Forkast.News is now Forkast Labs

Bitcoin NFTs continue to dominate the market with a 74% sales bump

Bitcoin leads the NFT market with a significant sales increase, outperforming Ethereum, Solana, and BNB

Bitcoin Dominates NFT Market with 86% Sales Increase in 24 Hours

Bitcoin leads the non-fungible tokens (NFT) market with a significant sales increase, outperforming Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.

North Korea’s Lazarus allegedly launders US$12 mln via Tornado Cash

Lazarus Group, linked to North Korea, has resumed laundering stolen funds using Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer sanctioned by the U.S.

Wall Street giants test blockchain for capital markets

Major financial institutions complete large-scale blockchain pilot on Canton Network.

ChainGPT launches US$1 mln grant for Web3-AI startups

ChainGPT’s new grant program aims to foster AI and blockchain innovation, offering up to US$1 million for startups.

Pantera Capital targets US$250 mln Solana purchase from FTX assets

Crypto firm Pantera Capital aims to acquire $250 million in Solana tokens from bankrupt FTX’s holdings at a significant discount.

SEC commissioners criticize unclear crypto enforcement after ShapeShift settlement

Two SEC commissioners express concerns over the agency’s ambiguous approach to cryptocurrency regulation following a recent settlement with ShapeShift.

Astar Network pioneers integration with Polygon’s AggLayer

Japan’s Astar Network launches Astar zxEVM, the first layer-2 chain to integrate with Polygon’s AggLayer, enabling seamless cross-chain transactions.

Rare CryptoPunk NFT sells for US$16 mln, signaling market revival

A CryptoPunk NFT, known for its rarity, fetches over $16 million in a landmark sale, hinting at a resurgence in the digital collectibles market.

Bitcoin gets closer to all-time high, breaks US$67,000 barrier

Bitcoin approaches its record peak, signaling strong investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market.

SEC’s Hester Peirce calls for clear crypto regulation

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce urges for sensible crypto regulation to support innovation and protect U.S. industry interests.

Robinhood integrates with Arbitrum for efficient crypto swaps

The trading app Robinhood has partnered with Ethereum scaling solution Arbitrum to offer token swaps in its self-custody wallet.

Gemini to reimburse US$1.1 bln to Earn customers after settlement

Gemini exchange reaches a settlement to return funds to users affected by the Genesis bankruptcy.

Memecoins Bonk, Doge lead extended market rally

Dogecoin’s price has soared to $0.11, marking a significant increase and making it one of the top gainers in the cryptocurrency market.

FTX founder seeks reduced sentence of under 6.5 years

Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal team argues for a lighter prison term, criticizing the 100-year recommendation as excessive.

China warns of counterfeit digital yuan app scam

The Chinese government alerts citizens to a fraudulent app imitating the official digital yuan platform.

BitForex exchange halts, US$56 mln outflow sparks exit scam fears

Crypto exchange BitForex suspends operations without explanation, following a US$56 million withdrawal, raising concerns of a potential exit scam.

StarkWare revises STRK token unlock plan after community backlash

Following criticism, StarkWare adjusts its STRK token release schedule to ensure a more gradual release over the coming years.

Do Kwon to face US extradition for Terra collapse charges

Montenegro court approves extradition of Terraform Labs’ Do Kwon to the US, where he faces fraud charges.

Revolut to list Bonk alongside US$1.2 mln learning campaign: report

Bonk will join Ethereum-based memecoins such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu on the platform.

STRK token launch targets 1.3 mln users, US$1 billion valuation

StarkNet’s upcoming token airdrop could become the largest in history.

DN404, a new hybrid NFT standard challenges ERC-404

The NFT landscape evolves with DN404, a fresh rival to the ERC-404 standard.

Solana’s second smartphone hits 100,000 pre-orders

The blockchain company’s latest mobile venture for a US$450 pre-order price per phone brings in US$45 million for Solana.

OSL and UBS pioneer first tokenized warrant transaction in Hong Kong

Fusing traditional banking and blockchain, OSL collaborates with UBS to execute Hong Kong’s first transaction of a tokenized warrant on the Ethereum.

