February 2021
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.
Will 2021 be a bull year for crypto e-hongbaos?
Red packets are going digital, and e-hongbaos for cryptocurrency are on the rise across Asia this Lunar New Year of the Ox.
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 2021
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.
Tether prosecution delayed again. Bitcoin’s false ‘double-spend’ rumors. Brave sends 24 million users to Web 3.0 via IPFS.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: BIS touts digital currencies. China’s blockchain network to add CBDCs as payment option.
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.
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?
Special series: blockchain, Covid-19 and the future of healthcare | Prologue
Over the next few weeks, Forkast.News will publish a special 5-part series on blockchain’s growing role in the global battle against Covid. Here is an overview.
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’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.
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.
What are the secrets of the most successful blockchain startups?
Why do some blockchain startups prosper and others fail? A industry expert shares insights and advice for blockchain business success in 2021 and beyond.
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.
SEC commissioner Hester Peirce says enforcement is never good way to provide clarity
In her first public remarks since the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple and exclusive interview with Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau, SEC commissioner and “Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce says the SEC can do better on clarity and that enforcement isn’t always the best way to provide guidance
China tests new phone-free DCEP e-RMB card for helping rural poor
As China presses its digital currency closer to launch, a Shanghai test reveals features aimed at the 700 million Chinese without mobile phones or the internet.
SpaceChain’s Zee Zheng on bitcoin going mainstream and blockchain in space
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, SpaceChain’s CEO offers his predictions for 2021 on bitcoin’s growing importance and blockchain in space.
December 2020
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.
Urszula McCormack of King & Wood Mallesons: data regulation will be a challenge for the virtual asset sector
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the financial regulatory lawyer and partner at King & Wood Mallesons offers her views on digital assets regulation, CBDCs and Asia’s digital transformation.
Digital Asset’s Yuval Rooz on China’s Blockchain Service Network and CBDC interoperability
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, Digital Asset’s co-founder and CEO offers his views on central bank digital currencies and blockchain developments in Asia.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Bitcoin surges past $21,000 after more big investors buy in. Singapore’s DBS bank backs crypto exchange. Will Sweden switch to CBDC?
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Fine art goes digital with NFTs. Hong Kong in talks to pilot test China’s DCEP digital yuan.
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.
The ultimate guide to crypto holiday gift shopping for 2020
What to buy for loved ones who already have it all? Here’s the Forkast.News guide to blockchain-inspired gifts that will please even the most discerning.
How blockchain can launch more space industry startups into orbit
As space becomes increasingly commercialized, blockchain has the potential to be the backbone of this new economic frontier, says Jeff Garzik of SpaceChain.
November 2020
Was China Construction Bank’s $3 billion blockchain bond doomed from the start?
Beijing put a stop this week to Fusang’s China Construction Bank bond listing on the Ethereum blockchain. What was the Chinese government afraid of?
OECD shines light on the future of cryptocurrency taxation
As nations grapple with fitting cryptocurrency into existing tax regimes, OECD examines the crypto tax gaps and issues at its blockchain forum this week.
Bitcoin prices soar to new heights, approaching historic 2017 levels
A push past $18,000 means bitcoin prices could reach all-time highs — but this time, without shady ICOs driving demand. Forkast.News analyzes why.
Hedera Hashgraph provides provenance for data from Syrian war
Hedera’s platform will help Hala Systems store evidence of war crimes in Syria and Yemen on the blockchain for future prosecution of those responsible
Everything you want to know about Bitcoin, Ethereum and DeFi for 2021
What is BTC’s price forecast, and will ‘Ethereum killers’ succeed? A brain trust of 30 experts mines the biggest cryptocurrency questions for answers.
Will Diginex’s backdoor Nasdaq listing start a crypto industry trend?
Diginex CEO Richard Byworth reveals that world’s largest cryptocurrency companies are now seeking his advice on going public. How did Diginex do it?
Thailand’s ‘crypto cold season’ makes for a land of frowns
Thailand once marketed itself as a cryptocurrency frontier market and an alternative to Hong Kong and Singapore. What happened?
How blockchain can reduce global warming via carbon credit investments
Can tokenizing investments in carbon trading help the world achieve Paris Agreement goals? Stefan Rust of Sonic Capital explains in a Forkast.News Q&A.
Ep. 37 | JPMorgan’s JPM Coin goes live. ConsenSys fueling CBDCs worldwide. Is DBS Bank planning a cryptocurrency exchange?
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bitcoin paper’s 12th anniversary. New Huawei phone has DCEP wallet. FDA on blockchain and food safety.
October 2020
Conflux launches Tethys mainnet in China with government thumbs up
Conflux Network enjoys special government status in some parts of China— and now it’s ready for mainnet launch.
TALES FROM THE CRYPT: 10 blockchain and Bitcoin horror stories for the ages
Just in time for Halloween, gather ’round for this blood-curdling crypto news flashback that will have you HODLing a blanket. Beware the death grip on Bitcoin wallets!
