Vauld buyout talks; Celsius fights against bankruptcy
Crypto exchange Vauld is in buyout talks with Nexo. Meanwhile, other exchanges are in a fight against bankruptcy as Celsius pushes on despite short squeeze.
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.
Three Arrows, Voyager failures raise questions of who is next in crypto fall from grace
The crypto winter is killing off companies that took on big risks when markets were booming. So is this the shakeout all financial markets go through?
‘Wolf of Wall Street’ says Bitcoin investments will be profitable in three to five years
Jordan Belfort, the man who inspired Martin Scorsese’s film “Wolf of Wall Street” and a once-avowed crypto critic, said Bitcoin is a long play while speaking on Yahoo Finance’s show The Crypto Mile. See related article: Bank of England calls for greater crypto regulation Fast facts The former convicted financial criminal turned famous consultant and […]
Nexo in talks to buy out Vauld
Nexo said it plans to not only protect Vauld’s existing customer base but also to give them access to an improved range of services. See related article: Celsius repays debts, cuts jobs amid bankruptcy fears Fast facts Nexo said it signed an indicative term sheet with Vauld that grants it a 60-day exclusive exploratory period […]
Bank of England calls for greater crypto regulation
The Bank of England (BoE) called for stricter financial regulations on the back of the recent cryptocurrency crash in its Financial Stability Report released Tuesday. See related article: Crypto crash justifies RBI’s stance: central bank chief Fast facts Risk is growing with the cryptocurrency industry’s expanding connection with the wider financial system, the U.K. central […]
Crypto’s biggest problem is not volatility, but scalability
Notwithstanding this bear market, Web3’s more pressing issue is its inability to handle large volumes, writes Greg Gopman. Can sidechains offer a solution?
MAS mulls crypto limits; Pacquiao’s Pacman NFTs
Singapore’s monetary authority mulls on crypto limits. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao drops his NFT collection despite the crypto winter.
Celsius repays debts, cuts jobs amid bankruptcy fears
Celsius Network has paid back US$142.8 million of its debt to Maker since July 1, data from DeFi Explore shows, as the embattled cryptocurrency lender looks to avoid a complete collapse. See related article: Goldman Sachs said to raise US$2B for Celsius assets: report Fast facts With the repayment, Celsius’ liquidation price for its Wrapped […]
Vauld halts withdrawals, trading, deposits; explores restructuring
Vauld has suspended all withdrawals, trading and deposits on its platform, the Singapore-headquartered cryptocurrency exchange said on Monday. See related article: Three Arrows Capital files for Chapter 15 bankruptcy Fast facts The firm, backed by PayPal founder Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures, Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures, said it is exploring “potential restructuring options.” Vauld said […]
Singapore may limit retail participation in crypto
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is mulling additional consumer protection safeguards on crypto, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the minister in charge of the central bank, told Parliament. See related article: Singapore’s central bank says cryptocurrencies have ‘no fundamental value’ Fast facts MAS is considering introducing rules on the use of leverage and limits on retail participation […]
Crypto winter hits NFTs; Three Arrows Capital files for bankruptcy
Three Arrows Capital files for bankruptcy in the US. Meanwhile, SBF and FTX agrees deal with option to buy for up to US$240 million.
Monthly NFT sales fall below US$1 billion for first time in 12 months
Crypto industry sales are slumping, but it’s not just hedge funds and lenders that have been hit hard by the crypto winter. The NFT industry has also begun to feel the chill.
