Stacks surges after NFT push; Samsung Next invests in Sky Mavis

Stacks surges after NFT push while Samsung Next invests in Sky Mavis

Altcoin Stacks STX price surges 70% as crypto market slumps

While most of the market was down around 5% coming into the Asia trading day this morning, altcoin Stacks was up over 70% in 24 hours on Sunday night, according to data from CoinMarketCap, hitting a high of US$2.45 — the highest point the token had reached since the market-wide crash in May. The price has fallen […]

A look at how global stablecoin regulations are evolving

As international regulators seek to implement oversight, crypto industry players say it is a positive sign that regulators are now considering including stablecoins in banking regulations.

Cryptocurrency now on the table for Aussie homebuyers

Australians are now able to buy a house using cryptocurrency, as Lloyds Auctions Australia has announced it is accepting Bitcoin for purchases of real estate in online auctions, according to a press release shared with Forkast.News. Fast facts While Covid lockdowns impacted how in-person real estate auctions could take place in Australia, Lloyds began looking […]

Is DeFi at war with traditional finance, and should TradFi be scared?

Decentralized finance may look like it’s consuming TradFi, writes Will Hamilton of TCM Capital. But here’s why one won’t survive without the other.

Tether fires back; Easy Crypto closes Series A funding round

Tether fires back while Easy Crypto closes Series A funding round

Chainalysis boosts cybercrime fighting power with acquisition of Excygent

The companies have a longstanding working relationship on virtual currency investigations with government agencies.

China’s Jiangsu province works to wipe out covert crypto mining

China’s eastern province of Jiangsu today announced that it is cracking down on covert cryptocurrency mining activities, in response to the notice jointly issued two weeks ago by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and several other public security and information technology authorities. Fast facts The Jiangsu Communications Administration said it is strengthening its […]

Is Blockchain’s age of interoperability finally on the horizon? 

As blockchain nodes multiply around the world, the need for interconnectivity has never been greater. John DeVadoss of InterWork Alliance explains why.

New Zealand exchange closes $12M funding round

New Zealand-based exchange Easy Crypto has closed a NZ$17 million (US$11.75 million) Series A funding round, in what may be the largest investment raised for a startup from the country. Fast facts Led by venture capital fund Nuance Connected Capital, Easy Crypto told Forkast.News the funding round was oversubscribed by 50%, helped along by participation […]

Ukrainian president seeks revision of cryptocurrency bill

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned a cryptocurrency bill to Parliament for revision on Tuesday, demanding the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine be designated the country’s main crypto regulator. Fast facts The crypto bill had passed the second parliamentary hearing on September 8. Had Zelenskyy signed the bill, it would have made the country the fifth […]

What Powell’s ‘No intention to ban’ means for crypto

  Jerome Powell’s remarks on Sept. 30 following his testimony about the financial hardships of the pandemic caught the attention of crypto enthusiasts. Taking questions from the House Committee on Financial Services, Chairman Powell said the Federal Reserve would not seek a ban on crypto but reiterated that stablecoins should be regulated.  Bitcoin jumped by […]

2021 is a banner year for NFTs. Here’s what you need to know

The NFT boom is transforming the art world, writes Laura Ballman and Michael Greenwald. Collectors would be wise to learn all they can about this new technology.
and

Judge makes XRP holders ‘friends of court’ in SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple

A US court has denied XRP holders’ bid to join the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit as third-party defendants, but XRP advocates say being ‘amici curiae’ is still a win.

U.S. crypto enforcement team to target cybercrime

Making the most of cybersecurity awareness month, which marks its 18th year this October, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced it is launching a national cryptocurrency enforcement team targeting cybercrime. Fast facts During a virtual speech at the Aspen Cyber Summit on Wednesday, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said: “Cryptocurrency exchanges want to be […]

How should the world tackle crypto criminals and digital dangers?

Top blockchain and crypto news: US leads charge in ramping up cybersecurity. Crypto fans crow as Facebook flops. China bears down on metaverses.

Kazakhstan, hotbed for crypto mining, mulls restrictions amid power shortages

Xive co-founder says its one mining farm in the south of the Central Asian nation has been forced to disconnect from the grid.

