Asia’s newest unicorn, crypto trading firm Amber Group, raises $100 million
Forkast.News speaks with Michael Wu, Amber Group’s co-founder and CEO, on how the crypto firm is going from $100 million to $1 billion in valuation.
WazirX CEO: India’s crypto industry trying to keep ‘clean’ for regulators
Crypto literacy of Indian regulators is evolving and crypto players are trying to keep industry clean via self-regulations, says Nischal Shetty of WazirX.
Crypto clampdown hits Sichuan; Dtravel launches Airbnb rival | The Daily Forkast
China’s crypto clampdown reaches Sichuan. A sneak preview into how China’s digital yuan works.
Miami woos crypto miners fleeing China
The city’s mayor says it welcomes an exodus of miners from China amid a generalized clampdown on the industry.
Chinese crypto mining ban coming to Sichuan — reports
Miners face imminent shutdown as power companies told to cut electricity, according to multiple reports.
U.S. securities watchdog’s regulatory agenda turns blind eye to crypto
Dashing hopes of greater regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s recently released annual regulatory agenda does not mention Bitcoin or cryptocurrency regulations.
MSCI to launch cryptocurrency index
Global securities index MSCI plans to launch a cryptocurrency index, according to CEO Henry Fernandez.
Grayscale eyes 13 more crypto assets including Polygon, Bancor
Institutional digital asset manager Grayscale announced today that it is exploring 13 more assets for its trusts, mainly related to decentralized finance.
‘China’s Robinhood’ halts CME crypto futures services amid sector clampdown
Chinese stock trading app Futu Niuniu has suspended Chicago Mercantile Exchange cryptocurrency futures services and stopped supplying crypto market information.
Angry Aussie crypto investors eye Binance class action
Australian investors adversely impacted by repeated system failures on Binance are considering taking a class action lawsuit to recoup their losses.
U.S. Republican Party to accept donations in cryptocurrency
The National Republican Congressional Committee in the US will begin accepting donations in cryptocurrency.
How DeFi exchanges like SynFutures may challenge TradFi and CeFi
Singapore-based decentralized exchange SynFutures has closed a $14 million series A round to bring crypto derivatives to new users around the world.
More regulation for SK crypto exchanges; NFTs kick-start K-pop comeback | The Daily Forkast
Self-published tokens get barred from South Korean exchanges as Hong Kong’s air quality recording meets blockchain technology.
Survival race of SK exchanges; Ethereum powers digital passports in HK | The Daily Forkast
50 crypto exchanges apply for ISMS in South Korea while Hong Kong sees the birth of a blockchain passport for Covid vaccinations.
The internet paradigm shift is here: Are you prepared for Web 3.0?
Permissionless, open source and decentralized, Web 3.0 will transform computing and data storage. Maria Paula Fernandez of Golem Network explains how.
Yunnan mining ban clarified; Korean exchanges start ‘coin thinning’ | The Daily Forkast
Chinese authorities provide more details on its notice issued to the local mining industry while South Korean exchange start ‘coin thinning’.
Chinese province of Yunnan puts crypto mining under the microscope
Following rumors of a possible ban on cryptocurrency mining in the province last week, its energy regulator has clarified an approach to the industry that looks set to rein in rogue operators.
Beyond the NFT hype: Why NFT technology is flawed and buyers must beware
What does it mean to own an NFT, and why are some NFTs vanishing? Alexander Hobbs of Zenotta explains the weaknesses in NFTs’ underlying technology.
Ethereum sees record institutional outflows of US$12.7M
Ethereum saw its largest institutional outflows on record last week as outflows from Bitcoin eased, according to a report by CoinShares.
El Salvador’s BTC remittances in May quadruple from last year
Bitcoin transactions in El Salvador during May increased by more than four times compared to a year ago, yet fiat remittances still represent the vast majority of transactions in the country.
Yunnan warns miners over power use; WazirX faces gov’t heat | The Daily Forkast
China’s crypto mining crackdown continues while Indian finance authorities probe one of the nation’s largest exchange WazirX.
Who’ll blink first in India’s crypto stand-off?
India’s central bank has clarified that cryptocurrencies are not illegal, but that does little to prevent lenders from refusing to provide crypto-related services.
As blockchain becomes widely used in banking, what are its security risks?
Blockchain provides greater data transparency and security than ever before, but the technology is not immune to cyber attacks and data breaches.
Huobi launches Blockchain Assets Center for token listings
Huobi Group has announced the launch of a Blockchain Assets Center to provide a standardized, streamlined process for projects seeking to list on its cryptocurrency exchange, Huobi Global.
SK govt assists crypto exchanges; Aus firm accepts crypto for rent | The Daily Forkast
South Korean government is holding on-site visits to help crypto exchanges get regulated while an Aussie business wants crypto for rent.
