sand
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.
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.
Long-Term Bitcoin Holders Unfazed by Recent SEC Accusations Against Binance and Coinbase
Data provided by Glassnode reveals that the percentage of Bitcoin supply sent to trading platforms by long-term holders accounts for a mere 0.004% of the total. This figure underscores the significant inactivity of long-term Bitcoin holders amid intensifying market pressures, demonstrating an apparent indifference to the regulatory accusations faced by leading cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance and Coinbase.
ZachXBT's Defamation Lawsuit Receives Over $1 Million in Donations as Prominent Figures Rally Support
In a surprising turn of events, renowned on-chain analyst ZachXBT has exceeded his initial fundraising target, amassing a staggering $1,055,233 in donations, according to Nansen data. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through contributions from various entities and influential figures within the crypto industry.
McDonald's Hong Kong Partners with Sandbox to Launch First Metaverse Experience, McNuggets Land
McDonald's Hong Kong has teamed up with The Sandbox to create the first Web3 experience platform. This partnership has resulted in the launch of "McNuggets Land", a unique metaverse gaming experience that marks the 40th anniversary of McNuggets.
Animoca Brands Reports US$402 Million Bookings for 2022
Animoca Brands, a leading digital entertainment and blockchain technology company, reported strong financial performance in 2022, with bookings reaching A$594 million and a strong liquidity position, despite expanding its business portfolio.
China’s Central Bank Reveals First Cohort of its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox Pilot
The Chinese central bank’s Shanghai headquarters has recently revealed the Shanghai FinTech Innovation regulatory sandbox application list. The People’s Bank of China’s (PBoC) Shanghai branch is currently soliciting opinions from the public on eight applications to be included in the FinTech innovation supervision pilot.
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.
$SAND Price May Plunge with 127 Million Transferred from The Sandbox Wallets
127M $SAND was transferred from The Sandbox wallets on Aug 4, 2023. The move, along with upcoming unlocking of 16.16% of supply, may pressure $SAND price.
ING Bank-Led Security Token-Focused Project Pyctor Was Selected by UK's FCA for its Regulatory Sandbox
Led by ING Bank, in collaboration with ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas Securities Services, Invesco US, Société Générale – Forge, State Street, and others have launched a digital asset project — Pcytor.
Polygon Founder Announces POL: Massive Technical Upgrade to MATIC
Sandeep Nailwal introduces the POL token, a technical upgrade to Polygon's ecosystem, revolutionizing multi-chain staking and introducing a new era in token design.
PANGU Announces 'PANGU ECOLAND' NFT drop from June 14
Hong Kong-based and the Metaverse-driven startup agency PANGU by Kenal (PANGU) announced that it will be launching the 'PANGU ECOLAND' NFT drop from June 14 at 11pm local time.
HKMA Initiates Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox Program
The HKMA has announced the launch of a stablecoin issuer sandbox, a step forward for fintech innovation in Hong Kong, aligning with regulatory oversight.
Metaverse Giants Collaborate to Form DAO Metaverse Alliance
Metaverse developers have collaborated to form the DAO Metaverse called "Open Metaverse Alliance for Web3" (OMA3), aiming to provide enterprises with new decentralized business models.
Animoca Brands to Focus on Markets Outside U.S. after SEC Labels Sand Cryptocurrency an Unregistered Security
Hong Kong-based blockchain giant, Animoca Brands, has announced its plans to shift its focus to markets outside the U.S.
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.
US Wealth Manager Confirms on CNBC that PayPal Will Enable Merchant Cryptocurrency Payments
Wealth manager, Sandi Bragar, considers PayPal as the best choice for businesses because of its bet on cryptocurrency.
Crypto Exchange Bitstamp to Suspend Trading AXS, CHZ, MANA, MATIC, NEAR, SAND, and SOL
Bitstamp will halt U.S. trading of AXS, CHZ, MANA, MATIC, NEAR, SAND, and SOL from August 29, 2023, amid regulatory considerations and expansion plans.
The Sandbox Taps Cybersecurity Firm Brandshield to Tackle Rising NFT Frauds
The Sandbox said introducing cybersecurity solutions with Brandshield is a testament to its efforts to stay ahead of fraudsters and build a fraud-free digital environment.
Rogue Validator Outsmarts MEV Bots, Resulting in a $25 Million Loss
MEV bots attempting sandwich trades lost $25 million worth of digital assets to a rogue validator. The loss included Wrapped Bitcoin, USD Coin, Tether, Dai, and Wrapped Ether. Blockchain security firm CertiK explained that the attack was due to the centralization of power with validators, making them vulnerable to such attacks.
PCCW, HKT Becomes 1st Hong Kong-based CMT to Join the Metaverse
PCCW and HKT have become the first Hong Kong-based communications, media and technology (CMT) organisations to join the metaverse following a partnership with The Sandbox.
