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CryptoSlam, Forkast.News merge to form Web3 data intelligence platform

Web3 media company Forkast.News and blockchain data analytics firm CryptoSlam are merging to establish Forkast Labs, a media intelligence platform for the digital economy that will combine on-chain data analytics and journalism.

The Forkast.News guide to last-minute blockchain and crypto gift ideas

Not yet done with your holiday shopping? Here are ideas for all the loved ones on your list, whether they are tech-savvy or merely crypto-curious.

Forkast.News exclusive: Antinalysis is out, proud and ready to tell (almost) all

In a special Q&A, an Antinalysis spokesperson reveals the source of the company’s controversial data and disputes that it’s for criminals. ‘Privacy is a human right.’

Ethereum reclaims NFT throne with US$17.02 mln in daily sales

Ethereum tops daily NFT sales, Bitcoin and Solana see mixed results, with notable changes in wash sales.

Bitcoin breaks US$70,000 amidst market optimism

Bitcoin surpasses US$70,000 after 9 days below the mark.

Ethereum leads with US$12.47 Million in NFT sales

Ethereum tops NFT sales in the last 24 hours, with Bitcoin and Solana following despite market fluctuations.

Bitcoin briefly surges past US$70,000

Bitcoin sets a new price record for the second time this week.

BlackRock leads Bitcoin ETFs with record inflows

Bitcoin investment vehicles, including ETFs, now manage over 1 million BTC, with BlackRock’s ETF seeing a record $788 million in inflows as Bitcoin hits a new all-time high.

Reddit invests in Bitcoin and Ethereum ahead of IPO

Social media platform Reddit has diversified its assets by investing in cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum, as revealed in its IPO filing.

Bitcoin returns to the US$1 trillion club

Bitcoin’s current market value is greater than the world’s eighth largest company.

Montenegro court overturns extradition of Terra founder Do Kwon

International tug of war over Kwon’s fate takes a new turn with Montenegro court’s reversal on extradition.

South Korean crypto criminals to face life sentence

Crypto criminals with more than US$3.76 billion in profits may face life in South Korea.

Genesis proposes US$1.6 bln asset sale amid bankruptcy

Genesis, in bankruptcy, seeks court approval to sell Bitcoin and Ether trust assets worth US$1.6 billion.

Bybit eyes Hong Kong license: crypto expansion plans

Crypto derivatives exchange Bybit seeks to enter Hong Kong’s market with a new license application.

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 […]

SEC postpones verdict on Grayscale’s spot Ether ETF

Ether ETF hopefuls on hold as SEC postpones decision.

US, UK, Australia target Hamas-linked crypto networks

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

USDT rises as money laundering tool in SEA, UN says

A UN report reveals USDT’s growing role in money laundering and underground banking in Southeast Asia

Ethereum ETFs gain support from BlackRock’s CEO

Support from BlackRock CEO Larry Fink boosts prospects for Ethereum ETFs.

Ethereum outperforms Bitcoin despite ETF debut

Ether’s price rises sharply, contrasting with Bitcoin’s stagnant performance despite recent ETF launches.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs launch in U.S. markets

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

Crypto milestone: SEC approves spot Bitcoin ETFs

SEC’s landmark decision approves 11 Bitcoin ETFs, heralding a new era for digital asset investments.

Restey immortalizes Gensler’s tweet on the Bitcoin blockchain

Billy Restey inscribes SEC’s Gensler tweet on Bitcoin blockchain, ensuring clarity after a false ETF approval claim rattles the crypto market.

SEC decision looms: Cboe pushes for Bitcoin ETFs

Cboe appeals to SEC for fast-tracking Bitcoin ETFs.

Bitcoin ETF applicants make swift amendments to filings following SEC’s response

Imminent SEC decision on Bitcoin ETFs could mark a watershed moment for crypto, spearheaded by industry giants BlackRock and VanEck, reshaping the investment world.

Upbit Singapore secures coveted MPI license

Upbit joins 15 other crypto firms permitted to provide digital payment token services in Singapore.

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.

Let’s use Web3 to grow projects that fight climate change

The most promising carbon offset programs can still wither and die from financing distress. Blockchain technology can help them survive and bear fruit.

What asset tokenization will look like in 2024 and beyond

Tokenization is on the rise not only in the private sector. In Asia, governments are leading the charge to use this technology for the greater public good.

From Silicon Valley to Sand Dunes: Why Indian crypto firms eye Dubai expansion

Indian crypto companies flock to Dubai, escaping high local taxes and finding solace in the emirate’s favorable regulatory environment.

