPT's Wikipedia page achieved the highest English article view with over 49 million views, marking a significant increase in public interest in AI technology.
US Senate Proposes Amendment to the Controversial Infrastructure Bill to Redefine Crypto Broker Clause
Three pro-crypto US Senators are proposing an amendment to the controversial infrastructure bill with clauses on crypto brokers redefined
Ex-US President’s Wife Melania Trump Releases Her First NFT, Price at 1 SOL
Former US President Donald Trump’s wife Melania Trump released her first NFT token which will run on the Solana blockchain.
US SEC and FINRA Issued Latest Custody Guidance on Digital Assets Securities
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a statement addressing regulatory issues regarding the custody of digital asset securities on 8 July.
Alipay Facilitates First Digital Cauldron Lighting in Asian Games History
Alipay, the digital payment giant and Official Prestige Partner of the Hangzhou Asian Games, has made history by supporting over 100 million digital torchbearers in the first-ever digital cauldron lighting ceremony. The initiative was part of the Smart Hangzhou 2022 platform, a one-stop digital service for the Games. Alipay's technology ensured that even phones produced 8 years ago could participate in the digital interaction.
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.
Australia Records Over $14 Million Losses to Crypto Scams in 2019
Scamwatch, an Australian website dedicated to reporting scams saw an increase in crypto relating scams amounting to $14 million
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.
Australian Regulator Takes Legal Action Against eToro Over High-Risk and Volatile Trading Products
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has filed a case in the Federal Court against the online investing platform eToro Aus Capital Limited about the suitability of eToro's target market for contract for difference (CFD) products.
Darknet Empire Offline for Days Has Users Fearing DDoS Attack and Looming Scam
A popular darknet marketplace, Empire Market, has been reported to be offline for over 48 hours, making website users fretful as to the cause behind it.
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.
DFINITY Foundation (ICP) Joins Blockchain Security Alliance
DFINITY Foundation joins the Blockchain Security Alliance, enhancing global blockchain security. The alliance, with 42 members, focuses on collaboration and innovation.
US Senators Made Bipartisan Compromise on Crypto Clause in Infrastructure Bill
The group of Senators pushing for amendments to the Infrastructure Bill has arrived at a compromise as confirmed in a press conference held on Monday.
Kim Kardashian Charged $1.2M by the SEC For EthereumMax Promotion
American TV reality superstar, Kim Kardashian has been charged by the United States Securities Commission (SEC) for the promotion of EMAX Token, the native coin of the EthereumMax protocol
BlackRock and ARK Invest Conform to SEC's Cash Redemption Model for Bitcoin ETF
Major ETF issuers BlackRock and ARK Invest comply with SEC's cash redemption model for their spot Bitcoin ETFs, potentially paving the way for regulatory approval.
India's Largest Crypto Exchange CoinDCX Raises $2.5 Million in New Growth Capital to Increase User Base
CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto exchange, has announced that it has raised $2.5 million from investors like Polychain Capital and Coinbase Ventures. Polychain Capital led the funding round with support from Coinbase Ventures, the investment arm of the US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. CoinDCX had raised a $3 million Series A round earlier in March, which was also led by Polychain Capital and included HDT Group (operator of BitMEX) and Bain Capital Ventures. The company’s other main investor, Coinbase Ventures, has also made investments in other crypto businesses like BlockFi, Messari, Compound, Securitize, and Etherscan.
Kardashian's Instagram Cryptocurrency Promotion Irks UK Financial Watchdogs
British financial watchdogs are wary of investors' cryptocurrency investment risks introduced by well-known influencers such as Kim Kardashian West.
Astaria Raises $8m in Seed Round to Improve NFT Lending Liquidity
While NFT lending has become a popular way of accessing more cash, most NFTs are illiquid. This is the problem that Astaria is trying to solve.
Bitcoin ATM Operators Joins Forces to Float New Compliance Cooperative
A group of crypto industry Bitcoin ATM operators and firms have floated the Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative to bolster regulatory compliance.
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.
Democrats Critical of OCC's "Excessive Focus" on Crypto and Stablecoin Financial Services
Democrat members of the United States Congress led by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) have criticized the OCC's focus on crypto and stablecoins.
Russian FM says No to Crypto Ban
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that cryptocurrencies should not be banned as advocated by the central bank but instead the government should fix the ongoing crypto regulation predicament.
Alchemy Pay Scores License to Expand in Indonesia
Alchemy Pay has obtained a license from the central bank of Indonesia to operate remittance and fund transfers in cooperation with local fintech firm Berkah Digital Pembayaran. The license allows the firms to offer better payout methods and reduce associated operating costs.
Animoca Brands Soon to Acquire Australia's Be Media for Blockchain Development
Hong Kong-based Animoca Brands has announced that it will soon acquire Australian digital marketing agency Be Media to explore the opportunities centred around blockchain development in the country.
Estonia Revokes 500 Crypto Business Licenses in a Move Against Illegal Money Laundering Activities
Estonian authorities have recently revoked licenses from 500 crypto firms, and consequently tightened market regulations within the crypto sector.
Russians are Rushing to Buy Bitcoin as COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
As governments around the world continue to battle ill-effects of the ongoing COVID pandemic, Bitcoin is turning out an investment of choice among developing and emerging economies. Officials from the Russian chapter of Binance, Garantex, and EXMO shared insights with the Russian publication, confirming the growth in users originating from the country. All the bourses have mandatory KYC policies in place, meaning the reported figures are accurate.
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.
Citi Joins BondbloX Bond Exchange as First Digital Custodian
Citi Securities Services has become the first digital custodian participant on the BondbloX Bond Exchange (BBX), the world's first fractional bond exchange. The partnership allows Citi clients to become BBX participants, facilitating the trading of both fractionalized and full-sized bonds. Citi will oversee settlement and custody services. The partnership aims to enhance digital financial market infrastructure, provide transparency, electronic operations, and universal accessibility in the bond market.
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.
OKX and Polygon Introduce Cryptopedia's Seventh Season
OKX, partner with Polygon, has launched its seventh season of Cryptopedia, a platform designed to promote crypto-centric education. Participants can earn MATIC rewards and participate in DApp interactive quests to learn about various DApps within the OKX Wallet. To participate, users can create a new wallet or integrate one, then visit Cryptopedia: Learn to Earn and choose their preferred DApp. The platform also introduces the Discover Event, a Web3 offline event aggregator, and a streamlined NFT ticketing system.
