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‘Crypto Dad’ Giancarlo steps down from BlockFi board

After only four months in the position, “Crypto Dad” Chris Giancarlo is stepping down from BlockFi’s board of directors, according to a recent press release. No reason for Giancarlo’s departure has yet been provided, though he apparently will continue to provide strategic counsel to the firm in an advisory role. Fast facts Ellen-Blair Chube, Managing […]

Singapore adds Binance.com to list of unregulated entities

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today added Binance.com — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading value — to its Investor Alert List, according to local media reports. Fast facts MAS’ Investor Alert List flags entities that are unregulated, but may have given the public the impression that they are licensed by MAS. In […]

Jack Dorsey’s Bitcoin bourse. Are NFTs in bubble trouble? China banks on e-CNY.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Does TBD stand for Twitter Boss Decision? NFTs’ ballooning interest. How billions in e-yuan are coursing through China.

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

Australian consumer protection body issues warning to crypto investors

The Securities and Investments Commission warned against investing in digital-asset financial products. Some say the warning lacks specifics.

Singapore grants FOMO Pay the city-state’s first crypto license

FOMO Pay, a Singapore-based fintech company, announced today that it has obtained a license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide Digital Payment Token Service — the first such approval out of 170 applicants for the city-state that is rapidly becoming a global crypto hub. Fast facts FOMO Pay said it had been […]

China’s state-backed blockchain network to expand to South Korea

As its first international expansion, China’s Blockchain-based Service Network is launching a portal in Korea. Who are the key players, and where else in the world will BSN emerge this year?

How blockchain technology is shaking up courtrooms in Asia

Blockchain is helping with cross-examinations in China while bolstering chain of custody for evidence in Taiwan. Is Asia ahead of the technological legal curve?
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The9 launches NFT platform; HK SFC issues crypto warning

The9 launches NFT platform meanwhile HK SFC issues crypto warning

Philippines may classify Axie Infinity as a company running a payment system

The hot play-to-earn token game Axie Infinity is under increased scrutiny from Philippines tax  authorities. The country’s central bank said it is closely monitoring how players use game tokens to decide whether to classify and regulate Axie’s parent company as an entity that runs payment systems. Fast facts The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, […]

C.R.E.A.M. Finance suffers $28M flash loan hack

C.R.E.A.M. Finance, a Taipei-based decentralized lending platform for individuals, institutions and protocols to access financial services, has suffered a flash loan exploit that led to a loss of about US$28 million, underlining the potential vulnerabilities of decentralized finance mechanisms. Fast facts C.R.E.A.M. tweeted on Monday that its market on Ethereum suffered an exploit, “resulting in […]

South Korea’s crypto exchanges join forces for FATF travel rule compliance

Three of South Korea’s four major exchanges have launched a joint venture to develop solutions for complying with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) crypto travel rule. The travel rule sets a global standard for virtual asset service providers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and requires exchanges to collect information on senders and […]

Crypto exchange Zipmex raises $41M in Series B round for aggressive Asia expansion

Zipmex, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange, has completed a US$41 million Series B funding round as it innovates toward a “full 360 digital banking offering,” the company said during a media briefing today. Fast facts Investors in Zipmex’s Series B funding round indicate increasing institutional buy-in to the digital assets industry. The investors include Krungsri Finnovate, […]

Why Facebook’s Novi wallet could strike gold in SE Asia

Facebook’s Novi is ready to launch. Here’s why the Diem crypto wallet might find an especially warm welcome in places like the Philippines and Malaysia.

Crypto is going mainstream—and the likes of Paypal and Snoop Dogg are leading the way

Though crypto is not yet part of daily life, it may be a matter of time, writes Simon Yu of StormX. Here are the keys to the industry’s long-term success.

Hong Kong regulator warns investors against digital tokens and ICOs

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission on Monday warned that digital tokens and initial coin offerings (ICOs) could be involved in unauthorized collective investment schemes (CIS) and urged investors to exercise extreme caution. Fast facts The SFC’s warning comes as the regulator added two property-related CIS investment projects and the “LABS Security Token” to its […]

Singapore central bank announces 15 finalists for Global CBDC Challenge

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today announced 15 finalists for its “Global CBDC Challenge” — a competition to develop retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) solutions to improve payment services and promote financial inclusion. Fast facts According to MAS, the Global CBDC Challenge attracted over 300 submissions from more than 50 countries, with over […]

Why some big investors are diving into DeFi but others are holding back

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is attracting a lot of attention from traditional banks and venture capital, but many institutions remain firmly on the sidelines. Forkast.News explores why.

