There’s a new game in town
Zynga’s free Sugartown Oras NFTs spotlight the power of mystery in the digital asset realm as prices surge on speculation.
Crypto and Formula One’s honeymoon is over, can Web3 save a rocky marriage?
The third installment of Forkast’s ‘Crypto in Sport’ series comes from Singapore, which this week plays host to Formula One’s Singapore Grand Prix. Crypto companies poured hundreds of millions of sponsorship money into F1 at the height of the bull market, but might a prolonged crypto winter pull the plug on this marriage of convenience? Or can diversification and real world use cases help breathe new life into the relationship? Welcome to crypto’s very own drive to survive.
Half a world away — Gary Gensler’s SEC dominates discussion at Singapore’s Token 2049
Billed as Asia’s largest crypto event, Token 2049 took place over Sept. 13-14 in the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore. Drawing over 10,000 attendees from all parts of the world, there was excitement about blockchain adoption in the region. But repeat references to one man were a reminder of the U.S. regulatory concerns weighing heavily on the crypto industry.
Binance.US cuts manpower, FTX liquidates crypto as people throng to TOKEN 2049
We bring you to one of the biggest crypto events in Asia.
Who’s who in the Sam Bankman-Fried trial?
FTX’s former CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, faces DOJ scrutiny with seven charges. Here are the six key figures in the coming crypto courtroom showdown.
Most top 10 cryptos rise; Tron, Toncoin biggest gainers
Bitcoin rises past US$26,500. All other top 10 cryptos gain, except BNB.
Binance.US CEO calls it quits amid major layoffs
Top blockchain and crypto news: Binance.US undergoes staffing shakeup. Ethereum NFTs at risk. India to take a stand on crypto.
FTX gets green light to sell US$3.4 billion in crypto assets
A U.S. bankruptcy court in Delaware approved failed crypto exchange FTX’s motion to sell its crypto assets at a court hearing on Wednesday.
Hong Kong crypto exchange CoinEx suffers hack, at least US$43 million lost
Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange CoinEx Global suffered a security breach on Tuesday, resulting in an estimated loss of US$43 million in cryptocurrencies.
Gaming blockchain Oasys partners Japan telco KDDI’s αU Wallet, αU Market in Web3 push
Oasys, a blockchain-based game development platform, will team up with non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace αU market and cryptocurrency wallet αU Wallet – a crypto wallet by KDDI, one of Japan’s top three telecom companies – for users to trade NFTs on the αU market. See related article: Weekly Market Wrap: ETF developments bolsters Bitcoin above […]
Korea Blockchain Week: diverging crypto paths for the US and Asia
The annual Korea Blockchain Week conference in Seoul is running from Sept. 4 to 10. Crypto industry leaders and advocates from around the world have gathered in the South Korean capital to discuss all things blockchain, including the growing regulatory gap between the U.S. and Asia.
From Fukuoka to the world? The Japanese DAO trying to shake up sports fandom
In the second installment of Forkast’s ‘Crypto in Sport’ series we head to the land of the rising sun, where J1 League football club Avispa Fukuoka have incorporated a first-of-its-kind DAO into their operations. Can the DAO provide a model for the rest of the sports world to follow? Can it change the way fans engage with their clubs?
Coinbase and Wall Street: The merging worlds of TradFi and crypto
Top blockchain and crypto news: Coinbase steps up to fill void of crypto lenders. NFTs extend losses. What’s next for crypto as Singapore gets a new president?
No bounce for Ether after Ark Invest files for its first U.S. spot Ether ETF
Bitcoin traded flat Wednesday morning in Asia below the resistance level of US$26,000. Ether also traded flat, hovering around US$1,600.
US regulation could stifle blockchain innovation, says former White House cybersecurity director
Blockchain innovation in the U.S. could suffer from over-regulation of the crypto industry, cybersecurity expert Carole house said.
Grayscale wins against SEC as India moves on blockchain; Friend.tech loses friends
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast’s Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions.
How crypto can help Africa reap greater yields — of the agricultural kind
Assisted by blockchain and AI, small farmers can make better use of data for more bountiful harvests. But adapting to new technology isn’t always easy.
The rise and continuing fall of Sam Bankman-Fried: A step-by-step guide to his case so far
The 9 key pieces of information you need to know ahead of the FTX founder’s first trial on Oct. 2
Grayscale triumphs over SEC: A David v. Goliath win in the crypto arena
Top blockchain and crypto news: U.S. court compels SEC to review Grayscale’s ETF application. SEC zooms in on NFTs. Asia’s richest man eyes blockchain, CBDCs
All top 10 cryptos fall except Dogecoin, as boost from Grayscale ETF ruling fades
Bitcoin, Ether and most other top 10 cryptos dropped on Thursday after a Wednesday rally on news of Grayscale receiving a favorable ruling against the SEC.
Cryptos down as Grayscale ETF news loses shine
Bitcoin, Ether and most other top ten cryptos traced back gains made following news of Grayscale’s legal win against the SEC.
