service
Exclusive: How Significant is Consensus As-a-service Model?
While Amazon and Microsoft launched Blockchain as-a-service (BaaS) platform in 1H 2019, Hedera Hashgraph collaborated with IBM to launch consensus as-a-service model! Is this the next upcoming tech trend for giants to follow?
China’s Blockchain Service Network Unveils New International English-Based Website
China's Blockchain Service Network, introduced in early 2020, has launched an official international website.
Thailand Finance Ministry Eyes Blockchain Technology to Revamp Service Delivery
Uttama Savanayana, Thailand’s Finance Minister, has revealed that his ministry wants to use blockchain technology for system upgrades intended for optimal service delivery to citizens.
Coincover Sets Eyes on Crypto-based Insurance Service
Coincover, a Cardiff based start-up in the United Kingdom, has gone a notch higher by introducing a crypto-based insurance service. The primary objective of this move is deterring asset loss and theft in the cryptocurrency space.
Coinbase Sold its Blockchain Based Data Analytics Software to the US Secret Service
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has sold its blockchain-based data analytics software to the United States Secret Service. The analytics software was made available to the secret service in a contract worth $183,750 and billed to span through May 9, 2024.
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.
Binance Trading Platform Licenses in Bahrain, Canada
The year 2021 is finally going to end on a great note for Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, as it has secured double licenses from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CCB) and Canada.
Snowtrace to End Etherscan-Powered Service by Nov 30
Snowtrace.io, a blockchain explorer for Avalanche C-Chain, will discontinue its Etherscan-powered explorer on November 30, 2023, due to high EaaS service costs. Users are advised to backup data and Ava Labs suggests a better solution transition.
Fortune Business Insights: Blockchain-as-a-Service Market to Skyrocket to $24 Billion by 2027
Fortune Business Insights, a leading publisher of market research reports, has revealed that the blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) sector will escalate to $24.94 billion by 2027 from $1.9 billion recorded in 2019, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.5%. This uptrend will be fueled by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as they are viewing blockchain technology as an optimal solution for the numerous challenges they face, like access to bank loans, trade financing, and cash flow difficulties.
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.
UAE to Strive for Virtual Service Provider Licenses before Q2
In a bid to become a global crypto hub, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to issue federal licenses to virtual asset service providers (VASPs) by the end of Q1 2022.
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.
Washington DC Lawyers Can Now Accept Cryptocurrency Payments for Legal Services
Lawyers working within the metropolitan area of Washington DC can now accept cryptocurrency payments for legal services so long as the fee agreement is reasonable and fair, and the lawyer is able to safeguard their digital assets, the District of Columbia Bar stated in an ethics opinion.
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.
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.
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?
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.
API3 Unveils Enhanced Data Feed Service to Bolster TVL on Polygon zkEVM
API3, a blockchain oracle provider, has introduced a managed data feed service to support the growth of Total Value Locked (TVL) on Polygon zkEVM. This innovative push oracle, built around the Airnode first-party oracle node, eliminates intermediaries and provides direct access to real-world data, aiming to enhance the DeFi ecosystem and decentralized finance future.
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.
Google Makes $1B Equity Investment in CME Group, Both Firms Chart a Decade Long Partnership
Search engine and cloud service giant Google has invested the sum of $1 billion to take up a non-voting equity stake in CME Group.
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.
SEC Raises Objections to Celsius Network's Restructuring Plan Involving Coinbase
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a limited objection to the Chapter 11 restructuring plan of crypto lending platform Celsius Network. The objection, dated September 22, 2023, specifically targets the company's proposed arrangement with Coinbase for distribution services. The SEC is also currently engaged in a lawsuit against Coinbase, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Blockchain Technology Powers Brazil's National Identity Card Issuance
Brazil has commenced the use of blockchain technology for issuing the National Identity Card (CIN) to enhance security and data integrity in the new identity issuance process. The initial phase begins in three states with a nationwide deadline set for November 6, 2023. This move is part of Brazil's broader initiative towards leveraging blockchain for public service improvement, aligning with global trends of digital identity verification.