Sky Mavis receives $3B valuation in funding round amid tumultuous period for Axie Infinity

Sky Mavis, the company behind leading non-fungible token game Axie Infinity, has raised US$152 million in a Series B funding round with a valuation of nearly US$3 billion, according to news outlet The Information. Fast facts Led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Sky Mavis said it will use the funds to improve its blockchain […]

MetaMask Institutional partners with crypto custodians BitGo, Qredo, Cactus Custody

MetaMask Institutional (MMI), the version of the MetaMask decentralized finance (DeFi) wallet for institutions, today announced its partnership with digital assets custodians U.S.-based BitGo, British Virgin Islands-headquartered Qredo, and Hong Kong-based Cactus Custody to facilitate companies seeking access to DeFi. Fast facts The partnership comes amid growing institutional interest in DeFi and aims to address […]

What are the biggest challenges for institutions that adopt crypto?

What does it mean to provide ‘institutional’ crypto services, and what role does blockchain technology play? Robert Cooper of Digivault explains.

Petitioners oppose looming 20% crypto tax in South Korea

Crypto investors say virtual asset gains will be taxed on uneven grounds compared to stock capital gains.

Axie Infinity revenue plunges, while AXS price breaks new ground

It’s been quite a run for the world’s leading play-to-earn game, but as its monthly revenue takes a hit, what’s in store for the future of the game?

What is Hong Kong’s future as a crypto hub?

Hong Kong, a hotbed for crypto startups and exchanges, is at a crossroads, writes Jeremy Ng of Gemini. Here’s how the industry can better secure its future.

Central and Southeast Asia among fastest-growing regions in global crypto adoption: Chainalysis

Much of the growth in the region is driven by strong grassroots adoption rates led by Vietnam, India and Pakistan, new data from Chainalysis shows

e-CNY chat wallet launched; Korean illegal crypto transactions surge

China’s telecom giants to bring digital yuan transactions to mobile chatting boxes.

Illegal foreign exchange transactions using crypto in South Korea break record, grow fortyfold

The country sees a rise in the amount of illegal currency transactions across the border while the use of virtual assets makes it almost impossible to track down.

What are stablecoins, and why are some governments so afraid of them?

Stablecoins combine the portability of crypto with the price stability of fiat currencies. But are they all that stable?

How will China’s new dictates affect Hong Kong’s future as a crypto hub?

Mainland China’s recent clampdowns on crypto are reverberating beyond its borders. In a special Q&A, former regulator and crypto industry leader Angelina Kwan discusses what this means for Hong Kong.

Crypto on the beach: FTX and other players find paradise in the Caribbean

This week, FTX announced it is moving its headquarters from Hong Kong to the Bahamas, as the larger Caribbean region takes on a bigger role as host to virtual currency exchanges.

DeFi benefits from China ban; Gamevil increases Coinone stake

DeFi benefits from China ban while Gamevil increases Coinone stake

A crypto-trading hamster is outrunning Warren Buffett

Although scarcely the size of a human palm, Mr. Goxx is earning big returns in the virtual currency market, raking in a 16% return as of Tuesday.

After the crackdown: go underground, go along, or buy the dip?

Chinese social media has been abuzz since authorities lowered the boom on crypto. Forkast.News has been following the chatter. Here’s what they’re saying on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter.

Tehran bourse CEO steps down after discovery of illegal crypto mining in basement

Ali Sahraee, the CEO of Tehran Stock Exchange, has resigned after Iranian authorities recently busted an illegal crypto mining operation in the basement of the bourse building, according to a report by Iran’s state media. Fast facts The authorities discovered the illegal mining rigs during a sudden inspection. The operation was being run by several […]

Why China’s latest stomp on crypto is turbo-charging DeFi growth

DeFi tokens like dYdX soared after China’s latest move to throttle crypto. Is this a short-term spurt or decentralized finance shifting into high gear?

How China’s crypto clampdowns could reshape the rest of the world

Against the global tide of digital asset adoption, China’s harshest crypto ban yet heralds golden opportunities, writes Richard Byworth of EQONEX. Other governments should take note.

China crackdown legal concerns; Korea discusses virtual asset law

China crackdown legal concerns as Korea also discusses virtual asset law

South Korean banks find workaround to cash in on crypto services

NH Nonghyup is the third bank in South Korea to invest in a virtual asset custody service while they are prohibited from running their own.

Unmade in China: Beijing’s crypto cold war turns hot

Top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Beijing’s crypto crusade comes to a head. Chinese mining caves in. Mr. Goxx reaps robust returns.

