Archives
Binance gets Abu Dhabi regulator’s nod to offer crypto custody services
Binance, world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has obtained Financial Services Permission from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), to provide custody to professional clients in and from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center of the UAE’s capital.
FTX collapse leaves investors jittery over crypto contagion
Top blockchain and crypto news: FTX fallout spooks sector. Crypto.com’s $400 million ‘accident.’ Hong Kong’s new digital asset drive.
Mastodon is the hot new alternative to Twitter: Can it decentralize social media?
Can decentralized platform Mastodon, named after an extinct elephant, replace the little blue bird that has dominated the world’s social media landscape for over a decade?
Markets: Bitcoin inches up, Ether falls; most top 10 crypto rebound
Bitcoin inched up during Wednesday afternoon trade in Asia while most of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins, rallied from recent losses.
Korbit is first South Korean exchange to disclose full crypto reserves, post-FTX debacle
Korbit, one of South Korea’s five fully licensed crypto exchanges, announced Wednesday that it will reveal its full list of crypto reserves.
USDC stablecoin issuer Circle expects slower growth over Binance’s BUSD conversion
Circle, the issuer of U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin USDC, has said that stronger competition in the stablecoin market is likely to pressure Circle stablecoins, thereby slowing its growth and weighing on the financial outlook of the company.
Who is exposed to FTX? A running compilation on a rapidly moving target
The number of creditors with claims on the collapsed FTX cryptocurrency exchange and its affiliates may run into the hundreds of thousands and possibly more than 1 million.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried to potentially face questioning in US: report
The former CEO of FTX may face questioning by authorities in the U.S. as scrutiny over the role he played in the exchange’s sudden collapse and bankruptcy intensifies.
AAX crypto exchange at risk of capital deficit, says market vulnerable from FTX collapse
AAX wants to reopen withdrawal services with additional capital, while VP Caselin told Forkast AAX is caught in a market-wide vulnerability.
NFT platform, art collective launch collaboration in aid of Ukraine
NFT platform laCollection has launched a series of collaborations with international artists to raise funds for Ukrainian cultural institutions.
Terra cofounder Daniel Shin’s Chai Corp. raided by S.Korean authorities
Daniel Shin’s Chai Corporation, which partnered with Terraform Labs in 2019, is accused of violating capital market rules in past dealings with Terra.
Crypto lender BlockFi faces possible failure amid FTX collapse, WSJ says
BlockFi Inc. is preparing for possible bankruptcy filings after it acknowledged “significant exposure” to bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX.com.
Japan investment manager SoftBank reportedly writes down stake in FTX to zero
Masayoshi Son’s SoftBank Group is having an awful year on the investment front and has now been hit by the FTX failure.
Trezor, Ledger report surge in hard wallet sales amid FTX meltdown
What to do when one of the world’s most trusted crypto exchanges implodes? For many it’s finding a safer place for their assets, and that is typically hardware wallets.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether rise amid positive inflation data, despite reports of Russian missile strikes in Poland
Bitcoin and Ether rose on Wednesday morning in Asia amid reports of alleged Russian missile strikes on Poland while inflationary data out of the U.S. provided support.
FTX hacker becomes 35th largest Ethereum holder
The address associated with the FTX hack swapped US$48.2 million worth of DAI stablecoins to 37,570 Ether and became the 35th largest holder of the world’s second-largest crypto.
DeFi’s real estate revolution: The rise of tokenization
The tokenization of property in DeFi differs greatly from the securitization that led to the global financial crisis. In this introductory part of a special series of three articles, Forkast looks at the origins of the phenomenon, what’s new about it, and the promise it holds for investors.
Enron veteran is FTX’s new head: Does he have what it takes to win back user’s funds?
The failure of cryptocurrency exchange FTX has been compared to the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008, but it may have more similarity to the bankruptcy of energy trading giant Enron Corp. – an event FTX’s new chief executive officer knows all too well.
Coinbase officially enters the fray in XRP lawsuit to support Ripple against SEC
U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has officially submitted its amicus brief to support Ripple in the lawsuit the U.S. SEC filed in 2020 against Ripple.
Retail crypto sees more new users when Bitcoin prices rise: BIS report
A rise in Bitcoin prices is the most important factor for a significant increase in the number of new investors, instead of distrust in public institutions, dislike for traditional banks, or search for a store of value, according to a report by the Bank for International Settlements.
Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary says FTX debacle will never happen again
O’Leary remains committed to crypto even after losing his investment in FTX.com, but said that the industry will become more regulated.
FTX collapse ‘sad’ for crypto industry, but underlying technology still sound
Panelists at Forkast’s livestreamed event ‘Crypto Rising: How Top VCs Are Investing Out of Crypto Winter’ shared their thoughts on the future of the industry following FTX.
FTX bankruptcy and fallout; Tuesday updates and commentary
The following is a running compilation of views and comments on the FTX bankruptcy and implications for the industry.
FTX is crypto’s Lehman Bros. moment. What happens now?