Sara Stratoberdha named new CEO of CoinDesk

Bullish, the cryptocurrency exchange, announces Sara Stratoberdha as CoinDesk’s new leader, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to unbiased and independent journalism under new ownership.

Ethereum sets March 13 for Dencun upgrade

The Ethereum network is poised for a significant upgrade this March, with the Dencun update focusing on proto-danksharding.

Yuga Labs’ payout from Ripps and Cahen raised to nearly US$9 mln

Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen must pay almost US$7 million in Yuga Labs’ attorneys’ fees, court documents show.

US charges trio in FTX crypto exchange hack

The mystery of the FTX hack unfolds as the DOJ charges three unnamed suspects for the US$400 million theft in November 2022.

US$112 mln XRP theft hits Ripple’s Larsen

Ripple’s Chris Larsen loses $112M in XRP to hackers in a recent security breach.

OpenSea open for acquisition amid NFT market shifts: report

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) marketplace OpenSea is reportedly considering acquisition proposals. According to DL News, OpenSea Chief Executive Officer Devin Finzer said the firm has not ruled out the possibility of selling the company, and indicated a willingness to engage with interested parties.  ”We think that if the right partnership comes along, then that’s something we […]

Floki Inu staking halted in Hong Kong after SFC warning

Floki Inu suspends its staking program in Hong Kong following regulatory warnings.

Dogecoin soars to weekly peak amid X Payments buzz

Speculative X Payments chatter triggers Dogecoin’s sharp rise.

US, UK, Australia target Hamas-linked crypto networks

Allied nations impose sanctions on entities allegedly aiding Hamas’ crypto transactions.

Bitcoin spot ETFs break US$10 bln trading barrier

Investors flock to Bitcoin spot ETFs, pushing trading volumes past the US$10 billion milestone.

Solana to launch second crypto smartphone

Solana Mobile hints at second smartphone following surprise success of Saga. 

CoinShares acquires Valkyrie expands ETF offerings

With the acquisition of Valkyrie Funds, CoinShares aims to strengthen its position in the competitive ETF market.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs launch in U.S. markets

Grayscale and BlackRock’s ETFs lead a bullish debut for newly listed Bitcoin ETFs.

Musk’s social media X halts NFT hexagon avatars

Social media platform X, under Elon Musk, quietly removes NFT profile picture feature, aligning with broader tech industry trends.

Ripple to be valued at US$11.3 bln following share repurchase

Ripple Labs’ tender offer aims to repurchase US$285 million shares, valuing the firm at US$11.3 billion and fortifying financial standing.

SEC’s Gensler warns of crypto risks amid Bitcoin ETF buzz

SEC Chair Gary Gensler cautions about cryptocurrency volatility, highlighting investor protection concerns, as his agency nears a decision on spot Bitcoin ETF applications.

Creator economy, AI & the move to half a trillion dollars

Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast’s Megha Chaddah, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. In this special edition, Forkast News spoke to one of the leaders of the Web3 industry, Yat Siu, co-founder and chairman of Animoca Brands.

How ancient battles are shaping our global financial future

Our 21st century economy still rides on old, slow and costly financial rails. Here’s how blockchain technology can build a network of monetary superhighways.

UK & EU push ahead on stablecoins, HK approves another crypto exchange & Apefest marred by complaints

The UK’s crypto hub dream is coming to life while some attendees of Apefest 2023 in Hong Kong complaint on severe eye pain post-event.

ICBC forced to trade with USB drive due to ransomware attack

ICBC was disconnected from its trading partners after a cyberattack.

Ether breaches US$2,000 as BlackRock registers iShares Ethereum Trust entity

Ether rose to an over six-month high of US$2,045.

FTT up 65% after SEC’s Gensler hints FTX restart

FTT rose over 65% despite FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s guilty verdict last week.

Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures, SBI Holdings launch crypto investment firm in UAE 

The move is part of SC Ventures’ expansion into the United Arab Emirates.

Ripple partners with Onafriq for African cross-border payment channels

The partnership aims to reduce the high costs and lengthy transfer times associated with traditional remittance payments.

NFTs are mainstream again?

The Simpsons dedicates its annual Halloween special to NFTs, as data signals continued uptrend in the NFT market.

