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Binance.com to cease trading in Singapore

In response to increased scrutiny from regulators, crypto exchange Binance is removing itself from app stores in Singapore, as well as ending support for trading pairs and payment options in the Singapore dollar (SGD), according to a company press release. The move takes effect Friday, Sept. 10 at 04:00 UTC. Fast facts Last week, the Monetary Authority […]

The world of crypto opens up life-changing earning opportunities for Indian tweens and teens

Gajesh Naik and Laya Mathikshara, two Indian 13-year-olds, are getting global recognition — and making astronomical sums — through their ventures in crypto and NFTs.

How DeFi can unlock staking rewards and boost liquidity

As the blockchain industry shifts to ‘proof of stake,’ staking’s bonding period can lock up capital. What are the alternatives?

How aggrieved traders are uniting against Binance after the crypto crash

Too small to fight as individuals, Binance users are now banding together to take on the world’s largest crypto exchange in arbitration. David Kay of Liti Capital explains how it’s done.

TV series ‘Men of the House’ to be fully financed by NFTs

TokenSociety.io, a non-fungible token minting platform and marketplace for the entertainment industry, has completed its first NFT Drop for the pilot episode of “Men of the House,” a situation comedy TV series, the company announced today. Fast facts The pilot episode of “Men of the House” is completely financed through the sale of its NFTs […]

Imagining a global digital wallet and the future it can hold

As governments and citizens embrace digital currencies of all kinds, from Bitcoin to CBDCs, here’s what the world and daily life could look like.

So, no ban? India’s crypto bill will treat virtual currencies as commodities in the asset class

The veil of uncertainty that has shrouded crypto regulatory discussions seems to be lifting, but how the government will regulate and tax digital money remains to be seen.

Exchanges in South Korea race toward last chance of survival

Crypto trading platforms rush to meet a Sept. 24 deadline, hoping to comply with new rules designed to protect investors.

Japan’s SBI Holdings announces plans to launch crypto fund by November

In another positive move for Japan’s crypto industry, financial services group SBI Holdings Inc. plans to launch a crypto fund in the country before the end of November, according to a report by Bloomberg. Fast facts Citing Tomoya Asakura, president of SBI affiliate Morningstar Japan K.K., Bloomberg reported the fund could grow to several hundred […]

Ethereum dominance trends up while rivals Cardano and Solana hit all-time price highs

As Bitcoin continues to battle the $50,000 level, Ethereum rises in dominance while smart contract platforms Solana and Cardano buck the sideways trend to reach new price levels.

OKEx launches NFT marketplace and DeFi hub

OKEx, the world’s second-largest crypto derivatives exchange by trading volume, is amplifying its decentralized finance (DeFi) efforts by launching its DeFi Hub, along with a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace. Fast facts OKEx has launched DeFi Hub, a platform that offers users the ability to view and manage decentralized assets across major blockchain networks and DeFi […]

Market cap of crypto mining firms surged 121% this year: CoinShares Research

In the first eight months of 2021, the fledgling but fast-growing cryptocurrency industry saw almost as many companies come to market as 2019 and 2020 combined, according to the “The Arrival of Cryptocurrency Stocks” report published this month by CoinShares Research. Fast facts As of August 20201, there were 57 publicly listed cryptocurrency pure play […]

India crypto exchanges allow bank deposits; FTT token on a roll

India crypto exchanges allow bank deposits while FTT token on a roll

Eastern Europe is emerging as a hub for crypto scams: report

Eastern Europe is fast emerging as a crypto scamming hub. According to a Chainalysis report, crypto addresses based in Eastern Europe have the second-highest rate of links to illicit addresses, and the region ranks second in terms of the value of cryptocurrencies sent to illicit addresses. Fast facts Eastern Europe has a large cryptocurrency market […]

Hacked DeFi platform pledges to replace stolen crypto to users

C.R.E.A.M. Finance suffered a flash loan exploit that was much larger than earlier estimates

How blockchain can drive video games into the Web 3.0 future

NFTs, metaverses and ‘play-to-earn’ are upending gaming’s traditional revenue model. Shreyansh Singh of Polygon explains blockchain gaming’s business potential.