The Bahamas Racing Ahead with the Sand Dollar
The Bahamas are rolling out their Sand Dollar digital currency across the island chain and look to be ahead of some of the larger countries around the world.
Dubai-Based Startup to Raise $1.2M NFT Fund to Clean Up Ocean Plastics Globally
Ocean and Us plans to raise millions in donations via NTF funding.
Standard Chartered Enters The Sandbox Metaverse
Banking giant Standard Chartered has entered the metaverse with The Sandbox to build a virtual space for its clients and supporters.
HSBC Enters Metaverse Space through Collaboration with the Sandbox
HSBC is leaping into the metaverse to engage with customers, increase sales, widen its social media reach, and demonstrate its relevance.
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.
The Sandbox Q2 2023 Report: 59% Increase in NFT Mints, 52% Rise in Primary Sales, 15% Fall in Revenue in Q2
The Sandbox, a leading gaming metaverse, posted a mixed performance in the second quarter of 2023, according to a report released by Messari. The platform saw a robust 59% QoQ increase in NFT mints, primary sales were up 52% QoQ, and active buyers grew 22% QoQ.
Binance US Faces SEC Accusations Over Alleged Securities Trading Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has leveled a series of accusations against the US operations of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, casting a significant cloud over the future of the platform in the United States.
Blockchains Do Not Address Any Fresh Issues - Polygon's Sandeep Nailwal
The Co-founder of Polygon Sandeep Nailwal has disproved one of the most harmful myths propagated by fervent blockchain skeptics: the Web3 revolution is not solely intended to address "new" problems
European Regulatory Blockchain Sandbox Welcomes Its First 20 Projects
On July 3rd, Europe's blockchain regulatory sandbox officially introduced its inaugural set of use cases. This milestone follows a period of eager anticipation in the industry, culminating from nearly 90 applications submitted back in April.
The Sandbox Expands Footprints in Hong Kong for Alpha Season 3
Decentralized virtual gaming developer The Sandbox, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, announced Thursday to roll out the first pop-up atelier in Hong Kong for the upcoming seasonal events.
Hong Kong's MTR Becomes World's 1st Transport Operator to Enter The Sandbox Metaverse
Hong Kong's MTR Corporation has become the first global transport operator to join The Sandbox metaverse to create new and immersive experiences in the virtual world.
Hong Kong's 2024 Budget Introduces 'Regulatory Sandbox' for Stablecoin Testing
Hong Kong to launch a 'regulatory sandbox' for testing stablecoin issuance and business models, as outlined in the city's 2024 budget plan.
SEC Lawsuits Target Multiple Tokens: DCG Founder Points Out Absence of PoW Cryptos
In an unfolding legal battle against two major cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase and Binance, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared various tokens as securities.
Ethereum Foundation Suffered from MEV Bot Attack in Eth Selling
The Ethereum Foundation suffered a Sandwich attack by an MEV Bot during a 1.7k ETH transaction on Uniswap V3, resulting in a $9,101 loss. The incident spotlights the rising menace of MEV exploits and underlines the necessity for enhanced security protocols in blockchain transactions.
Singapore's DBS Acquires Land in The Sandbox Metaverse
The Development Bank of Singapore Ltd, a multinational financial institution based in Marina Bay Singapore has proposed to secure land in the Sandbox metaverse
The European Commission Announces the Launch of the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox
The European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox helps 20 projects each year obtain legal and regulatory support from the European Commission.
Bithumb Korea Reports Operational Losses Due to Declining Crypto Trading Volume
Bithumb Korea reported a Q2 operational loss of KRW 3.442 billion in 2023, down from a KRW 38.42 billion profit last year. The decline is attributed to reduced crypto trading volumes and fee income. The exchange is now offering no-fee events to boost activity.
HK's PANGU Constructs Virtual Space in Metaverse, Expanding P2E Model for Business Growth
Speaking to Blockchain.News in an exclusive interview, Hong Kong-based graphic design and production start-up PANGU, a metaverse agency appointed by the Sandbox, provides one-stop-solution services for clients to establish and develop their own virtual land in the Metaverse.
Symbolic Capital Pulls $50m to Back Web3.0 Startups
Venture Capital firm, Symbolic Capital has raised the sum of $50 million to bootstrap startups operating within the Web3.0 ecosystem.
The Sandbox, FlickPlay Collaborate to Accelerate Interoperability in Metaverse
With the metaverse expected to be worth between $8 trillion and $13 trillion by 2030, virtual world gaming platforms The Sandbox and FlickPlay have joined hands to enhance its adoption by offering players a blockchain asset.