Korea’s new FSC chair speaks; Axie Infinity to work with governments

Korea’s new FSC chair speaks meanwhile Axie Infinity to work with governments

S. Korea crypto exchanges told no grace period for do-or-die reporting deadline

A looming deadline for crypto exchanges in South Korea to either meet new compliance requirements or face closure will not be extended, the country’s newly nominated chief financial regulator says. The rules are designed to improve investor protection and transparency in crypto transactions, but many exchanges have been calling for a longer grace period. Fast […]

How Bitcoin and Ethereum are rekindling with equities

What is the relationship between crypto assets and stock prices? An analysis week’s market trends.

Websites can now have ETH sent directly to their domain name

Anyone who owns a website is now able to receive crypto payments directly to their domain name, as Ethereum Name Service announces full integration with the centralized web. Fast facts Making the announcement on Twitter Friday morning, the new upgrade will bring interoperability between the centralized web and the blockchain-based ENS system. The internet currently […]

How blockchain is transforming shipping and redefining global trade

Rising from the rubble of a Covid economy, shipping companies are now using blockchain technology to rebuild profitability and reduce inefficiencies.

Forkast.News exclusive: Antinalysis is out, proud and ready to tell (almost) all

In a special Q&A, an Antinalysis spokesperson reveals the source of the company’s controversial data and disputes that it’s for criminals. ‘Privacy is a human right.’

Korea reveals crypto exchange ‘Death Note’: DeFi investment booms

Korea reveals crypto exchange ‘Death Note’: DeFi investment booms

South Korea unveils “death note” for crypto exchanges

24 out of 63 digital currency exchanges in South Korea are not expected to meet new compliance requirements and will most likely be shut down in less than a month.

DeFi TVL hits all-time high, breaking past correlation with Ethereum price

While DeFi has historically moved with the Ethereum price, the latest all-time high in total value locked in can largely be attributed to new blockchains purpose-built for the sector and institutional interest.

Cardano Foundation partners with Coinfirm for AML/CFT compliance

In the latest from the world’s third-largest cryptocurrency, which has gone from strength to strength this month, the Cardano Foundation is partnering with blockchain analytics provider Coinfirm.io to ensure the network complies with the Financial Action Task Force’s guidelines. Fast facts In a company announcement this week, the Cardano Foundation said it would be using […]

UK’s Financial Conduct Authority: Binance has complied with requirements

Binance Markets Limited, the British affiliate of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is now compliant with the requirements that the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority imposed on the company in June, the FCA said Wednesday. Fast facts The FCA had, back in June, issued a warning to Binance Markets Limited and the Binance Group and imposed […]

How regulators should consider the future of DeFi | Ep. 1

What is DeFi, why it’s poised to enable financial inclusion, and how the showdown between decentralized finance and regulators is taking shape.

Bitcoin bulls brace. CryptoPunks’ pulling power. China’s crypto lawfare.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Is another Bitcoin bull run coming soon? Punks rocking NFTs. Why crypto contracts may not be enforceable in China.

Dark web tool Antinalysis is back and openly available on the internet

The previous version of Antinalysis, which was based on the AMLBot API, was shut down but within a week it has respawned not just on the darknet but also on the clearnet.

Thai SEC proposes new rules for digital asset custodians

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday launched a public consultation on its proposed amendments to regulations for the custody of crypto holdings in digital asset businesses. Fast facts The additional regulations — which the SEC said are intended to enhance investor protection — include requiring digital asset businesses to comply with “the principles […]

Crypto bank in South Korea says it aims to comply with strict but unclear new law

Sandbank, a South Korean bank for virtual assets, says it is in the process of acquiring the necessary certification needed to legally operate in the country. However, the financial authorities have yet to decide whether their requirements apply to crypto banks. Fast facts In an announcement, Sandbank told its customers it has put acquiring the […]

Court in China says trading in cryptocurrency ‘not protected by law’

The ruling by Shandong’s High Court backs up China’s official stance against trading in cryptocurrencies. What does this mean for investors?

Former South Korea presidential advisor sentenced for crypto scam

A South Korean professor, formerly a committee member in current president Moon Jae-in’s presidential campaign, has been sentenced to two years in prison for promoting a scam cryptocurrency. Fast facts According to local reports, the professor and former advisor to Moon Jae-in’s 2017 electoral campaign was sentenced to two years in jail on fraud charges […]

Professor jailed for crypto scam; Cryptopunks trading volume soars

Professor jailed for crypto scam while Cryptopunks trading volume soars

Why institutional investors cannot afford to ignore DeFi

Much of traditional finance still believes DeFi is too risky and not worth the bother, writes Ilia Maksimenka of PlasmaFinance. Are these perceptions accurate?

