CryptoSlam, Forkast.News merge to form Web3 data intelligence platform
Web3 media company Forkast.News and blockchain data analytics firm CryptoSlam are merging to establish Forkast Labs, a media intelligence platform for the digital economy that will combine on-chain data analytics and journalism.
The Forkast.News guide to last-minute blockchain and crypto gift ideas
Not yet done with your holiday shopping? Here are ideas for all the loved ones on your list, whether they are tech-savvy or merely crypto-curious.
Forkast.News exclusive: Antinalysis is out, proud and ready to tell (almost) all
In a special Q&A, an Antinalysis spokesperson reveals the source of the company’s controversial data and disputes that it’s for criminals. ‘Privacy is a human right.’
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.
UK & EU push ahead on stablecoins, HK approves another crypto exchange & Apefest marred by complaints
The UK’s crypto hub dream is coming to life while some attendees of Apefest 2023 in Hong Kong complaint on severe eye pain post-event.
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.
Ether breaches US$2,000 as BlackRock registers iShares Ethereum Trust entity
Ether rose to an over six-month high of US$2,045.
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.
EBA proposes new liquidity guidelines for stablecoin issuers
The proposed guidelines will work as a liquidity stress test for stablecoin issuers, according to the EBA.
HSBC plans tokenized securities custody service with Ripple’s Metaco
HSBC’s new service is expected to launch in 2024.
Binance introduces self-custody Web3 wallet
Binance said it aims to onboard the next billion Web3 users with its new wallet.
Circle reportedly considering 2024 IPO: Bloomberg
Circle has previously tried to go public through a blank-check deal back in 2022.
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.
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.
Bitcoin transaction fees reach 5-month high, Ordinals surpass 38 mln inscriptions
The last time Bitcoin transaction fees were this high was on June 6.
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.
Bitcoin up 0.25% as U.S. jobs creation slows
Bitcoin was trading above US$34,000, as the decreasing job creation in the U.S. fueled hopes of another interest rate pause.
SBF convicted on all charges, Hong Kong buzzes with Web3 events
SBF is found guilty of fraud, Hong Kong hosts Fintech Week, Neo advances Web3, Backpack launches NFT exchange, and more.
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.
SOL up over 21% in a year since Alameda’s balance sheet hole came to light
SOL rose over 319% in 2023 so far, despite concerns around FTX’s lawsuit.
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.
Tether offers US$610 mln debt financing facility to German Bitcoin miner Northern Data
Tether extends US$610 million loan to boost Northern Data’s AI and Bitcoin mining operations.
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
SBF trial enters final stage; Bankman-Fried lied about spending customer funds, prosecutors say in closing arguments
Bankman-Fried trial nears end: defense claims good faith as prosecution alleges misuse of funds.
Nomura-backed Komainu partners Crypto Garage for institutional crypto services
The collaboration aims to build institutional crypto services in Japan.
Circle to cease USDC minting for retail customers
Circle said the account closures do not apply to businesses or institutional Circle Mint accounts.
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
Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody to launch in Hong Kong
The move is part of an Asia Pacific expansion effort by the cryptocurrency custodian.
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.
Bitcoin ETF fever sends crypto prices up, SBF trial testimony, Nepal’s blockchain future
Bitcoin soars to its highest price in a year and a half as Grayscale’s legal victory against the U.S. SEC gets finalized.
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.