March 2022
China’s WeChat bans NFT accounts; Zilliqa token soars
NFTs accounts banned from WeChat due to “crypto speculation”. Meanwhile, Zilliqa on the rise after Metapolis announcement.
Alibaba invests in AR; Ronin Network hacked
Alibaba makes a $60M metaverse bet on AR glasses maker Nreal. Meanwhile, Axie’s Ronin blockchain gets hacked.
Is Dubai the new crypto promised land?
Top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Dubai’s crypto caravan. Mt. Gox unlocked. Digital yuan in play again.
UAE becoming crypto hub; India’s tax bogeyman
The UAE is becoming the new crypto hub of the world. Meanwhile in India, high crypto taxes are scaring away young investors.
Ukraine’s NFT museum; Bitcoin on the up.
Ukraine launches its NFT Museum of War. Meanwhile, Bitcoin passes $47,000 mark.
Russia’s bitcoin for oil proposal; Crypto market makes gains
Russia considers a bitcoin for oil proposal. Meanwhile, crypto markets make gains after weeks of volatility.
Killing it softly or regulating to innovate? India at the crypto crossroads
India’s crypto tax represents both a threat to the industry and an opportunity to create a regulatory framework to support it, says Polygon’s Jaynti Kanani.
What Else Can You Do With An NFT?
NFTs are mostly recognized as digital art and collectibles. But what else can they be used for?
Bollywood Icon’s Tax Bill; Metaverse Fashion Week Opens
Chinese telecom ZTE registers metaverse-related trademarks. Meanwhile, Bollywood star gets chased over NFT taxes.
What does Music have to do with NFTs?
Major record labels have generated massive profits from previous structures of creative industries, but NFTs can transfer power to the artists.
Fusang defers IPO; Yuga Labs hits $4bn valuation
Malaysia’s Fusang defers their IPO. Meanwhile, Blockchain Week Australia looks into intellectual property rights.
Echoes of El Salvador as Malaysian minister calls for crypto adoption
Top blockchain and crypto news: Bitcoin buzz in Malaysia. Yuga Labs teases Otherside. Blockchain verdict in China.
Malaysia’s crypto proposal; Hong Kong’s 11-yr-old NFT coder
A Malaysian minister has proposed making Bitcoin a legal tender. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, an 11-year-old programmer makes his way into the NFT business.
India’s crypto GST plan; Australia’s crypto reforms
South Korea prepares for the imposition of FATF travel rule heat up. Meanwhile in Australia, reforms are set to be introduced for the crypto sector.
Russian bank given crypto license: China to monitor outflows
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on and sanctions continue to mount, Russia-based bank Sberbank obtains a crypto license from the Central Bank of Russia. Meanwhile in China, social media platform Weibo allows its users to mint NFTs of their social media posts.
From crisis currency to consumer adoption: What next for crypto?
Cryptocurrencies have won credit for their role in Ukraine’s war, showing utility that will drive them beyond the battlefield, says Amber Group’s Michael Wu.
Ukraine legalizes crypto; Korea’s crypto policy ideas
Ukrainian President signs a digital assets bill into law. Meanwhile in China, Cannan plans to buy back shares.
China highlights crypto crimes; Kazakh miners busted
Chinese authorities cracked down on crypto related crimes on Consumer Rights Day. Meanwhile in Kazakhstan, the former President’s brother was busted for illegal crypto mining operations.
Bitcoin avoids European ban as lawmakers decline to outlaw ‘proof of work’
Top blockchain and crypto news: PoW spared as Europe revamps MiCA rules. Yuga Labs acquires CryptoPunks rights. China’s Mango TV makes NFT debut.
Singapore imposes sanctions; Bitcoin bucks market trend
Crypto exchange Binance has won a license to operate in Bahrain. Meanwhile in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s Monetary Authority has designated Russian banks amid growing sanctions.
Singapore’s crypto future; Korea “White Day” NFTs a hit
Singapore’s image as a “crypto hub” may soon change as the country doubles-down on it’s stance that crypto currency is “not suitable for the general public”. Meanwhile, Korean convenience store giants CU launch their White Day NFT competition.
US bill targets e-CNY; Russian sanctions hurting public
Blockchain data analysis platform Chainalysis has launched a set of free sanction screening tools. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the US take aim at China’s digital yuan, or e-CNY, while Russian sanctions begin to highlight issues with financial sovereignty as hundreds of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian civilians are caught in the financial crossfire.
Two sides to every coin: Crypto as a weapon in the fight for Ukraine
Cryptocurrency is being used both to fund Ukraine’s defense and prevent Russia’s ability to skirt sanctions in what may become a pivotal moment for the industry.