Unlike the 2008 crash, the government won’t be bailing out FTX’s investors, writes Nick Saponaro of Divi Labs. Will regulators see this as a cue to crack down on exchanges?
Crypto prices recover amid plans by Binance, others to aid cash-short projects post FTX failure
Exchanges to the rescue? Cash is reportedly being made available to help blockchain and crypto projects caught in the fallout of the FTX exchange collapse.
Vitalik Buterin seeks to build proof-of-reserves protocol with Binance as ‘guinea pig,’ says Binance chief
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is looking to develop a proof-of-reserves protocol and Binance may be the “guinea pig” and serve as its first test case, said Binance chief Changpeng Zhao.
Crypto.com claims user funds safe despite ‘accidental’ Ether transaction
The chief executive of Crypto.com, said the exchange’s exposure to FTX when it shut was under US$10 million.
Mining rig maker Canaan’s stocks fall as Q3 profits shrink
Cryptocurrency mining rig maker Canaan posted shrinking revenues and profits in the third quarter of this year, as the crypto bear market continued to plague the mining industry.
Binance says it will set up crypto recovery fund, industry standards group
Changpeng Zhao, founder and chief executive of Binance, tells the B20 Summit in Indonesia that the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange aims to help improve business and operation standards in the crypto industry.
Why DeFi is in dire straits — and what could save it
DeFi remains unusable for all beyond a niche community, writes Dennis Jarvis of Bitcoin.com. ‘Should it stay like this, it will never attract a wide audience.’
Hong Kong said it remains upbeat on digital assets after FTX debacle
Hong Kong remains bullish on virtual assets in the financial sector after the FTX debacle, while maintaining the view that regulation of businesses is a prerequisite for market development.
Former Huobi CEO Leon Li offers US$14 mln loan to cover funds locked in FTX
Huobi Global’s ex-CEO Leon Li has extended a US$14 million loan to New Huo Technology after a subsidiary had US$18 million of cryptocurrency locked in the bankrupt FTX exchange.
FTX, authorities investigate potential US$477 mln theft
FTX officials confirmed on Sunday that unauthorized transactions have drained millions of remaining user funds from wallets over the weekend.
FTX bankruptcy and fallout: Monday updates and commentary
The following is a running compilation of views and comments on the FTX bankruptcy and implications for the industry.
S.Korea summons ex-Terra exec Daniel Shin over US$100M in LUNA gains
Daniel Shin has been summoned by South Korean prosecutors to attend an investigation as a suspect for allegedly earning ill-gotten profits with LUNA.
Bahamian regulator contradicts FTX, says no approval given for fund withdrawals
Regulators in the Bahamas, where FTX is headquartered, say the bankrupt exchange’s claims that Bahamian fund withdrawals were requested by officials are false.
AAX crypto exchange says it is suspending withdrawals amid FTX fallout
Hong Kong-based crypto exchange AAX is suspending withdrawals for seven to 10 days for a scheduled system upgrade to protect users.
Crypto prices slide as investors pull funds on concerns other exchanges may follow FTX implosion
The collapse of one of the world’s biggest crypto exchanges last week has investors worried about the finances of other trading platforms. Cold wallet time?
Singapore’s central bank partners New York Fed to explore wholesale CBDCs
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has partnered The New York Innovation Center of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, to study if wholesale central bank digital currencies (wCBDCs) can make cross-border payments more efficient.
FTX files for bankruptcy, Sam Bankman-Fried steps down as CEO
FTX.com, FTX US and 130 additional affiliates have filed for bankruptcy, its new CEO John J. Ray III says.
Tron’s Justin Sun stresses ‘due diligence’ needed before considering FTX bailout
Tron founder Justin Sun’s plans to save FTX include debt, equity investments and a full takeover, he told BloombergTV on Friday, Asia time.
Binance chief says FTX bailout deal ‘didn’t make sense’
Changpeng Zhao, founder of the world’s largest crypto exchange, said its earlier pledge to acquire FTX fell through partially due to regulatory concerns.
Could FTX woes bring on another crypto freeze resembling Terra-Luna?
Crypto exchanges and lending platforms are starting to use the dreaded F word for Freeze amid worries about the possible collapse of FTX.com, part of one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency trading networks.
FTX Japan resumes withdrawals, FTX Turkey firms up plans
FTX Japan, the Japanese arm of the embattled crypto exchange FTX.com, said on Friday it has resumed yen withdrawals after the country’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) ordered the exchange on Thursday to suspend operations and put together a “business improvement plan.”
Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary says ‘FTX still has value,’ its story still being written
While FTX’s cash crunch has rattled global markets and investors, a White Knight investor could quickly turn the tide for the company, O’Leary told Forkast in an interview.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether prices rise as crypto market shows sign of pick-up
Bitcoin and Ether strengthened in Friday afternoon trading in Asia, reversing some of Wednesday’s and Thursday’s sharp losses. All other top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins, also increased.
SEC gets more support in XRP lawsuit against Ripple
Three more companies and organizations have requested to weigh in on the ongoing lawsuit the SEC filed in 2020 against Ripple.
