Singapore’s Tokenize crypto exchange opens platform for institutional investors
Cryptocurrency exchanges in Singapore are shifting focus to heavy-hitter investors, such as family offices and financial institutions, in line with the central bank’s warnings about the risks in retail crypto trading.
Bankman-Fried calls wealth-based barriers to crypto investment classist, racist
The billionaire founder of crypto exchange FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, criticized regulations in Hong Kong and elsewhere that limit access to crypto investment to wealthy investors.
Hong Kong to boost funding, investor pool for fintech startups
Hong Kong will increase funding for startups, including fintech companies, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau said on Tuesday.
Why DAOs need a more accountable governance model
Many DAOs suffer from voter apathy and are hobbled by too much decentralization. What can help DAOs make better decisions?
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether prices fall; Dogecoin, Shiba Inu bull run continues; BNB gains
Bitcoin and Ether prices fell in Tuesday morning trading time in Asia, while memecoin Dogecoin and Shiba Inu had the biggest gains among the top 10.
India shortlists nine banks to start CBDC trial from Nov. 1
India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), will pilot the country’s first digital rupee in the wholesale segment (e₹-W) from Nov. 1 and has identified nine banks for participation in the trial.
Web 2.5 is new Web 3.0, says co-founder of blockchain VC firm Kenetic Capital
A hybrid middle ground between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 is necessary before full Web 3.0 integration, argued Jehan Chu, co-founder and managing partner of blockchain venture capital firm Kenetic Capital, adding that “it’s not the fully decentralized future we were promised, but it’s the one we’re going to get first.”
Singapore’s digital marketplace Alta buys Hg Exchange
Singapore-based Alta, a digital marketplace for alternative investments, has acquired private digital securities exchange Hg Exchange (HGX) for an undisclosed amount.
Hong Kong announces policies to win back role as digital asset hub
Hong Kong reveals digital asset policies to distinguish itself from China, where cryptocurrency trading was banned in September last year.
Digital yuan prioritizing privacy, crime prevention, PBOC governor says
Privacy protection is “top on our agenda,” but combating crime is equally important for the digital yuan, central bank governor Yi Gang said at the Hong Kong Fintech Week.
Singapore’s DBS Bank trials use of digital SingDollar with vouchers
DBS Bank, the largest lender in Southeast Asia, has partnered the Singapore government’s Open Government Products (OGP) to pilot purpose-bound money-based vouchers (PBM) using tokenized Singapore dollars to facilitate live transactions with selected merchants.
Satoshi’s other big legacy: Bitcoin is propelling a green energy revolution
The Bitcoin white paper, published 14 years ago this day, launched an industry that is now subsidizing clean energy and turning waste into digital gold, writes Will Szamosszegi of Sazmining.
South Korea’s Wemade to remedy WEMIX token after ‘investment warning’ by crypto exchanges
South Korea-based blockchain game developer Wemade is working on a fix for WEMIX after four major crypto exchanges in the country added the cryptocurrency to an “investment warning” list for inaccurately reporting circulation numbers.
Hong Kong seeks to allow crypto futures ETFs
The city is seeking to allow digital asset-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to be publicly listed and traded in the city.
Terra CEO Do Kwon faces lawsuit in Singapore, next hearing on Wednesday
A hearing is scheduled in Singapore on a lawsuit filed against Terraform Labs’ Do Kwon on behalf of investors who lost about US$57 million in the collapse of Terra-LUNA.
Fortune favors the brave? One year on from Crypto.com’s ad with Matt Damon
Trading volume on cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has slumped about 90% in the 12 months since the company’s “fortune favors the brave” ad.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether, Cardano, XRP fall; BNB gains on Binance Twitter investment
Bitcoin and Ether fell in Monday morning trading in Asia, along with most other top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins.
Visa’s trademark filings hint at launch of crypto wallet
Visa International Service Association on Oct. 22 filed two trademark applications that hinted at plans of launching a crypto wallet.
