Markets: Bitcoin, Ether, other major tokens rise despite hotter-than-expected CPI reading
Bitcoin rose in Wednesday morning trading in Asia to move back above US$22,000 as investors shrugged off a seeming U.S. regulatory crackdown on digital assets and data showing U.S. inflation for January was above forecasts.
Hong Kong hopes to raise US$102 mln from digital green bonds debut: Bloomberg
The Hong Kong government is looking to raise US$102 million through the pilot issuance of its digital green bonds, according to a Monday report from Bloomberg.
Truck industry as real-world crypto use case? How blockchain could replace system that leaves U.S. truckers out of pocket
The current payment system relied on by truck drivers runs through third parties and adds costs to supply chains and consumers. Could blockchain tech provide an alternative, and would truckers trust it?
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether drop; BNB biggest loser in top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin and Ether dropped in Tuesday afternoon trade in Asia, along with all other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Binance’s native token BNB led the day’s decline across the top 10 cryptos.
Be careful what you wish for? Regulators pick up pace in the crypto industry crackdown
Last year was memorable in the emerging world of digital assets for the sheer number of corporate failures. The industry itself has been asking for clearer legal guidelines to help development. Is that what’s happening now?
Markets: Bitcoin rises amid market jitters as Paxos stablecoin issuer next regulator target after Kraken clampdown
Bitcoin was the only top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrency to gain in Tuesday morning trading in Asia in a market unsettled by regulators in the U.S. targeting digital asset companies.
Singapore’s DBS bank plans to apply for crypto license in HK: report
Singapore’s DBS Group plans to apply for a license to offer crypto to Hong Kong customers as the city pushes to become a hub for digital assets.
India discussing crypto, regulation with G20, says finance minister
As India moves forward with its one-year presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), it is discussing cryptocurrency and regulation with the group’s members, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
Head of crypto, FX trading platform EminiFX pleads guilty to US$248 million fraud charges
Mastermind of the EminiFX fraud has pleaded guilty to soliciting investments worth more than US$248 million from tens of thousands of investors, says US DOJ.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether prices extend losses; Dogecoin sole gainer among top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin continued to trade below US$22,000 in Monday afternoon trading in Asia. All other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies dropped except Dogecoin.
UAE central bank to issue CBDC, promote digital asset growth
The United Arab Emirates plans to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC), among other initiatives, to become a financial and digital payment hub.
Paxos ordered to stop issuing Binance USD stablecoin: report
Paxos Trust Company has been ordered by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) to stop issuing the U.S. dollar-pegged Binance USD (BUSD) stablecoin
China’s international blockchain BSN Spartan gets new push in Middle East, Africa
Red Date Technology, the developer of China’s state-backed blockchain infrastructure Blockchain-based Service Network, has partnered Dubai-based Singularity Innovations to offer blockchain infrastructure services in the Middle East and Africa, as the Chinese blockchain network continues to go global.
What is the outlook for crypto in 2023 and beyond?
Tokenization, stablecoins and DeFi will be growth areas, but regulatory uncertainty is still holding back adoption, writes John Avery of FIS.
Coinbase CEO says he will “happily defend” crypto staking service against claim it’s a securities product
CEO Brian Armstrong said that the company will defend its staking services in court against claims that they need to be classified as securities.
Digital Currency Group plans restructuring to pay creditors of bankrupt Genesis unit
Digital Currency Group (DCG), the parent firm of failed crypto broker Genesis Global Capital, plans to transfer equity in another unit, Genesis Global Trading, to Genesis Global Holdco and eventually sell both companies to raise capital to pay back creditors.
Bitcoin mining difficulty dips 0.5% over two weeks after hitting record high
Bitcoin’s mining difficulty level edged down 0.5% in the two weeks through Sunday after hitting an all-time high in the previous adjustment, according to data from BTC.com.
Securities and Exchange Commission may sue BUSD stablecoin issuer Paxos, WSJ reports
The U.S. SEC may sue the Paxos Trust Company for allegedly violating investor protection laws in its issue of the Binance USD (BUSD) stablecoin.