‘Crypto Dad’ Giancarlo steps down from BlockFi board

After only four months in the position, “Crypto Dad” Chris Giancarlo is stepping down from BlockFi’s board of directors, according to a recent press release. No reason for Giancarlo’s departure has yet been provided, though he apparently will continue to provide strategic counsel to the firm in an advisory role. Fast facts Ellen-Blair Chube, Managing […]

FTX FTT token hits all-time high after LedgerX acquisition

FTX’s exchange token — FTT — has reached a new all-time high following the exchange’s acquisition of crypto derivatives platform LedgerX earlier this week. Fast facts The token hit US$66.33 this morning, according to CoinMarketCap, breaking its previous high of US$61.28, which it set back on May 11, right before the market-wide crash. FTT had […]

BIS Innovation Hub, 4 central banks in CBDC test for cross-border transactions

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub together with the central banks of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa today announced they will be collaborating to test the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for international settlements. Fast facts According to a joint statement, the pilot is part of Project Dunbar, a wholesale […]

Jack Dorsey’s Bitcoin bourse. Are NFTs in bubble trouble? China banks on e-CNY.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Does TBD stand for Twitter Boss Decision? NFTs’ ballooning interest. How billions in e-yuan are coursing through China.

Genesis Digital Assets signs deal for 20K mining machines to fuel growth in North America, Nordic region

The order follows a June purchase by Genesis of 10K machines from China-based Canaan, one of the world’s biggest Bitcoin mining rig makers

Australian consumer protection body issues warning to crypto investors

The Securities and Investments Commission warned against investing in digital-asset financial products. Some say the warning lacks specifics.

Singapore grants FOMO Pay the city-state’s first crypto license

FOMO Pay, a Singapore-based fintech company, announced today that it has obtained a license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide Digital Payment Token Service — the first such approval out of 170 applicants for the city-state that is rapidly becoming a global crypto hub. Fast facts FOMO Pay said it had been […]

China’s state-backed blockchain network to expand to South Korea

As its first international expansion, China’s Blockchain-based Service Network is launching a portal in Korea. Who are the key players, and where else in the world will BSN emerge this year?

How blockchain technology is shaking up courtrooms in Asia

Blockchain is helping with cross-examinations in China while bolstering chain of custody for evidence in Taiwan. Is Asia ahead of the technological legal curve?
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The9 launches NFT platform; HK SFC issues crypto warning

The9 launches NFT platform meanwhile HK SFC issues crypto warning

C.R.E.A.M. Finance suffers $28M flash loan hack

C.R.E.A.M. Finance, a Taipei-based decentralized lending platform for individuals, institutions and protocols to access financial services, has suffered a flash loan exploit that led to a loss of about US$28 million, underlining the potential vulnerabilities of decentralized finance mechanisms. Fast facts C.R.E.A.M. tweeted on Monday that its market on Ethereum suffered an exploit, “resulting in […]

South Korea’s crypto exchanges join forces for FATF travel rule compliance

Three of South Korea’s four major exchanges have launched a joint venture to develop solutions for complying with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) crypto travel rule. The travel rule sets a global standard for virtual asset service providers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and requires exchanges to collect information on senders and […]

Nigeria partners with Bitt Inc. to launch its own cryptocurrency, the eNaira

Nigeria, a country with one of the world’s highest cryptocurrency adoption rates, is moving ahead with its plan for a central bank digital currency pilot project called Project Giant. The Central Bank of Nigeria has selected Bitt Inc., a Barbados-based fintech startup, as its technical partner for the project, which is scheduled to launch on […]

Crypto is going mainstream—and the likes of Paypal and Snoop Dogg are leading the way

Though crypto is not yet part of daily life, it may be a matter of time, writes Simon Yu of StormX. Here are the keys to the industry’s long-term success.

Ethereum, Cardano, Solana lead institutional crypto inflows: CoinShares

Cryptocurrency investment products saw a second consecutive week of inflows of US$24 million last week, despite the eighth consecutive week of outflows from Bitcoin of US$3.8 million, according to CoinShares, Europe’s largest digital assets fund manager. Fast facts Total digital assets under management (AUM) across all digital asset fund providers last week stood at US$56.86 […]

Hong Kong regulator warns investors against digital tokens and ICOs

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission on Monday warned that digital tokens and initial coin offerings (ICOs) could be involved in unauthorized collective investment schemes (CIS) and urged investors to exercise extreme caution. Fast facts The SFC’s warning comes as the regulator added two property-related CIS investment projects and the “LABS Security Token” to its […]

Korea’s love for crypto continues; Crypto exchange Bilaxy hacked

Korea’s love for crypto continues while Crypto exchange Bilaxy hacked

More teens in South Korea buy crypto despite strict pending regulations

New data shows increasing deposits made by teens in virtual currency despite new rules that may close down many platforms in less than a month.

Hong Kong-based crypto exchange Bilaxy hacked; over $21M loss

The 20th hijack this month, after Poly Network, Solend and Liquid.