Meta’s one-year anniversary: Virtual reality meets tough reality
It is the one-year anniversary of Facebook’s rebrand as Meta, a major step in the company’s foray into virtual reality and Web3. However, in actual reality, not everything has gone to plan for the platform’s new parent company.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether drop; ADA leads decline across top 10 crypto
Bitcoin dropped nearly 3% in afternoon trading in Asia. All other top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins, declined following a strong two-day rally by most tokens.
Blockchain will be YouTube for finance, says CEO of South Korean blockchain firm Streami
The use of blockchain technology in finance will have an impact similar to that of YouTube on the media industry, said Lee Jun-haeng, CEO of South Korea-based blockchain company Streami.
NFT ‘hype cycle’ over, major changes expected in 2023: report
New York-based technology consulting firm, Activate Consulting, has projected that 2023 will see “the end of NFTs hype cycle” with the token class expected to undergo major changes in how they are used and regarded.
Hong Kong set to relaunch itself as digital asset hub with revamped policies
When China banned cryptocurrency trading and mining in September 2021, it was feared that policy would make its way into Hong Kong. Seems that concern is getting a rethink.
How to manage your crypto assets beyond the grave
When the Grim Reaper comes, will he take all your Bitcoins, too? Here’s how to ensure your crypto wealth will survive and live on for your heirs.
Ethereum’s LooksRare latest NFT marketplace to make creator royalties optional
LooksRare is the latest NFT marketplace to make paying creator royalty fees optional as the industry struggles amid an ongoing slump in the NFT market.
Huobi Global to end HUSD trading, delist stablecoin
Crypto exchange Huobi Global will delist its stablecoin HUSD on Friday, refund holders 1:1 with USDT.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether fall; Dogecoin gains as Elon Musk’s Twitter buyout moves ahead
Bitcoin’s recent price gains came to a halt in Friday morning trading in Asia though it remained above the US$20,000 support line.
Kazakhstan’s central bank to test CBDC on BNB chain
The National Bank of Kazakhstan [NKB] will be testing the integration of their central bank digital currency (CBDC) on the BNB Chain.
Disrupting the media
Journalists have faced with all sorts of issues in pursuing the truth, including safety, press freedom, and more. So how can blockchain and web3 make a difference?
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether rise; Dogecoin leads gains across most top 10 cryptos
Bitcoin extended its rally and rose nearly 2%, with top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins, mostly higher on the day, led by Dogecoin’s 18% gain as Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter neared completion.
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried says action needed on global rules for cryptocurrencies
Bankman-Fried says the global crypto industry needs a “passporting” policy framework that lowers barriers for crypto businesses.
Crypto a ‘better bet’ than gold, says Ethereum cofounder Vitalik Buterin
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has called crypto “the better bet” over gold, and that “gold has less adoption than crypto.”
Gaming and NFTs will drive Web3 growth: Crypto.com COO
The future of the burgeoning Web3 sector will be gaming and non-fungible tokens, said Eric Anziani of global digital asset exchange Crypto.com.
Meta AR/VR arm adds to mounting losses for Facebook parent company
Meta’s metaverse division Reality Labs lost US$3.7 billion in the third quarter of this year, bringing its accumulated losses in 2022 to US$9.4 billion.
Google to update legal compliance following lost criminal crypto exchange data
Google agreed to improve its legal compliance process in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice after failing to produce data on the now-defunct crypto exchange BTC-e in 2016.
How Europe’s MiCA can pave the way for crypto’s revival
Europe’s new MiCA framework for regulating crypto shows the good that can happen when government works with and not against the industry, writes Nick Saponaro of Divi Labs.
Markets: Bitcoin price nears US$21,000 amid market rally as Ether, Dogecoin lead gains
Bitcoin continued its price run higher in Thursday morning trading in Asia as it neared US$21,000. Ether and the rest of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins, also rose. The total crypto market cap exceeded US$1 trillion for the first time since mid-September. Leading memecoin Dogecoin was the best performer, while the […]
Singapore’s huge decision
Singapore’s High Court blocked any potential sale and transfer of ownership of the NFT BAYC 2162. What implications could that have globally?
Aptos debut underwhelms amid questions over design and performance
Top blockchain and crypto news: Aptos launch falls short. Why FTX chief is calling for crypto regulations. Is Hong Kong paving way for a retail CBDC?
