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5 US digital dollar pilots launching to chase China’s CBDC lead

The private sector-led Digital Dollar Project is planning CBDC pilots for the US. How are central bank digital currency efforts and progress different in Asia?

NFTs shake up Asian art scene

From Manila to Beijing, the Asian art universe is changing as non-fungible tokens gain traction as assets. In Manila, friends and NFT collectors Gabby Dizon and Colin Goltra opened Narra Art Gallery early this year to provide the cryptocurrency community with a venue in which they could shop for digital art. The virtual gallery offers […]

INX completes $125M SEC- approved token IPO

The cryptocurrency exchange INX has completed the first-ever security token offering registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The initial public offering (IPO) closed with $85 million in proceeds from over 7,200 investors. In addition to the previous private token sales and the cash in private placement equity, INX has raised a total of […]

Over 800 limited edition Star Wars collectibles in NFTs

Do you want to own a piece of Hollywood history? More than 800 limited edition collectibles from one of the most storied movie franchises in history are now up for auction in the Starcoll NFT marketplace beginning Tuesday (May 4), Starcoll announced on its website. “Over 800+ limited edition Star Wars collectible will be released […]

Spanish health care group Biziondo to accept Bitcoin payments

Biziondo, a Spanish medical group specializing in spinal health, announced plans to accept cryptocurrency payments, citing the start of the “Bitcoin revolution.” “It is clear that the Bitcoin revolution has already started in an economic context in which, in 2020, 60% of the world’s money was printed by European, United States, and Japanese central banks. […]

DCG to buy $750M in GBTC

Digital Currency Group, the parent company of the digital asset manager Grayscale, has decided to up its purchase of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) by $500 million. The firm plans to purchase $750 million worth of GBTC shares instead of the initial $250 million. The GBTC has been trading at a premium for some months for […]

Binance Coin market cap hits new ATH, surpasses $100B

Binance Coin, or BNB, has set another record after posting a new all-time high above $660. The altcoin’s market cap first crossed the $50 billion benchmark in the first few days of April. However, the market cap jumped more than 100% in less than a month. As of this writing, BNB is trading around $661, […]

Digital dollar: Binance CEO warns of CBDC drawbacks

Changpeng Zhao, Binance CEO, has cautioned on the challenges that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin could face upon the launch of the digital dollar. He made these comments during an interview. Zhao explained that the central bank digital currency (CBDC) would lack properties like “freedom of use” and “limited supply” that make cryptocurrencies unique. He added that […]

Mastercard survey: growing number of consumers eye crypto for shopping

A survey by credit card provider Mastercard shows that a growing number of consumers prefer using cryptocurrency when making their purchases. Mastercard’s New Payments Index polled more than 15,000 online respondents from North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific region, The Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. The study shows 40% of those polled plan […]

Former US Treasurer joins Ripple board, Kristina Campbell is new CFO

U.S.-based payments solutions provider Ripple announced two key appointments on Monday, with former U.S. Treasurer Rosa “Rosie” Gumataotao Rios joining its board of directors and Kristina Campbell joining the firm as its new chief financial officer. Ripple chief executive officer Brad Garlinghouse said on the company’s official website, “These two exceptional leaders join Ripple at […]

Spanish healthcare group Biziondo to accept Bitcoin payments

Spanish spinal care specialist Biziondo says it will start accepting cryptocurrency payments, citing the “Bitcoin revolution.”

China’s banks unveil ATM for foreigners to use digital yuan

China’s DCEP digital currency, not yet officially launched, take another leap forward with unveiling of prototype ATMs that convert foreign money to e-CNY.

SEC tries to block XRP holders from joining SEC v. Ripple lawsuit

In new court filings, the SEC says allowing XRP holders’ to join SEC v. Ripple lawsuit as third-party defendant would cause delays and ‘sow chaos.’

Argentina looks to crypto shelter amidst inflation turmoil

Struggling Argentines are looking to cryptocurrency for opportunities to stave off rising prices, a devaluing currency and US dollar shortage.

