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China opens digital currency door to all. NFTs go wild. Is Singapore’s Temasek buying virgin Bitcoin?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bitcoin prices rise as BTC and ETH options expire. DeFi market steps up as Elon Musk says, ‘Don’t defy DeFi.’

Justin Sun: Next generation traders will prefer NFTs and DeFi

Gen Z and millennials will transform investing. Here’s why one of their own — TRON CEO Justin Sun — thinks NFTs and DeFi are the wave of the future.

Bithumb, OKEx roiled by Korea’s new law. Why Thailand hates baht-pegged stablecoins. What’s behind Metakovan’s NFT art buys?

Other top blockchain and crypto news: Japan’s SBI Crypto opens mining pool to public. In China, more companies turn to crypto to boost bottom line.

Jack Dorsey cashing in on NFT frenzy. Ripple turns to CBDCs amid XRP’s legal troubles. Is India rethinking a crypto ban?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Ethereum takes up with Amazon, plans gas fee changes. China likely to increase blockchain spending.

Guide to tokens and NFTs: what is ‘tokenization’ and how does it work?

What do tokenized securities and Jack Dorsey’s NFT tweet have in common? In this Forkast.News explainer, learn how crypto tokens are changing the world.

Coinbase to go public on Nasdaq. Cardano upgrades amid ADA price rally. Beeple’s pop art riding high on NFT wave.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Goldman Sachs, more big banks line up behind bitcoin. Short-sellers probe crypto miners in China.

NFT mania: Are blockchain art and NBA crypto collectibles a fad or the future?

From Beeple’s digital art to LeBron James video trading cards, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are transforming the way we create, own and profit from content.

BNY Mellon, Jay-Z join bitcoin conga line. Will NFTs take over real world? Roadmap for Biden to take blockchain leadership.

Other top blockchain and crypto news: DeFi under Fed study. Andrew Yang, Wyoming vie for crypto attention. Hong Kong and India edge toward crypto bans.

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.

Bitcoin breaks US$70,000 amidst market optimism

Bitcoin surpasses US$70,000 after 9 days below the mark.

Yield Guild Games expands on Ronin with token launch

Yield Guild Games (YGG) has launched its token on the Ronin network, aiming to attract more gamers to its Web3 ecosystem.

Cardano’s USDM stablecoin set for April retail launch

Cardano’s new USDM stablecoin, developed by Mehen Finance, is slated for a retail rollout in April.

Wormhole launches 617 mln token airdrop to boost decentralization

Wormhole’s airdrop of 617 million W tokens aims to decentralize governance and reward community engagement across multiple blockchains.

Pantera Capital targets US$250 mln Solana purchase from FTX assets

Crypto firm Pantera Capital aims to acquire $250 million in Solana tokens from bankrupt FTX’s holdings at a significant discount.

Axie Infinity co-founder suffers US$9.7 mln theft

Jeff Zirlin, Axie Infinity co-founder, loses nearly $10 million in Ethereum due to a security breach.

Bored Ape creator Yuga Labs buys Moonbirds’ Proof

Yuga Labs is expected to feature the Moonbirds collection in its Otherside metaverse.

Animoca brings 3 crypto wallets onto its Mocaverse network

Animoca Brands announces partnerships with OKX Wallet, Crypto.com DeFi Wallet, and Halo Wallet, elevating the user experience in the Mocaverse network.

Solana’s second smartphone hits 100,000 pre-orders

The blockchain company’s latest mobile venture for a US$450 pre-order price per phone brings in US$45 million for Solana.

First ERC-404 passes US$32,000

ERC-404 is a new Ethereum token standard for semi-fungible tokens.

Ethereum sets March 13 for Dencun upgrade

The Ethereum network is poised for a significant upgrade this March, with the Dencun update focusing on proto-danksharding.

Solana logs back in after a five-hour outage, SOL rebounds

Solana, a blockchain that has been plagued with outages in the past, had its first network interruption in almost a year.

Yuga Labs’ payout from Ripps and Cahen raised to nearly US$9 mln

Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen must pay almost US$7 million in Yuga Labs’ attorneys’ fees, court documents show.

BNB Chain highlights DeFi, gaming and AI in 2024 roadmap

The “One BNB Paradigm” aims to streamline BNB Chain’s ecosystem, focusing on DeFi, gaming, and AI.

Solana-based GameStop meme coin gains traction after retailer pulls plug on crypto

A GME-themed meme coin, not affiliated with the video game retailer GameStop, is replicating the company’s meme stock frenzy on the Solana blockchain.

Solana’s Jupiter trading volume skyrockets ahead of JUP airdrop

Jupiter Exchange experiences a trading boom as the Solana community awaits the upcoming JUP airdrop.

Classic Doom revived on Dogecoin network

Gamers can now play Doom directly on the Dogecoin blockchain, merging nostalgia with modern tech.

Algorand CEO’s social media account hit by hackers

Algorand community warned as CEO’s social media falls prey to hackers.

SEC postpones verdict on Grayscale’s spot Ether ETF

Ether ETF hopefuls on hold as SEC postpones decision.

Bitcoin mining’s green mile: 54.5% sustainable energy use

Bitcoin mining now more eco-friendly than ever, reaching a 54.5% sustainable energy usage.

Ethereum outperforms Bitcoin despite ETF debut

Ether’s price rises sharply, contrasting with Bitcoin’s stagnant performance despite recent ETF launches.

Bitfinity valued at US$130 mln ahead of launch

With its recent US$7 million funding, Bitfinity wants to enhance Bitcoin’s utility in DeFi and NFTs.

