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‘Crypto Dad’ Giancarlo steps down from BlockFi board

After only four months in the position, “Crypto Dad” Chris Giancarlo is stepping down from BlockFi’s board of directors, according to a recent press release. No reason for Giancarlo’s departure has yet been provided, though he apparently will continue to provide strategic counsel to the firm in an advisory role. Fast facts Ellen-Blair Chube, Managing […]

DeFi TVL hits new all-time high; US, Vietnam, Thailand lead global DeFi adoption

The United States, Vietnam, Thailand, China and the United Kingdom lead global adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi), according to Chainalysis’ Global DeFi Adoption Index published this month. Fast facts “While grassroots cryptocurrency adoption generally is highest in emerging markets, DeFi adoption is strongest in high-income countries that already had substantial cryptocurrency usage, especially amongst traders […]

Singapore adds Binance.com to list of unregulated entities

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today added Binance.com — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading value — to its Investor Alert List, according to local media reports. Fast facts MAS’ Investor Alert List flags entities that are unregulated, but may have given the public the impression that they are licensed by MAS. In […]

BIS Innovation Hub, 4 central banks in CBDC test for cross-border transactions

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub together with the central banks of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa today announced they will be collaborating to test the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for international settlements. Fast facts According to a joint statement, the pilot is part of Project Dunbar, a wholesale […]

Jack Dorsey’s Bitcoin bourse. Are NFTs in bubble trouble? China banks on e-CNY.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Does TBD stand for Twitter Boss Decision? NFTs’ ballooning interest. How billions in e-yuan are coursing through China.

BSN to launch South Korea portal; Canaan secures huge rig order

China’s BSN to launch in South Korea portal as Chinese Canaan secures huge mining rig orders

Blockchain game MIR4 gains global popularity despite ban at home in South Korea

The multiplayer online role-playing game is widely popular elsewhere, while Korea bans play-to-earn crypto and NFT trading.

Genesis Digital Assets signs deal for 20K mining machines to fuel growth in North America, Nordic region

The order follows a June purchase by Genesis of 10K machines from China-based Canaan, one of the world’s biggest Bitcoin mining rig makers

Singapore grants FOMO Pay the city-state’s first crypto license

FOMO Pay, a Singapore-based fintech company, announced today that it has obtained a license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide Digital Payment Token Service — the first such approval out of 170 applicants for the city-state that is rapidly becoming a global crypto hub. Fast facts FOMO Pay said it had been […]

China’s state-backed blockchain network to expand to South Korea

As its first international expansion, China’s Blockchain-based Service Network is launching a portal in Korea. Who are the key players, and where else in the world will BSN emerge this year?

Some NFT creators and investors have a lucky number

A fascination with 8s could be related to the fact that the Chinese pronunciation of the number 8 or “Ba” is similar to that of “發” or “Fa,” which stands for wealth and prosperity.

Crypto exchange Zipmex raises $41M in Series B round for aggressive Asia expansion

Zipmex, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange, has completed a US$41 million Series B funding round as it innovates toward a “full 360 digital banking offering,” the company said during a media briefing today. Fast facts Investors in Zipmex’s Series B funding round indicate increasing institutional buy-in to the digital assets industry. The investors include Krungsri Finnovate, […]

Crypto is going mainstream—and the likes of Paypal and Snoop Dogg are leading the way

Though crypto is not yet part of daily life, it may be a matter of time, writes Simon Yu of StormX. Here are the keys to the industry’s long-term success.

Mutant Ape NFTs collect $140 million on OpenSea market

Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) — one of the hottest non-fungible token projects at the moment — released its Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) NFTs over the weekend through a free airdrop to existing Bored Ape holders as well as a public auction of 10,000 Mutant Apes. The price for Mutant Apes started at three […]

Singapore central bank announces 15 finalists for Global CBDC Challenge

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today announced 15 finalists for its “Global CBDC Challenge” — a competition to develop retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) solutions to improve payment services and promote financial inclusion. Fast facts According to MAS, the Global CBDC Challenge attracted over 300 submissions from more than 50 countries, with over […]

How Bitcoin and Ethereum are rekindling with equities

What is the relationship between crypto assets and stock prices? An analysis week’s market trends.

