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A huge euro logo is seen in front of the headquarters of the ECB in Frankfurt, Germany.

EU publishes draft bill for digital euro and cash payments

The European Commission released two proposals on Wednesday, one for the digital euro, the ECB’s CBDC, and a legislative proposal to safeguard the role of cash.
Bitcoin golden coin and dollar background. Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin dips but holds above US$30,000, all top 10 cryptos drop

Despite a slight dip in crypto prices, positive investor sentiment persists, buoyed by the potential of Bitcoin ETFs, rising institutional adoption, and recovery from regulatory concerns.
Tokyo skyline and buildings from above, view of the Tokyo tower | Four Japanese crypto firms team up to form metaverse association

Sony Network Communications to invest in Japanese Web3 developer Startale Labs

With the announcement of funding invested in Japanese firm Startale Labs, gaming giant Sony will increase its already active exploration of Web3 and the possibilities inherent in blockchain technologies.
Kyoto crypto

Crypto in the land of geisha — the global Web3 community arrives in Kyoto

Geisha, kimono, tea ceremony — the Japanese city of Kyoto is a place rich in traditional culture. But as the national government pivots toward the cutting edge potential of digital assets and Web3, the city is this week playing host to one of Asia’s largest crypto get-togethers.
Asia and Web3

Why Asia’s Web3 ecosystem needs collaborative venture building: Opinion

Collaborative venture building involves pooling resources, expertise and ideas — a strategy ideal for Web3 startups to succeed, writes Katherine Ng.
cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin, other top 10 cryptos rise; Fidelity said to plan spot Bitcoin ETF application in U.S.

Bitcoin rose along with other major cryptocurrencies. Fidelity reportedly plans a second spot Bitcoin ETF application in the U.S. following BlackRock’s move earlier this month. A strong day on Wall Street also offered support.
NFT spark

Can Azuki’s new Elementals spark the entire NFT market?

Azuki’s Elementals launch may be a turning point for the NFT market, with the continued decline of top projects’ floor prices.
close-up photo of bitcoin cryptocurrency physical coin on the tablet computer showing stock market charts. trading bitcoin cryptocoin concept on the wooden table

Bitcoin holds above US$30,000, most other top 10 cryptos mixed

Bitcoin slipped 0.04% but remained above US$30,000. Ether fell 0.97% to US$1,875.
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Downtown Singapore city. Marina Bay area and lights show at night. Financial district and skyscraper buildings.

Singapore outlines design framework for interoperable networks in collaboration with financial firms

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the city state’s central bank, has proposed a framework for designing open, interoperable networks for digital assets, developed jointly with the Bank for International Settlements and other financial institutions. 
Bitcoin and dollar | Bitcoin Cash price doubles amid U.S. crypto crackdown, expert says gain won’t be long term

Bitcoin Cash price doubles amid U.S. crypto crackdown, expert says gain won’t be long term

Bitcoin Cash, the spin-off of the world’s largest cryptocurrency, gained over 108% in the last seven days as investors hope the altcoin receives the same categorization as Bitcoin.
Shanghai | Shanghai targets US$6.9 billion revenue from culture, tourism metaverse projects | Metaverse, China, blockchain

Shanghai targets US$6.9 billion metaverse revenue from culture, tourism projects

Shanghai on Wednesday released a three-year plan to build its culture and tourism metaverse.
Southeast Asia and crypto coins

Crypto is sweeping South and SE Asia. Here’s why it matters to the rest of the world

Five countries in South and Southeast Asia now rank in the global top 10 for cryptocurrency adoption, embracing DeFi and defying government attempts to discourage crypto use. Is this a harbinger of larger trends to come?
Golden Bitcoin Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin loses ground, but holds above US$30,000; most other top 10 crypto decline

Bitcoin slipped in directionless trading while Ether retreated, but both held gains for the past seven days. Most other top 10 tokens lost ground, led by Solana, while Tron was in the green as markets entered the last trading week of June.
Bitcoin cryptocurrencies and graph statistic background

Bitcoin slips but remains above US$30,000; Asian, European, U.S. stock futures stay down

Bitcoin prices drop 1.04% to US$30,416 in 24 hours, while Ether fell 0.98% to US$1,893.
Do Kwon and bitcoin

Switzerland freezes US$26 million in crypto held by Terraform Labs and Do Kwon

Swiss prosecutors have reportedly frozen about US$26 million in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that belong to Terraform Labs and its chief executive officer Kwon Do-hyeong.
blockchain gaming

