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SEC Chair Gensler Testifies Before Senate Banking Committee

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.
Rune Christensen

MakerDAO’s Christensen wants to make DAOs fun again. He’s not alone.

Projects are rethinking how to make DAOs more fun and less disappointing.
blockchain and climate change

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.
cryptocurrency tokens and coins

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.
Dubai skyline

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.
blockchain and real estate

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.
global financial data

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.
Ethereum

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?
Hong Kong Skyline. | Singapore-based crypto unicorn Amber Group slashes Hong Kong workforce, SCMP reports

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.
hack NFT

ICBC forced to trade with USB drive due to ransomware attack

ICBC was disconnected from its trading partners after a cyberattack.
BlackRock

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.
Symbolic coins of bitcoin on banknotes of one hundred dollars. Exchange bitcoin cash for a dollar.

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

Ether rose to an over six-month high of US$2,045.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Hosts Financial Stability Oversight Council Event | Blockchain Association joins Coinbase in pushing back against SEC over crypto crackdown

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.
Grayscale logo in front of physical models of Bitcoin

SEC in talks with Grayscale for Bitcoin ETF: CoinDesk

The SEC has reportedly been in contact with Grayscale since its court victory in August.
Judge's gavel with books and statue of Justice scales on law office working law document

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

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.
Chainalysis

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.
Dubai panorama at sunset, UAE

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 Ethereum NFT

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

Bitcoin is up over 32% in the past month.
European Union concept with gavel and brown paper with the word legislation

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

HSBC plans tokenized securities custody service with Ripple’s Metaco

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

Binance introduces self-custody Web3 wallet

Binance said it aims to onboard the next billion Web3 users with its new wallet.
Circle’s reserve breakdown shows US$13.58B cash and US$42.12B U.S. Treasurys

Circle reportedly considering 2024 IPO: Bloomberg

Circle has previously tried to go public through a blank-check deal back in 2022.
Ripple down 3.5% after 1B XRP unlocked from escrow

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.
Tourist junk boat ferry with red sails and Hong Kong skyline cityscape downtown skyscrapers over Victoria Harbour in the evening. Hong Kong, China

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.
PASADENA, CA - AUGUST 6: The Simpsons characters from Fox's The Simpsons "Best . 20. Years. Ever." breakfast are displayed during the Fox Network portion of the 2009 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa on August 6, 2009 in Pasadena, California.

NFTs are mainstream again?

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

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 UAE crypto

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.
Man walking past Mitsubishi UFJ headquarters | Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ to issue yen-pegged stablecoin: report

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.
D.C. Court of Appeals greenlights Grayscale’s bid for Bitcoin ETF

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.
Dubai-International-Finance-Centre

Dubai’s ascent to fintech, Web3 and AI dominance

While Hong Kong and Singapore compete for the top spot, Dubai is already shaping the future of fintech and Web3, writes Mohammad Alblooshi, chief executive officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub.
AI chip

Moody’s unveils AI that predicts stablecoin depegging

The artificial intelligence service is designed to predict the depegging of stablecoins in 24-hours.
ftx logo and office background | FTX says it has over US$1B in cash assets | sam bankman fried, ftx

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.
UK flag and Big Ben | U.K. financial reform bill to regulate crypto assets passes into law after ‘Royal Assent’ | UK, Regulation & Law, crypto regulations

Bank of England, FCA to regulate sterling-denominated stablecoins

The central bank expects to release the final set of regulations by 2025.
NFT cryptocurrency peaks and bottoms

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.
Animoca Brands co-founder and chairman Yat Siu | Animoca Brands slashes Web3 fund target to US$1B: Bloomberg | ftx, animoca brands, star atlas

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.
E-HKD

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 ETF silver bullet

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.
Creditors take hostile action as crypto firm Vauld seeks bankruptcy protection

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.
Sellers of Solana NFTs outpace buyers in May, Solana logo over charts

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 coin | Bitcoin, Ether surge after Ripple notched partial win against SEC; Ripple’s XRP leads crypto rally | Markets, BTC - Bitcoin, ETH - Ethereum, XRP, NFT - Non-Fungible Token

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.
SBF trial

Sam Bankman-Fried found guilty on all charges

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

PayPal subpoenaed by SEC over PYUSD Stablecoin

PayPal said that it is collaborating with the SEC’s request.
Bitcoin ETF | SEC accepts BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF application for review | ETF, BlackRock, U.S., BTC-Bitcoin, Regulation & Law

ProShares launches short Ether ETF

The new ETF will offer investors short exposure to Ether.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: A sign is posted in front of PayPal headquarters | PayPal launches fully backed and regulated USD stablecoin on Ethereum