Crypto Lending Platform Sandbank Temporarily Suspends New Deposits and Investment Features in Response to Crypto Market Challenges
Sandbank, a leading crypto lending and investment platform, has announced its temporary suspension of new deposits and investment features in response to the challenges and uncertainties prevailing in the crypto market.
The Sandbox partners with Ledger Enterprise for NFT security integration.
The Sandbox has partnered with Ledger Enterprise to develop security integration for its partners. The collaboration will enable the migration of nonfungible token collections to the Ledger wallet, and The Sandbox will appear as a DApp on Ledger Enterprise.
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.
Dubai Regulator Establishes Virtual HQ in the Sandbox Metaverse
Dubai is committed to growing the domestic digital asset sector, a local crypto regulator announced on Tuesday that it has created a virtual headquarters in The Sandbox metaverse platform.
Metaverse Unicorn The Sandbox Targets to Raise $400m Funding at $4b Valuation
The Sandbox metaverse is in negotiations with investors as it looks to raise $400 million in the latest funding round.
Bernie Sanders Demands Senate Vote on $2000 Direct Stimulus Payments, Bitcoin Traders Hold Breath
Bernie Sanders has threatened to filibuster the Senate until they allow a vote on upgrading the $600 direct stimulus payments to $2000. What could the move mean for Bitcoin?
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.
Sandbox Launches Metaverse Accelerator Program, Offering $50M for 100 Startups
Virtual Metaverse gaming platform Sandbox has launched the Metaverse accelerator program, which will provide 100 startups with $50 million in start-up capital to promote the development of the Metaverse.
Animoca Brands Receives $358M Boost, the Gaming Firm Goes on Acquisition Rampage
Animoca Brands has raised $358.88 million from investors led by Liberty City Ventures.
21Shares Debuts The Sandbox-Focused ETP Product
A Switzerland-based digital currency asset manager, 21Sahres, has launched a metaverse product with a focus on The Sandbox.
Hawaii Pushes Out New Digital Currency Regulatory Sandbox to Boost Crypto Growth
The government of Hawaii has recently announced its establishment of a regulatory sandbox for digital currency companies. The partnership between the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) will see the launch of Hawaii’s first pilot program aimed for digital currencies.
OpenAI Initiates Preparedness Team to Address AI Catastrophic Risks
OpenAI has launched a new Preparedness initiative, led by Aleksander Madry, to address catastrophic risks associated with AI models. The initiative will monitor, evaluate, and mitigate potential dangers, develop a Risk-Informed Development Policy, and launch an AI Preparedness Challenge to recruit talent.
Animoca Brands Confirms New $110m Funding Round
Blockchain gaming and investment company, Animoca Brands has raised new capital worth $110 million from the issuance of convertible notes.
Binance Announces Cessation of The Sandbox NFT Staking and Polygon Network Support
Binance NFT will halt The Sandbox NFT Staking Program on September 26, 2023, and suspend LAND NFTs for daily SAND rewards. All staked NFTs will undergo an unstaking process, with return expected by September 28, 2023. Users holding Polygon Network NFTs are advised to complete withdrawals by December 31, 2023.
The Bahamas Central Bank Digital Currency Will Be Rolled Out in October
The Bahamas Central Bank has announced its CBDC, dubbed Sand Dollars, will be ready by next month for roll out.
Mastercard Tapped to Issue Prepaid Cards Linked to Bahamas’ Central Bank Digital Currency
Mastercard has partnered with the Central Bank of The Bahamas and Island Pay to issue prepaid cards that would allow people of Bahamas to instantly convert the Bahamas’ CBDC to cash during purchases.
Bank of Canada Governor Advocates Globally Coordinated Approach to CBDC
The governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem has advocated for a “globally coordinated” approach with respect to CBDC development.
Philippines Central Bank To Research Further Before Launching its CBDC
Philippines Central Bank governor Benjamin Diokno has recommended further research with respect to the proposed Digital Peso, central bank digital currency.
There Would Be No Bull Market If There Was No Bear Market...
Daily commentary on the crypto market and trading advice from Eugene Ng of Matrixport, a veteran trader with 10 years of experience in top-tier global investment banks.
Jamaica to Launch Central Bank Digital Currency in 2022
Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Nigel Clarke has announced that the country intends to launch its central bank digital currency (CBDC) in 2022.
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.
New BIS Report Advocates Using Embedded Monitoring Trackers For Stablecoins
A new report from the Bank for International Settlements has advocated the deployment of ‘Embedded Systems’ in the monitoring of global stablecoin projects.
Facebook's Libra Sparked CBDC Race, COVID-19 Made Central Banks Realize Its Necessity
Digital innovation and central bank digital currency adoption (CBDC) have been on the rise despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What has driven CBDC forward?
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.