MakerDAO’s Christensen wants to make DAOs fun again. He’s not alone.
Projects are rethinking how to make DAOs more fun and less disappointing.
Let’s use Web3 to grow projects that fight climate change
The most promising carbon offset programs can still wither and die from financing distress. Blockchain technology can help them survive and bear fruit.
What asset tokenization will look like in 2024 and beyond
Tokenization is on the rise not only in the private sector. In Asia, governments are leading the charge to use this technology for the greater public good.
From Silicon Valley to Sand Dunes: Why Indian crypto firms eye Dubai expansion
Indian crypto companies flock to Dubai, escaping high local taxes and finding solace in the emirate’s favorable regulatory environment.
Creator economy, AI & the move to half a trillion dollars
Welcome to Forkast IQ, presented by Forkast’s Megha Chaddah, where we look beyond the headlines to get you insights that power smarter decisions. In this special edition, Forkast News spoke to one of the leaders of the Web3 industry, Yat Siu, co-founder and chairman of Animoca Brands.
Blockchain can transform the real estate business — if we remove the roadblocks in its way
From reducing paperwork to verifying title quickly, blockchain technology promises to overhaul the age-old industry. But it faces regulatory hurdles and resistance by those who profit from inefficiency.
How ancient battles are shaping our global financial future
Our 21st century economy still rides on old, slow and costly financial rails. Here’s how blockchain technology can build a network of monetary superhighways.
Is Ethereum once again a victim of its own success?
A year after the Merge made Ethereum even more popular, the network now faces the perils of a staking-fueled liquidity crunch. What are the alternatives?
Why a16z chose London for its first non-US office
Silicon Valley venture giant Andreessen Horowitz plants flag in London: fuels UK’s ascent as a Web3 innovator.
UBS allows crypto ETFs for Hong Kong investors with at least US$2 mln assets
Three SFC-authorized crypto ETFs will be available on UBS’ Hong Kong platform.
ICBC forced to trade with USB drive due to ransomware attack
ICBC was disconnected from its trading partners after a cyberattack.
Blackrock files for Ether ETF: ETH tops US$2,100
BlackRock’s Ether ETF filing comes as the U.S. SEC entered an eight-day window to potentially approve pending Bitcoin ETF applications.
FTT up 65% after SEC’s Gensler hints FTX restart
FTT rose over 65% despite FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s guilty verdict last week.
SEC in talks with Grayscale for Bitcoin ETF: CoinDesk
The SEC has reportedly been in contact with Grayscale since its court victory in August.
Taiwan identifies new suspects in alleged JPEX fraud case: report
Prosecutors have reportedly identified new suspects after searching nine locations related to JPEX.
Can spot Bitcoin ETFs push Hong Kong to the crypto throne?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Hong Kong mulls Bitcoin ETFs, Ordinals flip Ethereum NFTs, IPO comes full circle.
Grassroots crypto adoption to follow real-world use cases, says Chainalysis APAC policy lead
Blockchain-based gaming and remittances among top drivers toward adoption in central and South Asia.
Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures, SBI Holdings launch crypto investment firm in UAE
The move is part of SC Ventures’ expansion into the United Arab Emirates.
Bitcoin breaks US$36,000 as SEC enters potential ETF approval period
Bitcoin is up over 32% in the past month.
Ripple partners with Onafriq for African cross-border payment channels
The partnership aims to reduce the high costs and lengthy transfer times associated with traditional remittance payments.
SEBA crypto bank receives license in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s legal system provides a solid foundation for crypto-related services, said SEBA Group CEO Franz Bergmueller.
NFTs are mainstream again?
The Simpsons dedicates its annual Halloween special to NFTs, as data signals continued uptrend in the NFT market.
What we can learn from the sunsetting of Reddit’s crypto rewards program
Reddit’s shortsightedness and fixation on profits ultimately led it to pull the plug on Community Points. But here’s why Reddit should still be commended.
Dubai calls on crypto firms to finalize applications by Nov. 17
Over 1,000 crypto firms will have to complete their applications by Nov. 17 to avoid regulatory consequences.
Mitsubishi UFJ launches joint stablecoin study with Ginco, Progmat
The joint study aims to create the infrastructure for issuing regulatory-compliant stablecoins for improved cross-border settlement.
