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.
How blockchain can launch more space industry startups into orbit
As space becomes increasingly commercialized, blockchain has the potential to be the backbone of this new economic frontier, says Jeff Garzik of SpaceChain.
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.
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 set for launch. Bitcoin hits record highs as Wall Street chief remains meh. Stellar hosts ARST and BRLT stablecoins.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: After BitMEX, are more CFTC crackdowns coming soon? China frees OKEx founder, exchange to resume services.
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
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.
Blockchain is now on the front line against climate change
Blockchain technology is spurring more carbon credit trading while lowering costs for young investors to get involved, says Stefan Rust of Sonic Capital, in a special Forkast.News interview.
Everything you want to know about Bitcoin, Ethereum and DeFi for 2021
What is BTC’s price forecast, and will ‘Ethereum killers’ succeed? A brain trust of 30 experts mines the biggest cryptocurrency questions for answers.
Is DeFi’s breathtaking rise just like the ICO bubble?
DeFi’s explosive gains in 2020 may look like the 2017 ICO craze all over again. But Chyna Qu of DeFiner explains why the two are very different.
Thailand’s ‘crypto cold season’ makes for a land of frowns
Thailand once marketed itself as a cryptocurrency frontier market and an alternative to Hong Kong and Singapore. What happened?
Ep. 38 | What Biden’s victory means for crypto. Bitcoin rides new wave. Ethereum 2.0 revs for launch.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Will TRUMP crypto losers get second chance? Hong Kong to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges.
Why cybersecurity will be DeFi and blockchain’s next big challenge
DeFi’s explosive growth may be the cryptocurrency world’s biggest story in 2020. But is the industry ignoring risks and cybersecurity gaps?
2021 may be the year of China’s DCEP and other digital currencies
A big trend now: Central banks exploring digital currencies that are ‘programmable money,’ says Charles d’Haussy of ConsenSys. Should users be concerned?
How blockchain can reduce global warming via carbon credit investments
Can tokenizing investments in carbon trading help the world achieve Paris Agreement goals? Stefan Rust of Sonic Capital explains in a Forkast.News Q&A.
Filecoin mainnet launch brings Web 3.0 apps to the mainstream
After some early turbulence, Filecoin is now opening up applications like video streaming and social networks that used to exist only in centralized Web 2.0.
Conflux launches Tethys mainnet in China with government thumbs up
Conflux Network enjoys special government status in some parts of China— and now it’s ready for mainnet launch.
TALES FROM THE CRYPT: 10 blockchain and Bitcoin horror stories for the ages
Just in time for Halloween, gather ’round for this blood-curdling crypto news flashback that will have you HODLing a blanket. Beware the death grip on Bitcoin wallets!
Why India’s crypto industry needs regulatory clarity more than ever
India is now a vibrant cryptocurrency hub, but its future remains uncertain. Sathvik Viswanath of Unocoin explains what’s holding back the nation of 1.3 billion.
Chinese tech titan Jack Ma: digital currencies may be wave of future
Poised for historic IPO, Ant Group reveals via patent filings its business strategies for China’s new DCEP digital yuan — including how it would help enforce government regulations
How blockchain could remix the music industry (and why it hasn’t yet)
Most artists earn a pittance and have little bargaining power against record labels and streaming platforms. But blockchain could level the playing field.
Cities are smarter than ever. But at what cost to privacy?
Smart cities could boost sustainability and quality of urban life, but some worry about privacy and data security. Can blockchain offer trusted solutions?
Why DeFi’s exponential growth is not a bubble and will ‘keep soaring’
Risks, bugs and mistakes are a necessary part of DeFi’s evolution — just like the early days of the internet, writes Justin Banon of Boson Protocol
Why blockchain and crypto regulations are ‘necessary evil’ for US and Europe
Regulatory finesse toward cryptocurrency and DeFi will spur investment while not stifling innovation, says Alex Tapscott of Blockchain Research Institute
How China is embracing blockchain, from DCEP to BSN
Blockchain has become a national priority in China’s public and private sectors, in contrast to many Western governments’ approach to cryptocurrency.
PwC’s ‘Time for Trust’ report misses mark on blockchain in China
The ‘Time for Trust’ report downplays the growing impact that blockchain is having on China’s economy. Here’s what’s really going on with this technology.
China pushes 50,000 people to spend DCEP right away, in biggest test yet of new digital currency
China advances its new e-RMB closer to launch after distributing to Shenzhen residents 10 million yuan in digital ‘red packets’ that will expire next week
As nations race CBDCs to market, are they repeating mistakes of the past?
