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South Korea’s crypto crackdown: What you need to know

The country’s crypto industry has been turned upside down with stricter operating rules that take effect tomorrow.

VC names jump in on NFTs; Crypto investors brush off Evergrande

VC names jump in on NFTs meanwhile crypto investors brush off Evergrande

After Evergrande, will virtual real estate be the next alternative asset class?

The property market is increasingly expensive and out of reach for today’s younger generation. Digital land sales may hit home with some buyers.

Investors get ready, India crypto tax in the works

The Indian ministry of finance has formed a panel to examine how income from crypto investments can be taxed, according to a report by Inc42. Fast facts The panel will evaluate whether crypto income can be taxed as capital gains or if it requires the formation of a new category. The committee is required to […]

Bhutan to adopt Ripple’s XRP technology for CBDC pilot

Ripple’s win in Bhutan comes as it suffers a setback in a US court as judge rebuffs Ripple’s request for SEC’s internal trading decisions over XRP.

Crypto investors brush off Evergrande

The cryptocurrency market has rebounded in the past 24 hours as news broke that China Evergrande Group, the second largest property developer in the world’s most populous nation, has taken a step back from falling off a potential debt cliff today. Fast facts While the overall cryptocurrency market is still down for the week, all […]

Crypto platform Cobo raises $40M to expand one-stop DeFi shop for institutions

Cobo, a Singapore-based crypto custody and asset management platform, today announced the completion of its US$40 million Series B fundraise to accelerate the rollout of its decentralized finance (DeFi) as a service (DaaS) product. Fast facts In an interview, Cobo Chief Operating Officer Lily Zhuo told Forkast.News that Cobo’s DeFi as a service (DaaS) product, […]

Why decentralization can help solve the content moderation problem | Ep. 3

Why is content moderation a cosmically huge problem, do humans need to be involved and how can the decentralized web ensure it’s a place for everyone.

Crypto markets plunge as roof falls in on Evergrande

Top blockchain and crypto news: Evergrande end-game roils crypto markets. SEC takes aim at stablecoins. How close is China’s digital yuan to the finish line?

India may not be ready to follow El Salvador’s lead, but don’t rule out cryptocurrency, finance minister says

Nirmala Sitharaman says ‘a futuristic thing can’t be shut out’ as the country considers crypto regulation, including a possible blanket ban.

After Singapore, Binance pulls back from Australia under growing regulatory pressure

Following similar moves in Singapore, embattled crypto exchange Binance — the largest in the world by trading volume — is ending its derivatives trading in Australia by year’s end, according to a company blog post on Tuesday. Fast facts Aussie traders will have 90 days to reduce or close their positions on options, futures and […]

Second Avalanche hack hits Vee Finance for $35M in assets

Decentralized finance platform Vee Finance, which is based on the Avalanche blockchain, has suffered from a hack that saw the loss of Ether and Bitcoin tokens worth US$35 million, the lending platform announced on Tuesday. Fast facts Vee Finance suspended the platform’s contracts as well as its deposit and borrow function to protect user assets […]

What is Audius and could it be the next Spotify?

Audius is enjoying outsized buzz. Should Spotify be scared? In this Forkast.News explainer, learn how this blockchain startup could threaten music industry money — and power.

Over 90% of the world’s poor are not insured, but blockchain could soon change that

Blockchain and parametric insurance offer a bigger safety net for the world’s most vulnerable, writes Jan Stockhausen of Etherisc. Here’s how it works.

SEC chair Gensler doubts crypto longevity: interview

In an interview by the Washington Post on Tuesday, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler questioned the future of cryptocurrency, saying, “I don’t think there’s a long-term viability for five- or six thousand private forms of money. History tells us otherwise.” He added that “in the meantime, it’s worthwhile to have an investor […]

Evergrande debt woes hit crypto; Mooncakes in the metaverse

Evergrande debt woes hit crypto meanwhile Mooncakes are in the metaverse

S. Korean crypto exchanges at crossroads on cash-to-crypto service suspension

With only a few days left until Korea’s regulatory deadline for virtual asset exchanges, all have accepted the government mandate in service suspension except for one exchange, Gopax. Fast facts Twenty-four virtual asset exchanges in South Korea are in limbo — they have only met one of two new requirements, and were subsequently asked by […]

Chinese rig maker Canaan to buy back shares up to $20M to bring up valuation

Chinese crypto mining rig maker Canaan Inc. announced Monday that its board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program, in a signal of confidence in crypto mining’s future and a belief that its own stock is undervalued. Fast facts Nasdaq-listed Canaan said it may repurchase up to US$20 million worth of its outstanding American […]

Bitcoin miners expected to face tougher digging but demand continues growing

As total hashrate recovers, adjustment would follow four increases after as many declines since China intensified crypto mining clampdown.