Dubai’s ascent to fintech, Web3 and AI dominance
While Hong Kong and Singapore compete for the top spot, Dubai is already shaping the future of fintech and Web3, writes Mohammad Alblooshi, chief executive officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub.
Moody’s unveils AI that predicts stablecoin depegging
The artificial intelligence service is designed to predict the depegging of stablecoins in 24-hours.
Proof Group among three top bidders for FTX relaunch: report
Proof Group is also part of the group that won the bid for bankrupt crypto lender Celsius.
Bank of England, FCA to regulate sterling-denominated stablecoins
The central bank expects to release the final set of regulations by 2025.
Yuga Labs, Magic Eden to launch Ethereum NFT marketplace with enforced royalties
Magic Eden Ethereum will be the first major marketplace to contractually obligate creator royalties.
SBF conviction closes “dark chapter” in crypto: Yat Siu
Siu said this marks the crypto industry’s evolution from the FTX collapse and the Terra-Luna meltdown.
Is Hong Kong really in the forefront of the global digital money race?
Hong Kong is charging ahead in its digital currency initiatives, but more must be done to address the e-HKD’s environmental impact and security concerns.
Okto pledges US$5 mln to support Vauld users
The US$5 million fund aims to help Vauld users who can’t withdraw their assets from the platform.
XRP approved by Dubai’s Financial Services Authority
The XRP token now stands to benefit from legal and regulatory clarity in the DIFC, according to the announcement.
Sam Bankman-Fried found guilty on all charges
Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28, 2024.
PayPal subpoenaed by SEC over PYUSD Stablecoin
PayPal said that it is collaborating with the SEC’s request.
PayPal registers crypto service with UK FCA
The registration enables PayPal to advertise its crypto services to U.K. customers.
SBF trial drama fails to dampen Bitcoin’s meteoric October
Top blockchain and crypto news: Bankman-Fried’s memory lapses, betting on the return of NFTs, ETF dreams and Bitcoin’s Uptober
Nomura-backed Komainu partners Crypto Garage for institutional crypto services
The collaboration aims to build institutional crypto services in Japan.
SBF examined over “cozy relationship” with Bahamian government in fraud trail
This marked Bankman-Fried’s fourth and final day of testimony before Wednesday’s closing arguments.
How blockchain can fortify children’s online safety
Colossal failures in online age verification have opened the floodgates for kids to access harmful content and become ‘friends’ with adult strangers. Can encrypted decentralized IDs put a stop to all that?
NFT’s October treat
October sees NFT resurgence with US$300 million in sales despite negative trade profits; SoFi platforms face challenges amid financial scrutiny.
Mad Lads creator Backpack to launch licensed crypto exchange in Dubai
Backpack said it also secured operational licenses in other jurisdictions.
‘Uptober’ narrative saved by spot Bitcoin ETF bounce
Often dismissed as coincidence, October has once again produced an upswing in the crypto market, with excitement around a potential U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF to thank for this year’s ‘Uptober.’
Sam Bankman-Fried’s credibility questioned by prosecutors during cross-examination
Prosecutors pointed out inconsistencies in Bankman-Fried’s public statements before FTX collapsed in a four-hour grilling.
Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and U.K. to collaborate on digital assets pilots
The MAS said that its previous tokenization pilots demonstrated great potential benefits of the technology.
UK plans to introduce fiat-backed stablecoin rules in early 2024
The U.K. intends to introduce rules on fiat-backed stablecoins in early 2024, according to the government’s latest cryptocurrency policy update published on Monday. See related article: Singapore, Thailand clarify crypto rules; NFTs become new cultural frontier Fast Facts See related article: Blockchain tech in Thailand gets boost from new pro-crypto lead
Thailand’s Kasikorn Bank buys majority stake in Satang crypto exchange
The lender, known as K-bank, said it will also open three additional crypto subsidiaries.
Web2 social media is in a race to the bottom. Web3 can do better
Platforms like Facebook, Reddit and the hot mess formerly known as Twitter are alienating users like never before. ‘Web3 doesn’t let you be a dick and get away with it,’ writes Joonatan Lintala, CEO of Phaver.