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.
Listed DeFi Company AQRU unveils Crypto-collateralized Lending Service
UK-Based DeFi firm, ARQU has launched BlockLender to give clients access to crypto credits
Fidelity Envisions Metaverse NFT Marketplace And Financial Services
Fidelity Investments has applied for US trademarks for a nonfungible token (NFT) marketplace, metaverse financial investing, and crypto trading services. Fidelity might provide mutual funds, retirement funds, investment management, and financial planning in virtual environments. The company may develop a digital media marketplace online, but specifics are few.
Japan Appoints Crypto-Friendly Leader as New Financial Services Agency Commissioner
Japan’s government seeks to appoint crypto-friendly leader Ryozo Himino as the next commissioner of the country’s Financial Services Agency.
SBI Holdings to Launch Investment Fund for Emerging Companies like Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups
SBI Holdings plans to invest 100 billion yen in startups focusing on Web3, AI, and metaverse, with financial institutions supporting Japan's goal to nurture its startup ecosystem and enhance its Asian startup hub position.
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.
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.
CertiK Outlines Mobile Blockchain Security Threats and Countermeasures
CertiK discussed security challenges of blockchain technologies on mobile platforms, including malware, insecure wallet apps, and network vulnerabilities, and provided countermeasures like reputable security solutions and regular updates.
Coinbase Plans to Transition into the AWS of Digital Currencies
Coinbase’s Chief Product Officer Surojit Chatterjee announced the company’s plans to transition into the Amazon Web Services (AWS) of the digital currency ecosystem.
DBS Declines to Offer Crypto Services to Retail Customers as Regulation Stiffens
Since regulators consider crypto coins to be ill-suited for retail consumers, DBS bank said that it will not offer such products to retail-banking clients any time soon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Analysis of Microsoft's Terms and Conditions for AI Services
Microsoft's AI terms, effective Sep 30, 2023, prohibit reverse engineering, data extraction, and limit data use, ensuring ethical use and IP protection.
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.
Crypto Data Firm Kaiko Raises $53m from Investors Led by Eight Roads
Blockchain data startup, Kaiko has raised $53 million in its Series B funding round, tripling the company’s valuation amidst the bearish crypto market terrain.
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.
InfStones aims to simplify ETH staking through Shappella upgrade
InfStones is offering a new Ethereum validator service that allows users to launch validator nodes for staking with just a few clicks. The platform is targeting both users and institutional investors by providing a simpler way to stake their tokens, with the added benefit of being able to stake less than 32 ETH after the Shappella upgrade. However, there has been a slight decline in Ethereum staking deposits due to regulatory pressure and the upcoming upgrade.
Stripe Resumes Crypto Service Offerings, Partners with FTX
Stripe is rejoining cryptocurrency space support again by building partnerships with FTX.
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.
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.
Tornado Cash Developer Set to be Released
Tornado Cash developer, Alex Pertsev, who was arrested last August for his alleged involvement in money laundering through the crypto mixing service, is set to be released after spending nearly nine months in prison.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cryptocurrency Community Debates Fallout from Closure of Major American Banks
The closure of three major American banks that serve cryptocurrency firms, including Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, has sparked debate within the cryptocurrency community. The closure of Silicon Valley Bank, which held over $3.3 billion of USD Coin issuer Circle's $40 billion reserves, has caused particular concern. As a result, the cryptocurrency ecosystem is now exploring neobank services and other options to bridge the gaps exposed by the latest mainstream banking failure.
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.
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.
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.
Fintech MoneyLion Adds Crypto Trading with $1M Prize Before IPO
Financial technology company MoneyLion introduced cryptocurrency services to its integrated financial service application before its public listing, allowing clients to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum freely.