How crypto enthusiasts in Asia are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival this year

From crypto-embossed mooncakes to mooncake NFTs to gatherings in the metaverse, how Asia’s crypto fans are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Banks blocking transactions? No problem. Indians find ways to continue trading crypto

As major banks distance themselves from crypto business, alternative trading methods like peer-to-peer transfers are gaining popularity among investors

Evergrande’s uncertainty rocks crypto market

Crypto investors and industry watchers are following closely the potential collapse of Chinese property giant Evergrande.

Why community is key to blockchain and crypto project success

Blockchain communities are instrumental to shaping how projects develop and operate, writes Humpty Calderon of Ontology. What are the signs of a thriving ecosystem?

Crypto exchange Coinbase nixes plan for lending product after SEC lawsuit threat

Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, has dropped its plans to launch its high-yield-generating “Lend” product following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s threat to sue the exchange if they did. Fast facts Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal disclosed in a blog post earlier this month that the company had received […]

Solana funds see institutional investment inflows despite recent network outage

Despite suffering a network outage due to a denial-of-service attack that took the Solana network offline for 17 hours on Sept. 14, Solana funds continued to see inflows of US$4.8 million last week, according to digital asset manager CoinShares. Fast facts “This suggests investors were happy to shrug-off the attack, seeing it as teething problems […]

Bitcoin mining rigs generate as much e-waste as the Netherlands

The amount of electronic waste generated by the Bitcoin network is comparable to the amount of discarded electronic equipment in a small country like the Netherlands, a study published by the academic journal Resource, Conservation and Recycling states. Fast facts According to the paper, a Bitcoin mining machine can lose 35% of its profit potential […]

Upbit becomes South Korea’s first newly registered crypto exchange

Upbit can operate as a virtual monopoly as it becomes the country’s first licensed business to handle cryptocurrencies.

Upbit passes Korea crypto race post; P2P transactions surge in India

Upbit passes Korea crypto race post meanwhile P2P transactions surge in India

Conflux, Shanghai Maritime partner on offshore RMB stablecoin in free trade zone

A focus of China’s free trade and shipping, Shanghai will explore in pilot project cross border trading with offshore renminbi stablecoin.

Kyrgyzstan cracks down on illegal crypto mining

Kyrgyzstan is cracking down on cryptocurrency mining farms that are using power illegally, local media outlet 24.kg reported Saturday, citing a release from the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan. Fast facts Authorities have spotted over 500 crypto mining farms that were illegally connected to power grids, leading to power shortages, as one set of […]

Boba network announces mainnet launch of layer 2 optimistic rollup

ETH 2.0 is expected to address transaction speeds and gas fees on the world’s number two blockchain, but a growing number of layer-2 protocols are looking to solve those issues today.

Cosmos price reaches for the stars as market remains firmly on the ground

As most of the crypto market stagnates, Cosmos has been on a tear over the weekend, gaining 35% since Saturday morning Asia time to reach an all-time high of US$44.54 this morning, according to CoinMarketCap.com. Fast facts Though it dropped slightly to US$41.72 just before press time, this jump marks the first time the ATOM […]

Binance faces US probe for possible insider trading and market manipulation

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is reportedly now under investigation for possible insider trading and market manipulation by the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Fast facts According to a Bloomberg report that cited unnamed sources, investigators from the CFTC — the agency that regulates the U.S. derivatives markets — […]

4 Chinese cities to compete for inclusion in e-CNY pilot programs

Four Chinese cities announced they will compete for inclusion in the next batch of digital renminbi pilot projects. They are Guangzhou, Tianjin, Yiwu and Fuzhou. Fast facts Guangzhou and Tianjin have written their goals into their city’s “14th Five-Year Financial Industry Reform Plan,” and Yiwu’s plan has been reported to the State Council. Guangzhou is […]

Black Friday for Korean exchanges; E-CNY launch in final stretch

Black Friday for Korean exchanges while E-CNY launch in final stretch

Black Friday in South Korea as crypto exchanges announce shutdown

All but four platforms in South Korea obligated to announce the suspension of their services by today.

India’s largest public bank bars payments to crypto exchanges

Most banks distance themselves from virtual asset platforms as the country’s central bank lobbies for a ban.

