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How open DeFi markets in Southeast Asia can drive financial inclusion

The ASEAN region has 290 million unbanked, and only 18% have access to credit. Here’s how decentralized finance (DeFi) can lift lives via mobile phones.

China’s crypto miners make hard choices to meet climate goals

With Inner Mongolia banning crypto-mining and Xinjiang expected to soon follow, China’s crypto miners are turning to green energy or moving overseas.

JPMorgan, DBS Bank and Temasek partner on ‘game-changer’ blockchain for payments

JPMorgan, DBS Bank and Temasek jointly form a new company, Partior, to develop a blockchain platform for cross-border payments and settlements.

Stablecoin rush breaks out; JPM, DBS and Temasek launch Partior | The Daily Forkast

JPMorgan, DBS and Temasek launch Partior to digitize commercial money as stablecoin transaction volume surge in Asia-centric exchanges.

Ripple demands SEC to stop obtaining info on XRP dealings abroad

Ripple asks court to stop SEC from using MOU requests to get info on XRP from overseas regulators and pushes for access to SEC’s internal communications.

How to balance crypto investor protection and innovation in Hong Kong

US and Singapore have licensing laws that give investors more confidence in crypto firms. Stephen Richardson of Fireblocks urges Hong Kong to follow suit.

Tesla earnings soar from Bitcoin. PancakeSwap eclipses Ethereum. Coinbase delays Tether USDT listing.

Other top blockchain and crypto news: China’s internet giants JD.com and Ant Group reveal extent of digital yuan support. Turkey rethinks crypto ban.

Japan sees record crypto deposits, nearly 7 times more than last year

Japan’s regulated crypto trading breaks new records in a land known to be the world’s most crypto-averse. Is the tide turning for crypto adoption in Japan?

The NFT revolution is underway, and here’s what our future will look like

More than selling art and basketball mementos in a new way, NFTs can also transform copyright enforcement, royalties, real estate and financial markets.

PancakeSwap and controversial SafeMoon turbo boost BSC past Ethereum

Is Binance Smart Chain’s meteoric rise from PancakeSwap and cryptocurrency SafeMoon sustainable, and is an ‘Ethereum killer’ now finally closer to reality?

World’s largest crypto exchange Binance to launch NFT market in June

Binance, the crypto exchange with more than 50 million users around the world, wants a piece of the fast-growing NFT minting, trading and auction business.

Internet giants JD.com and Ant Group deepen support for China’s digital yuan

China intensifies its nationwide digital currency testing via JD.com paying employee salaries in digital yuan and Ant Group’s MYbank offering e-yuan services.

Solana prices surge amid crypto crash as market seeks lower gas fees

Solana blockchain — a rising alternative to Ethereum for DeFi and NFTs — hit an all-time high this week while other cryptocurrencies stagnated. How come?

As Coinbase Pro adds USDT, Tether execs balk at continued scrutiny

Tether’s battle with New York may be resolved for now, but legal obligations have company on the defensive. Is Tether’s USDT regulated or just registered?

SEC sought info on Ripple and XRP from 20 foreign entities, including trading platforms

SEC says info on Ripple and XRP transactions overseas is important to lawsuit. But of the nine foreign regulators the SEC asked, two refused to help.

Taiwan set to roll out new AML regulations for crypto exchanges

Taiwan has enacted anti-money laundering regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges effective July 1. What will this mean for Taiwan’s growing crypto scene?

R3 Corda helping Thailand’s case for international trade dark horse

Thailand’s crypto adoption is often overlooked, but one of its largest commercial banks has been leveraging permissioned blockchain Corda of R3 to digitize trade finance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

SEC seeks to knock out Ripple defense, says no duty to warn over XRP

In a new legal filing, the SEC asks court to dismiss Ripple’s ‘lack of due process and fair notice’ defense that the XRP token could be deemed a security.

China tightens cryptocurrency oversight with new regulations

Beijing’s new warning against cryptocurrency comes days before regulations aimed at preventing illegal crypto fundraising take effect May 1.

Bitcoin prices crash 12% in 24 hours; below $50,000 for first time since March

BTC is down more than 24% from its all-time high of US$64,787, set just last week with the Coinbase public offering. Will Bitcoin’s downward spiral continue?

Europe’s CoinShares launches XRP exchange traded product

XRP joins the growing list of cryptocurrencies now available as exchange traded products (ETP). What does this mean for crypto investors?

5 reasons why CBDCs and Facebook-backed Diem go hand-in-hand

When Diem launches and central banks roll out digital currencies, what role will each play? Here is a look at the world’s financial and payments future.

Global crypto alliance pushes renewable energy and greener digital assets

The Crypto Climate Accord — a joint effort that includes World Economic Forum, ConsenSys and Ripple — is aiming for net-zero crypto emissions by 2040.

Blockchain’s green efforts and crypto carbon-nomics in Asia | The Daily Forkast

From institutions wanting carbon neutral Bitcoins, to tokenizing carbon credits — these are the latest green crypto trends in this region.