Take two: Sam Bankman-Fried testifies, for real this time
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried denied defrauding anyone as he took to the stand in his criminal trial.
Neo sets sights on DeFi, unveils EVM-compatible sidechain
Neo’s new sidechain hopes to counter MEV attacks to mitigate exploits and manipulations.
Taiwan introduces crypto regulation proposal
Taiwan’s new bill mandates crypto platform permits, addressing self-regulation gaps.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s testimony gets a test run as the defense presents its case
In a rare move, Judge Lewis Kaplan sent the jury home early so he can decide what is and isn’t admissible in FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s testimony.
Bitcoin soars amid buzz of potential ETF approval: Is a crypto renaissance on the horizon?
Top blockchain and crypto news: Bitcoin ETF potential pumps life in markets. Ethereum NFTs back on rise. Major industry layoffs continue.
Mastercard explores partnerships with crypto wallets MetaMask, Ledger: CoinDesk
Mastercard’s potential tie up with custody service providers may turbocharge crypto wallets’ growth with its global payments prowess.
NFTs dressing up as a bull?
Amid Bitcoin’s ‘Uptober’ surge and Friend.tech’s security concerns, traders pivot back to NFTs, spurred by Blur’s rewards end date and potential Bitcoin ETF approvals.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs — crypto’s silver bullet?
Amid news, fake or otherwise, of an imminent approval for at least one spot Bitcoin ETF, Bitcoin’s price has skyrocketed. Could a year of pain in the crypto industry be over?
Parity Technologies, Polkadot blockchain developer, lays off 30% of staff
Parity CEO Björn Wagner said that despite the need for layoffs, the company’s financial health “remains robust.”
Dark Side of the $MOON: What the collapse of Reddit Community Points teaches us about Web3 tokenomics
To quell the uproar over the imminent death of a popular rewards program, Reddit is blaming ‘scalability’ and regulatory woes. But the real culprit is Reddit itself for failing to make its tokens sustainable, writes Fabio Galbi, CEO of VSC.
Binance loses two more top execs in UK and France
Global regulatory pressure on the world’s largest exchange continues to take its toll.
Binance challenges CFTC’s global reach in legal clash
Binance hits back at CFTC, stating U.S. laws can’t police global crypto operations; claims Binance.US operates separately.
Bitcoin ETF fever sends BTC to heights not seen since May 2022
As Bitcoin breaks past $35,000, optimism brews in the crypto market. Is this the end of the prolonged ‘crypto winter’ investors have dreaded?
North America retains crypto crown even as US regulatory clouds loom: Chainalysis
The United States is the region’s top driver of crypto activity.
Astar, Startale Labs announce Web3 partnership with Japanese telecom giant, KDDI
Astar Network and Startale Labs partner with Japanese telecom giant KDDI to boost Web3 adoption.
China’s central bank to ‘resolutely curb’ crypto speculation; Hong Kong updates regulations
PBOC to crack down on crypto speculation, as Hong Kong restricts access to certain “complex” virtual asset products.
Philippines’ Coins.ph may have lost US$6 million worth of XRP in hack: The Block
Coins.ph, a cryptocurrency exchange based in the Philippines with millions of users, appeared to have lost 12.2 million XRP tokens, The Block reported on Friday.
Is TradFi’s entry into DeFi a turning point or a sign of greater battles ahead?
The pillars of Wall Street are muscling their way into crypto and decentralized finance. Who stands to benefit the most?
Bitcoin briefly rallies above US$30,000 following Grayscale’s new ETF application
Bitcoin gained over 10% this past week, boosted by Grayscale’s renewed spot Bitcoin ETF application.
LBRY shuts down operations
LBRY issued a final goodbye to the crypto community before winding down operations.
SEC drops all charges against Ripple’s CEO Garlinghouse and co-founder Larsen
The XRP token rose over 6% on the day after the SEC dismissed the charges against Ripple’s top executives.
Prosecution winds up case against Bankman-Fried ahead of six-day pause in trial
FTX’s former general counsel Can Sun testified he was “shocked” by $7 billion in missing customer funds as the prosecution’s case starts to draw to a close.