Tesla’s trillion-dollar triumph — and its bond with Bitcoin
Top blockchain and crypto news: Is Tesla’s turbocharge a boost for Bitcoin? Mastercard’s Bakkt with a new crypto deal. Chinese NFTs on knife-edge.
What will Ethereum prices be as 2021 ends?
As Ethereum surges to a new all-time high, 50 fintech experts surveyed by Finder offer predictions on ETH’s year-end and longer-term price outlook.
Vitalik Buterin: Layer 2 is the future of Ethereum scaling
Ethereum’s creator explains why rollups can help scale Ethereum while preserving decentralization.
Philippines trials blockchain voting; Byron Bay to host crypto mining
Philippines trials blockchain voting meanwhile Byron Bay to host crypto mining
What are the risks of recreating reality in the metaverse?
New virtual worlds are full of opportunities, writes Sandra Helou of Zilliqa. But what if real-world problems get magnified in the metaverse?
Solana price hits new all-time high amid rising crypto market
As the crypto market lit up with green across the board this morning, the price of Solana (SOL) jumped 6% in a few hours overnight to reach a new all-time high of US$218.73, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Solana’s price has since lost some of this ground, however, and was trading at US$208.57 at press […]
Australia looks to regulate crypto; Ethereum hits all-time high
Australia’s Senate report into fintech regulations includes 12 recommendations for a clear digital assets framework.
Ethereum price touches new all-time high in altcoins rally
Ethereum prices surged to new heights ahead of next week’s Altair Beacon Chain upgrade but then pulled back. How do crypto experts make sense of it?
FTX raises $421 million, valuation jumps $7B in 3 months
Just three months after closing a record US$1 billion series B, the two-year-old cryptocurrency exchange is now valued at US$25 billion. Fast facts The US$420,690,000 Series B-1 funding round saw the participation of 69 investors, with prominent names the lineup, including Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, via its Teachers’ Innovation Platform, Singapore’s state-owned investment firm […]
Bitcoin hits all-time high; Lotte World opens in metaverse
Bitcoin hits all-time high, also Lotte World opens in metaverse
Bitcoin reaches new all-time price high, but in a very different market since last time
When the world’s largest cryptocurrency last reached a price high, China had yet to crack down on crypto mining, and there was no U.S. Bitcoin futures ETF. What do changing market conditions mean for the growth of Bitcoin and the crypto industry?
A radically different financial architecture is here. Who will own it?
DeFi is a real-world experiment testing out a new model for finance, writes Alex Grebnev of Oxygen. What is the future of banking without Wall Street?
Blockchain gaming unicorn Animoca Brands closes $65M capital raise at $2.2B valuation
Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based blockchain gaming, metaverse and non-fungible token (NFT) company, has closed a capital raise for US$65 million at a pre-money valuation of US$2.2 billion, according to a company statement. Fast facts Investors in the round included Liberty City Ventures, Ubisoft Entertainment, Sequoia China, Dragonfly Capital, Token Bay Capital and Justin Sun, […]
The crypto policy landscape and how to educate policy makers about Web 3.0 | Ep. 5
How the crypto economy is engaging with legislators, what policy makers need to know about Web 3.0 and what role the U.S. infrastructure bill has played in kickstarting better cryptocurrency education.
How to make sense of the hot new digital assets, like Bored Apes? Think: Lego blocks
Money, culture and community are now converging in NFTs and the token economy, writes Lily Z. King. Welcome to a new world where ‘money Lego’ meets ‘culture Lego.’
South Korean crypto exchanges look for new revenue sources
After iron-fisted regulations closed down many exchanges, remaining trading platforms look for alternatives to transaction fees.
37% of Singaporeans use or are keen on crypto for purchases — but more are uninterested: report
More than one-third — or 37% — of Singapore residents are already using or are interested in using cryptocurrencies to pay for purchases, according to the latest research from Worldpay from FIS, a payment platform. But nearly half — or 47% — of Singaporean respondents said that they were not interested in using cryptocurrencies for payments. […]
China’s crypto investors get creative to bypass domestic trading ban
Some are registering companies overseas, via — you guessed it — Taobao vendors.