Saudi Digital Academy Partners With BSV Association to Establish New Blockchain Academy
The Saudi Arabian Digital Academy has partnered with the Bitcoin Satoshi Vision (BSV) Association to establish a new blockchain academy.
Nvidia to Construct $200M AI Center in Indonesia, Boosting Local AI Talent
Nvidia collaborates with Indonesia's government and Indosat to establish a $200 million AI center aimed at infrastructure development and AI skill enhancement.
Australia and Singapore Authorities Completes Trial for Blockchain-based Cross-Border Document Verification
Australian and Singaporean authorities have conducted a blockchain trial for cross-border digital trade document verification.
California Crypto Bill Seeks to Measure the Consumer Impact of Digital Assets
California’s Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee has unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2150 which will help define digital assets as well as to measure its potential impact on the state and consumers
Four Payment Operators Join in Suspending their Services in Russia amid Ukraine Crisis
Four payment operators announce to suspend their payment services in Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Former Binance Labs Head Bill Qian Joins Cypher Capital as Chairman
Dubai-based cryptocurrency investment firm Cypher Capital has hired former Binance Labs head, Bill Qian, as its chairman, The Information reported.
Helio Lending Faced with Non-Conviction Bond Over False Australian Credit Licence Claims
Helio Lending faced a non-conviction bond for falsely claiming an Australian credit licence, as revealed by ASIC. The Melbourne-based crypto lender's misleading act underscores the need for transparency in the growing crypto sector.
Indian Minister Reveals Crypto Regulatory Measures to Tame Terrorism
G. Kishan Reddy, India’s Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs disclosed that the nation would incorporate the standards of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to deter terrorism by cutting off funding sources, especially cryptocurrencies.
Indonesia Officially Imposes 0.1% Tax and VAT on Crypto Income and Purchases
According to CNN Indonesia, Hestu Yoga Saksama, director of tax regulations at the Ministry of Finance, has confirmed that the government has decided to impose a 0.1% tax charge
Indonesian Government to Launch Crypto Exchange Soon
The Indonesian government is reportedly set to launch its own digital currency trading platform before the end of the year, after overcoming several delays.
Nigeria Seeks $10 Billion in Damages from Binance
Nigerian government demands $10 billion from Binance, alleging cryptocurrency exchange's activities have adversely affected the Naira and the country's economy.
Pokemon Company Investigates Palworld for Alleged Plagiarism Amidst Success
The Pokémon Company investigates Palworld for alleged plagiarism after selling 8 million copies, challenging Pocket Pair, Inc. as they plan significant game updates, including cross-play and PvP features.
Republic First Bank Closure: First US Bank Failure of 2024
US regulators have closed Philadelphia-based Republic First Bank, marking the first banking failure of 2024. The closure has sparked debate among the crypto community, with Bitcoin and Ether trading down. The bank had approximately $6 billion in total assets and $4 billion in total deposits as of January 31.
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.
Senator Cynthia Lummis Defends Bitcoin Again, Says it “Cannot be Stopped”
In an interview with Hard Money host, Natalie Brunell, Senator Lummis boldly affirmed that Bitcoin “can’t be stopped”.
EU Ensures Russia Cannot Bypass Sanctions through Crypto, Says French Finance Minister Le Maire
French Finance Minister Bruno le Maire said the EU is looking for ways other than cryptocurrencies to impose sanctions on Russia, according to Reuters.
Nexo Seeks $3 Billion in Damages from Bulgaria Over Investigation
Nexo files a $3 billion claim against Bulgaria for damages caused by a dropped investigation, citing material and reputational harm and disrupted business plans.
Five Things Everyone Should Know About Blockchain Benefits in Aviation Security
Recent news has brought blockchain’s role on spotlight in aviation security. Of course, blockchain provides bold promises, highly useful in aviation security, and therefore are worth to be investigated.
"The Wars to Come," Blockchain - A Game Changer for Auditors
Blockchain technology has the potential to upend Audit, Assurance and Control functions —Auditors need to stay attuned to emerging use cases. As Role and skillsets of Auditors will change as new Blockchain-based techniques and procedures emerge.
Bridge the gap between traditional finance and DeFi
User location was shown to affect transaction authorisation, with Europe having the best success rates.
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
Bangladesh Records First Blockchain-Based Remittance with Standard Chartered Bank
The partnership between Standard Chartered Bank, bKash of Bangladesh, and Valyou of Malaysia has given Bangladesh its first blockchain-based cross-border remittance service.
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.
Robinhood Taps Chainalysis to Enhance Crypto Compliance
Robinhood has announced to pair with Chianalysis by getting compliance tools to enhance its crypto trading app ahead of the rollout of its crypto wallet.
The Adoption of Bitcoin May See Considerable Increase if the Proposed Cash Ban in Australia Activates
Under the new bill being considered by the Australian Parliament, people could be jailed for two years and pay a fine of $ 25,200 for just using more than $10,000. If this bill is passed, it will force its citizens to look away from traditional fiat currencies and go for decentralized digital currencies such as Bitcoin.
Nvidia Plans to add Innovation in the Metaverse with Software, Marketplace Deals
Nvidia Corporation has set its eyes on adding more creativity in the metaverse based on various marketplace and software deals.
OKX Launches Dias Metaverse Fan Experience
OKX, a cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 technology developer, has announced the launch of a metaverse fan experience in collaboration with Manchester City footballer Rúben Dias. The immersive experience allows fans to virtually experience Dias’ favorite training techniques and receive coaching and tips.
China and Malaysia discuss Asian Monetary Fund
China and Malaysia are discussing the creation of an Asian Monetary Fund as a way to move away from U.S. dollar hegemony. The fund was proposed at a forum in Hainan, China, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that China is open to the proposal.
Long-Term Bitcoin Holders Keep Stacking While Short-Term Holders Keep Selling
On-chain analyst William Clemente III revealed that long-term holders keep on stacking as short-term holders keep on selling.
