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GameStop crashes as Ethereum-led crypto rally takes center stage

GME and other r/WallStreetBets-pumped stocks are now down over 50%. But Ethereum prices are soaring to new heights in a wave that’s also lifting Bitcoin and Cardano ADA.

XRP prices see ‘pump and dump’ as Ripple outlines legal defense strategy

In its response to SEC’s lawsuit, Ripple denies that XRP is a security, points out the clash with FinCEN and questions why SEC is not going after Ethereum.

As SEC goes after Ripple and Bitcoiin2Gen, is DeFi next in its line of fire?

Securities lawyers read the tea leaves of SEC’s lawsuits against Ripple XRP and Bitcoiin2Gen. Will DeFi be next for SEC enforcement actions or regulations?

GameStop copycat rally pumps up Dogecoin, Ripple XRP and other cryptos

Small investors drove up Dogecoin’s price by 1,000% after the GameStop saga, but money quickly left—and then Ripple’s XRP and Stellar prices went up.

Binance’s CZ predicts bitcoin prices will go as high as $400,000 in 2021

The founder and CEO of the world’s largest crypto exchange explains why he thinks bitcoin prices will keep rising but DeFi won’t be as hot as it was in 2020.

Digital payments — not cash — is now king in Asia’s payment ecosystem

Singapore and Thailand launch the world’s first real-time cross-border digital payment system. Here’s what else is happening in Hong Kong and China.
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Binance report: over 100 million people are now crypto users

About half of cryptocurrency users are hobbyists while 15% consider crypto their primary source of income, according to a survey of 61,000 crypto users.

74% of stablecoins are issued on Ethereum, according to new report

ConsenSys Codefi’s 4Q 2020 report on DeFi trends also predicts more ‘wrapped’ tokens, tranche lending products and Ethereum 2.0 derivatives in 2021.

IOHK’s Charles Hoskinson says proof of stake is much better than proof of work

IOHK and Cardano’s founder also explains why new US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is the ‘single biggest development’ for the crypto industry’s future.

Is Signal experimenting with Stellar-based cryptocurrency?

Signal, which exploded in popularity after WhatsApp’s privacy stumbles, may be exploring a business strategy pursued by Big Tech. What are the risks?

Bitcoin and other crypto trends to watch in 2021

How high will bitcoin prices go — and will 2021 be the year of the bitcoin ETF and advanced crypto derivatives? Jay Hao of OKEx looks to the future.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce is optimistic about crypto regulation in 2021

The SEC Commissioner doesn’t want the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry to obsess over regulations, but ‘think about how the technology can be used.’

Singapore’s DBS bank becomes first in Asia to offer crypto exchange

As bitcoin and other digital assets go mainstream, traditional banks want a piece of the action. Singapore’s crypto-friendly regulations are paving the way.

Cardano’s Hoskinson wants to win over Fortune 500 companies

Comparing countries like Ethiopia to ‘China in the 80s,’ Charles Hoskinson of IOHK explains Cardano’s Africa strategy and why the Fortune 500 needs crypto.

China’s DCEP digital yuan wraps up another mass test

Now renamed e-CNY, China’s new digital yuan has now been tested by 250,000 shoppers in two cities. Is it finally close to launch?
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Janet Yellen clarifies stance, notes ‘benefits of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets’

In written testimony, the US Treasury Secretary-nominee calls digital assets ‘fintech innovations’ and pledges to ‘encourage their use for legitimate activities.’

Biden halts FinCEN’s proposed crypto wallet reporting rules

On his first day in office, President Biden put a freeze on all new or pending Trump-era rules, including rules for crypto, and asked for a review.

Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Crypto’s regulatory outlook in 2021. How not to lose your bitcoin password (don’t ask Stefan Thomas).

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Twitter’s blue sky initiative. In China, Conflux Network wins another government deal.

Treasury pick Janet Yellen: Crypto crimes are ‘particular concern’

In her Senate confirmation hearing, the US Treasury secretary nominee and bitcoin critic also decried crypto’s role in money laundering and terrorism.

OKEx’s Jay Hao expects ‘more amazing developments from DeFi’ in 2021

OKEx CEO speaks candidly on how 2020 was difficult for his crypto exchange, and offers his predictions for DeFi, regulations and CBDCs in year to come.

MIT professor Gary Gensler is chosen to lead US SEC

President-elect Joe Biden has named the former CTFC chief to lead the SEC. What does this mean for Ripple and other crypto firms?

Bitcoin is ‘better form of value’ than fiat, says Binance CEO CZ

In a special video interview, Binance CEO CZ also explains why — despite DeFi’s spectacular rise up to now — he thinks many current DeFi projects will fail.

Binance’s CZ on bitcoin prices: Is crypto in a bubble or bull run?

Is bitcoin’s volatility worrisome or normal? Binance’s CEO offers bitcoin predictions and insights for 2021, in an exclusive interview with Forkast.News.

SEC enforcer behind $1.3 billion Ripple lawsuit stepping down

Securities and Exchange Commission’s acting enforcement chief Marc Berger helped lead high-profile lawsuits against crypto firms, including Ripple and Telegram.

