January 2023
Crypto’s data problem: Rebuilding trust in a trustless environment
Price is the wrong measure of Web3’s true value, writes Angie Lau, editor-in-chief of Forkast. To recover from Crypto Winter, we need metrics that are less prone to whims and manipulation.
Your fitness app knows a scary lot about you. How secure is your data?
Being on the watch, your tracker knows where you live, when you sleep and how healthy (or not) you are. What happens if your data is sold — or hacked?
What does the future hold for digital assets in 2023?
NFTs, tokenization and blockchain-based cross-border payments will see big paradigm shifts, but their success will depend on regulation, investment and adoption, writes Stephen Richardson of Fireblocks.
Can human psychology help save blockchain gaming?
NFTs in gaming have drawn mixed reactions, including gamer backlash and vitriol. What can the sector do to better meet gamers’ innermost needs?
Where is the stablecoin market heading in 2023?
FTX’s collapse triggered a stablecoin sell-off, but we will need them to survive the Crypto Winter, writes Vladimir Gorbunov of Choise.com.
How ‘naming collisions’ threaten the promise of Web3
What are ‘naming collisions,’ and why will unique user-owned identities play a pivotal role in Web3’s future success? Matthew Gould explains.
Happy birthday to Bitcoin! What will it become when it’s all grown up?
It takes a village to raise a child, and Bitcoin is no different — we must support its growth but also set firm boundaries, writes Justin d’Anethan of Amber Group.
How crypto custodians can help centralized exchanges win back public trust
In the post-FTX world, crypto exchanges must offer stronger protection for investors’ assets, writes Colin Brooks, chairman of the advisory board of Hex Trust.
December 2022
How crypto crimes are evolving, and what to expect in 2023
Ponzi schemes, investment scams and rug pulls have drained billions from crypto users in recent years. What new kinds of crypto crimes are on the horizon?
Why digital assets need regulations now more than ever
In times of market volatility, regulation can restore confidence and public trust in crypto, writes Albert Isola, Gibraltar’s minister for digital and financial services.
14 years on, why Bitcoin will survive its growing pains
Like an awkward teen, Bitcoin is facing a crisis of confidence, writes Eddie Hui of MetaComp. What lies in store for the original cryptocurrency in 2023?
To unwrap Web3’s promises, we must break the barriers to blockchain adoption
Despite blockchain’s potential, barriers to use still stand in the way, writes Andrew Vranjes of Blockdaemon. Solving security issues and reducing risk will be key.
What the FTX collapse means for the future of crypto
Centralized exchanges releasing ‘proof of reserves’ is not enough to win back users, while improving user experience will be key, writes Holger Arians of Banxa.
How Web3 can make travel less stressful for future holidays
The travel sector has many pain points and is ripe for disruption, writes Freddie Hickman of Hyper SQ. Here’s what blockchain can do, from tracking baggage to letting you resell your no-longer-wanted air ticket.
Could NFTs have prevented Taylor Swift’s concert tickets debacle?
The trillion-dollar concert ticketing sector is plagued by scalping and other Web2-era problems, writes Ryan Kenny of SeatlabNFT. Here’s how blockchain can help fans and artists.
Why local currency stablecoins are needed in non-US countries
Stablecoins in USD are becoming the digital world’s default currency — which burdens ordinary crypto users and monetary policies in smaller nations, writes Wei Zhou of Coins.ph.
Coniferous crypto: What the industry must do to survive this winter
Crypto is weathering this year’s extreme turbulence so far. But its long-term health will require the sector’s urgent attention to regulation, education and security, writes Oliver Linch, CEO of Bittrex Global.
Demanding data privacy is a feminist fight: Opinion
Personal information privacy matters more than ever in a post-Roe world, writes Kayla Kroot of Koii Network. Can data from menstrual cycle tracking apps be used to prosecute women and girls for abortions?
DeFi regulation: it’s not a matter of if, but when
The push to regulate DeFi is stronger than ever, and the sector would be wise not to fight but participate in that inevitability, writes Michael Shing of XREX.
Will the next wave of FTX victims be unwitting tax cheats?
When a crypto exchange fails, will your transaction records vanish, too? Here’s why investors should take responsibility over their own trading data.
It’s time for more institutions to adopt blockchain and crypto: Opinion
Despite the myriad benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrency, institutional interest remains mixed in Asia Pacific. What lessons should the industry learn from 2022 to overcome the barriers to adoption?
November 2022
Will the future metaverse amplify the good or the evils of the real world?
The metaverse has the potential to improve access to opportunities and create a better version of the offline world. How do we prevent it from perpetuating society’s ills?