Digital currency efforts now mirror global economic rivalries, with China’s DCEP leading the pack. Central banks would be wise to avoid these pitfalls.
China leads in blockchain patent filings, but how much of that is real?
Blockchain patent filings may not be indicative of China’s technological prowess or patent quality — especially when standards are questionable
US regulators are finally lining up over digital assets
A recent flurry of US regulatory activity is helping legitimize the digital assets space. Here’s the latest on SEC, FINRA, CFTC and OCC’s new level of coordination.
Ep. 33 | BitMEX and John McAfee in legal hot water. Who is the cryptocurrency market betting on to be the next US president?
Other top news: Filecoin’s mainnet set to launch. Chinese banks help DCEP digital currency get market-ready. NetEase to preserve email forevermore.
DeFi with Chinese characteristics? How China may centralize crypto finance
As Wild West DeFi surges to new heights with Chinese capital, China wants to build a separate digital finance network — in its own, tightly controlled image.
Ahead of massive IPO, Ant Group launches blockchain platform for global B2B trade
The Chinese fintech giant rolls out its ‘Trusple’ platform for cross-border business uses, on the eve of an IPO anticipated to be the largest in the world.
Ep. 32 | Bithumb on the block amid fraud probe. Wealthsimple debuts Canada’s first regulated crypto exchange. BitFlyer permits BTC buys via PayPal.
Other top news: Ant Group launches blockchain platform for cross-border trade. China makes Beijing, Hunan and Anhui into special free trade zones.
US bills could shake up cryptocurrency exchanges and ICO prosecutions
Proposed federal laws would upend SEC rules for digital tokens and give CFTC sweeping powers. Will it be enough to rein in crypto’s Wild West ways?
Ep. 31 | FinCEN files tie big banks to $2 trillion in crimes. Tezos tapped to explore CBDC for France.
More top news: Wounded Unikr settles with SEC for $6.1 million. China’s nationwide blockchain service network launches ‘public permissioned’ chain.
US private equity activity takes a walloping due to Covid-19
Deals in mid-size firms that make up the engine of the economy were down as exits were put on pause — but fintech and broader tech sector still shine bright
What China’s New Era politics means for the digital economy and decentralized finance
Access to China’s cryptocurrency market will accelerate as long as the government can keep out criminal activity, writes James Gillingham of Finxflo.
Ep. 30 | DeFi gets fishier with Sashimiswap. MasterCard stages CBDC cosplay. IRS targets Monero and Bitcoin Lightning Network.
More top news: OKLink offers free cryptocurrency tracker. Trade fair in China introduces blockchain ideas to 20,000 companies.
Esports gambling platform Unikrn settles with SEC for $6.1 million
SEC’s crackdown comes as more states permit online gambling, putting a further squeeze on the company once backed by celebrities like Ashton Kutcher.
How blockchain is reforming the colored gemstone trade, from ‘mine to finger’
Everledger CEO Leanne Kemp explains blockchain’s role in promoting ethical labor and confidence in goods like wine. Are less toxic electric cars next?
How DeFi’s massive 8-fold growth brings scaling, gas fees challenges
In a special interview, Alchemy CEO Nikil Viswanathan discusses blockchain as the next internet, keen interest from investors like Charles Schwab, and the hottest cryptocurrency trend since ICOs.
Rented hash power for 51% attacks is a ‘huge vulnerability’ for proof-of-work blockchains, says ETC Labs CEO
Ethereum Classic Labs CEO Terry Culver calls the hash rental market shady “like under a rock somewhere…. They’re basically money laundering operations.”
DeFi is crypto’s latest craze, and it may soon challenge traditional banks
Excessive money printing and near-zero returns on bonds are making investors flock to fancy cryptocurrency derivatives and 8% yields. What’s the catch?
Conflux’s Open DeFi project aims to bridge East and West — with its own cryptocurrency in China
Despite China’s bans on crypto and ICOs, the permissionless blockchain protocol has also done a ‘regulatory compliant fundraise.’ How is Conflux pulling it off?
Ep. 28 | FTX buys Blockfolio in $150 million deal. What’s up with the 300 crypto-terror accounts? China forks BSN to retain control.
Also: Japan’s deputy PM Taro Aso urges greater blockchain cooperation. Inner Mongolia raises bitcoin mining costs. Fintech investments in S. Korea.
Where in the world are the fintech startups?
Global fintech funding is growing in some surprising areas and signals potential for disruption. Which countries top the list?