‘Crypto Mom’ Hester Peirce calls for more regulatory coordination

In an exclusive interview, the SEC Commissioner shares her thinking on digital assets, DeFi and wanting her agency to ‘do better’ in the crypto space.

LUKSO’s Fabian Vogelsteller predicts NFT and ERC-20 uses will grow

The founder of LUKSO and former Ethereum developer offers his views on decentralization as a tool and the ERC-725 standard for blockchain-based identity.

New 2021 bitcoin price report forecasts risks and opportunities

What is bitcoin’s true value, and what are its longer-term price projections? New AAX analysis ‘Bitcoin in 2021’ offers investors a look beyond the horizon.

SEC commissioner Hester Peirce says enforcement is never good way to provide clarity

In her first public remarks since the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple and exclusive interview with Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau, SEC commissioner and “Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce says the SEC can do better on clarity and that enforcement isn’t always the best way to provide guidance

New year brings new crypto actions from FinCEN, OCC and IRS

New US government rules and guidance aim to boost cryptocurrency taxes, clarify legal liability related to STABLE Act and require more KYC reporting.

China tests new phone-free DCEP e-RMB card for helping rural poor

As China presses its digital currency closer to launch, a Shanghai test reveals features aimed at the 700 million Chinese without mobile phones or the internet.
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Bitcoin and ethereum prices roar into new year. Ripple XRP fans petition White House for mercy from SEC charges.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: China intensifies DCEP digital currency testing while Russia, Ukraine and Turkey join global CBDC race.

How DLT is fighting the information war in Syria and saving lives

In a special interview, Mance Harmon of Hedera Hashgraph explains how distributed ledger technology is helping quash fake news and warn Syrians about airstrikes.

Why crypto’s decentralized exchanges will continue their rise in 2021

Do you trust third parties with your finances? Alex Zha of MXC Exchange explains the benefits of decentralized exchanges (DEX) and problems that remain.

Bitcoin turns 12: three key moments in life of world’s first crypto

To celebrate bitcoin’s birthday this weekend, let’s raise a glass to Satoshi Nakamoto and take a look back at how their baby has grown.

Urszula McCormack of King & Wood Mallesons: data regulation will be a challenge for the virtual asset sector

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the financial regulatory lawyer and partner at King & Wood Mallesons offers her views on digital assets regulation, CBDCs and Asia’s digital transformation.

Diginex’s Richard Byworth: Crypto borrowing and lending to increase 10-fold

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, Diginex’s CEO offers his views on CBDC initiatives, crypto custody, and more growth in borrowing, lending of digital assets in the upcoming year.

CoinDCX’s Sumit Gupta on CBDCs, regulation and India’s potential for crypto in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the co-founder and CEO of CoinDCX offers his views on the growth of crypto in India, regulation and CBDCs.

Crypto Santa’s naughty and nice list for Christmas 2020

Who in blockchain is making the world a better place this year, and who deserves nothing under the tree? Santa’s helpers at Forkast.News tell all.

ConsenSys’ Charles d’Haussy: The ‘staking capital of the world’ will emerge in Asia in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the director of strategic initiatives at ConsenSys and author of “Block Kong” shares his views on CBDCs, stablecoins and Asia’s blockchain space.

World Economic Forum’s Sheila Warren expects ‘tremendous activity’ on China’s digital currency in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the head of Blockchain, Data and Digital Assets and member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum shares her views on sovereign digital currencies, and the global regulatory landscape.

A CBDC for Indonesia would bridge the old world with the new

Bank Indonesia now sees the value of stablecoins and digital currency. Here’s how a central bank-backed digital rupiah could lift the nation of 18,000 islands.
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SEC Plans to Sue Ripple for Securities Violations: Reports

In interviews, the Ripple CEO told Fortune and the Wall Street Journal that the SEC plans to sue the company in the near future for offering unlicensed securities.

Sonic Capital’s Stefan Rust predicts a ‘Cambrian Explosion’ of tokens in 2021

In this edition of the Forkast Forecasts, the founder and CEO at Sonic Capital and former Bitcoin.com CEO shares his views on the growth of decentralized finance and big partnerships in the crypto community.

Top 3 predictions about bitcoin and other cryptos in 2021

What can bitcoin and other cryptocurrency investors expect in 2021? Here are three emerging trends that could reshape the crypto world.

Crypto exchange Coinbase is officially going public

As 2020’s bitcoin bull run surges ever higher, Coinbase — America’s largest crypto company — files for an IPO with the SEC.

Hong Kong may be first global ‘sandbox’ for China’s DCEP digital yuan

Hong Kong is in talks to pilot-test China’s new digital currency. How would the e-CNY affect Hong Kong’s future cross-border payments with the mainland?

Special report: The Unstoppable Rise of Digital Assets

In a special report for AAX, we examine the new generation of exchanges, custodians, regulations and asset classes now leveling the investment playing field.

Bitcoin surges past $21,000 after more big investors buy in. Singapore’s DBS bank backs crypto exchange. Will Sweden switch to CBDC?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Fine art goes digital with NFTs. Hong Kong in talks to pilot test China’s DCEP digital yuan.