Markets: Bitcoin treads water under US$22,000 following SEC action on Kraken, Ether falls
Bitcoin was little changed in Monday morning trading in Asia in a mixed morning for the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
Huobi to expand in Hong Kong as it bets on China
Huobi Global plans to expand its operations in Hong Kong, anticipating that Mainland China will soon follow the city’s recent pro-crypto shift, says Justin Sun.
Stablecoin issuer Paxos probed by New York regulator
Paxos Trust, the issuer of Binance’s BUSD stablecoin, is reportedly being investigated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether fall along with top 10 cryptos; SOL biggest loser
Bitcoin and Ether fell during Asian trading hours on Friday, along with the rest of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Solana’s native token notched the biggest loss, following rumors of a potential ban on crypto staking for retail investors in the U.S.
A house divided? SEC Commissioner Peirce attacks agency’s fines against Kraken exchange
Hester Peirce said using enforcement action to dictate law in an emerging industry is the act of a “lazy” regulator, after the SEC fined the U.S.-based Kraken crypto exchange for failing to register staking programs.
China to set up national blockchain technology research center in Beijing
China has given the go-ahead to set up the National Blockchain Technology Innovation Centre in Beijing to run blockchain research and development, according to local media.
Lessons from FTX: crypto investment risks and how to avoid them
The recent spate of crypto exchanges freezing customer accounts should be a wake-up call to investors everywhere. What can you do to better protect yourself?
Markets: Bitcoin slumps in broad sell off amid SEC charges against Kraken, regulation worries
Bitcoin sank below US$22,000 on Thursday morning in Asia after the U.S. SEC slapped a fine on the Kraken exchange, sparking concerns that regulators are set to take a tougher line on crypto trading.
Jury sides with fashion giant Hermès in MetaBirkins NFT case
Luxury fashion house Hermès International won its lawsuit against NFT artist Mason Rothschild on Wednesday for violating its Hermès’ Birkin trademark.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether fall; Matic sees biggest gain as top 10 cryptos decline
Bitcoin and Ether fell during Asian trading hours on Thursday, along with the rest of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, with Polygon’s Matic posting the biggest gains.
China tech giant Baidu reveals AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT
The AI chat bot party is heating up in China, with Baidu revealing its ChatGPT rival – ERNIE Bot.
Blockchain developers have taken a decentralized interest in cloud storage – will it shake up the industry?
Blockchain developers want a piece of the multi-billion dollar cloud computing pie. Do current heavyweights in the industry – Amazon, Google and Microsoft – have cause for concern?
Robinhood aims to buy-back its shares seized by Department of Justice in FTX failure
Robinhood Markets Inc., the U.S.-based financial services company, aims to purchase the 55 million of its shares that FTX-linked Emergent Fidelity Technologies bought in May 2022, according to its earnings report released Wednesday.
CBDCs are coming. Here’s why you should worry
Governments are pushing central bank digital currencies to exert more control over macro policy, writes Josef Tětek of Trezor. But your money and privacy are also at stake.
Markets: Bitcoin falls under US$23,000 as Fed says inflation remains stubborn. Most top 10 crypto decline
Bitcoin slipped back below US$23,000 on Thursday morning in Asia, tracking the fall in U.S. equity markets overnight amid comments from Federal Reserve officials that the fight to curb inflation is far from over.
Alameda wallets activate, transfer millions in FTT tokens
Wallets linked to Alameda Research became active over the past week, transferring millions worth of FTX’s native token, FTT, according to Arkham Intelligence.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether extend gains; Polygon leads top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin and Ethereum extended gains on Wednesday afternoon in Asia along with all other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
Binance makes Korea comeback with GOPAX acquisition
Top blockchain and crypto news: GOPAX deal sees Binance return to South Korea. Inflation fight spooks crypto markets. Chinese liquor giant gives cheers to NFTs.