In crypto market, altcoins get a chance to shine

AVAX and SHIB outperform Bitcoin, which gained in price but shied from the $50K mark.

China’s Inner Mongolia seeks out stealth crypto mining operations

China’s Inner Mongolia region — once a thriving cryptocurrency mining hub that has enacted a series of measures to rein in the sector — is tightening its crackdown by hiring a contractor to monitor and ferret out mining operations. Fast facts The Inner Mongolia Development and Reform Commission announced on Wednesday a bidding result for […]

China’s e-CNY rollout enters ‘sprint stage’ for Beijing Winter Olympics

Digital yuan expected to undergo its first crucial international test despite concerns it can be used as a surveillance tool.
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U.S. Treasury prepares to recommend stricter regulation on stablecoins

The U.S. Treasury is preparing a raft of recommendations for stricter oversight of Tether and other stablecoins, as unnamed insiders say the department has identified the greatest risks posed by the tokens, according to a recent Bloomberg report. Fast facts Making sure investors are able to transfer money in and out of tokens is a […]

El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption, one week on

It’s hot on Bitcoin Beach and the Twitterverse, but the new legal tender doesn’t have uptake elsewhere in the Central American country.

Crypto exchange Binance wants centralized headquarters amid regulatory heat

Under scrutiny around the world, the largest cryptocurrency exchange wants to do a better job engaging with regulators.

Avalanche’s AVAX token surges to all-time high after $230M fundraise

AVAX — the native token of the Avalanche blockchain — today surged to a new all-time high of US$68.34, according to CoinGecko data, boosted by news of a US$230 million investment into the Avalanche ecosystem. AVAX has increased by 60% over the past seven days. Fast facts Launched in September 2020, Avalanche is an open, […]

Institutional DeFi poised to become a $1 trillion industry, Blockdata says

Blockchain research firm sees explosive growth in smart contract-based products that can replace existing financial services.

Why Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson says DeFi is ‘up for grabs’

As Cardano’s Alonzo upgrade goes live, founder Charles Hoskinson of IOHK calls DeFi a ‘bubble.’ How does he think the regulation that is sure to come will reshape DeFi in the future?

How quadratic funding promotes projects for the common good

What is quadratic funding, and why is this mathematical method ideal for allocating capital for a community? Pranav Sharma of Woodstock Fund explains.

Hong Kong-based crypto lender Babel Finance expands to Singapore

Babel Finance, a Hong Kong-based crypto lender and asset manager, today announced it is opening a business headquarters in Singapore named Babel Asia, as the company looks to serve more clients globally. Fast facts Babel Asia plans to serve as a base for future merger and acquisition activities, together with Babel Finance to drive mainstream […]

Logging each step in tea production on a blockchain — from farm to cup

With the ease of counterfeiting products like premium tea, keeping a tamper-proof digital paper trail can record each step along the way.

Canaan reports record revenues; Korea says no to crypto tax delay

Canaan reports record revenues meanwhile Korea says no to crypto tax delay

Canaan sees strongest ever quarterly sales results

Leading Chinese crypto mining hardware manufacturer attributes robust revenue to ‘substantial increase in total computing power sold.’

NFT charity auction to benefit low-income families in Singapore

Blockchain Association Singapore (BAS) and Singapore’s National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) U Care Fund today announced their inaugural non-fungible token (NFT) charity auction event, Blockchain For Good, which will take place Oct. 4 to 10. Fast facts The charity initiative — supported by a wide range of companies including Singapore Airlines, Amazon Web Services Inc., […]

South Korea’s finance minister stands by 20% crypto income tax plan

South Korea’s finance minister Hong Nam-ki gave a firm “no” at the National Assembly to lawmakers asking for crypto taxation to be delayed until the industry is fully prepared. Fast facts Minister Hong insisted the plan to tax capital gains from cryptocurrency transactions should be executed as planned. The amended tax law stipulates that crypto […]

African cryptocurrency market grows by more than 12 times in past year

African countries collectively received US$105.6 billion worth of cryptocurrency between July 2020 and June 2021, a year-on-year increase by more than 12 times, blockchain data platform Chainalysis said in a report. Fast facts The adoption rate of cryptocurrency in Africa at the grassroots level is the highest in the world. And retail transactions in Africa […]

China’s blockchain infrastructure project goes live in Hong Kong, Macau

Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN) soft launch is the first attempt to roll out the state-backed ‘internet for blockchain’ outside of the Chinese mainland.