US House Committee to Probe Crypto Crimes in November Hearing
The US House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing today, November 15, 2023, to examine illicit cryptocurrency activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing, and discuss the Department of Justice's focus on these crimes.
Alchemy Pay Expands U.S. Footprint with Iowa Money Services License
Alchemy Pay, a prominent crypto-fiat payment gateway, has secured a Money Services License in Iowa, marking a significant expansion in the U.S. market and enhancing its global compliance portfolio.
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.
Binance Labs Invests in AltLayer, a Leading Decentralized Rollups-as-a-Service Provider
Binance Labs, the venture capital and incubation arm of Binance, has announced a strategic investment in AltLayer, a leading decentralized Rollups-as-a-Service (RaaS) provider for Web3 applications, as of August 9, 2023.
California Authorities Demand MyConstant Stop Crypto-Lending
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has ordered MyConstant to stop selling many crypto-related products due to state securities law breaches. The company's peer-to-peer loan brokering and interest-bearing crypto asset accounts violate California securities and consumer financial laws.
OpenAI Suspends ChatGPT Plus Sign-ups Due to Overwhelming Demand
OpenAI has suspended new ChatGPT Plus premium sign-ups due to high demand, following a DDoS attack at its first development conference. The platform has reached 100 million monthly users in two months.
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.
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.
US Secret Service Seizes Over $102m in Digital Currencies among Crypto Crimes
The United States Secret Service has notably confiscated as much as $102 million worth of crypto assets in its investigation of the activities of cybercriminals.
Ethereum Will Be Made Available on Amazon Managed Blockchain
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has now brought the benefits of Ethereum blockchain solutions to its users.
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.
Coinbase reassures customers on staking services amid SEC crackdown
Despite the SEC's crackdown on staking services provided by centralized providers, Coinbase has informed its customers that its staking services will continue and may even increase. Coinbase has updated its staking terms and conditions, stating that users earn rewards from decentralized protocols, not from the exchange itself. The SEC has expressed concerns over users losing control of their tokens when using staking programs. Coinbase has argued that its staking services are fundamentally different from competing exchanges like Kraken.
VanEck Research Predicts Ethereum Price to Reach $11.8k by 2030
VanEck Research revises #Ethereum price target to $11.8k by 2030 following a recent hard fork. The new valuation considers revenues from transaction fees, MEV, and an emerging "Security as a Service" model.
Matrixport: Jihan Wu's Spin Off Start-up Meeting Demand for Cryptocurrency Services Beyond Bitmain's Mining Ecosystem
Cynthia Wu is the Head of Business Development and Sales at Matrixport where she is also focused on building business for Cactus Custody and managing Matrixport’s key investor relations. In this first part of our exclusive interview, Wu shares her insights with Blockchain.News on the state of the Bitcoin mining, the surge in Bitcoin’s Hashrate and the potential impact that the coming Bitcoin halving will have on Bitcoin miners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MIT Study Challenges AI Job Displacement Fears
MIT's study reveals that human labor remains more cost-effective than AI in most job roles, especially in tasks requiring visual processing, challenging rapid AI-driven job displacement fears.
What are the Top 5 Blockchain Market Events to Watch in Q2 2020?
Looking ahead to Q2 2020, what are the top 5 blockchain market events to watch? This article provides a simple guide for you!
Hong Kong to Release Cryptocurrency Exchange Licensing Guidelines
The Hong Kong Securities Futures Commission (SFC) plans to release guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange licensing next month, in support of trading services to retail investors by June 1. AML/KYC regulatory requirements were key considerations in the consultation process. Some trading platforms have already received licenses, while others have chosen to cease operations.
State Street Partners with Copper.co to Offer Crypto Custody Services to Customers
The partnership will continue to help State Street bank to provide digital and crypto asset services for its clients.
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.
Dr. Ben Goertzel—Creating an AI Marketplace for Paypal’s 286 Million Users
In this second part, we discuss SingularityNET recent projects and collaborations with Toda Network, PICC Services and PayPal.