Solana crosses $100 price level

As Bitcoin and Ethereum drop after a quick ascent, the surge of Solana (SOL) continues. SOL hit a new all-time high of US$102.07 today, with its market cap reaching over US$29 billion. The world’s eighth largest cryptocurrency has been consecutively hitting new all-time highs in the past four days. Fast facts The market cap of […]

Three state-owned banks in China release e-CNY usage data

Tens of billions in digital yuan circulate through the banks’ systems, as leaders encourage wider adoption.
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Ethereum network splits into two; update is urged

A network patch designed to fix a bug on the Geth network has led to the world’s second-largest blockchain splitting in two.

Singapore central bank announces 15 finalists for Global CBDC Challenge

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today announced 15 finalists for its “Global CBDC Challenge” — a competition to develop retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) solutions to improve payment services and promote financial inclusion. Fast facts According to MAS, the Global CBDC Challenge attracted over 300 submissions from more than 50 countries, with over […]

Why some big investors are diving into DeFi but others are holding back

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is attracting a lot of attention from traditional banks and venture capital, but many institutions remain firmly on the sidelines. Forkast.News explores why.

How Bitcoin and Ethereum are rekindling with equities

What is the relationship between crypto assets and stock prices? An analysis week’s market trends.

Axie Infinity tweet suggests willingness to work with Philippines on tax demand

Axie Infinity, one of the world’s most popular non-fungible token (NFT) games, tweeted that it is “looking forward to working with physical nations” and called for its digital users to abide by the laws of their home countries, presumably a reference to local tax laws. Fast facts The tweet came just days after the Philippines government stated […]

Solana price hits all-time high as Bitcoin, crypto market dip

Bitcoin’s price dropped following a quick ascent past US$50K, but analysts say the rally is set to continue. Meanwhile, Solana again defied the overall market to post a new price high.

How a Hong Kong newspaper is remaking history with NFTs

The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong’s paper of record for 118 years, is experimenting with NFTs and metaverse technology to bring its storied past into the future.

Former India central bank chief says cryptocurrencies have a ‘potential future’

While India’s parliament considers a potential nationwide ban on all private virtual currencies, a former governor of India’s central bank says some cryptocurrencies have a “potential future” in the global economy. Raghuram Rajan, ex-governor of India’s central bank and former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, made his comments at a Reuters Global Markets […]

How blockchain is transforming shipping and redefining global trade

Rising from the rubble of a Covid economy, shipping companies are now using blockchain technology to rebuild profitability and reduce inefficiencies.

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.’

Korea reveals crypto exchange ‘Death Note’: DeFi investment booms

Korea reveals crypto exchange ‘Death Note’: DeFi investment booms

Bitcoin mining difficulty increases 13.2%

Bitcoin miners saw another mining difficulty adjustment on Wednesday night, with an increase of 13.24%, according to data from BTC.com. Fast facts The mining difficulty level is now at 17.62 trillion at block height 697,536, reflecting a 13.24% increase from the last adjustment, the data showed. The latest adjustment follows two increases after four consecutive […]

South Korea unveils “death note” for crypto exchanges

24 out of 63 digital currency exchanges in South Korea are not expected to meet new compliance requirements and will most likely be shut down in less than a month.

DeFi TVL hits all-time high, breaking past correlation with Ethereum price

While DeFi has historically moved with the Ethereum price, the latest all-time high in total value locked in can largely be attributed to new blockchains purpose-built for the sector and institutional interest.

Chinese tech company Meitu reports $17M loss on Bitcoin holdings in 1H 2021

Meitu, a Hong Kong-listed Chinese technology company best known for its popular beauty apps, saw an RMB111,907, 000 (US$17.3 million) impairment loss on its Bitcoin holdings in the first six months of 2021, the company reported in its latest financial results. Fast facts According to Meitu’s Aug. 25 HKEX filing: “the decrease in fair value […]

BIS, HKMA partner on Project Genesis to tokenize green bonds

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are collaborating on Project Genesis — a green finance project for the tokenization of green bonds using blockchain technology, according to a BIS statement. Fast facts Project Genesis — the BIS Innovation Hub’s first green finance project […]

How regulators should consider the future of DeFi | Ep. 1

What is DeFi, why it’s poised to enable financial inclusion, and how the showdown between decentralized finance and regulators is taking shape.

Bitcoin bulls brace. CryptoPunks’ pulling power. China’s crypto lawfare.