Plasm Network closes $10M fundraise to bolster Polkadot ambitions
With Kusama slot parachain auctions underway, the first starting next week, Plasm and Shiden networks prepare for a multi-chain future with Polkadot.
How the layer 2 race is scaling Ethereum before ETH 2.0
While the world waits for Eth 2, blockchain developers like Enya.ai and OMG Network are trying to solve Ethereum’s scalability issues via layer 2.
Twitter chief says integration of BTC Lightning Network “a matter of time”
Twitter’s founder and CEO says the integration of Bitcoin layer-2 payments — the Lightning Network — into the social media platform may be on the horizon.
Is Chinese province Yunnan banning cryptocurrency mining?
Yunnan is getting prepared to ban cryptocurrency mining activities, BTC.top, one of the country’s major mining pools, today told Forkast.News, citing a screenshot of a notice.
Bitmain rallies crypto miners to ponder options as industry eyes China exit
Chinese crypto mining rig maker Bitmain is reportedly set to meet with miners and industry participants next week to discuss relocating mining operations overseas.
Australian serviced office firm to accept rent in crypto
Australian serviced office firm Business Hub will accept cryptocurrency as payment for rent on serviced office space and other business services as of July 1.
Singapore’s GIC takes 8% stake in HK’s digital asset company BC Group
GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, is investing in BC Group—the parent company of OSL, Hong Kong’s first licensed cryptocurrency exchange.
Basel Committee starts public consultation on banks’ crypto asset exposures
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has launched a public consultation on preliminary proposals for the treatment of banks’ crypto asset exposures.
Hashrate drops as Chinese crypto mining ban extended to more provinces
Cryptocurrency mining prohibition in Xinjiang and Qinghai follows Inner Mongolia ban.
Jump Trading partners with Solana-based DeFi protocol Oxygen
Jump Trading, a high-frequency trading firm, is joining Oxygen, a decentralized finance prime brokerage protocol, as a strategic partner and market-maker to provide liquidity on the Oxygen platform.
U.S. millennial crypto fans want to spend their coins like cash, study shows
Ninety-three percent of millennial current or former cryptocurrency holders in the U.S. would consider using their digital coins for everyday purchases, according to a recent survey.
Vitalik Buterin: Why Eth2 will propel Ethereum’s use in enterprise
In a talk this week, Vitalik Buterin explains Ethereum’s growing use in enterprise and the importance of building diverse, open-source communities.
China’s Xinjiang and Qinghai regions ban cryptocurrency mining
Xinjiang and Qinghai regions in China are now banning cryptocurrency mining, after Inner Mongolia tightened its crypto mining ban last month.
Hong Kong eyes CBDC; Aussie Millennials favor crypto vs. real estate | The Daily Forkast
Hong Kong looks to explore CBDC feasibility as Australian millennials favor investing in crypto over traditional assets.
Miami property deal breaks crypto real estate record
A Miami property has set a record for the highest price paid in cryptocurrency in a real estate transaction — US$22.5 million.
Australian crypto exchange Bitunivex plans to go green
Australian crypto exchange Bitunivex.com has announced plans to offset its carbon footprint by investing in green crypto initiatives.
UNICEF invests in blockchain startups for financial inclusion
UNICEF Venture Fund is awarding up to $100,000 to blockchain startups, including India’s GovBlocks, in its latest funding round. Here are the other projects.
India crypto feud continues; Korea mining thief busted | The Daily Forkast
Regulatory uncertainty pushes India’s crypto industry towards self regulation as a secret Ethereum miner gets busted in Seoul Arts Center.
How NFTs are redrawing Asia’s art scene from artists to galleries
From Phillips auction house in Hong Kong to Art Fair Philippines, non-fungible tokens are redefining how Asia appreciates, buys and profits from art.
Ripple asks court to ignore 70+ SEC actions against cryptos before XRP
Did Ripple have ‘fair notice’ that SEC might deem the XRP a security? Ripple calls report on SEC’s prior anti-crypto enforcement actions ‘misleading.’
XRP sees robust institutional inflows; Ethereum ‘altcoin of choice,’ report says
XRP last week saw inflows of US$7 million into investment products, the most since April, according to CoinShares.
Chinese crypto social media crackdown; Seoul tightens rules on crypto | The Daily Forkast
Chinese social media Weibo bans crypto accounts as employees of South Korean crypto exchanges can no longer trade on their own platforms.
NortonLifeLock bids to turn users into home Ethereum miners
Users of cybersecurity product NortonLifeLock will soon be able to mine Ethereum on their home computers through a new feature named Norton Crypto.
What blockchain games like Alien Worlds say about life outside metaverses
In a special Q&A, Sarojini McKenna of Alien Worlds discusses play-to-earn gaming, digital assets like Trilium, and lives increasingly lived inside virtual worlds.
