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Want in on bitcoin? Here are 5 things new crypto investor must know

If you’re wondering how to get started in investing in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, this Forkast.News guide is for you. But beware the risks and pitfalls.

Will India be left behind in the digital currency race?

India is moving toward banning all cryptocurrency and creating a state-backed digital rupee. But Tesla’s big bitcoin buy-in may be giving lawmakers pause.

Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb unloaded $69 million worth of XRP in a week

Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb has resumed selling his XRP holdings, dumping 130 million tokens over the last week, according to data from XRPscan.

How blockchain can improve vaccine safety and distribution | Part 4

Speeding Covid vaccines to market also led to confusion and waste. Here’s how blockchain can plug the gaps in the vaccine supply and distribution chain.

CasperLabs wants to help “morph” China’s BSN into the AWS of blockchain

CEO of CasperLabs, part of the Blockchain Service Network’s China and international versions, gives an insider’s view of blockchain’s future on the mainland.

Tesla drives bitcoin to the moon. Ripple XRP finds love in Japan. First Boulevard partners with Visa.

Other top blockchain and crypto news: ETH hits new high with CME Ethereum futures. DeFi yawns at YFI attack. China steps up DCEP digital yuan tests.

US must embrace digital dollar and cryptocurrency: Blockchain institute report

The Blockchain Research Institute-led report for Biden’s administration also outlines recommendations for crypto regulations and a national blockchain strategy.

Is the Tesla-inspired bitcoin gold rush the sign of a rational market?

Before Tesla’s bitcoin moves, big money was already placing BTC bets. What are bitcoin’s long-term fundamentals? Geoff Morphy of Bitfarms explains.

Binance Labs invests in Plasm Network to expand Polkadot

Plasm Network, a leading DApps hub on Polkadot and first parachain on its Rococo testnet, secures $2.4 million to build out the growing Polkadot ecosystem.

Bitcoin prices skyrocket after Elon Musk’s Tesla reveals $1.5 billion BTC buy

Tesla has invested $1.5 billion into bitcoin, according to an SEC filing published today. The news sent bitcoin prices rocketing into a new stratosphere.

China’s BSN will add CasperLabs’s proof-of-stake blockchain to its network

Casper Network goes big on its ‘first of many’ expansion ambitions in Asia by receiving the nod to join both BSN China and BSN International.

As bitcoin hovers near all-time highs, what does it mean for investors?

2021 is already shaping up to be a very different bull market for bitcoin compared to the past, writes Kadan Stadelmann of Komodo. Here’s why.

How crypto forensics traced $32 million worth of ‘lost’ bitcoin

Is cryptocurrency use totally private and anonymous? Think again. The Cubits/Dooga case shows just how easy it is to trace bitcoin compared to fiat.

Uproar over WhatsApp and user privacy shows need for new data economy

Sharing user data in exchange for free services is not necessarily a bad thing, writes Henri Pihkala of Streamr. The key is transparency and user consent.

Using blockchain to bolster vaccines and trust in public health | Part 3

As Covid vaccines come to market, immunization programs are being undermined by disinformation and counterfeiting. Here’s how blockchain can help.

China’s blockchain network at new milestone with open permissioned chains

Tai’an and WenChang chains join BSN China’s ‘Open Permissioned Blockchain Initiative’ as nation grows its blockchain network while maintaining controls.

GameStop sinks as ETH hits all-time high. Ray Dalio weighs in on crypto. Elon Musk, bitcoin’s new warrior.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: India pushes CBDC and proposes banning crypto. Korea’s DeFi future. How does Bitmain’s drama end?

XRP prices see ‘pump and dump’ as Ripple outlines legal defense strategy

In its response to SEC’s lawsuit, Ripple denies that XRP is a security, points out the clash with FinCEN and questions why SEC is not going after Ethereum.

Binance’s CZ predicts bitcoin prices will go as high as $400,000 in 2021

The founder and CEO of the world’s largest crypto exchange explains why he thinks bitcoin prices will keep rising but DeFi won’t be as hot as it was in 2020.

Digital payments — not cash — is now king in Asia’s payment ecosystem

Singapore and Thailand launch the world’s first real-time cross-border digital payment system. Here’s what else is happening in Hong Kong and China.
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Binance report: over 100 million people are now crypto users

About half of cryptocurrency users are hobbyists while 15% consider crypto their primary source of income, according to a survey of 61,000 crypto users.

Blockchain, mobile apps and advances in Covid tracking and tracing | Part 2

Blockchain amplifies the value of Covid testing and makes contact-tracing more effective. Here are some programs and apps now in use around the world.

74% of stablecoins are issued on Ethereum, according to new report

ConsenSys Codefi’s 4Q 2020 report on DeFi trends also predicts more ‘wrapped’ tokens, tranche lending products and Ethereum 2.0 derivatives in 2021.

IOHK’s Charles Hoskinson says proof of stake is much better than proof of work

IOHK and Cardano’s founder also explains why new US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is the ‘single biggest development’ for the crypto industry’s future.

