November 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
October 2023
Bitcoin ETF fever sends crypto prices up, SBF trial testimony, Nepal’s blockchain future
Bitcoin soars to its highest price in a year and a half as Grayscale’s legal victory against the U.S. SEC gets finalized.
Neo sets sights on DeFi, unveils EVM-compatible sidechain
Neo’s new sidechain hopes to counter MEV attacks to mitigate exploits and manipulations.
Taiwan introduces crypto regulation proposal
Taiwan’s new bill mandates crypto platform permits, addressing self-regulation gaps.
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.
Binance challenges CFTC’s global reach in legal clash
Binance hits back at CFTC, stating U.S. laws can’t police global crypto operations; claims Binance.US operates separately.
Bitcoin ETF fever sends BTC to heights not seen since May 2022
As Bitcoin breaks past $35,000, optimism brews in the crypto market. Is this the end of the prolonged ‘crypto winter’ investors have dreaded?
Dubai’s crypto boom, Australia’s rules & Binance’s battles
Web3 leaders gather in the Future Blockchain Summit in Dubai and we take a deep dive on the woes of crypto’s largest exchange, Binance.
Binance’s rollercoaster week: expansion, setbacks, and the ghost of FTX’s collapse
Top blockchain and crypto news: Is Japan a new frontier for Binance? AI art sweeps NFT sales. ETF buzz electrifies Bitcoin.
Digital frontiers: Alex Tapscott on Web3, AI, and banking’s new dance
From tech monopolies to the synergy of AI and blockchain, Alex Tapscott, author of “Web3: Charting the Internet’s Next Economic and Cultural Frontier,” dissects the trajectories of the digital landscape.
Israel launches aid fund, SBF trial enters week 2, China looks to NFTs
Several crypto firms join forces to set up a humanitarian fund amid ongoing war and star witness in Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial gives testimony.
Israel-Palestine crisis: Navigating the intersection of conflict, aid and blockchain
Top blockchain and crypto news: Gaza tensions, digital tremors, NFTs are not dancing in September, Joe Lubin talks traditional system’s twilight.
SBF trial kicks off, Singapore gives crypto licenses as blockchain data comes to rescue
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast’s Megha Chaddah, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions.
Crypto trust on trial: Bankman-Fried faces judgment
Top blockchain and crypto news: Spotlight on Bankman-Fried, Pudgy Penguins’ new revenue stream and Google’s Web3 goggles
September 2023
Taiwan tightens crypto governance, HK acts on JPEX; El Salvador stockpiles Bitcoin
Asia is stepping up the regulatory ground for the digital asset and take a look at El Salvador’s Bitcoin future.
SEC Chair Gensler faces bipartisan backlash over strict crypto regulations
Top blockchain and crypto news: U.S. lawmakers berate SEC over ETF applications. NFTs down but not dead. Hong Kong sees year’s biggest crypto heist so far.
HK’s SFC & US SEC crack the whip as Blockchain Week rocks Manila
It’s a week for regulatory enforcement in the cryptocurrency space as blockchain takes center stage in the Philippines.
US SEC to tighten regulatory enforcement beyond Coinbase, Binance.US
Top blockchain and crypto news: U.S. SEC steps up regulatory enforcement. Gaming giant Zynga moves into NFTs. Woes ahead for JPEX exchange after HK arrests.
Valkyrie CIO expects US spot Bitcoin ETF approval in Q2 2024
A growing number of asset management companies are joining the race for the approval of a Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund in the United States while the Securities and Exchange Commission keeps delaying its decision on existing applications.
Binance.US cuts manpower, FTX liquidates crypto as people throng to TOKEN 2049
We bring you to one of the biggest crypto events in Asia.
Binance.US CEO calls it quits amid major layoffs
Top blockchain and crypto news: Binance.US undergoes staffing shakeup. Ethereum NFTs at risk. India to take a stand on crypto.
India’s G20 Presidency, Blockchain Week & Singapore’s new President
As the 2023 G20 Summit is set to kickoff over the weekend, we take a closer look at India’s role in kicking off its crypto regulation agenda.