Huobi Asset Management launches crypto tracker funds with SFC’s help

Huobi’s institutional-grade crypto funds will invest in Bitcoin, Ether and crypto mining now that Hong Kong’s ‘very friendly’ regulators gave their thumbs up.

How Singapore transformed from fishing village to crypto powerhouse

The Lion City’s status as Asia’s crypto haven was no accident, writes Shaun Djie of Digix. What can other countries learn from Singapore’s fintech success?

Is Dogecoin’s price boom over? Investors punish Bitcoin and crypto market. Edward Snowden’s $5 million NFT.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Can China be warming up to digital assets and crypto investing? Ethereum ETFs roll out in Canada.

ASEAN+1 pledge to advance blockchain; Paypal to launch wallet in China | The Daily Forkast

Six blockchain groups in the Asia-Pacific form a consortium, aiming to champion blockchain advocacy in the region.

How China’s DCEP digital yuan could reshape geopolitics and change the world

One year after China unveiled a digital currency via testing, its potential for displacing dollar diplomacy is becoming more understood. Is the US worried yet?

New ASEAN Blockchain Consortium forms to champion blockchain

Blockchain organizations from Australia and five Southeast Asian nations join forces for blockchain advocacy, public education and talent development.

Why Bitcoin’s carbon footprint may not be bad as you might think

As we observe Earth Day, let’s not scapegoat cryptocurrency. The truth about renewable energy and electricity use by banking and gold may surprise you.

12,600 XRP holders demand their day in court in SEC v. Ripple lawsuit

XRP investors and users ask to join SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple as third-party defendant. ‘Without our intervention, we are without a voice in the debate.’

What is Bitcoin’s environmental impact — and what are the solutions?

The recent steep rise in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices has also led to more crypto mining and energy-consumption, much of it still powered by coal.

Crypto assets should be regulated as “alternative investments”, China’s central bank officials said

China’s central bank is exploring a new stance towards Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, now calling them investment vehicles – but not currency

Coinbase sell-off triggers crypto market panic as Dogecoin prices soar

Were the weekend’s falling BTC, ETH and XRP prices a cryptocurrency market crash or just a correction — and why is DOGE escaping investors’ wrath?

Ripple accuses SEC of ‘intimidation tactic’ in seeking XRP info overseas

Battlefield for SEC v. Ripple lawsuit goes global as defense lawyers seek to stop SEC from obtaining information on Ripple and XRP from foreign regulators.

One year after China began testing its digital yuan, China watchers wonder how close it is to launching?

Look for nifty DCEP wallets to make a debut at the 2022 Beijing Olympics

Dogecoin’s price no joke as DOGE rallies to become 8th largest cryptocurrency

The “joke” cryptocurrency has surged from less than a cent to hit a price of around US$0.25 today with a 24-hour trading volume of US$34.6 billion.

Ethereum’s Berlin upgrade goes live. What’s next for Ethereum?

ETH surged to a new all-time high with Ethereum’s Berlin hard fork. Will improving gas fees ward off Ethereum competitors like Binance Smart Chain?

Are Bitcoin ETFs ready to party? Line is growing at SEC’s gate.

Bitcoin’s soaring prices are attracting traditional investors who want in, but with an entourage rather than solo. When will the velvet ropes lift in US and Asia?

Macao considers e-CNY rollout; kimchi premium arbitrage on the rise | The Daily Forkast

Macao jumps into digital yuan feasibility studies while South Korean banks make moves to curb kimchi premium arbitrage.

Japan explores digital currency but is loathe to commit

Despite launching CBDC research, Bank of Japan is still not sure nation needs digital yen. Experts fear the caution could cost Japan its competitive edge.

Ripple partners with Novatti to use XRP for remittances in Asia Pacific

Despite its legal troubles in the US, Ripple expands XRP’s uses in Southeast Asia’s lucrative and fast-growing international money transfer market.

What is Coinbase really worth? XRP rallies with Ripple’s wins over SEC. HSBC bans MicroStrategy over Bitcoin embrace.

Other top blockchain and crypto news: HSBC bans MicroStrategy over Bitcoin affair. Tokenized TSLA and Coinbase COIN now on several crypto exchanges.

Coinbase listing on Nasdaq sets benchmark for other crypto exchanges

Coinbase’s estimated $100 billion direct listing debut could be the tipping point for crypto going mainstream. But is Coinbase really worth that much?

Bitcoin skyrockets past US$64,000, hits another all-time high

Ahead of Coinbase’s Nasdaq listing, Bitcoin surged to new highs in Asian trading hours. Ether, ADA and DOGE also reached new ATHs as altcoins soared.

Security exec allegedly steals $45M in Chinese government-owned crypto

A young executive with Beosin, tasked to protect cryptocurrency that police recovered from another crime, allegedly then lost it all in a Bitcoin bet gone bad.

Ripple executives file to dismiss SEC lawsuit as XRP prices soar

Tailwind of legal wins propel XRP’s market cap past US$70 billion as Ripple CEO and chairman ask court to drop SEC’s charges against them.