CEL soars 17%; reclaims spot in top 100 crypto by market cap
Celsius Network’s cryptocurrency CEL is up 32.1% over the past 14 days leading to Monday in Asia, even as speculation around the lender filing for bankruptcy heats up. See related article: Celsius community adopts GameStop tactics to squeeze out short sellers Fast facts CEL token gained 17% over the past 24 hours, peaking at US$0.94, […]
BlockFi’s deal with Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX will prioritize clients
The crypto lender signed definitive agreements with FTX US for a US$400 million revolving credit facility that will be subordinate to all client funds. The crypto exchange also has an option to acquire BlockFi for about US$240 million based on performance targets. See related article: Sam Bankman-Fried steps in to bail out BlockFi Fast facts […]
Meitu’s Bitcoin, crypto investments down by over US$50 mln
Hong Kong-listed beauty app Meitu said on Friday it is expecting a net loss of up to 349.9 million yuan (US$52 million) in the first half of 2022, driven by tumbling cryptocurrency prices. See related article: Hong Kong-listed Meitu buys more Bitcoin, now has US$100 million in crypto Fast facts See related article: Software firm […]
Indian crypto trading volume drops as much as 63% after new tax
Trading volume in Indian cryptocurrency exchanges dropped by as much as 63% since July 1, when a 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) was imposed. See related article: India’s latest tax assault on crypto exchanges starts Friday Fast facts Daily trading volume at cryptocurrency exchange WazirX fell more than 63% on July 1 to US$5.36 […]
As the frenzy fades, what value do NFTs really have?
With NFT trading volumes slumping and regulators stepping in, Vignesh Sundaresan, who paid US$69 million for a Beeple artwork, shares his views on the space.
EU’s new crypto rule requires stablecoin issuers to hold more reserves
European Union officials agreed to the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) law on Thursday, placing cryptocurrencies, issuers and service providers under the EU’s first regulatory framework for the industry. The rules are expected to kick in as early as 2024. See related article: European Union to track all crypto transfers Fast facts All stablecoins will fall […]
Roger Ver says he will issue statement on default dispute with CoinFLEX
Early Bitcoin adopter and Bitcoin Cash promoter Roger Ver told Forkast he will issue an official statement before Monday responding to allegations he defaulted on a US$47 million loan in USDC from CoinFLEX. See related article: Roger Ver denies defaulting on US$47 mln loan from CoinFLEX Fast facts Ver told Forkast in a phone interview […]
Cryptocurrencies a clear danger: India central bank chief
Cryptocurrencies are a “clear danger” and have the potential to disrupt financial stability, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das said. See related article: Crypto crash justifies RBI’s stance: central bank chief Fast facts “Anything that derives value based on make believe, without any underlying, is just speculation under a sophisticated name,” Das said […]
CFTC Commissioner Pham suggests regulators stay tech-neutral on stablecoins
The crash of Terra-LUNA threw the entire crypto space into a dark funk, and raised questions about the safety and role of stablecoins. CFTC Commissioner Caroline D. Pham offers a regulators’ viewpoint at a Forkast+ exclusive event.
MAS takes aim at Three Arrows Capital, does not impose penalty
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has “reprimanded” cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC) for misleading information and ignoring assets under management (AUM) limits, the central bank said in a statement on Thursday. See related article: Three Arrows Capital lines up for liquidation Fast facts In August 2013, 3AC obtained its registered fund management […]
Bitcoin drops below US$19K as crypto bleeds further losses
Bitcoin dropped below US$19,000 for the first time since December 2020 as the crypto market wrapped up Q2 with further downturns as of Friday morning in Asia. See related article: Bitcoin, crypto fall amid reports of 3AC’s court-ordered liquidation Fast facts The world’s largest cryptocurrency hit a low of US$18,729 and was trading at US$20,352 […]
3AC contagion fears; Saylor buys more Bitcoin
3AC has reportedly been told to liquidate. Meanwhile, Microstrategy’s Saylor buys another US$10 million worth of BTC.
India’s latest tax assault on crypto exchanges starts Friday
India’s government can’t seem to decide on following China with an outright ban on crypto trading. So is it bent instead on suffocating traders and exchanges with taxes?
Bitcoin, crypto fall amid reports of 3AC’s court-ordered liquidation
Bitcoin was trading below US$20,000 in late morning trade in Asia on Thursday as reports of a court-ordered liquidation of Three Arrows Capital (3AC) added to fears of a contagion in crypto. See related article: Three Arrows Capital lines up for liquidation Fast facts The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell to as low as US$19,937.79 in […]
Genesis Trading at risk of nine-figure losses in 3AC contagion: report
Crypto market maker and lender Genesis Trading may lose “hundreds of millions” due to its exposure to troubled crypto firms Three Arrows Capital (3AC) and Hong Kong-based lender Babel Finance, CoinDesk reported. See related article: Wall Street seems to sense opportunity in distressed crypto markets Fast facts Genesis is seeking at least partial reimbursement from its […]
Why tougher crypto regulations are urgently needed
Lack of public trust remain a big barrier to crypto adoption, writes Tristan Roozendaal. Here’s why regulators should ‘move fast and break things.’