Insider trading scandal rocks world’s biggest NFT platform OpenSea

As the trading volume in non-fungible tokens begins to slow down from recent record heights, leading NFT marketplace OpenSea has been rocked by an insider trading scandal involving a senior team member. Fast facts The company, dubbed “the eBay of NFTs,” issued a statement yesterday acknowledging it became aware on Tuesday that an employee had […]

How you can own a (tiny) part of a Thai beachfront villa for US$150

Blockchain and tokenization are transforming how real estate can be bought and sold. Here is how one fintech startup in Asia is using digital fractionalization to raise capital.

Solana validators complete restart; Laos ends crypto ban

Solana validators complete restart also Laos ends crypto ban

Litecoin unloved at Walmart. Cardano’s Alonzo upgrade. China takes aim at NFTs.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Walmart dispels Litecoin hoax. Cardano’s real work begins. Beijing bears down on NFTs.

SEC chair says most cryptocurrencies including stablecoins are securities

In his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Gary Gensler, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said that Coinbase lists “dozens of tokens that may be securities.” Fast facts In response to Senator Pat Toomey’s questions about whether cryptocurrencies classify as securities, Gensler said “very many” of the cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, are in […]

2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou to sell torch NFTs supported by Alipay

Despite widespread criticism of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that has emerged in Chinese state-owned media, the 2022 Asian Games has announced the sale of its first NFT collection. Fast facts Organizers of the games, set to take place in September 2022 in Hangzhou, the capital city of the eastern province of Zhejiang, announced in a social […]

Solana crashes, SOL prices tumble as network scrambles to restart

SOL had been on a tear but is now losing ground. Is Solana a victim of its own success — or does the network have deeper problems?

Bank of China, DBS and HSBC partner with GSBN on digitizing trade finance

Three banks — the Bank of China, Singapore’s DBS and HSBC — have partnered with the Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), a Hong Kong-based non-profit consortium that recently launched a blockchain-based trade platform, to form a trade finance advisory group, according to a media release shared with Forkast.News today. Fast facts Trade finance — the […]

Reserve Bank of Australia posts CBDC job position

Amid the country’s ongoing Senate inquiry into crypto regulation, the Reserve Bank of Australia has posted a job advertisement for a position within its central bank digital currency research team. Fast facts A successful applicant would join a new cross-disciplinary team to research “whether there is a case for a CBDC in Australia, and if […]

Laos backpedals on crypto ban, looks to trading, mining pilot program

The government of Laos has authorized six firms to trade and mine cryptocurrencies, ending a ban imposed in 2018, according to a recent notice from the prime minister’s office.  Fast facts Laos had implemented a complete ban on cryptocurrencies three years ago, including on trading and mining activities. As recently as last month, the country’s […]

South Korean exchanges close cash-to-crypto trading services as new rules loom

Mid-sized crypto exchange Foblgate announced the closure of its Korean won (KRW) trading functions in advance of a government mandate banning digital asset platforms from operating cash-to-crypto services without a local bank partnership. Fast facts Foblgate announced it is temporarily suspending its KRW withdrawal, deposit and trading market between cryptocurrencies and the Korean won. Instead, […]

FTX hit by hack rumor; Korea updates crypto death note

FTX hit by hack rumor meanwhile Korea updates crypto death note

South Korea’s crypto ‘death note’ updated; 7 more exchanges to survive

Financial authorities reveal an updated list of virtual asset platforms that have complied with new regulations.

Huobi Ventures bets on DeFi and gaming in $10M GameFi fund

Huobi Ventures, the investment arm of cryptocurrency exchange Huobi, today announced the launch of a US$10 million “GameFi” fund to invest in early-stage projects that integrate blockchain gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi). Fast facts Huobi’s new GameFi fund follows the launch of its US$100 million DeFi fund in May and comes amid increasing mainstream interest […]

China’s e-CNY soft rollout continues, while Moody’s frowns at use of CBDCs in cross-border payments

A tourist spot in South China’s Hainan province to hand out digital yuan, while Shenzhen tests adoption for Hong Kong residents.

China’s Hebei and Gansu provinces to phase out crypto mining

More provinces in China are putting new limits on the cryptocurrency mining sector, as the country works toward its carbon neutrality goals and concerns over cryptocurrency trading loom. Fast facts Authorities in North China’s Hebei province today issued a notice to crack down on cryptocurrency mining and trading activities, saying that crypto mining consumes huge […]

Walmart, FTX and Animoca Brands hit by crypto misinformation

Scams and fake news have long dogged the crypto world. This week saw two major blockchain companies and a global retailer get swept up by hack rumors or hoaxes.