Restey immortalizes Gensler’s tweet on the Bitcoin blockchain

Billy Restey inscribes SEC’s Gensler tweet on Bitcoin blockchain, ensuring clarity after a false ETF approval claim rattles the crypto market.

Let’s use Web3 to grow projects that fight climate change

The most promising carbon offset programs can still wither and die from financing distress. Blockchain technology can help them survive and bear fruit.

What asset tokenization will look like in 2024 and beyond

Tokenization is on the rise not only in the private sector. In Asia, governments are leading the charge to use this technology for the greater public good.

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.

Grassroots crypto adoption to follow real-world use cases, says Chainalysis APAC policy lead

Blockchain-based gaming and remittances among top drivers toward adoption in central and South Asia.

What we can learn from the sunsetting of Reddit’s crypto rewards program

Reddit’s shortsightedness and fixation on profits ultimately led it to pull the plug on Community Points. But here’s why Reddit should still be commended.

Bitcoin transaction fees reach 5-month high, Ordinals surpass 38 mln inscriptions

The last time Bitcoin transaction fees were this high was on June 6.

Is Hong Kong really in the forefront of the global digital money race?

Hong Kong is charging ahead in its digital currency initiatives, but more must be done to address the e-HKD’s environmental impact and security concerns.

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.

SOL up over 21% in a year since Alameda’s balance sheet hole came to light

SOL rose over 319% in 2023 so far, despite concerns around FTX’s lawsuit.

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

Mad Lads creator Backpack to launch licensed crypto exchange in Dubai

Backpack said it also secured operational licenses in other jurisdictions.

‘Uptober’ narrative saved by spot Bitcoin ETF bounce

Often dismissed as coincidence, October has once again produced an upswing in the crypto market, with excitement around a potential U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF to thank for this year’s ‘Uptober.’

Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and U.K. to collaborate on digital assets pilots

The MAS said that its previous tokenization pilots demonstrated great potential benefits of the technology.

UK plans to introduce fiat-backed stablecoin rules in early 2024

The U.K. intends to introduce rules on fiat-backed stablecoins in early 2024, according to the government’s latest cryptocurrency policy update published on Monday.  See related article: Singapore, Thailand clarify crypto rules; NFTs become new cultural frontier Fast Facts See related article: Blockchain tech in Thailand gets boost from new pro-crypto lead

Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody to launch in Hong Kong

The move is part of an Asia Pacific expansion effort by the cryptocurrency custodian.

Thailand’s Kasikorn Bank buys majority stake in Satang crypto exchange

The lender, known as K-bank, said it will also open three additional crypto subsidiaries.

Web2 social media is in a race to the bottom. Web3 can do better

Platforms like Facebook, Reddit and the hot mess formerly known as Twitter are alienating users like never before. ‘Web3 doesn’t let you be a dick and get away with it,’ writes Joonatan Lintala, CEO of Phaver.

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.

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.

Astar, Startale Labs announce Web3 partnership with Japanese telecom giant, KDDI 

Astar Network and Startale Labs partner with Japanese telecom giant KDDI to boost Web3 adoption.

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.

Lightning Labs to enable stablecoins on Bitcoin ecosystem with Taproot Assets

Taproot Assets will “accelerate the process of bringing Bitcoin to those billions of people,” according to Lightning Labs.

EU adopts new crypto tax rules, mandate data sharing from crypto firms

The new data sharing rules will go into effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal.

Rampant scams highlight critical need for greater crypto literacy

The plight of the Philippines — which has a high rate of crypto adoption but is also plagued by fraud — offers a window into why the industry’s ‘do your own research’ mantra isn’t enough.

Binance Japan — death knell or savior for the nation’s smaller crypto exchanges?

Few tokens and too many exchanges are a bad recipe for Japan’s smaller crypto trading houses. The experts say there’s room for up to five only. So what happens to the little guy now that the world’s largest exchange Binance has rolled back into town?

Binance: One year on from FTX’s downfall

Inside the world’s largest crypto exchange’s annus horribilis.

A Bitcoin ETF is coming to the US. Here’s what to expect when that happens

A spot Bitcoin ETF will allow BTC be easily tradeable without the headaches and pitfalls of self-custody. Its arrival — likely just around the corner — will mark the moment crypto goes mainstream.

Australian Treasury to release crypto draft legislation by 2024 

The Australian Department of the Treasury said it will accept feedback on the draft bill by December.

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.

Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin falls below US$27,000 following CPI and Israeli conflict

Bitcoin was subdued by the mounting geopolitical concerns around Israel’s war with Hamas and the ongoing FTX lawsuit.

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.

Japanese yen-backed digital currency set to launch next July

The DCJPY could play a central role in the future’s currency system, according to DeCurret Holdings.

Blockchain’s 2 billionth user could be an AI, says Joe Lubin

The CEO of blockchain services provider Consensys and co-founder of Ethereum spoke to Forkast at the Token 2049 crypto conference in Singapore. He discussed decentralization and what he sees as the crucial role to be played by blockchain in AI and vice-versa.

Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin falls 1.3% following U.S. jobs report

Bitcoin fell 1.3% in the hour following the U.S. jobs report, fueling market concerns that borrowing costs will remain high over a longer period of time.

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

CMCC Global raises US$100 mln to launch Hong Kong Web3 fund

CMCC Global, a Hong Kong-based blockchain-focused venture capital fund, announced Wednesday that it raised US$100 million to launch the “Titan Fund.” See related article: SFC to monitor illegal VATP activities with Hong Kong Police Force Fast Facts See related article: Valkyrie CIO expects US spot Bitcoin ETF approval in Q2 2024 (Update adds comment from […]