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.
Bitcoin Jesus denies default; Celsius fight back planned
Bitcoin CEO Roger Ver denies defaulting on a loan to CoinFLEX. Meanwhile, Youtuber Bitboy takes aim at Celsius Network.
Wall Street seems to sense opportunity in distressed crypto markets
While critics say the bubble has burst on crypto, Wall Street is moving in to take advantage of what could be some fire-sale asset prices.
Taiwan completes trials of its prototype CBDC for retail use
Taiwan has completed trials of its prototype central bank digital currency (CBDC) in technical simulations, paving the way for the distribution of the digital currency to the public for retail use. See related article: Crypto is based on the greater fool theory: Philippines’ incoming central bank chief Fast facts Taiwan started to study and test […]
Roger Ver denies defaulting on US$47 mln loan from CoinFLEX
Early Bitcoin adopter and Bitcoin Cash promoter Roger Ver has denied defaulting on a US$47 million loan in USDC to beleaguered cryptocurrency exchange CoinFLEX. See related article: CoinFLEX to issue US$47 mln in tokens as it waits for ‘crypto whale’ to pay up Fast facts Ver tweeted overnight in Asia time that rumors of the […]
CoinFLEX issues recovery tokens; MAS says cryptos not currencies
CoinFLEX to solve its liquidity problems by issuing a recovery token. Meanwhile, Singapore’s central bank doubts crypto capabilities.
Singapore’s central bank says cryptocurrencies have ‘no fundamental value’
Whither Singapore in the cryptocurrency world? The Monetary Authority of Singapore has some views on that and as with most markets, there are winners and losers.
Chinese blockchain developer calls crypto a Ponzi scheme
Cryptocurrency is a huge Ponzi scheme, Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN) — the developer behind China’s state-backed blockchain infrastructure — said on Sunday. See related article: China’s BSN to launch overseas public chain without crypto support Fast facts Crypto is an old hoax in a new form, Zhiguang Shan, chair of BSN Development Alliance, and Yifan […]
S.Korea’s Korbit issues employee IDs in CryptoPunk-like NFTs
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Korbit said on Monday that it has issued employee identification cards (IDs) in CryptoPunks-inspired non-fungible tokens (NFTs). See related article: NFT credit card in the works for top S. Korean crypto exchange Fast facts Various South Korean industries have experimented with NFTs for official documentation, such as graduation certificates. Korbit, one […]
What will be the law of the metaverse?
The legal and ethical dilemmas plaguing technology today will only grow more acute in the metaverse, writes Brian Harley. How will real-world laws apply?
BIS warns over crypto; Crypto bailout battles
BIS warns over crypto, calling it unreliable as money. Meanwhile, Morgan Creek Capital counters FTX’s US$250 million BlockFi bailout.
India’s CoinDCX says it restricted crypto withdrawals
“There is a larger compliance requirement due to evolving regulatory needs resulting in increased scrutiny,” a senior executive at the Coinbase Ventures and B Capital backed cryptocurrency exchange said. See related article: CoinDCX double downs as the going gets tough in India Fast facts “We have restricted crypto withdrawal from our platform,” with users being […]
Mind the gap: Bridging the divide between DeFi and CeFi to grow yield
As traditional finance sector firms continue to seek upside crypto exposure, bringing DeFi yields to TradFi has a bright future, says B2C2’s Phillip Gillespie.
CoinFLEX freezes withdrawals; Investors deserting Singapore
CoinFLEX joins other exchanges in freezing withdrawals. Meanwhile, crypto investors in Singapore head for the exits.
How a market slump may be helping Singapore’s stance against retail crypto
One door closes and another opens, which seems to be what’s happening in Singapore as the crypto price slump restructures the trading environment.