What we can learn from the sunsetting of Reddit’s crypto rewards program

Reddit’s shortsightedness and fixation on profits ultimately led it to pull the plug on Community Points. But here’s why Reddit should still be commended.

Yuga Labs, Magic Eden to launch Ethereum NFT marketplace with enforced royalties

Magic Eden Ethereum will be the first major marketplace to contractually obligate creator royalties.

SBF conviction closes “dark chapter” in crypto: Yat Siu

Siu said this marks the crypto industry’s evolution from the FTX collapse and the Terra-Luna meltdown.

SBF convicted on all charges, Hong Kong buzzes with Web3 events

SBF is found guilty of fraud, Hong Kong hosts Fintech Week, Neo advances Web3, Backpack launches NFT exchange, and more.

SOL up over 21% in a year since Alameda’s balance sheet hole came to light

SOL rose over 319% in 2023 so far, despite concerns around FTX’s lawsuit.

Sam Bankman-Fried found guilty on all charges

Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28, 2024.

ProShares launches short Ether ETF

The new ETF will offer investors short exposure to Ether.

SBF trial enters final stage; Bankman-Fried lied about spending customer funds, prosecutors say in closing arguments

Bankman-Fried trial nears end: defense claims good faith as prosecution alleges misuse of funds.

Nomura-backed Komainu partners Crypto Garage for institutional crypto services

The collaboration aims to build institutional crypto services in Japan.

‘Uptober’ narrative saved by spot Bitcoin ETF bounce

Often dismissed as coincidence, October has once again produced an upswing in the crypto market, with excitement around a potential U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF to thank for this year’s ‘Uptober.’

UK plans to introduce fiat-backed stablecoin rules in early 2024

The U.K. intends to introduce rules on fiat-backed stablecoins in early 2024, according to the government’s latest cryptocurrency policy update published on Monday.  See related article: Singapore, Thailand clarify crypto rules; NFTs become new cultural frontier Fast Facts See related article: Blockchain tech in Thailand gets boost from new pro-crypto lead

Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody to launch in Hong Kong

The move is part of an Asia Pacific expansion effort by the cryptocurrency custodian.

Bitcoin soars amid buzz of potential ETF approval: Is a crypto renaissance on the horizon?

Top blockchain and crypto news: Bitcoin ETF potential pumps life in markets. Ethereum NFTs back on rise. Major industry layoffs continue.

Mastercard explores partnerships with crypto wallets MetaMask, Ledger: CoinDesk

Mastercard’s potential tie up with custody service providers may turbocharge crypto wallets’ growth with its global payments prowess.

Parity Technologies, Polkadot blockchain developer, lays off 30% of staff

Parity CEO Björn Wagner said that despite the need for layoffs, the company’s financial health “remains robust.”

Dark Side of the $MOON: What the collapse of Reddit Community Points teaches us about Web3 tokenomics

To quell the uproar over the imminent death of a popular rewards program, Reddit is blaming ‘scalability’ and regulatory woes. But the real culprit is Reddit itself for failing to make its tokens sustainable, writes Fabio Galbi, CEO of VSC.

Astar, Startale Labs announce Web3 partnership with Japanese telecom giant, KDDI 

Astar Network and Startale Labs partner with Japanese telecom giant KDDI to boost Web3 adoption.

Binance says it signed agreements with new euro banking partners 

Binance announced it has secured new fiat partners for euro services after its former partner cut ties with the exchange last month.

SEC drops all charges against Ripple’s CEO Garlinghouse and co-founder Larsen

The XRP token rose over 6% on the day after the SEC dismissed the charges against Ripple’s top executives.

Grayscale files for new spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca

Grayscale said that its fund is ready to operate as an ETF upon regulatory approval.

Wallet Wars’ raW Pass NFTs sells out in 5 minutes

Wallet Wars, a Space Invaders-inspired game with a Web3 twist: upgradeable NFT spaceships.”

ECB to kick off digital euro preparation phase on Nov. 1

The central bank said that the preparation phase is not a decision on the issuance of a digital euro.

UK emerges as world’s third-largest economy in terms of crypto transaction volume: Chainalysis

The U.K. is also listed as the 14th economy on Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index.