The Bank of Russia Says CBDC Will Eliminate Challenges Caused by Cryptocurrencies
An executive working at Russia’s Central Bank has stated that a Central Bank Digital Currency could serve as a response to problems being created by cryptocurrencies.
Holding Gold While it Depreciates is "Insanity" says Anthony Pompliano
Bitcoin investor Anthony Pompliano believes that holding Gold while its value or price is contracting is not a wise move for investors, highlighting Bitcoin's superiority.
Ukraine Legalizes Bitcoin amid Intensified Tension with Russia
The Ukrainian parliament unanimously voted to legalize Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies by passaging a Virtual Assets law on Thursday, amid the intensified tension with the potential military conflicts with Russia.
AI-Generated NFT Collection to Preserve Ukrainian Art and Offer Humanitarian Support
Through a global coalition of advocates, digital innovators, artists, and educators, an AI-generated NFT collection has been established to conserve Ukrainian art and raise funds for humanitarian aid.
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.
Media Outlets Object to Withholding Identities in FTX Bankruptcy Proceedings
Major media outlets have objected to the withholding of non-US customer identities during FTX's bankruptcy proceedings, citing the public's right to access bankruptcy filings. FTX and its customers have failed to justify the need for such secrecy, according to the media outlets.
Crypto Recruitment Firm Inflection Points Raises $12.6m in Funding Round
Inflection Points, which was co-founded by long-time Bitcoin bull Anthony Pompliano, has raised $12.6 million to expand its crypto recruitment platform.
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.
Congressional Memo Challenges SEC's SAB 121
Congress members question the enforceability of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, arguing it deviates from standard accounting practices, misrepresents custodians' responsibilities, and increases consumer risk.
Microsoft Loses TikTok to Tech Giant Oracle – What This Means for Bitcoin and Blockchain Industry
TikTok, the multibillion-dollar video sharing platform popularized by millennials and Gen Z, has chosen Oracle Corporation as its tech partner over Microsoft.
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.
Taiwanese Authorities Caution Against Crypto Betting for 2024 Presidential Election
Taiwanese authorities warn against using cryptocurrency betting platforms for the January 2024 presidential election, amid ongoing investigations and multiple arrests.
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.
Singapore High Court Upholds DeFiance Capital's Claim Against Three Arrows Capital
Singapore's High Court upheld DeFiance Capital founder Arthur Cheong's trust relationship over assets disputed in bankruptcy proceedings, establishing investors' rights in cryptocurrency assets and trust law.
NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden Might Return to US as President Trump Considers Pardon
US President Donald Trump is considering an executive pardon for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden after 7 years of exile in Russia. Snowden has been an advocate of Bitcoin for some time and most of the servers he used to leak the sensitive information were paid for in Bitcoin.
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.
Latvian National Extradited to the U.S for Crypto and Wire Fraud
Ivars Auzins, a Latvian citizen, accused of committing securities and wire fraud using eight companies that alleged to mine or invest in crypto assets, was extradited to the United States to face a six-count indictment charge.
Russian Finance Ministry on Track to Legalize Crypto for Cross-Border Payments
The current economic landscape in Russia is forcing both the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance to rethink their approaches to cryptocurrencies.
Americans Present Stronger Desires than Canadians in Crypto, Ipsos Study Shows
The intention of investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or using tokens as a payment option among Americans is higher than among Canadians, a new survey shows.
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.
Here's How the Stock Market and the Bitcoin Price Responded as US President Donald Trump Has COVID
United States President Donald J Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19 stirring different reactions in the stock market.
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
Australia’s Securities Regulator Approves the Launch of Crypto ETFs
Australia Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has finally opened the door for crypto ETFs to trade on Australian stock exchanges.
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.
European Central Bank Assesses Potential Digital Euro CBDC Issuance
The European Central Bank (ECB) evaluated whether a digital euro would be a beneficial addition to its financial system through an October report.
Blockchain-Based Tenancy Platform via REIQ-Igloo Collaboration in Australia
Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has partnered with an Australian technology firm, Igloo in setting up a blockchain-based tenancy platform that will propel productivity and efficiency in Queensland's real estate sector.
FinCEN's Proposed Crypto Rule Does Not “Follow Proper Procedure”- Coinbase CEO
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong criticized the FinCEN's proposed regulatory procedure for cryptocurrencies, calling it ill-advised.
What Coinbase CEO’s Crypto Regulation Rumors Mean for Bitcoin if Pushed by US Treasury?
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, warned that the Trump Administration may be targeting Bitcoin on its way out of office through regulation, but what impact could it have?
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.
OpenAI Expands Global Reach with Media Partnerships in France and Spain
OpenAI joins forces with prominent French and Spanish media outlets to enhance real-time, authoritative news content delivery in multiple languages.
Nigerian President-elect's Manifesto Includes Blockchain and Crypto Regulations
Nigerian President-elect Bola Tinubu has released a manifesto proposing the implementation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Nigeria's banking and finance sector. The manifesto suggests reforming existing Nigerian Security Exchange Commission regulations to create a more business-friendly framework for regulating digital assets. The proposed regulations would require digital asset companies to register with the SEC and comply with SEC regulations. The release of the manifesto coincides with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria, with the government hoping that the proposed SEC regulation reforms will attract more investors in the digital and economic sectors and stimulate economic growth.
Russia's Central Bank Plans to Launch its CBDC-Digital Ruble across all Banks in 2024
The Bank of Russia launched a digital ruble experiment in 2022 to explore business models and innovative use cases for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
Blockchain-Based Voting Could Solve Trump and Biden Presidential Election Dispute
The US Presidential election is coming to an end, although results are still being anticipated. This is how blockchain can change the voting system.
SBI Remit Expands Ripple XRP Based Remittance Services
SBI Remit expands XRP-based remittance services to Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, integrating Ripple Payments and TRANGLO for real-time, low-cost international payments, accelerating adoption in Southeast Asian markets.
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.
Former US Secret Service Officer Warns of FTX Customer Targeting Risk
Former US Secret Service officer Jeremy Sheridan has cautioned that the release of personal information of FTX customers could make them potential targets for identity and asset theft. Sheridan supported a motion from FTX debtors to withhold the confidential information of customers associated with the failed crypto exchange.