Criticisms of Tether’s reserves are unfounded, says Bitfinex CTO
After Tether’s legal settlement with New York, USDT’s growth is exploding—dispelling concerns over Tether’s reserves, says Bitfinex CTO Paolo Ardoino.
Prominent Chinese economist urges public to ‘avoid confusion’ between digital currency and cryptocurrencies
It is important to distinguish between developing a digital currency for currency digitalization and digitalization of assets or cryptocurrencies so that China can be more focused on preventing risks in the financial sector, said Fan Gang, a Peking University professor and a prominent advocate in China for economic reform. Fast Facts: In a keynote speech […]
Ripple execs seek info to defend XRP trades from 16 foreign crypto exchanges
To defend themselves against SEC lawsuit, Ripple’s CEO and chairman ask court for help getting XRP info from a who’s who list of offshore crypto exchanges.
DBS Bank tapping on tokenized bonds as a new way to invest
From digital bonds to real estate, blockchain-enabled security token offerings and tokenization are redefining corporate fundraising and investing.
South Korean crypto exchange Upbit in the dock over botched transfers
Eleven users of Upbit have filed a class action lawsuit against its owner, Dunamu Inc., seeking damages over a suspected technical failure.
Ethereum is rocketing out of this world with SpaceX and SpaceChain
Can Ethereum, also known as the ‘World Computer,’ function outside this world — in space? A SpaceX rocket launch today will put that to the test.
‘Green’ crypto mining should be spared crackdown, Canaan chief says
Green crypto mining operations should be spared China’s recent crackdown on the sector, according to the CEO of Canaan Inc.
SpaceChain shoots blockchain to space; Cardano’s bridge to China | The Daily Forkast
SpaceChain shoots blockchain to tech to the International Space Station aboard Falcon 9 as Cardano announces first cross-chain bridge with Nervos.
Cryptocurrency behind spike in illegal gambling, Asian racing body says
Illegal gambling in Asia is on the rise, facilitated in part by sites accepting bets in cryptocurrency.
Dogecoin to list on Coinbase Pro
Dogecoin has gained an additional measure of credibility, with crypto exchange Coinbase announcing that it will add DOGE to its professional trading platform.
Ethereum investment products hit market-share high of 27%, report says
Ethereum has hit a market-share high of 27% of all digital asset investment fund products following recent price corrections.
Thailand warns over DeFi; India green lights cryptos | The Daily Forkast
Thailand becomes one of the first governments to attempt DeFi regulation as India’s RBI clarifies that banking ban no longer exists.
Robinhood’s Chinese rivals to launch crypto services abroad
China-based trading apps Futu and Tiger Brokers have announced plans to move into crypto to compete outside China with apps such as Robinhood and eToro.
Financial Stability Board seeks faster, cheaper cross-border payments
The Financial Stability Board has launched a public consultation on global targets for cross-border payments.
Taxing crypto down under; Privacy coins spike in value | The Daily Forkast
Tax season is here and the ATO wants to make sure Aussies pay their taxes for crypto earnings. Also, Privacy coins have surged over the past weeks.
Privacy coin Monero surges as US and Australia target crypto gains
Privacy-centric coins like Monero, ZCash and Dash are seeing big price rises as the IRS and ATO issue warnings on taxable crypto transactions.
Turkey’s crypto clampdown underwhelms as investors claim ‘business as usual’
Turkish regulators have tightened their grip on cryptocurrencies, but small traders and investors appear to have barely noticed.
How FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried navigates crypto trading’s new normal
From mass liquidations to meme trading, the characteristics unique to the crypto market can now be seen in traditional markets, says FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
Are 73 SEC actions against crypto enough warning to Ripple about XRP?
SEC says Ripple had plenty of ‘notice’ that XRP transactions could be violating the law via its many enforcement actions against other crypto companies.
Bridging the DeFi data gap with indexing blockchain data
Blockchain technology has massive data requirements, but the data can be difficult and costly to access. What are some of the solutions?
Crypto sector faces tougher enforcement over sanctions-busting, report says
Sanctions enforcement affecting the cryptocurrency industry has intensified rapidly in the past two years, according to a new report by crypto compliance consultancy Elliptic.
Hong Kong crypto exchanges seek to wash hands of dirty power problem
Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has announced that it is committed to becoming carbon-negative within 18 months, following carbon-neutral initiatives launched by other Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchanges FTX and BitMEX.
Chinese province’s hydropower gives hope to crypto miners following crackdown elsewhere
Energy regulators in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan, which has abundant hydropower resources, will hold a seminar on June 2 to assess the province’s cryptocurrency mining industry, fanning hopes among miners that the beleaguered sector may be given a reprieve from its recent hardships in China.