Joe Lubin of ConsenSys on acquiring Quorum: ‘a match made in blockchain heaven’
In a special Forkast.News interview, the CEO who co-founded Ethereum discusses the deal with JPMorgan, DeFi’s rise, and expectations for Ethereum 2.0.
What is the secret to Conflux Network’s success in China?
Conflux wins rare endorsements from Shanghai and Hunan provincial governments as other blockchain firms struggle for a toehold on the mainland.
What the Twitter hack reveals about the need for digital identity security
Could blockchain technology and decentralized ID verification have prevented all those VIP Twitter accounts from being commandeered for a bitcoin scam?
Ep. 26 | US Fed taps MIT for CBDC research as China intensifies DCEP testing. YAM protocol soars before crashing.
Other top news: USPS explores blockchain for voting. Coinbase offers crypto loans. Huobi launches Global DeFi Alliance.
Ep. 25 | Bitcoin surges in Hong Kong’s geopolitical storms. China widens DCEP testing. Ethereum Classic’s audacious attacks.
Other top news: Teen accused of masterminding Twitter VIP hack heads to court. Huobi launches DeFi lab. Fintech VC in Singapore and Indonesia.
China’s DCEP will be the world’s Sputnik money moment
China’s CBDC — the world’s first major government-issued digital currency — could launch this year. Are we ready for its financial and geopolitical impact?
Are US regulators finally warming to crypto and digital assets?
CFTC’s new plans for crypto regulations and OCC permitting banks to be crypto custodians could boost digital asset adoption. What’s next for FATF and SEC?
Ep. 23 | Is Ethereum more popular than Bitcoin now? Crypto love comes to K-pop world. SEC-sanctioned crypto firms receive PPP funds.
Other top news: China’s BSN blockchain network expands global reach. US lets major banks act as crypto custodians. VC in India and Singapore.
Lack of regulations and illiquidity are ‘major bottlenecks’ in India’s DeFi market
Regulatory uncertainties over crypto — coupled with Indians’ tendency not to rebel — have prevented decentralized finance from taking off in India despite the unbanked’s tremendous needs, says Siddharth Verma of Nuo Network.
India’s ongoing battle over cryptocurrency: What is the path forward?
Ripple recently laid out a framework for India to legalize crypto through regulations. But does the Indian government have the incentives and will to do so?
Ep. 22 | How Twitter hackers broke into VIP accounts. Are SEC and CFTC targeting DeFi via Abra? BitMEX parent rebrands as 100x Group.
Other top news: InterContinental uses blockchain to prove hotel cleanliness. Beijing plans for blockchain in city services. VC in India and Israel.
UNICEF has invested in 100 startups. Could your blockchain project be no. 101 — and receive funding in crypto?
The UN, which now has a CryptoFund, wants to incubate new technology that would benefit children around the world. Apply now, or help get the word out!
WEF seeks greater financial inclusion to help poor, Covid-ravaged communities
Sheila Warren, World Economic Forum’s head of blockchain policy, also discusses the growing importance of digital currencies and how America is falling behind.
Ep. 21 | Dogecoin rises on TikTok challenge. Brock Pierce runs for President. CFTC planning more crypto regulations.
Other top news: Alibaba to help Cosco deploy blockchain technology for Chinese shipping industry. Fintech investment in Saudi Arabia.
Crypto’s new dawn: the future of India’s burgeoning cryptocurrency landscape
India’s cryptocurrency market has vast potential — what’s holding it back? A continued lack of regulatory clarity as well as crypto education, says CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield on blockchain’s next frontier: nodes in orbit, and settling the moon
The former International Space Station commander also discusses how blockchain can lower space exploration costs, and more. Bonus: advice on enduring Covid and social isolation with grace.
Ep. 20 | OKEx launches in Latin America. Cardano deploys Shelley. Crypto firms R3, IoTeX and iExec join Confidential Computing Consortium.
Other top news: US still dominates blockchain patents globally. First court case in China litigated with blockchain. VC in Indonesia and Singapore.
Vast majority of China’s top fintech startups are exploring blockchain
SCMP’s China Internet Report 2020 shows healthy fundraising and investment activity in tech sector despite ravages of Covid and US-China trade war.
US could pilot digital dollar quickly if project gets green light, says Accenture’s blockchain lead
The Digital Dollar Project offers a path forward for the US to create a central bank digital currency. But will the government accept private sector help?
Five reasons why India is crying out for a crypto revolution
India could reap greater economic growth, cut down on corruption and more if it adopts a more progressive stance on cryptocurrency. A leading role in Asia is New Delhi’s for the taking.