Bitcoin Bulls Buy the Dip as Analytic Firm says BTC Price Recovery is Optimistic
Bitcoin’s price has recently corrected after weeks of making straight gains, what's next for BTC?
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.
51% of Crypto Investors in Saudi Arabia Optimise Crypto Future, KuCoin Study Shows
Nearly 3 million citizens in Saudi Arabia have entered the crypto space over the past six months, according to a study by KuCoin.
Nearly Half of Millennials Own Cryptocurrencies
A recent survey conducted by Bitget, a cryptocurrency exchange, has found that 46% of millennials in major population countries own cryptocurrencies, compared to 25% of Gen X, 21% of Gen Z and 8% of baby boomers. The survey also revealed that 27% of millennials and 36% of Gen Z consider cryptocurrency regulation an important factor when voting for political candidates.
Transforming Asset Management: The Impact of Generative AI
Mohamed El-Erian, a Cambridge economist, highlights the dual impact of generative AI on asset management, predicting job creation and displacement, and emphasizing the need for firms to adapt.
Binance Co-Founder Yi He Champions Transparency and Security Amidst Crypto Evolution
Binance Co-Founder Yi He addresses the crypto community with vital announcements on enhancing listing transparency and security measures, showcasing Binance's proactive approach in combating scams and ensuring a trustworthy trading environment.
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.
Australia to Continue Treating Cryptos as Assets
According to the Australian government's budget announcement on Tuesday, legislation will be put upon treating digital currencies such as bitcoin as an asset.
FINEXPO Brings FinTech Industry Leaders and Enthusiasts Together at FinTech Festival Asia 2023
Bangkok, 3 April 2023 – FINEXPO, the world's leading event organiser, announced today that it is hosting its first-ever FinTech Festival Asia (FTF Asia) on 27 and 28 September 2023 at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
India's Proposed Crypto Tax Rules May Become Law
India's proposed crypto tax rules may become law tomorrow through parliament.
Ripple Tapped by Novatti to Improve Australian Remittances to Southeast Asia
Ripple has sealed another partnership, this time with Novatti, an international payments firm.
Russian Policy Boss Wants to Block Cryptocurrencies, Says They Are Difficult to Regulate
Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Financial Market Committee, stated that the country should explore other options for crypto regulation.
The Reserve Bank of India Has its Eyes on CBDC
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India says the monetary authority is “very much in the game” to launch a CBDC.
India Cryptocurrency Ban Resurfaces, Traders and Miners to be Targeted This Time
India is out again to ban cryptocurrencies with a target on traders and miners.
Georgia State Becomes next Mining Hub, Bitcoin Miners Enjoy its Green Energy
The exodus of crypto mining operations out of China massively has become a blessing in disguise to the United States, given that it now takes the lion’s share.
Russia Finally Showing Signs of Embracing Digital Assets in New Bill
After successfully undergoing test period, tokenization is set to take centre stage with reforms as newly proposed cryptocurrency legislation in Russia received the green lights.
Maiar Wallet Makes Sending Money as Easy as Sending a Text
Maiar Wallet, a decentralized, non-custodial, low fee, multi-currency digital wallet built on the Elrond blockchain to empower everyday users.
Russian law legalises crypto mining, sales under 'experimental legal system'
Cryptocurrency mining and sale of the cryptocurrency mined could be legal in Russia if a bill is passed by parliament. A Russian platform for cryptocurrency sales will be set up if the law is passed, and Russian miners will be able to use foreign platforms. Russian currency controls and regulations would not apply to the transactions, but they would have to be reported to the Russian tax service.
Australian Scammers Prefer Crypto than Credit Cards: Report
Australia's local media outlet disclosed a total loss of $84 million was reported to the ScamWatch website in 2021, a figure that is reasonably higher than the $27 million reported in 2020 and $19 million in 2019.
Bank Indonesia Plans to Launch its Central Bank Digital Currency
Bank Indonesia is planning to launch its central state digital currency in response to the increasingly prosperous cryptocurrency market.
35% of Nigerians Have Entered the Crypto Market in the Last 6 Months, Study Shows
Nigerians are entering the crypto space because of the lack of affordable financial services and high inflation rates, given that 35% of them were engaged in this sector in the last six months, according to a study by crypto exchange KuCoin.
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.
Hungarian Central Bank Governor Advocates EU Wide Crypto Ban
The Governor of the Hungarian Central Bank, György Matolcsy, recommended that all cryptocurrency-focused activities including trading and mining should be banned across the European Union.
Australia Zoo Rolls Out NFT Project to Pay Tribute to Wildlife Warriors’ Conservation Efforts
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wildlife Warriors’ role in protecting injured, threatened, or endangered wildlife, Australia Zoo has launched an NFT project to raise funds and awareness to protect Australia’s wild places and wildlife.
Hong Kong International Airport Launches First-Ever Metaverse
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has partnered with JCDecaux Transport Hong Kong to introduce the first-ever HKIA Metaverse.
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.
Nigeria Expects to Generate a Revenue Stream of $6 Billion Through Blockchain Technology by 2030
Nigeria says that blockchain in the country could generate a revenue of between $6 and $10 billion in 10 years.
Power Ledger Partners with Power Club To Roll Out Blockchain Plants in South Australia
Powerledger enters into a partnership with Powerclub, an Australian electricity wholesaler for better energy usage, allowing the integration of power club's blockchain ledger application.
Anthropic's Updated Terms of Service: Enhanced Copyright Protection for AI Outputs
Anthropic revises commercial terms of service to provide enhanced copyright protection for Claude API users, addressing ongoing legal challenges in the AI industry.
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.
Yield Protocol and Utopia Labs Announce Wind-Down
Yield Protocol and Utopia Labs have recently disclosed the cessation of their current operations due to various factors. While Yield Protocol cites inadequate demand for fixed-rate borrowing and regulatory hurdles, Utopia Labs is pivoting away from its existing product, though it remains upbeat about the crypto sector.