How blockchain gaming can level up: Opinion

Despite its potential, Web3 gaming has had mixed reviews from gamers and developers, writes Freddie Ng. Here are the challenges and opportunities.
Digital yuan & globe | Shanghai Clearing House launches digital yuan services for commodity trading | China, Digital Yuan, CBDC - Central Bank Digital Currency

Shanghai Clearing House launches digital yuan services for commodity trading

The Shanghai Clearing House started digital yuan clearing and settlement services for trading in commodities on Monday.
An aerial shot of Tokyo at night with luminous buildings and tall Tokyo TV tower | Japan exempts cryptocurrency issuers from 30% tax on unrealized gains

Japan exempts cryptocurrency issuers from 30% tax on unrealized gains

Cryptocurrency issuers in Japan are now exempt from paying a 30% corporate tax on unrealized gains on tokens.
Closeup of golden bitcoin BTC cryptocurrency

Bitcoin treads water above US$30,000; SEC approves first leveraged Bitcoin futures ETF

Bitcoin held ground above US$30,000 following a week of traditional financial institutions showing interest in financial instruments that include the token. The U.S. regulator approved the first leveraged Bitcoin Futures ETF on Friday.
UAE skyline and Binance's Dominic Longman

Binance Abu Dhabi’s Longman discusses UAE’s crypto boom

Binance Abu Dhabi’s chief Dominic Longman discusses the UAE’s approach to cryptocurrencies and the state’s support for innovation.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan begins euro payments on its blockchain platform: Bloomberg

New York-headquartered investment bank JPMorgan Chase & Co. has launched euro-denominated transactions on its blockchain-based payment system, JPM Coin, Bloomberg reported on Friday. 
Bitcoin cryptocurrency gold coin. Trading on the cryptocurrency exchange.

Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin remains above US$30,000 as market shrugs off Prime Trust’s cease order

Bitcoin shrugged off Prime Trust’s cease order, as risk appetite was bolstered by several TradFi alumni entering the crypto space this week. Could we see more spot Bitcoin ETF applications next week?
DUBAI, UAE - MAR 18, 2014: Famous Jumeirah beach view with 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

OKX crypto exchange to be operational in Dubai within the year, says executive

Seychelles-registered cryptocurrency exchange OKX, which says it is the world’s second-largest crypto platform by trading volume, opened an office in Dubai on June 15 as part of its global expansion and aims to raise staff numbers to 30 to tap opportunities in the region.
Bitcoin sprout | Bitcoin surges above US$28,000 on institutional adoption; Ether gains; U.S. equity futures down | Markets, BTC - Bitcoin, ETH - Ethereum, Non-Fungible Token - NFT, ETF

Bitcoin slips but remains above US$30,000, amid crypto custodian Prime Trust’s cease order

Bitcoin remained above US$30,000, even as Nevada state regulators in the U.S. ordered crypto custodian Prime Trust to cease operations.
crypto airdrop

Why DeFi token airdrops are risky and how to make them more secure: Opinion

Having a crypto wallet is necessary to participate in a token airdrop, but wallets are also vulnerable to hacks and mishaps, writes Ravindra Kumar of Frontier.
Single Bitcoin cryptocurrency on a silver through gold metallic gradient background lying face up in the centre | Bitcoin gains to hold above US$30,000; Ether little changed with top 10 crypto mixed

Bitcoin gains to hold above US$30,000; Ether little changed with top 10 crypto mixed

Bitcoin traded above US$30,000 to hold onto the strong gains made this week on the back of growing institutional interest in the token as an emerging asset.
Wall Street-backed crypto exchange a sign of lingering interest despite SEC’s crypto crackdown

Wall Street-backed crypto exchange a sign of lingering interest despite SEC’s crackdown

Top blockchain and crypto news: Wall Street backs new crypto exchange. NFT traders remain cautious. Alibaba’s incoming chairman is a crypto fan.
Indian money - rupee a busines background

SoftBank-backed crypto bank Xapo to expand services in India

Xapo Bank, a Gibraltar-based cryptocurrency bank backed by SoftBank, DST Global and Ribbit Capital, has announced its expansion to India, the world’s most populous nation. 
Hand holding a bitcoin coin and chart on laptop display at background. Cryptocurrency trading or investment concept

Bitcoin slips but remains above US$30,000 as TradFi alumni enter crypto

Bitcoin fell and Ether rose during Thursday afternoon trading in Hong Kong, along with all the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Bitcoin rose above US$30,000 earlier today, following news of institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity and Deutsche Bank entering the crypto space.
Young man holding XRP Ripple coin in hand with green bush in background - Cryptocurrency and Digital asset concept