Intel and Microsoft form partnership to combat cryptojacking attacks

Microsoft has partnered with Intel to roll out a threat detection feature to protect endpoints from cryptojacking malware. The new feature extends Intel’s Threat Detection Technology (TDT) function on Microsoft Defender to flag suspicious activities. It also mitigates the threats before they occur on the computer. The boom of cryptocurrencies has brought about new threats […]

What could be the ‘greatest inhibitor’ to Dogecoin’s growth?

The NBA Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, has called “Robinhood’s withdrawal policy “the greatest inhibitor” to Dogecoin’s growth. The billionaire tweeted recently that businesses will start embracing Dogecoin because many people use it for transactions. According to Cuban, since people can’t spend DOGE on Robinhood, this could be the “greatest indicator to Dogecoin’s growth.” Cuban […]

German regulators could fine Binance heavily

According to a report, Binance could face investigation from European regulators over the issued stock tokens. The largest crypto exchange issued its first tokenized stock early this month, starting with Tesla stocks. The U.K Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had revealed last week that it is working to understand the product to know whether Binance has […]

Crypto mining farms under investigation in Beijing

Bitcoin’s energy consumption has been a critical issue among experts, governments, and industry players. Reuters reported that Beijing officials are investigating crypto mining establishments to determine how much energy they consume. On April 27, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information has ordered the city’s data centers to report the amount of power consumed […]

Report: Miners hold on to their Bitcoin much tighter than in January

The on-chain data analytics firm Glassnode reported that miners have continued accumulating Bitcoin. According to the tweet, Bitcoin miners had lowered their spending compared to early January when outflow was high. Bitcoin outflow by miners has dropped to the lowest level in four months and currently sits around 49.9 BTC per day. Miners accumulation has […]

As DeFi swells past US$140 billion, FATF stokes worries over KYC/AML

Fast-growing DeFi — still a largely unregulated industry — gives FATF an earful over its proposed ‘travel rule’ and expanded anti-money laundering rules.

FinTech group: ‘digital footprints’ could help underbanked Philippines

Filipino-owned assets management company SAM Digital Technologies says adoption of blockchain could promote ‘digital footprints’ in the island nation. The country’s central bank is also interested in the technology.

Dogecoin price flies to moon on eToro listing and Elon Musk for rocket fuel

DOGE fans push Dogecoin price to all-time high (ATH) after eToro lists the joke coin for 20 million users, days before ‘Dogefather’ Musk appears on SNL.

XRP prices steady after court hearing, Ripple releases $1.6 billion XRP

XRP is up 600% since the start of the year and its holding steady as Ripple released one billion XRP over the weekend.

Vietnam faces hard drive shortage due to Chia mining craze in China

Large capacity hard drives are selling like hotcakes in Vietnam as locals capitalize on China’s demand for Chia mining power.

Singapore’s US$31 million RegTech grant to boost crypto compliance

The RegTech grant, although not directed towards cryptocurrency, could have a profound impact on the industry.

Why Binance stock tokens are drawing regulatory scrutiny

Are Binance stock tokens in Tesla, Coinbase and Apple mere tokens or company shares by a different name? Securities regulators are taking a close look.

Turkey’s Thodex exchange fraud case yields six new suspects

Turkish authorities arrested six individuals in connection with the Thodex exchange fraud case.

Binance Charity Fund donates to India’s COVID-19 fight

The charity arm of Binance is sending 175 oxygen connectors to India to aid in the coronavirus relief effort.

Singapore’s DBS Bank reports US$60 million crypto under custody

DBS Bank says it has over US$60 million in crypto under custody and plans to expand trading hours to 24/7.

Why more big investors are now seeking interest and yields in DeFi

As corporations plow billions into Bitcoin, a new business model involving decentralized finance is emerging for investors, says Alessio Quaglini of Hex Trust.

How open DeFi markets in Southeast Asia can drive financial inclusion

The ASEAN region has 290 million unbanked, and only 18% have access to credit. Here’s how decentralized finance (DeFi) can lift lives via mobile phones.

China’s crypto miners make hard choices to meet climate goals

With Inner Mongolia banning crypto-mining and Xinjiang expected to soon follow, China’s crypto miners are turning to green energy or moving overseas.

Binance and Huobi stablecoins surge as Asia seeks fiat alternatives

Binance’s BUSD and Huobi’s HUSD dominated their stablecoin rivals in the first three months of this year. Why is Asia hungry for alternatives to fiat?