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.

Blockchain can transform the real estate business — if we remove the roadblocks in its way

From reducing paperwork to verifying title quickly, blockchain technology promises to overhaul the age-old industry. But it faces regulatory hurdles and resistance by those who profit from inefficiency.

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.

Is Ethereum once again a victim of its own success?

A year after the Merge made Ethereum even more popular, the network now faces the perils of a staking-fueled liquidity crunch. What are the alternatives?

Why a16z chose London for its first non-US office

Silicon Valley venture giant Andreessen Horowitz plants flag in London: fuels UK’s ascent as a Web3 innovator.

UBS allows crypto ETFs for Hong Kong investors with at least US$2 mln assets

Three SFC-authorized crypto ETFs will be available on UBS’ Hong Kong platform.

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.

Blackrock files for Ether ETF: ETH tops US$2,100

BlackRock’s Ether ETF filing comes as the U.S. SEC entered an eight-day window to potentially approve pending Bitcoin ETF applications.

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.

SEC in talks with Grayscale for Bitcoin ETF: CoinDesk

The SEC has reportedly been in contact with Grayscale since its court victory in August.

Taiwan identifies new suspects in alleged JPEX fraud case: report

Prosecutors have reportedly identified new suspects after searching nine locations related to JPEX.

Can spot Bitcoin ETFs push Hong Kong to the crypto throne?

Top blockchain and crypto news: Hong Kong mulls Bitcoin ETFs, Ordinals flip Ethereum NFTs, IPO comes full circle.

Grassroots crypto adoption to follow real-world use cases, says Chainalysis APAC policy lead

Blockchain-based gaming and remittances among top drivers toward adoption in central and South Asia.

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.

Bitcoin breaks US$36,000 as SEC enters potential ETF approval period

Bitcoin is up over 32% in the past month.

EBA proposes new liquidity guidelines for stablecoin issuers

The proposed guidelines will work as a liquidity stress test for stablecoin issuers, according to the EBA.

HSBC plans tokenized securities custody service with Ripple’s Metaco

HSBC’s new service is expected to launch in 2024.

Binance introduces self-custody Web3 wallet

Binance said it aims to onboard the next billion Web3 users with its new wallet.

Circle reportedly considering 2024 IPO: Bloomberg

Circle has previously tried to go public through a blank-check deal back in 2022.

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.

SEBA crypto bank receives license in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s legal system provides a solid foundation for crypto-related services, said SEBA Group CEO Franz Bergmueller.

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.

Dubai calls on crypto firms to finalize applications by Nov. 17

Over 1,000 crypto firms will have to complete their applications by Nov. 17 to avoid regulatory consequences.

Mitsubishi UFJ launches joint stablecoin study with Ginco, Progmat

The joint study aims to create the infrastructure for issuing regulatory-compliant stablecoins for improved cross-border settlement.

Bitcoin transaction fees reach 5-month high, Ordinals surpass 38 mln inscriptions

The last time Bitcoin transaction fees were this high was on June 6.

Moody’s unveils AI that predicts stablecoin depegging

The artificial intelligence service is designed to predict the depegging of stablecoins in 24-hours.

Proof Group among three top bidders for FTX relaunch: report

Proof Group is also part of the group that won the bid for bankrupt crypto lender Celsius.

Bank of England, FCA to regulate sterling-denominated stablecoins

The central bank expects to release the final set of regulations by 2025.

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.

Is Hong Kong really in the forefront of the global digital money race?

Hong Kong is charging ahead in its digital currency initiatives, but more must be done to address the e-HKD’s environmental impact and security concerns.

Bitcoin up 0.25% as U.S. jobs creation slows

Bitcoin was trading above US$34,000, as the decreasing job creation in the U.S. fueled hopes of another interest rate pause.

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.

Okto pledges US$5 mln to support Vauld users

The US$5 million fund aims to help Vauld users who can’t withdraw their assets from the platform.

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.

XRP approved by Dubai’s Financial Services Authority

The XRP token now stands to benefit from legal and regulatory clarity in the DIFC, according to the announcement.

Sam Bankman-Fried found guilty on all charges

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

PayPal subpoenaed by SEC over PYUSD Stablecoin

PayPal said that it is collaborating with the SEC’s request.

ProShares launches short Ether ETF

The new ETF will offer investors short exposure to Ether.

PayPal registers crypto service with UK FCA

The registration enables PayPal to advertise its crypto services to U.K. customers.