Retail malls, move over. Crypto mining is in for Malaysia’s Hatten Land

Malaysian property developer Hatten Land has signed an agreement, through a subsidiary, with Singapore-based digital asset management company Frontier to share proceeds from jointly operating at least 1,000 cryptocurrency mining rigs within Hatten Land properties in Malaysia, according to a company statement released today. Fast facts Hatten Land has previously announced that it would repurpose […]

China fallout hits mining; Korea digital custody competition heats up

China fallout hits mining meanwhile Korea digital custody competition heats up

Crypto mining players continue to flee China as latest ban kicks in

China’s earlier efforts to eradicate mining may not have been as effective as the government had hoped, but Friday’s announcement is having an impact.
and

The curious timing behind China’s thunder and lightning at crypto

China assaulted crypto with a new ferocity just as Bitcoin options expired and Evergrande escaped death. Coincidence? Ben Caselin of AAX lays out the clues.

China’s crypto crackdown: What it means

China’s crypto crackdown and what it means

FTX CEO: This is the canary in China’s crypto ban coal mine

Amid China’s new clampdown, why is DeFi surging and the RMB-to-crypto market important? Sam Bankman-Fried analyzes what it all means and why FTX is leaving Hong Kong for a new home.

Chinese crypto exchange Huobi looks to the world as China shuts the door on crypto

Huobi’s diversified businesses outside of China reached nearly 70% in terms of trading volumes, and have been on the rise, its co-founder tells Forkast.News.

Industry players scramble, evaluate options as China bans all crypto transactions

China’s intensified crackdown on cryptocurrency leaves service providers looking to stay compliant with Friday’s abrupt announcement.
and

Ban or no ban, Indian crypto industry is thriving

India’s crypto industry will grow over 200% to reach $241M by 2030, a new study says.

China’s crypto ban: what you need to know

How is China’s latest clampdown on crypto different from its previous bans — and how do authorities plan to catch the scofflaws? Henri Arslanian of PwC breaks it down.

Crypto markets shrug off China’s latest saber-rattling

Is China’s influence over Bitcoin and the global crypto market waning? Chinese exchanges get a thrashing as decentralized exchanges get happy on clampdown news.
and

What does China’s crypto ban really mean? Insights from the ground

China’s hardline stance against crypto is already rippling beyond its borders. A mainland crypto insider explains the global shakeup yet to come.

Why DeFi holds the key to metaverse success

A profound shift is underway in online culture, writes Anndy Lian of BigOne Exchange. Here’s how decentralized finance might one day power the NFT and metaverse economy.

The9 teams up with Polygon and Protocol Labs on new NFT platform, game projects

The9 Ltd., a Chinese gaming company that pivoted earlier this year to cryptocurrency mining — along with Polygon and Protocol Labs — are forming an ecosystem collaboration on The9’s non-fungible token (NFT) platform NFTSTAR and GameFi play-to-earn projects. Fast facts The company said in a statement released on Thursday that NFTSTAR and The9’s GameFi projects will […]

Fewer South Korean crypto exchanges remain in business under new industry regulations

Around 35 virtual asset exchanges will vanish as of midnight Friday, as the country imposes new rules designed to protect consumers.

Crypto market is shaken as China declares all crypto transactions illegal

Bitcoin and Ethereum prices fall after Beijing intensifies crackdown on crypto trading, mining.
and

Former US Treasury advisor predicts no ‘real action’ from Fed on CBDC

While a US digital dollar is stuck at pole position, China’s digital yuan is nearing the finish line. Michael B. Greenwald of Tiedemann Advisors explains why it matters to the future global economy.  

BIT Mining invests in crypto site in Ohio to expand U.S. operation

The cryptocurrency mining industry is attracting more investment money. Hong Kong-headquartered crypto miner BIT Mining said it had entered into an agreement to jointly invest in a crypto mining data center in the U.S. state of Ohio, with access to power capacity of up to 85 megawatts. Fast facts The development of the Ohio mining […]

SushiSwap developer rejects claims of billion-dollar bug

SushiSwap, a Japanese decentralized exchange, has dismissed the claims of a white hat hacker who says two contracts on the exchange have a vulnerability that puts US$1 billion worth of user assets at risk. Fast facts An anonymous white hat hacker published a report on Thursday claiming there is a loophole in the emergency withdrawal […]

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, […]

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.

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.

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 […]

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.