How a Hong Kong newspaper is remaking history with NFTs

The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong’s paper of record for 118 years, is experimenting with NFTs and metaverse technology to bring its storied past into the future.

AAX to launch its own NFT marketplace, following other crypto exchanges

Amid the immense growth in the non-fungible token market, leading Singapore-based crypto exchange AAX is planning to launch its own NFT marketplace in the “near future,” according to a press release shared with Forkast.News. Fast facts In preparation for the launch, AAX is running a campaign in which its users can auction NFTs for charity […]

Forkast.News exclusive: Antinalysis is out, proud and ready to tell (almost) all

In a special Q&A, an Antinalysis spokesperson reveals the source of the company’s controversial data and disputes that it’s for criminals. ‘Privacy is a human right.’

Cardano Foundation partners with Coinfirm for AML/CFT compliance

In the latest from the world’s third-largest cryptocurrency, which has gone from strength to strength this month, the Cardano Foundation is partnering with blockchain analytics provider Coinfirm.io to ensure the network complies with the Financial Action Task Force’s guidelines. Fast facts In a company announcement this week, the Cardano Foundation said it would be using […]

Bitcoin bulls brace. CryptoPunks’ pulling power. China’s crypto lawfare.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Is another Bitcoin bull run coming soon? Punks rocking NFTs. Why crypto contracts may not be enforceable in China.

Celsius Network grows 1,900% this year, US$20B AUM

In another sign of decentralized finance’s continued growth, Celsius Network has just announced it now has more than US$20 billion in assets under management – making it one of the largest DeFi platforms in the world. Fast facts These figures came from Celsius’ most recent quarterly internal audit, according to a company press release, which […]
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Dogecoin is going to the dogs, including real-world canines

Just as Dogecoin prices are once again going to the dogs, a Chicago animal shelter is asking for DOGE donations to help real-life dogs in the dumps. Fast facts PAWS Chicago has launched a “Dogenation” campaign, which allows animal lovers to donate to the charity in cryptocurrencies — not just Dogecoin — via QR codes […]

Court in China says trading in cryptocurrency ‘not protected by law’

The ruling by Shandong’s High Court backs up China’s official stance against trading in cryptocurrencies. What does this mean for investors?

Professor jailed for crypto scam; Cryptopunks trading volume soars

Professor jailed for crypto scam while Cryptopunks trading volume soars

Why institutional investors cannot afford to ignore DeFi

Much of traditional finance still believes DeFi is too risky and not worth the bother, writes Ilia Maksimenka of PlasmaFinance. Are these perceptions accurate?

Bitcoin miners may soon face tougher digging

As the crypto hashrate continues to recover, miners will likely have to work harder for their coins.

Binance taps former SGX chief regulatory officer as Singapore CEO

Binance Singapore today announced the appointment of Richard Teng, former chief regulatory officer of the Singapore Exchange (SGX), as chief executive, bolstering its leadership ranks with former regulators while battling growing regulatory woes around the world. Fast facts Teng was CEO of the Abu Dhabi Global Market for six years before stepping down in March. […]

Why an open metaverse economy might be coming soon

The ideal metaverse is open and interoperable, says Jamie Burke of Outlier Ventures. Here’s how blockchain gaming and NFTs are closing in on that future.

Coinbase launches in Japan: Binance users take legal action

Coinbase launches in Japan while Binance users take legal action

Digital securities exchange ADDX join Investcorp to offer tokenized US real estate fund

ADDX, a digital securities exchange headquartered in Singapore formerly known iSTOX, has partnered with Investcorp, a Bahrain-based alternative investment management firm to offer a tokenized real estate fund focused on residential properties in the United States, ADDX announced on Thursday. Fast facts Investcorp raised US$150 million for the fund that has invested in five multi-family […]

Binance users burned by outage band together to take legal action

Crypto traders who suffered losses on Binance due to tech outages are turning to arbitration and crypto litigation finance.

Thailand publishes CBDC study results, pilot test to start in 2022

The Bank of Thailand today published the results of its retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) study and public survey, which the central bank says will guide the development of the country’s CBDC pilot test. Fast facts The Bank of Thailand underscored that a CBDC for the general public “must not adversely affect monetary policy […]

Poly Network offers hacker a job: NFTs support Afghan families

Poly Network offers hacker a job meanwhile NFTs support Afghan families

Shutdown of dark web tool Antinalysis suggests harder times ahead for crypto criminals

Money laundering token tracer developed using AMLBot application programming interface was suspended within eight hours of public exposure.