Ep. 36 | Bitcoin prices rise on PayPal cryptocurrency news. US wary of CBDC as China enacts digital currency law for DCEP rollout.
Other top crypto and blockchain news: USDC stablecoin coming to Solana blockchain. Investing in KYC/AML in India.
How serious is the FDA in pursuing blockchain for food safety?
Despite talk, US Food and Drug Administration has not explored blockchain for food safety in meaningful ways, according to a Forkast.News investigation
How blockchain could remix the music industry (and why it hasn’t yet)
Most artists earn a pittance and have little bargaining power against record labels and streaming platforms. But blockchain could level the playing field.
Cities are smarter than ever. But at what cost to privacy?
Smart cities could boost sustainability and quality of urban life, but some worry about privacy and data security. Can blockchain offer trusted solutions?
Macau is using blockchain to bring back tourists. Is Hong Kong next?
A blockchain-based health code system that can certify a visitor’s Covid-free status has reopened travel between Macau and mainland China
Ep. 35 | Filecoin launch hits miner turbulence. USDC adds Stellar to rely less on Ethereum. Associated Press to publish US elections data on blockchain.
Other top news: OKEx cryptocurrency exchange freezes services amid police investigation. Investors bet $100 million on ‘neobank’ Razorpay in India
Why blockchain and crypto regulations are ‘necessary evil’ for US and Europe
Regulatory finesse toward cryptocurrency and DeFi will spur investment while not stifling innovation, says Alex Tapscott of Blockchain Research Institute
Filecoin launches mainnet in competitive blockchain cloud storage market
Kraken, Huobi and Gemini have all confirmed that they will list the token days after Filecoin rival EOS confirms its deal with Google
Blockchain and Space Law 3.0: How smart contracts can help govern the moon and outer space
As nations and private firms venture farther into the galaxy, blockchain and distributed ledger technology could help enforce rules and resolve conflicts.
Blockchain VC deals are on the upswing despite Covid-19
PwC and Crunchbase data show cryptocurrency industry M&A deals and venture capital funding already surpassing last year’s volumes, with investments shifting to Asia
PwC’s ‘Time for Trust’ report misses mark on blockchain in China
The ‘Time for Trust’ report downplays the growing impact that blockchain is having on China’s economy. Here’s what’s really going on with this technology.
Ep. 34 | Square buys $50 million worth of bitcoin. Google Cloud bets on EOS blockchain. CBDCs ramp up around the world.
Other top news: China accelerates digital currency testing with 50,000 e-RMB ‘red packets.’ Hong Kong as DCEP’s future sandbox. VC in India.
Ep. 33 | BitMEX and John McAfee in legal hot water. Who is the cryptocurrency market betting on to be the next US president?
Other top news: Filecoin’s mainnet set to launch. Chinese banks help DCEP digital currency get market-ready. NetEase to preserve email forevermore.
Power over Bitcoin is held by a few. Is it at risk of a 51% attack?
In a special interview, Konstantin Richter of Blockdaemon also discusses the critical role of government in encouraging greater blockchain adoption.
Why blockchain and crowdfunding are mutually beneficial technologies
The $14 billion global crowdfunding market is expected to triple by 2026. Here’s how blockchain is fueling this trend.
September 2020
Ahead of massive IPO, Ant Group launches blockchain platform for global B2B trade
The Chinese fintech giant rolls out its ‘Trusple’ platform for cross-border business uses, on the eve of an IPO anticipated to be the largest in the world.
Ep. 32 | Bithumb on the block amid fraud probe. Wealthsimple debuts Canada’s first regulated crypto exchange. BitFlyer permits BTC buys via PayPal.
Other top news: Ant Group launches blockchain platform for cross-border trade. China makes Beijing, Hunan and Anhui into special free trade zones.
US bills could shake up cryptocurrency exchanges and ICO prosecutions
Proposed federal laws would upend SEC rules for digital tokens and give CFTC sweeping powers. Will it be enough to rein in crypto’s Wild West ways?
Blockchain is shooting for the stars in the new Space Age
In the first of a special two-part series, Forkast.News examines how blockchain — from smart contracts to crowdfunding missions — could transform public and private ventures in outer space.
Ep. 31 | FinCEN files tie big banks to $2 trillion in crimes. Tezos tapped to explore CBDC for France.
More top news: Wounded Unikr settles with SEC for $6.1 million. China’s nationwide blockchain service network launches ‘public permissioned’ chain.
China’s national blockchain network offers 24 new chains to users for free—with a catch
China’s latest state-backed blockchain initiative’s official name proclaims that it is ‘public.’ But is it really? Forkast.News explains.
How smart contracts can help govern and mine resources in outer space
Blockchain and space expert Brian Israel of UC Berkeley Law discusses space regulations, carbon credit trading and more in this special Forkast.News interview.