Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin up over 21% in best weekly performance since Feb. 2021. Bull run or bull trap?
Bitcoin’s price has had its best weekly run up since February 2021 in the seven days through Jan. 18, but is that the start of a bull run or setting up the optimists for a sucker punch? Experts share their predictions with Forkast.
Binance among top Bitcoin receivers of Bitzlato’s illegal funds, FinCEN says
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury that combats financial crimes, has named Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, as one of the top three receiving counterparties of Bitzlato Ltd.
Cardano expresses interest in buying CoinDesk from cash-strapped Digital Currency Group
Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson said he is considering acquiring CoinDesk, the media arm of the struggling Digital Currency Group.
Markets: Bitcoin bounces back above US$21,000, Cardano gains amid CoinDesk speculation
Bitcoin and Ether rebounded Friday morning in Asia along with all of the top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies. Cardano and Ripple led the gains.
Singapore-based crypto unicorn Amber Group slashes Hong Kong workforce, SCMP reports
Singapore-based digital asset manager Amber Group has cut its Hong Kong staff by half to 40 to weather a slump in cryptocurrency prices and a cascade of bankruptcies in the industry.
CFTC commissioner calls for clearer crypto regulations
Caroline Pham, commissioner of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commissioner, has urged regulators to develop clearer crypto industry standards.
Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin rebounds above US$18,000, Ether gains over 13%
Bitcoin rallied above the US$18,000 mark for the first time in nearly a month. Is this the start of a bull run or just another relief rally on the back of easing inflation pressure?
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether trade higher; Solana biggest weekly gainer among top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin and Ether rose in Friday afternoon trading in Asia, along with all other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies, after the U.S. posted a 6.5% year-on-year increase in the Consumer Price Index for December, which came in lower than inflation readings in previous months.
Crypto.com announces 20% cut in headcount, cites post-FTX market conditions
Crypto.com will lay off 20% of its workforce, its co-founder and chief executive officer Kris Marszalek said Friday in a Twitter post.
Digital Currency Group in spotlight over suspicious fund transfers
Top blockchain and crypto news: DCG under investigation. Lido DAO surges as Ethereum’s Shanghai upgrade looms. Hong Kong burnishes crypto credentials.
DCG writes to shareholders to detail finances amid US$900 mln Twitter feud with Winklevoss
Barry Silbert of the Digital Currency Group wrote to shareholders on Tuesday to explain loans from its subsidiary Genesis Global Capital.
MetaMask developer ConsenSys to slash 100 or more staffers: report
ConsenSys, the Ethereum software firm behind cryptocurrency wallet MetaMask, is reportedly planning to lay off at least 100 employees.
Crypto payments firm Wyre limits withdrawals as it mulls ‘strategic options’ amid market downturn
Wyre Payments, a San Francisco-based crypto payments firm, will implement withdrawal limits for user accounts, it said in a Twitter statement on Jan.7.
US prosecutors, SEC probes Digital Currency Group: report
U.S. prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have started to investigate cryptocurrency-focused conglomerate Digital Currency Group (DCG), Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing unnamed sources.
Crypto exchange Huobi latest firm to slash staff: Reuters
Seychelles-based crypto exchange company Huobi plans to lay off about 20% of its staff, according to a Friday report from Reuters.
Animoca Brands slashes Web3 fund target to US$1B: Bloomberg
Animoca Brands Corp. has scaled down the target amount for its Web 3.0 and metaverse investment fund to US$1 billion.
Digital Currency Group shuts down wealth management unit: report
Cryptocurrency-focused conglomerate Digital Currency Group (DCG) is shutting down its wealth management unit called HQ, CoinDesk, a DCG-owned media outlet, reported on Friday.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether little changed; Polygon, XRP lead losers; Cardano holds onto gains
Bitcoin and Ether traded little changed Friday morning in Asia, with most other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies losing ground.
Binance declines comment on speculation it may buy South Korean crypto exchange GOPAX
Binance declined to comment on reports in local media that it is in late stage talks to acquire South Korean digital asset exchange GOPAX.
Final Fantasy’s Square Enix stays committed to blockchain despite backlash
Yosuke Matsuda, the president of Square Enix, has reaffirmed the gaming company’s commitment to blockchain technology.
