Sanctions expand for Belarus; Korea’s crypto promises

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on, the European Union says that crypto is included in the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Meanwhile, South Korean President-Elect Yoon Suk-Yeol’s term in office could bring about long awaited changes in the crypto sector.

Russians turn to crypto as Western sanctions hit the ruble

As Russia’s economy began to tank, data shows many turned to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a store of value and means of transacting.

China seizes mining rigs; Ukraine crypto backlash warning

In China. authorities bust a mining operation disguised as an E-V charging station. Going into Europe, Ukraine reiterates it’s calls for a blanket ban as the Russians try and preserve the value of the ruble.

Russia faces crypto freeze as exchanges toe line on sanctions

Top blockchain and crypto news: Moscow faces crypto winter. DeFi doyen quits Fantom. China mulls metaverse moves.

How will digital money play into banking’s future?

Blockchain technology is rapidly transforming the finance sector. DBS Bank CEO Piyush Gupta offers an insider’s look at what’s coming next.

Coinbase blocks Russian addresses; Philippines plans CBDC

US crypto exchange Coinbase has blacklisted 25,000 Russian wallet address in response to the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile in Asia, English-language newspaper South China Morning Post announces the launch of its metaverse experience.

China discusses the metaverse; Blockchain community comes together

As China’s Two Session’s meetings begin, ‘Metaverse’ enters the Chinese government’s radar. And while the invasion of Ukraine continues, Singapore announces new sanctions on Russia.

Conflict currency: How crypto has become enmeshed in the war in Ukraine

Bitcoin and other cryptos are being used on both sides of the fight, raising ethical issues that cut to the core of decentralization, says AAX’s Ben Caselin

Korean exchanges block Russians; Crypto’s role in conflict

As the war in Ukraine enters it’s second week, we take a look at how cyptocurrencies and digital assets can play a role in a conflict.

The future is decentralized: How Web3 can reshape the world

As the public tires of Big Tech’s privacy abuses, Web3’s premise of decentralization has never looked better, writes Edward Chen of Huobi.

Russian accounts frozen in Korea; China’s Two Sessions beckons

Crypto donations on the rise for Ukraine as Russian aggression continues. Meanwhile in Asia, China’s Two Session’s are set to begin – could Ukraine and crypto be a part of the agenda?

Can crypto cushion Russia from the pain of sanctions?

War-mongering Russia is finding itself increasingly isolated. What if the rogue state tries to regain its financial footing via cryptocurrency?
and

China’s Two Sessions: what to expect for blockchain

Look for progress reports on e-CNY, blockchain technology, new digital infrastructure, and subtle mentions of the international sanctions against Russia.

India’s blockchain courses ramp up to meet demand for learning

Recruiters from the public and private sectors are on the hunt for top blockchain talent. Educational institutions are catching up with customized courses.

Ukraine fundraising gathers pace; Korea’s crypto election?

Support for Ukraine in the crypto world grows as Russia’s attack continues. Meanwhile, hackers gives American tech giant an ultimatum.

Bitcoin shores up Ukraine fighters amid Moscow’s money meltdown

Top blockchain and crypto news: Digital currency battling Russian invasion. Ethereum remains NFT projects’ chain of choice. China to lock up crypto traders.

Russian ruble plunges; Ukraine DAO aids civilians

Sanctions on Russia have prompted a resurgence in the Crypto market as the Russian ruble takes a nosedive. And as the attack on Ukraine continues, a decentralized autonomous organization is created to support Ukrainian civilians who have joined military efforts.

‘We don’t have time’ for traditional fundraising, crypto is most efficient: Ukraine DAO

With limited access to donations through traditional crowdfunding, cryptocurrencies and NFTs offer immediate help, Trippy Labs tells Forkast.

How the market is evolving from GameFi to SocialFi — and what comes next

A blockchain is a database that can record all transactions and transfers for the entire world. All users can use public blockchain explorers to verify all data is correct.  Blockchain facilitates transactions of virtual currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Transactions that take place are fast, cheap, tamper-proof and irreversible.  But blockchain technology is not limited […]

Binance assembles sanction task force; India seeks bitcoin clarity

Ukraine is offering Russian soldiers cash or crypto for their surrender in the ongoing attack on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Binance is working to comply with sanctions on Russia.

Who are the biggest players in the metaverse today?

The multi-faceted metaverse provides new channels for gaming, socialization, art exhibitions and more. Who’s leading the race and how?

Will Bitcoin and Ethereum make a comeback in 2022?

Russia’s war on Ukraine is battering crypto prices, but what does the more distant future hold for BTC and ETH? Fintech experts offer predictions.