El Salvador rolls out 200 Bitcoin ATMs ahead of nationwide adoption

In preparation for El Salvador adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, the nation is rolling out 200 ATMs and preparing 50 bank branches across the nation to allow residents to exchange crypto for fiat easily, President Nayib Bukele has announced over the weekend via Twitter. Fast facts With El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption bill coming into effect […]

Upbit submits compliance report: China’s e-CNY trials broaden

Upbit submits compliance report: China’s e-CNY trials broaden

Digital yuan trials now looking like a ‘soft launch’ stage

China’s high penetration of smartphones, digital-savvy population helps reduce e-CNY testing time, observers say

Survey predicts crypto will rival or replace fiat within 10 years

Cryptocurrency and other digital assets are expected to rival or displace fiat currencies within the next decade, according to Deloitte’s 2021 Global Blockchain Survey. Fast facts More than three quarters of the 1,280 executives and practitioners surveyed by Deloitte, the global consulting, tax services and auditing firm, think that digital assets “will serve as a […]

Binance taps former SGX chief regulatory officer as Singapore CEO

Binance Singapore today announced the appointment of Richard Teng, former chief regulatory officer of the Singapore Exchange (SGX), as chief executive, bolstering its leadership ranks with former regulators while battling growing regulatory woes around the world. Fast facts Teng was CEO of the Abu Dhabi Global Market for six years before stepping down in March. […]

Coinbase launches in Japan: Binance users take legal action

Coinbase launches in Japan while Binance users take legal action

Come next month, will all of South Korea’s crypto exchanges hit a regulatory wall?

Despite a looming compliance deadline, currently there are no crypto exchanges in South Korea that meet the new government reporting requirements to continue operating, according to financial authorities. Fast facts The Financial Services Commission (FSC) revealed through a press release that none of the domestic cryptocurrency trading platforms have successfully complying with the nation’s new […]

Aussie tech entrepreneur offers Bitcoin to those vaccinated against Covid

Finder.com CEO Fred Schebesta is offering AU$5 (US$2.85) worth of Bitcoin to every Australian who is fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fast facts Announcing the plan on Sydney radio this week, the self-made millionaire said he was looking for a way to contribute to the vaccination effort and thought this could be a way to help. […]

Coinbase partners with Mitsubishi UFG for entry to Japan

The largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. has partnered with one of Japan’s largest banks to gain market entry. What does the move say about the Japanese market as the industry is rocked by yet another crypto exchange hack?

Binance users burned by outage band together to take legal action

Crypto traders who suffered losses on Binance due to tech outages are turning to arbitration and crypto litigation finance.

Aleph.im launches decentralized indexing for Solana

Aleph.im, a cross-blockchain storage and computing network, announced today the release of a decentralized indexing tool for the Solana blockchain ecosystem. Fast facts

Thailand publishes CBDC study results, pilot test to start in 2022

The Bank of Thailand today published the results of its retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) study and public survey, which the central bank says will guide the development of the country’s CBDC pilot test. Fast facts The Bank of Thailand underscored that a CBDC for the general public “must not adversely affect monetary policy […]

Shanghai court rules Bitcoin is virtual property, not currency

A district court in Shanghai has ruled that Bitcoin is virtual property, not a currency that is allowed to circulate, according to a statement released earlier this week. Fast facts A Minhang district court in Shanghai stated this week that it heard a case in which a plaintiff purchased Bitcoin mining machines from a defendant […]

El Salvador’s finance minister says Bitcoin is ‘totally optional’

In what will likely be a relief for many Salvadorans, El Salvador’s finance minister said the use of BTC will remain “totally optional” and businesses will not be sanctioned for not using it when the country’s controversial BTC law comes into effect on Sept. 7, reports Yahoo News. Fast facts The country’s adoption of BTC […]

Antinalysis hung out to dry. Solana eclipses Uniswap. Alibaba’s auction action.

Top blockchain and crypto news: A darkweb stain is scrubbed away. Solana’s moment in the sun. Alibaba huddles with Tencent.

Shutdown of dark web tool Antinalysis suggests harder times ahead for crypto criminals

Money laundering token tracer developed using AMLBot application programming interface was suspended within eight hours of public exposure.

BIT Mining revenue soars despite losses from operational pivot

Operating costs and crypto bear market suck up cash after former lottery operator bets on digital assets

Led by Vietnam and India, global crypto adoption jumps over 880%

Asia is now tops in the world in cryptocurrency adoption. Vietnam, India and Pakistan are now the top three countries in the world in crypto use — and other Asian countries aren’t far behind, according to Chainalysis’ 2021 Global Crypto Adoption Index published today. Fast facts Thailand, China and the Philippines also ranked in the […]

Binance names new global anti-money laundering chief as it beefs up compliance efforts

Binance — the world’s biggest cryptocurrency by trading volume — today announced the appointment of Greg Monahan, a former U.S. Treasury criminal investigator, as its global anti-money laundering officer, according to a company statement. Fast facts Monahan’s appointment comes as Binance seeks to bolster its compliance efforts amid increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world — […]