DCG’s Silbert, Gemini’s Winklevoss start Twitter spat over frozen funds, billion dollar loans
Barry Silbert, the CEO of Digital Currency Group rejected claims that the company borrowed US$1.6 billion from its Genesis Global Capital.
Happy birthday to Bitcoin! What will it become when it’s all grown up?
It takes a village to raise a child, and Bitcoin is no different — we must support its growth but also set firm boundaries, writes Justin d’Anethan of Amber Group.
A series of events: Crypto’s 2022 timeline
Cryptocurrencies had a turbulent 2022 to say the least. Blockchain technology made progress but that failed to offset the multiple bankruptcies and hacks that plagued the industry through the year.
A year to remember, a year to forget: Crypto highs and lows of 2022
From Terra and FTX crises to Ethereum’s triumphant Merge and China’s inventive NFT industry, Forkast reviews a rollercoaster year and its consequences.
Trader loses 70 ETH over bug in NFT marketplace Blur
A bug in the new bidding system of non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Blur caused a user to lose 70 ETH by accidentally overbidding on an Art Gobbler NFT.
AAX’s future in doubt amid staff exodus and FTX contagion
Top blockchain and crypto news: AAX teeters on the brink. SBF hints at Congressional hearing no-show. Chinese court boosts NFT legitimacy.
Unfazed by FTX fiasco, Goldman Sachs eyes investments in crypto market
Goldman Sachs plans to spend millions of dollars to buy or invest in undervalued crypto companies in the post-FTX implosion market depression, as it sees long-term market opportunity, according to Reuters
Digital Currency Group receives offers to buy CoinDesk: report
CoinDesk, an online crypto news site, has attracted potential buyers to take over the media outlet from Digital Currency Group amid market turmoil, Semafor reported.
BlockFi files for bankruptcy protection, set to sue Sam Bankman-Fried over collateral
The cryptocurrency lender was hit by the earthquake set off across the industry by the collapse and bankruptcy of the FTX crypto exchange this month, and other companies are looking vulnerable.
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao says he should have tweeted sooner about FTX woes
The chief executive officer of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, regrets sending ‘too late’ a tweet that contributed to the collapse of FTX.com.
Markets: Bitcoin, crypto rise as FTX contagion fears ease
Bitcoin recovered above US$16,000 in Wednesday morning trading as it rose along with Ether and the rest of the crypto top 10 by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins.
Who’s Next?
Bitcoin falls under $16K as Genesis temporarily halted withdrawals and redemptions.
Bitcoin price falls to more than two-year low amid growing concerns about FTX fallout
Investors are unnerved by the possibility of more failures among companies linked to the now bankrupt FTX exchange, fearing a repeat of the Terra-Luna stablecoin collapse in May that also brought down other businesses.
Singapore’s central bank says not possible to protect local users from FTX fallout
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Monday that it was not possible for the central bank to protect local users from FTX’s collapse as the crypto exchange operated offshore and was not licensed by MAS.
S. Korea mulls requirement for digital asset exchanges to compensate sudden withdrawal suspension
South Korea’s FSC is considering a requirement that crypto exchanges offset investor losses for the sudden suspension of withdrawal services.
S.Korea examines exchange native tokens after FTX meltdown
S.Korean authorities are looking into self-issued cryptocurrencies that may exist within local exchanges following FTX.com’s FTT-led liquidity crisis.
Crypto exchange Bullish says it has no exposure to FTX
Crypto exchange Bullish has said it does not have any exposure to now-bankrupt FTX and Alameda Research, and expects FTX’s bankruptcy to have no impact on Bullish’s operations. The exchange is operated by Bullish (GI) Limited and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
Bahamas regulator orders transfer of all FTX digital assets to government wallet
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (Commission) on Nov. 12 ordered the transfer of all digital assets of FTX Digital Markets to a digital wallet controlled by the Commission, for “safekeeping,” in an announcement on Nov. 17.
Singapore’s Temasek writes off US$275 mln in FTX
Temasek says its belief in Sam Bankman-Fried may have been ‘misplaced.’
Could FTX woes bring on another crypto freeze resembling Terra-Luna?
Crypto exchanges and lending platforms are starting to use the dreaded F word for Freeze amid worries about the possible collapse of FTX.com, part of one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency trading networks.