Crypto lending platforms, DeFi seem to be having an Animal Farm moment
In a decentralized society envisaged under crypto, everybody is reportedly equal. But as the market strains under considerable stress, it’s showing some are more equal than others.
Crypto volatility hasn’t had macroeconomic implications so far: Jerome Powell
Testifying before the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday, the chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve said the central bank is “not really seeing significant macroeconomic implications so far” with regard to the recent cryptocurrency volatility. See related article: Bitcoin, Ether recover as Fed guidance reduces policy uncertainty Fast facts Powell testified at the Senate Banking […]
South Korea’s SK Square said to put off crypto issuance
The tech investment arm of the South Korean conglomerate reportedly halted the plan to issue its own cryptocurrency, citing the macroeconomic environment and trust issues related to cryptocurrencies. See related article: South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate to issue own cryptocurrency Fast facts SK Square told local news agency Newsis that preparations for trademark applications and the […]
CoinFLEX latest crypto exchange on withdrawal freeze
CoinFLEX is freezing withdrawals due extreme market conditions and uncertainty involving a counterparty, the cryptocurrency futures exchange said in a blog post on Friday. See related article: Contagion risk from Three Arrows Capital weighs on Bitcoin, crypto Fast facts CoinFLEX stressed the counterparty in question was not Three Arrows Capital Ltd., the crypto hedge fund […]
Sam Bankman-Fried agrees second bailout; Pride in the metaverse
Cryptocurrencies return to the red as inflation in the UK soars. Meanwhile, Sam Bankman-Fried agrees to bail out BlockFi for the second time.
Shenzhen financial regulators vow to prevent ‘further’ crypto risks
Three financial regulators in Shenzhen said they would “prevent further risks” in crypto trading, while warning that cryptocurrencies and related businesses are illegal in the mainland. See related article: Law can’t cover crypto losses, China court reiterates Fast facts See related article: Why domestic and overseas Chinese should worry about China’s crypto ban
eBay acquires NFT marketplace KnownOrigin
E-commerce giant eBay has acquired U.K.-based non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace KnownOrigin, the company announced in a press release on Wednesday. See related article: Alibaba Cloud launches service to build NFT marketplaces Fast facts According to the press release, both companies signed and closed the deal on Tuesday, but the purchase price and further details on […]
India tax authorities to discuss 28% GST on crypto trading next week
Indian tax authorities will meet for two days starting June 28 to discuss a goods and services tax (GST) on cryptocurrency transactions, according to a Bloomberg report that cited unidentified sources. See related article: India’s tax bogeyman is scaring off young crypto investors Fast facts A panel comprising federal and state finance ministers will meet […]
What is the right approach to regulating stablecoins?
Terra UST’s crash and burn is prompting calls for regulations. But lawmakers shouldn’t paint all stablecoins with the same brush, writes Alan Chiu.
Tether to offer new sterling-pegged stablecoin, GBPT
Tether said it will launch a new stablecoin pegged to the British pound sterling in early July, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, announced Wednesday. See related article: Tether market cap shrinks below US$70B, lowest since October 2021 Fast facts Tether’s announcement comes a week after Circle, the operator of the world’s second-largest […]
Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies return to red with soaring UK inflation
Bitcoin dropped below US$20,000 for the third time in a week on Thursday morning in Asia as news of record inflation in the U.K. and warnings of a recession hit crypto markets. See related article: Crypto on a roller coaster as market braces for Fed guidance on rates Fast facts Bitcoin was trading down 3.5% […]
Crypto winter ushers in account freezes as platforms feel the chill
Top blockchain and crypto news: Investors snowed in as liquidity crunch hits. Solend harpoons anti-whale maneuver. Chinese NFTs prove a tricky target.
Singapore grants Crypto.com in-principle approval toward offering payment services
The Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Wednesday said the approval toward a license will eventually allow it to offer a range of payment services in the city-state. See related article: Singapore warms up to crypto industry — on its own terms Fast facts Crypto.com has received an in-principle approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for […]
Cardano delays upgrade; Shib and Doge make gains
Dogecoin and Shiba Inu make gains as Elon Musks tweets support. Meanwhile, Vauld joins other crypto exchanges in axing staff.