ConsenSys’ Joe Lubin on Ethereum, DeFi and regulation in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the founder of ConsenSys shares his views on Ethereum 2.0, the dialogue with regulators and trends on DeFi adoption in the new year.

Forkast Forecasts for 2021: Mance Harmon of Hedera Hashgraph on China, DeFi and industry giants

In this inaugural Forkast Forecast, the co-founder and CEO of Hedera Hashgraph offers his views on China’s blockchain drive and what the industry will be like in 2021.

Why DeFi needs better KYC to curb money laundering

Despite anti-money laundering (AML) laws, many DeFi sites have weak know-your-customer practices. Experts point to BitMEX as a cautionary tale.

What is the mood of India when it comes to cryptocurrencies?

Now that India no longer has a crypto banking ban, what are Indian attitudes toward cryptocurrency? CoinDCX surveys 11,000 people for answers.

Joe Lubin and other prominent crypto leaders decry the STABLE Act

Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin and blockchain investor Alex Tapscott tell Forkast.News that the stablecoin bill aimed at Libra/Diem and Tether could have broader repercussions on the blockchain industry.

The best of Ethereum 2.0 is yet to come, says Infura GM

Ethereum 2.0 has transformed to proof of stake via its new Beacon Chain. When will Eth2 have sharding, smart contracts and more features?

Visa hops on USDC’s Eth2 wagon. China flexes DCEP digital currency in biggest test yet. Will US tighten Libra/Diem’s tether?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: S&P Dow Jones to launch crypto index. Walmart invests big in India’s PhonePe.

China widens DCEP digital yuan tests, advancing global ambitions

In biggest test yet of China’s CBDC, 100,000 Suzhou residents will use e-RMB for holiday shopping. Hong Kong is also now laying groundwork for future.

Proposed US law would require stablecoins to be 1:1 dollar-backed

Are American lawmakers going after Facebook’s Libra, now called Diem? Controversial Tether may be the real target of new stablecoin-restraining bill.

The ultimate guide to crypto holiday gift shopping for 2020

What to buy for loved ones who already have it all? Here’s the Forkast.News guide to blockchain-inspired gifts that will please even the most discerning.

S&P Dow Jones is adding cryptocurrency indices in 2021

Days after bitcoin broke its all-time high price, S&P Dow Jones announces that it will offer new cryptocurrency index products starting next year.

BlockFi and Visa launch bitcoin rewards credit card. Libra rebrands as Diem. Are investors like Guggenheim fueling BTC prices?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bank of International Settlements considers stablecoins. China sends PlusToken scam ringleaders to prison.

Institutional investors blast bitcoin prices to new stratosphere

As bitcoin breaks new records, will its bull run end soon? Here’s why investment pros like Trent Barnes of Zerocap believe there’s still more wind in BTC’s sail.

Ethereum’s big transformation arrives with launch of Ethereum 2.0

Coinbase and Huobi now support Eth2 staking as the ‘Beacon Chain’ heart of the new platform goes live. What will happens to users of Ethereum 1.0?

Why cloud computing puts companies at risk of hacks and data breaches

As the world relies ever more on cloud servers, security gaps are widening, too. Confidential computing can bolster cyber security, writes Amit Ghosh of R3.

Ethereum 2.0 now set for December launch after early lukewarm reception

ETH 2.0 raises over $300 million from over 16,300 participants, putting it on track for release next week after whales make big investments in the last minute.

Will India face another crypto ban when Parliament is back in session?

India’s cryptocurrency ban rumor mill will surely rev up again when lawmakers meet for winter session. The CEO of Unocoin explains the worries.

What are the SEC and OCC’s thoughts on digital asset regulations?

An all-star panel of top cryptocurrency policymakers and other blockchain experts explain the US regulatory system for digital assets and what lies ahead.

Why DeFi is here to stay and its takeover in finance inevitable

Decentralized digital access to financial services like cryptocurrency trading, lending and borrowing is the wave of the future, writes James Wo of ETC Labs

Is China trying to put its cryptocurrency industry out of business?

After crackdowns on crypto exchanges, China is now freezing bank accounts. Why is the world’s largest bitcoin producer tightening the vise over its miners?
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After BitMEX, will CFTC go after more crypto exchanges and DeFi?

CFTC cracked down hard on BitMEX. Forkast.News investigates what other cryptocurrency exchanges, if any, might be next in its line of enforcement fire.

Online salon with Filecoin to explore future of cloud storage and Web 3.0

Forkast.News and Decrypt Media host an exclusive live video discussion with the Filecoin team to explore the next frontier in cloud storage

OECD shines light on the future of cryptocurrency taxation

As nations grapple with fitting cryptocurrency into existing tax regimes, OECD examines the crypto tax gaps and issues at its blockchain forum this week.

Bitcoin soars to new highs as Bitcoin Cash hard forks into two. Tron blows past Ethereum.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Ethereum 2.0’s pre-launch hits turbulence. China taps Lakala for DCEP digital yuan’s payment system.