Will Ethereum ever surpass Bitcoin? This is “The Flippening”
Many believe Ethereum is destined to overtake Bitcoin’s dominance in an event known as “The Flippening.” Find out if Ethereum’s reign is inevitable in this Forkast explainer.
Confusion from US regulators; Markets hit by ‘vibe-flation’
The FDIC tries to deter banks from doing business with crypto firms. Meanwhile. Genesis CEO steps down amidst reshuffle.
Key TPS Capital staffer departs as firm distances itself from 3AC: report
Stefan Chu, who used to head over-the-counter (OTC) trading at TPS Capital, has left the organization as the company seeks to distance itself from the bankrupt hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC), according to a report by The Block. See related article: MAS takes aim at Three Arrows Capital, does not impose penalty Fast facts […]
Aptos raises US$150 mln from FTX Ventures, Jump Crypto
Founded by former employees of Meta stablecoin arm Diem, blockchain company Aptos Labs announced a US$150 million Series A funding round led by FTX Ventures and Jump Crypto on Monday, according to a press release. See related article: Crypto startup funding falls by 26% in H1 2022: report Fast facts Venture capital and crypto firms […]
Circle says customers could redeem all of USDC in one day
In an exclusive interview with Forkast Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau, Circle Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Fox-Geen said reserves backing the so-called USDC stablecoin are ring-fenced from any potential fallout from the contagion engulfing crypto markets.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Voyager debt emerges; Celsius reshuffles board
SBF’s Alameda Research debt to Voyager emerges. Meanwhile, South Korea agrees to cooperate with the US on Terra-Luna investigation.
Three Arrows Capital collapse sends tremors through crypto industry
Top blockchain and crypto news: Three Arrows target bankruptcy protection. Polium’s Web3 game plan pilloried. China’s tech giants get hands-on with NFTs.
Voyager calls time on Three Arrows as crypto fund teeters on the brink
Top blockchain and crypto news: Three Arrows fallout spreads. BIS calls BS on crypto. Chinese regulatory vacuum chills an NFT platform.
Voyager Digital issues notice of default to 3AC
Crypto broker Voyager Digital issued a notice of default on Monday to hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC), for failing to service a loan worth about US$665 million. See related article: Amid 3AC exposure, Voyager Digital cuts daily withdrawal limit Fast facts Last week, Voyager said it had asked for US$25 million worth of USD […]
How DAOs are remaking capitalism into a community-owned economy
Fueled by seismic shifts in societal values, decentralized autonomous organizations are now poised to go mainstream, writes Hannes Graah of Gro.
To stay relevant, crypto regulations need to evolve, decentralize: Crypto Rising
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that cryptocurrency regulations need to expand beyond the jurisdiction of a single government and blockchain technology can help with that, said panelists at ‘Crypto Rising,’ a series of virtual monthly events organized by Forkast.
Do Kwon proposes Terra fork to ditch UST and ‘LUNA Classic’
Terraform Labs co-founder and CEO Do Kwon proposed a hard fork of the Terra blockchain in the “Terra Ecosystem Revival Plan 2,” which will abandon the algorithmic stablecoin UST. See related article: UST loses dollar peg as Terra market cap slumps Fast facts Under the proposal, the network will be forked with the original chain […]
What is Axie Infinity and how is it ushering in gaming 3.0?
Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game that rewards players with cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Learn all about how Axie Infinity is creating a play-to-earn revolution in this Forkast explainer.
Should Tether’s shrinking cash reserves be cause for investor worry?
USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin, is now backed by much smaller cash reserves than before. XREX analyzes the risks.
The Metaverse Conquest | Interview with Sébastien Borget
The Sandbox metaverse is made up of 166,464 unique land NFTs, digital pieces of real estate, that players can own to publish their creations, monetize their games or rent to other creators. These lands will host a wide range of experiences, and their limited number makes The Sandbox seem like a virtual Manhattan when it […]
Canaan to buy back up to $100M shares to drive value
Chinese crypto mining rig maker Canaan announced Wednesday its plans to buy back up to US$100 million worth of shares over the next two years. See related article: Chinese mining rig maker Canaan secures purchase order from Genesis for 30K units Fast facts The Nasdaq-listed company’s latest move comes after it completed its previous US$20 […]
Happy birthday, Bitcoin! You’re still killing it
Love it or hate it, Bitcoin can be a powerful force for good — and it’s here to stay, writes Peter Vessenes, co-founder of The Bitcoin Foundation.