Bitcoin and other crypto trends to watch in 2021

How high will bitcoin prices go — and will 2021 be the year of the bitcoin ETF and advanced crypto derivatives? Jay Hao of OKEx looks to the future.

Singapore’s DBS bank becomes first in Asia to offer crypto exchange

As bitcoin and other digital assets go mainstream, traditional banks want a piece of the action. Singapore’s crypto-friendly regulations are paving the way.

China’s blockchain network adds CBDC payment layer, ConsenSys as partner

BSN’s new digital payment network will be a boon to Ethereum, stablecoins and CBDCs like China’s DCEP digital yuan while keeping other cryptos out.

Cardano’s Hoskinson wants to win over Fortune 500 companies

Comparing countries like Ethiopia to ‘China in the 80s,’ Charles Hoskinson of IOHK explains Cardano’s Africa strategy and why the Fortune 500 needs crypto.

China’s DCEP digital yuan wraps up another mass test

Now renamed e-CNY, China’s new digital yuan has now been tested by 250,000 shoppers in two cities. Is it finally close to launch?
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Janet Yellen clarifies stance, notes ‘benefits of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets’

In written testimony, the US Treasury Secretary-nominee calls digital assets ‘fintech innovations’ and pledges to ‘encourage their use for legitimate activities.’

How blockchain technology can help revive air travel | Part 1

In Part 1 of a special series on blockchain, Covid and healthcare, Forkast.News examines how the technology fosters greater trust in traveler health records.

Acoer’s Jim Nasr on using blockchain to track Covid vaccinations

Acoer’s founder and CEO offers his predictions for 2021, including blockchain being used to track Covid vaccinations as well as in the war against fake news.

Biden halts FinCEN’s proposed crypto wallet reporting rules

On his first day in office, President Biden put a freeze on all new or pending Trump-era rules, including rules for crypto, and asked for a review.

Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Crypto’s regulatory outlook in 2021. How not to lose your bitcoin password (don’t ask Stefan Thomas).

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Twitter’s blue sky initiative. In China, Conflux Network wins another government deal.

Treasury pick Janet Yellen: Crypto crimes are ‘particular concern’

In her Senate confirmation hearing, the US Treasury secretary nominee and bitcoin critic also decried crypto’s role in money laundering and terrorism.

OKEx’s Jay Hao expects ‘more amazing developments from DeFi’ in 2021

OKEx CEO speaks candidly on how 2020 was difficult for his crypto exchange, and offers his predictions for DeFi, regulations and CBDCs in year to come.

How blockchain can usher in new era in crypto regulatory compliance

When it comes to issues over crypto regulations and compliance, answers could be found in blockchain technology, writes Rachid Ajaja of AllianceBlock.

Bitcoin is ‘better form of value’ than fiat, says Binance CEO CZ

In a special video interview, Binance CEO CZ also explains why — despite DeFi’s spectacular rise up to now — he thinks many current DeFi projects will fail.

Binance’s CZ on bitcoin prices: Is crypto in a bubble or bull run?

Is bitcoin’s volatility worrisome or normal? Binance’s CEO offers bitcoin predictions and insights for 2021, in an exclusive interview with Forkast.News.

‘Crypto Mom’ Hester Peirce calls for more regulatory coordination

In an exclusive interview, the SEC Commissioner shares her thinking on digital assets, DeFi and wanting her agency to ‘do better’ in the crypto space.

LUKSO’s Fabian Vogelsteller predicts NFT and ERC-20 uses will grow

The founder of LUKSO and former Ethereum developer offers his views on decentralization as a tool and the ERC-725 standard for blockchain-based identity.

Tale of two nations: How China and US diverge on blockchain policies

China is investing heavily in blockchain technology in government, dwarfing US levels. Forkast.News examines the growing gap and the paths forward.

New 2021 bitcoin price report forecasts risks and opportunities

What is bitcoin’s true value, and what are its longer-term price projections? New AAX analysis ‘Bitcoin in 2021’ offers investors a look beyond the horizon.

New year brings new crypto actions from FinCEN, OCC and IRS

New US government rules and guidance aim to boost cryptocurrency taxes, clarify legal liability related to STABLE Act and require more KYC reporting.

How DLT is fighting the information war in Syria and saving lives

In a special interview, Mance Harmon of Hedera Hashgraph explains how distributed ledger technology is helping quash fake news and warn Syrians about airstrikes.

Why crypto’s decentralized exchanges will continue their rise in 2021

Do you trust third parties with your finances? Alex Zha of MXC Exchange explains the benefits of decentralized exchanges (DEX) and problems that remain.

Bitcoin turns 12: three key moments in life of world’s first crypto

To celebrate bitcoin’s birthday this weekend, let’s raise a glass to Satoshi Nakamoto and take a look back at how their baby has grown.

China’s 5 hottest blockchain developments in 2020

With DCEP nearing launch, China is having a banner year in blockchain-related technologies. Here’s what’s hot in China and what’s too hot to touch.