FTX liquidity crunch leads to contagion fears; Friday updates and running commentary
The following is a running compilation of views and comments on the possible short- and long-term outcomes of FTX’s liquidity crunch.
FTX US warns user trading could be halted ‘in a few days’
Sam Bankman-Fried says FTX US is insulated from FTX.com’s liquidity crunch, but the American-based platform could freeze trading in the next few days.
U.S. regulators reportedly talking with Binance over failed FTX bail out
US regulators want to know more about what Binance discovered when it took a look at FTX’s books, and then canceled a bailout deal.
California financial regulator launches probe into FTX
The state of California has launched an investigation into the ‘apparent failure’ of crypto asset platform FTX.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether gain in crypto market rebound off slowing U.S. inflation
Bitcoin rose on Friday in Asia along with Ether and most other major tokens, reversing a three-day slump as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released Thursday showed inflation in the U.S. slowed in October.
FTX assets frozen by Bahamas securities regulator
The Securities Commission of the Bahamas has frozen assets of FTX and related parties, and has suspended its registration.
Sam Bankman-Fried apologizes in first tweet since Binance saga: I F***** Up
Sam Bankman-Fried sent his first series of tweets since Binance announced and then scrapped an offer to buy his cash-strapped cryptocurrency exchange. He apologized, acknowledged mistakes and said he will do right by FTX users.
FTX Japan ordered to suspend operations by the country’s regulators
FTX Japan was ordered by the country’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to suspend operations until Dec. 9 and put together a “business improvement plan.”
Industry reacts: FTX bankruptcy fears rise after Binance scraps rescue
There are not many white knight investors that are large enough to bail out the embattled crypto exchange, industry insiders say.
Bitcoin gains 5% as U.S. inflation slows down in October
Bitcoin gained 5% after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the consumer price index (CPI), a key inflation indicator, rose 0.4% in October from September. CPI was up 7.7% from a year earlier, less than the expected 7.9%, and down from 8.2% in September. October’s CPI recorded the smallest 12-month increase since January.
FTX allegedly used customer assets in Alameda bailout: report
A portion of the bailout package worth at least US$4 billion that FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried sent to Alameda Research was allegedly comprised of customer funds.
Crypto exchange outflows rise amid FTX fiasco
Over 5.2 billion stablecoins left crypto exchanges on Wednesday, the most in five months, on-chain data showed.
FTX debacle has crypto industry pointing finger at regulators in call for clear rules of the road
The FTX.com unraveling has prompted crypto industry leaders to demand clearer rules of the road for trading digital assets.
Sequoia Capital marks down US$214 mln FTX stake to zero
Venture capital firm Sequoia Capital has written down its entire US$213.5 million investment in FTX, the company revealed in a tweet on Thursday.
Binance the winner in FTX saga, set to gain more customers
Binance may have nixed the deal to bailout rival exchange FTX.com, but it could still gain a big chunk of FTX’s business as investors flee the platform.
US regulators DoJ, SEC, CFTC probe crypto platform FTX
US regulators the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are probing beleaguered crypto exchange FTX.
What a difference a day makes: Options for FTX after Binance ditches buyout?
Binance cites due diligence on FTX books for pulling out of a deal to buy FTX.com, sending markets into a tailspin and leaving Bankman-Fried in need of another buyer… fast.
Ark Invest swoops in to buy US$21.4 mln in Coinbase shares
Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest seized the opportunity provided by Wednesday’s market downturn to snatch a considerable chunk of Coinbase stock.
Why fears of a dying NFT market are overblown
The NFT ecosystem is doing better than what selective data would have us believe, writes Long Do of Anomura. But the sector should know that people want more than just a pretty picture.
Bitcoin hits lowest price in two years as Binance cancels FTX acquisition
Just over 24 hours after news of Binance’s planned acquisition of FTX shook the crypto market, a reversal of that decision sent prices even lower.
Binance pulls out of FTX buyout; latest updates and commentary
The following is a running compilation of views and comments on Binance’s announcement that it will not go ahead with the acquisition of FTX.com.
Binance likely to back out of FTX deal: report
Binance may scrap its proposal to acquire cryptocurrency exchange FTX, after examining FTX’s “internal data and loan commitments,” according to an unnamed source “familiar with the matter” cited by CoinDesk on Wednesday.
The fall of FTX “not good for anyone,” CZ says
The sudden downfall of top cryptocurrency exchange FTX will bring in more regulatory scrutiny and raise the difficulty of obtaining licenses around the world, Binance founder and chief executive Changpeng Zhao said in an internal note, which he shared with the public via Twitter on Wednesday.
FTX provided US$4.1 billion bailout to Alameda Research: data
FTX exchange sent Alameda Research 173 million FTT tokens on Sept. 28, worth US$4.1 billion at the time.
Singapore’s Temasek holds stake in FTX, a target of Binance takeover
Singapore’s state-owned investment firm Temasek is a shareholder in embattled cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which faces a possible takeover by bigger rival Binance