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.
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.
Universal Music Group Calls for AI Music Copyright Protection
Universal Music Group has called for streaming services to block AI services from harvesting melodies and lyrics from copyrighted songs. AI-generated music on Twitter, YouTube, and popular streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, has raised concerns about intellectual property rights.
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.
Google Takes Concerted Steps to Conform to EU's Digital Services Act
Google is preparing to comply with the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), targeting platforms and search engines with over 45 million monthly users. The DSA mandates transparency, reporting of criminal offenses, and user-friendly terms and conditions for VLOPs and VLOSEs.
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.
South Africa's Monetary Authority Ask Banks to Work with Crypto Exchanges
South Africa’s Central Bank has released new guidelines stating that banks in the country may act as a channel for funds tied to crypto asset service providers.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Robinhood Receives Investigative Subpoena from SEC Over Crypto Business
Robinhood disclosed in a recent 10-K filing that it received an investigative subpoena from the SEC in December 2022 regarding its supported cryptocurrencies, custody of cryptocurrencies, and platform operations. The subpoena was in response to the bankruptcies of several major cryptocurrency trading venues and lending platforms earlier in the year, including FTX, Three Arrows Capital, Voyager Digital Holdings, and Celsius Network. This follows previous subpoenas from the California Attorney General's Office and scrutiny from the Massachusetts Securities Division. Robinhood's crypto division was also fined $30 million by the New York District of Financial Services in August 2021 for failing to invest the proper resources and attention to develop and maintain a culture of compliance.
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.
HSBC to Initiate Institutional Digital Assets Custody Service in 2024
HSBC plans to launch a digital assets custody service for institutional clients in 2024, partnering with Metaco to expand its digital offerings to include tokenised securities.
Dragonfly Capital Invests $10 Million in Bitget
Dragonfly Capital has invested $10 million in cryptocurrency derivatives exchange Bitget to support its global market and service expansion and corporate social responsibility initiatives for crypto education and adoption. Bitget plans to expand its spot trading, launchpad, and Bitget Earn products. Despite the FTX collapse, cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges have recovered, and central exchanges' open interest has risen to approximately $68.5 billion.
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.
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank and Ginco Collaborate to Offer Japan's First Crypto Asset Trust Services
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank and Ginco are partnering to provide Japan's first-ever trust services for crypto assets, in line with Japan's Payment Services Act and tax reforms.
Kraken Secures E-Money License in EU, Expands Virtual Asset Services in Spain
Kraken, a San Francisco-based crypto platform, has secured an E-Money Institution license from the Central Bank of Ireland and registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider in Spain. These moves are part of Kraken's strategy to expand its European operations.
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.
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.
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.
Chainalysis Secures $13M From Ribbit Capital and Sound Ventures, Continuing to Fuel Crypto Adoption
Chainalysis announced that it has secured an additional $13 million in a strategic investment from Ribbit Capital and Sound Ventures during its Series B investment round, taking its total to $49 million.
WeChat Adds Digital Yuan Payment Functionality
WeChat has integrated the digital yuan into its payment services, allowing users to make payments through the platform. The move aims to increase the digital yuan’s appeal and follows a similar integration by Alipay.
SEC Seeks to Freeze Binance.US Assets in Bid to Protect Customers
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has lodged an emergency action application against Binance Holdings Limited, BAM Trading Services Inc., BAM Management US Holdings, Inc., and their founder, Changpeng Zhao.
Why Crypto Exchanges Must Reinvent Themselves to Stay Relevant or Else Face Extinction
As the industry matures, crypto exchanges must face up to higher responsibilities. Crypto market is becoming to mirror that of traditional markets. Cryptocurrency exchanges, therefore, must reinvent themselves to maintain their relevance.