Asian DeFi Picks Up Steam; Hong Kong Scammers Use Crypto As Bait | The Daily Forkast

XRP joins Wanchain’s DeFi ventures while Thai mobile bank explores the financial experiment. In Hong Kong, local police bust crypto scammers.

XRP price surges over 40% following another legal victory for Ripple

Court ruling favoring Ripple executives and slapping down SEC catapults XRP — now the world’s 4th most popular crypto — to its highest prices in 3 years.

How MPC can solve blockchain’s data privacy conundrum

Blockchain improves data protection but not confidentiality. Here’s why multi-party computation can be a solution, writes Kurt Nielsen of Partisia Blockchain.

Hong Kong-listed Meitu buys more Bitcoin, now has US$100 million in crypto

Shares are up 75% since the beauty selfie app company began investing in Bitcoin and Ether to try to boost its flagging fortunes.

Asian governments urge ‘extreme caution’ before buying cryptocurrency

As Bitcoin and crypto market swells beyond $2 trillion, even crypto-friendly Singapore is warning the public about risks. Are more regulations coming?

New art and fashion NFT platforms coming to Hong Kong, Singapore

Welcome to crypto’s latest catwalk. Publisher of Vogue Singapore and a Hong Kong exchange unveil plans to turn up the heat on Asia’s NFT market.

Bitcoin’s ‘kimchi premium’ plummets, Upbit exchange suspends services

After surging to 21%, the higher prices that South Koreans pay for Bitcoin are now plunging. What role did Korean regulators and overseas traders play?

Lawyer for 11,000 XRP holders pushing to fight SEC in Ripple lawsuit

As Ripple and SEC intensify their legal battles, attorney John Deaton and his clients are trying to jump into the fray. Will XRP investors get their day in court?

Filecoin’s crypto top 10 stint. Coinbase wows with earnings for Nasdaq debut. Japan opens door to CBDC.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Hong Kong is new test bed for China’s e-CNY digital currency. Decentraland’s token bridge to Polygon.

What is the truth behind the decentralized finance hype?

DeFi is making the global financial system more inclusive, but ‘teach more and punish less’ regulations are needed for greater adoption, a WEF panel said.

Ripple wins access to SEC’s internal documents on Bitcoin and Ether

In a ruling that can boost Ripple’s defense, judge says SEC must disclose discussions on whether XRP, Bitcoin and Ether are securities. Is a settlement now near?

Korea’s Bitcoin kimchi premium explodes as Kakao rises on Upbit rumors

Are South Korea’s new cryptocurrency exchange regulations skewing its crypto market? Meanwhile, Upbit’s parent Dunamu surges on NYSE listing rumors.

Will China’s rising crypto crimes prompt tighter regulation?

Rising Bitcoin prices have inspired a wave of crypto-related Ponzi schemes, fraudulent giveaways and other scams around the world — especially in China.

Why DeFi will be the next big thing in global finance

Traditional finance is costly and inefficient, and too many people are left out. Could decentralized finance (DeFi) be the answer?
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DeFi insurance: Why buy coverage for your digital assets?

Insurance policies for DeFi can cover losses from theft to smart contract issues. But do read the fine print — and know the industry is ‘self-regulated.’

Animoca CEO Yat Siu: Ownership economy ‘will be worth trillions’

Yat Siu, Greater China’s godfather of CryptoKitties and vintage Atari NFTs, also says gamers are at the forefront of blockchain adoption.

Coinbase Nasdaq listing set for April 14

Coinbase’s COIN ticker will go public after the exchange’s Q1 earnings results disclosure ahead its April listing.

Hoping to ride NFT wave, Taiwanese basketball team launches NFTs

Taking a page from NBA Top Shot’s playbook, the Lioneers of Hsinchu County are now selling NFT video clips of their basketball stars. How is the sale going?

How blockchain technology’s landscape changed in the tumult of 2020

Far from slowing down blockchain advances, the Covid pandemic may have accelerated the technology’s growth and adoption, blockchain experts say.

India mandates new disclosure rules for cryptocurrency companies

Starting today, India’s crypto firms must report all cryptocurrency transactions to the government. What does this mean for India’s proposed crypto ban?
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Beyond NFT’s hype: Artists and crypto experts take a hard look at NFTs

What are you really getting when buying a non-fungible token, and are NFTs worth their eye-watering prices? Forkast.News dissects the latest crypto craze.

China opens digital currency door to all. NFTs go wild. Is Singapore’s Temasek buying virgin Bitcoin?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bitcoin prices rise as BTC and ETH options expire. DeFi market steps up as Elon Musk says, ‘Don’t defy DeFi.’

What do Hong Kong’s crypto laws mean for exchanges and investors?

HashKey Group’s Angelina Kwan, a former regulator who helped write laws relevant to the crypto industry, also explains why Hong Kong leads the world in fintech regulations.

XRP holders step closer to joining Ripple in fighting SEC lawsuit

In a new ruling, the judge presiding over SEC v. Ripple Labs opens the door to allowing XRP holders to intervene as a third party in the government’s lawsuit.