Where are Bitcoin prices heading as 2021 ends? 50 experts offer predictions
As the price of Bitcoin hovers just under its all-time high, a report released today by Australia-based comparison site Finder.com is predicting that the world’s largest cryptocurrency will peak at US$80,021 later in 2021 before ending the year slightly lower at US$71,415. Fast facts Bitcoin was trading at US$62,294 at publishing time, just below its […]
Facebook to create 10,000 jobs in the EU to build its vision for the metaverse
Facebook says it will create 10,000 jobs in the European Union over the next five years to build its highly anticipated metaverse — a digital platform that utilizes technology such as virtual and augmented reality that the company says has the potential to unlock new creative, social and economic opportunities. Fast facts According to a […]
Samsung Next, others grow blockchain portfolio despite tightened South Korea regulations
Conglomerates including Samsung continue to invest in blockchain and crypto startups despite a government crackdown on the industry.
Taking opulence online: How blockchain is beckoning luxury brands
As luxury brands eye the virtual realm, Zilliqa co-founder Max Kantelia looks forward to a convergence of desirable objects and digital opportunities.
Ripple joins Digital Pound Foundation as it looks to expand its CBDC business
Ripple, a San Francisco-based blockchain payments company, has joined the Digital Pound Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting the implementation of a digital pound in the United Kingdom, according to a Ripple blog post. Fast facts As a foundation member, Ripple will be represented on the board by Susan Friedman, Ripple’s head of policy. Other foundation […]
Sotheby’s to auction digital art in a digital world
Sotheby’s, the 277-year-old auction house, is launching its own immersive digital experience to offer prospective buyers a new way of engaging with the latest art-world craze — non-fungible token (NFT) artworks — according to a press release shared with Forkast.News. Fast facts Sotheby’s is creating a metaverse to allow users to explore and learn about […]
Binance taps former Dubai financial services official as regulatory liaison chief
Binance — the world’s biggest cryptocurrency by trading volume — today announced the appointment of Mark McGinness, former head of international relations at the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), as its chief regulatory liaison officer, according to a company statement. Fast facts McGinness’ appointment comes as Binance bolsters its compliance efforts and navigates regulatory headwinds […]
Crypto platforms Cobo, Gate.io leave mainland following China crypto ban
Cryptocurrency investors on the Chinese mainland continue to feel the chill from the country’s latest crypto ban, as more and more industry players exit the Chinese market. Cobo, a Singapore-based crypto management platform, is among the latest to opt out. Fast facts In order to reflect the regulatory requirements on the mainland, Cobo said Wednesday […]
Bitcoin bulls set for stampede amid six-figure forecasts
Top blockchain and crypto news: Big money heads for Bitcoin. How fishy are Squid Game NFTs? China mothballs mining.
Coinbase and Binance move to diversify; Stablecoins under scrutiny
Coinbase and Binance move to diversify meanwhile Stablecoins under scrutiny
Crypto exchanges diversify amid growing competition
As non-crypto players like Twitter and PayPal take up digital assets, Coinbase, Binance and others look for ways to expand offerings.
Hex Trust integrates Hedera Hashgraph into custody platform
Hong Kong-based digital asset custodian Hex Trust has integrated enterprise-grade public blockchain network Hedera Hashgraph into its Hex Safe custody platform, the company announced today. Fast facts With the integration, Hex Trust’s Hex Safe custody platform will support HBAR — the Hedera network’s native cryptocurrency — and tokens issued using the Hedera Token Service (HTS), […]
Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic bags $60M from SoftBank, Wells Fargo, others
Blockchain analytics company Elliptic has raised US$60 million in its Series C funding round led by Evolution Equity Partners and Japanese investment giant SoftBank, the company has announced. Fast facts Elliptic counts a number of marquee investors among its existing backers who participated in the current financing round, including Digital Currency Group, Wells Fargo Strategic […]
Samsung backs blockchain-based gaming, invests in Axie Infinity
South Korean conglomerate Samsung is increasingly involved in the burgeoning world of blockchain-based gaming, while within Korea, games with blockchain elements are banned from official release in the country. Fast facts Samsung Next, the tech giant’s investment subsidiary, participated in a US$152 million Series B round of Sky Mavis, the Vietnam-based blockchain game company and […]
Altcoin Stacks STX price surges 70% as crypto market slumps
While most of the market was down around 5% coming into the Asia trading day this morning, altcoin Stacks was up over 70% in 24 hours on Sunday night, according to data from CoinMarketCap, hitting a high of US$2.45 — the highest point the token had reached since the market-wide crash in May. The price has fallen […]
Blockchain technology to aid journalists in South Korea
A South Korean tech company is partnering with the largest organization of professional journalists in the country to develop digital tools and techniques to tackle problems in the journalism industry. Fast facts Media technology developer PUBLISH recently announced signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK), which represents over 11,000 […]
Tether fires back; Easy Crypto closes Series A funding round
Tether fires back while Easy Crypto closes Series A funding round
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.