Calls for policing NFTs gain ground as fraud cases rise
A perceived failure to address increasing fraud in the NFT industry prompts calls for regulation and the adoption of a more centralized approach to weed out bad actors.
STEPN’ing it up with crypto move-to-earn
Enticed by promises of crypto rewards, Joel Stein hits the streets of Los Angeles with a beautiful NFT sneaker. What does he earn — and learn?
Pumped by Elon Musk, Dogecoin gains amid slow market recovery
Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have been staging a strong comeback since Elon Musk came out on Sunday supporting the former. See related article: Has ‘Crypto Winter’ arrived with Bitcoin, Ether prices falling? Fast facts Dogecoin rose more than 15% in morning trade on Wednesday in Asia, according to CoinMarketCap data. The memecoin rose to a […]
Valar Ventures-backed Vauld to lay off 30% of staff
The Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange said the actions of a “few market participants” are creating a lot of uncertainty in the eyes of customers. See related article: ‘Buckle up’ for downsizing crypto market as employees laid off Fast facts The layoffs impact every team with marketing and talent acquisition departments being affected the most, as Vauld […]
China’s Guizhou province to slap backdated power charges on uncovered crypto miners
Another Chinese province has introduced higher retroactive electricity charges for cryptocurrency mining projects when they are discovered, a form of financial penalty on the banned activity. See related article: China seizes over 3,500 Bitcoin mining rigs, hikes electricity rates Fast facts The Guizhou Provincial Development and Reform Commission on Monday said any uncovered cryptocurrency mining […]
BTC Markets first crypto firm to win Australian Financial Service License
Australian cryptocurrency exchange BTC Markets announced on Tuesday it has become the first crypto firm to receive an Australian Financial Service License (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). See related article: What does the new Australian Labor government mean for the crypto industry? Fast facts BTC Markets says the license will enable […]
S.Korea blocks ex-Terra employees from leaving country amid investigation
Prosecutors said they also wish to interview Terraform Labs Chief Executive Officer Kwon Do Hyung as part of an investigation into the multibillion dollar collapse of the company.
NFT fraud in focus; Bybit job cuts
Crypto exchange ByBit lays off 30% of its staff. And as the NFT market grows, how do we combat against scams?
Crypto is based on the greater fool theory: Philippines’ incoming central bank chief
Felipe M. Medalla, an economist slated to be the next governor of the Philippines central bank, is not interested in regulating crypto, which he believes is based on “the greater fool theory.” See related article: Philippines gets new government, will new crypto taxes follow? Fast facts “The only reason you’re using this [cryptocurrencies] is you […]
Bybit to cut up to 30% of its workforce
Dubai-based crypto derivatives exchange Bybit is looking to cut up to 30% of its staff to reduce costs, journalist Colin Wu reported on Twitter, citing anonymous sources. See related article: Coinbase, biggest US crypto exchange, cuts workforce by 18% Fast facts “This was not an easy decision to make,” a Bybit spokesperson told Forkast in […]
Storm in a teacup? WeChat bans account for flipping NFTs
The ban comes as Chinese companies seek to comply with Beijing’s diktat against speculative activity in non-fungible tokens (NFTs). See related article: China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry Fast facts WeChat banned the official account of a Chinese NFT platform for “business activities related to secondary trading of digital collectibles or cryptocurrency.” […]
Bitcoin bounces back; South Korea crypto tax delay
Bitcoin recovers from it’s weekend slump, standing at over US$20K. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s support sees Dogecoin gain 12%.
Bitcoin investments will grow ‘immensely’: El Salvador president
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele took to Twitter on Sunday to reassure Bitcoin investors, claiming such investments are safe and will grow “immensely” after the bear market. See related article: El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption, one week on Fast facts “My advice: stop looking at the graph and enjoy life. If you invested in #BTC your […]
Elon Musk pumps Dogecoin amid lawsuit
Dogecoin (DOGE) has gained 11% since billionaire Elon Musk said that he would continue to support and buy the cryptocurrency. See related article: Bitcoin, crypto return to red after rate hike rally wears off Fast facts According to CoinMarketCap data, the memecoin was up more than 12% in the past 24 hours to US$0.05788 on […]