Binance.US Struggles to Find a Bank Partner in the United States
Binance.US is facing challenges in securing a bank partner to serve as a fiat on-ramp and off-ramp for its clients in the United States. Recent regulatory crackdowns on banks with crypto clients, along with failed attempts to establish direct banking relationships, have left Binance.US without banking services.
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.
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.
European Commission Takes Aim at AI-Generated Disinformation Ahead of Elections
The European Commission mandates major tech platforms to detect AI-generated content to shield European elections from misinformation, highlighting a robust approach towards maintaining democratic integrity.
South Korea Regulator Probes Crypto Staking Services
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service checks exchanges' crypto staking services for legality.
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.
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.
French Bank SocGen Obtains Regulatory Approval to Offer Crypto Assets Services
Société Générale now engages in regulated crypto-related business activities.
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.
What are the Roles of Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services in BMW Group's Blockchain Pilot?
BMW Group, a famous global premium manufacturer of motorcycles and automobiles, seeks to expand its pilot blockchain project, dubbed PartChain, to its international supply chains that are enshrined in complexity. Blockchain technology will be instrumental in propelling the traceability and transparency of crucial raw materials and parts as it will ease data sharing.
Nasdaq to Launch Digital Asset Custody Services
Nasdaq is preparing to launch its custody services for digital assets by the end of Q2 2022, starting with Bitcoin and Ether. The exchange has applied for a limited-purpose trust company charter from the New York Department of Financial Services to oversee the new business and aims to eventually build a broad suite of services for its digital assets division. Its entry into the crypto market could potentially boost institutional investor confidence and pave the way for more traditional financial institutions to offer similar services.
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.
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.
Despite Regulatory Uncertainty, Ripple Is Launching Crypto Liquidity Service for Financial Firms
Ripple has announced that it is launching a liquidity hub that would allow financial services companies to provide their customers access to a range of cryptocurrencies.
Bank of England Chooses Accenture To Rebuild UK Payment System
Accenture has won a tender with the UK’s central bank to assist in building the UK’s new RTGS (real-time gross settlement) service.
Former Synthetix Developer Creates Way To access Prohibited Apps Like Tornado Cash
A former Synthetix developer named Liam Zebedee has introduced his newfound way of bypassing prohibited blockchain apps like Tornado Cash.
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.
Swiss’ SEBA Bank Launches Regulated Custody Services for Blue Chip NFTs
SEBA bank has expanded the reach of its crypto offerings with a new service dedicated to custody for NFTs
Cross-Chain Crime Hits $7B: North Korean Ties Unveiled
The recent revelation by Elliptic highlights a troubling surge in cross-chain crime, now amounting to $7 billion, with North Korean affiliated Lazarus Group playing a significant role. These findings from the 2023 edition of 'The State of Cross-chain Crime' report, outstrip previous forecasts, underscoring an urgent call for bolstered security measures and refined blockchain analytics to confront the escalating menace.
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.
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of FTX Responds to IRS's $44 Billion Claims
The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of FTX, a now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, has publicly responded to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) staggering $44 billion in claims against various debtors affiliated with FTX.
OKX and CoinRoutes Expand Partnership: Institutional Crypto Trading Services Enhanced
OKX & CoinRoutes deepen collaboration, offering advanced API-enabled trading services to institutional users, emphasizing digital asset solutions.
Two Ex-Robinhood Employees Launch New Remittance Service Atlantic Money
High remittance fees charged by the existing fintech ‘challenger’ platforms are some of the issues that prompted Atlantic Money to launch its money transfer service. The platform promises to facilitate cheaper and more efficient remittances.
Xbox Teams with Inworld AI for Game Dev AI Tools
Xbox and Inworld AI have partnered to develop AI tools for dialogue and narrative creation, aiming to empower creators in the gaming industry.
Empowering Civil Service with AI: CDDO's Generative AI Courses
CDDO offers online courses on generative AI for civil servants, enhancing digital competencies and promoting ethical AI integration in government operations.