Blockchain is transforming capital markets, and Singapore is leading the way: Opinion
Asset tokenization and DeFi hold tremendous potential for the finance sector, writes Han Kwee Juan of DBS Bank. Here’s how the Singaporean government is at the forefront of change.
The crash and burn of FTX: What lessons does it teach us?
As FTX victims and creditors sift through the pieces, how much of this blowup should regulators have seen coming — and could it happen again?
Why digital assets need better infrastructure and risk management
Investor confidence may be shaken, but crypto is here to stay, writes Alex Manson of Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures. Here’s how to restore trust and make the sector more resilient.
FTX failed because of humans, not crypto
Human greed and deception led to FTX’s fall. That’s why the antidote is not more regulations but could be found in blockchain’s original promises, writes Marieke Flament, CEO of NEAR Foundation.
How Hong Kong and Singapore can make Asia the center of crypto’s future
Yes, there is rivalry between the two global finance hubs. But their strengths are also complementary for Asia to become an even bigger crypto powerhouse, writes Lily Z. King.
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?
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.’
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.
DeFi still has a long way to go before mass adoption
Decentralized finance will stay niche unless the sector overcomes its myriad problems, including a lack of a credit system and regulations that inspire greater trust, writes Brian Pasfield.
How sustainable is that fast-fashion minidress? Blockchain can help you find out
Fashion’s ‘greenwashing’ scandals could be a thing of the past if blockchain is used to hold companies accountable, writes Lars Rensing of Protokol.
How soulbound tokens can lift billions of lives around the world
What are soulbound tokens, and how can they end the ‘credit paradox’ that has been holding back the unbanked masses? Fakhul Miah of CreDA explains.
Why DAOs need a more accountable governance model
Many DAOs suffer from voter apathy and are hobbled by too much decentralization. What can help DAOs make better decisions?
October 2022
Satoshi’s other big legacy: Bitcoin is propelling a green energy revolution
The Bitcoin white paper, published 14 years ago this day, launched an industry that is now subsidizing clean energy and turning waste into digital gold, writes Will Szamosszegi of Sazmining.
How to manage your crypto assets beyond the grave
When the Grim Reaper comes, will he take all your Bitcoins, too? Here’s how to ensure your crypto wealth will survive and live on for your heirs.
How Europe’s MiCA can pave the way for crypto’s revival
Europe’s new MiCA framework for regulating crypto shows the good that can happen when government works with and not against the industry, writes Nick Saponaro of Divi Labs.
The crypto industry needs to do more to help ordinary investors
Cryptocurrency was created to be accessible to the masses. So why are retail investors getting shut out from the best analytical and trading tools?
Is crypto dead? No, but doomsayers may profit from your panic
A lack of regulations means anyone can say bad things about crypto to stir up fear — and push you to sell. Even if they stand to make money from your losses.
Why local language education holds the key to crypto’s future
The crypto sector operates mainly in English, but more than 6 billion people — many of whom crypto would benefit the most — use other languages, writes Wei Zhou of Coins.ph.
Why the crypto bear market can be a bull for innovation
The market may be in the doldrums, but there’s no better time to clean house and build for the future, writes Clayton Roche of UMA. Here are 5 areas of opportunity.
Is crypto suffering from the same ills as TradFi?
Centralized lenders like Celsius and Voyager have proven hugely problematic, but DeFi also has big issues. What if we pursue a hybrid approach?
Why appchains are critical to Web3’s future
What’s wrong with ‘fat protocols’ like Ethereum and Solana, and why should there be alternatives for the little guys? Yaoqi Jia of AltLayer explains.
A bear market may be painful, but it’s good for DAOs
When times are tough, a DAO must trim fat and focus on providing a better product or service to its community, writes Redmption of Harvest Finance.
Is that bottle of ‘Grand Cru’ for real? An NFT can nose out the truth
The tradition-bound wine world is not always open to change, writes Sebastian Schier of vinID. But new technology can solve the age-old problem of wine fraud.
How will the crypto tax debate play out in the UK?
Like many nations, the UK is formulating new rules and guidelines for crypto taxation. Will they help or hinder its crypto hub aspirations?
3 reasons crypto will spring back after Crypto Winter
The crypto market has been down for months, but the industry’s long-term future is brighter than ever, writes Guilhem Chaumont of Flowdesk. Here’s why.
September 2022
Are stablecoins like Tether ready for regulatory scrutiny?
The Terra UST disaster is spurring regulators to converge on global stablecoin standards, writes Michael Shing of XREX. But major issuers still fall short.
Is crypto in a deep funk? Think again
Beyond the bear market, Web3 technology is shining bright in gaming and music, writes Hannes Graah of Gro. Are we at a tipping point for mass adoption?