Coinbase and Wall Street: The merging worlds of TradFi and crypto
Top blockchain and crypto news: Coinbase steps up to fill void of crypto lenders. NFTs extend losses. What’s next for crypto as Singapore gets a new president?
Grayscale wins against SEC as India moves on blockchain; Friend.tech loses friends
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast’s Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions.
August 2023
Grayscale triumphs over SEC: A David v. Goliath win in the crypto arena
Top blockchain and crypto news: U.S. court compels SEC to review Grayscale’s ETF application. SEC zooms in on NFTs. Asia’s richest man eyes blockchain, CBDCs
Court backs Grayscale, overturns SEC decision blocking Bitcoin ETF
In a landmark ruling, the court overturned the SEC’s previous decision, signaling potential tailwinds for other financial giants.
N. Korean hackers may cash out stolen crypto; HKVAX gets SFC nod as UK crypto rules gets Royal Assent
Sam Bankman-Fried pleads not guilty to misusing customer funds. North Korean hackers could cash out US$40 million worth of stolen Bitcoins
If Chinese crypto holders sneeze, will global markets catch a cold?
Top blockchain and crypto news: China’s economic woes could spell trouble for crypto. Real fear in NFT markets. Can Friend.tech revive SocialFi?
Singapore’s Stablecoin framework, Australia’s crypto landscape & Binance shuts ‘Connect’
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
Will Singapore steady the stablecoin ship?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Singapore steps up stablecoin rules. DeGods decline. Hong Kong’s third crypto license.
BTC Markets CEO sees silver lining in Australian banks’ crypto clampdown
Australian banks are heightening scrutiny on digital asset exchanges and restricting crypto payments due to rising scams and frauds. Caroline Bowler, CEO of BTC Markets highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry in the country.
Paypal launches stablecoin, SFC issues warning as Crypto comes to rescue in war
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
Is PayPal’s new stablecoin a watershed moment for crypto?
PayPal launches stablecoin. Traditional gamers take on NFTs. Tough times ahead for Huobi.
Hackers hit Curve, China announces blockchain link & is FTX back?
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
Japan’s blockchain group lobbies for tax change
Japan’s blockchain group urges tax change. Bitcoin NFT struggles but it may be a sleeping giant. Litecoin falls after halving.
July 2023
Is Worldcoin’s free crypto more than just a freebie?
Concerns arise over Worldcoin’s free crypto. NFT market does a crabwalk. Japan’s next big thing for the metaverse.
Crypto.com, messaging app Line to collaborate on crypto solutions in Asia
Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com and Line Xenesis — the crypto asset and blockchain-related business developer of Japanese messenger app Line — have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost crypto innovation in Asia-Pacific and the global industry. See related article: Singapore-based Crypto.com gets preparatory license to expand services in Dubai Fast facts
CyberKongz moves to Sky Mavis’ Ronin blockchain for Genkai collection
Sky Mavis, the Vietnam-based firm behind breakout play-to-earn title Axie Infinity, has announced a partnership with the CyberKongz non-fungible token (NFT) project to introduce the Genkai collection to the Ronin blockchain for the first time. In this exclusive interview, Forkast Lab’s NFT strategist Yehudah Petscher speaks to Kathleen Osgood – Director for Business Development of Sky […]
Russia to launch digital ruble CBDC payments on August 1
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a digital ruble bill into law on Monday, approving the use of its central bank digital currency for payments starting from Aug. 1. See related article: Russia delays CBDC pilot to await new law Fast facts
New NFT Project makes it big; XRP & BTC pull up crypto
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
XRP triumphs over SEC, but crypto clarity remains in the shadows
Top blockchain and crypto news: Ripple not clear of hurdles | NFTs in historically slow period | Hong Kong banks dither
USDT’s goal is to be the dollar, not beat it, says Tether CTO
Scrutiny on the stablecoin’s reserves has intensified since USDT’s latest depegging scare. Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether and Bitfinex, delves into the composition of USDT reserves, explaining how the firm ensures dollar redemptions, irrespective of secondary market prices.