PayPal registers crypto service with UK FCA

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

Tether offers US$610 mln debt financing facility to German Bitcoin miner Northern Data

Tether extends US$610 million loan to boost Northern Data’s AI and Bitcoin mining operations.
Sam Bankman-Fried Bitcoin Uptober price

SBF trial drama fails to dampen Bitcoin’s meteoric October

Top blockchain and crypto news: Bankman-Fried’s memory lapses, betting on the return of NFTs, ETF dreams and Bitcoin’s Uptober
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 08: CEO of FTX Sam Bankman-Fried testifies during a hearing before the House Financial Services Committee at Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill December 8, 2021 in Washington, DC. The committee held a hearing on "Digital Assets and the Future of Finance: Understanding the Challenges and Benefits of Financial Innovation in the United States." (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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.
japanese cherry blossom tree along a scenic view

Nomura-backed Komainu partners Crypto Garage for institutional crypto services

The collaboration aims to build institutional crypto services in Japan.
Circle Internet Financial logo in front of cryptocurrencies laid on gravel | Circle says US$3.3 bln USDC reserve at SVB available Monday, announces partnership with Cross River | circle usdc, silicon valley bank, silvergate, signature bank

Circle to cease USDC minting for retail customers

Circle said the account closures do not apply to businesses or institutional Circle Mint accounts.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried exits a Manhattan Federal Court

SBF examined over “cozy relationship” with Bahamian government in fraud trail

This marked Bankman-Fried’s fourth and final day of testimony before Wednesday’s closing arguments.
child online safety

How blockchain can fortify children’s online safety

Colossal failures in online age verification have opened the floodgates for kids to access harmful content and become ‘friends’ with adult strangers. Can encrypted decentralized IDs put a stop to all that?
abstract NFT

NFT’s October treat

October sees NFT resurgence with US$300 million in sales despite negative trade profits; SoFi platforms face challenges amid financial scrutiny.
DUBAI, UAE - MAR 18, 2014: Famous Jumeirah beach view with 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mad Lads creator Backpack to launch licensed crypto exchange in Dubai

Backpack said it also secured operational licenses in other jurisdictions.
Bitcoin October Uptober Autumn

‘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.’
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Image: Getty Images

Sam Bankman-Fried’s credibility questioned by prosecutors during cross-examination

Prosecutors pointed out inconsistencies in Bankman-Fried’s public statements before FTX collapsed in a four-hour grilling.
Downtown Singapore.

Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and U.K. to collaborate on digital assets pilots

The MAS said that its previous tokenization pilots demonstrated great potential benefits of the technology.
flag of UK and the word crypto on a magnifying glass

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 Bank

Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody to launch in Hong Kong

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

Thailand’s Kasikorn Bank buys majority stake in Satang crypto exchange

The lender, known as K-bank, said it will also open three additional crypto subsidiaries.
social media icons

Web2 social media is in a race to the bottom. Web3 can do better

Platforms like Facebook, Reddit and the hot mess formerly known as Twitter are alienating users like never before. ‘Web3 doesn’t let you be a dick and get away with it,’ writes Joonatan Lintala, CEO of Phaver.
SBF trial

Take two: Sam Bankman-Fried testifies, for real this time

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried denied defrauding anyone as he took to the stand in his criminal trial.
Neo founder Da Hongfei during his speech at Neo's APAC hackathon's

Neo sets sights on DeFi, unveils EVM-compatible sidechain

Neo’s new sidechain hopes to counter MEV attacks to mitigate exploits and manipulations.
Taipei Taiwan Skyline

Taiwan introduces crypto regulation proposal

Taiwan’s new bill mandates crypto platform permits, addressing self-regulation gaps.
SBF trial

Sam Bankman-Fried’s testimony gets a test run as the defense presents its case

In a rare move, Judge Lewis Kaplan sent the jury home early so he can decide what is and isn’t admissible in FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s testimony.
BTC ETF Parity

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

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.
NFTs bull

NFTs dressing up as a bull?

Amid Bitcoin’s ‘Uptober’ surge and Friend.tech’s security concerns, traders pivot back to NFTs, spurred by Blur’s rewards end date and potential Bitcoin ETF approvals.
Bitcoin ETF silver bullet

US spot Bitcoin ETFs — crypto’s silver bullet?

Amid news, fake or otherwise, of an imminent approval for at least one spot Bitcoin ETF, Bitcoin’s price has skyrocketed. Could a year of pain in the crypto industry be over?
Polkadot

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.”
$MOON and Reddit

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.
Binance logo

Binance loses two more top execs in UK and France

Global regulatory pressure on the world’s largest exchange continues to take its toll.

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