BC Group’s OSL digital asset revenues jump 70% in first half

BC Technology Group, a Hong Kong-listed technology digital asset company and parent of OSL, the first licensed digital asset platform in the city, today announced that its group revenues rose 54% year on year to HK$153 million (US$20 million) in the first half of 2021, driven by a 70% increase in OSL’s digital asset business […]

Union Bank of Philippines partners with Hex Trust to enter digital asset ecosystem

Union Bank of the Philippines and Hex Trust, a Hong Kong-based digital asset custodian, today announced that the bank was partnering with Hex Trust to provide digital asset custody services to it as it enters the digital asset sector. Fast facts As part of the collaboration, Hex Trust will provide digital asset custody as an […]

Digital yuan patent applications on the rise

The number of digital yuan patents is growing, with patent applications related to digital currency numbering 271 since the beginning of last year, data compiled by Mpaypass.com show, as tests of e-CNY continue under the Chinese government’s watchful eye. Fast facts The data shows that the total number of patent applications since 2020 has surpassed […]

Twitter’s Bluesky announces new project lead

Twitter’s much anticipated decentralized social media standard, Bluesky, finally has a project lead in crypto developer Jay Graber, Graber announced yesterday on her own Twitter account. Fast facts Bluesky was announced in late 2019, and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said decentralization could address some of the key issues surrounding social media, such as moderation. “Centralized […]

Poly Network hackers delay handover of stolen assets

The hackers claim that trust issues with the Poly Network team are slowing down the complete handover of stolen assets.

Kakao to spearhead global expansion of Klaytn blockchain from Singapore

South Korean internet giant Kakao this week announced that its newly established non-profit entity headquartered in Singapore — the Klaytn Foundation — will lead the development and global expansion of the Klaytn blockchain, according to a company release. Fast facts The Klaytn Foundation, together with Krust, Kakao’s newly established global accelerator unit, and GroundX, which […]

U.S. Treasury eases concerns over crypto reporting requirements

In welcome news for the U.S. crypto industry, the Treasury Department is slated to clarify that only crypto companies that fit its definition of “brokers” will have to comply with new tax reporting requirements outlined in the country’s US$1 trillion infrastructure bill, Bloomberg reports. Fast facts Quoting an anonymous Treasury source, Bloomberg reported that crypto […]

Why Silicon Valley is pouring big money into India’s crypto industry

While Delhi goes back and forth over a crypto ban, crypto’s huge growth potential in the world’s second most populous country is captivating American venture capital.

Cryptocurrency vs. gold — which is the better investment?

Gold and cryptocurrency have more in common than not, and savvy investors would do well to hold both, writes Sylvia Carrasco of Goldex.

Blockchain, crypto investment soars in H1 2021

Global investment in blockchain and cryptocurrencies leapt in the first half of 2021, with US$8.7 billion raised and 548 deals sealed, according to consulting firm KMPG’s latest Pulse of Fintech H1’21 report. Fast facts Global fintech investment in H1 2021 reached US$98 billion in 2,456 deals, compared to US$121.5 billion for the whole of 2020, […]

Chinese payment giant Alipay finds buyers for new NFTs

Alipay, one of China’s major payment apps, has again rolled out non-fungible token artworks designed as wallpapers for users’ payment code pages, with a total of 80,000 copies of two editions combined having sold out within a day. Fast facts Alipay yesterday started selling two editions of artworks — built on its own Ant Chain […]

TZ APAC in Tezos blockchain adoption push in Asia

TZ APAC, an entity supporting the Tezos blockchain ecosystem in Asia-Pacific, this week announced a “strategic commitment” to the region as it bolsters its efforts to grow the Tezos ecosystem. Fast facts TZ APAC intends to deploy capital and resources across the region towards business development, marketing and project management to drive adoption of the […]

How to avoid the pitfalls of FATF’s crypto travel rule

Crypto exchanges, or VASPs, are coming under increasing regulation. Complying with the Financial Action Task Force’s travel rule will be one of them.

Cambodian central bank, Maybank partner on cross-border digital currency transfers

Malaysia’s Maybank and the National Bank of Cambodia yesterday announced the launch of a real-time funds transfer service between Malaysia and Cambodia — the first international partnership between a bank and Cambodia’s Bakong digital payments system. Fast facts The service facilitates fund transfers via NBC’s Bakong e-wallet and Maybank’s MAE app. It allows Maybank customers […]

Ghana central bank in CBDC tie-up with Germany’s Giesecke+Devrient

As African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa continue to explore the feasibility of central bank digital currencies, the Bank of Ghana is set to launch a retail CBDC pilot project, the bank has announced. Fast facts For the pilot, the central bank has partnered with German firm Giesecke+Devrient, which will provide […]