Binance Revamps Fiat Liquidity Provider Program with New Eligibility Criteria and Incentives
Binance has updated its Fiat Liquidity Provider Program, focusing on specific fiat markets and a revised performance review mechanism. Starting September 25th, 2023, the program will be restricted to these markets and will offer maker fee rebates based on past trading activity. Eligible markets include TRY and EUR, BRL, GBP, RUB, ZAR, PLN, NGN, UAH, RON, and ARS. Participants must have a 30-day trading volume exceeding 20,000,000 USDT and demonstrate competent liquidity strategies.
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.
Wharton Accepts Cryptos as Tuition Fees for Blockchain Courses
The Wharton School officially accepts crypto as a payment method for blockchain courses through Coinbase exchange.
Chinese Blockchain News Flash Media Platform Bi Shi Jie.com Suspends its Operations
China's well-known cryptocurrency advisory platform- Bi Shi Jie, has reportedly temporarily suspended its App and website operations.
Brazil's Tax Authority Cracks Down on Unreported Bitcoin Holdings
The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service identifies over 25,000 individuals with undeclared bitcoins, leveraging advanced technologies to enforce tax compliance in the cryptocurrency sector, signaling increased scrutiny and regulatory measures for crypto investors.
NYC to Mine its Own Token, Following Backing From Mayor-Elect Adams
New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams is reportedly to kick off his ambition by launching his proposed token mining on Wednesday.
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.
Canadians Consulted on Digital Currency
The Bank of Canada has opened a public consultation until June 19 to gauge what features Canadians would like to see included in a digital Canadian dollar. The bank clarified it was not beginning work on a CBDC or replacing cash but was looking to explore the concept.
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.
OneCoin's Former Legal Head Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering
Irina Dilkinska, former OneCoin legal head, has admitted to wire fraud and money laundering charges in the cryptocurrency pyramid scheme, facing a potential ten-year prison term, while co-founder Ruja Ignatova remains fugitive.
Blockchain Holds the Future of Hollywood, Outgoing WarnerMedia CEO Says
Jason Kilar, the CEO of Warner Media, believes that the future of Hollywood lies in the hands of blockchain technology.
Australia Opens Public Consultation on National Taxonomy of Crypto Assets
A crypto licence and custody document will be released in mid-2023.
India Proposes Effective Ban for All Private Crypto Assets, Except a Few In Forthcoming Bill
Most cryptocurrencies appear to be on their last lap in India. The country is set to propose a ban for most digital assets starting at the end of this month.
Crypto.com Officially Becomes the Philadelphia 76ers Team's Jersey Patch Partner
Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com announced that it has formed a partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming its official jersey logo-designated sponsor.
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.
Bitcoin Gains Momentum as Biden Slaps Russia with Sanctions
Bitcoin entered the green zone after U.S. President Joe Biden revealed new sanctions meant to cut off Russia from western finance.
BETA, BOND, WTC, and XEM Added to Binance's Monitoring Tag List
Binance has expanded its Monitoring Tag list to include Beta Finance (BETA), BarnBridge (BOND), Waltonchain (WTC), and NEM (XEM) as of October 4, 2023. The Monitoring Tag serves as a risk indicator for tokens with elevated volatility and risk.
FASB Finalizes New Accounting Standards for Crypto Assets
FASB's new ASU No. 2023-08 mandates fair value measurement for certain crypto assets, enhancing transparency and relevance in financial reporting, effective post-December 2024.
US Media Giants Block AI Crawlers to Protect Copyrights
A Wired report reveals that 88% of top US news outlets are blocking AI crawlers like OpenAI's GPTBot, to protect against copyright infringement and uncompensated content use.
India’s Central Bank to Begin Testing Its CBDC in December
The governor of India’s central bank recently said that the regulator is preparing to start trial programs for its digital rupee by December. The central bank revealed that it will examine the functionality of the national central bank digital currency to ascertain the suitability of the underlying technology.
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.
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Chase UK’s Crypto Transaction Ban
Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, condemns Chase UK's restrictive stance on cryptocurrency transactions, urging UK crypto holders to close their Chase accounts. This move by Chase UK could potentially impede Coinbase's expansion plans in the UK and Europe.
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.
Indonesian Tech Firm GoTo Acquires Local Crypto Exchange For $8.4M
GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk announced that it has entered the digital asset business by acquiring local cryptocurrency exchange PT Kripto Maksima Koin.
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.
Bitcoin Miner Ault Alliance Regains NYSE Compliance
Ault Alliance, Inc., a diversified holding company, has successfully regained compliance with the NYSE American's continued listing standards, according to a statement released by the company. The NYSE American had previously notified Ault Alliance of its non-compliance due to the low trading price of the company's common stock.
Miami International Holdings Partners with Lukka, Launching Crypto Derivatives
Miami International Holdings and Lukka are preparing to participate in the crypto derivatives ecosystem. Both institutional and retail demands continue to rise significantly in this space.
eNaira: Nigeria Rolls Out Africa’s First Central Bank Digital Currency
Nigeria has become the first nation in Africa to officially launch a CBDC.
Coinbase CEO's Top 10 Crypto Opportunities Questioned by BlockTower Founder
Ari Paul, BlockTower Capital's Chief Investment Officer, has criticized Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's cryptocurrency vision, highlighting ten key opportunities such as decentralized cryptocurrency, blockchain-based reputation systems, decentralized advertising, and a marketplace for labor, while also criticizing on-chain reputation systems and underfunding of peer-to-peer exchanges.
HashCash Consultants to Streamline Drug Research and Clinical Trials with Blockchain
HashCash Consultants, a US-based blockchain development company, has set its eyes on revamping the complex process of clinical trials and drug research by availing blockchain solutions. It intends to realize this by forming a pharma consortium with pharmaceutical firms and other medical players.
FTX Continues Global Expansion, Launches Subsidiary Division in Australia
FTX has continued with its lines of expansion with the latest establishment of a new office in Australia.
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.
Australian Online Broker SelfWealth Becomes the First Platform to Add Crypto for Trading
Australian online broker SelfWealth plans to list 10 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, on its trading platform for trading before the end of this year.
Crypto Mining Hive Signed a $66 million GPU Subscription Agreement with Nvidia
Hive Blockchain Technologies Ltd signed a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) procurement contract worth $66 million with a top-notch GPU inventor Nvidia Thursday. The announcement has come officially to join the Nvidia Partner Network (NPN) cloud service provider plan.