Top blockchain and crypto news: Is another Bitcoin bull run coming soon? Punks rocking NFTs. Why crypto contracts may not be enforceable in China.

Dark web tool Antinalysis is back and openly available on the internet

The previous version of Antinalysis, which was based on the AMLBot API, was shut down but within a week it has respawned not just on the darknet but also on the clearnet.

Hong Kong’s Resources Capital Football Club kicks off NFT goals

The team joins a growing number of football clubs around the world launching non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as they look to engage fans and generate new revenue streams.

Guangzhou court uses blockchain for online cross-examination

In a legal first for the region, the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court used a new blockchain system in a lending dispute case so the parties can submit evidence and do cross-examination online. Fast facts The “blockchain electronic cross-examination system” allows each side to upload its evidence online. The opposing party, under the judge’s supervision, can cross-examine the […]

Celsius Network grows 1,900% this year, US$20B AUM

In another sign of decentralized finance’s continued growth, Celsius Network has just announced it now has more than US$20 billion in assets under management – making it one of the largest DeFi platforms in the world. Fast facts These figures came from Celsius’ most recent quarterly internal audit, according to a company press release, which […]
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Crypto bank in South Korea says it aims to comply with strict but unclear new law

Sandbank, a South Korean bank for virtual assets, says it is in the process of acquiring the necessary certification needed to legally operate in the country. However, the financial authorities have yet to decide whether their requirements apply to crypto banks. Fast facts In an announcement, Sandbank told its customers it has put acquiring the […]

Vogue Singapore catwalks to a metaverse with NFT launch

The magazine unveils two digital-only covers as well as fashion, beauty and design NFTs, all for sale in a new metaverse.

Court in China says trading in cryptocurrency ‘not protected by law’

The ruling by Shandong’s High Court backs up China’s official stance against trading in cryptocurrencies. What does this mean for investors?

Professor jailed for crypto scam; Cryptopunks trading volume soars

Professor jailed for crypto scam while Cryptopunks trading volume soars

CryptoPunk NFTs smash records as VISA purchases a CryptoPunk for US$150K

CryptoPunks sales volume increased by over 1,100% in the last 24 hours

Why institutional investors cannot afford to ignore DeFi

Much of traditional finance still believes DeFi is too risky and not worth the bother, writes Ilia Maksimenka of PlasmaFinance. Are these perceptions accurate?

Bitcoin miners may soon face tougher digging

As the crypto hashrate continues to recover, miners will likely have to work harder for their coins.

Futures exchange pays e-CNY for warehousing fees

Dalian Commodity Exchange paid storage fees to a delivery warehouse in the form of e-CNY, the first time applying central bank digital currency (CBDC) in futures trading. Fast facts According to the report, Dalian Liangyun Group, which received the e-CNY warehousing fees, said that e-CNY transfer has no inter-bank transfer fees, and it would not […]

Iran expected to lift Bitcoin mining ban next month

Iran, which imposed a temporary ban on Bitcoin mining a few months ago, is expected to lift the prohibition next month, according to local media reports. Fast facts The Iran Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission Company told the state-run ISNA that the ban will be lifted on Sept. 22, local English media Financial Tribune reported. […]

Philippines wants to tax Axie Infinity and players’ earnings

With play-to-earn crypto games like Axie Infinity continuing to attract users, tax authorities in the Philippines are looking into taxing such blockchain-based game companies as well as the income earned by users on such platforms, according to a report by the Manila Bulletin. Fast facts Philippines’ finance undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko said earnings from these […]

USDC to be 100% backed by cash, US Treasuries

Circle, issuer of the world’s second-largest stablecoin USDC, has announced plans to be 100% backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries by September. The company’s most recent attestation showed USDC’s US$22.2 billion supply was backed by only 61% “cash and cash equivalents.” Fast facts Circle had indicated earlier in the month that it wishes to […]

El Salvador rolls out 200 Bitcoin ATMs ahead of nationwide adoption

In preparation for El Salvador adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, the nation is rolling out 200 ATMs and preparing 50 bank branches across the nation to allow residents to exchange crypto for fiat easily, President Nayib Bukele has announced over the weekend via Twitter. Fast facts With El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption bill coming into effect […]

Solana sees investment inflows of $7M, largest of any digital asset: CoinShares

After six consecutive weeks of outflows, institutional sentiment for digital assets is turning, with net inflows of US$21 million last week, according to CoinShares, Europe’s largest digital assets fund manager. Fast facts Total assets under management (AUM) across all digital asset fund providers rose to US$57.3 billion, the highest since mid-May, driven by the recent […]