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.
Upbit Singapore Acquires Preliminary MAS Approval for Major Payment Institution Licence
Upbit Singapore has received an in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, a significant step towards establishing a stronger digital asset business in Singapore. This provisional approval will enable Upbit Singapore to continue offering regulated Digital Payment Token services as per the Payment Services Act 2019 while awaiting the full license.
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.
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.
Mixin Network Suffers $200 Million Hack
Mixin Network's cloud service provider database was hacked on September 23, 2023, leading to a loss of approximately $200 million. Blockchain security firm SlowMist is aiding in the investigation. Deposit and withdrawal services have been temporarily halted on Mixin Network.
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.
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.
Citi Group Considers Launching Crypto Services Amid Increased Customer Interest
Citi Group discussed the possibility of launching crypto services for customers, just like Goldman Sachs enabled clients trade with Bitcoin-linked derivatives.
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.
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.
Thai SEC Bars Crypto Staking & Lender Services after Zipmex’s Bankruptcy
Thai regulator has banned digital asset operators from offering crypto depository services that pay returns to depositors to protect traders and the public from service providers’ business risks.
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.
BaaS Market Expected to Hit $15.8B by 2026, Driven by High Immutability & Secure Decentralization
The global blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) sector is anticipated to reach $15.8 billion by 2026 from the current $2.31 billion.
BSN Has Partnered with MetaverseSociety to Launch the South Korean BSN Portal Operator in November
BSNbase has partnered with the South Korean MetaverseSociety to launch the BSN portal operator in November, supporting Korean developers to quickly and efficiently build and operate blocks through its localized BSN platform Chain application.
Debunking Overblown Claims on Crypto and Terrorism Financing
Chainalysis debunks inflated claims on cryptocurrency's role in terrorism financing, emphasizing the predominant use of traditional fiat-based channels by terrorist groups. The analysis highlights the challenges and common misconceptions in tracing terrorist fund flows on the blockchain, particularly concerning service provider identification.
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.
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.
Coinbase CEO Defends Decision to License Analytics Platform to US Secret Service
CEO of Coinbase Brian Armstrong sold his blockchain analytics software to US Secret Service, and addressed any worries investors might have concerning privacy issues.
Baidu's Enterprise Blockchain Network Initiates Service for Developers and SMEs to Build Dapps
Enhancing China's initiative to adopt blockchain countrywide, internet giant Baidu will be launching a new blockchain-based service, through Xuperchain, for SME's and developers to use in the creation of decentralized applications.
European Blockchain Service Infrastructure PCP to Begin—Why it Could Benefit XRP and BTC
The EC seeks industry tenders for the European Blockchain Service Infrastructure (EBSI) - a European blockchain solution that could inadvertently see BTC and XRP soar.
Facebook Faces New Hurdles as Brazil’s Central Bank Suspends New WhatsApp Mobile Payment Service
Brazil’s central bank has suspended WhatsApp’s payments feature in the country. The newly-launched system allows users of Facebook Inc’s WhatsApp instant messaging service to send money via chat.
China’s Low-Cost National Blockchain Service Network to Launch in April
The Chinese government’s State Information Center revealed its plans for its national Blockchain Service Network (BSN), aiming to provide small businesses and individuals to operate blockchain applications easily without using a private blockchain network.
Bakkt And Galaxy Digital Announce New Bitcoin Service Aimed at Institutional Investors
Regulated bitcoin futures provider Bakkt and Galaxy Digital’s trading arm seek to cater to the rising institutional demand for Bitcoin. The two firms have just developed a new service targeting institutional investors looking to purchase and store Bitcoin.
South Korea’s Largest Bank Reveals Crypto Custody Service Filing and Potentially Even More Crypto Services to Come
The largest bank in South Korea, KB Kookmin Bank has revealed its filing of a trademark application for KB Digital Asset Custody (KBDAC), its crypto custody service.