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.
Paxful Research Reveals How Nigerians Are Fighting Devaluation of Native Currency Naira with Bitcoin
The current pandemic has led to a devaluation of Nigeria’s native currency Naira and affected how cryptocurrency trades are conducted in the country.
Bitfinex Unveils Zero-Fee P2P Trading in Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela
Bitfinex has initiated a zero-fee trading feature for market takers on its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platform in Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela as of October 11, 2023. This move comes post the recent extension of the P2P service to these regions, aiming to reduce transaction costs, enhance liquidity, and encourage crypto trading. Users can access this facility by logging into their Bitfinex accounts and selecting the P2P option.
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.
Bittrex to Wind Down US Operations
Cryptocurrency exchange Bittrex will wind down its US operations due to regulatory and economic challenges. US customers are advised to withdraw their funds by April 30, 2023.
Mixin Network Urges Hacker to Return Funds, Offers $20M Bug Bounty
Mixin Network, compromised in a $200 million hack, has directly communicated with the hacker, offering a $20M bug bounty for the return of stolen assets. The transaction was confirmed on Ethereum block 18225451. Investigations by cybersecurity firms are ongoing, and the incident has led to debates about security measures in the crypto ecosystem.
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.
DeFiance Capital Seeking $100M in Funding to Invest in Liquid Tokens
Crypto Venture Capital firm, DeFiance Capital is in the process of raising as much as $100 million as it looks to invest in “Liquid Tokens.”
Former-Cryptopia Employee Pleads Guilty Stealing Over $171K in Crypto
A former male employee stole over $171K in cryptocurrencies from a liquidated New Zealand-based crypto exchange Cryptopia. The defendant has pleaded guilty, will be sentenced in October.
SEC Seeing 'Lots' of Crypto Firms are Non-Compliance: Gensler
Gensler commented on the development of the crypto space, saying that there are a lot of noncompliance firms in the industry that might put investors in endanger.
Techlinker Asia Partners with TripleA to Remit Payments in Crypto
Tech talent and HR consultancy, Techlinker Asia has partnered with TripleA to allow clients to remit payments in cryptocurrencies or stablecoins.
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.
Standard Chartered raises $36m for crypto custody platform
Standard Chartered's crypto custody subsidiary, Zodia Custody, has raised $36 million in a series A funding round led by SBI Holdings. Standard Chartered remains the majority shareholder in the firm.
Indian Banks Seeking Clarity from NPCI on the Use of UPI for Crypto Transactions
NPCI’s formal directive on the use of UPI payment method for crypto transactions is unlikely to come soon.
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.
Google DeepMind: Subtle Adversarial Image Manipulation Influences Both AI Model and Human Perception
Recent DeepMind research reveals that subtle adversarial image manipulations, originally designed to deceive AI models, also subtly influence human perception. This discovery underscores similarities and distinctions in human and machine vision, emphasizing the need for further research in AI safety and security.
Monetary Authority of Singapore Sets Up New Institute of Digital Finance for Boosting Fintech and Digital Asset Research
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has teamed up with the National Research Foundation, and the National University of Singapore to set up a research institute that will develop and support the needs of digital financial services in Asia.
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!
How Australia's National Blockchain Roadmap Will Change The Future
Australia was one of the first countries to recognize the immense potential of blockchain technology and to incorporate it into various sectors in the country.
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.
New York Times Experiments with Blockchain to Combat Fake News
The New York Times made an announcement regarding their new project by their research and development team focused on experiments using blockchain.
Sequoia Capital Invests over $500M to Participate in Crypto Governance
Sequoia Capital is doubling down on its bullish stance in the digital currency ecosystem with the launch of a $500 to $600 million investment.
Legend of Wuhan Coronavirus Whistleblower Will Live Forever on Ethereum Blockchain
Li Wenliang was an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital who became something of a national hero amidst the turmoil of the Coronavirus. Identifying the deadly virus early, he was silenced by his government for trying to warn the public. His legend has only been further galvanized on the Ethereum blockchain following his recent death where he succumbed to the dreaded illness
dYdX Initiates Token Migration Following Layer-1 Blockchain Inception
Antonio Juliano, dYdX founder, has flagged an upcoming large-scale migration of locked $DYDX tokens to the dYdX Chain following its recent launch. This migration, strictly abiding by legal agreements, marks a significant phase in dYdX's transition to a layer-1 blockchain, amplifying the utility of DYDX tokens for staking and governance purposes.
Binance expands with blockchain hub in Georgia
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has opened a blockchain hub in Georgia to promote crypto adoption in the country, create more jobs and attract talent to the blockchain sector.
AllianceBlock and Crunchbase Partner to Enhance Decentralized Business Data
AllianceBlock has partnered with Crunchbase to offer its business data to Data Tunnel users. The partnership will enable blockchain businesses and developers to create applications like default probability models, customer acquisition profiles, and untapped market maps using Crunchbase's investment, funding, and industry trends data. The AllianceBlock Data Tunnel is a public marketplace for standardized data that allows for the sharing and combination of information without intermediaries.
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.
Russia’s Central Bank Orders Local Stock Exchanges to Avoid Listing Crypto-Related Funds
The Bank of Russia has instructed local stock exchanges not to list any cryptocurrency services to firms.
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.
Indian Tech Giant Infosys and Matic Network to Reinvigorate Dapp User Experience
In a pivotal technological partnership, Infosys joins Matic network as an early transaction validator. This synergy will offer a strong tech structure to the Matic operations with DApps.
Over 101 Carat Diamond Sold for $12.2M in Crypto in Hong Kong
A 101.38-carat diamond has been sold for over $12.2M, conducted by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong recently. The transaction will be accepted in cryptocurrency, either in Bitcoin or Ether, as payment.
Hyperledger's Brian Behlendorf on Blockchain Interoperability, China's BSN, ID2020 and CBDC
Brian Behlendorf, Executive Director of Hyperledger discusses open-source software development and blockchain technology, China's BSN, ID2020, and CBDC.
Indian Crypto Taxation Leads to Increase in Daily Sign-ups for Exchange Platforms
Indian crypto-asset exchange platform WazirX witnessed a 30% jump in its daily sign-ups since the country decided to impose a 30% tax on profits from cryptocurrency trading, according to co-founder Nischal Shetty.