Crypto exchange Binance looks to Ireland for regional HQ
Binance — the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world — is looking at setting up regional headquarters in Ireland, according to Reuters. Fast facts “Historically, we claim that we don’t have headquarters. We are actually just in the process of establishing a few headquarters in different parts of the world,” Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao told […]
CoinSwitch Kuber becomes unicorn; Australians reminded over crypto tax
Coinswitch Kuber becomes unicorn meanwhile Australians reminded over crypto tax
Australian Tax Office warns: taxpayers on the hook for crypto tax earnings
Officials are concerned that many investors may not be aware crypto trading is taxed in a similar way to share trading.
Singapore’s UOB and ADDX exchange partner on US$37 million sustainability-linked digital bond
Singapore’s United Overseas Bank (UOB) and digital securities exchange ADDX today announced the digitization of a S$50 million (US$37 million) sustainability-linked bond using blockchain and smart contract technology. Fast facts The bond allocation was part of a S$675 million (US$496 million) sustainability-linked bond issued on Sept. 29 by Singapore-based energy provider Sembcorp Industries, through its […]
How to protect digital privacy and freedom of expression | Ep. 4
The importance of digital privacy, freedom of expression and civil liberties and how Web 3 can protect them.
Crypto miners blamed for Kazakhstan’s power shortages; Bitcoin on the up
Kazakhstan blames its newly settled crypto miners for power shortages as South Korea’s largest exchange is accused of listing faulty tokens for profits.
How should the world tackle crypto criminals and digital dangers?
Top blockchain and crypto news: US leads charge in ramping up cybersecurity. Crypto fans crow as Facebook flops. China bears down on metaverses.
Sky Mavis receives $3B valuation in funding round amid tumultuous period for Axie Infinity
Sky Mavis, the company behind leading non-fungible token game Axie Infinity, has raised US$152 million in a Series B funding round with a valuation of nearly US$3 billion, according to news outlet The Information. Fast facts Led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Sky Mavis said it will use the funds to improve its blockchain […]
Bitcoin price crosses $50K, but market dominance continues falling
This is the second time the world’s largest cryptocurrency has hit the mark in recent months. Does that mean this price point is here to stay?
Axie Infinity revenue plunges, while AXS price breaks new ground
It’s been quite a run for the world’s leading play-to-earn game, but as its monthly revenue takes a hit, what’s in store for the future of the game?
Central and Southeast Asia among fastest-growing regions in global crypto adoption: Chainalysis
Much of the growth in the region is driven by strong grassroots adoption rates led by Vietnam, India and Pakistan, new data from Chainalysis shows
South Korean game developer, crypto exchange team up for next level gaming
Mobile game company Gamevil buys a large share of crypto platform Coinone, planning to develop blockchain-based gaming.
DeFi benefits from China ban; Gamevil increases Coinone stake
DeFi benefits from China ban while Gamevil increases Coinone stake
A crypto-trading hamster is outrunning Warren Buffett
Although scarcely the size of a human palm, Mr. Goxx is earning big returns in the virtual currency market, raking in a 16% return as of Tuesday.
After the crackdown: go underground, go along, or buy the dip?
Chinese social media has been abuzz since authorities lowered the boom on crypto. Forkast.News has been following the chatter. Here’s what they’re saying on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter.
China crackdown legal concerns; Korea discusses virtual asset law
China crackdown legal concerns as Korea also discusses virtual asset law
South Korean banks find workaround to cash in on crypto services
NH Nonghyup is the third bank in South Korea to invest in a virtual asset custody service while they are prohibited from running their own.
Unmade in China: Beijing’s crypto cold war turns hot
Top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Beijing’s crypto crusade comes to a head. Chinese mining caves in. Mr. Goxx reaps robust returns.