Beijing football club launches NFTs ahead of its virtual stadium launch
China’s Beijing Guoan Football Club has launched its first NFT collection, while building a virtual replica of its stadium.
South Korea prosecutors say Serbia ready to help fraud investigation into Terra’s Do Kwon
Prosecutors flew to Serbia earlier this month as part of an investigation into Terraform Labs chief Do Kwon, who faces fraud accusations related to the US$40 billion collapse of his Terra-Luna cryptocurrency project in May last year.
Beijing regulator warns about NFT speculation, illegal fundraising. Crackdown coming?
Beijing’s market regulator warned that projects marketed in the country as non-fungible tokens or with metaverse-related concepts risk being involved in illegal fundraising or fraudulent activities.
Markets: Bitcoin rises above US$23,000 as Fed says ‘disinflation’ started. All top 10 tokens gain
Bitcoin traded back above US$23,000 on Wednesday morning in Asia after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell overnight said the “disinflationary process” has started in the economy.
DCG to sell Grayscale holdings at a discount to pay creditors: report
Digital Currency Group has started to sell shares of its cryptocurrency funds at a significant discount, according to a Tuesday report from the Financial Times.
Gemini agrees to put US$100 mln to Earn asset recovery efforts
Gemini has agreed to put up US$100 million to the asset recovery of Earn users as part of bankrupt crypto lender Genesis Capital’s in-principle agreement with parent firm DCG and other creditors.
Markets: Bitcoin rises as Polygon gains most in top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin prices gained in Tuesday afternoon trading in Asia while Ethereum dropped with most other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
JPMorgan report shows institutional trader interest shifting to AI from blockchain after crypto slump
Nearly three out of four institutional traders surveyed “have no plans to trade crypto,” while most see Artificial Intelligence as the next big disrupter.
Yuga Labs says it won first Bored Ape trademark lawsuit against RR/BAYC project
Yuga Labs, the company behind the leading non-fungible token (NFT) project, Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), won a settlement on Monday in a trademark infringement lawsuit against Thomas Lehman, a collaborator in the controversial RR/BAYC project headed by artist Ryder Ripps.
NFTs inspired by K-drama Crash Landing on You coming from Crypto.com, Studio Dragon
Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has partnered with Korean drama distributor Studio Dragon to issue NFTs inspired by popular Korean drama series, including the hit Crash Landing on You, the exchange said on Monday.
How regenerative finance can ease climate change and boost the bottom line
Renewable energy is plagued by financing difficulties, but blockchain technology can bridge the sector’s funding gaps, writes Brianna Welsh of Reneum.
Binance suspends international U.S. dollar transfers, CEO indicates issues with banks
Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, will suspend all deposits and withdrawals of U.S. dollars at its international exchanges from Feb. 8.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether fall with bearish U.S. equities, but Bitcoin long bets jump
Bitcoin and Ether dipped in Tuesday morning trading in Asia along with all other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies as Wall Street fell overnight on concern the Fed may crank up interest rates for longer than expected.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether extend losses: Solana, Polygon biggest losers
Bitcoin and Ethereum prices dropped in afternoon trading on Monday in Asia, along with all other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Bitcoin continued trading under US$23,000, while Solana and Polygon led losses.
Chinese liquor giant Moutai unveils NFTs linked to liquor bottles
Moutai launched NFTs that gives owners to purchase limited edition liquor.
What is CeDeFi, and why it is the future of finance
CeDeFi offers the benefits of CeFi and DeFi without their shortcomings, writes Alexander Tkachenko of VNX. Here’s how it works.
South Korea issues guideline on cryptocurrencies as securities tokens ahead of planned legalization
South Korea published guidelines on Monday for defining what specific cryptocurrencies would fall under regulations applicable to financial securities.
Markets: Bitcoin falls below US$23,000, Ether drops as crypto market follows equities lower
Bitcoin traded below US$23,000 on Monday morning in Asia, tracking a decline in U.S. equities as unexpectedly strong job growth numbers on Friday raised concerns markets may face more interest rate hikes to slow the economy and inflation.