Ukraine’s crypto demand soars; Russian sanctions tighten

Trading volume on Ukrainian crypto exchanges triples as Russia continues its attack on Ukraine. Meanwhile, there is still no sign of Russia using crypto to evade sanctions yet,

Russia unlikely to turn to crypto if SWIFT sanction is imposed

Measures to detect sanctioned entities’ crypto transactions can come into play, experts say.

Play to live: GameFi drives a Southeast Asian crush on crypto

More people in the region are in thrall to play-to-earn gaming as it adapts to offer real-world uses, says Infinity Ventures Crypto founding partner Brian Lu.

Here’s why Australia can’t use its empty deserts to mine Bitcoin

Sunny skies and wide open spaces may seem the perfect place to mine Bitcoin using cheap solar power, but one industry insider tells Forkast there’s much more to it than that.

Russian attack hits crypto: MUFG to close blockchain venture

The crypto market tanks after Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a military operation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Japan’s biggest financial group closes it’s blockchain payment venture.

Binance’s investment in Forbes is a wake-up call for the crypto industry

When the world’s biggest crypto exchange acquires a major stake in the business publication it once sued for defamation, should we worry?

Crypto losses not protected in China; India’s bitcoin premium

Chinese court reiterates its stance that the law cannot cover crypto losses. Meanwhile, Indian investors are paying double the South Korean kimchi premium.

Russia retreats from crypto ban as it pushes rules for industry

Moscow moves to regulate crypto. OpenSea’s security struggle. Will China cool its metaverse mania?

Why India’s Bitcoin premium is now higher than South Korea’s

The RBI is casting a cloud of regulatory uncertainty over the local digital assets industry, but the nation’s Bitcoin premium shows India wants crypto. 

Axie Infinity breaks $4BN; China’s brewing metaverse frenzy

Axie Infinity breaks $4BN mark. Meanwhile, China’s brewing metaverse frenzy sees over 16,000 trademark applications.

Why digital assets are poised to disrupt philanthropy

Charitable giving in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is growing by leaps and bounds. Michael B. Greenwald and Logan Weber explain the risks and benefits.
and

Korea’s KB embraces crypto; China’s NFT fever

NFTs hit resale market in China despite criticism over speculation. Meanwhile, South Korean financial giant plans crypto funds.

Jump in NFT demand reflects crypto prices, right? Wrong

An asset bought and valued in crypto becomes decoupled from crypto prices, a split that reflects the differences between crypto investors and NFT buyers.

NFTs can upend the music business. Artists should take note

Blockchain technology allows musicians to sell songs directly and earn more per song, writes Adi Ben-Ari of Applied Blockchain.

India needs to make up its mind over crypto

Although India hoped that taxation would be a step toward regulation rather than a ban, the high tax rates and proposed rules seem to be geared toward dissuading crypto trading.

FastForkast headlines

Polkadot is top crypto held by VCs and hedge funds in Q4 2021

Tomorrowland wants to bring music to Web 3.0 with FTX Europe

Chainalysis launches crypto wallet sanction screening tools

India’s crypto tax will incur losses for government, says WazirX CEO

EU says crypto included in sanctions against Russia and Belarus

Thailand eases crypto tax burden until 2023 to promote industry

China busts crypto mining rigs disguised as EV charging ports

Public will boycott crypto firms serving Russians: Ukraine minister

China plans crackdown on illegal fundraising in metaverse, NFTs

Binance launches fiat-to-crypto service Bifinity

Singapore prohibits crypto, NFT transactions in sanctions against Russia

OpenSea blocks Iranian users, citing US sanctions list

At least 3M Aussies own some form of crypto asset

S.Korean crypto exchange freezes around 20 Russian accounts

Over half of S.Korea crypto traders are in their 30s and 40s

USDT-RUB volume outpaces Bitcoin pair as Russia sanctions pile

Crypto market gained $200B in the last 12 hours

Ukraine crypto donations top $36M amid Russian invasion

Ethereum reaches 1 million NFT buyers as gas fees sink

Russian soldiers offered Bitcoin in exchange for white flag

India top court queries crypto legality over $2.6B Bitcoin scam

Binance may join sanctions imposed on Russian targets

BitMEX founders Hayes, Delo fined $10M each, plead guilty to AML violations

Crypto traders in China may serve over 10 years in prison

Dogecoin price prediction for 2022 set lower than February peak

Bitcoin, crypto market tank as Putin declares war on Ukraine

BSN to integrate CasperLabs’ chain to support NFT issuance in China

India’s crypto ads to get ‘highly risky’ banners starting April

Law can’t cover crypto losses, China court reiterates

Temasek leads $200M funding round in crypto firm Amber

NFT credit card in the works for top S. Korean crypto exchange

11 arrested in India’s five-year, $5.4M crypto scam

‘Extreme fear’: Bitcoin continues bear run, while Solana is up

South Korea’s largest financial group mulls crypto ETFs

BIT Mining ditches Kazakh data center due to rocky power supply