BIS’ mBridge shows CBDCs enhance cross-border payment efficiency: HKMA
The pilot successfully executed real-value cross-border transactions involving four currencies and 20 commercial bank participants across four jurisdictions, the HKMA said.
Singapore floats tests for retail crypto traders, plans to regulate stablecoins
The central bank is also considering options such as banning crypto firms from offering credit facilities, leverage or staking services to retail traders.
Chinese blockchain firms conducting financial businesses may be violating PBOC guidelines
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has reminded financial technology (fintech) firms to comply with financial laws and regulations, in the central bank’s new set of guidelines released earlier this month.
Markets: Bitcoin price hits three-week high; top 10 cryptos gain, led by Ether
Bitcoin posted a three-week high in afternoon trading in the Asia time zone. Ether led gains across all top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, with a 12% surge. Cardano’s ADA and Solana’s token also registered double-digit gains.
US alleges Chinese spies used Bitcoin to bribe law enforcement officer
Two Chinese intelligence officers allegedly paid a double agent to help steal files related to a federal investigation into a China-based global telecom firm, reported to be Huawei.
S.Korea’s Shinhan Securities lays groundwork toward hoped-for crypto expansion
As a leading financial institution of South Korea, Shinhan is gearing up for business expansion into crypto — while a local ban remains on the books.
UK lawmakers vote to regulate digital assets as financial instruments
Lawmakers in the British Parliament’s lower house voted in favor of recognizing cryptocurrency assets as regulated financial instruments and products Tuesday.
Singapore court issues ‘huge’ NFT decision, allows papers to be served via blockchain
The lead counsel for the plaintiff in the case has called Friday’s ruling a decision with implications for the global blockchain industry
As US midterms approach, poll says voters want policy interests to align with crypto, technology
Survey reveals popularity of crypto ownership among voters, their hopes for the industry’s growing potential and the need for regulation to protect consumers.
Markets: Bitcoin price back above US$20,000, Ether jumps as U.K. votes to regulate crypto
Bitcoin was trading above US$20,000 for the first time in almost three weeks on Wednesday morning trading in Asia.
Markets: Bitcoin little changed, Ether rises, top 10 cryptos mixed, XRP leads losers
Bitcoin traded flat on Tuesday afternoon in Asia hours, while Ether edged higher in a mixed day for prices among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins. XRP led the losers for the second consecutive day. Polygon’s Matic token held onto recent gains and Dogecoin also moved higher.
Taiwan singer Annie Yi taps LGBT NFTs with artist son to advocate inclusion
The singer-actress and son Harrison Yu said they launched the Theirsverse NFT brand in New York to engage marginalized groups in the early building of Web 3.0.
HNWI, family offices to drive crypto adoption across Asia: KPMG, Aspen Digital report
Family offices and high net worth individuals (HNWI) will drive the adoption of digital assets across Asia, according to a joint report by professional services firm KPMG China and Hong Kong-based crypto asset management platform Aspen Digital. See related article: Hong Kong, BIS explore CBDC-backed stablecoins in retail prototype Fast facts The report, largely based […]
Apple will not allow NFTs to unlock in-app features
Apple is allowing NFTs in applications, but will not allow them to be used to unlock in-app content or features.
BIS, Goldman Sachs, HKMA test tokenized green bond project Genesis 2.0
Genesis 2.0 aims to explore tokenized carbon credits and IoT facilities to monitor green bond issuers’ emission-reducing commitment.
Markets: Bitcoin falls as mining difficulty hits record high, rest of crypto top 10 also decline
Bitcoin dipped in Tuesday morning trading in Asia, but held above the US$19,000 support line where it has been fluctuating for several weeks.
Bitcoin mining difficulty logs new high, up 3.4%
Bitcoin mining difficulty has reached a new high after a 3.44% increase in Monday’s biweekly adjustment, according to data from BTC.com.
Is crypto dead? No, but doomsayers may profit from your panic
A lack of regulations means anyone can say bad things about crypto to stir up fear — and push you to sell. Even if they stand to make money from your losses.