Ripple gets in-principle approval for Singapore digital payment license

The Asia-Pacific arm of San Francisco-based technology firm Ripple Labs saidThursday it received in-principle approval to start offering digital payment services in Singapore.
Golden bull and coins . Financial investment in bull market and growth of stock market concept. 3d illustration | Bitcoin breaches US$30,000 on institutional interest; Ether, other tokens follow higher

Bitcoin breaches US$30,000 on institutional interest; Ether, other tokens follow higher

Bitcoin breached US$30,000 in Thursday morning trading in Asia, leading gains across all top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
Beautiful architecture building exterior cityscape in Singapore city skyline with white cloud on blue sky

Singapore central bank, Amazon, IMF unveil ‘purpose-bound’ money technical concept

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released on Wednesday a whitepaper for “purpose bound” money, detailing a technical overview of digital currencies designed for specific purposes.
Bitcoin cryptocurrencies and graph statistic background

Bitcoin rises, remains above US$28,000; Ether, top 10 cryptos strengthen

Bitcoin and Ether rose during Wednesday afternoon trading in Hong Kong, along with all the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Bitcoin rose above US$28,000 as signs of institutional crypto adoption bolstered investor sentiment.
Hong Kong and crypto coins

Hong Kong is the crypto industry’s beacon amid the current storm: Opinion

The relationship between Hong Kong and crypto will likely only grow stronger over time, as it’s based on mutual respect as well as need, writes Lily King.
Bitcoin sprout | Bitcoin surges above US$28,000 on institutional adoption; Ether gains; U.S. equity futures down | Markets, BTC - Bitcoin, ETH - Ethereum, Non-Fungible Token - NFT, ETF

Bitcoin surges above US$28,000 on institutional adoption; Ether gains; U.S. equity futures down

Bitcoin surged over 5% on Wednesday morning in Asia to breach the US$28,000 resistance level, leading a rally of the top 10 non-stablecoin tokens except XRP.
WisdomTree logo, Bitcoin

WisdomTree files new spot Bitcoin ETF application following BlackRock

New York-based asset manager WisdomTree has submitted a new application for a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund in the U.S., less than a week after BlackRock filed its application for a similar spot Bitcoin ETF.
Ethereum and Bitcoin | Bitcoin heads higher, Ether breaches US$2,000, U.S. equities rally on weak inflation readings | Markets, China, BTC - Bitcoin, ETH - Ethereum, DOGE - Dogecoin

Ordinals inspire a new type of Ethereum collectible called Ethscriptions

Ethereum developers inspired by Bitcoin’s ordinals launch ‘Ethscriptions’, a new on-chain collectible.
Bitcoin golden coin and dollar background. Cryptocurrency

Citadel, Fidelity, Schwab-backed crypto exchange launches amid U.S. crackdown

EDX Markets, a cryptocurrency exchange with backing from major Wall Street players such as Citadel Securities, Fidelity and Charles Schwab, officially launched on Tuesday.
Close up of metal shiny bitcoin crypto currency coins on US dollar bills. Electronic decentralized money concept.

Bitcoin inches up, Ether slips; top 10 cryptos mixed

Bitcoin rose and Ether fell during Tuesday afternoon trading in Hong Kong, while most of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization closed mixed.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva | IMF says common global CBDC platform, rules needed for international transactions: Reuters

IMF says common global CBDC platform, rules needed for international transactions: Reuters

Central banks need to agree on a common global platform and rules to ensure international use of CBDCs, IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva said.
flag of Japan and gaming icons

How Japan is illuminating the path of blockchain’s future: Opinion

In the Land of the Rising Sun, where the culture and ethos already align with the principles of blockchain games, the dawn of a new era of in gaming has arrived, writes Daiki Moriyama of Oasys.
Bitcoin | Bitcoin gains ground, Ether rises, Solana leads winners, BNB little-changed to lower | Markets, BTC - Bitcoin, ETH - Ehtereum, Non-Fungible Tken - NFT

Bitcoin gains ground, Ether rises, Solana leads winners, BNB little-changed to lower

Bitcoin rose on Tuesday morning in Asia to hold above support at US$26,000. Ether also logged gains along with most other top 10 non-stablecoin tokens.
Terraform Labs CEO Do Kwon in front of a wooden judges gavel on a law book | Securities or not? South Korea to evaluate Terra’s LUNA token | south korea terra luna, terra luna news, terra luna investigation, do kwon

Montenegro sentences Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon to four months’ jail for passport forgery

A Montenegro district court on Monday sentenced Terraform Labs chief executive officer Kwon Do-hyeong to four months’ jail for forging travel documents.
Golden bitcoins. Cryptocurrency in front of usa flag.