Binance tells Indian crypto exchange WazirX to remove funds from its platform as feud escalates
Binance has stopped providing wallet services to Indian crypto exchange WazirX, asking it to withdraw any remaining assets held in Binance wallets by Feb. 3.
Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin breaches US$23,000 in best monthly performance since October 2021
Bitcoin climbed more than 39% in January to break through the US$23,000 resistance ceiling in its best monthly performance since October 2021. Can the world’s first and biggest cryptocurrency maintain the upward momentum? Industry commentators share their views with Forkast.
Binance re-enters S. Korea through GOPAX equity purchase: report
Binance has returned to South Korea after a two-year break by acquiring a majority stake in the local cryptocurrency exchange GOPAX, Bloomberg reported Friday.
India working with IMF, FSB on crypto regulations, says economic affairs secretary
India, the current holder of the G20 presidency, has been working with the IMF and the Financial Stability Board FSB to develop a regulatory approach for cryptocurrencies.
Crypto exchange PayBito begins to integrate ChatGPT into its platform
Cryptocurrency exchange PayBito announced its plans to integrate ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by research firm OpenAI, on Friday.
Markets: Bitcoin and Ether down, Polkadot biggest winner among top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin and Ether fell during Asian trading hours on Friday, along with the rest of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, with Polkadot’s DOT posting the biggest gains.
China should reconsider its ban on cryptocurrencies, says former central bank official
China’s blanket ban on cryptocurrency trading can have the country miss critical opportunities for technological development, says former PBOC official.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says NFTs and DAOs can bolster ‘Cool Japan’ strategy
NFTs and DAOs can help support Japan’s national strategy dubbed ‘Cool Japan’ to attract investment and expand the economy.
Silvergate probed by US prosecutors over FTX, Alameda accounts: Bloomberg
U.S. prosecutors are investigating California-based cryptocurrency bank Silvergate Capital Corp. for how it handled accounts tied to now-bankrupt crypto exchange FTX and its brokerage arm Alameda Research, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Why DeFi remains niche and what might get it out of its market rut
DeFi is still a Wild West, and many would-be users are wary of its lawlessness and anonymity. Could decentralized IDs foster greater trust and growth in the sector?
Markets: Bitcoin dips to US$23,500, Ether inches up, other top 10 crypto mixed
Bitcoin and Ether traded mostly little changed Friday morning after a strong run up in the week, with other top 10 cryptocurrencies prices mixed.
India’s largest retailer Reliance starts CBDCs sales
Indian retail giant Reliance Retail announced on Thursday that it has started accepting digital rupee payments to become the largest Indian firm to adopt the nation’s CBDC.
Markets: Bitcoin and Ether up, Matic tops gains as investors wait for ECB’s decision on interest rates
Bitcoin and Ether rose during Asian trading hours on Thursday, along with the rest of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Polygon’s Matic posted the biggest gains
China’s Suzhou city joins other regions in the country seeking to be metaverse hub
Suzhou has laid out plans to attract at least 200 companies in working with VR technology by 2025.
Donald Trump helps Polygon NFTs outsell Ethereum on OpenSea exchange for second month
The non-fungible token (NFT) project by former U.S. President Donald Trump has helped its host network, Polygon, outsell Ethereum on the leading NFT marketplace OpenSea for the second straight month, according to transaction data.
Meta’s metaverse division Reality Labs posts wider loss of $13.7 billion in 2022
Meta Platforms Inc., the former Facebook, said losses at its Reality Labs division developing virtual reality technologies widened last year, but the company’s Q4 earnings beat expectations and it projected overall stronger growth into 2023, according to its earnings report released Wednesday.
U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange Bittrex lays off 83 employees
Seattle-based cryptocurrency exchange Bittrex is laying off 83 employees, according to the U.S. Employment Security Department’s layoff alert.
Why the cloud will be critical to US competitiveness in world finance
The future global financial system will be reliant on the cloud, especially when it comes to CBDCs and stablecoins, writes Michael Greenwald and Logan Weber.