OpenSea dumps Pepe the Frog NFT series

Despite having verified it, and with investors already spending millions on the project, OpenSea has delisted the NFT series after being notified by its creator.

BIT Mining revenue soars despite losses from operational pivot

Operating costs and crypto bear market suck up cash after former lottery operator bets on digital assets

How stablecoins can help investors weather crypto storms

Notwithstanding Iron Finance’s collapse, stablecoins can play important roles for consumers and the economy, writes Julian Hosp of Cake DeFi.

Ripple decries SEC’s demand for employee Slack messages on XRP

Ripple claims the SEC’s request for 1 million more of the company’s internal messages is costly and unlikely to resolve disputes at the heart of the litigation.

What is Solana and why is it the hottest blockchain of the moment?

Solana prices are soaring to all-time highs and SOL is now a top-10 crypto. In this Forkast.News explainer, learn why investors are heaping love on this Ethereum rival.

Solana hits all time high: GoSats launches bitcoin reward card

Solana hits all time high as GoSats launches bitcoin reward card

India gets Bitcoin rewards cards with backing from crypto-averse central bank

GoSats, an Indian Bitcoin rewards app, has launched a new cash back card that will allow Indians to earn up to 100% of their spending in Bitcoin and provide a chance to win one full Bitcoin on every spend, GoSats announced in a tweet. Fast facts The GoSats prepaid RuPay debit cards will be released […]

Why Silicon Valley is pouring big money into India’s crypto industry

While Delhi goes back and forth over a crypto ban, crypto’s huge growth potential in the world’s second most populous country is captivating American venture capital.

How to avoid the pitfalls of FATF’s crypto travel rule

Crypto exchanges, or VASPs, are coming under increasing regulation. Complying with the Financial Action Task Force’s travel rule will be one of them.

WazirX signs up small-city women crypto investors

Tier II and Tier III cities in India registered massive growth in new user signups on WazirX, more than the larger cities.

DBS Vickers wins nod for Singapore crypto license

DBS Vickers, the brokerage arm of Singapore’s DBS Bank, today announced that it has received in-principle approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to provide digital payment token services in Singapore as a major payment institution under the Payment Services Act. Fast facts DBS Vickers’ notification follows that of Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve, reported […]

What are ‘Ethereum killers’ and what are their prospects with Eth2 under way?

With Ethereum 2.0 still in development, rival blockchains like Cardano, Binance Smart Chain, Solana and Polkadot are hot on Eth’s tail. Who might prevail, and why?

NFT trade takes off. Tether’s bankable reserves. Tencent targeted in China.

Top blockchain and crypto news: NFT wave buoys OpenSea. Are dollars and sense a lifeline for Tether? Tencent gets a target on its back.

China’s mining exodus flows to U.S. Is Texas the new promised land?

Poolin, a major mining pool in China, has set sail for America. ‘Large players are all over the U.S. now looking for deals.’

Chinese DeFi platform Poly Network suffers US$600M hack

Impact of one of the biggest heists in the industry looks set to be mitigated as hackers agree to return funds.

NFTs and the music industry: K-pop’s new token economy | Part 2

K-pop superstars Brave Girls, Se7en and A.C.E. are among the latest to jump on the non-fungible token bandwagon. Are fans buying it?
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SEC seeks 1 million Slack messages from Ripple for XRP litigation

The US Securities and Exchange Commission wants to review ‘terabytes’ of Ripple’s Slack chats for evidence of XRP-related wrongdoing. How much is too much?

USDC issuer Circle to become full-reserve digital currency bank

Amid a period of increasing regulatory interest in stablecoins, Circle, the digital payment company that issues USDC, the world’s second-largest stablecoin , has announced plans to become a full-reserve national digital currency bank in the U.S. Fast facts In a company blog post, CEO and co-founder Jeremy Allaire said the company was prepared to operate […]

What is the regulatory outlook for virtual asset exchanges in Hong Kong and Singapore?