DeFi explained: The guide to decentralized finance

What is DeFi and how does it work? What are its benefits and risks? Forkast.News explains everything you need to know about one of the hottest, most lucrative and controversial crypto trends.

Looking ahead: 5 predictions for crypto and blockchain in 2021

What will be hot in blockchain next year, and what will be the curveballs? Forkast.News consults top industry leaders and thinkers to bring you a crystal ball.

Ontology’s Jun Li on credit-based DeFi and more real assets coming to blockchain in 2021

The founder of Ontology and co-founder of Onchain explains the path forward for central bank digital currencies and DeFi in China in 2021.

Bitcoin became respectable this year. Will it go mainstream in 2021?

Covid’s chaos spurred systemic changes in global finance, a need for a hedge and bitcoin’s dramatic reputational shift, writes Tim Bos of ShareRing.

Diginex’s Richard Byworth: Crypto borrowing and lending to increase 10-fold

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, Diginex’s CEO offers his views on CBDC initiatives, crypto custody, and more growth in borrowing, lending of digital assets in the upcoming year.

CoinDCX’s Sumit Gupta on CBDCs, regulation and India’s potential for crypto in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the co-founder and CEO of CoinDCX offers his views on the growth of crypto in India, regulation and CBDCs.

Crypto Santa’s naughty and nice list for Christmas 2020

Who in blockchain is making the world a better place this year, and who deserves nothing under the tree? Santa’s helpers at Forkast.News tell all.

ConsenSys’ Charles d’Haussy: The ‘staking capital of the world’ will emerge in Asia in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the director of strategic initiatives at ConsenSys and author of “Block Kong” shares his views on CBDCs, stablecoins and Asia’s blockchain space.

Year in Review: 5 biggest blockchain and crypto stories of 2020

Here are the hottest blockchain news and trends that dominated Forkast.News headlines over the past 12 months. Let the countdown to 2021 begin!

World Economic Forum’s Sheila Warren expects ‘tremendous activity’ on China’s digital currency in 2021

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the head of Blockchain, Data and Digital Assets and member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum shares her views on sovereign digital currencies, and the global regulatory landscape.

A CBDC for Indonesia would bridge the old world with the new

Bank Indonesia now sees the value of stablecoins and digital currency. Here’s how a central bank-backed digital rupiah could lift the nation of 18,000 islands.
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Sonic Capital’s Stefan Rust predicts a ‘Cambrian Explosion’ of tokens in 2021

In this edition of the Forkast Forecasts, the founder and CEO at Sonic Capital and former Bitcoin.com CEO shares his views on the growth of decentralized finance and big partnerships in the crypto community.

Top 3 predictions about bitcoin and other cryptos in 2021

What can bitcoin and other cryptocurrency investors expect in 2021? Here are three emerging trends that could reshape the crypto world.

How global fragmentation is holding back blockchain’s progress

To bridge regulatory and technical gaps, World Economic Forum and Global Blockchain Business Council join forces to promote global blockchain standards.
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Crypto exchange Coinbase is officially going public

As 2020’s bitcoin bull run surges ever higher, Coinbase — America’s largest crypto company — files for an IPO with the SEC.

Hong Kong may be first global ‘sandbox’ for China’s DCEP digital yuan

Hong Kong is in talks to pilot-test China’s new digital currency. How would the e-CNY affect Hong Kong’s future cross-border payments with the mainland?

What’s next for Ethereum 2.0 after the Beacon Chain?

Eth2 will run in parallel with Ethereum 1 for now. For how much longer, and will this affect ether inflation and block rewards? Konstantin Richter of Blockdaemon explains.

Forkast Forecasts for 2021: Mance Harmon of Hedera Hashgraph on China, DeFi and industry giants

In this inaugural Forkast Forecast, the co-founder and CEO of Hedera Hashgraph offers his views on China’s blockchain drive and what the industry will be like in 2021.

Why DeFi needs better KYC to curb money laundering

Despite anti-money laundering (AML) laws, many DeFi sites have weak know-your-customer practices. Experts point to BitMEX as a cautionary tale.

Joe Lubin and other prominent crypto leaders decry the STABLE Act

Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin and blockchain investor Alex Tapscott tell Forkast.News that the stablecoin bill aimed at Libra/Diem and Tether could have broader repercussions on the blockchain industry.

The best of Ethereum 2.0 is yet to come, says Infura GM

Ethereum 2.0 has transformed to proof of stake via its new Beacon Chain. When will Eth2 have sharding, smart contracts and more features?

Visa hops on USDC’s Eth2 wagon. China flexes DCEP digital currency in biggest test yet. Will US tighten Libra/Diem’s tether?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: S&P Dow Jones to launch crypto index. Walmart invests big in India’s PhonePe.

How blockchain is painting a brighter future for art in a Covid world

Blockchain crowdfunding, tokenized ownership and NFTs are creating new opportunities for artists and museums in a time of immense financial struggles.

China widens DCEP digital yuan tests, advancing global ambitions

In biggest test yet of China’s CBDC, 100,000 Suzhou residents will use e-RMB for holiday shopping. Hong Kong is also now laying groundwork for future.