Sanctions expand for Belarus; Korea’s crypto promises
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on, the European Union says that crypto is included in the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Meanwhile, South Korean President-Elect Yoon Suk-Yeol’s term in office could bring about long awaited changes in the crypto sector.
China seizes mining rigs; Ukraine crypto backlash warning
In China. authorities bust a mining operation disguised as an E-V charging station. Going into Europe, Ukraine reiterates it’s calls for a blanket ban as the Russians try and preserve the value of the ruble.
Russia faces crypto freeze as exchanges toe line on sanctions
Top blockchain and crypto news: Moscow faces crypto winter. DeFi doyen quits Fantom. China mulls metaverse moves.
Coinbase blocks Russian addresses; Philippines plans CBDC
US crypto exchange Coinbase has blacklisted 25,000 Russian wallet address in response to the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile in Asia, English-language newspaper South China Morning Post announces the launch of its metaverse experience.
China discusses the metaverse; Blockchain community comes together
As China’s Two Session’s meetings begin, ‘Metaverse’ enters the Chinese government’s radar. And while the invasion of Ukraine continues, Singapore announces new sanctions on Russia.
Conflict currency: How crypto has become enmeshed in the war in Ukraine
Bitcoin and other cryptos are being used on both sides of the fight, raising ethical issues that cut to the core of decentralization, says AAX’s Ben Caselin
Korean exchanges block Russians; Crypto’s role in conflict
As the war in Ukraine enters it’s second week, we take a look at how cyptocurrencies and digital assets can play a role in a conflict.
Russian accounts frozen in Korea; China’s Two Sessions beckons
Crypto donations on the rise for Ukraine as Russian aggression continues. Meanwhile in Asia, China’s Two Session’s are set to begin – could Ukraine and crypto be a part of the agenda?
Ukraine fundraising gathers pace; Korea’s crypto election?
Support for Ukraine in the crypto world grows as Russia’s attack continues. Meanwhile, hackers gives American tech giant an ultimatum.
Bitcoin shores up Ukraine fighters amid Moscow’s money meltdown
Top blockchain and crypto news: Digital currency battling Russian invasion. Ethereum remains NFT projects’ chain of choice. China to lock up crypto traders.
Russian ruble plunges; Ukraine DAO aids civilians
Sanctions on Russia have prompted a resurgence in the Crypto market as the Russian ruble takes a nosedive. And as the attack on Ukraine continues, a decentralized autonomous organization is created to support Ukrainian civilians who have joined military efforts.
How Is Play-To-Earn Disrupting Traditional Gaming?
Are the days of playing games on Nintendo, SEGA, and other consoles and powerful desktop gaming computers gone? No.
February 2022
Binance assembles sanction task force; India seeks bitcoin clarity
Ukraine is offering Russian soldiers cash or crypto for their surrender in the ongoing attack on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Binance is working to comply with sanctions on Russia.
Ukraine’s crypto demand soars; Russian sanctions tighten
Trading volume on Ukrainian crypto exchanges triples as Russia continues its attack on Ukraine. Meanwhile, there is still no sign of Russia using crypto to evade sanctions yet,
Play to live: GameFi drives a Southeast Asian crush on crypto
More people in the region are in thrall to play-to-earn gaming as it adapts to offer real-world uses, says Infinity Ventures Crypto founding partner Brian Lu.
Russian attack hits crypto: MUFG to close blockchain venture
The crypto market tanks after Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a military operation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Japan’s biggest financial group closes it’s blockchain payment venture.
Crypto losses not protected in China; India’s bitcoin premium
Chinese court reiterates its stance that the law cannot cover crypto losses. Meanwhile, Indian investors are paying double the South Korean kimchi premium.
Russia retreats from crypto ban as it pushes rules for industry
Moscow moves to regulate crypto. OpenSea’s security struggle. Will China cool its metaverse mania?
What is the Metaverse and Why Should You Care?
You’re probably wondering why you need another world when the one we live in is complicated enough. Here’s what you need to know to better understand the metaverse and what all the hype is about.
Why Are NFTs Worth Anything At All?
How do NFTs create value? The answer is not as complex as it seems.
Axie Infinity breaks $4BN; China’s brewing metaverse frenzy
Axie Infinity breaks $4BN mark. Meanwhile, China’s brewing metaverse frenzy sees over 16,000 trademark applications.
NFTs Explained in Less than 4 Minutes
When 3D artist Beeple sold a digital piece of art for a record $69 million through Christie’s, the world went NFT crazy. But what exactly is an NFT?
Korea’s KB embraces crypto; China’s NFT fever
NFTs hit resale market in China despite criticism over speculation. Meanwhile, South Korean financial giant plans crypto funds.
Hong Kong’s metaverse ETF; Metaverse dating on the Moon
Hong Kong prepares to launch metaverse ETF, while India tries metaverse dating on the Moon.