Fetch.ai, Algbra partner to bring AI-driven DeFi services to minority communities
Fetch.ai, an artificial intelligence lab based in the British city of Cambridge, today announced its partnership with Algbra, a London-based fintech platform, to bring artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to decentralized finance (DeFi) and the banking sector to provide minority communities with greater access to financial services. Fast facts According to a statement shared […]
China fallout hits mining; Korea digital custody competition heats up
China fallout hits mining meanwhile Korea digital custody competition heats up
Singapore securities exchange ADDX tokenizes Partners Group global private equity fund
Singapore-based digital securities exchange ADDX today announced it had tokenized an allocation to a global private equity fund by Partners Group, a private equity firm listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Fast facts The allocation from the Partners Group Global Value SICAV Fund is the first from a major private equity firm that has been tokenized, […]
Damage to South Korean crypto market limited despite mass closure, regulator says
South Korea’s virtual asset industry is expected to withstand major regulatory reconstruction
What does China’s crypto ban really mean? Insights from the ground
China’s hardline stance against crypto is already rippling beyond its borders. A mainland crypto insider explains the global shakeup yet to come.
Why DeFi holds the key to metaverse success
A profound shift is underway in online culture, writes Anndy Lian of BigOne Exchange. Here’s how decentralized finance might one day power the NFT and metaverse economy.
Chinese blockchain Conflux partners with GIGXPAD to tokenize real-world assets in Africa
GIGXPAD, a decentralized finance (DeFi) project based in Africa, is partnering with public blockchain network Conflux to tokenize real-world assets, according to a company statement shared with Forkast.News. Fast facts The collaboration, which marks the Chinese blockchain Conflux’s first use case in Africa, will see GIGXPAD deploying a decentralized crowdfunding platform on Conflux. According to […]
Former US Treasury advisor predicts no ‘real action’ from Fed on CBDC
While a US digital dollar is stuck at pole position, China’s digital yuan is nearing the finish line. Michael B. Greenwald of Tiedemann Advisors explains why it matters to the future global economy.
After Evergrande, will virtual real estate be the next alternative asset class?
The property market is increasingly expensive and out of reach for today’s younger generation. Digital land sales may hit home with some buyers.
Crypto platform Cobo raises $40M to expand one-stop DeFi shop for institutions
Cobo, a Singapore-based crypto custody and asset management platform, today announced the completion of its US$40 million Series B fundraise to accelerate the rollout of its decentralized finance (DeFi) as a service (DaaS) product. Fast facts In an interview, Cobo Chief Operating Officer Lily Zhuo told Forkast.News that Cobo’s DeFi as a service (DaaS) product, […]
Why decentralization can help solve the content moderation problem | Ep. 3
Why is content moderation a cosmically huge problem, do humans need to be involved and how can the decentralized web ensure it’s a place for everyone.
What is Audius and could it be the next Spotify?
Audius is enjoying outsized buzz. Should Spotify be scared? In this Forkast.News explainer, learn how this blockchain startup could threaten music industry money — and power.
Over 90% of the world’s poor are not insured, but blockchain could soon change that
Blockchain and parametric insurance offer a bigger safety net for the world’s most vulnerable, writes Jan Stockhausen of Etherisc. Here’s how it works.
Evergrande debt woes hit crypto; Mooncakes in the metaverse
Evergrande debt woes hit crypto meanwhile Mooncakes are in the metaverse
How crypto enthusiasts in Asia are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival this year
From crypto-embossed mooncakes to mooncake NFTs to gatherings in the metaverse, how Asia’s crypto fans are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Evergrande’s uncertainty rocks crypto market
Crypto investors and industry watchers are following closely the potential collapse of Chinese property giant Evergrande.
Boba network announces mainnet launch of layer 2 optimistic rollup
ETH 2.0 is expected to address transaction speeds and gas fees on the world’s number two blockchain, but a growing number of layer-2 protocols are looking to solve those issues today.
Cosmos price reaches for the stars as market remains firmly on the ground
As most of the crypto market stagnates, Cosmos has been on a tear over the weekend, gaining 35% since Saturday morning Asia time to reach an all-time high of US$44.54 this morning, according to CoinMarketCap.com. Fast facts Though it dropped slightly to US$41.72 just before press time, this jump marks the first time the ATOM […]