Bitcoin, Ether, rise; most top 10 cryptos fall as SEC lawsuit weighs on investor sentiment

Bitcoin and Ether rose during Monday afternoon trading hours in Hong Kong, while most of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization declined. Risk appetite remained low after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Binance and Coinbase two weeks ago.
crypto in Dubai and Hong Kong

How Dubai and Hong Kong are shifting crypto’s power dynamics: Opinion

As the US grapples with crypto regulation, Hong Kong and Dubai are emerging as leaders in the global digital economy, writes Ben Caselin of MaskEX.
Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Cyberport signed up 150 Web3 firms in past year, says city’s financial secretary

Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s financial secretary, said more than 150 Web3 companies had registered at the Cyberport business park.
Bitcoin | Bitcoin dips after reclaiming US$26,000, Ether falls; XRP only gainer in the crypto top 10 | Markets, BTC - Bitcoin, ETH - Ethereum, XRP, Non-Fungible Token - NFT

Bitcoin dips after reclaiming US$26,000, Ether falls; XRP gains, Tron leads losers in crypto top 10

Bitcoin dipped on Monday morning in Asia after reclaiming US$26,000 support over the weekend. Ether also fell back but held above US$1,700.
Hong Kong city

Independent Reserve plans Hong Kong office, explores further Southeast Asia expansions

Independent Reserve may have a new Hong Kong office in the “next few months,” the Singapore chief of the Australian crypto exchange said in an exclusive interview. Focusing on institutional clientele, the exchange aims to double trade volumes and expand its user base this year.
Fidenza, XCOPY and Chromie Squiggles

Whales are feasting on NFT Art

Sotheby’s NFT auction sees Ringers #879 rise to the record books as one of the highest ever generative art in Ether value.
Cyber attack and hack graphic visual with cockroaches crawling in front.

Crypto in the time of cockroaches

An account of a holiday from hell draws parallel to the dark world of cybercrime and how anyone can fall victim to sophisticated crypto thefts.
Binance chief changpeng zhao in dark room wearing yellow binance hoodie | Binance documents show ties to U.S. unit unknown to regulators, WSJ reports | cz binance binance.us

Binance France under investigation for money laundering: CoinDesk

Binance France is reportedly under investigation for “aggravated” money laundering and the illegal provision of digital asset services.
Bitcoin on a home computer chart and money and investment

Weekly Market Wrap: Crypto lawsuits, Hinman and a rare rate hike pause

Bitcoin dipped below US$25,000 for the first time in three months, as the SEC’s lawsuits continued to erode crypto investor appetite. Bitcoin needs to hold above US$24,000 to avoid more bearish momentum, industry experts told Forkast.
Bitcoin cryptocurrencies and graph statistic background

Bitcoin remains above US$25,000; NFT sales down; Asian, European markets gain with U.S. futures mixed

Bitcoin, Ether and most top 10 non-stablecoin cryptos rose in Friday afternoon trading in Asia after weeklong slump.
BlackRock

BlackRock files for spot Bitcoin ETF, taps Coinbase as custodian

The ETF, if approved, would be the first publicly traded crypto product of its kind in the U.S., but the SEC just sued crypto exchanges for alleged securities violations and has rejected similar ETF applications in the past.
crypto in Asia

Asia lays out a welcome mat for crypto, while US bars its door

As the US escalates its crackdowns on digital asset companies, it’s also losing its dominance in crypto — to Asia’s advantage, writes Henry Liu of BTSE.
Varied cryptocurrencies | Bitcoin edges up after slump, Ether little-changed, other top 10 tokens contine bumpy ride

Bitcoin edges up after slump, Ether little-changed, other top 10 tokens continue bumpy ride

Bitcoin edges up but still stuck below US$26,000. Ether was little changed amid a weekly fall, while other top 10 crypto were mixed.
BNB tokens and SEC logo, Ripple and ex-SEC official Hinman, Coinbase and Hong Kong

SEC lawsuit sees Binance.US wobble, trading platforms delist cryptos

Top blockchain and crypto news: Binance.US at risk. Ex-SEC official’s comments complicate Ripple suit. Hong Kong lawmaker aims to entice exchanges.
Hand holding a bitcoin coin and chart on laptop display at background. Cryptocurrency trading or investment concept

Bitcoin below US$25,000; all top 10 cryptos fall

Bitcoin and Ether extended losses in Thursday afternoon trade in Asia amid U.S. regulator’s clampdown on top crypto exchanges.
Untitled design 58