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether, Polygon gain; US equities see largest gains since June
Bitcoin and Ether were both gaining in Monday morning trading in Asia, as were all other top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins.
Reinventing banking: Why is Standard Chartered so drawn to Web3?
Institutional adoption of Web3 in finance means getting traditional banks involved, which will in turn reshape the way banks work, says SC Ventures’ Alex Manson.
What is XRP and what is Ripple?
Why has Ripple Labs been in the U.S. SEC’s crosshairs and what’s the difference between Ripple and XRP?
Markets: Bitcoin holds above US$19,000 support but top 10 cryptos fall
Bitcoin traded at US$19,045.18 at 4 p.m. in Hong Kong, while Ether fell 0.48% to US$1,286.01, according to data from CoinMarketCap.
The Lord of the Rings NFT comes with a Web3 AR movie journey in 4K
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. will launch Lord of The Rings non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Eluvio, as part of the entertainment giant’s Web 3.0 movie experience coined “Movieverse.”
NFT marketplaces ditching standard royalty fees labeled “short-sighted”
After Solana’s Magic Eden marketplace said it was bowing to pressure and making payment of royalties “optional” to NFT creators, industry insiders tell Forkast the policy is wrongheaded and damaging.
Jack Dorsey-founded decentralized social protocol Bluesky gets 30K signups for waiting list
Bluesky, the decentralized social media protocol founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, announced on Friday morning Hong Kong time that 30,000 people had signed up on its preview app waitlist 48 hours after it was announced.
Markets: Bitcoin dips, 30-day volatility at 2 year low; Ether falls, Dogecoin gains
Bitcoin fell, but traded back above the US$19,000 support level in Friday morning trading in Asia. Ether lost ground along with most other top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins, but leading memecoin Dogecoin rose and Tron also edged higher. See related article: Twitter user prevents 200 billion BitBTC bridge exploit, highlighting major vulnerability […]
Sachin Tendulkar joins NFT market Rario’s cricket legends roster
Sachin Tendulkar, Indian cricket legend and former captain of the national cricket team, has partnered with cricket non-fungible token (NFT) platform Rario to launch exclusive digital collectibles. See related article: 55,000 Meta Cricket League NFTs sell out in nine minutes Fast facts Rario has existing partnerships with cricket icons, like Zaheer Khan, Kevin Pietersen, Jonty […]
Crypto becomes approved financial product in South Africa
South Africa’s financial markets regulator has declared crypto assets as a financial product, setting the legal grounds to bring cryptocurrencies under regulatory purview. See related article: Nigeria to become 1st African country to launch a central bank digital currency Fast facts Crypto is not issued by a central bank but can be traded, transferred and […]
JP Morgan appoints ex-Celsius exec to head crypto regulatory policy
JP Morgan Chase has hired former Celsius executive Aaron Lovine as executive director of digital assets regulatory policy, the latest move in the bank’s oscillating regard for the crypto industry. See related article: JPMorgan Chase executive says crypto usage for payments decreasing Fast facts A JPMorgan spokesperson confirmed the appointment after Lovine, who headed policy […]
Twitter user prevents 200 billion BitBTC bridge exploit, highlighting major vulnerability
A Twitter user highlighted a vulnerability in BitBTC’s Optimism bridge and averted what could have been the latest in a string of bridge exploits this month.
South Korea mulls uploading headshots of sex offenders on 3D metaverse
South Korea is mulling the uploading of headshots of sex offenders rendered on the three-dimensional metaverse, to help the public identify offenders, said Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyun-sook on Tuesday in a local radio interview. See related article: S.Korea’s science ministry announces ethical principles for the metaverse Fast facts Kim mentioned the […]
Markets: Bitcoin, Ether slip amid muted performance of top 10 cryptos; XRP leads gains
The crypto market continued its sluggish performance during Thursday evening trading in Asia, with Bitcoin and Ether lower and XRP’s 0.63% rise marking the biggest gain among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, excluding stablecoins. See related article: Japan eases token vetting process to expand crypto offerings: report Fast facts Bitcoin fell 0.35% in […]