Growth of digital assets markets and exchanges
Interview with Thor Chan, CEO of AAX Forkast.News: The value of digital assets has exploded during the last year, and we are now at levels well above previous forecasts. What are you seeing in the market right now? Thor Chan: We think that the global crypto market is growing. More money is flowing in, and […]
China’s crypto miners eye Kazakhstan in exodus; e-HKD study on track | The Daily Forkast
Kazakhstan is quickly becoming a mining hotspot as China’s mining exodus settles down. In Hong Kong, and update on the e-HKD.
South Korean crypto exchange fee revelations deal blow to sector’s credibility
Payment for listings raises questions over integrity of cryptocurrencies’ credit scores as compliance deadline nears.
How enterprises are fueling blockchain adoption among SMEs
What is blockchain and how can it help smaller companies? A special panel sponsored by Blockchain-based Service Network explores the use cases.
Bitcoin not ideal for cyber crime, says Filecoin Foundation chair
Bitcoin was recovered by the FBI from the Colonial Pipeline ransomware cyber criminals DarkSide, sparking privacy concerns around cryptocurrencies.
China Blockchain Report
Blockchain Is Not China’s Future — It Is The Present Blockchain technology is a national priority for China, and it’s being integrated in both enterprise and government. Nowhere else in the world has a country approached the development of a technology with such a sense of urgency. Forkast.Insights sat down with top China-based insiders, academics, protocols, […]
Building construction meets blockchain, Binance launches NFT platform | The Daily Forkast
Construction meets blockchain in Australian and Binance’s NFT marketplace is open for business.
Palestine looks to launch central bank digital currency
Following Israel’s recent tests of a digital shekel, the Palestinian Monetary Authority is looking to launch its own central bank digital currency.
Paraguay university to accept crypto for tuition fees
A university in Paraguay has announced that it will begin accepting cryptocurrency as payment for tuition starting from August.
Bitcoin ETFs start trading on Brazil, Dubai stock exchanges
QR Capital’s Bitcoin exchange-traded fund — the first Bitcoin ETF in Latin America — has been listed on Brazil’s stock exchange.
Survey: 32% of novice traders only invested in crypto in past year
Nearly one in three novice traders reported making no traditional investments outside crypto over the past year, according to a survey published today by Overbit, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange. In contrast, 85.3% of professional traders reported diversifying their investment portfolios to stock, real estate or other traditional assets. Fast facts: The survey of 3,000 traders […]
Australian auction house begins accepting crypto for all items
Auction house Lloyds Auctions Australia has begun accepting cryptocurrency for all purchases on its marketplace.
Binance NFT marketplace launches with auction of Dali, Warhol
Crypto exchange Binance is launching a non-fungible token marketplace, auctioning NFTs of artworks by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
Court grants Ripple access to SEC’s internal trading policies on XRP
A judge has granted Ripple’s request to force the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to reveal its non-public policies regarding whether agency employees may buy and sell XRP and other cryptocurrencies, according to a screenshot of a new legal filing shared by the lawyer representing XRP holders. Fast facts: Earlier this month, Ripple sought the […]
Bitcoin: Follow the money. Titan goes Titan-ic. China’s footloose miners.
Top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bitcoin’s still winning. Titan’s troubles as a teachable moment. Beijing creates a crypto mining diaspora.
South Korea’s Upbit sued for patent violation, Alipay launches NFT platform | The Daily Forkast
Another legal challenge faces cryptocurrency exchange Upbit. In China, Ant Group is getting into the NFT game — through Alipay.
What lies ahead for CBDCs, Bitcoin and other digital currencies?
In a new report, Bank for International Settlements extols central bank digital currency (CBDC) as the future of money. Will CBDCs replace Bitcoin someday?
Taiwan developing Covid-19 blockchain platform to track jab history
A team of doctors and engineers in Taiwan is developing a blockchain-based platform that could keep track of residents’ vaccination histories and health conditions.
Bitcoin price rebounds after falling below $30K for first time in 6 months
After a spate of bad news, Bitcoin’s price tumbled to its lowest level this year before climbing back up to $34,000. Where are BTC prices likely to go next?
Report: US cryptocurrency crimes surging by 300% a year
Crypto-related crime in the US increased an average of over 300% per year from 2017 to 2020with a total of 82,135 cases last year alone.
Polkadot DeFi hub Acala’s Karura network wins first Kusama auction
Decentralized finance hub Acala Network’s sister network, Karura, has won the first parachain lease auction on Kusama, Polkadot’s pre-production network, and is now successfully producing blocks, according to an announcement today. Fast facts: The successful completion of Kusama’s first parachain slot auction and Karura’s launch brings Polkdot ever closer to its rollout. Karura raised more […]
New crypto mining hot spots emerge; Korea crypto controversy escalates | The Daily Forkast
The next generation of mining hot spots are shaping out in the aftermath of China’s mining exodus as Upbit’s delisting generates new enemies.
Bearish crypto sentiment focused on Bitcoin, CoinShares says
Bitcoin is in its sixth consecutive week of institutional outflows, with US$89 million exiting the coin, according to a weekly fund flows report.