How to balance crypto investor protection and innovation in Hong Kong

US and Singapore have licensing laws that give investors more confidence in crypto firms. Stephen Richardson of Fireblocks urges Hong Kong to follow suit.

Tesla earnings soar from Bitcoin. PancakeSwap eclipses Ethereum. Coinbase delays Tether USDT listing.

Other top blockchain and crypto news: China’s internet giants JD.com and Ant Group reveal extent of digital yuan support. Turkey rethinks crypto ban.

Japan sees record crypto deposits, nearly 7 times more than last year

Japan’s regulated crypto trading breaks new records in a land known to be the world’s most crypto-averse. Is the tide turning for crypto adoption in Japan?

The NFT revolution is underway, and here’s what our future will look like

More than selling art and basketball mementos in a new way, NFTs can also transform copyright enforcement, royalties, real estate and financial markets.

PancakeSwap and controversial SafeMoon turbo boost BSC past Ethereum

Is Binance Smart Chain’s meteoric rise from PancakeSwap and cryptocurrency SafeMoon sustainable, and is an ‘Ethereum killer’ now finally closer to reality?

World’s largest crypto exchange Binance to launch NFT market in June

Binance, the crypto exchange with more than 50 million users around the world, wants a piece of the fast-growing NFT minting, trading and auction business.

Internet giants JD.com and Ant Group deepen support for China’s digital yuan

China intensifies its nationwide digital currency testing via JD.com paying employee salaries in digital yuan and Ant Group’s MYbank offering e-yuan services.

Solana prices surge amid crypto crash as market seeks lower gas fees

Solana blockchain — a rising alternative to Ethereum for DeFi and NFTs — hit an all-time high this week while other cryptocurrencies stagnated. How come?

As Coinbase Pro adds USDT, Tether execs balk at continued scrutiny

Tether’s battle with New York may be resolved for now, but legal obligations have company on the defensive. Is Tether’s USDT regulated or just registered?

SEC sought info on Ripple and XRP from 20 foreign entities, including trading platforms

SEC says info on Ripple and XRP transactions overseas is important to lawsuit. But of the nine foreign regulators the SEC asked, two refused to help.

SEC seeks to knock out Ripple defense, says no duty to warn over XRP

In a new legal filing, the SEC asks court to dismiss Ripple’s ‘lack of due process and fair notice’ defense that the XRP token could be deemed a security.

China tightens cryptocurrency oversight with new regulations

Beijing’s new warning against cryptocurrency comes days before regulations aimed at preventing illegal crypto fundraising take effect May 1.

Bitcoin prices crash 12% in 24 hours; below $50,000 for first time since March

BTC is down more than 24% from its all-time high of US$64,787, set just last week with the Coinbase public offering. Will Bitcoin’s downward spiral continue?

Europe’s CoinShares launches XRP exchange traded product

XRP joins the growing list of cryptocurrencies now available as exchange traded products (ETP). What does this mean for crypto investors?

5 reasons why CBDCs and Facebook-backed Diem go hand-in-hand

When Diem launches and central banks roll out digital currencies, what role will each play? Here is a look at the world’s financial and payments future.

Global crypto alliance pushes renewable energy and greener digital assets

The Crypto Climate Accord — a joint effort that includes World Economic Forum, ConsenSys and Ripple — is aiming for net-zero crypto emissions by 2040.

Huobi Asset Management launches crypto tracker funds with SFC’s help

Huobi’s institutional-grade crypto funds will invest in Bitcoin, Ether and crypto mining now that Hong Kong’s ‘very friendly’ regulators gave their thumbs up.

How Singapore transformed from fishing village to crypto powerhouse

The Lion City’s status as Asia’s crypto haven was no accident, writes Shaun Djie of Digix. What can other countries learn from Singapore’s fintech success?

Is Dogecoin’s price boom over? Investors punish Bitcoin and crypto market. Edward Snowden’s $5 million NFT.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Can China be warming up to digital assets and crypto investing? Ethereum ETFs roll out in Canada.

How China’s DCEP digital yuan could reshape geopolitics and change the world

One year after China unveiled a digital currency via testing, its potential for displacing dollar diplomacy is becoming more understood. Is the US worried yet?

