Russian bank given crypto license: China to monitor outflows

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on and sanctions continue to mount, Russia-based bank Sberbank obtains a crypto license from the Central Bank of Russia. Meanwhile in China, social media platform Weibo allows its users to mint NFTs of their social media posts.

From crisis currency to consumer adoption: What next for crypto?

Cryptocurrencies have won credit for their role in Ukraine’s war, showing utility that will drive them beyond the battlefield, says Amber Group’s Michael Wu.

What US Fed’s interest rate hike means for China and its CBDC

Capital control limiting outflows may be less of an issue in the future with e-CNY being a ‘controllable currency,’ experts say.

Ukraine legalizes crypto; Korea’s crypto policy ideas

Ukrainian President signs a digital assets bill into law. Meanwhile in China, Cannan plans to buy back shares.

Indonesia’s crypto scene is booming. What are the risks?

Crypto’s growing popularity is also leading to more fraud and abuses, writes Ronald Molenaar of ADVANCE.AI. What can be done to better protect users?

Renewables uptake: Bitcoin the problem or solution?

There is more to transitioning to renewable energy than one might expect, and in Australia, one Bitcoin mining company says the industry can play a role.

China highlights crypto crimes; Kazakh miners busted

Chinese authorities cracked down on crypto related crimes on Consumer Rights Day. Meanwhile in Kazakhstan, the former President’s brother was busted for illegal crypto mining operations.

Bitcoin avoids European ban as lawmakers decline to outlaw ‘proof of work’

Top blockchain and crypto news: PoW spared as Europe revamps MiCA rules. Yuga Labs acquires CryptoPunks rights. China’s Mango TV makes NFT debut.

China lashes out at crypto fraud on World Consumer Rights Day

No more Burger King, Nike and Muji. This year’s annual focus on marketplace abuse names and shames crypto scams.

Crypto is playing a prominent role in the Ukraine War — on both sides of the conflict

Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, two divergent narratives about crypto are being told, writes Alex Tapscott. Which version is correct?

Singapore imposes sanctions; Bitcoin bucks market trend

Crypto exchange Binance has won a license to operate in Bahrain. Meanwhile in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s Monetary Authority has designated Russian banks amid growing sanctions.

Which altcoins will take center stage in 2022?

Investors believe Bitcoin will stand its ground this year but in the altcoins world, some rising stars are brimming with potential.

How crypto is driving diversity and gender equality

While crypto used to be associated with a ‘bro’ culture, it is now maturing into a hotbed for inclusivity, writes Cynthia Wu of Matrixport.

Singapore’s crypto future; Korea “White Day” NFTs a hit

Singapore’s image as a “crypto hub” may soon change as the country doubles-down on it’s stance that crypto currency is “not suitable for the general public”. Meanwhile, Korean convenience store giants CU launch their White Day NFT competition.

Oracles are vital to DeFi. Here’s how they are evolving

In an era when anyone can claim anything as ‘truth,’ it’s more important than ever for oracles to be trustworthy and secure, writes Hart Lambur of UMA.

How Singapore is reimagining its ‘Asian crypto hub’ image

The Lion City has been the place to be for crypto firms, but retail activity is slowing down while the central bank continues to build a haven for institutional investors.

US bill targets e-CNY; Russian sanctions hurting public

Blockchain data analysis platform Chainalysis has launched a set of free sanction screening tools. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the US take aim at China’s digital yuan, or e-CNY, while Russian sanctions begin to highlight issues with financial sovereignty as hundreds of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian civilians are caught in the financial crossfire.

Two sides to every coin: Crypto as a weapon in the fight for Ukraine

Cryptocurrency is being used both to fund Ukraine’s defense and prevent Russia’s ability to skirt sanctions in what may become a pivotal moment for the industry.

A crypto bull wins the presidency: What it means for South Korea

ICOs, revamped taxation, and investor protection reverse a past crypto reluctance under the incoming administration.

Is cryptocurrency a workaround for sanctions against Russia?

War-mongering Russia is finding itself increasingly isolated. Can cryptocurrency help the rogue state soften the blow of sanctions?

Sanctions expand for Belarus; Korea’s crypto promises

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on, the European Union says that crypto is included in the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Meanwhile, South Korean President-Elect Yoon Suk-Yeol’s term in office could bring about long awaited changes in the crypto sector.

Russians turn to crypto as Western sanctions hit the ruble

As Russia’s economy began to tank, data shows many turned to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a store of value and means of transacting.

FastForkast headlines

Bored Apes creator to launch new metaverse ‘Otherside’ 

S. Korean exchanges set stage for Friday’s travel rule arrival

Taiwan’s MaiCoin crypto exchange mulls Nasdaq listing: report

Asian Games host gets central bank support for digital yuan pilots

India may impose 28% GST on crypto transactions

New crypto regulation — including tax reform — coming to Australia

Weibo launches NFT marketplace, allowing users to mint posts

Europe’s first metaverse ETF lists on London Stock Exchange

Shinhan Card sends all employees to metaverse training camp

Eqonex appoints former Binance UK head as CEO

Jack Dorsey’s Block funds Japanese fintech company Kyash in $41M round

Coinbase wallet announces support for Solana

Russia’s Sberbank obtains crypto license from central bank

4M trees required to negate the carbon emissions of CryptoKitties NFTs: report

Ethereum moves closer to proof-of-stake after Kiln 

S.Korean crypto industry calls for local language white papers

BAYC’s floor price surpasses 100 ETH since ApeCoin launch

Binance wins crypto license in Dubai days after FTX

Canaan to buy back up to $100M shares to drive value

Bitcoin, crypto market in the green after Fed rate hike

Zelenskyy legalizes cryptocurrency in Ukraine

Hong Kong’s flagship bank HSBC heads into The Sandbox metaverse

Mutant Ape Yacht Club becomes 5th NFT collection to join the $1B club 

Bitcoin wakes up to pass $40,000 before going back to sleep

Terra founder bets millions on LUNA’s annual growth

Ex-Kazakh president’s brother busted for illegal crypto mining

Zuckerberg confirms NFTs coming to Instagram

ConsenSys raises $450M in Series D, raises valuation to $7B

BSN partners with INDUSTRIA, eyes UK market

Vogue NFTs for humanitarian aid in Ukraine list on OpenSea

FTX gets crypto exchange license in Dubai

1 in 3 Filipino gamers would quit jobs to play NFT games: survey

Chinese video streamer MangoTV NFT sells out in seconds

Singapore targets designated Russian banks amid sanctions

LG first in S.Korea cosmetics industry to digitize beauty brand with NFTs

Binance wins license in Bahrain, explores acquisition of Brazilian brokerage

EU votes against de facto Bitcoin mining ban

Ripple proposes S. Korea distinguish between cryptocurrencies for regulatory clarity

Japan urges crypto exchanges to comply with Russian sanctions

Ukraine to launch NFT ‘museum’ depicting Russian invasion

L’Dezen auctions physical and NFT earrings for owner and avatar

20,000 line up for S.Korean convenience store’s NFTs on White Day

NFTs subject to existing tax rules in Singapore, FM says

Polkadot is top crypto held by VCs and hedge funds in Q4 2021

Hangzhou company claims city will likely win digital yuan pilot bid

US senators sound alarm over China’s digital yuan, Russia SWIFT sanctions

Tomorrowland wants to bring music to Web 3.0 with FTX Europe

Chainalysis launches crypto wallet sanction screening tools

Bullish delays $9B SPAC merger, awaits SEC approval

Third Chinese tech giant Baidu to open NFT marketplace