Is the Philippines on track to becoming a blockchain hub?
The Philippines now ranks 2nd in the world for crypto adoption, but its path ahead is unclear, writes Emman Navalan. What are the hurdles it must overcome?
Blockchain’s lack of accessibility will limit its potential
Blockchain technology remains a world divided by silos that keep out developers and users, writes Manu Siddaligegowda of Lisk. What are the solutions?
If the UK wants to become a crypto hub, it must do better
Britain’s internal divisions could thwart its crypt ambitions, writes Nick Saponaro of Divi Labs. Will it be eclipsed by crypto-friendly Dubai?
Why DeFi interest rate swaps may be the next frontier of finance
Already a big part of global finance, interest rate swaps can be a boon for DeFi — if it can overcome these challenges, writes Simon Jones of Voltz Labs.
Why the crypto space needs more women — as employees and at the top
The crypto labor force skews heavily male, which could impede the industry’s future growth, writes Lottie Wells of Wirex. Here are some ways to increase women’s participation.
Why Ethereum Merge will be game-changing for DeFi and crypto investing
Ethereum post-Merge will be much more attractive to institutional investors keen on ESG and earning stable yields, writes Wei Zhou of Coins.ph. Here’s why.
Why Ethereum Merge won’t be able to overcome the ‘Scalability Paradox’
Ethereum’s completion of its much anticipated ‘Merge’ this week will unlikely improve the network’s long-term speed or scalability, writes Mark Lurie of Shipyard Software. Why is this so, and why will it still be good for innovation?
Ethereum has had problems since its inception. Will the ‘Merge’ solve them?
Ethereum has long grappled with centralization, which the Merge will unlikely address in a meaningful way, writes Daniel Dizon of Swell Network.
The metaverse is already here. What’s holding back the party?
Interoperability is a key characteristic for the metaverse to be useful, writes Dr. Dimitry Mihaylov of National Univ. of Singapore. But the technology and laws are still lacking.
Why the real Ethereum killer might just be Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the most secure blockchain, and Ethereum’s proof-of-stake move will expose it to more security risks, writes Jagdeep Sidhu of Syscoin Network.
Why play-to-earn gaming is losing steam and where GameFi must go next
Axie Infinity’s decline shows that earning can’t be everything, writes Riaz Lalani of Gambit Games. What went wrong with P2E and what can we learn from it?
Where will DeFi be after crypto winter ends?
The collapse of Celsius and Anchor wasn’t a failure of DeFi, writes Kaaran Kalantari of WingRiders. They failed to assess risk, and crypto Darwinism took shape.
How did Big Tech gain such power over our data, and how do we take it back?
Google earns hundreds of billions annually by monetizing its users. Can blockchain return meaningful control over personal data back to the people?
August 2022
What in crypto hell just happened to all your money?
Crypto investors were blindsided when firms like Voyager suddenly froze their accounts. How can we improve digital asset protection in the future?
Why the crypto world needs more women as leaders and investors
Women foster a better environment for innovation and are sober with money — which is what the industry needs, writes Gracy Chen of Bitget.
How Web3 can reduce concert ticket fraud and clean up the industry
The $65-billion event ticketing industry is riddled with skulduggery, but NFT technology can transform it for the common good, writes Josh Katz of Yellowheart.
Problems with tokenizing real estate and how to fix it
Real estate as an investment is not very liquid, composable or accessible, writes Joel Lin of CitaDAO. Can tokenization and DeFi transform this market?
If successful, Ethereum’s Merge will cause a sea change in ETH supply and value
The Merge, one of this year’s biggest crypto events, is now due to happen next month. Why is it so hotly anticipated — and feared?
Crypto winter may be just what DeFi needs to grow and thrive
The decentralized finance sector is now a fraction of its former self. What will help companies survive this bear market and emerge stronger?
Establishing standards will be key to the metaverse’s future success
Virtual worlds currently exist in silos, and there is no easy way to communicate between ecosystems — which limits their value, writes Witek Radomski of Enjin.
Why crypto firms should embrace regulations and compliance
Regulatory compliance will be critical to improving crypto’s ‘Wild West’ image and public acceptance, writes Karen Er and Benjamin Bai of Amber Group. Here’s why.
Despite the bear market, enterprise blockchain has nothing to fear
Crypto’s volatility may be top of mind right now, but blockchain’s practical uses will be the industry’s future, writes Johannes Schweifer of CoreLedger.
Why crypto remains niche and far from the mainstream
The crypto world is plagued by products that are hard to use and have little utility, writes Roman Kashcheev of Quantfury. What can turn things around?