XRP’s partial victory as Russia inches toward CBDC; Arkham draws flak
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
US court rules in favor of XRP in Ripple Labs case against SEC, with caveats
Judge Analisa Torres ruled on Thursday that Ripple Labs’ programmatic sales of the XRP cryptocurrency did not qualify as the offer and sale of investment contracts.
Standard Chartered’s great expectations for Bitcoin in 2024
Top blockchain and crypto news: Standard Chartered eyes US$120,000 per Bitcoin | Another week of declines in NFT market | Sega and Line team up.
Singapore, Thailand clarify crypto rules; NFTs become new cultural frontier
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
No surprise as Singapore, Thailand step up crypto regulation
Southeast Asia steps up regulation. No end in sight for NFT market decline. Voyager’s shrinking portfolio.
June 2023
Bitcoin ETFs, Azuki NFTs take off; India presses for crypto rules
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
Crypto gets a boost following reports of Fidelity’s imminent Bitcoin spot ETF filing
Top blockchain and crypto news: Fidelity Investment is reportedly close to filing its own Bitcoin ETF. NFT traders seek liquidity. Singapore eyes asset tokenization.
UAE welcomes digital assets as Ripple wins in Singapore
As Ripple receives an in-principle approval for Singapore’s digital payment license, institutional investors continue to look toward Bitcoin ETFs.
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.
Crypto firms eye Hong Kong amid tough US regulations, says fintech association chair
Amid growing regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., crypto firms eye Hong kong for its strategic location and friendly regulations, yet Singapore and Dubai remain strong competitors, says FinTech Association of Hong Kong’s Neil Tan.
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.
SEC’s crypto battle continues as Asia marches ahead with metaverse
In this week’s Forkast IQ with Megha Chaddah, we dive into the U.S. SEC’s crypto crackdown and the state of the East Asian metaverses.
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.
US SEC sues major exchanges; Circle gets Singapore license
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast’s Megha Chaddah, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions.
Pudgy Penguins CEO unveils licensing platform, pushes for NFT revenue beyond airdrops
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz says he aims to revolutionize the NFT marketplace, shifting focus from creating virtual assets out of “thin air” to generating real-world revenue via licensing.
Why the US is waging war on Binance, Coinbase
Top blockchain and crypto news: Binance, Coinbase in SEC firing line. Solana NFTs slump as Bitcoin’s surge. New dawn in Hong Kong crypto regulations.
Swift, Chainlink to test blockchain token transfers with at least 12 major banks
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (Swift) and blockchain data provider Chainlink will work with more than 12 major banks across the world to test the use of existing Swift infrastructure to transfer tokenized assets across public and private blockchain networks, Swift said on Tuesday. See related article: SWIFT, Chainlink announce cross-chain interoperability partnership […]
MUFG enables bank-backed stablecoin issuance amid new Japanese regulations
MUFG, Japan’s leading bank, is pioneering the crypto industry by supporting stablecoin issuance on the Progmat Coin platform, offering an alternative route for entry and exit in the volatile cryptocurrency market.
Binance, US platform, CEO face SEC lawsuit over alleged securities violations
The U.S. regulator alleges Binance and its leader of unregistered offers, sale of tokens, defrauding investors and manipulating trade volumes.
HK green lights retail crypto trading as Beijing releases Web3 white paper
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions.
What’s next for crypto miners after US debt ceiling deal?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Miners dodge tax bullet. Blur, Binance heat up NFT lending. Chinese cities’ plans reveal nationwide Web3 ambition.
May 2023
Hong Kong Solidifies Crypto Regulations even as Malaysia bears down on Huobi
The launch of Hong Kong’s very own CBDC comes with new regulations for crypto trading platforms operating in the city.
In battle to be Asia’s crypto hub, which city will emerge victorious?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Asia’s crypto hub race. Is US debt ceiling fight a boon or a bane for crypto? China’s red carpet for metaverse investment.
Big buys fail to lift NFT markets as regulatory uncertainty weighs heavy on crypto
Investors remain cautious as U.S. debt talks continue despite slowing inflation and large NFT purchases.
Is Tether unmoored — or just dandy?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Fighting words over USDT erupt on Twitter. Litecoin surges amid memecoin fever. Chinese city bids for blockchain business.