Crypto market gets boost from favorable court ruling for Grayscale against U.S. SEC
Prices of all cryptocurrencies rose on Wednesday after a U.S. court backed Grayscale on its Bitcoin ETF application, compelling the SEC to review its rejection of the application.
Hong Kong grants SEBA Bank in-principle approval for crypto trading
The Hong Kong branch of SEBA Bank has received an in-principle approval from regulators to provide virtual asset trading services in the jurisdiction.
How Worldcoin is undermining crypto’s original ethos
The new crypto from OpenAI’s founder requires users to supply biometric data. What if those in control can identify you — and follow your every financial move?
Green ink across crypto after Grayscale scores SEC win
A U.S. court’s landmark decision to side with Grayscale on its Bitcoin ETF application to the SEC sent crypto prices upward Wednesday morning in Asia.
A Dark but necessary time for NFTs is here
From Miami parties with A$AP Ferg to a historic NFT market slump: The highs and lows of the NFT world.
Friend.tech daily fees and buyers drop by over 90%
Friend.tech saw its daily revenue, fees and active buyers fall over 90% from its peak.
Crypto market cautious after Fed’s Powell says US inflation still ‘too high’
Bitcoin, Ether and other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies held steady, despite Fed chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish comments on U.S. inflation.
N. Korean hackers may cash out stolen crypto; HKVAX gets SFC nod as UK crypto rules gets Royal Assent
Sam Bankman-Fried pleads not guilty to misusing customer funds. North Korean hackers could cash out US$40 million worth of stolen Bitcoins
If Chinese crypto holders sneeze, will global markets catch a cold?
Top blockchain and crypto news: China’s economic woes could spell trouble for crypto. Real fear in NFT markets. Can Friend.tech revive SocialFi?
It’s time for Web3 gaming to up its own game
Blockchain games are often touted as the next big thing. Joseph Cooper, CEO of Earn Alliance, takes a hard look at the industry’s challenges and how to overcome them.
Tornado Cash founders charged with money laundering crypto, including proceeds from North Korean heists
The Tornado Cash mixer’s co-founders have been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with money laundering and sanctions violations.
SOL falls to six-week low, BNB biggest gainer despite reports of Binance violating Russian sanctions
Bitcoin recaptured the US$26,000 mark today, while Solana fell to a six-week low. BNB was the biggest gainer in the top 10, despite allegations against Binance resurfacing.
Rising tide or sinking ship
OpenSea’s royalty policy change ignites debate between tech advocates and creators. Mark Cuban calls it “a huge mistake as NFT market slides 6%.
Why FTX deserves a second chance
Despite the outrage against Sam Bankman-Fried and the now-bankrupt exchange, everyone would be better off with a relaunched FTX 2.0, writes Rachel Lin, CEO of SynFutures.
Tether stops USDT stablecoin mints on three blockchains
Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, announced on Thursday that it will discontinue support for its flagship stablecoin, on three blockchains, Kusama, Bitcoin Cash SLP (Simple Ledger Protocol) and Omni Layer.
SEC granted permission to file interlocutory appeal in Ripple case
Judge Analisa Torres has granted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the request to file an interlocutory appeal in its lawsuit against Ripple Labs.
Will Singapore steady the stablecoin ship?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Singapore steps up stablecoin rules. DeGods decline. Hong Kong’s third crypto license.
Coinbase cleared to offer crypto futures trading in the US
Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., has obtained regulatory approval to offer crypto futures trading services to eligible clients
Cryptos decline on the back of Wall Street losses and Fed speculation
Bitcoin and Ether fell on Wednesday along with all other top 10 cryptos, NFTs moved down while U.S. stock futures steadied after a rocky Tuesday.
BTC Markets CEO sees silver lining in Australian banks’ crypto clampdown
Australian banks are heightening scrutiny on digital asset exchanges and restricting crypto payments due to rising scams and frauds. Caroline Bowler, CEO of BTC Markets highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry in the country.
Shiba Inu surges; DeGods Season 3 unveiled; risk sentiment improves for US stocks
Bitcoin dipped slightly, having hovered around the $29,380 level throughout the weekend. Ether and most other top 10 crypto were little changed.
SEC to appeal in Ripple case, says ruling is a matter of opinion
SEC seeks to appeal a court ruling in July that the programmatic sale of Ripple’s XRP cryptocurrency did not qualify as sales of financial securities.
Slowing US inflation data inspires hope for a crypto price rally
Bitcoin and Ether dipped on Friday morning in Asia, while U.S. CPI data points to a potential rally in the crypto market.
Is PayPal’s new stablecoin a watershed moment for crypto?
PayPal launches stablecoin. Traditional gamers take on NFTs. Tough times ahead for Huobi.
NFT gamers ready to get wrecked
Wreck League: New PVP NFT game with custom mechs set to dominate. Partnerships with Yuga Labs and Bored Ape Yacht Club promise big potential in shifting NFT market landscape.
Blockchain is fast, direct and all too cryptic — can it reshape international aid?
As explored in the first installment of this two-part series, crypto funding is being used to provide small but important items to troops on the frontline. But beyond the battlelines, how can crypto help get aid to civilians in times of crisis?