Sotheby’s will accept Bitcoin and Ether for 101-carat diamond auction
Sotheby’s has announced it will be accepting cryptocurrency as payment in an upcoming auction for a 101.38-carat diamond with flawless clarity.
CoinShares partners with Germany’s Finanzen Zero on crypto ETPs
European digital asset manager CoinShares hasannounced a partnership with German financial news portal Finanzen.net to bring crypto exchange traded products to investors with no trading fees.
Asia’s newest unicorn, crypto trading firm Amber Group, raises $100 million
Forkast.News speaks with Michael Wu, Amber Group’s co-founder and CEO, on how the crypto firm is going from $100 million to $1 billion in valuation.
WazirX CEO: India’s crypto industry trying to keep ‘clean’ for regulators
Crypto literacy of Indian regulators is evolving and crypto players are trying to keep industry clean via self-regulations, says Nischal Shetty of WazirX.
MSCI to launch cryptocurrency index
Global securities index MSCI plans to launch a cryptocurrency index, according to CEO Henry Fernandez.
Grayscale eyes 13 more crypto assets including Polygon, Bancor
Institutional digital asset manager Grayscale announced today that it is exploring 13 more assets for its trusts, mainly related to decentralized finance.
How DeFi exchanges like SynFutures may challenge TradFi and CeFi
Singapore-based decentralized exchange SynFutures has closed a $14 million series A round to bring crypto derivatives to new users around the world.
More regulation for SK crypto exchanges; NFTs kick-start K-pop comeback | The Daily Forkast
Self-published tokens get barred from South Korean exchanges as Hong Kong’s air quality recording meets blockchain technology.
Bitcoin price dips but BTC dominance rises with US inflation fears
Bitcoin sheds 4% but BTC’s share of the total crypto market grows after US Fed projects higher inflation and plans interest hikes earlier than expected.
Airbnb to face decentralized rival as Dtravel launches
Former executives from online travel platforms have partnered with Binance-backed Travala.com to launch an Airbnb-like decentralized home-sharing platform.
The internet paradigm shift is here: Are you prepared for Web 3.0?
Permissionless, open source and decentralized, Web 3.0 will transform computing and data storage. Maria Paula Fernandez of Golem Network explains how.
BitDAO raises US$230M with Peter Thiel, VCs to drive DeFi adoption
BitDAO — a new decentralized autonomous organization that aims to promote and propel the mass adoption of open finance and the decentralized tokenized economy — has announced the completion of a US$230 million private sale.
Coinbase Pro adds Shiba Inu, Chiliz and Keep, causing prices to spike
Coinbase will add Shiba Inu, Chiliz and Keep Network to its professional trading platform with full trading beginning at 9am PT if liquidity conditions are met.
Yunnan warns miners over power use; WazirX faces gov’t heat | The Daily Forkast
China’s crypto mining crackdown continues while Indian finance authorities probe one of the nation’s largest exchange WazirX.
What is yield farming in DeFi and how does it work?
One of DeFi’s hottest trends, yield farming can bring riches but is not for crypto beginners or those who can’t afford to lose. Forkast.News explains why.
As blockchain becomes widely used in banking, what are its security risks?
Blockchain provides greater data transparency and security than ever before, but the technology is not immune to cyber attacks and data breaches.
Huobi launches Blockchain Assets Center for token listings
Huobi Group has announced the launch of a Blockchain Assets Center to provide a standardized, streamlined process for projects seeking to list on its cryptocurrency exchange, Huobi Global.
SK govt assists crypto exchanges; Aus firm accepts crypto for rent | The Daily Forkast
South Korean government is holding on-site visits to help crypto exchanges get regulated while an Aussie business wants crypto for rent.
Plasm Network closes $10M fundraise to bolster Polkadot ambitions
With Kusama slot parachain auctions underway, the first starting next week, Plasm and Shiden networks prepare for a multi-chain future with Polkadot.
Foreign crypto exchanges eye India despite regulatory uncertainty
Despite regulatory uncertainty over cryptocurrency trading in India, some of the world’s largest crypto exchanges are looking to enter the market.
Algorithm-generated NFT artwork sells at Sotheby’s for US$11.8M
Auction house Sotheby’s has sold a non-fungible token of a digital artwork known as “CryptoPunk, Alien #7523” for US$11.8 million.
IMF targets El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption, citing financial and legal concerns
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will meet with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele to finalize discussions around a pandemic relief loan to support the Central American nation. In a Thursday press briefing, IMF spokesman Garry Rice also implied that El Salvador’s decision to make Bitcoin a national currency will be a focus of the meeting for the IMF team.
Singapore’s GIC takes 8% stake in HK’s digital asset company BC Group
GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, is investing in BC Group—the parent company of OSL, Hong Kong’s first licensed cryptocurrency exchange.
Jump Trading partners with Solana-based DeFi protocol Oxygen
Jump Trading, a high-frequency trading firm, is joining Oxygen, a decentralized finance prime brokerage protocol, as a strategic partner and market-maker to provide liquidity on the Oxygen platform.