Singapore and Hong Kong are at the forefront of regulations over crypto exchanges, writes Vince Turcotte of Eventus Systems. Here’s why trade surveillance and risk management will be critical.

Are DAOs a new way for companies to go public?

As more crypto companies go public, some are returning to a decentralized business model. ShapeShift CEO Erik Voorhees explains the ethos and reasons why.

Latest digital yuan trial launches with backing of JD.com, Bank of Communications

E-commerce company’s tie-up with government-owned lender suggests hybrid private-state future for central bank digital currency.

Cambodian state digital currency sees strong uptake

Since its launch in October 2020, Cambodia’s central bank digital currency project, Bakong, has reached 5.9 million users across the country, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Fast facts The figure includes users of member bank mobile apps, with the number of Bakong electronic wallet addresses doubling in June from three months before to […]

Venezuela launches CBDC amid runaway inflation and currency redenomination

In an effort to curb runaway inflation, Venezuela’s central bank is removing six zeros from its currency and putting a digital bolivar into circulation on Oct. 1, according to reporting by Bloomberg. Fast facts An example of a central bank digital currency, the digital bolivar was announced by the Venezuelan central bank’s Twitter account yesterday […]

China continues e-CNY pilot; Google allows crypto advertising

China continues e-CNY pilot also Google allows crypto advertising

Ethereum rising: 3 reasons why Ether’s price could soon break $3,000

Will Google greenlighting US crypto ads, Ethereum’s London upgrade and clearer regulations pave the way for another Ether price rally?

DBS Bank’s digital exchange assets surge 60% in Q2

DBS eyes bigger investor base as digital assets under custody top US$100 million.

How blockchain can bring litigation finance to small investors

Investing in litigation was once limited to the wealthy. But a lawsuit’s monetary potential can now be tokenized for sale to the masses. Is that a good idea?

Ethereum upgrade closely watched; India launches e-RUPI voucher

Ethereum upgrade closely watched also India launches e-RUPI voucher

Taxing times for crypto. Ethereum hard fork takes knife to fees. Tencent bets on NFTs.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Is Ethereum’s price flatlining on eve of revolution? Uncle Sam wants pay to play. China’s Big Tech toes the line with NFTs.

Ethereum prices hit resistance as major London Upgrade looms

ETH rose in a historic run in anticipation of ‘Ethereum halving’ — but dipped on the eve of the London hard fork. Forkast.News asks top cryptocurrency analysts to find out why.

Bitcoin SV suffers a new 51% attack

Bitcoin SV has suffered another 51% attack beginning around 11:45 am EDT on Tuesday resulting in up to three versions of the chain being mined simultaneously, as initially reported by analytics firm CoinMetrics.io. It is the fifth such attack on the network since late June. Fast facts Further reporting by the firm reported all of […]

Ethereum addresses using DeFi soar 65% to over 2.9M

The Ethereum ecosystem is continuing to see strong growth, with institutional capital ‘flooding’ into decentralized finance and decentralized autonomous organizations flourishing.

Blockchain applications that will change the world in the next 5 years

The next half decade will see mass adoption of decentralized technology, writes Max Kordek of Lisk. Here are the leading uses.

Singapore poised to grant one of first approvals to crypto exchange Independent Reserve

Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve said Monday that it had received an “in-principle approval” for a Major Payment Institution License in Singapore to operate as a regulated digital payment token (DPT) service provider, according to a company statement. Fast facts Founded in Australia in 2013, Independent Reserve set up its first overseas operations in Singapore […]

U.S. infrastructure bill could bring sweeping regulatory changes to crypto

A provision in an infrastructure bill being debated by the U.S. Senate has prompted concerns in the crypto industry as it boosts Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements for investors and brokers. Fast facts According to the New York Times, the provision is an effort to help fund a US$ 1 trillion bipartisan bill and could […]

How Wall Street’s ‘best-kept secret’ now fuels high cryptocurrency yields

Celsius Network CEO says crypto lenders are using Wall Street’s ‘safest’ business tactic to provide high interest rates to customers. What are the risks?

10 key blockchain developments in healthcare toward Covid-19 in 2021

Blockchain technology is part of the important work being done toward a safer and healthier world. Lucas Schweiger of Blockdata summarizes this year’s strides forward.