Crypto’s fear and loathing: Will TradFi take over?
Moves by big financial institutions into digital assets are worrisome to crypto purists, but it could be just what crypto needs to shake off its doldrums, writes Konstantin Horejsi of Blocktrade.
Hackers hit Curve, China announces blockchain link & is FTX back?
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
Coinbase launches bridge for layer-2 blockchain Base, sets mainet launch date
Coinbase launched a bridge for its Ethereum layer-2 blockchain “Base,” on Thursday and set Base’s mainet launch for Aug. 9.
HashKey Exchange and OSL licensed to serve retail investors
HashKey Exchange and OSL — the only two cryptocurrency exchanges licensed by the Hong Kong SFC — received license upgrades Thursday to service retail investors.
Japan’s blockchain group lobbies for tax change
Japan’s blockchain group urges tax change. Bitcoin NFT struggles but it may be a sleeping giant. Litecoin falls after halving.
Litecoin prices fall 6% after third halving event
Litecoin prices have lost over 6% since it completed its third halving event on Wednesday evening in Asia.
Litecoin completes third halving event
Litecoin has executed its third halving event on Wednesday, reducing block rewards for miners from 12.5 to 6.25 Litecoins per block.
Cryptos show resilience; BNB gains on Binance Japan launch
Bitcoin, Ether and most other top ten tokens gained Wednesday morning in Asia, with BNB leading winners after Binance Japan launch.
The diversity in NFTs
NFT trading volumes continue to stay low but gaming NFTs gave traders some positive news this week.
Binance Japan launches with 34 tokens, BNB debuts in the country
Binance announced the launch of Binance Japan on Tuesday, offering 34 cryptocurrencies.
Crypto’s latest inflection point an opportunity for Asia to lead, says Circle’s Yam Ki Chan
Speaking at the WebX Asia conference in Tokyo, Circle’s Singapore-based vice president of strategy and policy discusses U.S. regulation, growing pains in the crypto industry and Asia’s burgeoning role as a Web3 innovator.
Web3 has a big security problem, and the industry is not doing enough to protect users: Opinion
If Web3 wants to be an alternative to traditional finance, the industry must make itself less vulnerable to hacks and security breaches, writes Richard Meissner.
Is Worldcoin’s free crypto more than just a freebie?
Concerns arise over Worldcoin’s free crypto. NFT market does a crabwalk. Japan’s next big thing for the metaverse.
Sky Mavis and CyberKongz Plan to Win Together
CyberKongz plans a shift to the Ronin blockchain alongside Axie Infinity as Sky Mavis gears up for its first PFP collection and third-party NFT mint.
Russia to launch digital ruble CBDC payments on August 1
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a digital ruble bill into law on Monday, approving the use of its central bank digital currency for payments starting from Aug. 1. See related article: Russia delays CBDC pilot to await new law Fast facts
Blockchain sleuths win Arkham’s US$5,000 bounty for Terra, Do Kwon’s wallet info
Arkham Intel Exchange on Monday said two blockchain sleuths had won the bounty for new evidence of wallets owned by Terraform Labs and its imprisoned co-founder Kwon Do-hyeong.
New NFT Project makes it big; XRP & BTC pull up crypto
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Angie Lau, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. Coming up on today’s show:
XRP triumphs over SEC, but crypto clarity remains in the shadows
Top blockchain and crypto news: Ripple not clear of hurdles | NFTs in historically slow period | Hong Kong banks dither
NFTs, Where did the buyers go?
Despite ample Ethereum holdings, traders appear less willing to invest in NFTs. Ethereum wallet growth data in 2023 suggests low NFT sales, while Ether used for NFT sales has dropped to 2021 levels.
How Asia is emerging as a safe haven for digital assets: Opinion
As the US is engulfed in regulatory strife, Asian countries are rolling out legal frameworks that attract crypto investment, protect consumers and encourage innovation.
USDT’s goal is to be the dollar, not beat it, says Tether CTO
Scrutiny on the stablecoin’s reserves has intensified since USDT’s latest depegging scare. Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether and Bitfinex, delves into the composition of USDT reserves, explaining how the firm ensures dollar redemptions, irrespective of secondary market prices.
After U.S. court rules Ripple XRP is not a security, industry remains cautious
In a long-awaited decision, the U.S. court ruled in favor of Ripple Labs in its case against the Securities and Exchange Commission, providing a boost to most cryptocurrency prices. But industry participants remain wary.
Why culture and ownership are critical to the metaverse: Opinion
As stores of our identity, customs and creativity, NFTs will drive Web3 adoption and become central to the new digital economy, writes Yat Siu, executive chairman of Animoca Brands.
South Korea mandates new accounting rules for domestic crypto sector
South Korea’s FSC is requiring companies that issue or own cryptocurrencies to provide detailed crypto disclosures from 2024.
NFT recovery or new bottom discovery?
Blur has been adding demand for specific collections by incentivizing floor NFT trading, which may have mitigated aggressive price undercutting for liquidty.