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.
California's FPPC Updates Campaign Disclosure Rules, Including Cryptocurrency Contributions
California's FPPC updated campaign rules, including guidelines for cryptocurrency contributions, ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations and transparency in political financing.
U.S. Prosecutors Aim to Sideline Asset Recovery Talks in Bankman-Fried Trial
U.S. prosecutors in Samuel Bankman-Fried’s trial have urged the court to disallow any arguments concerning the recovery of misappropriated FTX customer assets invested in AI startup Anthropic. This development arises as Bankman-Fried's investment could now be of higher value, potentially affecting the recovery prospects for FTX customers amidst the ongoing bankruptcy process.
DFINITY Unveils $20 Million ICP Asia Alliance to Propel Web3 Adoption
DFINITY Foundation launches the ICP Asia Alliance and a $20 million fund on September 28, 2023, to accelerate Web3 and AI adoption in Asia. The alliance aspires to unite diverse stakeholders, foster innovation, and catalyze the growth of the Internet Computer blockchain across the region, underlined by the establishment of multiple ICP.Hubs and strategic partnerships.
Former US Currency Comptroller Brian Brooks Hired as Next CEO of Binance.US
Binance.US has announced that it has hired Brian Brooks – the former acting head of the Office of The Comptroller of The Currency – as its next CEO.
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.
High Risk Crypto Activity on The Rise in Eastern Europe Amid Russia-Ukraine War - Chainalysis
Illicit cryptocurrency activities have increased in the region driven by economic sanctions.
Ukraine Plans to Pilot CBDC Digital Hryvnia for Salary Payments
Ukraine has announced pilot testing plans for central bank digital currency to pay the national digital currency (CBDC) to its workers' salaries.
UK Regulator FCA Appoints Victoria McLoughlin as Interim Head of Digital Assets Division
The regulator hired as its experienced law veteran to strengthen its team and lead FCA’s digital assets department.
Bitcoin Community Helps in Setting Up Italian Red Cross Medical Center to Fight Coronavirus
The Bitcoin community has funded a noble cause of establishing the second level Advanced Medical Post (AMP) belonging to the Italian Red Cross as it will be instrumental in saving lives in Italy amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The epidemic has hit Italy hard as it has recorded more than 132,000 cases and at least 16,000 deaths.
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.
Tokocrypto Gets Green Light as First Indonesian Crypto Exchange
Tokocrypto becomes the first cryptocurrency exchange platform to be approved by the Indonesian government. Having being established in Indonesia, Tokocrypto seeks to stamp its authority in this nation in the crypto space. Since 2018 to date, it has facilitated at least US$250 million in cryptocurrency assets.
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.
Former Coinbase CLO Brian Brooks Joins Hashdex's Board of Directors
Brian Brooks, former Coinbase CLO and current Valor Capital Group partner, joins Hashdex's Board of Directors, aiming to accelerate the firm's global growth in the crypto asset management space.
Blockpass Supports Permissionless DeFi Protocol UniLend Fundraiser with KYC & AML Screening
HONG KONG, Nov 24, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Blockpass today announced a successful working partnership with UniLend, the decentralised finance (DeFi) platform. UniLend recently conducted a successful fundraiser, with Blockpass providing the requisite KYC and AML provision in order to meet regulatory compliance. By handling the compliance measures, the UniLend team were able to focus their efforts on the actual fundraising process.
Crypto Ads in India to Brandish with "Highly Risky" Disclaimer
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the sovereign regulatory body for advertisements, has published a new set of guidelines for stakeholders in the digital currency ecosystem.
Alibaba Enters AI Race with Tongyi Qianwen Chatbot
Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba, has announced its own version of a chatbot assistant, Tongyi Qianwen, which will be integrated with its vast ecosystem of tech businesses. The chatbot will be able to communicate in English and Mandarin and perform tasks such as turning conversations into written notes, writing emails, and drafting business proposals. Alibaba's new product has drawn comparisons to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard and Baidu's Ernie.
OKX Website Blocked in Russia with Unknown Reason
The trading website of the OKX exchange has been blocked in Russia according to Roskomsvoboda, a platform that keeps track of censored platforms.
Australia's Federal Police Force Floats Crypto Unit: Report
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched a new unit to help focus its fight against crimes that are perpetrated in the digital currency ecosystem.
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.
1Bn Crypto Users Forecasted in the Next Decade, Says Coinbase CEO
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase Global Inc, predicted there would be up to 1 billion users of cryptocurrencies within the next decade.
China Accounts for 65 Percent of Bitcoin’s Hash Power, New Research Reveals
An interactive map published by the University of Cambridge’s Alternative Finance Center (CCAF) revealed Chinese miners accounted for 65 percent for the global hashing power used by Bitcoin. The CCAF tracked mining data for over a year from websites like BTC.com, ViaBTC, and Poolin, with the premier university claiming the map is the first-of-its-kind effort in visualizing hash power data by geography.
Mastercard Launches Web3 Crypto Solution
Mastercard has launched a Web3 solution called the "Mastercard Crypto Credential" aimed at improving user verification standards in the digital asset space. The solution offers users a unique identifier, helping them to verify that an address has been vetted by Mastercard and operating in compliance with the firm's standards. Partnerships with crypto wallet providers and blockchains were also announced.
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.
Nigerian Blockchain Remittance Platform Afriex Raises $10M in Series A Funding
Nigerian fintech startup Afriex has closed a $10 million Series A round at a $60 million valuation.
Indonesia's Crypto Exchange Launches In 2023
Crypto platform intended before commodities to securities regulation transition. Didid Noordiatmoko, head of Bappebti, said a crypto exchange should be launched this year. Governor Perry Warjiyo released a digital rupiah idea in December.
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.
RBI Says India Will Initially Go for Basic Model For CBDC
India’s central bank plans to launch a basic model of the CBDC before implementing a more sophisticated version.
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.