Sandcastles in cyberspace and the rise of the metaverse
As businesses wake up to the potential of the metaverse, we ask The Sandbox’s Sebastien Borget whether its creator-driven promise will persevere.
Korea’s crypto unicorns; Hong Kong’s e-CNY pilot
Korea’s crypto sector spawns two unicorns, meanwhile Hong Kong is set to be an idea cross-border e-CNY test city.
Pakistan’s crypto warning; Indian banks’ crypto reluctance
Pakistan’s State Bank governor warns crypto’s risks, also in India, banks show crypto reluctancy.
Prime time for crypto as Super Bowl ads make splash
Top blockchain and crypto news: Super Bowl score for digital asset exchanges. CryptoPunks holders face copyright conundrum. Hong Kong warns of NFT risks.
HK watchdog’s NFT warning; DBS plans crypto expansion
HK watchdog’s sends out warning calling NFT a threat, meanwhile in Singapore DBS plans a crypto expansion
Alibaba and Canaan’s AI team up; Metahuman creates Valentine’s NFT
Chinese giant Alibaba and Canaan team up to work on AI. Meanwhile, Valentine NFTs are created by meta-human using auction data.
RBI chief’s crypto warning; Korean crypto execs jailed
Reserve Bank of India’s chief sends crypto warning. In addition, Korean crypto execs gets jailed
Collision or coexistence: Can CBDCs and crypto live side by side?
As more countries announce plans for central bank digital currencies, will that break crypto’s promise as the future of money?
Bandai Namco plans IP metaverse; Russia’s crypto flip
Japanese gaming giant Bandai Namco plans on a metaverse with their IP meanwhile, Russia does a crypto flip.
PBOC pushes E-CNY standardization; CoinDCX hits 10 million users
PBoC pushes for e-CNY standardization, meanwhile Indian crypto unicorn CoinDCX hits 10 million users
AssangeDAO strikes crypto gold
WikiLeaks founder’s legal defense fundraising bonanza. Shiba Inu’s big new leap. NFT fever rises in China.
Bithumb goes for Olympic gold; India crypto tax questions
South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb goes for Olympic gold, meanwhile in India clouds cast over crypto tax questions
North Korea gains from cyberattacks; Russia crypto mining tax?
North Korea is benefits financially from the crypto cyberattacks. Also, is Russia looking to tax crypto mining soon?
Indian crypto tax ends fears of ban as investors brace for impact
Top blockchain and crypto news: New Delhi’s crypto give and take. Malice in Wonderland? Hong Kong’s selective spot ETF rules.
January 2022
Warner Music partners with The Sandbox; Crypto Lunar New Year gifts
Warner Music partners with The Sandbox for metaverse, meanwhile crypto still a niche gift for lunar new year
When the going gets tough, the tough get their wallets out
The recent crypto price plunge has done little to rattle new investors. Are they just buying the dip, or is there more to it? Q9 Capital’s James Quinn explains.
Russian ministry against crypto ban; Korea plans metaverse protection
Russian Ministry of Finance against the latest crypto ban, meanwhile in Korea, there are plans to protect metaverse users.
Thailand plans crypto regulation; Market concerns over Ukraine
Crypto market concerns over invasion on Ukraine;, while Thailand plans for crypto regulation.
Crypto market suffers mauling as bears go berserk
Top blockchain and crypto news: Market chills make investors shiver. Hacking storm at OpenSea. Has Beijing tamed NFTs?
‘We’re in a crypto super cycle,’ says CoinFLEX CEO
Mark Lamb of CoinFLEX takes a 20-year view of crypto and predicts ‘infinitely bigger’ growth than imagined today, with stablecoins leading the transformation.
Korea to survey crypto assets; China hunts for CBDC talent
Korea will include virtual assets in its financial survey, while China’s central bank hunts for CBDC talents.
Korea plans metaverse leadership; Russian bank proposes crypto ban
South Korea envisons itself becoming a top metaverse leader, while Russia’s central bank proposes crypto ban.
Straight shot: How sports stars are sidestepping middlemen in Web 3.0
A pro basketball player and an ex-banker are aiming for a slam-dunk with a ‘creator first’ content platform. Calaxy co-founder Solo Ceesay explains how.
Hyundai Card VP says crypto passing tulip stage; Asia’s NFT shift
South Korean company Hyundai Card’s VP says crypto passing through the “tulip stage”, meanwhile NFT is shifting towards Asia.
How is crypto different from regular money?
With all the buzz surrounding cryptocurrency, one has to wonder how it is different from traditional money. Watch this short Forkast video explainer to learn about the evolution of money and what makes cryptocurrency like Bitcoin unique. What you’ll learn: How did the financial crisis of 2008 give birth to cryptocurrency? Why is decentralization viewed […]