Iceland turns away new crypto miners amid power shortage: report
Iceland, which is suffering from a power shortage, is reducing electricity to some industrial clients and turning away new requests for power from cryptocurrency miners, reported Bloomberg, citing a statement from national power company Landsvirkjun. Fast facts The Nordic island nation is now reducing power supply for heavy consumers, including aluminum smelters, data centers and […]
Goldman Sachs executive says tokenization redefines liquidity transaction
The traditional financial industry is getting its feet wet in tokenization of assets, and there’s an influx of interest in the private asset space, as Mathew McDermott, managing director of Goldman Sachs, said today at a Hong Kong Fintech Week panel moderated by Angie Lau, editor-in-chief and founder of Forkast.News. Fast facts McDermott said Goldman […]
What is the Solana ecosystem and how is it fueling SOL’s stratospheric rise?
Solana prices keep cresting to new heights, making SOL a top-five cryptocurrency by size. What makes Solana and its ecosystem stand out? Forkast.News explains.
Hong Kong Fintech Week’s live comeback talks digital renminbi and DeFi
One of Asia’s largest fintech events returns for its sixth year with a hybrid format of live and virtual sessions. Regulators, corporations and experts share what’s important now in crypto.
Sotheby’s first metaverse auction sees 1,500 bids, sets NFT records
Sotheby’s ended its Natively Digital 1.2 auction event with 1,500 bids on Tuesday, with a total turnover of US$18.6 million after nine days of live bidding. Three non-fungible tokens (NFTs) reached record bids, including #8817 Ape by Bored Ape Yacht Club, Rare Pepe PEPENOPOULOS, and Self Portrait #1 by Dmitri Cherniak, according to a press […]
East Asia falls from 1st to 4th place in share of global crypto transaction volume
East Asia’s share of global cryptocurrency transactions plunged to 14% in June 2021 from 31% in April 2019 when it was by far the world’s largest crypto economy, according to blockchain data provider Chainalysis’ 2021 Eastern Asia Report published today. Fast facts China’s crypto crackdown in May saw East Asia — with China the biggest […]
Hong Kong exhibition to showcase NFTs for good causes
An NFT art exhibition demonstrates how digital tokens can be used to promote United Nations sustainability goals.
Is Blockchain’s age of interoperability finally on the horizon?
As blockchain nodes multiply around the world, the need for interconnectivity has never been greater. John DeVadoss of InterWork Alliance explains why.
BIT Mining invests in crypto site in Ohio to expand U.S. operation
The cryptocurrency mining industry is attracting more investment money. Hong Kong-headquartered crypto miner BIT Mining said it had entered into an agreement to jointly invest in a crypto mining data center in the U.S. state of Ohio, with access to power capacity of up to 85 megawatts. Fast facts The development of the Ohio mining […]
Umbrella Network acquires platform for transparency in digital media buying
Umbrella Network, a decentralized oracle, has acquired Lucidity, a blockchain-based advertising and analytics platform, to bring more data transparency to advertisers, according to a company statement. Fast facts The acquisition was completed in August 2021 for an undisclosed amount, according to the company statement. Lucidity will be integrated with Umbrella Network as part of the […]
Evergrande debt woes hit crypto; Mooncakes in the metaverse
Evergrande debt woes hit crypto meanwhile Mooncakes are in the metaverse
Bitcoin miners expected to face tougher digging but demand continues growing
As total hashrate recovers, adjustment would follow four increases after as many declines since China intensified crypto mining clampdown.
Canaan sees strongest ever quarterly sales results
Leading Chinese crypto mining hardware manufacturer attributes robust revenue to ‘substantial increase in total computing power sold.’
Crypto mining rig giant Bitmain to supply 56K miners to U.S. partners
China-based Bitmain, one of the world’s biggest producers of cryptocurrency mining rigs, has sealed a deal with its United States partners — ISW Holdings and Bit5ive — to expand its operation in America. Fast facts ISW Holdings, a Nevada-based portfolio company with extensive crypto mining operations, will host 56,000 Bitmain mining rigs and pair them […]
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