Exploring the Basel Committee's Draft on Crypto Asset Exposure
The Basel Committee has unveiled a draft document detailing the disclosure requirements for banks' cryptoasset exposures. Standardized templates under a new chapter, DIS55, are introduced to ensure consistency in disclosures. The Committee seeks public and market participants' feedback on the draft until January 31, 2024, with an eye towards implementing the requirements on January 1, 2025.
Coinbase Refuses to Mix Politics With Business, Offers Unsatisfied Staff Severance Packages
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has announced a generous severance package to staff who find it difficult to focus on the company’s missions.
Tornado Cash Token Plummets Following Binance Delisting Announcement
The Tornado Cash token's value significantly decreased following Binance's delisting announcement, amid regulatory and market compliance issues in the cryptocurrency sector.
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.
MDEC Mandates Malaysian Big Data and Blockchain Competency Centre Initiative
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has given Multimedia University (MMU) the mandate of establishing the first national industry competency center on big data and blockchain.
Reserve Bank of Australia Meeting Finds No Strong Case for CBDC or e-AUD
The Reserve Bank of Australia has found no strong public policy-case to issue a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC).
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.
Allegations of fraud against Compass Mining after company cuts ties with Russian
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
Ukraine receives over $70M in crypto donations
Ukraine has received over $70 million in cryptocurrency donations since the start of the conflict with Russia, with the majority of the funds coming in the form of Ether and Bitcoin. Donors have contributed to the nation's military equipment and humanitarian aid efforts, with non-fungible tokens also being donated.
Catheon Gaming Named Top Blockchain Firm in APAC Region
Catheon Gaming has been ranked No.1 in blockchain service company in Asia, according to the latest report by KPMG & HSBC’s joint report.
US Institutional Bitcoin Demand Has Dried Up, says On-Chain Analyst
On-chain analyst William Clemente III noted that Bitcoin demand by US institutional investors had slowed down.
Binance CEO Clarifies Details on CommEx Integration
Binance CEO, CZ, sheds light on Binance's association with CommEX through a tweet. Cryptocurrency transfers are ongoing, with potential ex-Binance team members joining CommEX. Amid regulatory challenges, Binance sells its Russian operations to CommEX but remains optimistic about global prospects.
Top UFC Fighters to Receive Bonuses in Bitcoin During PPV Events
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s leading mixed martial arts competition, has teamed up with crypto exchange Crypto.com to offer best-performing fighters bonuses in Bitcoin (BTC).
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.
Coinbase Legal Chief Requests Revisions to SEC Rulemaking
Coinbase's legal chief has urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise its proposed rulemaking on registered investment advisers' responsibilities to store client assets with qualified custodians. Coinbase has criticized the SEC's proposed custody rule, claiming that it unfairly targets crypto assets and fails to safeguard them properly.
John McAfee Indicted for Tax Evasion and for Fraudulently Promoting ICOs Through Twitter
The DOJ is charging John McAfee with tax evasion and failure to file tax returns, according to an unsealed indictment that was revealed yesterday.
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.
Wikimedia Foundation Has Suspended Crypto Donation on its Platforms
The Wikimedia Foundation has announced that it is going to suspend cryptocurrency donations across its wide range of platforms.
UK lawmakers propose metaverse-specific online safety bill
Members of the House of Lords are of the opinion that activities taking place in the metaverse need to be included into any law that is written in the United Kingdom with the goal of regulating certain internet services.
Rio de Janeiro Plans to become "Crypto Rio" by Storing Part of its Reserves in Bitcoin
Following in the footsteps of Miami, Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro plans to enter the crypto space by having 1% of its reserves in Bitcoin.
Crypto Remain the Most Popular Investment Assets Compared to Gold in Australia: Survey
A recent survey from BTC Markets exchange has revealed that the embrace of crypto like Bitcoin is largely more popular than precious metals such as Gold.
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.
Russia’s Central Bank Will Ban Crypto Issuance and Trading in Upcoming “Digital Financial Assets” Bill
Alexey Guznov, head of the legal department at Bank of Russia, says that the new version of the delayed bill on “Digital Financial Assets” will include a ban on issuance and selling of cryptos in the country.
BNPL Payment Firm Afterpay Urges Senate to Support AUD-backed Stablecoins for Cutting Merchant Cost
The BNPL payment company Afterpay expressed their intention to the Australian Senate to launch the Australian dollar stablecoin soon, saying that crypto will help merchants reduce related payments.
Scammers Target Australians in Cryptocurrency Call Center Scheme
An Israeli-run cryptocurrency fraud targets Australians, according to a raid on Eastern European scam call centers.
Ethereum's Layer 2 Debate: Buterin Aligns with Daniel Wang on Validium Classification
Vitalik Buterin agrees with Daniel Wang on classifying Ethereum rollups using external data chains as validiums, not traditional rollups. This debate underscores the nuances in Ethereum's layer-2 scaling solutions, focusing on security and scalability trade-offs.
Indian Finance Minister Sees "Clear Advantages" in CBDC
India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has hailed the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) being developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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.
Top Four South Korean Banks Announce Plans to Provide Cryptocurrency Custodial Services
Two of South Korea’s top banks have recently announced that they were looking into providing cryptocurrency custodial services to their clients.
Judge Considers Dismissing Shaquille ONeal and Naomi Osaka from FTX Lawsuit
A federal judge in Florida is considering dismissing Shaquille O’Neal and Naomi Osaka from the FTX lawsuit due to uncertainty about whether they were served. The judge reprimanded other celebrity defendants for not following proper procedure in requesting a conference extension. A consolidation request by some plaintiffs against FTX was denied, and lawyers for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried noted the possibility of pushing back the criminal trial scheduled for October 2023.
FTX to Sell Remaining Interest in Sequoia Capital to Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund
FTX has struck a deal with a company owned by the government of Abu Dhabi to sell its remaining interest in venture capital firm Sequoia Capital for $45 million. The deal is subject to approval by the Delaware bankruptcy judge and is part of FTX's efforts to liquidate its investments to pay off its debts to creditors. Meanwhile, Voyager Digital has agreed to set aside $445 million after being sued by Alameda Research over loan repayments.
Avo Receives First Virtual General Insurer License in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority (IA) announced on Tuesday that it has granted the first authorization for virtual general insurance under Fast Track. The license was granted to Avo, a local insurtech company providing products like health and travel insurance.