Why Bitcoin’s carbon footprint may not be bad as you might think

As we observe Earth Day, let’s not scapegoat cryptocurrency. The truth about renewable energy and electricity use by banking and gold may surprise you.

While supporters rally to mark “Dogeday 4/20” – Here’s the weird history of Dogecoin

From controversial meme-coin to the 5th largest digital asset. Is Dogecoin a joke or the future of cryptocurrency?

12,600 XRP holders demand their day in court in SEC v. Ripple lawsuit

XRP investors and users ask to join SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple as third-party defendant. ‘Without our intervention, we are without a voice in the debate.’

What is Bitcoin’s environmental impact — and what are the solutions?

The recent steep rise in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices has also led to more crypto mining and energy-consumption, much of it still powered by coal.

China calls crypto an ‘investment’; Crypto demand bounces back in Asia

China gives the “alternative investment” label to crypto at this year’s Boao Forum for Asia, and hints at reserving a seat for digital assets in the country’s digital economy. Meanwhile, exchanges in Asia recover from crypto’s weekend price crash and see spikes in Bitcoin long orders. We’ll have more on that story — and other […]

Coinbase sell-off triggers crypto market panic as Dogecoin prices soar

Were the weekend’s falling BTC, ETH and XRP prices a cryptocurrency market crash or just a correction — and why is DOGE escaping investors’ wrath?

Why new SEC chief Gary Gensler may be Biden’s gift to crypto industry

Are digital assets securities or commodities? Outdated laws offer no clarity, but US is now poised to reform blockchain regulations and lead world by example.
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Ripple accuses SEC of ‘intimidation tactic’ in seeking XRP info overseas

Battlefield for SEC v. Ripple lawsuit goes global as defense lawyers seek to stop SEC from obtaining information on Ripple and XRP from foreign regulators.

One year after China began testing its digital yuan, China watchers wonder how close it is to launching?

Look for nifty DCEP wallets to make a debut at the 2022 Beijing Olympics

Dogecoin swells over 80% in Asia hours; China’s CBDC pilots turn one

Billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Cuban are behind the 8th largest crypto Dogecoin. Meanwhile, it’s the one-year anniversary of DCEP pilots.

Dogecoin’s price no joke as DOGE rallies to become 8th largest cryptocurrency

The “joke” cryptocurrency has surged from less than a cent to hit a price of around US$0.25 today with a 24-hour trading volume of US$34.6 billion.

Ethereum’s Berlin upgrade goes live. What’s next for Ethereum?

ETH surged to a new all-time high with Ethereum’s Berlin hard fork. Will improving gas fees ward off Ethereum competitors like Binance Smart Chain?

Justin Chow: Why Asian institutional investment in Bitcoin will only grow

Justin Chow of Cumberland DRW explains why Asia has lagged behind the US in institutional interest in crypto — and why that will likely change soon.

Are Bitcoin ETFs ready to party? Line is growing at SEC’s gate.

Bitcoin’s soaring prices are attracting traditional investors who want in, but with an entourage rather than solo. When will the velvet ropes lift in US and Asia?

Japan explores digital currency but is loathe to commit

Despite launching CBDC research, Bank of Japan is still not sure nation needs digital yen. Experts fear the caution could cost Japan its competitive edge.

Ripple partners with Novatti to use XRP for remittances in Asia Pacific

Despite its legal troubles in the US, Ripple expands XRP’s uses in Southeast Asia’s lucrative and fast-growing international money transfer market.

What is Coinbase really worth? XRP rallies with Ripple’s wins over SEC. HSBC bans MicroStrategy over Bitcoin embrace.

Other top blockchain and crypto news: HSBC bans MicroStrategy over Bitcoin affair. Tokenized TSLA and Coinbase COIN now on several crypto exchanges.

Coinbase listing on Nasdaq sets benchmark for other crypto exchanges

Coinbase’s estimated $100 billion direct listing debut could be the tipping point for crypto going mainstream. But is Coinbase really worth that much?

Bitcoin skyrockets past US$64,000, hits another all-time high

Ahead of Coinbase’s Nasdaq listing, Bitcoin surged to new highs in Asian trading hours. Ether, ADA and DOGE also reached new ATHs as altcoins soared.