Japan’s Fujitsu to launch blockchain-based project for cross-border collaborations

Tokyo-based information technology company Fujitsu will launch a new platform on June 30 to connect different economies using blockchain.
HKMA icon and Bitcoin | Hong Kong Monetary Authority urges banks to service crypto firms: Financial Times | Hong Kong, Cryptocurrency Assets, Bank

Hong Kong Monetary Authority urges banks to service crypto firms: Financial Times

HKMA is urging lenders including HSBC, Standard Chartered and Bank of China to service crypto exchanges. Financial Times reported on Thursday.
A golden Bitcoin token on top fo other golden coins

Bitcoin mining difficulty rises 2.18% to record amid increasing competition among miners

A higher difficulty reading indicates it is more competitive to mine Bitcoin, reducing profit. The network’s hashrate also increased to a record high. 
pile of Crypto and Fed chair Jerome Powell | Bitcoin, Ether, top 10 crypto in red in thinner trading, Fed warning of more rate hikes | bitcoin price today, ether, cardano, solana, ripple xrp, fed interest rate

Bitcoin, Ether, top 10 crypto in red amid thinner trading, Fed warning of more rate hikes

Bitcoin fell below US$25,000 support at one stage, while other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies dropped as the Fed warned of more interest rate hikes this year.
The Forbidden City of Beijing | Back to the physical: China metaverse seeks to boost real-world economy | China, metaverse, Regulation & Law, DLT - Distributed Ledger Technology, Web 3.0

Back to the physical: China metaverse seeks to boost real-world economy

The final story in a three-part series on Asia metaverse developments looks at China’s national strategy, which has seen dozens of cities and provinces release spending plans and training schemes to adopt this digital world in real-world industries. China’s initiatives, however, face challenges from regulation and global competition.
Golden bitcoins. Cryptocurrency in front of usa flag.

Bitcoin, Ether extend losses; XRP drops most among top 10 cryptos

Bitcoin and Ether continued to slide amid lawsuits against top crypto exchanges in the U.S.
Bag with NFT non-fungible token and a bundle of dollars on scales. Sell digital assets of art through auction. Monetization, investment in cryptographic tokens, cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology.

How low can NFTs go?

SEC scrutiny sends NFT market into downturn. Traders liquidate or hold off as Forkast 500 NFT Index hits all-time low amidst crypto turbulence.
XRP lawsuit

XRP reverses gains after document release in SEC lawsuit vs Ripple

Prices of XRP, which powers some of Ripple Labs’ payment services, reversed gains that followed the release of internal SEC documents related to the lawsuit against Ripple.
crypto law and United States flag

How American courts have become central to crypto law

To date, none of the 30-plus crypto bills in Congress have become law, so judges are stepping up to fill the void. What does this mean for crypto in America?
Binance coin cryptocurrency on pile gold coins | Bitcoin, Ether retreat; BNB leads gainers on U.S. court ruling, top 10 crypto mixed

Bitcoin, Ether retreat; BNB leads gainers on U.S. court ruling, top 10 crypto mixed

Bitcoin trading remains stuck under the US$26,000 resistance line. Ether dips while other top 10 crypto were mixed.
Japan metaverse

Chicken first, egg later — Japan’s need for a macroscopic view of the metaverse

After a slow start, Japan’s development of a domestic metaverse is gaining pace. This second account in a three-part series asks: can the nation compete with rivals China and South Korea in building a 3D virtual world that – according to the promises – would open up new realms of economic prosperity and even potentially ease nagging social problems?
Money, bitcoin gold coins and american dollars

Bitcoin rises above US$26,000; all other top 10 cryptos gain as U.S. regulatory battle rumbles on

All top 10 cryptos, including Binance’s BNB, gained on Tuesday afternoon trade in Asia for the first time this week amid ongoing lawsuits with the U.S. SEC.
Binance

Binance.US says SEC’s motion to freeze exchange’s assets may end its operations

The operations of cryptocurrency trading platform Binance.US, “would quickly grind to a halt” if a court rules in favor of an SEC request last week to freeze the firm’s assets, the company said Monday in a court filing.
globe and world bank notes

The SEC has spoken: The future of finance is not in America

The SEC’s one-two punch of Coinbase and Binance couldn’t have come at a better time for Hong Kong and Singapore, as US crypto firms look to shift to friendlier shores, writes Hamilton Keats of Krayon Digital.

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An unmissable weekly round up of the biggest stories in emerging tech from an Asian perspective, featuring commentary from Forkast Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau. Check out recent editions.