Saudis lead $30M Series A for China nationwide blockchain network manager
Beijing-based Red Date Technology — the face of China’s ambitious nationwide blockchain service network — receives a big investment boost.
Asian crypto exchange Kikitrade wins funds from UK billionaire Alan Howard
Kikitrade today announced a US$12 million fund raise with investment from British hedge fund billionaire Alan Howard to accelerate its growth.
Hong Kong eyes CBDC; Aussie Millennials favor crypto vs. real estate | The Daily Forkast
Hong Kong looks to explore CBDC feasibility as Australian millennials favor investing in crypto over traditional assets.
UNICEF invests in blockchain startups for financial inclusion
UNICEF Venture Fund is awarding up to $100,000 to blockchain startups, including India’s GovBlocks, in its latest funding round. Here are the other projects.
India crypto feud continues; Korea mining thief busted | The Daily Forkast
Regulatory uncertainty pushes India’s crypto industry towards self regulation as a secret Ethereum miner gets busted in Seoul Arts Center.
How NFTs are redrawing Asia’s art scene from artists to galleries
From Phillips auction house in Hong Kong to Art Fair Philippines, non-fungible tokens are redefining how Asia appreciates, buys and profits from art.
Take that, Miami: Hong Kong hosts its own Bitcoin meet-up
As 50,000 Bitcoiners and crypto superstars whoop it up at Miami’s Bitcoin 2021 fest, a smaller group of BTC fans hold their own at the Fringe in Hong Kong.
Chinese crypto social media crackdown; Seoul tightens rules on crypto | The Daily Forkast
Chinese social media Weibo bans crypto accounts as employees of South Korean crypto exchanges can no longer trade on their own platforms.
Ripple accuses SEC of ‘noncompliance’ in sharing XRP, Bitcoin and Ether communications
Ripple is also asking court to order SEC to reveal the agency’s internal employee policies on trading cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.
What blockchain games like Alien Worlds say about life outside metaverses
In a special Q&A, Sarojini McKenna of Alien Worlds discusses play-to-earn gaming, digital assets like Trilium, and lives increasingly lived inside virtual worlds.
How serious is the threat of Bitcoin mining to the environment?
Is Bitcoin’s carbon footprint a growing risk to Earth, or is it a red herring? On this year’s United Nations World Environment Day, crypto mining is a hot topic.
HK’s Bitcoin Meetup ahead of Bitcoin 2021; Banksy work offered for crypto | The Daily Forkast
Hong Kong arranged a Bitcoin gathering ahead of Bitcoin 2021 Conference in Miami as Phillips auction house offers Banksy’s work for crypto.
Criticisms of Tether’s reserves are unfounded, says Bitfinex CTO
After Tether’s legal settlement with New York, USDT’s growth is exploding—dispelling concerns over Tether’s reserves, says Bitfinex CTO Paolo Ardoino.
DBS Bank tapping on tokenized bonds as a new way to invest
From digital bonds to real estate, blockchain-enabled security token offerings and tokenization are redefining corporate fundraising and investing.
Cardano and Nervos to launch cross-chain bridge
Input Output Hong Kong and Nervos announced today that they will be launching a cross-chain bridge to connect the two networks.
Is India’s central bank greenlighting crypto? Bitcoin fees fall to new lows. Cardano rolls out Alonzo upgrade for DeFi.
Other top blockchain and crypto news: Thailand’s SEC tries to rein in DeFi via regulation. Will China’s future DCEP digital yuan offer smart contracts?
WazirX launches India’s first NFT marketplace
WazirX launched the country’s first NFT marketplace on Tuesday, featuring artists from India and other South Asian nations.
Financial Stability Board seeks faster, cheaper cross-border payments
The Financial Stability Board has launched a public consultation on global targets for cross-border payments.
Privacy coin Monero surges as US and Australia target crypto gains
Privacy-centric coins like Monero, ZCash and Dash are seeing big price rises as the IRS and ATO issue warnings on taxable crypto transactions.
Cardano rebounds 15% as Alonzo smart contact testnet launches
Following the launch of Cardano’s first testnet for its smart contract platform, Alonzo, ADA’s price rebounded by 15% on Monday morning to reach US$1.65.
Crypto crimes surge in Asia; Bitcoin cause for divorce in S. Korea | The Daily Forkast
Crypto crime is surging in Asia while Bitcoin is being blamed for splitting up married couples in South Korea.
How FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried navigates crypto trading’s new normal
From mass liquidations to meme trading, the characteristics unique to the crypto market can now be seen in traditional markets, says FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
Are 73 SEC actions against crypto enough warning to Ripple about XRP?
SEC says Ripple had plenty of ‘notice’ that XRP transactions could be violating the law via its many enforcement actions against other crypto companies.
Bridging the DeFi data gap with indexing blockchain data
Blockchain technology has massive data requirements, but the data can be difficult and costly to access. What are some of the solutions?
Almost four in ten consumers have bought cryptocurrencies, study finds
Consumer adoption of cryptocurrencies has grown, with 38% of respondents to a survey saying they have either invested in or bought a cryptocurrency, according to digital wallet provider Skrill, part of payments provider Paysafe.